Government welcomes Chery SA investment

Source: Government of South Africa

Government welcomes Chery SA investment

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, has welcomed the announcement of an investment by Chery South Africa in the automotive sector. 

This investment comes at the back of an agreement signed between Chery SA and Nissan South Africa to acquire the assets in Nissan’s Pretoria facility.

It also coincides with ongoing engagements by the dtic with the industry to revamp the automotive policy and support measures

“The South African automotive sector remains a key anchor industry for manufacturing and job creation. This acquisition by Chery SA is subject to regulatory approvals; after which details on the investment will be shared with the public,” the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the ditic) said.

Chery SA has committed to continue working with the ditic during the implementation phase of the process.

According to Nissan, the company and Chery SA reached agreement on the acquisition of Nissan’s manufacturing assets in Rosslyn, South Africa.

Subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, including regulatory approvals, Chery SA will purchase the land, buildings and associated assets of the Nissan facilities, including its nearby stamping plant, in mid-2026.

The agreement will see the majority of associated Nissan employees offered employment by Chery SA on substantially similar terms and conditions.

Following the acquisition of the plant by Chery SA, Nissan will continue to offer vehicles and services to customers in South Africa, as before, with several new vehicle launches planned for fiscal year 2026 including the Nissan Tekton and Nissan Patrol.

“Through this agreement we’re able to secure employment for the majority of our workforce thereby also preserving opportunities for our supplier network. This move also ensures that the Rosslyn site will continue contributing to the South African automotive sector,” Nissan Africa President Jordi Vila said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Public warned against using transformer oil on the body

Source: Government of South Africa

Public warned against using transformer oil on the body

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment (DFFE) has urged the public to refrain from applying transformer oil or any other electrical equipment oil to the body or for any other non-industrial purpose.

Such oils may contain Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) – toxic chemicals that pose serious risks to human health and the environment.

PCBs are a group of man-made organic chemicals that were largely manufactured between 1929 and 1989 and widely used as coolants in oil containing electrical equipment such as electric transformers and capacitors, hydraulic systems, and other industrial applications. 

They were widely used in electrical equipment by energy intensive sectors such as mining, paper and pulp, power generation and distribution, and chemicals, among others.

During engagements with municipalities in 2024, the department noted dangerous misconceptions in some communities, including the belief that transformer oil can be used for treating conditions such as rheumatic arthritis. 

“This has led to requests being made to municipal officials for access to transformer oil – some of which can be contaminated with PCBs. 

“The DFFE strongly warns against this practice and calls on municipal officials to refrain from supplying transformer oil to members of the public,” the department said on Friday.

Although their production was banned in many countries decades ago due to their toxic effects on human health and the environment, PCBs remain a persistent threat especially in older equipment and contaminated sites.

“Studies have shown that PCBs have a potential to cause a variety of adverse effects on both human health and the environment. They are considered possible human carcinogens and are linked to various health issues including immune, reproductive, neurological, and endocrine system problems,” the department said.

In 2014, South Africa gazetted the Regulations to phase-out the use of PCBs and PCB contaminated materials (PCB Regulations). 

“The purpose of which is to prescribe requirements to phase out the use of PCB materials and PCB contaminated materials. 

“These regulations enabled the country to move towards the phasing out of PCB materials as sectors of relevance made strides and put efforts towards the phase out targets of the country,” the department said.

Currently, the country is implementing a project to support municipalities to eliminate the use of PCBs in their equipment. 

This is aimed at ensuring the country’s compliance to the 2025 deadline set by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). –SAnews.gov.za

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Government supports 9.2 million social grant beneficiaries

Source: Government of South Africa

Government supports 9.2 million social grant beneficiaries

Government continues to support vulnerable households by contributing to poverty alleviation and reducing inequality through the administration of social grants by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). 

These efforts are demonstrated by the disbursement of 9.2 million social grants to beneficiaries, providing a critical social safety net.

This is according to Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, who on Friday provided an update on government’s performance against the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024–2029 for the period April to September 2025.

The performance is measured against government’s priorities for the seventh administration that includes driving inclusive economic growth and job creation; reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living; and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. 

During this period 452 302 individuals benefitted from food and nutrition programmes, showing momentum in government’s intervention to increase access to nutritious food to all vulnerable individuals.

“Poverty and inequality remain structural challenges, and are compounded by slow growth, energy constraints, and global economic pressures. Social protection continues to play a critical stabilising role for vulnerable households,” the Minister said.

She noted that the rapid gains in poverty reduction achieved before the year 2011 have not yet been fully recovered.

“The rising administered prices and food costs continue to place pressure on household incomes. South Africa’s inequality remains high, with a Gini coefficient of approximately 0.63.

“High unemployment continues to undermine poverty reduction efforts, while challenges persist in grant payment systems, and resourcing for gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) interventions,” the Minister said.

A total of 120 935 victims of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) received psycho-social services, as part of government’s efforts to implement the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, and expand victim support services such as the Thuthuzela Centres, and GBV Desks and Victim Friendly Facilities in police stations.

Education and Early Childhood Development 

The Education and Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector exceeded its 2025 target of 10 000 ECD centres, in addition to the18 000 that are already registered.

The Minister indicated that 1.3 million children are enrolled in ECD programmes.

She said 97% of Sanitation Appropriate For Education (SAFE) projects are completed while expressing concern for the decline in mathematics enrolment in schools.

Ramokgopa called for an acceleration in the elimination of pit latrines and modernisation of school sanitation.

“Expand teacher training and resourcing for mathematics and science. Scale up subsidised ECD access and maintenance funding to provinces. Strengthen disability support units across ordinary schools,” the Minister recommended.

In the reporting period, HIV viral suppression stood at 96%.

“TB treatment success improved to 76.8%, while there has been progress on National Health Insurance (NHI) governance structures despite litigation. Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) coverage is at 79%, short of the 85% target,” the Minister said.

Human Settlements

The Minister stressed that bulk infrastructure in metros and secondary cities should accelerate housing delivery.

This as 7 028 housing units were delivered, only meeting 27% of the MTDP target.

A total of 12 623 serviced sites were completed during the reporting period (against an annual target of 62 800).

“Fast track title deed restoration with digital cadastre integration. Strengthen municipal planning capacity for informal settlement upgrading. [Lastly] enhance coordination between the Departments of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, and Transport, and Eskom for integrated urban development,” the Minister said.

A total of 8 014 title deeds were issued during the reporting period against an annual target of 16 000.

“Overall, our analysis indicates that government is making steady progress in several priority areas, particularly where coordination across government has improved, and where clear performance indicators are in place.

“At the same time, we have observed that progress tends to be hampered by several challenges that include capacity constraints, delayed implementation, and uneven performance across sectors and regions.

“The MTDP is government’s blueprint for driving change and improving the lives of our people. While progress has been made, we are clear that more must be done, with urgency, discipline and focus,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Economic recovery continues to improve steadily

Source: Government of South Africa

Economic recovery continues to improve steadily

While government’s efforts to support economic recovery are gaining momentum, more need to be done to significantly reduce unemployment.

This is according to the Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa.

“South Africa is making progress, but more must be done to ensure economic recovery translates into jobs, income, and improved well-being for all,” the Minister said on Friday in Pretoria.

She was providing an update on government’s performance against the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024–2029 for the period April to September 2025, which measures performance against government’s priorities  for the seventh administration.

They include driving inclusive economic growth and job creation; reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living; and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

Government has achieved a primary budget surplus, signalling its commitment to fiscal discipline. 

In addition, Operation Vulindlela has played a critical role in removing structural constraints to economic growth. 

“During the reporting period, progress has been reported in energy reforms, logistics and water infrastructure coordination. This has contributed to improved system performance and greater private-sector investment confidence,” Ramokgopa said.

She noted that South Africa recorded 0.8% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, the strongest quarterly performance since 2022, despite global economic volatility. 

“The unemployment rate declined by 1.3 percentage points to 31.9%, with 248 000 jobs added in the third quarter (Q3) 2025. However, youth unemployment remains extremely high at 58.5%, signalling deep structural labour market challenges. 

“Poverty and inequality remain entrenched, with a Gini coefficient of 0.63. South Africa is making progress, but more must be done to ensure economic recovery translates into jobs, income, and improved well-being for all,” the Minister said.

South Africa’s exits from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list after successfully implementing key reforms to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism has improved investor confidence.

Ramokgopa highlighted key sectors that continue to show progress. 

These include R44.2 billion in new investments that were secured across sector masterplans, the automotive sector saw launch of BMW X3 Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicle, backed by a R4.2 billion investment and battery minerals pipeline is valued at R40 billion.

In the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) and informal economy, 45 105 jobs were created, and 41 753 were sustained through MSME programmes.

“In tourism, international arrivals increased to 7.6 million between January and September 2025. Tourism visa reforms are underway through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system

“In terms of energy security, more than 175 consecutive days without load shedding were recorded in the reporting period. The Energy Availability Factor improved to 63.29%, reaching 70% on several days,” she said.

Infrastructure

Government has set aside R1.03 trillion for public infrastructure over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

The Minister emphasised that infrastructure investment remains a key lever for inclusive growth in the country.

“The Infrastructure Fund has approved 26 blended finance projects worth R101.6 billion. The Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) approved 10 major projects worth R37.1 billion for implementation.

“Despite this momentum, delays persist due to municipal capacity constraints, procurement inefficiencies, and inadequate project preparation.

“High municipal debt levels (94.6 billion rand as at March 2025) pose risks to infrastructure sustainability. Grid expansion delays also threaten future energy security, despite recent improvements,” she said.

Local government performance

According to the Minister, work continues to strengthen the performance of local government as financial challenges in municipalities persist.

“An Inter-Ministerial Committee has been established to support distressed municipalities. Local government reforms are being introduced through the review of current legislative and regulatory framework with the development of a White Paper on Local Government (LGWP).

“The Presidential Working Group has also been established to support Metros, including the implementation of the Metro Trading Service Reform Programme,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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eThekwini Municipality calls for arts and culture grant-in-aid applications

Source: Government of South Africa

eThekwini Municipality calls for arts and culture grant-in-aid applications

The eThekwini Municipality’s Recreation and Parks Directorate has invited registered and eligible non-profit organisations (NPOs), non-government organisations (NGOs) and non-profit companies (NPCs) in the performing arts and culture sectors to apply for Grant-In-Aid (GIA) funding for the 2025/26 financial year.

The funding programme, aligned with the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP), is aimed at providing financial and material support to community-based organisations that promote performing arts and cultural programmes, artist development, social cohesion, and economic opportunities within the eThekwini Municipality.

“Areas of focus include music, dance, theatre (drama), comedy, poetry and cultural development,” the municipality said in a statement.

Applicants must meet several compliance requirements, including the submission of a completed application form, a valid tax clearance certificate, latest annual financial statements, certified copies of registration documents and directors’ identity documents, and a detailed organisational profile and project or business plan.

Organisations are also required to provide proof of physical address, bank account details, registration on both the municipal supplier database and the Central Supplier Database, two recent reference letters from the creative sector, and an affidavit confirming that none of the directors are employed by eThekwini Municipality or any other government department.

Application forms and guideline documents are available on the eThekwini Municipality website at www.durban.gov.za, or can be obtained from the Arts and Living Cultures Office at the Stable Theatre, 115 Johannes Nkosi Street, Greyville.

Documents can also be requested via email at Ngiphiwe.Ndlovu@durban.gov.za or Stable.Admin@durban.gov.za.

Completed applications, together with all supporting documentation, must be submitted electronically to Ngiphiwe.Ndlovu@durban.gov.za, or Stable.Admin@durban.gov.za, or hand delivered to the Stable Theatre offices before the closing date of 15 February 2026. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Employment and Labour moves to bolster worker protection

Source: Government of South Africa

Employment and Labour moves to bolster worker protection

The Department of Employment and Labour has taken decisive steps to strengthen worker protection and close long-standing compliance gaps across key sectors, including security, municipalities and the creative industries. 

In a statement on Thursday, the department said it has officially withdrawn the 2003 Variation Notice that previously excluded the application of Section 34A of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), which governs the payment of employee benefit fund contributions.

The withdrawal restores the authority of labour inspectors to enforce the timely payment of pension, provident fund, retirement and medical aid contributions deducted from employees’ salaries. 

For years, the exemption created what the department described as “a significant enforcement gap”, leaving workers vulnerable to employers who deducted contributions but failed to transfer them to the relevant funds.

“With the exemption now removed, inspectors are empowered to verify whether employers have paid contributions into the correct funds, request proof of payment and contribution schedules, and take enforcement action wherever non‑compliance is detected,” the department said. 

The department said the intervention strengthens workplace-level accountability and provides enhanced protection for workers’ hard-earned benefits, particularly in the security sector and municipalities, where abuse has been widespread.

In a separate but related development, the Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, has published a notice indicating the department’s intention to classify performers and crew members in the film, television, advertising, artistic and cultural sectors as employees.

Many workers in these industries are currently designated as independent contractors, despite operating under conditions similar to permanent employment. The department said the move seeks to extend essential labour protections, including access to sick leave, maternity leave, severance pay, protection under the National Minimum Wage, and coverage through the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act.

The proposal would also ensure compliance with BCEA provisions on working hours, termination procedures and record-keeping, while extending rights related to fixed-term contracts under the Labour Relations Act.

According to the department, the proposed reform responds to “strong stakeholder submissions” and recognises the vulnerability of performers and production staff, who frequently operate without basic labour protections. It confirmed that the process could result in a sectoral determination tailored to the industry’s specific needs.

Stakeholders have 30 days from the date of publication to submit written inputs, while the Minister has requested the National Minimum Wage Commission to investigate wage levels and employment conditions in the sector.

“Together, these regulatory measures mark a clear step forward in advancing decent work in South Africa. They demonstrate a renewed commitment to closing compliance gaps, protecting vulnerable workers, and ensuring that employers across all industries uphold the country’s labour laws.

“The actions reinforce the department’s dedication to promoting fairness in the workplace, supporting a more equitable labour market, ensuring accountability among employers, and safeguarding the rights and dignity of all workers,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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NSFAS approves funding for over 626 000 first-time applicants

Source: Government of South Africa

NSFAS approves funding for over 626 000 first-time applicants

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has approved funding for 626 935 first-time applicants, while 427 144 continuing university students have met the progression criteria for support.

Briefing the media on the state of the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector and readiness for the 2026 academic year on Thursday, Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela said NSFAS remains critical in enabling access to higher education for poor and working-class students.

However, he noted that sustained improvements in basic education, combined with broader economic constraints, continue to place pressure on the funding model.

“Short-term stabilisation measures are in place, while a medium-term sustainable funding reform is being developed. The missing-middle fund continues to scale,” Manamela said.

The Minister also acknowledged the critical role of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) in expanding access to funding, particularly for students who do not qualify for NSFAS.

He said that during the 2025/26 funding cycle, SETAs are supporting more than 15 000 new bursary beneficiaries and nearly 8 000 continuing beneficiaries, with a combined value of close to R2 billion.

“This diversification of funding sources reduces over-reliance on NSFAS and strengthens system resilience,” he said.

Bachelor’s pass does not guarantee university admission 

Manamela used the briefing to address what he described as a persistent misunderstanding regarding university admissions for learners who obtain a Bachelor’s pass in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exam.

He said that while 46.4% of candidates achieved a Bachelor’s pass in the 2025 NSC examinations, this often creates unrealistic expectations among learners and their families.

“A Bachelor’s pass does not guarantee admission to a university or to a specific programme. Universities apply faculty and programme specific requirements, including subject combinations, minimum symbols, and selection processes where demand exceeds capacity.

“Where learners and families experience disappointment, it is often not because of failure, but because of misaligned expectations. Our responsibility is to ensure that learners understand, early and clearly, the full range of credible post-school pathways, not only the most visible ones,” the Minister said.

A total of 28.1% candidates achieved a Diploma pass, while 13.5% obtained a Higher Certificate pass in the 2025 NSC examinations.

Manamela noted that with more than 40% of learners not achieving a Bachelor’s pass, the post-school system must be clearly differentiated, well-articulated and effectively communicated.

While welcoming the sharp increase in matric pass rates, the Minister said the outcome has placed significant pressure on the PSET system.

“The Post-School Education and Training System (PSET) currently has approximately 535 000 funded and planned spaces across universities, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, Community Education and Training (CET) colleges, skills programmes, and workplace-based learning. This gap between success and capacity is real, structural, and longstanding,” Manamela said.

Manamela rejected claims that the post-school system is in crisis, saying it is undergoing deliberate reform.

“It is under pressure, but it is being deliberately reshaped. Education, training, and skills development in all their forms carry equal dignity and social value. Multiple pathways are not a compromise, they are a strength.

“Not every learner will secure immediate placement in their first choice but every learner must be able to find a credible, supported pathway into learning, skills development, and productive participation in society. That is the task we have set ourselves and that is the work we will continue to do,” the Minister said.

Second chance and community education

Manamela said Community Education and Training colleges remain central to inclusive access and are fully prepared for the 2026 academic year.

He said the colleges will accommodate youth and adults seeking the Amended Senior Certificate, participation in the National Senior Certificate Second Chance Programme, as well as occupational and skills programmes.

“The academic year commenced on 12 January 2026, with registrations for annual programmes closing on 27 February 2026, while short skills programmes remain open throughout the year,” Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Employment and Labour moves to close compliance gaps, expand worker protections

Source: Government of South Africa

Employment and Labour moves to close compliance gaps, expand worker protections

The Department of Employment and Labour has taken decisive steps to strengthen worker protections and close long-standing compliance gaps across key sectors, including security, municipalities and the creative industries. 

In a statement on Thursday, the department said it has officially withdrawn the 2003 Variation Notice that previously excluded the application of Section 34A of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), which governs the payment of employee benefit fund contributions.

The withdrawal restores the authority of labour inspectors to enforce the timely payment of pension, provident fund, retirement and medical aid contributions deducted from employees’ salaries. 

For years, the exemption created what the department described as “a significant enforcement gap”, leaving workers vulnerable to employers who deducted contributions but failed to transfer them to the relevant funds.

“With the exemption now removed, inspectors are empowered to verify whether employers have paid contributions into the correct funds, request proof of payment and contribution schedules, and take enforcement action wherever non‑compliance is detected,” the department said. 

The department said the intervention strengthens workplace-level accountability and provides enhanced protection for workers’ hard-earned benefits, particularly in the security sector and municipalities, where abuse has been widespread.

In a separate but related development, the Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, has published a notice indicating the department’s intention to classify performers and crew members in the film, television, advertising, artistic and cultural sectors as employees.

Many workers in these industries are currently designated as independent contractors, despite operating under conditions similar to permanent employment. The department said the move seeks to extend essential labour protections, including access to sick leave, maternity leave, severance pay, protection under the National Minimum Wage, and coverage through the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act.

The proposal would also ensure compliance with BCEA provisions on working hours, termination procedures and record-keeping, while extending rights related to fixed-term contracts under the Labour Relations Act.

According to the department, the proposed reform responds to “strong stakeholder submissions” and recognises the vulnerability of performers and production staff, who frequently operate without basic labour protections. It confirmed that the process could result in a sectoral determination tailored to the industry’s specific needs.

Stakeholders have 30 days from the date of publication to submit written inputs, while the Minister has requested the National Minimum Wage Commission to investigate wage levels and employment conditions in the sector.

“Together, these regulatory measures mark a clear step forward in advancing decent work in South Africa. They demonstrate a renewed commitment to closing compliance gaps, protecting vulnerable workers, and ensuring that employers across all industries uphold the country’s labour laws.

“The actions reinforce the department’s dedication to promoting fairness in the workplace, supporting a more equitable labour market, ensuring accountability among employers, and safeguarding the rights and dignity of all workers,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Computer laboratory links children to digital world

Source: Government of South Africa

Computer laboratory links children to digital world

Home Affairs Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza on Thursday handed over a fully equipped computer laboratory to learners at the Umdlamfe Secondary School in Esikhawini, Richards Bay.

The hand over of the high-tech computer lab forms part of government’s Back-To-School Programme.

HONOR South Africa, which delivered the laptops, partnered with the Department of Home Affairs to establish the laboratory in support of digital literacy and skills development at the school. 

The laboratory will ensure that learners are trained to become active participants in the artificial intelligence sphere while bridging the digital divide, particularly in previously disadvantaged communities.

The Deputy Minister hailed the unveiling of the laboratory, saying access to digital learning was a pivotal cog in the development of learners in the 21st century and will go a long way in ensuring a digitally equipped South Africa. 

Government, he explained, recognised the development of digital skills as a key element in the advancement of South Africa’s digital economy. 

This was underscored by the establishment of the Presidential Commission on the 4IR (PC4IR) by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019 with a mandate to provide leadership for society to understand, navigate and assume agency over what will be the fundamentally altered future.

“The world has gravitated towards the 4th Industrial Revolution and this demands of us to be technologically savvy to be able to meet the challenges of this new and exciting phenomenon.

“The establishment of this computer laboratory demonstrates a commitment on our part to prioritise digital learning to put South Africa in a better position to seize opportunities and manage the challenges of rapid advances in the technological realm.

“We are excited that this facility will play an integral part in the learners’ academic improvement while preparing them to fully embrace the digital world through access to digital resources. This will, in future, enable them to navigate the digital economy, apply for jobs online, and explore various work opportunities,” he said.

CEO of HONOR South Africa, Fred Zhou, said the partnership with the Department of Home Affairs represented a cornerstone of digital literacy and infrastructure missions.

“We are proud to partner with the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Njabulo Nzuza, and the government of South Africa to invest in young minds and future skills. We hope the learners will use this opportunity to learn, explore and dream big,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA to champion African water investment agenda at global talks in Dakar

Source: Government of South Africa

SA to champion African water investment agenda at global talks in Dakar

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina will represent South Africa at a high-level international meeting in Dakar, Senegal, as preparations intensify for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference.

The High-Level Preparatory Meeting, taking place from 26 – 27 January 2025, will set the direction for the global conference scheduled for December and help shape priorities, commitments and partnerships aimed at accelerating universal access to safe water and dignified sanitation.

A major highlight of the Dakar engagement will be a ministerial roundtable discussion on “Investments for Water: Financing, technology and innovation, and capacity-building”, which South Africa will co-host with France. The session is expected to focus on unlocking funding and innovation to address Africa’s growing water and sanitation challenges.

“South Africa will lead this discussion on behalf of the African continent and will use the platform to advocate for increased investment in water and sanitation programmes that strengthen climate resilience, support economic growth and advance human development,” the Department of Water and Sanitation said in a statement on Friday.

The meeting builds on momentum generated at the Africa Water Investment Summit held in Cape Town last year, where African ministers, financiers, investors and development partners committed to closing the continent’s water and sanitation investment gap. Dakar is expected to provide a crucial bridge between those continental commitments and the evolving global water agenda.

The department emphasised that water is more than a natural resource for South Africa — it underpins health, food security, energy generation, job creation and human dignity. Yet across Africa, millions of people continue to face water scarcity, ageing infrastructure and limited access to financing for critical improvements.

“By participating in the High-Level Preparatory Meeting, Majodina is working to ensure that African priorities translate into concrete investments and long-term solutions,” the department said.

The Dakar meeting aims to produce a shared roadmap towards the 2026 UN Water Conference, which will be co-hosted by Senegal and the United Arab Emirates in December. Its outcomes are expected to influence the global water agenda and feed into several high-level international fora throughout the year.

South Africa views the engagement as an opportunity to strengthen strategic partnerships, amplify African voices and ensure that preparations for the 2026 conference are firmly rooted in the continent’s realities, ambitions and opportunities.

Majodina’s programme will include high-level political dialogues, thematic discussions and bilateral meetings with representatives from multilateral institutions, regional organisations, development finance institutions and the private sector.

Beyond the investment-focused roundtable, discussions will also cover:

  • Water for people — the human rights to water and sanitation, particularly for vulnerable communities;
  • Water for prosperity — valuing water, the water-energy-food nexus, efficient water use and sustainable economic development;
  • Water for the planet — climate change, biodiversity, resilience and disaster risk reduction;
  • Water for cooperation — transboundary water governance, scientific collaboration and inclusive institutions, and
  • Water in multilateral processes — Sustainable Development Goal 6, the 2030 Agenda and global water initiatives. – SAnews.gov.za

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