Category: South Africa Government

Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, has called for a new model of partnership to tackle adolescent pregnancy.

The Deputy Minister described the issue as one of South Africa’s most significant development challenges.

Speaking at the close of a private sector consultation on adolescent pregnancy in Johannesburg, Letsike said participants from government, the private sector, development partners, civil society and young people agreed that adolescent pregnancy requires a collaborative approach.

“What emerged [from discussions] was a shared understanding that the complexity of adolescent pregnancy demands a different model of leadership,” she said, adding that young people must be recognised as co-creators of solutions rather than simply beneficiaries of policy.

Letsike said one of the consultation’s key outcomes was a shift from consultation to co-creation.

She noted that South Africa already has programmes, institutions and communities with proven experience in addressing the drivers of adolescent pregnancy, but that these efforts often operate in isolation.

“Our challenge is not that we lack solutions. Our challenge is that too many of those solutions exist alongside one another rather than with one another,” she said.

The Deputy Minister stressed the need to identify interventions that have already demonstrated impact and scale them nationally.

She highlighted evidence showing that keeping girls in school delays pregnancy, improves educational outcomes, increases future earnings and strengthens communities.

Discussions also explored the use of technology to improve access to sexual and reproductive health information and services, including self-service kiosks and smart vending solutions.

Participants further considered structured programmes during school holidays that combine sport, culture, entrepreneurship, mentorship and health promotion.

Letsike emphasised that parents, guardians and families must form part of any strategy aimed at supporting adolescents, describing households as critical spaces where values and aspirations are shaped.

She also supported a “layered approach” to prevention, arguing that services related to sexual and reproductive health should connect young people to broader opportunities such as career guidance, entrepreneurship support, bursary information, psychosocial services and employment pathways.

Letsike said adolescent pregnancy has direct implications for productivity, human capital development and economic growth.

For that reason, she said, the private sector was invited not only as a source of funding but as a partner bringing expertise in innovation, technology, logistics, operational management and scaling successful models.

The consultation concluded with what Letsike described as concrete commitments to explore sustainable financing models, develop implementation frameworks and strengthen collaboration with TVET colleges, municipalities and communities.

She said these commitments represented the beginning of a broader social compact focused on improving outcomes for South Africa’s girls. “We will measure success not by the number of projects we own, but by the number of young lives we change,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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The Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Dr Johnstone Makhubu, has welcomed a unanimous Constitutional Court judgment in the matter against Lueven Metals (Pty) Ltd, which confirms SARS’ interpretation of the Value-Added Tax Act.

The court confirmed that the zero-rating of gold under section 11(1)(f) of the Value-Added Tax Act, 1991, does not apply to second-hand or recycled gold that has already undergone prior manufacturing.

SARS said the ruling provides clear legal guidance, puts an end to aggressive VAT interpretations, and reinforces its commitment to enforcing tax law in a principled manner.

“This judgment reaffirms a foundational principle of our constitutional democracy: that legislation must be applied as written, consistently, and fairly. 

“The Constitutional Court has provided unequivocal clarity, and that certainty benefits vendors, financial institutions, and the precious metal industry regarding the VAT treatment of gold supplied under section 11(1)(f),” the Commissioner said on Tuesday.

The judgment clarifies that the zero-rating of gold supplied to the South African Reserve Bank, the South African Mint Company (Proprietary) Limited, or a registered bank applies only when the gold is supplied in one of the prescribed forms and has not undergone any manufacturing process other than refining or the manufacture or production of those prescribed forms.

The matter arose from a dispute over the VAT treatment of refined gold supplied to prescribed purchasers, such as registered banks.

Lueven Metals, a buyer and refiner of second-hand gold, treated its sales of refined gold bars to a commercial bank as zero-rated, despite the gold originating from previously manufactured sources, such as scrap jewellery. 

Following an audit, SARS determined that these supplies did not qualify for zero-rating under the VAT Act. 

The High Court upheld SARS’ interpretation, and the Constitutional Court has now conclusively confirmed that position, dismissing the appeal with costs.

SARS said that, in its unanimous judgment, the Constitutional Court held that section 11(1)(f) sets out three cumulative requirements for zero-rating.

These include that the supply must be to a prescribed purchaser; the gold must be supplied in one of the prescribed forms; and, critically, the gold must not have undergone any manufacturing process other than refining or manufacturing into those prescribed forms.

“Gold that has previously been manufactured into non-prescribed forms, such as jewellery or other fabricated items, falls outside the scope of the zero rating,” SARS said.

The court found that SARS’ interpretation gives proper meaning to the statutory text and avoids rendering key provisions redundant.

“While refining does eradicate the recycled gold’s previous form, it does not alter the fact that such gold previously underwent a disqualifying manufacturing process. Thus, on a purely textual reading, Lueven’s supply of recycled gold cannot benefit from zero-rating,” Makhubu said.

He said the judgment provides long-awaited clarity for the gold, refining and banking sectors by confirming that recycled or second-hand gold remains subject to VAT at the standard rate, supporting compliant businesses and fair competition.

“Voluntary compliance is built on trust, and trust depends on certainty. This ruling removes ambiguity as it reinforces that when taxpayers know precisely where the law stands, they can comply with confidence,” the Commissioner said.

Makhubu added that the judgment also aligns directly with SARS’ strategic intent to promote voluntary compliance.

It also helps protect the tax base while ensuring that all revenue due to the State is collected.

“Fair tax administration means that no taxpayer gains an unintended advantage at the expense of others. This outcome ensures that compliant businesses are not undercut by aggressive practices that erode fairness and distort competition. 

“As SARS, we have a constitutional and statutory responsibility to protect the revenue base for the benefit of all South Africans. Every rand improperly lost through misinterpretation or non-compliance is a rand unavailable for schools, healthcare, infrastructure and social protection,” he said. –SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Home Affairs has reached another historic milestone on its path-breaking journey of digital transformation, with 203 bank branches now live in the new digital partnership model with the banking sector.

Additionally, over a quarter of a million people have already used this service to obtain a replacement Smart ID card since it was launched on 9 March.

Given that, under the previous model, only 248 Home Affairs offices and 32 bank branches offered Smart ID replacement services, the addition of 203 bank branches means that access to this critical service has been expanded by 73% in a little over three months. 

The unprecedented success of this project is dramatically enhancing access to Smart ID services and accelerating efforts to replace the vulnerable Green ID Book faster than ever before.

Approximately 16 million South Africans still rely on the Green ID Book, which is prone to fraud and identity theft. 

As recently affirmed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, replacing it with the Smart ID card is essential to strengthening the integrity of South Africa’s identity system, protecting citizens against fraud and identity theft, and securing the population register that underpins citizenship, immigration and national security. 

The Home Affairs @ home reform programme is now making that transition possible at an unprecedented scale.

The 203 branches that are now live include 109 Capitec branches, 74 Standard Bank branches, and 20 FNB branches. Inside these branches, it now takes as little as five minutes to apply for a Smart ID through a fully biometric process that requires no paperwork, no prior booking, and leaves no room for discretion. 

Home Affairs said this milestone represents the largest reform and expansion of access to its services since the dawn of democracy.

“Reaching more than 200 participating bank branches and processing over 250 000 transactions in just over three months since the launch of this project is a remarkable achievement and a powerful demonstration of the progress being made through our Home Affairs @ home reform programme. Smart ID replacement services are now closer to all South Africans than ever before,” Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber said. 

“In the context of this spectacular progress, I am excited to share that there is much more still to come. Not only will we expand the Smart ID replacement service to 750 branches by the end of this year, but we will shortly also add first-time Smart ID applications, Passport applications, and home deliveries to all of these bank branches,” Minister Schreiber said.

“I reiterate my call to the people of South Africa: if you still have a Green ID book, help us to eradicate identity theft that feeds illegal immigration and financial fraud by switching to the Smart ID today. 

“Our digital partnership with the banks has made it easier than ever to switch. Just visit dha.gov.za/banks to find your nearest branch and switch today,” the minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Makgothi Thobakgale, has handed over starter tool kits to 180 youth parolees and probationers, aiding their ability to contribute positively to society.

The youth successfully completed accredited skills development programmes at EastC Technocentric Varsity in Kempton Park.

“As we commemorate Youth Month, we encourage these young men and women to draw inspiration from the courage and determination of the youth of 1976.

“Use these tools to create opportunities for yourselves, support your families, and contribute positively to your communities,” Thobakgale said.

The department explained that the handover forms part of its broader rehabilitation and reintegration programme aimed at “enhancing employability, promoting self-reliance, and reducing the risk of reoffending through sustainable economic participation”.

“The initiative, implemented in partnership with EastC Technocentric Varsity, the University of Venda and the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority aims to equip beneficiaries with practical resources to pursue employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods.

“The recipients completed training in Bricklaying Assistance, Plumbing Hand, Hot Water System Installation, and Renewable Energy Workshop Assistance,” the department said.

This year, South Africa commemorates the 50^th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto uprisings that were led by the youth of the time against the apartheid government. – SAnews.gov.za

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National Treasury has released the Provincial Budgets and Expenditure Report for the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, which covers provincial receipts and payments.

According to the report, in the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, provinces recorded expenditure of 99.1% or R810.9 billion, against an adjusted budget of R818.4 billion.

Compared with the same period in the 2024/25 financial year, expenditure increased by 6.1% or R46.7 billion, indicating sustained year-on-year growth in provincial spending levels.

Preliminary spending on education amounted to R339.2 billion, or 99.7% of the sector’s adjusted budget of R340.3 billion. 

This reflects an increase of R21 billion, or 6.6%, compared to the same period in the previous financial year.

Provinces’ preliminary expenditure on health amounted to R276.6 billion against an adjusted budget of R278.3 billion during the Fourth Quarter of 2025/26. 

This represents an increase of R16.1 billion, or 6.2%, compared to the corresponding period of the previous financial year.

Preliminary expenditure on social development at the end of the Fourth Quarter of 2025/26 amounted to R23.4 billion against a total adjusted budget of R23.6 billion. 

This reflects an increase of R1.1 billion, or 4.9%, compared to the same period in the previous financial year.

Preliminary personnel expenditure (compensation of employees) amounted to R499.2 billion, or 99.7% of the R500.5 billion adjusted budget as at 31 March 2026. 

This represents an increase of R27.6 billion, or 5.8%, compared to the same period in the previous financial year.

Aggregate preliminary spending on goods and services amounts to R170.9 billion, representing 99% of the R172.6 billion adjusted budget. 

This is 6.9% or R11 billion higher compared to the same period of the previous financial year. 

Year-to-date payments for capital assets (capital spending) amount to R43.5 billion, or 91.8 % of the R47.4 billion adjusted budget. 

This represents an increase of R3.7 billion, or 9.4%, compared to the same period in the previous financial year, indicating improved execution of capital projects in 2025/26.

Provinces collected R27.6 billion, or 103.5% of the adjusted own revenue budget of R26.7 billion. 

This reflects an increase of R1.4 billion, or 5.3%, compared to the same period in the previous financial year, indicating improved provincial revenue performance.

The budgeted figures for the Fourth Quarter of 2025/26 are based on the 2025 Adjusted Estimates of Provincial Revenue and Expenditure, which were tabled in the provincial legislatures in November 2025 and March 2026. 

The statement on the Provincial Budgets and Expenditure Report for the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year is also available on the National Treasury website at www.treasury.gov.za. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia has expressed confidence in the operational plans of the Western Cape police ahead of the anticipated June 30 protests, while urging demonstrators to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully and within the confines of the law.

Cachalia made the remarks during a media briefing at Cape Town Central police station, following a visit to the Provincial Operational Coordination Centre, where he assessed the state of readiness of the Western Cape South African Police Service (SAPS) ahead of the planned demonstrations.

Calling for calm and peace on the day of the protests, the Acting Minister warned participants against carrying dangerous weapons, intimidating members of the public, vandalising property or looting businesses.

He reiterated that all those wishing to take part in the protests have a constitutional right to do so, provided they act within the ambit of the law.

The visit to the Provincial Operational Coordination Centre formed part of a broader programme in the province that began earlier at Nyanga Police Station, where Cachalia met with stakeholders to discuss crime-related challenges affecting the area.

The meeting, held on Tuesday, was attended by Western Cape Premier Allan Winde and a high-level delegation of police officials from both provincial and national structures.

During the engagement, Acting Nyanga Station Commander, Colonel Wynand Muller, presented a detailed overview of crime trends and challenges within the policing precinct.

Community representatives, including members of Community Policing Forums (CPFs), neighbourhood watches, non-governmental organisations, religious groups and youth organisations, used the opportunity to raise concerns and share their perspectives on crime and safety issues affecting their communities.

According to SAPS, stakeholders participated in the discussions with energy and enthusiasm as they engaged directly with the Acting Minister on challenges facing the area.

The engagements formed part of ongoing efforts by police leadership to assess crime-fighting initiatives, strengthen collaboration with communities and ensure operational preparedness ahead of the June 30 protests. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Government has called on community members in the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality in Mpumalanga to attend the Government Exhibition Day (GED) on Thursday and make use of the wide range of government services available.

The GED forms part of the Government Communication and Information System’s (GCIS) ongoing national outreach programme aimed at bringing essential government services, information, and resources directly to communities, particularly those in remote and underserved areas. 

The one‑stop‑shop exhibition enables residents to engage face‑to‑face with multiple government departments in a single location, reducing the need for long‑distance travel.

Key services to be provided at the Government Exhibition Day include, among others:

• Home Affairs: Applications and collections of identity documents, smart ID cards, and birth certificates.
• Social Development (SASSA): Enquiries and applications for social grants.
• Health Services: Free health screenings, health education, and vaccination information.
• South African Revenue Service (SARS): Tax‑related assistance and administrative support.
• Employment and Labour: UIF enquiries and registration for employment opportunities.

The GCIS, in partnership with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, will host a Government Exhibition Day on Thursday at the Dundonald Shopping Complex.

In preparation for the GED, GCIS hosted a Community Media Sector Workshop on Tuesday, focused on strengthening the capacity, compliance, and sustainability of community media in Mpumalanga. 

The workshop was addressed by the Mpumalanga MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, in his capacity as spokesperson for the Provincial Executive Council.

The workshop brought together representatives from the community media sector, senior government officials, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), SARS, and officials from both national and provincial government. 

Discussions focused on media‑buying compliance, access to funding and government support, as well as ethical and gender‑sensitive reporting.

A dedicated session by the Commission for Gender Equality guided gender‑sensitive writing and reporting, particularly in relation to Gender‑Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), to strengthen responsible and impactful community journalism.

On Wednesday, 24 June, GCIS will also host youth cooperatives entrepreneurship empowerment seminars across the province in Chief Albert Luthuli , Nkomazi and Thembisile Hani local municipalities. –SAnews.gov.za

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The upcoming Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Summit of Heads of State or Government is expected to provide a key platform for Member States to advance regional cooperation, strengthen industrial development and accelerate economic transformation across Southern Africa.

“The SACU Summit provides a strategic platform for Member States to deepen regional integration, strengthen industrial cooperation and advance practical initiatives that support economic growth, job creation and shared prosperity across our region,” said the Chairperson of the SACU Senior Trade Officials, Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter, on Tuesday.

South Africa will host the 9th SACU Summit of Heads of State or Government on 26 June 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 (CTICC 2) in Cape Town.

Mlumbi-Peter said SACU’s future growth would increasingly depend on its ability to move beyond traditional trade arrangements towards greater productive capacity and stronger industrial collaboration.

“We are working towards a more industrialised and competitive SACU that leverages regional value chains, supports manufacturing development and creates opportunities for businesses and citizens across all Member States. 

“Through closer cooperation, we can unlock new opportunities in sectors such as automotive manufacturing, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals beneficiation and emerging green industries,” she said.

Mlumbi-Peter emphasised that SACU remains an important building block for broader African economic integration.

“The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area presents significant opportunities for SACU Member States. By strengthening regional value chains and improving trade facilitation, we can position our region to compete more effectively in continental and global markets,” she said.

The Summit will bring together Heads of State or Government and representatives of the five SACU Member States — the Republic of Botswana, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republic of Namibia and the Republic of South Africa — to deliberate on key issues affecting regional economic integration, industrial development and trade cooperation.

As SACU’s highest decision-making institution, the Summit provides strategic and political direction to the organisation and oversees the implementation of its programmes and priorities.

The 9th SACU Summit is expected to consider several strategic matters aimed at advancing regional economic development and integration.

Among the key items on the agenda will be an update from the SACU Council of Ministers on the implementation and mid-term review of the SACU Strategic Plan (2022–2027), reflections on emerging global developments and their impact on SACU economies, as well as a report on the re-imagined SACU and its future direction.

The Summit will also provide an opportunity for Member States to assess progress in areas such as industrialisation, regional value chains, customs modernisation, trade facilitation, investment promotion and opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Summit will be preceded by a series of technical, administrative and ministerial meetings from 18 to 24 June 2026, which will consider progress made in implementing SACU programmes and priorities and prepare recommendations for consideration by Heads of State or Government. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong says the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Media Awards continue to play an important role in advancing regional integration and cooperation. 

“Established in 1996, the SADC Media Awards were designed to recognise and celebrate excellence in journalism while encouraging media practitioners to cover issues relating to regional development, integration and cooperation,” Morolong said.

Delivering opening remarks at the 31st SADC Media Awards Regional Adjudication Committee Meeting, held in Sandton on Tuesday, Morolong said the awards have, over the years, become one of SADC’s most important platforms for recognising outstanding work in Print Journalism, Radio Journalism, Television Journalism and Photojournalism.

“These awards do more than honour individual achievement. They encourage journalists to tell stories that deepen understanding of regional priorities, highlight development initiatives and strengthen connections among the peoples of Southern Africa,” Morolong said.

The Deputy Minister said the Regional Adjudication Committee plays a critical role in assessing the applications.

“The quality and credibility of the awards depend on the diligence, integrity and professionalism of both the National Adjudication Committees and this Regional Adjudication Committee.

“I therefore wish to acknowledge the important work performed by the National Adjudication Committees across Member States. Your efforts ensure that the most deserving entries are identified and submitted for regional consideration,” he said.

Morolong called for the awards programme to be strengthened even further.

“We must intensify awareness campaigns to ensure that more journalists across the region are aware of these opportunities. We must make the submission process as accessible and user-friendly as possible. And we must continue to uphold the highest standards of transparency, fairness and accountability in the adjudication process, both nationally and regionally,” the Deputy Minister said.

Morolong said the SADC Media Awards remain one of the most effective vehicles for promoting regional storytelling.

He emphasised the need for Africa and Southern Africa to tell their own stories.

“Our journalists play a vital role in shaping how our nations see one another and how the world understands our region. Through balanced, accurate and impactful reporting, they help bridge divides, promote mutual understanding and foster a shared regional identity. By telling our own stories, we strengthen social cohesion and deepen the bonds that unite our Member States,” the Deputy Minister said. 

Morolong used the occasion to encourage media practitioners across the country and across all Member States to take advantage of the platform to showcase stories that contribute positively to regional integration, cooperation and development.

In his welcome remarks, Deputy Government spokesperson William Baloyi said the SADC Media Awards bring together key stakeholders from across Southern Africa and beyond, reflecting a shared commitment to promoting regional integration, advancing communication and information sharing, and supporting the collective aspirations of the people.

“Your participation underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing common challenges and harnessing opportunities for sustainable development across the region,” he said.

Baloyi said the success of regional initiatives depends not only on the policies and frameworks established, but also on meaningful collaboration and dialogue among all stakeholders.

“I encourage all participants to engage actively, share perspectives openly, and take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen networks and partnerships,” he said.   – SAnews.gov.za

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Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has announced two national initiatives aimed at strengthening municipal capacity and creating employment pathways for graduates, as government intensifies efforts to professionalise South Africa’s human settlements sector.

Speaking at the opening of the International Pan-African City Symposium and Exposition and the launch of the Institute of Human Settlements Practitioners South Africa (IHSP-SA) at Nelson Mandela University on Monday, Simelane said the sector required stronger institutional capacity, skilled professionals and innovative approaches to address growing urbanisation, climate risks and housing backlogs.

The symposium was held under the theme: “Smart Futures Villages to Smart Economies – Exploring Models that Create Resilient, Equitable, Regenerative and Thriving Communities.”

Simelane said the newly launched institute would play a critical role in advancing professional standards, ethical practice, research and skills development across the human settlements sector.

“The launch of this institute is not an accidental event. It is the result of years of ideas, advocacy, academic work, sector mobilisation and commitment to the recognition of Human Settlements as a serious field of knowledge, practice and public service,” the Minister said.

Special project to strengthen municipalities’ capacity

As part of government’s professionalisation agenda, Simelane announced a National Special Project aimed at assessing and strengthening the capacity of municipalities and provinces to plan, develop and manage human settlements programmes.

The initiative, to be undertaken in partnership with the Presidency, will focus on identifying institutional weaknesses and improving the ability of municipalities, particularly accredited municipalities and secondary cities, to deliver housing and human settlements projects.

The Minister also announced the development of a National Strategy for the Engagement of Housing and Human Settlements Graduates, aimed at creating structured pathways into the sector for university graduates.

“Over the years, universities have produced graduates in housing and human settlements programmes. These graduates possess skills, knowledge and attributes that are directly relevant to the sector. Yet many of them do not find structured pathways into the Human Settlements system,” Simelane said.

The strategy will focus on structured experiential learning, formalised internship models, youth entrepreneurship initiatives to enrich the human settlements sector, and the integration of graduates into areas such as social facilitation, data infrastructure, and local government support.

Additional focus areas include beneficiary management, affordable housing development, title deed acceleration, and the adoption of modern, sustainable construction techniques.

Simelane urged all provinces, including metropolitan municipalities, human settlements entities and non-governmental organisations to prioritise specialised human settlement development qualifications when recruiting for sector-related positions.

“Contractors, developers, and service providers in human settlements technical projects need to do the same by creating opportunities for these graduates This does not mean that other relevant qualifications are excluded. It means that Human Settlements qualifications must no longer be invisible in the sector they were designed to serve,” the Minister said.

She also called on universities and the Department of Higher Education and Training to explore mechanisms that would enable graduates burdened by historic student debt to access their academic certificates and enter the workforce.

The launch of the institute comes as government moves to implement the Human Settlements White Paper approved by Cabinet in 2024, which calls for stronger sector capacity, minimum competency standards and the professionalisation of human settlements practice.

Simelane said the department will formalise a cooperation agreement with the institute to support capacity development, research, professional standards, continuous professional development and graduate support. – SAnews.gov.za

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