Category: South Africa Government

Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has told SAnews.gov.za, that the provincial government’s engagement with President Cyril Ramaphosa and the National Executive today, presents an opportunity for the province to address its challenges.

The President will lead the engagement with the provincial government today, Friday, 27 March 2026, which is to be held at the University of Free State Centenary Complex in Bloemfontein, under the theme: “A Nation that Works for All”.

“It’s an opportunity for us to plead with them [because] we are having challenges in the province.

“We have an issue of the bucket system eradication in the province; an issue of human settlements where people are moving from one area to the other. We are also having an issue of infrastructure that is ageing and an issue of sewerage.

“We are happy that [Water and Sanitation] Minister Pemmy Majodina is always in our province, supporting this provincial government. So hopefully, we will get more Ministers who are saying: Premier, this is how we are going to support your provincial government,” the Premier said in an interview with SAnews.gov.za. 

President Ramaphosa has already held interactions with the provincial governments of KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and the North West.

“The visit is aligned with President Ramaphosa’s commitment to encourage closer collaboration with Provinces and Local spheres of government to tackle service delivery challenges.

“This initiative accords with Section 154 of the Constitution, which mandates national and provincial governments to support and strengthen capacity of municipalities in governance,” the Presidency said in a statement, ahead of Friday’s engagement.

In his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in February, President Ramaphosa said government is proposing fundamental reforms to address the root causes of dysfunction in many municipalities and to improve the efficiency of service delivery.

At the time, the President said these changes are expected to be implemented in the coming months through the finalisation of the White Paper on Local Government. This as the White Paper is set to reimagine the way that local government works.

President Ramaphosa noted that the current local government system is overly complex and fragmented, placing excessive responsibilities on small and weak municipalities.

Government is also proposing more structured cooperation between municipalities and traditional and Khoi-San leadership institutions to strengthen community engagement and promote shared problem-solving.

“We will ensure that senior officials in local government have the required qualifications and are appointed through an independent process free from political interference.

“Where municipalities fail, we will strengthen the ability of national government to intervene more quickly and to direct corrective measures in the interests of serving our people better,” the President said.

Acknowledging that the reforms may be challenging, President Ramaphosa stressed that they are necessary.

He said progress has been made in stabilising eThekwini, resulting in renewed investor confidence. 

Meanwhile, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa earlier this month reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting municipalities through policy reforms, including the review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government, which is nearing completion, and ongoing work on municipal funding models and staffing frameworks.

Speaking at an engagement session with mayors of metropolitan municipalities, Hlabisa also emphasised that the success of metros is critical to the country’s overall stability, urging all spheres of government to work together to rebuild capable, accountable and responsive municipalities.

READ | Municipalities urged to strengthen governance systems, maintain public trust

“We are three spheres of government but one country. We will successfully overcome the obstacles that our metropolitan municipalities are currently facing by working together,” the Minister said at the time. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has, together with Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, conducted a site visit to the Dark and Silver City Community Residential Units at the Mangaung Metro Municipality in the Free State. 

The project – which is aimed at providing low-income housing for thousands of citizens – has been faced with vandalism and challenges with contractors since it broke ground a little over 10 years ago.
 

Once construction is completed, the provincial government is expected to hand over the project to the municipality.

“This is the full process of renewal, reforms that we are instituting right across the disciplines and platforms across the country in the seventh administration.

“The determination and the rigour is there. You sense it. We are now entering a new phase of delivering human settlements in our country and we are now definitely on the move to eradicate the corruption that has dogged the construction of houses for our people and I can see it.

“What has been done in the past is completely unacceptable, but we are where we are. We are now changing approach,” President Ramaphosa said during a walkabout of the site on Thursday.

READ | Mangaung to begin Phase 2 of hostel redevelopment project

The President acknowledged the challenges that the project has faced but assured that government is working to resolve them.

“[We’ve] got the officials, the Ministers and the MECs and Premiers who are now showing greater determination to…getting to the root of the problems, have consequence management, the SIU [Special Investigating Unit] is investigating all the abandoned projects and we are moving unit by unit, block by block to ensure that we deliver housing to our people.

“Being here, at this site that was abandoned, is actually an abomination…and a complete neglect to the interests and rights of our people. With this, we ought to hang our heads in shame. But we are where we are now and we want to raise our gaze and make sure that we address the challenges and the problems and begin to deliver these houses to our people.

“Our people have been living for too long under…unacceptable accommodation and now we are opening a new window, a new chapter for them here. I’m glad to hear [that] there are almost 5 000 units [that] will now be occupied, and people will move in phase by phase until it’s fully occupied,” he added.
Provincial response 

Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae told SAnews.gov.za  that a facilitator has been appointed to oversee some parts of the project.

“These flats have been built for some time now, but I’m happy that this seventh administration is starting to engage with the department [and] with the municipality in making sure that this year, we hand over this project to the municipality.

“There is a facilitator that has been appointed here so we are urging our communities…to come and utilise this place [when occupancy is opened],” she said.

As a crowd gathered, some in protest and others seeking more information about the units, Mangaung Mayor Gregory Nthatisi, acknowledged that communication with community members on the completion of the construction has not always been up to par.

He told SAnews that authorities are hard at work to make sure that the construction is satisfactory before occupations can begin.

“In the past, when people were promised that they would come here, the communication level was not up to scratch. As a result, together with the province, we are now engaging the people around to explain how we can best utilise the properties here.

“We need to make sure that the contractors that do the work and were appointed by government stick to the specifications with regard to what has to happen so that by the time that the houses are handed over to the people, [the homes] are up to the level and expectation,” Nthatisi said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has called for urgent, large-scale collaboration between government, the private sector, and financial institutions to address South Africa’s housing backlog, which currently stands at approximately 2.6 million units affecting more than 12 million people.

Delivering a keynote address at the Second Local Government Residential Property Summit held on Thursday in Modderfontein, Johannesburg, Simelane said the scale of the challenge requires a fundamental shift in how housing is delivered.

“The State cannot address this challenge alone. Delivery at scale requires structured and sustained partnership with the private sector and other industry role players,” the Minister said.

She highlighted that South Africa is operating within a complex environment marked by rapid urbanisation, rising construction costs, infrastructure constraints and increasing climate-related risks.

Citing global projections, the Minister noted that between 68% and 70% of the world’s population is expected to live in urban areas by 2050, with Africa among the regions most affected – a trend that will place additional pressure on cities such as Johannesburg.

Despite these challenges, Simelane reaffirmed government’s constitutional obligation to progressively realise access to adequate housing.

“The question before us is not whether we deliver, but how we deliver differently, more efficiently, and at scale.,” the Minister said.

Shift towards partnerships and innovation

Simelane described the summit as a critical platform to align government, developers and financiers, and to advance innovative public-private partnerships capable of accelerating delivery.

Central to this shift is the 2024 White Paper on Human Settlements, which reinforces the role of the private sector as a key delivery partner and promotes diversified housing delivery models and a transition towards integrated and spatially just human settlements.

“This requires a move towards programme-based implementation, outcome-driven planning, and stronger intergovernmental coordination,” the Minister said.

While noting significant progress in expanding opportunities for women, youth and emerging contractors in the construction sector, the Minister stressed the need for deeper, systemic transformation.

“The task ahead is to ensure that transformation is systemic, sustainable, and embedded across the value chain. Most importantly it must be impactful in improving the quality of lives of the historically marginalised,” the Minister said.

Innovative building technologies gain momentum

The Minister pointed to the recent Innovative Building Technologies (IBT) Summit, held at NASREC in February, as a turning point for the sector.

The summit confirmed that IBTs are no longer experimental. They are a strategic necessity for delivering durable housing at the required scale, speed, and quality.

Key outcomes included regulatory alignment across institutions, commitments to ring-fenced funding, and the integration of IBTs into climate-resilient housing delivery.

A multi-stakeholder implementation forum, a programme management office within the department, and structured monitoring systems have been established to ensure these commitments translate into delivery.

The Minister emphasised that scaling delivery will depend on a responsive financing ecosystem, including ensuring that IBT housing qualifies for financing and insurance, and strengthening partnerships with development finance institutions and private investors.

“Predictable demand, supported by aligned funding mechanisms, will be essential to unlocking scale,” the Minister said.

From dialogue to delivery

The Minister urged stakeholders to move beyond engagement to implementation, and ensure that the summit produces tangible outcomes, including bankable projects and partnerships that are structured with clear delivery pipelines.

“We must move collectively from dialogue to delivery, from planning to implementation,” the Minister said.

In conclusion, Simelane said South Africa stands at a pivotal moment for the human settlements sector, where convergence of policy reform, technological innovation, private sector capability and local government leadership, is indispensable in providing lasting solutions the property sector challenges.

“If we succeed, we will not only address the housing backlog, but we will also drive economic growth, create jobs, and build inclusive and sustainable communities.

“Let us act with urgency, purpose, and collective resolve. The time for incremental change has passed. The time for scaled, coordinated implementation is now,” she said.

The summit brings together key stakeholders across government, industry, and finance to collectively confront one of the most pressing challenges, housing delivery at scale. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.75%, citing heightened global uncertainty following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East and its impact on inflation and growth.

With just a few weeks into the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago noted that leading central banks have generally kept rates unchanged, as they wait for more information.

“The fact is, we are still only a few weeks into this crisis. The coming months will be crucial for assessing the longer-term inflation consequences. Given current forecasts, we see inflation risks to the upside.

“Against this backdrop, the committee decided to keep the policy rate unchanged, at 6.75%. The decision was unanimous,” Kganyago said on Thursday during a media briefing in Pretoria.

He added that the ongoing Middle East conflict was a clear instance of a supply shock, which raises prices while weakening demand. 

“The standard response to a supply shock is to look through first-round effects, which are unavoidable and cannot be stopped by interest rate changes. At the same time, central banks should be alert to second-round effects, where an initial shock triggers broad price increases. Getting policy right means ensuring that the price response to supply shocks is transitory, and not persistent,” the Governor said.

Looking at South Africa’s latest data, the economy grew further in the fourth quarter of 2025, with output rising by 1.1% for the year as a whole. 

“This is better than recent years but still well below longer-run averages. We have been encouraged by green shoots such as rising confidence and stronger investment, but the ongoing war could interrupt the growth recovery.

“For the time being, our growth projections are largely unchanged. There have been data revisions which lowered 2025 growth, making 2026 look a bit stronger in comparison. 

“This offsets some of the impact from the current shock. We still have growth rising to around 2% over the next few years, but we now see downside risks to the outlook,” Kganyago said.

Moving to prices, inflation was 3.0% for February, with core inflation also at 3.0%, which is in line with the SARB target. 

“Higher energy prices will raise inflation in the near term. We expect headline will soon accelerate to around 4%, with fuel inflation over 18% for the second quarter. Our baseline forecast then has a gradual unwinding of the shock, taking inflation back to 3% late next year,” he said.

Given global uncertainty, the Reserve Bank looked at two alternatives, both with more adverse assumptions than its baseline. 

“The first scenario assumes that the conflict lasts another two months or so, with oil prices averaging nearly US$100 per barrel for this period and the rand about 5% weaker against the dollar. The second, more extreme scenario has the war lasting over a year, with oil prices staying above US$100 per barrel and the rand 10% weaker,” the Governor said.

In both scenarios, inflation is higher, exceeding 4% in the first version and 5% in the second. 

“Both call for higher interest rates this year, with one hike in the first scenario and several more in the other. 

“Inflation then slows as oil prices start easing and the policy response takes effect. In the first scenario we are back to target during 2027. In the second scenario this only happens in 2028. In both cases, growth is weaker initially, but there is some catch-up later,” Kganyago said.

He mentioned that South Africa has made important macroeconomic progress recently, with a lower inflation target, improved fiscal prospects and steadier growth. 

“Prudent monetary policy will help sustain these gains, despite difficult global conditions. Further support would come from reaching a prudent public debt level, lowering administered price inflation, and continuing structural reforms that raise potential growth,” the Governor said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has welcomed the successful arrival of the first official shipment of South African table grapes to the Philippines, marking a significant milestone following the granting of market access in 2025.

The inaugural shipment represents the culmination of several years of sustained technical engagement between the South African and Philippine governments, underpinned by close collaboration with industry stakeholders and regulatory authorities.

It reflects a shared commitment to science-based phytosanitary standards and the steady expansion of agricultural trade between the two countries.

Steenhuisen said the arrival of the first shipment is more than a commercial transaction.

“It is the opening of a new trade corridor between South Africa and the Philippines. It demonstrates what can be achieved through sustained cooperation, mutual trust, and a shared ambition to grow our agricultural sectors.”

The Philippines is among the top 20 global importers of table grapes, with imports estimated at approximately 74,000 tonnes in 2024, equivalent to around 16 million cartons (4.5kg cartons). With a population of over 118 million people, a rapidly expanding middle class, and increasing urbanisation, the market presents a significant long-term opportunity for South African producers.

South Africa’s table grape industry continues to show steady growth. According to the department, in the current 2025/26 season to date, exports have reached 76.6 million cartons, reflecting both the resilience of the sector and its ability to respond to evolving global demand.

Steenhuisen emphasised that South Africa views the Philippines not simply as a destination market, but as a long-term partner in food security, trade, and agricultural development.

“We see this as the beginning of a sustained partnership. South Africa remains committed to being a reliable, predictable supplier of high-quality, safe agricultural products, and to working closely with our Philippine counterparts to build a consistent and growing presence in this market over time,” Steenhuisen said in a statement on Thursday.

The Minister also noted that expanding into new markets such as the Philippines forms part of South Africa’s broader strategy to diversify export destinations, strengthen resilience, and reduce over-reliance on traditional trading partners.

“Southeast Asia represents a dynamic and increasingly important region for South African agriculture. Our approach is not to replace existing markets, but to broaden our footprint in a way that supports long-term growth, stability, and opportunity for our producers,” he said.

The Minister said the table grape industry will now focus on establishing a firm foothold in the Philippine market during South Africa’s supply window, with a view to expanding volumes, varietal offerings, and market integration over the next three to five years.

Steenhuisen expressed his appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to this achievement, including the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI), the Department of Agriculture, the South African Embassy in the Philippines led by Her Excellency Ambassador Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe, as well as the Philippine Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Plant Industry.

“This milestone is the result of coordinated effort across government and industry. It lays a strong foundation for deeper cooperation, expanded trade, and shared prosperity between our two nations,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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More than 3 483 law enforcement officers, supported by over 105 national traffic police officers, have been deployed across KwaZulu-Natal for the Easter holidays and Passover long weekend.

KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma announced the deployment during the launch of the province’s road safety campaign this week, at the Umdloti Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) Centre.

The campaign commenced with inspections of public transport vehicles, with 17 buses and minibus taxis checked by 9am. Four vehicles were also impounded by teams from Operation Shanela and the Road Traffic Inspectorate.

Duma said a multi-disciplinary roadblock conducted in KwaMashu, in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS), eThekwini Metro Police and other stakeholders, had set the tone for intensified enforcement in the coming weeks.

He added that newly appointed Head of Department Zibusiso Dlamini was leading a team that would strengthen the Nenzani La Ezweni Operation at 17 provincial weighbridge sites.

“The most vehicles weighed at a single weighbridge were 40 441 vehicles at the Midway weighbridge, with an average of 3 370 vehicles weighed per month. We have already impounded trucks that were overloads and those that we intercepted moving up and down with fake registration documents,” Duma said.

He said the department was exploring the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) to automate weighing processes, improve accuracy, and curb fraud through features like automated number plate recognition, real-time data analytics, and anomaly detection.

Duma said the province had set a target of 10% reduction in road fatalities during the Easter and Passover long weekend.

He noted that during Easter 2025, KwaZulu-Natal recorded a 38% decrease in fatalities compared to 43% recorded in 2024.

“We have deployed more than 3 483 law enforcement officers and 105 national traffic police officers, who will be operating 24 hours a day, and seven days a week, until 3 May 2026,” Duma said.

Intensified enforcement measures

The department has outlined a series of interventions to enhance road safety, and these include:
•    Roadblocks and compliance checks: A total of 148 multidisciplinary roadblocks will be conducted, including more than 80 operations specifically targeting drunk driving.
•    Speed enforcement: Over 118 speed operations will be conducted in high-risk areas and zones frequented by holidaymakers and worshippers.
•    Interprovincial operations: More than 17 interprovincial roadblocks will be undertaken by roving law enforcement teams.
•    Scholar transport monitoring: Authorities will conduct over 91 operations focusing on scholar transport during the holiday period.

Duma warned that unroadworthy vehicles, including taxis, will be removed from the roads, with enforcement also targeting both drivers and vehicle owners.

In a first for the province, the department will introduce 28 pedestrian enforcement operations to clamp down against drunk pedestrians walking on busy roads.

“We will also penalise pedestrians who fail to use pedestrian bridges on various routes.”

Duma said the department was expecting a surge in traffic volumes, with between 1 500 and 2 000 vehicles per hour expected to pass through the province’s tollgates from Thursday, 2 April 2026.

He urged all road users to exercise caution and comply with traffic regulations to ensure a safer holiday period. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has noted with concern an accident with a helicopter operating at the fire site on the slopes of Hout Bay in Table Mountain National Park, while confirming that the occurrence is not linked to its contractual operations.

The helicopter incident involving Kishugu Aviation took place on Wednesday, prompting an emergency medical response and the activation of Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR). The pilot was reported to be safe.

In a statement on Thursday, the department explained that it holds a five-year agreement with the Kishugu Joint Venture — of which Kishugu Aviation forms part — to implement its Working on Fire Programme. 

The programme provides critical aerial support for firefighting operations on DFFE-managed land and, when necessary, assists in responding to community fire incidents.

However, the department emphasised that the incident, which occurred on 25 March 2026, falls outside the scope of this agreement.

“The department confirms that, at the time of the incident, the helicopter was deployed under a separate contractual arrangement and was not undertaking work on behalf of DFFE. The aircraft was operating under a contract with South African National Parks (SANParks).”

The department has sent well wishes to the pilot, wishing them a speedy recovery, and commended all firefighting and emergency personnel involved in the wildfire suppression efforts. 

“The relevant aviation and law enforcement authorities are expected to investigate the incident. DFFE further notes that, according to the service provider’s initial account, the pilot exited the aircraft unaided, made his way to safety, and was transported to the hospital for medical evaluation.” –SAnews.gov.za

 

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With nearly 30 years of formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and China, government has identified significant potential to expand cooperation in infrastructure development, amid a growing investment footprint by Chinese enterprises in the country.

“We see significant potential to further expand cooperation in infrastructure development, particularly in the modernisation of ports, rail and road networks, which remain critical to unlocking economic growth and improving regional integration,” Deputy President Paul Mashatile said on Thursday in Cape Town. 

Mashatile is hosting his counterpart from the People’s Republic of China, Vice President Han Zheng, where both leaders are co-chairing the 9th South Africa-China Bi-National Commission (BNC). 

“Over nearly three decades, our bilateral relationship has grown in depth, scope and strategic importance, contributing meaningfully to economic development and reflecting our shared aspiration to accelerate development in both our countries,” Mashatile said.

He emphasised that the BNC remains relevant today and continues to provide strategic direction for the implementation of partnership, particularly under the Ten-Year Strategic Programme for Cooperation (2020–2029).

“Therefore, my hope for today is that this meeting will guide us in consolidating progress since the 8th session, help us identify priority areas for future cooperation, and strengthen sectoral collaboration.

“As we meet under the theme of advancing shared modernisation, we are reminded that our partnership must respond to a rapidly changing global environment, while advancing inclusive growth, industrial development and technological progress,” the Deputy President said.

He added that South Africa remains encouraged by the growing investment footprint of Chinese enterprises and is committed to ensuring that the partnership delivers practical outcomes that improve livelihoods and support sustainable development.

“South Africa’s approach to international relations remains guided by its national interest, which is to advance the development of its people through inclusive economic growth.

“In this regard, South Africa remains committed to ensuring that its partnership with China delivers practical outcomes that improve the lives of its people and contribute to sustainable development in both our countries,” Mashatile said.

South Africa and China continue to enjoy strong diplomatic relations, anchored in the All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era.

The Bi-National Commission (BNC), established at the Deputy Presidential level in 2000, remains the highest structured bilateral mechanism for consolidating diplomatic, economic and sectoral cooperation between the two countries.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile said the continued high-level engagements between the two nations reflect enduring friendship, mutual respect and a shared commitment to development. 

He noted that 2026 marks 28 years since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China.

“We recall with appreciation the strong momentum in our bilateral relations, including my Working Visit to China in July 2025, aimed at strengthening economic and trade cooperation, followed by the meeting held in November 2025 with Premier Li Qiang of the People’s Republic of China at the NH Hotel in Sandton which advanced South Africa’s strategic objectives in trade, investment, industrialisation, multilateral cooperation and governance,” the Deputy President said.

Mashatile added that since the establishment of the Bi-National Commission through the Pretoria Declaration in 2000, the platform has served as the apex mechanism guiding and consolidating cooperation between South Africa and China. –SAnews.gov.za

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