Category: South Africa Government

Job creation is government’s most pressing matter, as South Africa works to translate hard won economic gains into sustainable and tangible livelihoods for millions of citizens.

This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who delivered the keynote address at the News24 On the Record Summit, which kicked off at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Thursday.

“Creating jobs is the foremost priority of this government. Our single greatest challenge is to translate positive economic momentum into jobs for the millions of South Africans, who remain unemployed.

“A job is more than just an income. It is about dignity, about confidence, about a sense of belonging and an ability to contribute to our community and our society,” the President stated.

Driving reforms

The President noted that after years of stagnation, economic growth is “improving, investment is expanding and more jobs are being created”.

He added that the turnaround can be attributed to government’s sustained, multi-year reform implementation – citing reforms at Eskom and Transnet as areas of improvement.

“Our reform agenda has built up significant momentum, enabling growing confidence in our economic trajectory.

“By implementing far-reaching reforms to our electricity sector, we have brought an end to load shedding and are creating an environment for businesses to invest and grow. 

“The performance of our rail system and ports is improving, enabling us to increase our exports and our revenues,” he said.

Operation Vulindlela (OV) – a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury – is also accelerating implementation of structural reform.

“[OV] has enabled us to address many of the key binding constraints on our economy. 

“It has made progress by focusing on a limited number of priorities with the greatest impact, developing clear, action-oriented plans, and enabling a coordinated approach across government to ensure delivery,” he said.

Social support

President Ramaphosa acknowledged that the changes South Africans would like to see have “not yet materialised”. 

“Yet we can now say with confidence that we are on the right track. But growth on its own will not bring the millions of South Africans who are unemployed from the margin into the fold,” the President told the gathering.

He added that as government continues to implement structural reforms, support for the unemployed is also being expanded.

“As we implement bold structural reforms to lift growth, we are also expanding support for the unemployed to sustain productive livelihoods.

“We must continue to strengthen our social protection system to reach all unemployed South Africans with a basic level of support. 

“By redesigning the Social Relief of Distress Grant, we will ensure that those receiving the grant have access to a wide range of support to search for work and to sustain a livelihood,” he said.

Uplifting the youth

Government’s efforts to create employment is also laser focused on creating pathways for the youth.

The Presidential Employment Stimulus has created in excess of 2.5 million opportunities in public and social employment over the past five years.

“The stimulus has shown that public employment is not only about providing an income to those in need. It is also about creating meaningful work that benefits communities while building skills and experience and enabling people to make a way for themselves in the economy.

“The stimulus has placed school assistants in thousands of schools and supported the restoration of rivers and wetlands. It has helped community-based organisations employ people to strengthen the fight against gender-based violence.

“These examples show that there is no shortage of work to be done – only a shortage of jobs,” President Ramaphosa said.

A central pillar of government’s strategy to tackle joblessness is youth employment.

The President noted that more than 5 million young people are now registered on the SAYouth.mobi platform which connects them to opportunities.

He issued a rallying call to the private sector to join government in fighting youth unemployment.

“We need more companies to use SAYouth to hire young people, making use of the cutting-edge technology which the network has built to set them up for success.

“Through a partnership with business, we have established the Youth Employment Service – known as YES – which has provided work experience opportunities to more than 220 000 young people.

“I call on all companies to be part of the YES drive, to enable more and more young people to take their first step into the work environment – and to provide them with the skills and experience they need to succeed in the world of work,” President Ramaphosa said.

Furthermore, the skills development system is facing reform to “link training more closely to demand in the economy”.

“We are working to overhaul the SETA system and replace it with a fit-for-purpose system that enables young people to access jobs,” he said.

Government is also supporting small businesses and the informal sector.

“That is where we can create jobs at scale. We must support businesses with potential to grow through capital, skills and market access, and by creating an enabling regulatory environment.

“We are reviewing current legislation to reduce the administrative burden on small businesses and make it easier, not harder, for them to start and grow.

“These actions represent a clear, focused strategy to position our economy for growth and to create jobs at scale,” the President said.

A nation at work, together

The President told the gathering that South Africa has the ingredients and strengths necessary to “create jobs for the economy of the future”.

“We have one of the most sophisticated financial sectors in the world. We can position South Africa as a destination for financial services companies to locate their African and emerging market operations.

“We have among the best solar and wind resources in the world. By rolling out renewable energy at scale, we can build a strong platform for growth in a wide range of sectors, from green steel to new energy vehicles.

“We have a thriving agricultural sector, producing high-value crops for the entire world. By expanding our export markets and supporting farmers to grow their production, we can create jobs in every part of our country,” he said.

However, the country’s growing exists in the context of a “time of great instability and uncertainty in the global economy”.

“The conflict in the Middle East looks set to exact a heavy toll on the economies of the world, increasing energy costs, disrupting supply chains, raising the cost of living and lowering growth prospects. 

“It is therefore essential that we proceed with urgency to drive the reform and transformation of our economy while identifying the measures we need to take to mitigate the effects of the conflict,” President Ramaphosa noted.

However, there is “no doubt” that South Africa has “wind in our sails”.

“It is up to all of us now, as South Africans, as one people with a shared future, to take our country to new heights. We call on business, on labour, on civil society, on academics and on citizens to work together to drive this work.

“We call on the media to be part of informing, empowering and mobilising society to realise the promise of our Constitution and the potential of our people.

“It is by creating jobs that we will open the doors of opportunity to all, and build a society that is more equal, more stable and more united,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Sangoni-Diko, has welcomed Postbank’s milestone achievement of successfully registering as a licensed Financial Services Provider (FSP) with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority. 

This means that Postbank is now authorised and regulated to provide financial services that meet the standards set by the regulator, under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS Act).

Diko described the development as a significant milestone in the ongoing journey to transform Postbank into a fully-fledged State-owned bank, capable of advancing financial inclusion and supporting economic participation for all South Africans.

“This is a moment of great progress and affirmation. The licensing of Postbank as a financial services provider signals that the institution is steadily meeting critical regulatory requirements and strengthening its capacity to operate within South Africa’s financial sector,” said Ms Diko.

She further noted that the achievement reflects sustained efforts by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and Postbank to rebuild governance, enhance compliance and restore public confidence in the institution.

“As the committee, we have consistently emphasised the importance of strong governance, accountability and regulatory compliance. This milestone demonstrates that Postbank is moving in the right direction and lays a solid foundation for its evolution into a fully-fledged state-owned bank,” she added.

Diko highlighted Postbank’s strategic importance in extending affordable and accessible financial services, particularly to underserved and rural communities. 

She said that a properly capacitated Postbank has the potential to play a transformative role in deepening financial inclusion, reducing the cost of banking and ensuring that no South African is left behind in accessing essential financial services.

While welcoming the progress, Diko stressed that more work remains to be done to secure a full banking licence and achieve operational readiness. 

She commended all stakeholders involved in achieving this milestone and looks forward to further progress in the establishment of a state-owned bank that serves the developmental needs of the country. – SAnews.gov.za

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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has underscored the critical role of voluntary community safety structures in combating crime, describing them as essential partners in strengthening local-level prevention efforts.

Ntuli was addressing delegates at the Provincial Community Safety Structures Leadership Training session currently underway at the Mfolozi Casino in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

The two-day programme, held from 18 to 19 March 2026, is hosted by the Office of the Premier in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Community Safety and Liaison.

The gathering has brought together leaders of community safety formations from across the province to strengthen their capacity, coordination, and effectiveness in supporting crime prevention initiatives.
The training also aims to strengthen community policing, enhance rural safety and improve collaboration between communities and law enforcement agencies in crime prevention efforts.

The initiative forms part of ongoing provincial efforts to empower communities to take an active role in safeguarding their environments.

The programme is designed to ensure that community safety structures are not only operational, but are also equipped with the necessary knowledge, discipline, and practical tools needed to serve with distinction and contribute meaningfully to the fight against crime.

In his address the Premier emphasised that community safety structures serve as a critical link between residents and law enforcement agencies, enabling early detection of criminal activity and improving response mechanisms.

“Volunteerism, local knowledge and community trust place these structures at the forefront of preventative policing. Strengthening leadership within these formations is essential to ensuring that they operate efficiently, ethically and in alignment with broader provincial safety strategies,” Ntuli said.

He urged participants to apply the skills and knowledge gained during the training to enhance coordination, improve reporting mechanisms and support law enforcement efforts to maintain safer communities.
The provincial government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and capacitating community safety structures as part of a broader and integrated approach to crime prevention across KwaZulu-Natal.

The first day of the training programme covered key areas including the foundations of community safety leadership, legal framework and leadership management, collaboration, governance and ethical leadership, as well as crime prevention strategies and the development of community leadership action plans. – SAnews.gov.za

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Government has introduced an incentive grant that will unlock R100 billion investment to encourage metropolitan municipalities to deliver reliable water, electricity, sanitation and refuse removal services. 

“Over the past decade, we have witnessed the steady erosion of municipal capabilities in many parts of the country: infrastructure failures, unreliable services, financial stress, and declining public confidence,” National Treasury Director-General Dr Duncan Pieterse said on Wednesday in Pretoria.

In an effort to restore the cities ability to deliver services effectively, the National Treasury has introduced a comprehensive package of local government reforms for South Africa’s eight largest cities.

The Metro Trading Services Reform is targeted at stabilising and strengthening service delivery through implementing interventions to stabilise municipal governance and strengthen financial management.

The reforms include legislative changes, stronger enforcement of funded budgets and financial recovery plans. 

They also include targeted investments in municipal infrastructure and smart metering, and new approaches to ensure that public funds are matched to credible delivery.

“The Metro Trading Service Reform targets a specific problem. Many of our cities are failing to provide services or to collect revenue adequately. Even when they do, the revenue they collect goes into the general municipal pot instead of being invested to maintain and upgrade infrastructure. 

“As a result, the water leaks, the lights go out, the rubbish piles up. Bankers will not lend, and investors will not invest.

“The Metro Trading Service Reform aims to ensure those services are run like integrated businesses. It creates a single unit of management accountability to deliver core trading services. It will ringfence the revenues and reinvest them in those services,” Pieterse explained.

When the budget was tabled in February, National Treasury included a new proposal: where municipal capacity to spend becomes a problem, instead of the funds being lost, they will be transferred to entities such as the Development Bank of South Africa and Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent, to ensure the spending takes place in that municipality to benefit the residents who live there. 

“National Treasury has worked closely with the cities and with departments across government to design the reform, including the Department of Cooperative Governance. And instead of penalising metros that don’t implement it, we will incentivise those who do. 

“Government will mobilise R54 billion in performance-linked incentives, with R27.7 billion allocated over the medium term, to restore the operational and financial sustainability of metro trading services,” Pieterse said.

To access the incentives, metros will have to meet the performance targets they have set for themselves in the Performance Improvement Action Plans they have developed for each of the trading services: water, electricity and solid waste services.

The Metro Trading Services Reform aligns with Operation Vulindlela, which focuses on implementing structural reform priorities to remove constraints to economic growth.

“The health of the cities is closely linked with the fate of our national economy. It is in the cities that the bulk of South Africa’s population is concentrated and the bulk of its economic activity takes place. 

“Our cities are the engines of national economic growth, inclusion and innovation. Those of you who have visited some of the other major cities around the world will know how these cities drive economic activity in those regions. If our cities do not work, South Africa cannot grow,” he said.

The Metro Trading Services Reform programme is a national government initiative, endorsed by Cabinet, and one of the government’s priority programmes to support economic development and improve social outcomes during the current administration.

 National Treasury has introduced a performance-based grant that creates an incentive for the eight metropolitan municipalities to turn around the long-term decline in the provision of three municipal trading services: electricity, water and wastewater, and solid waste management.

Participation in the incentive programme is voluntary. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s (dtic) Furniture Master Plan’s objectives of strengthening local manufacturing capability and expanding opportunities for small enterprises and emerging entrepreneurs will come to the fore at the annual Furniture Design Competition Awards.

To be addressed by Deputy Minister Alexandra Abrahams, the annual competition is this year being held under the theme: “Alien Invasive Species Wood.”

The dtic said the theme reflects a deliberate alignment with the objectives of the Furniture Master Plan. 

“By challenging designers to transform invasive timber into high-value, market-ready products, the competition advances key priorities of the Plan, namely strengthening local manufacturing capability, deepening skills development and expanding opportunities for small enterprises and emerging entrepreneurs. 

In doing so, this competition promotes innovation and sustainability within the sector and contributes to the development of more resilient and competitive value chains. Participants are therefore actively contributing to an industry-wide effort to unlock inclusive growth and create sustainable employment across design, manufacturing, and retail,” the department said in a statement on Thursday.

The Deputy Minister said the competition showcases the creativity of students and professionals.

“The Furniture Design Competition showcases the creativity of our students and professionals, introduces new products to the market, and elevates South African furniture on the global stage. The theme of this year’s competition, using invasive wood species, is a powerful example of how design can provide innovative solutions to national challenges while promoting sustainability.”

She added that at a strategic level, the furniture sector offers a compelling illustration of how design, innovation, and industrialisation intersect. 

“Design is more than aesthetics, it is a driver of competitiveness, differentiation, and value creation,” she said.

The ceremony which will be held on Friday, 27 March, will honour winners in two categories: Student and Established Manufacturers. 

The Student category is open to design students registered at South African educational institutions, while the Established Manufacturers category is open to manufacturing businesses with in-house design capabilities.   

The furniture industry plays a pivotal role in advancing economic growth, industrialisation and creating jobs. 

As a significant contributor to the country’s manufacturing sector, which accounts for 0.95% of manufacturing Gross Domestic Product and 1.6% of manufacturing employment, the dtic supports and promotes the industry’s role in boosting trade, small businesses, and positioning South Africa as a globally competitive market for both furniture manufacturing and design.

The ceremony will be held at the Homemakers Fair in Kyalami Grand Prix and International Expo Centre in Midrand. It will be held in partnership with industry stakeholders including the South African Furniture Initiative (SAFI), the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), and Proudly South African. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Home Affairs has delivered another important reform to advance equality and fairness for the Muslim faith community by ensuring that Muslim marriage officers are recognised on the same basis as other religious marriage officers under the Marriage Act 25 of 1961.

Following the introduction in 2024 of marriage certificates that recognised Muslim marriages for the very first time, a new directive issued by the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, now means that Muslim religious leaders – certified as Marriage Officers – will no longer be required to reapply for certification every five years. 

This brings their recognition in line with other faith communities, which are also certified for an unlimited period, without the need for administratively burdensome renewals.

“For many years, Muslim marriage officers were subject to a renewal requirement that did not apply to other religious groups. The five-year limitation was originally introduced as a temporary measure, while new marriage legislation was being developed,” the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement.

In the statement on Thursday, the Ministry added that the Marriage Bill is still to be promulgated.

The Minister’s decision follows engagement with relevant stakeholders, who raised the issue with him.

“This decision ensures that all marriage officers, including Muslim marriage officers, are treated on equal terms. Coming in the wake of our implementation of marriage certificates recognising Muslim marriages for the first time in 2024, this reform reaffirms the commitment of Home Affairs under the Government of National Unity to deliver dignity for all members of our diverse South African society, including the Muslim faith community,” Schreiber said.

The Department of Home Affairs will communicate further administrative guidance to stakeholders regarding the implementation of the decision. – SAnews.gov.za

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Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has underscored the critical role of academic institutions in shaping solutions to South Africa’s water challenges.

Delivering the keynote address at a recent Water Imbizo hosted by the University of South Africa (UNISA), Mahlobo described the country’s water challenges as structural and systemic in nature, saying that coordinated and science-based interventions are essential to addressing the crisis.

While South Africa remains water-scarce, Mahlobo noted that current shortages are largely driven by ageing and deteriorating infrastructure, weak governance, declining municipal capacity, pollution, and persistently high levels of non-revenue water, which stands at approximately 47%.

“This is not just a resource challenge. It is a governance, infrastructure and capability challenge that demands coordinated action across the entire system,” the Deputy Minister said.

Mahlobo emphasised that water security is both a constitutional obligation and a developmental and economic imperative, underpinning public health, food security, industrial growth and human dignity.

He warned that without decisive intervention, increasing demand, climate variability and inefficiencies will place growing strain on already vulnerable water systems.

The imbizo was positioned as a key national platform, bringing together government, academia and sector stakeholders to advance practical, evidence-based responses to the country’s water crisis.

Highlighting the importance of academia, Mahlobo said the country’s response must be firmly grounded in scientific evidence, innovation and technical expertise.

“Universities and research institutions must be at the centre of our national response. We need solutions that are informed by data, guided by science and capable of being implemented at scale.”

He called for a decisive shift from research to implementation, arguing that while South Africa has sufficient knowledge and innovation, it faces challenges in translating these into tangible outcomes.

“We must close the gap between knowledge and delivery. Scientific capability must find expression in municipal systems, infrastructure operations and the daily management of water services.” 

The Deputy Minister also reiterated that government cannot achieve water security alone, calling for a whole-of-society response that brings together government, academia, industry and communities in a coordinated national effort.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to stabilising the sector through infrastructure investment, improved municipal performance, strengthened oversight and coordinated interventions under the National Water Crisis Committee chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Mahlobo urged all South Africans to recognise water security as a shared national responsibility, and to actively support efforts to protect and sustain the country’s limited water resources. – SAnews.gov.za

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Three suspects were fatally wounded in a high-speed chase and shootout out with the Hawks Tactical Operations Management Team in Crystal Park in Gauteng, said the Hawks.

In a statement on Thursday, the Hawks said the trio were being pursued for hijacking, attempted murder and kidnapping, where the victim managed to escape unscathed.

“The members received information about suspects who allegedly were committing hijacking/kidnappings on Elm Road in Crystal Park. The members tactically patrolled the road. Around 20:30, the Hawks members from TOMS [Tactical Operations Management Section] spotted the described vehicle, a silver-grey Opel Astra, just after they pulled a female victim out of her Fiat and bundled her into their getaway vehicle.

“A high-speed chase ensued and the suspects opened fire on the police. The suspects’ vehicle hit the side barrier into an embankment.”

The victim was rescued with no injuries. Two firearms and some of the possessions belonging to the victim were found in the suspects’ vehicle. – SAnews.gov.za

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Bringing essential government services and opportunities directly to young people will be at the core of Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli’s visit to Kuruman in Northern Cape.

The Deputy Minister will host a Youth Services Expo at the Kuruman Town Hall on Friday, 20 March.

“The outreach programme will provide young people with access to information on employment opportunities, skills development, entrepreneurship support, and a range of government services,” the Presidency said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the Presidency, the initiative brings together key stakeholders including government departments, agencies, local mining companies and private sector partners — all contributing to youth empowerment through exhibitions and programme presentations.

The Deputy Minister will deliver remarks and conduct a walkabout engaging directly with exhibitors and young attendees.

The programme will include presentations from key institutions such as the National Youth Development Agency, the Department of Employment and Labour, the South African Police Service, Sector Education and Training Authorities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges, local mining stakeholders and other organisations supporting youth empowerment initiatives. – SAnews.gov.za

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