Category: South Africa Government

Correctional Services Deputy Minister Lindiwe Ntshalintshali says the opening of the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy at Drakenstein Correctional Facility is both a historic milestone and a powerful reminder of the country’s journey since 11 February 1990.

Ntshalintshali spoke to SAnews on Wednesday following the official opening of the academy by President Cyril Ramaphosa. She described the day as deeply significant for the Department of Correctional Services and the nation.

“Today, we started at the Mandela Museum House, where [Mandela] was [taken to] before his actual release, and we walked down memory lane, and our current President was part of the team of the release committee, which was negotiating with Madiba preparing for his final release,” Ntshalintshali said.

She said being at the historic house was a moving experience, particularly witnessing President Ramaphosa reflect on his own role during the negotiations that preceded Madiba’s release.

READ | New Nelson Mandela Rules Academy signals shift toward humanised corrections

“… This day, 11 February, is very significant,” she said of the day when President Nelson Mandela was released from prison.

Ntshalintshali welcomed the President’s emphasis on preserving the site as a living heritage space to make sure that the heritage site is kept alive and it attracts people, who will in turn learn a great deal about the country’s history.

Following the visit to the museum house, the delegation proceeded to the correctional facility, where a plaque was unveiled and the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy was officially opened. 

Ntshalintshali said it was an honour for the Department of Correctional Services to play its part in the preservation of South Africa’s history. She said the President’s acknowledgement of correctional officials’ work under challenging and often dangerous conditions was particularly meaningful.

Reflecting on the symbolic weight of the day, Ntshalintshali said the President’s remarks during the formal launch took those in attendance  on a journey from 1990 to the present. 

“… [The past] 36 years… have changed South Africa drastically,” she said, reflecting on how the social and economic landscape has changed.

Ntshalintshali used the occasion to call on South Africans not to forget the sacrifices that shaped the country’s democracy.

“I’m calling on all South Africans to say, ‘You dare not fail’ (sic). We are a product of a struggle. Never forget where you come from and never forget what shaped and moulded you,” she said.

Turning to the role of Correctional Services, Ntshalintshali stressed that incarceration should never mean abandonment.

She said the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy will be pivotal in demonstrating the power of second chances. She appealed to families and communities to embrace rehabilitation and reintegration.

“Correctional Services is about community corrections, and corrections is a societal matter. Once [inmates] have served their time, they must be rehabilitated and reintegrated [into] their communities,” she said.

Ntshalintshali highlighted that much of the work showcased at the academy – from tiling and electrical work, to landscaping and furniture-making – was completed by inmates under the guidance of departmental artisans.

“We are proud to say we are rehabilitating our people… We’re saying everybody has a second chance in life,” she told SAnews.

The Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy is expected to strengthen training and rehabilitation efforts within Correctional Services, anchored in the values of dignity, restoration and second chances that defined Madiba’s legacy. – SAnews.gov.za

Exactly 36 years after President Nelson Mandela walked out of prison and into the pages of history, President Cyril Ramaphosa returned to the very grounds where that decisive moment unfolded, reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to justice anchored in human dignity.

Before the formalities began on Wednesday morning at Drakenstein Correctional Facility — where President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy — the First Citizen made a deeply personal pilgrimage to the Madiba House, the residence that housed Nelson Mandela during the final years of his imprisonment. 

It was here, on the grounds formerly known as Victor Verster Prison, that the world waited with bated breath for a man whose freedom would signal the dawn of democracy.

Standing within the same gates where the eyes of the world once converged, President Ramaphosa reflected on the anticipation, fear and hope that defined that moment.

“Leading up to this release, we were all in a moment of great excitement that our struggle was reaching a point of inflection, and with the release of the prisoners, we knew that a new era was opening up, a new opportunity was coming about, which would enable us to launch even much more positive and powerful phases of the struggle,” the President said. 

Later in the morning, the President officially opened the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy — the first of its kind on the African continent. He described the moment as both deeply personal and nationally significant.

“Thirty-six years ago – almost to the day – the eyes of the world were fixed on the gates just beyond where we stand now. They were waiting for the moment one man would walk out of the gates of history, and into legend.

“At around four-fifteen pm local time, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, with Winnie Madikizela-Mandela beside him, walked out of the gates into the massive crowd that had gathered to greet him,” the President said during his speech. 

For President Ramaphosa, the memory is not distant history — it is lived experience. He spoke candidly of both inspiration and fear.

“This is a historic moment. It’s very moving for me, having been here to watch history unfolding. It was watching a legend move out of this place that had incarcerated him and kept him, and like a bird, Madiba could not be caged. He had to fly out,” he said. 

He also shared the lesser-known anxiety that accompanied that moment of triumph — the fear for Mandela’s safety.

“The only trepidation that I had, together with others, was his safety, because we knew that we didn’t want him to be under the safety protection of the apartheid regime. We feared that they would kill him… and so we wanted to have a separation with regards to the safety of this man, who was going to lead the nation,” the President said. 

In a remarkable recollection, the President revealed that he and Reverend Mkhatshwa even travelled to Sweden for training on how to protect President Mandela – a reflection of the uncertainty and responsibility that rested on young shoulders at the time.

“For us, that was a moment of great fear… But ahead of that, Reverend Mkhatshwa and I had gone to Sweden to be trained as people who could protect Nelson Mandela… They helped to prepare us how we would look after him,” the President said while laughing. 

For the President, that day remains profoundly personal.

“To have been there beside the father of our nation as he took his first steps as a free man, remains one of the greatest honours of my life. Few moments have marked me more than being witness – at close quarters, to the day that lit the path toward the birth of a new South Africa.”

Now, three and a half decades later, the President said Drakenstein once again stands at the centre of transformation.

“Today, the Drakenstein Correctional Facility once again stands at the threshold of a new chapter in our country’s history,” he said. 

The Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy, he said, is more than brick and mortar.

“This is not merely a building, but a story. You are welcomed by striking artwork depicting Madiba’s art created by offenders themselves. This is not incidental. It is deeply symbolic. It reflects the very essence of rehabilitation. It is about unlocking human potential, creativity and self-worth,” the President said. 

He said it is a story rooted in dignity, in second chances, and in the belief that justice must be anchored in humanity. Having endured 27 years in prison, Madiba’s life embodied the principle that even those behind bars retain their inherent dignity.

“Madiba believed that offenders are deserving of dignity, respect and humane treatment, and that justice is not measured by how harshly we punish, but by how faithfully we uphold human dignity, even in the most difficult circumstances,” he said. 

The President confronted the national frustration over crime, acknowledging the temptation toward harsh retribution.

“We cannot talk about overcoming crime in South Africa without having a frank, honest conversation about the rehabilitation of offenders, their re-integration into society, and prevention of re-offending.  

“Our people are fed up with crime, and at most times are inclined to the ‘lock the door and throw away the key’ mentality when it comes to offenders. Yet, this will not serve us in the long term as a country,” the President said. 

He painted a sobering picture of the cycle of re-offending and the stigma ex-offenders face, including unemployment, untreated mental health challenges, broken trust, gang pressures and social isolation.

“Facing social stigma, an unwelcoming environment and social isolation, far too many return to a life of crime.”

The Academy, President Ramaphosa declared, seeks to change that trajectory.

“The Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy is determined to break this cycle,” he said. 

As sunlight filtered across the grounds where Madiba once walked to freedom, the symbolism was unmistakable. From incarceration to liberation. From punishment to rehabilitation. From history to living legacy.

“This facility symbolises the humanisation of corrections, the elevation of dignity, and the global pursuit of justice rooted in humanity,” he said. 

In conclusion, the President paid tribute to the men and women of the Department of Correctional Services, who perform one of the most demanding and often unrecognised duties in the public service. 

“Your commitment affirms that even in the most difficult circumstances, our correctional system remains anchored in humanity, professionalism and service to the nation.

“May this academy stand as a living tribute to Nelson Mandela’s legacy. May it shape generations of correctional practitioners committed to dignity and reform,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa says while many South Africans believe the country is turning the corner, government remains mindful of the “huge problems” that still need urgent attention.

Speaking at the Drakenstein Correctional Facility ahead of the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), the President reflected on the national mood and the tone South Africans can expect when he addresses the Joint Sitting of Parliament on Thursday evening.

Responding to a question on whether the “ship is turning” and if optimism would define his message, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the growing sentiment that the country is on an upward trajectory.

“…Many people do say that we are turning the corner. We’ve turned the corner, and things are beginning to look a lot better, but…. there are still huge problems that we have to deal with,” he said on Wednesday.

The President noted that the past decade has been particularly challenging for the country and its people. 

“The past… 10 years or so have been very difficult, and our people have gone through great challenges and great difficulties. We need to reflect on all of that, but we also need to reflect on what the future portends because this moment gives us an opportunity to look back, look at the present and look forward,” he said.

His remarks suggest that SONA 2026 will balance sober reflection with cautious hope, acknowledging progress while confronting persistent structural challenges.

When asked what would keep him up on the eve of the Address, the President struck a confident and light-hearted tone.

“Tonight, I’m going to have a very, very deep sleep, and I’m not going to be up. I want to be ready to deliver the speech. The speech is done and dusted,” he said.

President Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 12 February, deliver the State of the Nation Address to a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) at Cape Town City Hall.

The State of the Nation Address is an annual overview delivered by the President to mobilise all sectors of society to secure ongoing development in the country. The Joint Sitting provides an opportunity for the President to reflect on progress made, highlight key achievements, flag challenges, and outline government’s policy direction and programme of action for the year ahead.

During SONA 2026, President Ramaphosa is expected to outline interventions for the coming financial year, deliberating on South Africa’s domestic priorities, as well as the country’s continental and international relations.

The State of the Nation Address remains an important national milestone, reinforcing the strength and resilience of South Africa’s constitutional democratic system.

The Address will take place at 19h00 at Cape Town City Hall in the Western Cape. – SAnews.gov.za

The Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) has facilitated nearly 295 000 earning opportunities for youth during the third quarter of this financial year.

This according to Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli who released the PYEI 2025/26 third quarter results in Cape Town on Wednesday.

The results cover the time span between October and December last year and show, amongst others, that:

• Some 294 530 earning opportunity were secured
• Over 11 000 work experience opportunities were created through partnerships with higher learning institutions and the private sector
• More than 6 700 enterprise opportunities were provided to support youth entrepreneurship through the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)

“Furthermore, our revitalised National Youth Service…continues to expand with 132 784 young people having been placed in paid service opportunities to date.

“These achievements show that the PYEI is not only growing in scale but also in length, diversity and sustainability of opportunities,” Mhlauli said.

She emphasised that the quarter’s most important milestone is the “continued success” of the Jobs Boost Fund.

The fund – which is in its pilot phase this financial year – is aimed at delivering high-quality jobs for previously excluded youth by incentivising skills providers to deliver appropriate skills development and support job readiness programmes and interventions.

“Over 9 170 young people have enrolled into this particular programme. Which means we have been able to exceed our target for this financial year.

“Of the young people enrolled in this programme, 7 200 young people have already been placed into jobs,” she said.

Young people are encouraged to take up the opportunities presented on the zero rated sayouth.mobi site where opportunities are listed. 

“You will find all opportunities related to every and anything youth related. On [the site], you will find earning and learning opportunities, access to work experience and enterprise support. You will receive work readiness support and guidance.

“This platform is designed to ensure that no young person is excluded because of cost, location or lack of access to information,” the Deputy Minister said.

Since inception, the PYEI has reached more than 5 million young people with 2.36 million earning opportunities facilitated through SA Youth and an additional 402 515 opportunities through the labour department’s Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA).

“The PYEI is part of a broader national effort to remove structural barriers to job creation and economic participation. We are building a South Africa where young people participate in the economy with dignity, agency and hope.

“The progress report we present today is encouraging but our work is far from complete. Youth unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges that we face as a nation but through partnership, innovation and persistence we are steadily expanding pathways to earning for millions of our young South Africans,” Mhlauli concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Parliament is gearing up for one of the most significant events on South Africa’s democratic calendar as preparations gather pace for the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) – a sitting that coincides with the 30th anniversary of the country’s Constitution.

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane led a briefing outlining Parliament’s state of readiness for the landmark occasion.

SONA, a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly and the NCOP convened by the President in terms of Section 42(5) of the Constitution, will take place on Thursday, 12 February, at 19:00 at the Cape Town City Hall.

Describing the event as a defining moment in the democratic calendar, Didiza said SONA brings together the three arms of the state under one roof.

She emphasised that the address is more than ceremonial, as it is a key accountability platform.

Outlining Parliament’s preparations, Didiza said SONA provides President Cyril Ramaphosa with the opportunity to reflect on progress made and set out government’s priorities for the year ahead.

“He outlines priorities for the year ahead and presents government’s programme of action. These commitments become the benchmarks against which Parliament measures executive performance through community oversight, debates and legislative processes,” Didiza said.

About 490 Members of Parliament, including representatives of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), will be seated in the chamber, while invited guests will occupy the public gallery. Additional attendees will be accommodated in an overflow venue.

In line with Section 2 of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, City Hall has formally been designated a parliamentary precinct for the purposes of SONA, Didiza confirmed.

Following the President’s address, Parliament will shift into debate mode. A two-day Joint Debate involving members of both Houses is scheduled for 17 and 18 February, with the President’s reply set for 19 February, concluding this phase of the SONA programme.

“The debates and President’s response will be held in the Dome, which was handed over by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure last Friday,” Didiza said.

The 2026 address is expected to draw a wide range of distinguished guests, including former Presidents and Presiding Officers, members of the Judiciary, heads of institutions supporting democracy, traditional leaders, representatives of local government, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Reflecting on South Africa’s democratic journey

Beyond the policy agenda, SONA 2026 carries added historical weight. The address takes place in the year South Africa marks 30 years since the adoption of its Constitution in 1996.

Didiza said the milestone presents an opportunity for reflection and renewal.

The anniversary, she noted, invites South Africans to reflect on the country’s democratic journey and recommit to the constitutional values of dignity, equality, freedom and accountability that continue to guide government’s work.

She further highlighted that 16 June 2026 will mark 50 years since the Soweto Uprising – a pivotal chapter in the nation’s history that underscored the contribution of young people to South Africa’s democratisation.

Looking ahead, Didiza also pointed to Parliament’s global engagement, noting: “In September 2026, Parliament will host the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, an international gathering that reinforces South Africa’s role in advancing global parliamentary democracy.”  – SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has appointed Dr Gary Bauer to formally represent the wildlife sector on the Ministerial Task Team overseeing South Africa’s response to the current foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak.

Bauer brings crucial expertise at a time when the intersection between wildlife, livestock and disease control has never been more important.

“The wildlife sector must be fully integrated into our FMD Recovery Plan. Buffaloes are central to the epidemiology of this disease in Southern Africa. Any serious strategy to restore our status must account for that reality,” the Minister said on Wednesday.

African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) are the natural, asymptomatic reservoir hosts of all three Southern African Territories (SAT) serotypes of the FMD virus. 

They maintain and transmit the virus and remain the primary source of infection for livestock in Southern Africa. 

“Buffalo herds in red-line districts remain persistent carriers, and once a herd is infected, the virus cannot be eradicated from that herd.

“The implications are profound. South Africa has more than 3 200 registered disease-free buffalo farms, supporting tens of thousands of jobs in remote rural areas and contributing billions of rand annually to hunting, tourism, genetic sales and related services. The disease-free buffalo industry is, therefore, highly vulnerable to the current outbreaks,” the Ministry of Agriculture said.

Where infection occurs in a certified disease-free herd, current protocols require the complete culling of the herd. 

“In large reserves, spanning tens of thousands of hectares, with thousands of buffaloes, this is practically unworkable and poses enormous logistical, environmental and economic challenges.

“Other wildlife species such as warthog and kudu can act as intermediaries, while poor fencing, shared water points and intensive feeding practices increase transmission risk. 

“Targeted cattle vaccination around buffalo zones, strict biosecurity, and science-based movement control are, therefore, essential pillars of the national response,” the Ministry said.

The Minister’s strategy remains clear: South Africa will vaccinate the national herd in a phased, controlled and verifiable manner to regain FMD-free status with vaccination from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

The Ministerial Task Team forms part of the broader triangular structure established to drive recovery – the Department of Agriculture, the Technical and Scientific Task Team and the FMD Industry Coordination Council. This partnership ensures alignment between policy, veterinary science and operational execution.

“The stakes are extremely high. If we do not get this right, the consequences for both livestock and wildlife will be long-lasting. But if we stay disciplined, science-driven and united, we can restore our status and protect the entire value chain,” Steenhuisen said.

The task team is currently implementing a decisive, fact-driven blueprint focused on vaccination, regionalisation, traceability, surveillance and market re-entry readiness.

The Ministry said Dr Bauer’s appointment strengthens that effort and ensures that the wildlife industry’s expertise is fully integrated into South Africa’s National Disease Recovery Plan. – SAnews.gov.za

By Nomonde Mnukwa 
As South Africans prepare to listen and watch the State of the Nation Address (SoNa) on 12 February 2026 at 7pm, the country does so at a time marked by positive developments which include the strengthening of the rand, consecutive quarters of economic growth and having consistent power supply from Eskom.

Our immediate task now is to sustain these positive developments which are as a result of multistakeholder approach aimed at building an inclusive economy. One of the most significant indicators of renewed confidence has been reflected in our economy. South Africa’s sovereign credit rating upgrade from ‘BB-‘ to ‘BB’, the first in nearly two decades, signals sound financial policies, advanced structural reforms, and a more stable political environment. 

This development carries real benefits for the country and South Africans such as reduced borrowing costs, increased investor confidence and greater capacity for government to direct resources toward infrastructure and social development. This milestone stands as evidence that our reforms are beginning to deliver results.

Our progress is also reinforced by South Africa’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force greylist and the European Union’s list of High-Risk third-country jurisdictions. Achieved through enhanced oversight and tackling deficiencies, this outcome underscores a renewed national commitment to transparency, accountability, and the integrity of our financial system. It has fortified South Africa’s standing in global markets and reaffirmed our commitment to international standards of governance and compliance.

Moreover, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has been extended until the end of the year and will provide relief on South African products exported to the United States of America and also accelerate our nation’s economic outlook on the global front. AGOA restores certainty for exporters and investors alike through providing duty-free entry for more than 1800 South African products in the United States of America. 

By supporting key sectors such as the automotive, agriculture and manufacturing industries, AGOA not only protects jobs and enhances competitiveness, but also supports government’s broader efforts to advancing inclusive economic growth and development.

Our economy is also starting to show growth which has also been evident across broader financial indicators. A strengthening rand, easing inflationary pressures, and consecutive quarter of economic growth points to an economy that is gaining momentum. These gains reflect not only government intervention, but also the resilience and contribution of workers, businesses, and communities who continue to invest in South Africa’s future, even amidst global uncertainty.

Furthermore, one of our biggest contributors to South Africa’s growing economy, our tourism sector welcomed 10 498 506 international arrivals between January and December 2025, a 17.6 percent (1 579 136) increase compared to the 8,919,370 international arrivals of 2024, which is our highest on record to date. This surge reaffirms our status as a premier global destination and the beating heart of tourism on the African continent.

We are also making progress in stabilising electricity power supply and in this financial year we experienced 238 consecutive days without an interrupted power supply, with only 26 hours of loadshedding recorded in April and May 2025. Our Energy Availability Factor stood at 64.55 percent at the end of January 2026, reflecting on the progress of Eskom’s intensive maintenance, operational improvements, and strategic interventions. 

We have also classified Gender-Based Violence and Femicide as a national disaster to enable faster mobilisation of resources, strengthened coordination, and expanded support for survivors. These measures reflect a commitment to building a safer, more caring society.

As South Africans prepare for the State of the Nation Address, these developments offer renewed hope and provide motivation to continue building a better nation for everyone. Progress is possible when leadership, institutions, and citizens work together with shared purpose.  While challenges remain, the highlights of the past year point to a country steadily regaining momentum and moving forward with resolve, responsibility, and confidence in its collective future.

*Mnukwa is the Acting Director-General at the the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)

Visually impaired visitors will now be able to access and engage with coastal environmental information at the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve in Cape Town, following the unveiling of the first Braille informational beach signage.

“The signage we unveiled today features Braille, raised tactile text, and QR codes that provide audio descriptions and access to additional data and information,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Willie Aucamp said on Wednesday.

Addressing the unveiling ceremony, the Minister said the signage is moving from a philosophy of “look and  read” to one of “touch, listen, feel and experience.”

He announced that the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is in the process of revitalising the national coastal signage.

“This revitalization is about more than just fresh paint or new timber. It is about technological integration and, most importantly, it is about inclusivity. 

“I want our department to take this project out to all our Harbours. I want to be able to visit Mossel Bay and have all people have access to these spaces,” he said.

The department is collaborating with the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) on this project.

“I declare my department is absolutely ready to work with everyone to bring this to everyone. We are currently working on a Collaboration Framework that aligns our legislative mandate for integrated coastal management, to protect the coast, with WESSA’s century-long legacy of mobilising citizen action.

“The new content we are introducing is vibrant and engaging. We are telling the story of ‘Life on the Edge’. We are inviting the public – sighted and visually impaired alike – to meet the ‘Noisy Mother,’  the African Black Oystercatcher. We are teaching visitors how the White Sand Mussel ploughs through the wet sand, and how the Three-spot Swimming Crab navigates the turbulent surf.

“That is not only for people who can see or read. These stories create a connection, and connections foster care,” Aucamp said. – SAnews.gov.za