Category: South Africa Government

Government’s Milestones of Democracy campaign moved to the Eastern Cape on Tuesday, with communities called on to work together to end gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

The Eastern Cape leg started with wreath-laying in honour of Sarah Baartman in Hankey.

Speaking at the wreath-laying ceremony, Eastern Cape MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism Nonkgubeka Pieters called on men, government, communities, traditional leaders, church leaders and others to join hands in the fight against gender-based violence.

“What happened to Sarah Baartman is the same thing that is happening to women today. Sarah Baartman was humiliated as a black woman because they did not see her as a human being.

“Some men do not see women as human beings, but see them as objects. That is why it is so easy for them to kill a woman,” Pieters said.

This must come to an end, she said, adding that men must do the right thing and protect women and children and end this scourge.

“We are here to celebrate 70 years of the Women’s March. Women did not march to be abused; they marched to be free,” she said.

The Milestones of Freedom campaign is a year-long programme held under the theme: “Honouring the Past. Delivering the Future”.

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) is rolling out the Milestones of Freedom campaign to provinces, following its national launch by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 18 June 2026.

The campaign seeks to promote social cohesion, inspire national pride and encourage reflection on South Africa’s democratic journey by highlighting key milestones the country is commemorating this year.

These include the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Youth Uprising, the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March against pass laws, and the 60th anniversary of the forced removals from District Six.

Last week, the campaign was held in KwaZulu-Natal under the leadership of Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong.

Pieters emphasised the need to change the future so that generations to come do not feel what was felt under the oppressive regime.

“If we talk of freedom and human rights, we are talking of women’s rights – women have human rights as citizens of this country, women must be treated with respect.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

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South Africa is preparing to welcome leaders, ministers, diplomats and other delegates from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to Durban, with authorities calling on residents to showcase the warmth and hospitality for which the country is known.

The city is set to host the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit later this week, bringing together 12 Heads of State and Government for one of the region’s major gatherings.

While extensive security preparations are under way for the summit, National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said the event was also an opportunity for South Africans to demonstrate the country’s welcoming spirit.

“We want our visitors to experience the best of South Africa,” Mosikili said during a media briefing in Durban on Tuesday.

She appealed particularly to the people of Durban to welcome visitors from neighbouring SADC countries with “warmth, hospitality and Ubuntu”.

The message comes as delegations begin arriving in the country ahead of the main summit, with Ministers and other high-level representatives expected from Wednesday.

Heads of State and Government are expected later in the week.

Mosikili said the regional gathering presented South Africa with an opportunity to demonstrate not only its ability to host a major international event, but also the character and hospitality of its people.

“This is an important regional gathering,” she said.

Durban has been declared stable, secure and ready to host the summit, according to NATJOINTS, with preparations extending beyond the main venue at the Durban International Convention Centre.

Security plans cover venues, accommodation facilities, transport routes, public spaces and side events, with authorities also taking into consideration rugby and soccer matches taking place during the summit period.

Temporary road closures are expected when Heads of State are transported between venues, and motorists have been urged to cooperate with law enforcement and plan their journeys accordingly.

Authorities have also asked members of the public to take precautions when travelling to Durban because of current cold weather conditions and to monitor advisories from the South African Weather Service.

Despite the logistical and security requirements surrounding the summit, NATJOINTS said Durban residents should continue with their daily lives while cooperating with security personnel and following official traffic and security instructions.

The emphasis on hospitality is intended to complement the extensive preparations already under way to ensure the safety of visiting leaders and delegates.

Mosikili said South Africa was ready to welcome its SADC neighbours and that NATJOINTS was ready to ensure the summit was safe and successful. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Organisers and participants of planned marches and demonstrations in Durban during the SADC Summit have been warned that while peaceful protest is protected, criminality, intimidation and attempts to disrupt the international gathering will not be tolerated.

National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said on Tuesday that authorities were aware of a number of planned demonstrations during the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit.

Speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday, she acknowledged that most marches held across South Africa in recent months had been peaceful but a small number had involved criminality and lawlessness.

Mosikili urged protesters to exercise their constitutional rights responsibly and comply with the law and conditions governing their demonstrations.

“You have a right to protest peacefully and lawfully,” she said. “You do not have a right to commit criminal acts, intimidate others, damage property or disrupt a major international event.”

The warning comes as Durban prepares to host 12 Heads of State and Government for the 46th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community.

NATJOINTS has deployed specialised units and what it describes as maximum available resources as part of the security operation, including public order policing, intelligence, crime prevention and traffic management.

Mosikili said the security forces would respond “decisively, proportionately and within the law” to threats to public safety and security.

She said disruption of the summit would not be permitted.

“Anyone who crosses the line from lawful protest into criminality or threatens the safety and security of others will face the consequences of the law,” she said.

A Zimbabwean foreign national was arrested after allegedly attempting to obtain accreditation for the summit while presenting himself as a performing artist.

According to Mosikili, the individual claimed that his documentation and supporting documents had been stolen but was unable to produce valid documentation while trying to secure accreditation as an artist for the event.

The incident prompted a further warning from authorities that access to the summit would be tightly controlled. “No accreditation, no access,” Mosikili said.

NATJOINTS warned that accreditation issued to one person cannot be exchanged, lent, borrowed or shared with another individual.

Anyone found doing so will be removed from the controlled area and could face legal action. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The 46th Ordinary SADC Summit is expected to take place under what the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has described as a comprehensive, intelligence-led security plan.

NATJOINTS chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said on Tuesday authorities have deployed the maximum available resources to ensure the safety of the 12 Heads of State and Government expected to attend the regional gathering.

Extensive security preparations are already in place at the Durban International Convention Centre with intelligence structures monitoring the security environment ahead of the arrival of Ministers, senior delegations and Heads of State.

The security operation began on 3 August, covering build-up meetings, side events and other activities linked to the summit.

Mosikili said no security incidents or disruptions had been reported in connection with those activities so far.

“We have planned extensively for this Summit, and we are not leaving anything to chance,” Mosikili said during a media briefing in Durban.

The operation extends beyond the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), where the main summit will be held. NATJOINTS said its plans cover venues, accommodation facilities, transport routes, public spaces and side events.

Mosikili said specialised capabilities – including intelligence, crime prevention, public order policing and traffic management – had been incorporated into the security plan, with all relevant law enforcement and security agencies working together under the NATJOINTS framework.

The approach, she said, was proactive, with authorities identifying and assessing potential threats before putting measures in place to prevent them from materialising.

Temporary road closures are expected when the Heads of State are transported between venues. Members of the public have been urged to cooperate with law enforcement and plan their journeys around possible traffic disruptions.

NATJOINTS also appealed to motorists travelling to Durban to exercise caution because of the current cold weather conditions and to monitor advisories issued by the South African Weather Service.

Despite the extensive security measures, Mosikili said Durban remained stable and ready to host the summit.

She also called on residents to extend South Africa’s traditional hospitality to delegates arriving from across the SADC region.

“This is an important regional gathering,” she said, adding that South Africa had an opportunity to demonstrate both its ability to host a major international event and the warmth of its people,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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South Africans are urged to have their voices heard on approved pieces of legislation related to illegal mining, the legal fraternity, the administration of trusts and incitement to commit offences.

At a media briefing on Tuesday, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi briefed South Africans on the General (Mining) Laws Amendment Bill 2026, the Legal Practice Amendment Bill 2026 and the Regulation of Trusts Bill and the Conspiracy, Instigation and Incitement to Commit Offence Bill 2026.

The first three have been released for public comment while the Conspiracy, Instigation and Incitement to Commit Offence Bill 2026 will now go to Parliament for processing and adoption.

Regarding the General (Mining) Laws Amendment Bill, Kubayi emphasised that the bill is not aimed at penalising artisanal miners who have permits but is aimed at cracking down on those who mine illegally, known as Zama Zamas.

“This Bill seeks to address the challenges that South Africa is experiencing in relation to illicit mining in that, while illicit mining is prohibited, illicit mining and the activities related to illicit mining, are not criminal offences.

“Illicit mining has negative effects on communities in and around mining towns, damages the infrastructure of affected areas such as underground water pipes which then affects water security and poses a serious threat to the safety and security of the affected communities, in many instances where we saw Sink holes,” she said.

The Minister noted that illicit mining has been linked to cases of “kidnapping, human trafficking, child labour and forced labour” with illegal mining gangs involved in “violent crimes associated with illegal firearms, rape, murder, intimidation, house breaking, theft, assault and corruption in nearby communities”.

“The Bill seeks to amend various pieces of legislation, with the view to amend provisions dealing with offences and penalties and to provide for matters connected therewith.

“These pieces of legislation are the Criminal Procedure Act, of 1977, the Diamonds Act, of 1986, the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, of 2002 and the Precious Metals Act, of 2005,” Kubayi added.

Amendments include:

Clause 1 of the Bill amends Schedule 1 to the CPA, by proposing the insertion of the offences of illegal prospecting and mining activities and prohibition of assistance in committing illegal prospecting and mining activities.

Clause 2 of the Bill amends section 87 of the Diamonds Act, to increase the penalty for the contravention of the provisions of section 82(a) or (b) from a fine of R250 000 to a fine of R100 million and imprisonment of 30years (previously was 10 years). This clause further increases the penalties for the contravention of the provisions of section 82(c), 83(a) or 84(a) from a fine of not exceeding R100 000 to a fine of not exceeding R100 million and the period of imprisonment to 30 years (previously was 4 years).

Clause 7 of the Bill seeks to insert a new provision (section 91A) into the MPRDA in order to empower members of the South African Police Service to carry out compliance functions as contemplated in section 91 of the MPRDA, excluding the powers to conduct routine inspections in terms of section 92 of the Act, and to issue compliance notices in terms of section 93 of the Act.

The amendments to the Legal Practice Amendment Bill 2026 seek to, primarily, amend the Legal Practice Act of 2014.

“The Bill seeks to amend the various provisions in the Act in order to develop and enhance the skills of legal practitioners, to ensure access to the legal profession, to ensure access to justice broadly and to address certain practical challenges in the application of the Act.

“This has been called for by various practitioners in the sector,” Kubayi said.

The amendments include:

Clause 1 of the Bill seeks to amend section 6 of the Act which provides for the powers and functions of the South African Legal Practice Council (“the Council”). The Bill proposes the addition of two new subsections to section 6. The newly inserted subsection (6) adds a function of the Council to enable it to assess the reasonableness of fees and disbursements for non-litigious work, which cannot be determined by the taxing masters of courts of law or tribunals. In the previous dispensation, the provincial law societies had this power. The newly inserted subsection (7) exempts persons employed by the Council or its substructures from liability for damages for actions done in good faith.

Clause 2 of the Bill amends section 17(1) of the Act in order to allow for a decision of the Council to be passed in situations where there are less than 12 members of the Council present at the meeting.

Clause 3 of the Bill provides for the removal in section 22 of the limitation that only an annual appropriation can be made by the Legal Practitioners’ Fidelity Fund (“LPFF”), to allow for more than one appropriation.

A full list of proposed amendments to the bill are available at the department’s website.

Regulation of Trusts Bill

Minister Kubayi noted that the Trust Property Control Act of 1988 has not been amended in 38 years and the new bill seeks to “address specific areas of the law of trusts that were problematic and required legislative intervention at that time”.

“In the 38 years since its enactment, the Act has not been reviewed comprehensively. The socio-economic, legal and practical environment in which the South African trust operates has, on the other hand, changed significantly.

“The Bill seeks to, amongst others, address shortcomings in the current legislation that enable trustees to evade accountability, constrain the Master of the High Court in exercising effective oversight over trusts, do not provide adequate protection for beneficiaries; address the lack of transparency in the management and control of trust property, which increases the risk of trust structures being misused for money laundering and other criminal activities; and align the regulation of trusts with the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force [FATF] without imposing unnecessary regulatory burdens,” Kubayi said.

The amendments deal with, among others:

•    Protection of vulnerable persons: Accountability by trustees and transparency in the management and control of trust property

•    Strengthening oversight by the Master’s Office: Ensuring that compliance obligations imposed on trustees are proportionate to the objectives of the Bill

•    Offences and penalties: More on information on these can be found on the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development website.

The Conspiracy, Instigation and Incitement to Commit Offence Bill 2026 seeks to repeal the 70-year-old Riotous Assemblies Act of 1956 originally designed by the apartheid government to “combat riotous gatherings, publications and conduct engendering hostility between one population group and another”.

“The Act has been identified by the department as a piece of apartheid and colonial era legislation to be repealed or repealed and replaced.

“The Act also reminds the people of South Africa of the atrocities of the past which stand in the way of reconciliation in the country. Many provisions of the Act have been repealed, apart from the preamble and sections 16, 17 and 18 of the Act,” Kubayi highlighted.

The bill deals with the following:

Clause 1 defines a serious offence as those offences identified in the Schedule to the Bill in respect of which a period of imprisonment exceeding six months may be imposed. The clause further makes provision for the offence of conspiring with another person to commit an offence and for the offence of instigating and inciting another person to commit a serious offence.

Clause 2 repeals the Act based on the reasons provided in the discussion above.

Clause 3 of the Bill provides for the short title and commencement.

Stakeholders, including civil society, business, labour, and members of the public are urged to participate in the commentary process and provide inputs to “strengthen these important pieces of legislation”.

“Regularly reviewing and changing legislation ensures that laws remain fair, useful, and ensures equality before the law. It allows governments to fix outdated rules, adapt to new technology, and respond to changing social and political values.

“Without updates, laws can become inefficient, fail to protect citizens, or create legal confusion,” Kubayi concluded.

The full documents of the Bills are available at the department’s website at https://justice.gov.za/index.html and the closing date for submissions is 11 September 2026. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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As part of ongoing reforms to modernise South Africa’s national payment system, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is in the process of withdrawing its recognition of the Payments Association of South Africa (PASA) as a payment system management body.

“The change is aimed at ensuring that South Africa’s payment system remains safe, efficient, innovative and responsive to the needs of all users. The transition will not affect the ability of consumers and businesses to make or receive payments,” the SARB said on Tuesday.

Everyday payment services, including card payments, electronic transfers, debit orders and automated teller machine (ATM) withdrawals, will continue to operate as normal.

From 11 August 2026, some of PASA’s functions, affected employees and intellectual property will be transferred to the SARB.

The transfer of the remaining functions and employees, including those moving to PayInc, will be concluded on 2 September 2026.

PASA will continue to fulfil its current duties during the transition period and will work with the SARB, PayInc and other affected stakeholders to support an orderly and effective transfer.

Stakeholders will continue to have opportunities to engage with the SARB on payment system matters through established consultation and engagement processes. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa’s official unemployment rate has increased by 0.9 percentage point from 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026 to 33.6% in the second quarter of 2026.

This is according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Tuesday.

“There was an increase of 345 000 in the number of unemployed persons to 8.5 million, while there was a decrease of 16 000 in the number of employed persons to 16.7 million compared with the first quarter of 2026. This resulted in an increase of 329 000 (or 1.3%) in the labour force during the same period.

“The above changes in employment and unemployment resulted in the official unemployment rate (Labour Underutilisation (LU1)) increasing by 0.9 percentage point from 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026 to 33.6% in the second quarter of 2026,” Stats SA said.

The increases in industry employment were mainly recorded in Trade (70 000), Construction (39 000) and Finance (11 000). The largest decreases in employment were recorded in Community and social service (57 000), Mining (26 000), Agriculture and Manufacturing (15 000 each).

The number of persons employed in the formal sector and household sector decreased by 41 000 and 9 000, respectively, in the second quarter of 2026, and in the informal sector increased by 34 000 over the same period.

Mpumalanga (41 000), Eastern Cape (13 000) and Free State (9 000) were provinces that observed the highest increases in employment. Decreases in employment were recorded in Western Cape (48 000), Gauteng (22 000) and North West (15 000).

Discouraged job-seekers decreased by 227 000 to 3.7 million, other available job-seekers decreased by 49 000 to 861 000, and unavailable job-seekers decreased by 4 000 to 44 000, resulting in a net decrease of 280 000 to 4.6 million in the potential labour force (i.e. available persons but not seeking or unavailable but seeking).

Those outside the labour force for other reasons increased by 72 000 to 12.5 million.

Persons outside the labour force, which is the total of those in the potential labour force and others outside the labour force, decreased by 208 000 to 17.1 million in the second quarter of 2026.

“The results for the second quarter of 2026 show that the total number of unemployed youth (15-34 years) increased by 264 000 to 5,0 million compared with quarter one of 2026, while employed youth recorded a decrease of 40 000 to 5,6 million. As a result, the youth unemployment rate increased by 1.5 percentage points to 47.4% in the second quarter of 2026,” Stats SA said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Police have made a breakthrough in the investigation into the killing of two Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS) Anti-Gang Unit members and two civilian women, following the recovery of two SAPS R5 rifles in Germiston.

A person of interest has been taken in for questioning after the two firearms were recovered at the KwaDukathole Informal Settlement in Germiston on Sunday, 9 August 2026.

The breakthrough follows a weekend-long tracing operation conducted by a multi-disciplinary team comprising the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), Gauteng Crime Intelligence Tactical and Special Operations, the Provincial Tracking Team, Tactical Response Team and Anti-Gang Unit.

“The multi-disciplinary team engaged in a tracing operation of suspects allegedly involved in the murder of two Gauteng SAPS Anti-Gang Unit members, Constables Tlomatsana and Sibeko, as well as two civilian females, who are community members,” police said in a statement.

Acting National Head Lieutenant General Sphesihle Nkosi conveyed his condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the slain officers, saying the arrest and recovery of the firearms demonstrated SAPS’s determination to pursue those who target police officers and communities.

According to police, the person taken in for questioning is a known gangster, who was out on bail and had several outstanding cases before the courts, including two counts of murder, two of attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

The investigation into the killings remains ongoing, with police continuing to pursue all those allegedly involved.

“SAPS and the DPCI remain committed to dismantling criminal networks, removing illegal firearms from communities and ensuring that those who attack police officers are brought to justice. The investigation is continuing and we are not ruling out the possibility of more arrests,” police said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has, on behalf of the provincial government and residents, passed his condolences to the family of former MEC Mzikayifani Elias “Mzi” Khumalo, who passed away on Monday.

Khumalo served as the province’s MEC responsible for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), e-Government, Research and Development.

“On behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Government, I extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Khumalo family, his colleagues, friends and all those who knew and worked with him.

“We hope that, in this difficult time, you will find comfort in knowing that his life had meaning; that his service mattered and that he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to live on in the people and institutions he served,” Lesufi said.

At the time of his passing, Khumalo was serving as Chairperson of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on COGTA.

“He served the people of this province selflessly. He understood that public service is about listening to people’s concerns, responding to their needs and working to build communities in which people can live with dignity and hope.

“It is therefore particularly touching that Mzi’s passing comes on the eve of the Local Government Elections. He would have continued playing an important role in the oversight of the province’s municipalities as they prepared for a new local government term.

“His absence will be deeply felt in the work of ensuring that municipalities remain accountable, responsive and focused on delivering services to the communities they serve,” the Premier said.

Acting Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Vuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela, added that Khumalo’s death leaves a “profound void” in the Legislature.

“As Chairperson of the COGTA Portfolio Committee, he approached his responsibilities with seriousness, discipline and a deep understanding of the challenges facing municipalities. He was never afraid to ask difficult questions, demand accountability and ensure that communities remained at the centre of our oversight work.

“His passing is a loss to this Legislature and to the democratic institutions and communities to which he dedicated his life. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, comrades and colleagues,” Mhlakaza-Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za

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From conducting investigations and placing victims at the centre of the policing response to pursuing justice and holding perpetrators accountable, Constable Malearongwa Mokoena has demonstrated that effective policing is not only about enforcing the law, but also about serving people with integrity, dignity and purpose.

The 28-year-old constable works for the South African Police Service (SAPS) as an investigator attached to the Welkom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.

Through her work, she has contributed to putting perpetrators of crimes against women and children behind bars.

As part of Women’s Month celebrations, the SAPS is paying tribute to its women in blue who are helping to shape a safer, more responsive and professional police service through its national campaign, “Women Leading the Reset Agenda.”

The campaign shines a light on the courage, resilience, dedication and professionalism of female police officers who serve on the front line of protecting women, children and other vulnerable members of society.

Their work reflects the values at the heart of the SAPS Reset Agenda — ethical leadership, accountability, professionalism and service excellence.

Through the campaign, SAPS is profiling exceptional women whose leadership, compassion and commitment are making a meaningful impact on communities and strengthening public confidence in policing.

Born and raised in QwaQwa in the Free State, Mokoena’s policing career began in 2019 at the SAPS Academy in Graaff-Reinet.

After completing the foundational phase of the Basic Police Development Learning Programme in 2020, Mokoena was placed at the Phuthaditjhaba Police Station.

The SAPS said the constable is a true testament to the phrase, “many are called, but only a few are chosen.”

This became evident when she was the only member of her group to be placed at the Welkom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.

At the time, Mokoena had never envisaged joining the FCS Unit, believing she would become too emotionally involved in investigating cases involving crimes against women, children and other vulnerable people.

“Constable Mokoena then decided to place her trust in God to lead her along the way. A recent success in court includes the sentencing of a 34-year-old stepfather to life imprisonment for repeatedly raping his minor stepdaughter between 2017 and 2018. The abuse continued over a period of time, with the perpetrator using threats to silence the victim,” the SAPS said.

The perpetrator threatened to evict the victim and her mother from his home if she disclosed what had happened.

“Despite these threats, the victim found the courage to break her silence and report the abuse, resulting in the opening of a rape case.

“Constable Mokoena’s tireless efforts led to a solid case being presented in court, and on 29 May 2029, the Bothaville Regional Court sentenced the accused to life imprisonment on two counts of rape,” the SAPS said.

While pursuing a Police Science degree, Constable Mokoena encourages victims to speak up and give police the opportunity to investigate their cases so that perpetrators are brought to book.

“Being an FCS investigator is more than just an investigative job. Through my meticulous investigations, perpetrators are brought to book, and victims of sexual offences reclaim their power back,” said Mokoena. – SAnews.gov.za

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