Category: South Africa Government

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead the Milestones of Freedom campaign at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Thursday.

The campaign is held under the theme: Honouring the Past. Delivering the Future and is aimed at reflecting on South Africa’s journey to freedom and the interventions government has made to build a capable state.

“The national programme is intended to commemorate key milestones in South Africa’s democratic journey, while also strengthening service delivery and promoting social cohesion,” the Presidency stated.

Leaders from government, business, youth movements and civil society are expected to attend the launch which will highlight some of the key moments in the country’s history.

“This year marks several significant and defining milestones in South Africa’s democratic journey, including the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution; the 50th anniversary of the 1976 youth uprisings; the 70th anniversary of the anti-pass campaign; and the 60th anniversary of the forced removals from District Six.

“These landmark events reflect the long struggle for democracy and freedom, while also underscoring the journey toward a more inclusive and equitable society. The campaign further signals the government’s commitment to building on democratic gains and accelerating service delivery to communities,” the Presidency stated. – SAnews.gov.za

Young people seeking workplace experience and on-the-job training can register on the SA Youth.mobi recruitment platform to connect with potential employers.

Registration is free, and the platform is zero-rated, meaning users can access the site and its contents without incurring data charges.

“We are expanding public employment, youth service and workplace experience. More than 5.7 million young people are now registered on the SA Youth.mobi platform. Of these, more than 2 million young people have gained access to earning opportunities,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Tuesday, during the National Youth Day commemoration, in Johannesburg.

The President said the initiative has created work and livelihood opportunities for more than 2.5 million unemployed South Africans.

“Of these, 82 percent were young people and 66 percent were women. Through the pilot phase of the Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund, over 9 000 young people have been enrolled and more than 7 200 successfully placed into employment. This shows the potential of training that is linked to employment opportunities,” President Ramaphosa said.

The recruitment platform was established through the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI), with support from Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, the Department of Employment and Labour, the Department of Higher Education and Training, the National Youth Development Agency, Youth Employment Service (YES) and the Development Bank of South Africa.

The initiative aims to expand the range of opportunities available to young people in South Africa.

It focuses on helping young people gain work experience and linking them to jobs, entrepreneurship and skills development opportunities.

The PYEI also partners with organisations that provide young people with additional support and resources on their pathway to earning.

“The revitalised National Youth Service has placed more than 130 000 young people in paid service opportunities to date, with an additional 100 000 community service youth employment opportunities currently available.

“These interventions give young people a foothold in the world of work, but they are not the final destination. That is why our overarching priority at the moment is to grow an inclusive economy that creates sustainable jobs at scale,” the President said.

Ramaphosa said government is moving away from training for its own sake.

“We are reshaping the skills system so that qualifications lead more directly to work and enterprise. That is why we are strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges as engines of occupational skills and linking colleges, employers and SETAs to the needs of local economies. 

“Skills are not formed in classrooms alone. They are formed in workplaces, industries, communities and enterprises,” the President said.

Building a productive economy

With the state investing R1 trillion in infrastructure over the next three years, Ramaphosa said the funding will create apprenticeships, artisan development, skills transfer and enterprise development opportunities for young people.

“We are building and maintaining roads, dams, schools, hospitals, clinics, electricity lines, railway lines and port infrastructure. 

“Our growth strategy is focused on sectors that create jobs at scale: manufacturing, mining beneficiation, digital infrastructure, agriculture, green industrialisation, energy, logistics, critical minerals, tourism and the creative economy,” he said.

The President added that young people must be an integral part of these industries. 

“They must be trained for these industries, work in them, build businesses in them and own a part of them,” he said.

Furthermore, the small business portfolio will provide support to one million micro, small and medium-sized enterprises over this term of government. 

“The Public Procurement Act gives us the opportunity to use the buying power of the state to support enterprises owned by young people, women and persons with disabilities,” Ramaphosa said. –SAnews.gov.za

The leaders of Parliaments from across Africa have come together this week at Emperors Palace in Gauteng for the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers (CSPO) aimed at strengthening governance on the continent.

The weeklong conference kicked off on Tuesday and is co-hosted by Parliament and the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL).

“The CSPOC Africa Region, which brings together 63 parliamentary presiding officers from national parliaments and sub-national legislatures across the continent, will be held under the theme: Proactive Parliaments and Sustainable Development: An Imperative for Political Stability in Africa.

“It is convened under the auspices of the African regional branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association [CPA] – an international association of Commonwealth parliamentarians established in 1911 to promote parliamentary democracy, good governance and cooperation among legislatures across the Commonwealth,” the GPL said in a statement.

Key topics to be addressed during the week include:

• The role of Parliamentarians in enhancing public trust in governance
• Reforming and developing innovative mechanisms and strategies for effective and proactive parliamentary leadership in Africa’s development
• Harnessing the potential of Africa’s youth for sustainable development: the role of Parliaments
• Leveraging technology and digital tools for effective and sustainable development

“The CSPOC Africa Region, the largest regional gathering of Commonwealth legislative leaders, seeks to strengthen legislative institutions and advance accountability, effective oversight and sustainable development across the continent.

“The conference provides a platform for parliamentary leaders to exchange experiences and best practices, deliberate on matters of common interest, and explore ways of strengthening democratic institutions in support of sustainable development and political stability in Africa,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Police Service (SAPS) National and Western Cape Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Units have seized counterfeit goods, with an estimated value of R10 million, during a multidisciplinary operation at a shopping complex in Bellville.

During the seizure, the police were supported by various internal and external stakeholders. 

“More than 40 shops were targeted during the operation on Tuesday, resulting in the seizure of high-end counterfeit branded clothing, shoes, bags, watches, sunglasses, caps and branded packaging,” the police said in a statement.

The multidisciplinary team comprised members from SAPS, the Cape Town Metropolitan Police Department, City of Cape Town Law Enforcement and brand protectors.

“This follows a similar takedown operation conducted at the same shopping complex a week ago, during which counterfeit goods valued at more than R98 million were seized.

“Combined, the two operations resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods worth more than R100 million within a week.

“These operations form part of nationwide efforts to dismantle the trade in counterfeit and illicit goods, which threaten public safety, legitimate businesses and the country’s economy,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has launched a new R2 commemorative circulation coin in honour of the June 1976 Youth Uprising in Soweto, at the Hector Pieterson Museum, in Johannesburg. 

The Hector Pieterson Museum in Orlando West is dedicated to preserving the memory of the 1976 uprisings, when thousands of learners across Soweto took to the streets to protest the enforced use of Afrikaans in schools and the injustices of the inferior “Bantu Education” system. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled the new R2 circulation coin on Tuesday to mark 50 years since the children of Soweto walked out of their classrooms in protest against apartheid’s oppressive education policies. 

The coin features an image of learners raising their fists in defiance of the police during protests against apartheid-era education policies. The raised fist symbolises resistance, solidarity and the courage of the learners who stood up to an oppressive government.

The coin’s design draws inspiration from the events of 1976 and reflects themes of remembrance, resistance and hope. 

Visitors to the Hector Pieterson Memorial exchanged their R2 coins for the new commemorative circulation coin honouring the 1976 Youth Uprising.

“Although the commemorative coin is special, it carries the same value as ordinary R2 coins in circulation. Commemorative circulation coins serve as a tool for national storytelling because, as they move through communities, people can share these stories in their homes, at malls, taxi ranks and wherever money is used daily,” SARB said.

The 1976 Youth Uprising remains one of the defining moments in South Africa’s liberation struggle and democratic journey.

The commemoration honours the courage, resilience and sacrifices of the young people who stood against injustice and helped shape the future of a free and democratic South Africa.

The Youth Day commemorations coincided with other major milestones in the country’s journey to freedom, including the 50th anniversary of the Soweto uprising, 70 years since the Women’s March of 1956 and 30 years since the adoption of the democratic Constitution in 1996. –SAnews.gov.za

The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) has obtained an urgent preservation of property order emanating from a sophisticated online banking scam involving some R21.55 million.

The money was allegedly fraudulently diverted from the bank account of a Middelburg-based company, Jormid, by a scammer earlier this year.

“On 21 May 2026, Jormid’s financial manager, Mrs Jordaan, received WhatsApp messages on her cellphone purporting to be from the company’s banking institution, ABSA Bank.

“The messages indicated that ‘suspicious transactions’ had been detected on Jormid’s business account and requested her to confirm whether she had authorised them.

“After responding that she did not recognise the transactions, Jordaan received a telephone call from an individual claiming to be an official from ABSA Bank’s Fraud Division. The caller requested her assistance in cancelling the alleged suspicious transactions,” NPA Regional Spokesperson Monica Nyuswa explained.

On the call, Jordaan was instructed to approve electronic links sent to her phone.

“While still communicating with the scammer, Jordaan was informed by a colleague that several substantial transactions, amounting to approximately R21.55 million, had been processed from Jormid’s bank account without authorisation.

“Jordaan immediately reported the matter to ABSA’s Fraud Department and subsequently opened a criminal case with the South African Police Service [SAPS] in Middelburg,” she added.

The matter was then referred to the NPA AFU and initiated an investigation and submitted an urgent intervention to the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).

The FIC promptly issued directives to ABSA bank to freeze funds held in nine bank accounts which were suspected to have received the proceeds.

“Armed with the evidence gathered during the investigation and the FIC’s intervention, the AFU approached the Middelburg High Court on an urgent ex parte basis and successfully obtained a preservation of property order against the nine ABSA Bank accounts on 12 June 2026.

“The order prevents the dissipation of the suspected proceeds of crime, valued at approximately R21.55 million, pending the finalisation of forfeiture proceedings before the High Court,” Nyuswa added.

A criminal investigation is ongoing with suspects expected to be arrested and charged with offences including fraud, theft and money laundering.

“The NPA remains committed to combating cybercrime, safeguarding the interests of victims and ensuring that the proceeds of unlawful activities are preserved and ultimately forfeited in accordance with the law,” Nyuswa said. – SAnews.gov.za

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma has welcomed the arrest of a Zimbabwean national who was allegedly driving at 172 km/h in a 120 km/h zone.

The man was transporting Afro-pop artists Fanatic SA and Stalin to perform at a beach festival in Umtwalume on Tuesday.

The driver is expected to appear in the Scottburgh Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The MEC said the province is intensifying efforts to reduce road crashes and fatalities involving young people, which are often linked to speeding, excessive alcohol consumption, drunk driving and increased night-time travel.

Over the past five years, the Road Accident Fund report has shown that 43.5% of personal injury claims were submitted by young people aged 15 to 35.

This amounted to 70,743 claims. Young people under the age of 15 accounted for 15,227 claims. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that South Africa will increase its financial contribution to the Ebola response effort to US$13.5 million, reaffirming the country’s commitment to supporting African nations affected by the outbreak. 

President Ramaphosa, in his capacity as the African Union Champion for Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention and Response, made the announcement on Tuesday during a High-Level Virtual Meeting of Heads of State, Government and Partners on the Ebola outbreak.

The meeting was convened by the President of the Republic of Burundi and Chairperson of the African Union, Evariste Ndayishimiye.

It aims to mobilise African and international solidarity to contain the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, while strengthening preparedness in countries at risk of regional transmission.

The President called on leaders to maintain or increase their pledges and urged those who made commitments at the previous meeting to convert them in full into cash, medical countermeasures or technical assistance.

“With no vaccine or antiviral, every day that transmission continues unchecked, the human cost rises. The West Africa Ebola epidemic demonstrated that delayed action can transform a localised outbreak into a regional and global crisis. This is why our response must focus on breaking the transmission and stopping Ebola at its source,” he said.

However, President Ramaphosa cautioned that public health measures are being undermined by the volatile environment in which the response is being carried out.

“As political leaders, we can help by creating safe corridors for the passage of goods and services. We must seek a ceasefire to allow the Ebola response to proceed unhindered.

“We must continue to strengthen cross-border collaboration. We must expand rapid diagnostic testing, contact tracing and community awareness.

“We should be concerned that we have no biotechnology in our arsenal against the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola,” the President said.

While welcoming and fully supporting the efforts of GAVI, CEPI and others, President Ramaphosa stressed that Africa cannot depend indefinitely on external markets and production systems during health emergencies.

“The response to Ebola therefore cannot end when this outbreak ends. This moment must become a turning point.

“As African leaders, we must accelerate investment in local manufacturing, strengthen the African Medicines Agency and operationalise the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism,” Ramaphosa said.

He added that African manufacturers need predictable markets, while African countries must have reliable access to lifesaving products during emergencies.

“We must all take heed of Africa’s Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) stance against imposing blanket and unsubstantiated travel bans.

“I call upon African financial institutions, development banks, philanthropies and the African private sector to join governments in this effort.

“I call upon our international partners to continue to stand with Africa in a spirit of solidarity and mutual responsibility,” the President concluded. –SAnews.gov.za

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Executive Chairperson, Dr Sunshine Myende, says the agency has repositioned itself from being primarily a grant-making institution to becoming a leading force for youth development across South Africa.

Since taking office on 1 August 2025, the NYDA Board has focused on strengthening governance and accountability, expanding partnerships, and improving engagement with Parliament and other key stakeholders.

The agency has also intensified its community outreach efforts, taking programmes and services directly to young people in areas where opportunities have often been limited.

Myende said these efforts are aimed at ensuring the NYDA plays a broader role in connecting young people with opportunities and advancing youth development nationwide.

The Chairperson made these remarks during the National Youth Day commemoration in Johannesburg on Tuesday, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“Our work has included provincial youth engagements at schools and institutions of higher learning, Youth Fund mobilisation, investment and value-chain partnerships, participation in platforms such as the Mining Indaba, tourism and enterprise development initiatives, and the elevation of South African youth voices on international platforms including the United Nations. 

“Every engagement has been driven by one objective: to bring opportunity closer to young people and young people closer to opportunity,” she said.

During the reporting period, the National Youth Development Agency processed more than 1 300 grant opportunities worth over R28 million, backing young entrepreneurs who are not only building businesses, but also creating jobs, stimulating local economies and restoring hope in communities across the country.

“Through our partnership with the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, we have launched 100 000 paid National Youth Service opportunities, ensuring that thousands of young South Africans gain meaningful work experience while serving their communities and contributing to nation-building,” Myende said.

In July, the NYDA will launch I AM THE CODE – a bold, status quo-disrupting initiative that will equip more than 600 000 young South Africans with future-ready skills in artificial intelligence, coding, robotics, fintech, agritech and digital entrepreneurship.

“We refuse to prepare young people only for the economy we inherited. We are preparing them to lead the economy that is emerging as well,” the Chairperson said.

She added that, across government and its partners, a coordinated ecosystem is emerging that places young people at the centre of South Africa’s development agenda.

“The Department of Employment and Labour is expanding pathways through its Labour Activation Programme. The Department of Small Business Development is opening doors through the Youth Entrepreneurship Fund and the Spaza Shop Support Fund, recognising that young people are not only looking for jobs but are capable of creating them. 

“The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is investing in thousands of opportunities through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, ensuring that creativity and culture become engines of economic participation. These initiatives remind us that when government works together, opportunity can be created at scale,” the Chairperson said. – SAnews.gov.za