Category: South Africa Government

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has welcomed the increase in international tourism arrivals in the month of April 2026 which is the highest increase the country has seen since the start of the year.

“This is our highest monthly year-on-year increase since the start of the year. This means that despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has led to global flight disruptions and ticket fare price increases South Africa has not only defended its markets but has also grown in some regions, “Minister de Lille said on Wednesday.

According to Statics South Africa’s monthly International Tourism Report, which was released on Wednesday, the month of April recorded 989 329 tourist arrivals marking a 19.5% increase when compared to the same period last year.

Inbound travel from Singapore increased by 70.5% (938 arrivals) in April 2026 while arrivals from Brazil increased by 37.5% (5 953 arrivals).

The total number of arrivals from January 2026 to April 2026 increased by 14.1% year-on-year, to 3 899 358. This is an additional 482 935 increase in international arrivals when compared to Jan-April 2025.

The Minister said that in July Brazilian carrier LATAM airline will launch three weekly direct flights between São Paulo and Cape Town. 

“The airline was initially scheduled to launch these flights in September but has brough the date forward due to increased demand. Meanwhile, on 24 June 2026 Spanish carrier, Air Europa will launch its inaugural direct flight between Madrid and Johannesburg,” said the Minister.

According to the report, overseas tourists constituted 18.4% (181 796) of all tourists. –SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has welcomed the 2025/26 Marion Island overwintering team back to South Africa, after his instruction for their urgent evacuation after delays affecting the departure of the SA Agulhas II relief voyage. 

The team comprises experts from various disciplines, including meteorology, engineering, medicine, and communications. Each member plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of South Africa’s Antarctic research programme. 

“While the temporary closure of the base is unfortunate following the emergency evacuation, my team and I felt it was important to prioritise the safety and well-being of our people. That is why I ordered the evacuation and it was worth it,” Aucamp said on Wednesday.

The delays were caused by the unavailability of crucial fuel products that are blended with normal diesel and used to produce the special polar diesel required to keep the base running in extremely low outside temperatures that would otherwise crystallise normal diesel. 

The vessel was authorised to sail on “Ice Mode”, which is the use of maximum speed to reach Marion Island as quickly as possible. 

Owing to the importance of the research and environmental management programmes being undertaken at the base, Minister Aucamp has confirmed that the department is working hard to get the base back up and running, with a full team and adequate supplies. 

It is hoped that this can be achieved within two to three weeks, depending on a couple of factors, including safe weather conditions that allow helicopter operations at the base.

During the engagement with the team, the Minister thanked the overwintering team and their families for their patience and support during the past couple of weeks, after which he and the Director-General, Nomfundo Tshabalala, handed out certificates to the whole team.

“Now that we have secured the well-being of our people, we will work to restart the systems at the base, undertake repairs, restock the food and fuel supplies, while also initiating various interventions to mitigate against future risks during all voyages to the three South African remote scientific bases,” the Minister said.

To start with, the department has secured an 18-month supply of polar diesel so that the base has a sufficient contingency of fuel. 

“We are also looking into the procurement of a large fuel depot facility where this polar fuel could be stored, not only for our own use, but also for the potential use of other countries that operate polar bases. 

“South Africa remains committed to its Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research programme, which contributes significantly to climate science, biodiversity conservation, oceanographic research, and global environmental monitoring,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa says Bafana Bafana will carry the hopes and dreams of the nation with them as they head to the FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Mexico, the United States of America, and Canada from next month.

The President said this on Wednesday night during a send-off dinner for the men’s national football squad and the announcement of the final 26-man team by Bafana Bafana Head Coach, Hugo Broos.

President Ramaphosa assured the team that as they travel to the tournament, they will be wrapped in the support of South Africans nationwide.

“You will carry with you the hopes, the dreams, and the prayers of more than 62 million South Africans. Our people will be with you every step of the way,” said the President.

He said Bafana Bafana were back with belief and purpose. 

“They’re back with courage, and they’re back where they belong among the giants of world football.

“For many years, the people of South Africa have longed for this moment. Through triumphs and disappointments, and through difficult qualifying campaigns and rebuilding seasons, South Africans never stopped believing in this team. 

“We supported you as a team in our homes, in our communities, in our stadiums, and in our hearts. And today, that faith has been rekindled and rewarded,” President Ramaphosa said.

The senior men’s national football team last qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 2002 with the last participation coming via host nation status in 2010.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that qualification alone should not be the end, encouraging the squad to aim for ultimate glory.

“By qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in more than two decades, you have already written your names into the proud sporting history of our country.

“But fellow South Africans are not satisfied with just qualifying alone. No. We do not want group stages. We do not want early exits. We do not want to hear the words, eliminated or bowing out. We want to see you compete with courage, determination and believe until the very end.

“We want to see you bring that trophy back home,” he urged.

The President acknowledged the rigorous journey the team had travelled to reach this point, having faced strong opposition from the Nigerian, Zimbabwean, Lesotho, Rwandan and Benin national teams for a qualifying berth.

“The road to the World Cup has required resilience, sacrifice, discipline and long-term commitment by everyone.

“It has demanded investment in football development and grassroots structures, in coaching, in clubs, our wonderful clubs that not only win here at home, like Orlando Pirates…and we congratulate them. We also congratulate [Mamelodi] Sundowns who have conquered football on the nation, and they stand, and they sit at the top of the continent,” he said.

He told the team they were not just footballers, but “ambassadors of our democracy, of our resilience and of our national spirit”. 

“The diversity of this squad and the technical team reflects the true character of South Africa. A constitutional democracy founded on dignity, equality, non-racialism and opportunity for all. You represent the very best of who we are as a people,” he said.

Furthermore, their participation is a “rare opportunity” not only for themselves, but for the entire nation.

“History has now presented this generation of Bafana Bafana with a very rare, precious opportunity to rise again and to reclaim South Africa’s place among the elite nations of world football.

“We ask you to do one thing: Seize the moment. This is your moment, but we want you to know that this is also South Africa’s moment. Play with freedom, play with pride of a very proud nation. Play for one another but play for South Africa and its people,” President Ramaphosa concluded.

The Bafana Bafana squad that will take on the world’s best at the 2026 FIFA World Cup are:

• Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Captain), Ricardo Goss and Sipho Chaine.
• Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba, Samukelo Kabini, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Kamogelo Sebelebele and Bradley Cross.
• Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Sphephelo Sithole and Thalente Mbatha.
• Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners, Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa, Themba Zwane, Lyle Foster and Thapelo Maseko.

Bafana Bafana will face Mexico in the tournament opener on 11 June 2026. – SAnews.gov.za

Eskom has broken ground on a new R1.2 billion 75MW solar power plant to be based at the Lethabo Power Station in the Free State, marking a major step in integrating renewable generation within the power utility’s coal-fired power station-heavy fleet.

“Once completed, the plant is expected to generate approximately 147GWh of electricity annually, supplying power to an estimated 60,000 households. In addition to its energy contribution, the project will create vital local economic opportunities and contribute significantly to skills development during both the construction and operational phases,” Eskom said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the start of construction, Eskom’s Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, noted that the much-improved performance of the coal-fired fleet is setting a platform to phase in renewable energy.

“Last week we celebrated 365 days without loadshedding, as a result of the focused delivery over the past three years of the generation recovery plan by our skilled employees.

“Now that we have delivered a stable electricity platform for the South African economy to grow from, we can seamlessly enable the integration of renewable energy sources as required by the 2025 Integrated Resource Plan [IRP] to maintain future energy security.

“We are playing our part in bringing online the new generation capacity required by focusing on the deep technical and institutional capability of our employees, built over decades of public investment, that remains a critical part of our national capacity towards delivering cleaner sources of energy,” Marokane said.

Eskom’s Group Executive for Renewables, Rivoningo Mnisi, described the solar power plant as “a significant milestone” in the power utility’s renewable energy pipeline and forms part of the “broader strategy to diversify the generation mix, support South Africa’s Just Energy Transition objectives and provide customers with lower carbon electricity”.

“By leveraging existing power station infrastructure, this project demonstrates the practical integration of renewable energy technology within our existing coal-fired power station fleet infrastructure and signals Eskom’s continued commitment to strengthening security of supply while transitioning toward a lower-carbon future,” Mnisi said.

Investing in renewable energy

According to Eskom, the solar power plant is one of 17 high‑priority projects expected to be implemented across the electricity supplier’s existing coal‑fired power station footprint.

Construction on these is expected to kick off between now and 2028, with those projects representing 6GW of new capacity by the end of the decade.

“These developments will be strategically located at power stations including Arnot, Duvha, Majuba, Tutuka, Lethabo, Komati, Kendal, Kusile, Hendrina, Camden and Grootvlei, leveraging existing infrastructure to accelerate deployment, reduce costs and strengthen grid resilience.

“The Lethabo project also forms part of Eskom’s construction‑ready pipeline of at least 2GW of renewable energy and pumped storage projects progressing during 2026.

“Funding for these projects has been provisioned within Eskom’s approved capital expenditure program and will be financed through on‑balance sheet funding, in line with National Treasury debt relief conditions, without reliance on additional project finance borrowing,” Eskom explained.

Eskom Green will also adopt a “proactive growth strategy that extends beyond Eskom-owned land and existing decommissioning sites”.

“While these anchor projects provide a critical foundation, Eskom Green’s long-term value creation requires expanding into new geographic and technological opportunities.

“To this end, Eskom Green will actively pursue partnerships, co-development opportunities and strategic acquisitions of advanced-stage development projects and operating renewable assets located in high-resource areas with superior wind and solar irradiation,” the power utility said.

This will enable Eskom to “optimise its generation portfolio, diversify its revenue base, and ensure alignment with customer load profiles” by balancing technological advancements like pumped-storage, wind, PV, BESS and other alternatives such as green hydrogen.

“Eskom Green will provide a fit-for-purpose structure to facilitate utility-scale renewables through public-private partnerships, leveraging Eskom’s existing footprint and system knowledge.

“The proposed funding framework ensures limited recourse to the Eskom balance sheet using project finance principles for the renewable energy projects through dedicated project Special Purpose Vehicles.

“This will lead to the advancement of Eskom’s pipeline of more than 32GW of cost-competitive renewable energy and storage projects by 2040 to diversify its energy mix as part of the emissions reduction strategy and enable customers to decarbonise over the life of their operations,” Eskom concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald, has advocated for alternative approaches to address overcrowding in the country’s correctional services.

Speaking during a Parliamentary Questions for Oral Reply session for the Peace and Security cluster on Wednesday, the Minister said the Department of Correctional Services currently has some 107 000 beds available for inmates, with sentenced inmates already occupying at least 106 280 beds.

He said the main pressure stems from remand detainees — people held in custody while awaiting trial — who currently number 62 002. This has pushed overcrowding levels at correctional facilities to 58%.

“We have to accommodate all the people who are arrested and sent to correctional services. There are also other ways…the Criminal Procedures Act, where we can ask for a bail review, we do that. In the previous financial year, we referred 8 849 of these cases, but we were only successful for 1 278. 

“We [also] have about 3 300 remand detainees who couldn’t afford bail of less than R1 000, but it is costing the state taxpayer R463 per day to keep them there,” he said.

Groenewald also referred to the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS) Bail Fund initiative, which was led by former Inspecting Judge Edwin Cameron.

“The previous inspecting judge…started a bail fund and it became operational, where, for instance, a private fund has been established to pay this bail to get the people out. There are ways to do this, but I’m strongly in support of community service that should be part of sentencing in our courts,” he said.

Groenewald added that his department is in contact with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to explore alternatives to imprisonment where appropriate.

“Probation is one option and we are also in the process of using electronic bracelets to ensure that probationers can move along safely while protecting the community,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Electoral Commission has officially launched the 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE), marking the commencement of the mass awareness campaign towards Election Day in November. 

This is after President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced 4 November 2026 as the date for South Africa’s upcoming Local Government Elections.

Wednesday’s launch set the stage for political parties and voters to begin preparations for the polls with the Commission to rollout a national campaign across multiple platforms, including television, radio, digital, and social media, to ensure broad reach and accessibility.

Speaking at the launch held in Midrand, near Johannesburg, the Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said since the dawn of democracy in 1994, the Electoral Commission has successfully delivered five LGEs, each marking a significant milestone in the evolution of local democracy and the consolidation of municipalities as theatres of civic engagement. 

“As the 6th instalment, the 2026 Local Government Elections take place amid notable changes in domestic and global political landscapes. The announcement of the 4 November 2026 election date by His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, has provided the Electoral Commission and all stakeholders with clarity and certainty for planning,” Mamabolo said. 

Mamabolo said the launch is a practical manifestation of that certainty and an assurance that plans are firmly in the execution phase for delivering an election that meets the standard envisioned in the Constitution. 

On 1 April 2026, the Commission unveiled the elections logo and media campaign under the tagline, “Get Up, Show Up, Vote.” 

This powerful call to action is aimed at motivating all eligible voters, particularly young people to actively participate in the electoral process. 

According to Mamabolo, Wednesday’s launch marks the beginning of intensified public awareness ahead of the national voter registration weekend on 20 and 21 June 2026. 
Just under 24 000 registration stations across 4 488 municipal wards will open over the two days to enable citizens to register, verify their personal details and ensure correct registration. 

“Preparations are well advanced, with the Department of Home Affairs ensuring that offices will be open nationwide to facilitate citizens’ applications for identity documents, which are a prerequisite for voter registration. 

“The Commission has deployed over 800 Municipal Outreach Coordinators, including persons with disabilities, across the country to drive voter education and awareness, reinforcing inclusive participation ahead of the elections.” 

Mamabolo said since the beginning of 2026, more than 62,336 community events have been conducted nationwide, strengthening sustained voter education and public engagement adding that a targeted door-to-door voter communication and registration campaign has been completed across 99% of municipalities (212 out of 214) between 11 and 24 May 2026. 

“This campaign informed citizens of recent Municipal Demarcation Board changes to certain ward boundaries and the consequential revision of some voting districts. The Commission thanks the Board for its cooperation in completing the ward delimitation process and handing over final ward boundaries. 

“The Commission’s voter education and registration programmes continue to yield strong results. The Tertiary Institutions Campaign has reached 97 894 students across 1086 activations in all nine provinces, with 45 757 students successfully registered – demonstrating its impact in promoting youth participation. 

“The Schools Democracy Programme, implemented in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, continues to build awareness by educating learners on democratic principles and electoral processes, while encouraging eligible learners aged 16 and older to pre-register,” he said. 

Draft code of conduct

With regard to combating disinformation, Mamabolo said the Electoral Commission recognises that the pervasive use of social media is a double-edged sword. 

“The Commission has previously mitigated disinformation through, among others, collaboration with civil society and the use of the Real411 platform for flagging and reporting misleading content. This work has been strengthened through policy development. 

Guided by the Constitution and other relevant prescripts, the Commission will issue a draft Code of Conduct on Misinformation for public comment. The draft seeks to embed safeguards against fraudulent and manipulated content to preserve information integrity during the elections,” he said. 

Online registrations

The Commission said the online registration portal has improved the accuracy and stability of the voters’ roll by enabling real-time updates and offsetting losses due to mortality. Between January and May 2026, 376,140 new registrations were recorded, reflecting strong uptake – particularly among young voters.

The total number of registered voters currently stands at 27,912,415, exceeding the figures recorded at the time of the 2024 general elections. 

Mamabolo said the achievement comes despite an average monthly loss of 34 000 voters due to mortality. 

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Inkosi Velenkosini Hlabisa said he is confident that the number of registered young people will increase.

“I am confident that this time we are going to have more young people registering to vote and taking part in the elections,” he said.

In a bid to encourage young people to participate the elections, the Commission has introduced a youth-focused series, “Beats for My Peeps,” in partnership with the SABC.

The programme uses music, culture, and digital creators to address voter apathy, dispel misinformation, and promote participation.

It will air on SABC1 at 6pm from 3 June 2026. Meanwhile, the IEC Podcast launched in April 2026 and provides accessible, real-time information via mobile and digital platforms. 

How can citizens register

Get your identity document ready and register or check your address details online at: registertovote.elections.org.za 

Find your correct voting station to visit on the registration weekend at maps.elections.org.za/vsfinder 

Visit your local Electoral Commission offices on weekdays between 8am and 5pm.  – SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Human Settlements and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at addressing growing disputes between student tenants and landlords in the rental housing sector.

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane announced the planned agreement when she was delivering the department’s 2026 Budget Vote in Parliament on Tuesday.

The agreement seeks to formalise a collaborative partnership between the National Department of Human Settlements, NSFAS and Rental Housing Tribunals across the country.

According to Simelane, the partnership will focus on educating student tenants and landlords about their respective rights and responsibilities amid growing concerns over exploitation and contractual disputes in student accommodation.

“We are concerned about reports of student tenants being exploited by landlords, as well as instances where some students fail to honour their contractual obligations with landlords, despite receiving NSFAS funding,” Simelane said.

The Minister said the department has already engaged student formations and other stakeholders, and awareness programmes will soon be rolled out across all provinces.

Addressing growing unlawful occupation of land and buildings

The Minister noted that Rental Housing Tribunals are now operational in all nine provinces and provide free dispute resolution services to both tenants and landlords in the public and private rental markets.

This comes as government intensifies efforts to address the increasing unlawful occupation of land and buildings across the country.

Simelane said illegal occupation continues to place severe pressure on municipalities and property owners, while also creating dangerous living conditions.

“We all witnessed the tragic consequences of illegally occupied buildings in the City of Johannesburg, where lives were lost,” she said.

In response, government has drafted and published the Prevention of Illegal Eviction (PIE) Amendment Bill for public comment.

The proposed legislation aims to strengthen the management of unlawful occupation while balancing the rights of vulnerable groups, including women-headed households, children, older persons and people with disabilities, alongside the rights of property owners and municipalities.

“Parallel to this, we are also conducting nationwide public information sessions to solicit inputs from various stakeholders. To date, we have covered KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Western Cape. By the closing date, 16 June 2026 we would have covered all the provinces,” Simelane said.

The department intends to table the Bill before Parliament in August 2026.

Simelane reiterated that no tenant or landlord should be forced into expensive legal proceedings when accessible mechanisms already exist to ensure fair and legally binding resolutions.

She said the amendments form part of broader efforts to restore order in the housing sector, while ensuring that constitutional protections remain in place for vulnerable communities.

The Minister also reiterated the department’s commitment to accelerating housing delivery and improving access to affordable and secure accommodation across the country. – SAnews.gov.za

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has tabled a R26.972 billion budget allocation for the 2026/27 financial year, which outlines ambitious housing delivery targets, despite mounting fiscal pressures and a growing housing backlog.

Presenting the department’s Budget Vote in Parliament on Wednesday, Simelane said the allocation forms part of a broader R81.364 billion Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) budget aimed at advancing sustainable human settlements and restoring dignity to vulnerable communities.

Conditional grant funding for the current financial year amounts to R23.679 billion, with provincial departments receiving R15.183 billion and metropolitan municipalities allocated R8.486 billion.

However, Simelane warned that ongoing budget reductions will place significant pressure on the department’s ability to meet its Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) targets.

“Our baseline has been reduced by R20.6 billion over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework. This has resulted in the reduction of Urban Settlement Development Grant (USDG) by R19.7 billion over the MTEF with R5.7 billion in 2026/27, R6.4 billion in 2027/28 and R7.1 billion in 2028/29) to fund the metro trading services,” the Minister said.

Despite the constraints, the department has set a number of delivery targets for the current financial year, and these include:

•    Delivery of 39 058 housing units;
•    Completion of 25 186 serviced sites across programmes;
•    Registration of 21 918 title deeds;
•    Delivery of 2 878 social housing units, with 2000 units fully tenanted;
•    Eradication of 6 950 mud houses;
•    Delivery of 744 housing units for military veterans, and
•    Installation of 11 215 solar systems to advance energy resilience and sustainability.

The department also plans to unblock 195 stalled housing projects and ensure that 11 358 First Home Finance subsidy applications are approved, and 9 231 subsidies disbursed to qualifying beneficiaries.

Simelane acknowledged that housing delivery remains below target, revealing that only 23 027 housing units were delivered against a target of 37 779 during the previous financial year.

“This situation cannot continue,” she said, adding that the department will take decisive action against underperforming contractors, and officials responsible for procurement delays.

Significant strides made in housing delivery

Despite challenges linked to land availability, natural disasters and funding constraints, the department reported notable progress in several key programmes during the previous financial year.

Among the achievements highlighted include:

•    Eradication of 8176 unhabitable mud houses;
•    Unblocking of 85 stalled housing projects;
•    Acquisition of 2 447 hectares of land for human settlements development through the Housing Development Agency;
•    Delivery of 24 251 serviced sites by provinces, exceeding annual targets of 13 995, and
•    Delivery of 3 031 social housing units by the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA).

The social housing programme also generated more than 12 000 job opportunities nationally, highlighting the programme’s role in supporting economic activity and employment.

In line with the Property Practitioners Act 22 of 2029, the department continued to make significant progress in advancing transformation, skills development, and participation of the previously disadvantaged within the property sector.

“Through the One Learner, One Property Practitioner Programme, we successfully placed 619 candidate property practitioners with property industry employer/host employers, thus strengthening workplace-based learning opportunities and promoting sustainable entry into the sector. We also exceeded our target for women empowerment through the Principalisation Programme, supporting 1 153 women against a target of 484,” Simelane highlighted.

The Minister said government remains committed to leveraging innovative building technologies to accelerate housing delivery and improve climate resilience.

Simelane said government has resolved that at least 2% of the Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG) may be allocated to Innovative Building Technologies (IBTs)-related housing projects.

The department has also prioritised local manufactures, emerging contractors, youth, women and township-based enterprises, in ensuring IBTs drive inclusive economic participation and job creation.

The Minister noted that South Africa continues to face a persistent, complex and multi-layered human settlements challenge.

The housing backlog currently stands at an estimated 2.6 million units, while rapid urbanisation, historical spatial inequality, and significant unmet housing demand, continue to place pressure on municipalities and housing infrastructure.

Simelane said the department remained committed to ensuring that investments in housing translate into meaningful improvements in the lives of South Africans.

“Housing is more than shelter. It is about restoring dignity, hope and security,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za