Category: South Africa Government

Bafana Bafana will take on Czechia in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A encounter at Atlanta Stadium in the United States, with kick-off scheduled for 6 pm on Thursday.

“The South African senior men’s national team will be determined to return to winning ways, and coach Hugo Broos described this as a massive encounter following the 0-2 defeat to tournament co-hosts Mexico in the opening match of the global event a few days ago,” the South African Football Association (SAFA) said on its website.

Bafana Bafana will, however, return to the pitch without midfielder Themba Zwane, who has been suspended for three matches after receiving a red card in the opening fixture against Mexico last Thursday.

Bafana has also urged supporters in Atlanta to join a festive pre-match celebratory march ahead of the showdown.

“We will be marching together along the route from Founders Green straight to the Atlanta Stadium! Arrive early to vibe with us. There will be live music, food, and drinks to get the pre-match party started.

“Bring your flags, wear your jerseys, and warm up those vocal cords. Let’s show Atlanta how South Africans show up. See you there,” the team said on its X account. – SAnews.gov.za

Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa is leading the South African delegation to the High-Level Consultative Conference on the African Union-led United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution A/RES/80/250 on the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Taking place in Accra, Ghana, the conference, which gets underway on Thursday, 18 June 2026, is expected to deliberate on and adopt outcomes aimed at advancing the implementation of the UNGA Resolution, including the formulation of a global post-adoption framework to guide its implementation.

“The high-level conference is expected to bring together Heads of State and Government, Ministers, global reparations experts, legal practitioners, academics, civil society representatives, and delegates from regional and international organisations,” the Ministry of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation said in a statement ahead of the conference, which will conclude on Friday.

South Africa welcomes and supports the convening of the conference.

“The country believes that the call for reparatory justice for Africa and People of African Descent should be linked to a broader development agenda that addresses the enduring socio-economic consequences of the transatlantic slave trade, including debt burdens, poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment.

“South Africa further supports the key principles contained in the proposed Global Strategic Framework, which reflects and builds upon the extensive work undertaken by the African Union over many years in advancing the cause of historical justice, restitution, and sustainable development for affected communities,” the Ministry said.

The conference provides an important platform for advancing global dialogue and forging consensus on practical measures that can contribute to restorative justice and equitable development outcomes for Africa and the African diaspora.

South Africa looks forward to constructive deliberations and a successful outcome that will contribute meaningfully to the implementation of the Resolution and the advancement of the African Union’s longstanding position on reparatory justice. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy President Paul Mashatile says migration forms part of South Africa’s historical and contemporary story and must be addressed with firmness, fairness and compassion.

Guided by the spirit of Ubuntu, the Deputy President emphasised that migration should unite rather than divide communities, helping to build a South Africa that is safe, inclusive and prosperous.

He made the remarks during a special meeting with the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, led by Kgosi Seathlolo, alongside the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration chaired by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi.

The meeting reaffirmed government’s commitment to the Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The five-pillar plan seeks to curb irregular migration, strengthen border security, and enforce labour and immigration laws, while upholding constitutional values and human dignity.

Presidency Director-General Phindile Baleni outlined the work under way to address the challenges posed by undocumented migrants.

The presentation highlighted coordinated government action, improved border management and lawful enforcement measures that respect both sovereignty and human rights.

“Traditional leaders highlighted their critical role as custodians of heritage and guardians of community integrity, particularly in rural and borderland communities. 

“In this regard, they have pledged to continue supporting efforts to register businesses, keep records of foreign nationals, and mediate tensions in communities affected by migration pressures,” the Presidency said.

The meeting expressed strong support for the President’s call to implement the five-pillar plan, noting that migration must be managed in a way that protects South Africa’s sovereignty while strengthening democracy and fostering social cohesion. – SAnews.gov.za

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Parks Tau has welcomed the withdrawal of the liquidation proceedings against Tongaat Hulett and commended all stakeholders who worked tirelessly to secure a viable path forward for one of South Africa’s most important agro-industrial companies.

“The withdrawal of the liquidation application represents a significant milestone in safeguarding around 250 000 jobs, protecting rural livelihoods, preserving productive industrial capacity and securing the future of the sugar value chain,” the Minister said in a statement on Wednesday.

This as Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition also welcomed the agreement reached between the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), the business rescue practitioners of Tongaat Hulett and the Vision Group, for Tongaat Hulett to exit business rescue and maintain its operations.

Tongaat Hulett is a strategic asset within South Africa’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

Its operations support thousands of direct and indirect jobs and underpin the economic wellbeing of communities across KwaZulu-Natal and other parts of Southern Africa.

The Minister said the prospect of liquidation posed serious risks not only to workers and growers, but also to suppliers, transport operators, small businesses and the broader economy.

“Government has consistently maintained that every lawful effort should be pursued to secure a sustainable and durable solution for the company. We therefore welcome the progress made by stakeholders in reaching an outcome that creates an opportunity for the business to continue operating while longer-term restructuring and stabilisation measures are implemented,” Tau said.

In addition, the Minister acknowledged the role played by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), industry stakeholders, organised agriculture, labour and all other parties who remained committed to finding a constructive solution under extremely challenging circumstances.

The Portfolio Committee said the outcome of the agreement is what it called for.

“The committee welcomes the demonstration of decisive leadership by the IDC. At a time when uncertainty threatened the future of Tongaat Hulett and the broader sugar industry, the IDC stepped forward to facilitate a solution that prioritises industrial capacity, economic stability and jobs preservation.

“The committee also recognises the role played by the Vision Group in reaching an agreement that provides a credible path towards stabilising and rebuilding one of the oldest and most important companies in the southern African sugar sector,” said the committee in a statement.

While welcoming the agreement, the committee emphasises that the rescue of Tongaat Hulett must be accompanied by accountability for the events that led to the company’s collapse. The committee remains firmly of the view that individuals responsible for fraud, and corporate and financial misconduct at the company must face the full consequences of their actions.

The committee also reiterated its call on the government to accelerate the implementation of the Sugar Value Chain Master Plan.

“The progress achieved under the first phase of the Master Plan has demonstrated that coordinated action between government, labour, growers and industry can deliver positive results. However, it is important to note that challenges remain which require the government’s interventions, including protection against unfair sugar imports, support for small-scale growers, funding certainty and the development of a competitive biofuels industry; and investment from the private sector, particularly for industry diversification, “said the committee. – SAnews.gov.za

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli will on Friday present the fourth quarter Progress Report of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI).

According to the Presidency, the report will provide an update on government’s efforts to create pathways to earning opportunities for young people across South Africa.

“The media briefing will outline the progress made during the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year and highlight the impact of the PYEI in connecting young people to work opportunities, entrepreneurship support, skills development programmes, and work-readiness initiatives,” the Presidency said in a statement on Thursday. 

READ | Presidential Youth Employment Intervention continues to produce results

The briefing will also reflect on key partnerships that continue to drive innovation and expand opportunities for youth participation in the economy. 

The PYEI is South Africa’s flagship initiative to create meaningful employment and economic opportunities for young people, aiming to integrate two million youth into the economy over the next decade.

The Presidential Youth Employment Intervention was launched in 2020 by President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the persistent challenge of youth unemployment in South Africa.

The PYEI is coordinated by a Project Management Office (PMO) within the Presidency, which provides strategic oversight, unblocks administrative bottlenecks, secures funding, and facilitates collaboration between government departments, the private sector, social partners, and young people themselves. – SAnews.gov.za 

South Africa’s consumer inflation rate rose to 4.5% in May 2026, up from 4.0% in April, marking the highest annual rate recorded since July 2024, when inflation stood at 4.6%.

The monthly change in the consumer price index (CPI) was 0.7% in May.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) attributed the increase in inflation primarily to higher fuel prices.

The fuel index recorded a second consecutive sharp monthly increase, rising by 14.3% and pushing the annual fuel inflation rate to 28.7%.

“Over the past 12 months, petrol prices increased by 24,8% and diesel by 53,8%. The impact of higher fuel prices on overall inflation can be seen by looking at the ‘CPI excluding fuel’ index.

“The annual change in this index was 3,7% in May, the same as the previous month. The rate has moved in a narrow range between 3,5% and 3,8% over the past 12 months. The monthly increase was 0,2% in May,” Stats SA said.

Stats SA added that inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) continues to subside, declining to 1.9% from 2.9% in April. 

This is down from the peak of 5.7% recorded in July 2025.

“Annual deflation for cereal products deepened, dropping to -1.4% from -1.2% in April. Maize meal is 4.4% and brown bread 0.3% cheaper than a year ago.

“Meat inflation cooled in May, recording an annual increase of 7.3% compared with April’s 9.4%. The monthly rate was -0.8%,” Stats SA said.

Stewing beef prices dropped by 3.0% and beef mince by 2.4% between April and May. 

The annual increase for these two products was 2.8% and 10.6% respectively. 

Inflation for individual quick frozen (IQF) portions also decelerated, declining to 6.7% in May from 7.3% in April. 

“Prices for fruits and nuts and vegetables are lower than a year ago at -8.5% and -6.0% respectively. Both categories have been in deflationary territory since October 2025,” Stats SA said.

The annual rate for the milk, other dairy products and eggs category increased to 0.9% from 0.1% in April. 

Several products recorded high monthly increases, including full cream long-life milk, up by 1.7% (2,2% year-on-year); low fat fresh milk, higher by 1.5% (3.5% year-on-year); and cheddar cheese, up by 1.5% (6.2% year-on-year).

Annual Inflation for the ‘other food’ category rose to 4.9% from 4.1% in April. 

“Salad dressing rose by 2.3% between April and May and by 10,0% over the past 12 months. Mayonnaise prices witnessed a monthly increase of 2.2% and an annual rise of 8.1%. 

“Salt jumped by 2.5% month-on-month and 9.3% year-on-year. Non-alcoholic beverages also experienced higher inflation rates, increasing to 4.9% from 4.6% in April. 

“The annual rate for Ceylon (black) tea rose to 8.3% from 7.8% in April. Rooibos tea also increased to 7.5% from 5.2%,” Stats SA said. –SAnews.gov.za

Government is intensifying efforts to address South Africa’s water and sanitation challenges, with the Department of Water and Sanitation allocating R12.3 billion in infrastructure grants to municipalities during the current financial year.

Delivering her budget vote speech in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Wednesday, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina said government was implementing decisive interventions to improve water security, rehabilitate ageing infrastructure and expand access to reliable services across all nine provinces.

Majodina acknowledged that many communities continue to face water interruptions, sewage spillages, deteriorating wastewater treatment systems and high levels of water losses. 

These challenges had prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish the National Water Crisis Committee and direct the implementation of the National Water Action Plan.

“The message we bring to this House is clear: Government is intervening decisively, projects are being accelerated, and partnerships are being strengthened to ensure that communities receive reliable water and sanitation services,” she said.

The Minister said the department’s priorities include completing delayed infrastructure projects, rehabilitating failing water treatment and wastewater works, expanding water supply to underserved communities, developing groundwater resources, and investing in water reuse and desalination initiatives.

Among the major projects highlighted were the R2.6 billion bulk water supply programme serving Mthatha, Libode, Ngqeleni and Mqanduli in the Eastern Cape; the R4 billion water and sanitation intervention in Maluti-a-Phofung in the Free State; the R1.3 billion Giyani water project in Limpopo, which has already connected 24 villages; and the R4.9 billion Mandlakazi Regional Bulk Water Supply Scheme in KwaZulu-Natal.

In Gauteng, the Hammanskraal water intervention is nearing completion, with a new 50-megalitre-per-day water package plant expected to improve access to clean water for approximately 47 000 households.

Majodina also outlined progress in Mpumalanga, the North West, Northern Cape and Western Cape, where several large-scale projects are under construction or nearing completion to improve water reliability and reduce service backlogs.

The department is increasingly using water boards as implementing agents to support struggling municipalities and is working with the Departments of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and National Treasury to improve governance and financial sustainability in the sector.

The Minister announced the rollout of a nationwide Rural Water Access Programme aimed at improving water security in unserved communities through borehole drilling, spring protection, rainwater harvesting and rehabilitation of non-functional systems.

More than 2 600 settlements have already been identified under the programme, with over R200 million allocated for the first phase in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. 

Implementation is scheduled to begin in July and conclude in September this year.

Majodina said government was also strengthening anti-corruption measures through the Water Sector Anti-Corruption Forum, established in partnership with the Special Investigating Unit.

She urged all spheres of government, communities and the private sector to work together to secure the country’s water future. – SAnews.gov.za