Category: South Africa Government

Municipalities in the Eastern Cape are expected to experience cloudy conditions in places over the interior, with morning fog. 

Otherwise, conditions will be fine and cool to cold, becoming very cold along the Drakensberg and adjacent areas.

The municipalities include Emalahleni, Sakhisizwe, Senqu, Elundini and Matatiele Local Municipalities. 

“The wind along the coast will be light to moderate north-easterly, freshening from the south in the afternoon,” SAWS said.

The weather service has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging winds, which could cause localised damage to temporary structures and reduce visibility due to dust storms. 

These conditions are expected over the northern parts of the West Coast District and the Witzenberg Local Municipality in the Western Cape, as well as the Namakwa District in the Northern Cape.

“Evening fog along the coast, otherwise fine and cool to warm in the west, otherwise partly cloudy, windy and cool to cold in the east of the Northern Cape,” SAWS said.

Winds along the coast will be moderate to fresh easterly to north-easterly, becoming light to moderate north-westerly from the afternoon.

SAWS further warned that extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the Nama-Khoi and Hantam Local Municipalities in the Northern Cape, as well as the Matzikama and Cederberg Local Municipalities in the Western Cape.

Meanwhile, the weather outlook for Friday and Saturday indicates fine, cold conditions across the central parts of the country. 

On Friday, partly cloudy and cool conditions are expected elsewhere, with isolated showers along the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal. –SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) says it is assessing and reviewing all relevant information related to an incident involving the deaths of illegal miners at Rustenburg, in the North West.

According to police, some 14 people died when the walls of an excavated area they were digging in caved in. Scores others have been injured while rescue operations continue.

“The department is currently reviewing all relevant information relating to the incident and will, at an appropriate time, provide further details, including matters related to compliance with applicable laws governing licenses and permits.

“The DMPR continues to work with law enforcement agencies, mining rights holders and affected communities to strengthen prevention and enforcement efforts against illegal mining,” a departmental statement read.

The department further extended its condolences to the families and friends of those who died in the incident.

“The loss of life is deeply regrettable, and the DMPR recognises the serious impact such events have on affected communities.

“The DMPR confirms that the incident occurred within the boundaries of an area where a valid mining permit has been issued. The department further confirms that the site is a surface opencast mining operation and does not include an underground mine shaft,” the statement continued.

Meanwhile, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane announced on Wednesday that additional specialised capacity will be sent to the area to support the ongoing rescue, recovery and investigative operations.

“The deployment of additional specialised capacity is intended to strengthen the North West Province and ensure that every aspect of this operation is approached with the necessary professionalism, expertise and sensitivity.

“Our responsibility is not only to establish what happened, but to do so through a thorough, lawful and evidence-driven process. We owe this to the deceased, their families and the broader community. At the same time, we must ensure that the integrity of the investigation is protected.

“We therefore appeal to the public and social media to refrain from speculation and allow the investigators to follow the evidence. Where criminality is established, those responsible will be brought to justice,” Dimpane stated. – SAnews.gov.za

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has referred the Digitisation Project at courts around the country to the Special Investigating Unit (SUI) and the Hawks for investigation.

The project was rolled out five years ago to offices in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces, including High Courts, Magistrates’ Courts, Labour Courts and Masters’ Offices to provide off-site records storage and digitisation.

According to the department, during an unannounced visit to the Master of the High Court in Pretoria on Wednesday, the Minister was informed that services had been disrupted due to “denial of access to the records by the service provider”.

“Instead of making it more efficient and faster to render services, the digitisation project is now at the centre of service disruption and service delay. 

“What is more concerning to the Minister is getting feedback that State records are in the hands of a private company that has the power to refuse the department access to such records.

“In response to the serious findings emerging from the inspection, Minister Kubayi has referred the matter to the SIU and the Hawks for investigation,” the department explained.

Kubayi has asked law enforcement agencies to look at, among other things, the following:

• The nature of the contract that gave a service provider unfettered access to records that must be in the hands of the department and the right for such a private company sole possession of such records.
• Any violations of government policies and legislation when implementing the digitisation project.
• Value for money of the contracts versus the service delivered.
• Whether any official of the department has been negligent, leading to the collapse of the delivery of critical services to the public.

“The disruption of services at an office that provides critical support to members of the public is a matter of grave concern. I expect a thorough account of what transpired with the digitisation project.

“Any evidence of misconduct, negligence, corruption or deliberate actions that undermine service delivery and public confidence in the justice system will be dealt with decisively. Those responsible must be held accountable and face the full consequences of the law,” Kubayi warned. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa has outlined its main priorities for its Chairpersonship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with a strong emphasis on driving economic growth and job creation, while strengthening peace and regional stability.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola says the priorities are informed by the region’s growing young population and the need for SADC economies to create opportunities at a pace that matches demographic growth.

Speaking at the SADC Council of Ministers meeting in Durban on Wednesday, Lamola said South Africa’s 2026 – 2027 Chairpersonship would focus on four strategic areas: peace, security and stability; accelerated industrialisation; infrastructure development, and social and human capital development.

READ | South Africa assumes Chair of SADC Council of Ministers with a focus on peace, regional integration

“It brings responsibility into our hands to ensure that the level of economic growth and job creation is on par with this reality of a growing population. We must be responsive to this reality, and it means it cannot be business as usual. This Council of Ministers needs to guide this region. How do we contribute to change the tide of events on our continent?” the Minister said.

On peace and security, Lamola said South Africa would work to strengthen the region’s collective response to security and political challenges.

“We will promote peace, security and stability. The security of one Member State is inseparable from the security and stability of the entire Community,” he said.

SADC’s history of collective action, Lamola said, remains one of its greatest strengths.

“Our regional bloc has a proud history of collectively responding to threats to peace and security in our region. Time and again, we have demonstrated that regional solidarity remains our greatest strength in addressing emerging security and political challenges,” the Minister said.

On the economic front, South Africa will prioritise accelerated industrialisation through agricultural transformation, critical minerals beneficiation, increased regional trade and the development of regional value chains.

Lamola said the region must use its mineral wealth to drive local economic development rather than continue exporting raw materials.

“There is a growing consensus that rising demand for critical minerals presents a unique opportunity for our region’s economic and social development.

“Reversing this pattern requires us to beneficiate our resources, build regional value chains and trade more with one another,” Lamola said.

Infrastructure development will also be central to the Chairpersonship, with South Africa seeking to strengthen the energy, transport, ports, digital and water networks that support regional economic activity.

“We will champion the expansion and modernisation of the infrastructure that connects our region,” Lamola said.

He said stronger regional infrastructure is essential to expanding manufacturing and creating employment.

“Without these foundations, regional manufacturing cannot expand. At only 10% of GDP, it cannot generate employment on the scale our region requires.” 

Lamola said the region’s youthful population makes job creation an urgent priority, noting that nearly 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25.

“This means our economies and level of job creation must be on par with population growth.” 

The priorities will also be underpinned by a focus on gender equality, climate resilience and disaster risk management.

Lamola said South Africa would approach its SADC Chairpersonship as a collective responsibility, working with Member States to advance regional integration and shared prosperity.

“As Southern Africa’s most industrialised economy, we recognise the duty and obligation to place our capabilities at the service of regional integration and shared prosperity. We approach the Chairpersonship in that spirit, with humility, purpose and a commitment to work with every Member State,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa has assumed the Chairpersonship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers with a commitment to advance peace and security, accelerate regional industrialisation, strengthen infrastructure connectivity and invest in the region’s human capital.  

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola formally accepted the SADC Chairpersonship for 2026 – 2027 on behalf of South Africa during the SADC Council of Ministers meeting in Durban on Wednesday. 

The Minister said South Africa accepted the responsibility with a clear understanding that the Chairpersonship was a collective mandate that must be exercised in the interests of the entire SADC Community.

“It is with great humility and a profound sense of responsibility that, on behalf of the Republic of South Africa, I accept the SADC Chairpersonship for 2026 – 2027.

“This is a collective responsibility that we must discharge in the interests of our community, guided by the principles of solidarity, unity, sovereign equality and shared prosperity,” Lamola said.

READ | SADC Executive Secretary highlights regional progress, challenges at Council of Ministers meeting

The Minister outlined four strategic priorities that will guide South Africa’s tenure under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa. These include promoting peace, security and stability; accelerating industrialisation through agricultural transformation, critical minerals beneficiation and increased regional trade; expanding and modernising infrastructure, and strengthening social and human capital development.

Harnessing the region’s mineral wealth

Lamola said South Africa would place particular emphasis on ensuring that the region derives greater economic value from its abundant critical mineral resources.

“There is a growing consensus that rising demand for critical minerals presents a unique opportunity for our region’s economic and social development,” he said.

Nearly 30% of the world’s proven critical mineral reserves are found in the region, including approximately 50% of the world’s cobalt reserves and 20% of its graphite reserves.

However, Lamola cautioned that mineral wealth alone would not guarantee development, unless countries moved towards beneficiation, regional value chains and increased intra-regional trade.

“Yet, we know too well that this opportunity is not a foregone conclusion. We know from earlier chapters in our unfolding story that our region’s wealth has nourished economies far and wide, while our own economies have remained trapped in old patterns of extractive accumulation.

“Reversing this pattern requires us to beneficiate our resources, build regional value chains and trade more with one another,” Lamola said.

South Africa will also seek to advance the objectives agreed at the Skukuza retreat, including a target of 50 percent intra-SADC trade and the beneficiation of critical minerals at source.

Currently, trade between countries in the bloc stands at about 20%, highlighting the significant scope for expanding regional markets and economic cooperation.

Infrastructure key to regional industrialisation

Lamola said South Africa would also champion investment in infrastructure capable of connecting economies and supporting industrial development across the region.

He identified reliable energy, efficient transport corridors, modern ports, integrated digital networks and dependable water systems as essential foundations for regional connectivity and the movement of goods and services.

“Without these foundations, regional manufacturing cannot expand. At only 10% of GDP, it cannot generate employment on the scale our region requires,” he said.

The focus on industrialisation and infrastructure is closely linked to the region’s need to create employment opportunities, particularly for its growing young population.

Lamola noted that Africa has the youngest population in the world, with a median age of 19 years and nearly 60% of the population under the age of 25.

By 2030, he said, one in four young people globally would be African.

“This means our economies and level of job creation must be on par with population growth.”

Migration requires regional solutions

The Minister also placed migration and human mobility firmly within the broader regional development agenda.

He acknowledged the growing public debate in South Africa around irregular migration, border integrity, access to economic opportunities, and pressure on public institutions and communities.

However, he stressed that responses to irregular migration must remain lawful and protect human rights.

“As we address the legitimate concerns of our citizens, we equally and forcefully reject all forms of vigilantism and human rights violations. Addressing the challenges associated with irregular migration must occur within an orderly and lawful framework.”

Lamola said migration should not be viewed solely through a security lens, arguing that the movement of people across the region is often linked to economic opportunity and employment.

He pointed to Durban’s own history as evidence of the contribution of regional labour mobility to South Africa’s industrial development.

“Indeed, as Durban’s story shows, our country’s industrial development immensely benefited from the large labour pools from our region and beyond,” he said.

South Africa will, therefore, encourage SADC Member States to sign the protocol on the free movement of people to support regular and orderly migration.

“We are hopeful that, together, we can chart a path towards holistic and long-lasting solutions to the migration challenges facing our region. We call on countries within our bloc to sign the protocol on the free movement of people to enable regular and orderly migration,” Lamola said.

Building a peaceful and prosperous SADC 

South Africa’s Chairpersonship, Lamola said, comes at a time of significant global uncertainty, marked by great power competition, climate-related disasters, the threat of pandemics and changing economic policies in advanced economies.

He said these developments reinforced the need for SADC countries to strengthen regional solidarity and build resilient economies.

“The people of our Community yearn for a region where they can thrive, where their countries trade with each other, where advanced infrastructure connects them to their neighbours and where jobs and economic opportunities are plentiful,” he said.

He said the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020 – 2030 already provided the framework for achieving this vision. He, however, stressed that regional plans must translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.

“Let us use this moment to renew our commitment to bridging the distance between the ambitions expressed in our regional instruments and the capacity of our institutions to realise them.”

Lamola further pledged that South Africa would use its position as the region’s most industrialised economy to support deeper regional integration and shared prosperity.

“As Southern Africa’s most industrialised economy, we recognise the duty and obligation to place our capabilities at the service of regional integration and shared prosperity. We approach the Chairpersonship in that spirit, with humility, purpose and a commitment to work with every Member State.”

Lamola also wished Zambia peaceful elections ahead of that country’s 13 August 2026 polls.

“Allow me to conclude by wishing Zambia to hold free and fair elections on the 13th of August 2026. Democracy remains the cornerstone of development. We wish the people of Zambia peaceful elections.”

South Africa’s assumption of the SADC Chairpersonship follows Zimbabwe’s tenure and will run until 2027. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa has taken a major step towards transforming the way international travellers enter the country with the official launch of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) — a digital system President Cyril Ramaphosa says will make travel easier, faster and more predictable, while strengthening border security.

Launching the system at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday, President Ramaphosa described the reform as far more than the introduction of a new digital platform, saying it represents the aspirations of the South Africa of the future.

“This is far more than the introduction of a new digital platform. It is a statement about the kind of country we are building.

“It is about making South Africa more open to opportunity, more welcoming to legitimate travellers, more secure for our citizens and more competitive in the global economy,” the President said. 

The launch comes as government continues its programme of structural reforms aimed at removing barriers to economic growth, investment and job creation.

President Ramaphosa said the ETA would support tourism, trade, investment and the exchange of skills and knowledge, while simultaneously improving the integrity of South Africa’s borders and the country’s ability to manage migration effectively. 

“The Electronic Travel Authorisation system will make travel to South Africa easier, faster and more predictable. It will encourage tourism. It will support trade. It will attract investment.

“It will facilitate skills and knowledge exchange, and at the same time, it will strengthen the integrity of our borders and improve our ability to manage migration effectively,” the President said. 

From the border to the economy

President Ramaphosa placed the reform within the broader global competition for tourists, investors, students, conference delegates and highly skilled professionals.

He said unnecessary delays and cumbersome administrative processes could encourage people to choose other destinations, making visa reform an economic intervention rather than simply an immigration reform.

“Visa reform is not simply an immigration reform. It is an economic reform. It is a jobs reform,” the President said. 

With unemployment, particularly among young people, remaining a major national challenge, President Ramaphosa said every reform must ultimately contribute to creating work and expanding opportunities for South Africans.

“The Electronic Travel Authorisation answers that question with a resounding ‘yes’,” he said. 

He highlighted the economic activity that can flow from increased international arrivals, including hotel bookings, restaurants, tour operators, flights, conferences, exports and investment.

“More visitors mean more hotel bookings, more restaurants filled, more tour operators employed, more flights, more conferences, more exports, more investment, and more opportunities for South Africans to earn an income and build a better future,” he said. 

A digital gateway to South Africa

The ETA forms part of the Department of Home Affairs vision — Home Affairs @ home — , which seeks to move towards a fully digital department capable of providing secure, efficient, accessible and world-class public services. 

Under the new system, eligible travellers will be able to apply online from anywhere in the world without having to visit a South African mission or visa processing centre. 

Applications are expected to be processed more quickly, with more predictable decisions and an improved travel experience. 

The system was initially introduced in four strategic source markets including China, India, Indonesia and Mexico, in support of South Africa’s hosting of the G20 Presidency.

Government is preparing to expand the system to additional countries, while digital processing is expected, over time, to extend beyond visitor authorisations to work visas, study visas and other immigration services.

President Ramaphosa said the initiative represents the beginning of a much broader transformation of South Africa’s immigration system.

Faster travel, stronger border security

While the reform is designed to make lawful travel easier, the President stressed that greater efficiency should not be mistaken for weaker border controls.

“Let me be absolutely clear. A modern immigration system is not a weaker immigration system. It is a smarter immigration system,” the President said. 

He said technology would enable government to obtain more information about travellers before they arrive, while strengthening biometric verification, identity management, risk assessment and border security.

“It helps us identify those who seek to abuse our immigration system, while making lawful travel faster and easier,” he said. 

The President said the ETA would strengthen both economic openness and national security, in line with government’s Comprehensive Approach to Migration Management.

A border experience that reflects a modern South Africa

During his visit to the processing facilities, President Ramaphosa was taken through the ETA processing systems by Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato.

The demonstration included a tourist whose application was used to test the system. The traveller’s visible reaction to the speed of the process underscored the practical difference the new digital system is intended to make for people entering South Africa. 

The demonstration provided a real-time glimpse of the experience government wants international visitors to have: a process that is efficient and digitally enabled, without compromising the country’s security requirements.

The President said the launch was fittingly being held at OR Tambo International Airport, South Africa’s busiest gateway to the world and a place bearing the name of struggle icon Oliver Reginald Tambo. 

“For many years, OR Tambo travelled the world to rally support for the struggle against apartheid. He carried South Africa’s hopes across continents.

“He took South Africa to the world. Today, through this new system, we are strengthening the way in which the world comes to South Africa,” the President said. 

He said the system honours that legacy by ensuring that South Africa’s welcome is “not only warm, but also modern, efficient and secure.” The launch of the ETA comes at a time the country marks its Milestones of Freedom campaign, which is themed, “Honouring the Past. Delivering the Future”. The year-long initiative, which was launched in June, promotes social cohesion, reflects on the nation’s hard-won democracy, and pairs historical remembrance with active community service delivery.

Part of a wider reform programme

The ETA is being implemented as part of the broader structural reforms under Operation Vulindlela, which was established in 2020 to address longstanding constraints to South Africa’s economic growth.

President Ramaphosa said these constraints had affected electricity, logistics, telecommunications, water infrastructure, the ease of doing business and the immigration system.

He pointed to reforms across these areas as part of a comprehensive effort to remove barriers to growth, investment and job creation.

“These are not isolated reforms. Together, they are removing barriers to growth, investment and job creation. They are making South Africa a more competitive economy,” the President said. 

He said the progress demonstrated that meaningful reform was possible when government worked with purpose, urgency and partnership.

Government working as one

The President said the success of the ETA would depend on close cooperation between the Department of Home Affairs, the BMA, the South African Revenue Service, the Department of Tourism, South African Tourism, the aviation industry, diplomatic missions, technology partners and the private sector.

He described South Africa’s borders as strategic national assets, where security, trade, tourism, logistics and economic development intersect.

“Our borders are not merely points of entry. They are strategic national assets. They are where security, trade, tourism, logistics and economic development come together. They demand that government functions as one integrated system,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa commended the Department of Home Affairs, the BMA, participating government departments, technology partners and other stakeholders for their contribution to bringing the reform to life. 

He said the achievement should give South Africans confidence that government’s reform programme is delivering measurable progress.

A new chapter in South Africa’s global footprint

President Ramaphosa said the ETA ultimately represents a vision for a South Africa that is simultaneously open and secure, a country capable of welcoming legitimate travellers,while protecting its borders and advancing its economic interests. 

“Today’s launch is about much more than visas. It is about the future of our country.” 

He said South Africa must be a country that welcomes the world with confidence, attracts investment, embraces innovation and ensures that public institutions are efficient, modern and responsive.

“This is the country we are building. It is a country that understands that economic growth requires both openness and security. It is a country determined to compete with the best in the world.

“Above all, it is a country committed to creating work, expanding opportunity and improving the lives of all its people,” the President said.  – SAnews.gov.za

The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Kenny Morolong will on Thursday engage with the Eastern Cape Provincial Executive Council (PEC) on the coordination of government communication, nation branding and community media support in the province.

“The engagement forms part of government’s ongoing communication policy advocacy programme aimed at enhancing a coordinated and integrated government communication system across all spheres of government,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Wednesday.

The engagement follows similar sessions held in the North West, Free State, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu- Natal provinces as part of a nationwide rollout intended to strengthen communication planning, promote a cohesive national narrative, support community media and advance South Africa’s nation-branding objectives. 

Morolong has been visiting provinces engaging with the leadership on the revised Government Communication Policy.

The policy places a strong focus on supporting small commercial and community media, with government expected to set aside 30% of its advertising spend for these media outlets. 

Government is stepping up efforts to transform the way it communicates with South Africans, with a revised communication policy placing greater emphasis on coordinated messaging, adequate funding for communication and increased support for small commercial and community media.

The Government Communication Policy can be accessed here: https://www.gcis.gov.za/sites/default/files/Government%20Communication%20Policy_REVISED%20Mar.pdf 

The Deputy Minister will be accompanied by delegates from the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) and Brand South Africa (Brand SA).

Speaking at the PEC session in KwaZulu-Natal earlier this month, Morolong said: “We have agreed that communication can no longer be an afterthought. It is an important function that must be enhanced through funding.”

READ | Morolong engages KZN on revised communication policy

He also explained that government is encouraged by progress being made in advancing the objectives of the revised policy. – SAnews.gov.za

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has handed over some 197 housing units to beneficiaries at the Jabulani Parcel K Mega Project in Soweto.

The 197 homes are part of a project which will see the construction of 704 units.

The department said the project forms part of efforts to unblock legacy housing developments, accelerate the allocation of completed homes, and prevent unlawful occupation.

“The project had a bit of challenges in relation to electricity connection. The city…has been ready to move in beneficiaries but according to our policy, we need to move you in when there is electricity connectivity and water. 

“It’s a mixed development use which will ultimately be accommodating close to 2400…including social housing, first home financing. We have done a demonstration with about eight families,” the Minister said.

She added: “We have had good work from our contractor who’s still on site, continuing with all the blocks.

“We hope these homes bring comfort, joy, dignity and security of tenure.” 

Speaking to the beneficiaries, Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements Tasneem Motara sent appreciation to them for having been patient.

“I really want to thank all beneficiaries for being patient. Of all the projects we have in the province, Jabulani Parcel K is the one I get asked about every single week. 

“But we said we are going to electrify so that you can take occupation. It has not been easy but…it’s a long process from planning to building and allocation. Beneficiaries of Human Settlements are very special; they are very patient…but today you have your house.

“You are not allowed to rent these houses to other people. If we find somebody in the house that is not the beneficiary, we are going to take them out, we will allocate the house, and you will not have a home. These houses are…supposed to make you a homeowner.” 

“You are [also] not allowed to sell your house, it is illegal,” Motara said. – SAnews.gov.za