Category: South Africa Government

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts has called on the private sector to work with government to strengthen efforts to improve air quality.

“Government cannot solve air pollution challenges alone. Industry, civil society, academia and communities all have important roles to play,” the Deputy Minister said on Wednesday.

She said that while notable progress has been achieved through enhanced monitoring networks, improved planning and stakeholder engagements, many communities continue to experience unacceptable levels of air pollution.

 “We acknowledge that while progress has been made, much more remains to be done. We recognise the concerns expressed by communities regarding emissions from industrial activities, domestic fuel burning, transportation, waste burning and other pollution sources.

“We also recognise the concerns raised by civil society organisations regarding the pace of implementation, transparency, compliance and accountability,” Swarts said.

The Deputy Minister emphasised that government takes these concerns seriously. 

She was addressing organisations, community representatives and activists, researchers, industry leaders and government officials at the official opening of the National Priority Area Air Quality Summit in Rustenburg, North West.

She acknowledged the support government is receiving through its partnership with the Clean Air Fund to tackle air pollution.

“The Clean Air Fund has rolled out 200 low-cost sensors across Gauteng, North West and the Free State during 2025, and is working with the department to commission more sensors across the country.

“The Clean Air Fund is supporting a number of municipalities and the department in outreach and community awareness programs, as well as strengthening air quality management plan development,” the Deputy Minister said.

The funder has supported research institutes, including the South African Medical Research Council, with studies that are helping government better understand the impact of air pollution on communities’ health and provide evidence for the urgency of addressing pollution in priority areas.

“The partnerships with Clean Air Fund are unlocking many opportunities, and allowing government to fast-track programs in the priority areas that were previously hampered by constrained resources. 

 “We challenge more stakeholders to identify such socio programs, and to partner with government through private-public partnerships to strengthen our collective efforts to improve the quality of air we breathe,” Swarts said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane has assured South Africans that the South African Police Service (SAPS), working closely with other law enforcement agencies, including the metro and private security, are fully prepared for the planned demonstrations on 30 June.

“Extensive planning has been undertaken at national, provincial and local levels,” Dimpane said. 

Addressing the media after having a meeting with the PSIRA and the Private Security Industry, Dimpane said the private security industry is a critical partner in the fight against crime and in maintaining stability.

“With hundreds of thousands of security officers deployed throughout the country and significant technology and operational resources at its disposal, the industry serves as an important force multiplier for law enforcement,” Dimpane said.

Dimpane said the private security officers are often the first eyes and ears on the ground.  

“They operate in communities, business districts, industrial areas, shopping centres and residential neighbourhoods throughout the country.

“Through the Eyes and Ears Initiative and our partnership with Business Against Crime South Africa, private security companies continue to play an important role in supporting crime prevention and enhancing situational awareness,” she said.

Dimpane said the value of this partnership has already been demonstrated before.

“Today, we are encouraged by the commitment shown by private security companies who have agreed that we cannot afford to fail. 

“We must work together. We must stand together. We must share resources. We must share information. We must support one another in the interest of public safety,” Dimpane said.

Dimpane said communication channels between SAPS, PSIRA, private security companies and other stakeholders have been strengthened.

“Our objective is straightforward. We will protect lawful and peaceful demonstrations as provided for in our Constitution. At the same time, we will act decisively against any individual or group that seeks to engage in criminal conduct. 

“The blocking of roads, intimidation of communities, destruction of property, attacks on businesses, looting, violence and any attempts to undermine public order will not be tolerated. 

“To those who may be considering exploiting the demonstrations to commit criminal acts, our message is equally clear: the SAPS is ready, the SAPS is prepared and law enforcement will act within the confines of the law to maintain public order and protect lives and property,” she said.

Dimpane thanked PSIRA, the leadership of the private security industry and all participating companies for their commitment to this important cause.    

“Together, we will continue to protect our communities. Together, we will continue to safeguard our economy. Together, we will continue to uphold the rule of law. And together, we will ensure that 30 June remains a day of peace, stability and safety for all who live in South Africa,” she said.

Dimpane said they are determined that South Africa must never again experience the levels of destruction, fear and instability witnessed during July 2021.

Earlier this week, the Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia revealed that R600 million has been redirected from South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure smooth operational readiness ahead of the planned nationwide demonstrations on June 30th.

The protest, organised by civic movement March and March and other interest groups, is in line with ongoing calls for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa, which has prompted police to enhance operational readiness. – SAnews.gov.za

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Auditor General (AG) Tsakani Maluleke has noted that while there are some green shoots, municipalities have made limited progress in improving audit outcomes.

The AG spoke on the 2024-2025 financial year audit outcomes for municipalities while tabling the general report for that year in Parliament.

“Over the past four years, mayors and councils of the 6^th administration have made limited progress to strengthen governance and improve service delivery, as residents and businesses continue to experience unreliable service delivery, environmental hazards and deteriorating infrastructure.

“They further oversaw municipalities with deteriorating financial health,” Maluleke noted.

The outcomes indicate:

• Only 39 municipalities (15%) achieved clean audits

• Some 38 municipalities (15%) representing 24% of the total local government expenditure budget have regressed since 2020-21

• The audit outcomes and performance of the eight metros continue to decline, affecting the daily lives of millions of people

“Some positive shoots, notably, a substantial reduction in the number of municipalities with repeat disclaimed audit opinions, which are the lowest we have reported in years.

“There is a significant increase in unqualified audit opinions…to 61% in 2024-25, similar to a level last reached in the 2015-16 financial year.

“There is also a marked improvement in the timely submission of financial statements, which is at 98%, the highest level in our records,” Maluleke said.

She added that it is encouraging that municipalities and national and provincial governments are providing administrative functions while effective oversight by parliament and provincial legislatures is also garnering improvement.

“It is encouraging that municipalities, as well as national and provincial governments, paid attention to our messages over the years to collaborate with the aim of driving timely submission of financial and eradicating disclaimed audit opinions,” Maluleke noted.

Furthermore, the AG acknowledged efforts to improve governance.

“These commendable efforts need to be doubled and replicated with all accountability ecosystem role players steadfastly delivering on their respective mandates,” she said.

Recommendations

The Auditor General implored municipalities to meet legislative obligations, commit to open governance and pursue a more collaborative approach to administration. Some recommendations in this regard include:

• Professionalise and capacitate local government: Accounting officers, councils and provincial leadership must ensure compliant appointments and targeted skills development to professionalise municipal administration, retain scarce skills and position local government as a sustainable career of choice for skilled professionals.

• Instil a culture of ethics and accountability: A shared commitment to responsiveness, consequence management, accountability and ethical conduct is essential to ensure timely action and that individuals are held accountable for their actions, or inaction.

• Build capable institutions through coordinated intergovernmental support: Support from all spheres of government – through coordinated and collaborative efforts in partnership with municipal leadership – is needed to promote strong governance within municipalities.

With the Local Government Elections set to be held in November this year, Maluleke recommended the following:

• The induction process of the new council members by the South African Local Government Association, Department of Cooperative Governance and National Treasury should be of a high quality. Special attention should be paid to the capacitation of members of the mayoral committees for finance, particularly at metros.

• Stability in the administration should be maintained where it has performed relatively well and disruptions arising from changes in accounting officers and senior management should be minimised.

“We also call on civil society, business and citizens to continue to play their part in the local government accountability ecosystem.

“We remain committed to working with and supporting local government through our audits; using the insights from these our audits to illuminate understanding of the challenges at municipal, municipal entity and provincial government level; and advocate for action.

“We will continue to use our expanded powers to step in where the accountability ecosystem fails,” Maluleke concluded.

The full audit report can be found at https://www.agsa.co.za/reports/mfma-reports – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says the termination of employment contracts for 178 workers on the Vlakfontein Canal Rehabilitation Project in Standerton does not constitute a retrenchment process but stems from the discontinuation of the project to which their employment was linked.

The department said the affected employees were appointed on project-based contracts tied specifically to the implementation of the Vlakfontein Canal Rehabilitation Project, and that their contracts would conclude on 30 June 2026 following a decision to discontinue and de-establish the project.

The department said it was providing clarity on the matter due to public interest and concerns about the impact on affected workers and their families.

The Vlakfontein Canal Rehabilitation Project was launched in 2015 as a major infrastructure initiative aimed at improving water conveyance and irrigation systems in the area.

At its inception, the project employed 241 local workers, and by 2026, the workforce had declined to 178 employees through retirements and resignations.

According to the department, the project was initially scheduled for completion within 48 months but experienced significant delays due to a combination of operational, technical and financial challenges.

Following a comprehensive assessment of the project’s performance, progress and long-term sustainability, the department decided to discontinue the rehabilitation programme.

The department explained that the Vlakfontein Canal supplies water to strategic users, including Eskom, Sasol and municipalities in the region. Rehabilitation work was undertaken during scheduled dry periods, with water supply supported by the Vaal River Eastern Sub-System Augmentation Project (VRESAP).

However, operational deficiencies within the VRESAP system have limited its ability to provide reliable alternative supply for extended periods, making it difficult to shut down the canal long enough to complete rehabilitation work without compromising water security for key users.

“The constrained use of VRESAP means that the Vlakfontein Canal cannot be shut down for rehabilitation for extended periods of time without detrimentally affecting the assurance of supply to users,” the department said in a statement.

The department indicated that the rehabilitation project could be revived once the VRESAP system becomes reliably operational, and should this occur, consideration would be given to reappointing workers on the same project-based contractual basis.

DWS said consultations had been held with affected employees and organised labour following the decision to discontinue the project. Discussions took place through the Departmental Bargaining Chamber, where information relating to the project’s status and the reasons for its discontinuation was shared.

The department said it recognised the impact the decision would have on workers and their families and had engaged with employees throughout the process to provide clarity and support during the transition period.

As of 22 June 2026, 61 affected employees had collected and acknowledged receipt of their termination letters.

The department said all contractual and legal obligations would be honoured.

“Affected employees will receive all benefits due to them, including payment of accumulated leave, a pro-rata bonus, payment in lieu of notice for employees who elect not to serve the notice period, and severance-related benefits in accordance with applicable conditions of service. Benefit payments are scheduled to be processed by 31 July 2026,” the department said.

The department acknowledged the contribution made by employees throughout the lifespan of the Vlakfontein Canal Rehabilitation Project and appreciated their dedication and service over the years.

“Support measures have been put in place to assist affected employees during this transition, while engagement continues through the appropriate labour relations structures,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) has taken steps to strengthen collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) as part of efforts to enhance enforcement of the Architectural Profession Act and improve compliance within the architectural profession.

Representatives of SACAP met with officials from the NPA at the Phalaborwa Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo on Tuesday to discuss measures aimed at improving the investigation and prosecution of offences related to the Architectural Profession Act, 2000 (Act 44 of 2000).

According to SACAP, the engagement formed part of its ongoing commitment to protecting the public through the effective regulation of the architectural profession.

The meeting provided an opportunity for SACAP to brief the NPA on the legislative framework governing the profession and the council’s role in safeguarding public interests through professional regulation.

Discussions focused on challenges encountered in investigating and prosecuting offences linked to the Act, including the misuse of protected professional titles and other contraventions of the legislation.

The parties also explored practical ways to strengthen cooperation between SACAP and law enforcement agencies to support more effective enforcement of the Act.

SACAP said the engagement aligned with its broader objective of maintaining professional standards, promoting accountability and ensuring that individuals who violate the provisions of the Architectural Profession Act are held accountable in accordance with the law.

The council welcomed the opportunity to work closely with the NPA and other law enforcement partners to advance a regulatory environment that promotes professionalism, accountability and public protection within South Africa’s built environment.

SACAP is the statutory body responsible for regulating the architectural profession in South Africa in terms of the Architectural Profession Act.

The profession includes architects, senior architectural technologists, architectural technologists, draughtspersons, specified categories and candidates, all of whom are required to register with the council before practising architecture. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has apologised to learners, parents and school communities affected by delays in the issuing of report cards at some public ordinary schools across the province.

In a statement on Wednesday, the department said that the delay is due to technical challenges affecting access to the South African School Administration and Management System (SA-SAMS), following the temporary unavailability of the Citrix environment that supports the system. 

This has limited the ability of some schools to access, capture and finalise learner data required for the printing and issuing of report cards.

Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, acknowledged the inconvenience caused and assured affected communities that the matter is receiving urgent attention.

“On behalf of the Gauteng Department of Education, I extend my sincere apology to learners, parents and school staff affected by this delay. We understand the importance of report cards in tracking learner progress and planning for the academic term ahead,” MEC Maile said.

The MEC further clarified that SA-SAMS is a national system administered by the Department of Basic Education, and that provincial education departments depend on its operational stability for learner administration and academic record processing.

The department has confirmed that system administrators and technicians are actively working to restore full functionality and normalise access as soon as possible.

Maile has urged affected schools and parents to allow the technical process to be concluded so that report cards can be issued without compromising the integrity and accuracy of learner records.

“We are confident that the technical teams handling the matter will restore the system soon. We appreciate the patience shown by schools, learners and parents as this process is being resolved,” Maile concluded.

The Gauteng Department of Education said it will continue to keep schools informed as progress is made. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa has improved its position in the 2026 World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY), climbing 10 places to rank 54th out of 70 economies surveyed, according to the latest report released by the Institute of Management Development (IMD) in collaboration with Productivity SA.

The country moved up from 64th position in 2025, reflecting gains in government efficiency, business confidence and infrastructure management.

In a statement, the Department of Employment and Labour said the improvement signals progress in several key areas of government efficiency, business confidence and infrastructure management, although structural challenges continue to affect the country’s competitiveness and economic performance. 

The annual rankings, compiled by the IMD and coordinated locally by Productivity SA, assess countries across four pillars: Economic Performance, Government Efficiency, Business Efficiency and Infrastructure.

The department said that South Africa’s improved overall ranking was driven by gains in government policy adaptability, transparency, management of cities, energy infrastructure, public finances and efforts to address bureaucracy and corruption. 

Improvements were also recorded in employment growth trends, exchange rate stability and health infrastructure.

Speaking at the launch of the rankings in Midrand, Gauteng, Productivity SA Chief Economist Dr Lungelo Cele said the 2026 results “suggest improved confidence in aspects of the policy and institutional environment”. 

The report showed significant progress in Government Efficiency, where South Africa improved by nine places from 63rd to 54th, while Business Efficiency recorded the largest improvement, rising 15 places from 57th to 42nd.

Infrastructure improved by three places from 62nd to 59th, while Economic Performance declined marginally from 63rd to 64th.

Overall, the country improved from 64th position in 2025 to 54th in 2026.

Senior Economist at Switzerland’s Institute of Management Development, Dr José Caballero, emphasised the importance of long-term investment in sustaining competitiveness.

“Competitiveness is built, not granted, and to grow competitiveness there must be investment in long-cycle assets (e.g., infrastructure, education, R&D) that compound over years,” Caballero said.

While welcoming the improvement, Cele cautioned against viewing the results as evidence of a complete turnaround.

“The improvement should be viewed with caution and interpreted within the broader context of ongoing structural economic challenges. While perceptions regarding aspects of the business environment, institutions, and governance improved, South Africa continues to face persistent challenges.

“The rankings therefore suggest positive momentum in some areas, but not yet a comprehensive competitiveness turnaround,” Cele said. 

Despite the gains, the report identified several constraints that continue to hamper economic growth and investment.

These include persistently high unemployment and a mismatch between skills and labour market needs, low economic growth coupled with rising public debt, infrastructure bottlenecks in energy, water and logistics, as well as corruption and crime that undermine service delivery and investor confidence.

The report also highlighted the need for stronger support for businesses operating in high-growth sectors.

At the same time, the study noted positive perceptions of South Africa’s corporate governance standards, business agility, entrepreneurial culture and openness to global markets.

Productivity SA said sustained progress would depend on addressing long-standing structural constraints, particularly unemployment, education outcomes, infrastructure reliability and economic growth. – SAnews.gov.za

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As South Africa marks Youth Month in June, the spotlight is firmly on the achievements, challenges and aspirations of young members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) through its national campaign, “SAPS Youth – Leading the Reset Agenda”.

Under the banner “My Blood is Blue”, SAPS is celebrating young officers who have answered the call to serve, protect and lead with integrity.

These officers represent the future of policing and the continued renewal of the Service under the SAPS Reset Agenda.

Among them is 26-year-old Constable Masego Maimane, who is two years into his policing career at Akasia Police Station in northern Pretoria. He is one of many young men and women helping to drive meaningful change within the police service and the communities they serve.

Maimane admits the journey has not been without challenges, but says progress is possible with the guidance of experienced mentors – especially in demanding environments such as the Soshanguve informal settlement, locally known as the extensions.

He acknowledges the financial pressures facing government, which require limited resources to be stretched across essential services. Yet, he remains steadfast in his belief that policing cannot afford to slow down.

Maimane is among a growing number of young South Africans making their mark in public service while creating a positive impact in their communities.

Driven by a passion for growth, he embraces every opportunity to learn and expand his skills.

After spending time at the station’s front desk handling complaints and community concerns, Maimane’s curiosity and eagerness to learn led him to the Firearm Registry.

In just two years, he identified the need to strengthen his understanding of firearm-related matters, recognising the scale of firearm-related challenges facing communities.

Now serving as a young Designated Firearm Officer (DFO) and studying toward an Honours degree in Communication, Maimane is using both his practical experience and academic knowledge to raise awareness around firearm safety and compliance.

“I realised that the station recovers many unregistered firearms during crime prevention operations. Many of these weapons are used to commit crimes.

“While recovering these firearms and arresting those found in possession of unlicensed weapons remains critical, community outreach is equally important,” he said.

Maimane hopes to deepen his knowledge across different areas of the organisation to better equip himself to serve the public.

He also encourages fellow young officers to stay focused and not be discouraged by those who claim career growth within the service is slow.

“We rely on the community, and I believe their perspectives are crucial to our crime prevention strategies if we are to succeed in combating crime.

“Personal growth is vital, so invest in yourself to become a better person and a better law enforcement officer for the community,” Constable Maimane said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, together with the University of South Africa (UNISA), will host the Youth and the Constitution Dialogue in observance of the 50th anniversary of the 1976 student uprising and the 30th Anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution.

The dialogue will be held on Thursday as part of the department’s Youth Month commemorations and brings together “the youth of 1976 and the youth born post-democracy for inter-generational sharing of experiences”.

“The objective of the dialogue is to reflect on the sacrifices made by the youth of 1976 in the liberation of our country and their contribution to the attainment of constitutional democracy.

“The dialogue also seeks to create a common understanding and vision of a united South Africa where all young people have equal rights and access to socio-economic opportunities,” a statement from the department read.

The dialogue is expected to be held at UNISA’s campus in Limpopo.

“The date of 16 June was declared the National Youth Day in South Africa in honour of the students who protested the use of Afrikaans as the compulsory medium of instruction in schools,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

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