Category: South Africa Government

Bafana Bafana will return to the global stage on Thursday when they take on Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup, with kick-off set for 9 pm.

When Bafana Bafana walk onto the pitch for the opening match, it will mark exactly 16 years since South Africa, as host nation, opened the first World Cup on African soil against Mexico in Johannesburg.

Tonight, history repeats itself as the same two nations meet again in the tournament’s opening fixture, this time with South Africa playing away in Mexico.

Fans at home and around the world will be watching closely to see who comes out on top.

Some South African fans will don green and gold at public viewing sites, blowing their vuvuzelas as they cheer on the men’s national team.

The Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, in partnership with HONOR, will attend the opening World Cup match at public viewing events at Tembisa Mall and the Mall of Africa in Gauteng.

The event will bring supporters closer to the energy, pride and anticipation surrounding the beautiful game through a series of fan-focused activations and rewards linked to Bafana Bafana’s international tournament campaign.

The Deputy Minister will be joined by Bafana legends at the event, which will feature artist performances, spot prizes and supporter experiences designed to bring people together in the excitement of match day.

The first 300 fans to arrive will receive a soft drink voucher, with additional spot prizes up for grabs during the event.

HONOR, together with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and Gauteng Tourism, has also partnered to help ensure fan safety and security during the watch party events. 

Earlier this week, Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos said the team will be ready to face Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup.

Broos said the South African senior men’s national team is eager to embrace the occasion when it takes on Mexico in at a packed Estadio Azteca stadium on Thursday, 11 June 2026. 

Although the team will play in a stadium filled mostly with Mexican supporters, Broos said Bafana Bafana know South Africans are backing them from home.

“We all know there will be many Mexicans in the stadium and perhaps only a few South Africans, so we cannot count on strong support inside the venue. But we do know we have the support of the nation.

“We felt that in recent days, and during the past week when we began our preparations in South Africa. The whole country is behind us, and we are playing for everyone who believes in us,” he said. 

The coach was addressing members of the media ahead of the opening match. –SAnews.gov.za

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Following the surfacing of a video clip on various social media platforms showing a physical altercation, where a male individual is seen assaulting a 21-year-old female, police have confirmed that a 22-year-old high school learner has been arrested and charged.

​He is expected to make his first court appearance in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on 12 June 2026.

“​We strongly plead for calm and space to allow the police investigation to take its natural course. The SAPS views all acts of violence, particularly against the vulnerable, in a serious light and is committed to ensuring that justice is served,” the South African Police Service said in a statement.

The police said further updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses. – SAnews.gov.za

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As South Africa observes Youth Month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) embarked on a national campaign, ‘SAPS Youth – Leading the Reset Agenda’, to celebrate the dedication, resilience and positive impact of its young members.

Under the banner, ‘My Blood is Blue’, the campaign showcases young police officers, who have embraced the responsibility of serving and protecting the people of South Africa with pride and purpose.

Their commitment to excellence, ethical conduct and public service reflects the vision of the SAPS Reset Agenda and underscores the valuable contribution that young people are making in strengthening policing and building safer communities for all.

The SAPS Reset Agenda is a multiyear institutional reform and operational renewal strategy aimed at combating crime and restoring public trust.

Today, SAPS introduces Warrant Officer Rose Hofler, a 35-year-old Forensic Analyst specialising in ballistics at the Forensic Science Laboratory’s Ballistic Unit in Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal. 

Armed with a Master of Philosophy degree specialising in Biomedical Forensic Science, a Master of Medical Science degree specialising in Physiology, and a Bachelor of Medical Science degree specialising in Anatomy and Physiology, Hofler has completed more than 3 000 ballistic-related cases, linking firearms to crime scenes and helping bring criminals to justice.

For Hofler, SAPS has always been the employer of choice. Soon after completing her studies in 2018, her dream of analysing evidence and uncovering the truth was realised when she joined the service.

Ballistics analysts are based within the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory, particularly in the Ballistics Unit. Their work includes examining firearms that are suspected to have been used in committing crime, comparing ammunition and cartridge casings from crime scenes using systems, such as IBIS (Integrated Ballistic Identification System), to match ballistic evidence.

She highlighted that the environment has allowed her to develop a wide knowledge base on various firearms and the way they work, including the complexity of homemade firearms. It is an environment where there is continuous learning and development due to the wide variety of cases they receive as well has the high case load. 

This means that there is never a dull day in that office. Hofler’s career in forensics is natured by experienced mentors that have a wealth of knowledge and who are willing to share their experiences with young and upcoming analysts. 

“I have always been fascinated by the world of forensic science since my early high school years. At that time, it was coined the ‘CSI Effect’, where almost every kid wanted to be like the cool forensic scientists they saw on one of the many forensic science TV show dramas being aired at the time.

“And just like the others, I was expected to grow out of it, but I never did. And this is what directed and motivated me to lay the academic foundation on which I could build my forensic career,” Hofler said.

Hofler is committed to advancing South African ballistics through operational accuracy, keeping abreast with any and all advancements within the field of ballistics, while maintaining professionalism and upholding the highest standards of forensic integrity. 

“Apart from the uniformed officers who prevent crime and do all the visibility, SAPS has a wide range of sophisticated careers, and it is my wish that many young persons realise that SAPS has opportunities which can expose them to a world they never knew that it existed,” Hofler said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Africa has secured a historic place on marathon running’s biggest stage, with the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon officially confirmed as the first Abbott World Marathon Major to be hosted on the continent.

Following the successful staging of the 2026 race on 24 May, the event passed the second and final phase of the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) assessment process, earning its place as the eighth member of the elite global series.

Cape Town now joins an exclusive group of host cities that includes Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago and New York.

The achievement marks a significant milestone for African road running, bringing one of the sport’s most prestigious accolades to a continent that has long produced many of the world’s greatest distance runners.

For decades, African athletes have dominated long-distance running, producing around 80% of the world’s top 50 elite marathon runners. Yet despite the continent’s unrivalled success in the sport, Africa had never hosted one of the world’s premier marathon events.

The achievement follows a five-year journey that began in 2021 when the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was announced as an Abbott World Marathon Majors Candidate Race.

The formal evaluation process started in 2022, with the race undergoing detailed annual assessments against the organisation’s rigorous standards for operations, organisation and athlete experience.

A major breakthrough came in 2024 when the event attracted a record 20 000 marathon entries and produced course records in both the men’s and women’s races. South African athlete Glenrose Xaba also set a new national marathon record of 2:22:22, helping the race successfully complete the first stage of the candidacy process.

The Major’s bid faced an unexpected challenge in 2025 when the race was cancelled. However, organisers said the decision reinforced the event’s commitment to prioritising safety and human life above all else.

Rather than derailing the campaign, the move strengthened confidence in the marathon’s governance and integrity, prompting Abbott World Marathon Majors to extend the evaluation period.

Everything hinged on the successful staging of the 2026 race on 24 May.

The event delivered on expectations, attracting global attention with the participation of marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge in his first official marathon on African soil. The race subsequently passed the second and final stage of its assessment, securing its place among the world’s most celebrated marathons.

Organisers estimate that the event could contribute about R800 million to the economy, while also creating opportunities for tourism, investment and sports development.

Importantly, the organisers have committed two-thirds of race entries to African participants, ensuring that the continent’s runners have greater access to one of the sport’s most sought-after events.

The first official Abbott World Marathon Major on African soil is scheduled to take place in Cape Town on 23 May 2027.

For South Africa, home to the Comrades Marathon and now Africa’s first World Marathon Major, the achievement represents another landmark moment in the country’s rich distance-running history and further cements its reputation as a leading destination for global road running. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Tributes continue to pour in for His Majesty King Makhosonke II, King of the amaNdebele nation, who passed away on Tuesday.

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, conveyed his condolences following the passing of the king at the age of 65.

“Minister Hlabisa extends his heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty Queen Sekhothali, the Royal Family, the amaNdebele as a whole, and the broader traditional leadership fraternity during this difficult time,” the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) said on Wednesday.

The department added that throughout his reign, His Majesty showed a strong commitment to the development and empowerment of traditional communities. 

In joining President Cyril Ramaphosa in his tribute to the King, the department added that the King played a key role in strengthening the amaNdebele community, preserving its cultural heritage, promoting social cohesion and fostering unity among his people. 

“His leadership extended beyond the boundaries of his kingship, contributing to nation-building and encouraging peace, cooperation and mutual respect among communities across South Africa.

“As President Ramaphosa has noted, His Majesty was a pillar of national unity in diversity and a champion of development, with education and land restitution forming part of his enduring vision for his people,” said CoGTA.

READ | Condolences for His Majesty King Makhosonke II

The Minister said His Majesty was a respected traditional leader, and a nation-builder who brought people together and a unifying force.

“ As the inaugural Chairperson of the Forum for South Africa’s Majesties, he helped shape a new chapter of cooperation between government and traditional leadership. His commitment to the upliftment of communities and the preservation of our rich cultural heritage will remain an enduring legacy. South Africa has lost a distinguished leader whose contribution to nation-building will be remembered for generations to come,” Hlabisa said.

Culture and identity 

Meanwhile, the National Heritage Council of South Africa (NHC) also joined the nation in mourning the passing of His Majesty King Makhosonke II.

“The NHC extends its heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty Queen Sekhotali, the Royal Family, the amaNdebele nation, and all those whose lives were touched by His Majesty’s leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the preservation of culture and tradition,” said the NHC.

In its statement on Wednesday, the Council said traditional leaders occupy a unique and vital place in South Africa’s heritage landscape.

“As custodians of indigenous knowledge systems, living heritage, customs, traditions, languages, and cultural practices, they play a critical role in safeguarding the nation’s intangible cultural heritage for the current and future generations.”

It said that throughout his reign, King Makhosonke II championed the promotion and preservation of amaNdebele culture and identity.

“The NHC had the privilege of working alongside His Majesty on several cultural and heritage initiatives over the years. The Council supported several cultural events under his leadership. At the same time, His Majesty, in turn, welcomed and invited the NHC to participate in important cultural gatherings and heritage celebrations within the kingdom. These engagements reflected a shared commitment to preserving, promoting, and celebrating South Africa’s rich living heritage.”

NHC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Thabo Manetsi, said the passing of the King is the loss to the country’s heritage sector.

“The passing of His Majesty King Makhosonke II is a profound loss not only to the amaNdebele nation but also to South Africa’s broader heritage sector. He was a respected traditional leader who understood the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage, indigenous knowledge systems, and the traditions that define communities,” said Manetsi. 

The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) also conveyed its symphaties to the amaNdebele Nation.

PanSALB Chief Executive Officer, Dr Keaobaka Seshoka, expressed the Board’s sympathies at the loss of the distinguished traditional leader and champion of indigenous languages. 

“As the Board, we wish to extend our deepest condolences to the amaNdebele nation and the royal family. The passing of His Majesty, Makhosonke Mabhena, is a profound loss not only to the amaNdebele nation but to the nation as a whole. We remain deeply grateful for his unwavering contribution toward the preservation and promotion of isiNdebele,” said Dr Seshoka.

The CEO said the King’s support for the advancement of the isiNdebele language and culture will remain an enduring legacy, helping to ensure that isiNdebele thrives for generations to come.

“As we bid farewell to this esteemed custodian of the isiNdebele language and culture, we do so with profound respect and gratitude. We honour his legacy by reaffirming our commitment to champion the promotion and protection of all our indigenous languages in the country,” she added. 

PanSALB said His Majesty was instrumental in the launch of isiNdebele on the Wikipedia platform to increase its digital presence, a project spearheaded by the SWiP Project (SADiLaR, Wikipedia and PanSALB). 

An early success of the project was the integration of isiNdebele into Wikipedia. Initially represented by only 11 articles in the Wikipedia Incubator, the language saw rapid growth to over 140 articles within a year, marking its transition to Wikipedia’s main platform.

“PanSALB joins the amaNdebele nation, the royal family and all South Africans in mourning the loss of a revered leader and custodian of our language, culture and heritage,” it said. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

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Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson says his department is taking the public into its confidence as wrongdoing is investigated while also strengthening accountability, protecting public money and ensuring that it works for all South Africans.

“In the Budget Vote I will deliver this afternoon, I will speak about the broader work of this department, the work to unlock infrastructure investment, reform public employment, stabilise entities, unblock delayed projects, use public assets for public good, and turn Public Works and Infrastructure into the economic delivery unit of South Africa,” Macpherson said.

Addressing the media in Cape Town on ongoing investigations and progress in the department, Macpherson said his department cannot speak honestly about delivery without also speaking about accountability.

“We cannot build a capable department on top of broken systems. We cannot ask the public to trust us with billions of rands in assets, leases, projects and grants if we are not prepared to confront the failures, irregularities and abuses that have weakened this department over many years.”

He added that the department cannot turn South Africa into a construction site if the very department that must help lead that effort is still being held back by dysfunction, weak consequence management and those who believe that public money exists to serve private interests.

“When we ask hard questions about leases, contracts, ghost employees, lifestyle audits, underused buildings, failed projects and irregular procurement, we are not doing so to create headlines. We are doing so because we want this department to work and to serve the country. 

“Every irregular lease weakens the state’s ability to provide proper accommodation to client departments. Every failed infrastructure project delays services to communities. Every ghost employee steals from unemployed South Africans who need real opportunities. 

“Every act of gatekeeping in public employment undermines the dignity of the very people EPWP was created to serve. And every attempt to avoid accountability makes it harder to rebuild the public trust,” the Minister explained.

He added that the most urgent area of reform in this portfolio remains the Property Management Trading Entity, or PMTE which is responsible for managing one of South Africa’s largest public property portfolios. 

“It should be helping the state reduce wasteful leasing, unlock value from state assets, provide quality accommodation to client departments, and use public land and buildings for the public good.

“Instead, PMTE has too often become associated with weak systems, inflated leases, underutilised buildings, poor contract management and serious financial pressure. Its overdraft has doubled to nearly R4 billion in the last 20 months. It has not achieved a clean audit since it was established in 2014,” the minister said.

Macpherson said despite the state owning thousands of buildings and large portions of land, government continues to spend approximately R6 billion a year on private leases, many of which have raised serious concerns about value for money, market-related pricing and proper legal compliance.

“We have seen proposed leases with costs above market value. We have seen leases allowed to lapse without proper contingency plans, often deliberately so. We have seen submissions returned with detailed concerns, only for those concerns to be ignored or not properly processed. 

“And we have seen what our own investigators have described as “self-created emergencies” – where normal planning fails, delays are allowed to build up, and then urgency is used to justify bypassing proper scrutiny,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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With South Africa moving towards the 50th anniversary of Youth Day, Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong has highlighted the importance of the  Milestones of Freedom Campaign, which government will launch next week.

The Deputy Minister was speaking during an engagement with the Free State Provincial Executive Council on the coordination of government communication, nation branding, and community media support in the province. 

“Part of the reason why we are here is to present the Milestones of Freedom Campaign. It is a government-wide initiative coordinated by the GCIS [Government Communication and Information System] under the theme: ‘Honouring the Past, Delivering the Future,’” he said on Wednesday.

Minister Morolong added that the campaign seeks to commemorate significant milestones in South Africa’s journey to freedom while also reaffirming government’s commitment to improve the lives of all citizens.

“It honours the sacrifices of those who fought for liberation, promotes deeper understanding of our democratic history, and encourages active citizenship particularly among young people. This is significant as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Student Uprising,” said Morolong.

Government will launch the Milestones of Freedom Campaign on 18 June at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Cabinet has approved a year-long programme aimed at celebrating constitutional values, strengthening civic participation and promoting social cohesion.

READ | Milestones of Freedom Campaign to commemorate several landmark anniversaries in SA’s history

On Friday, Cabinet called on all sectors of society to support initiatives aimed at empowering young people through education, skills development, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.

This as the country is currently commemorating Youth Month which is observed annually in June and will be commemorated on Youth Day on 16 June. Cabinet said the month provides an opportunity to honour the legacy of the youth of 1976 while reflecting on the progress made in expanding opportunities for younger generations in a democratic South Africa.

The Deputy Minister was accompanied on his visit by delegates from the GCIS, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) and Brand South Africa (Brand SA). –SAnews.gov.za 

 

 

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), will on Thursday address the closing session of the 9th South African TB Conference taking place at Birchwood Hotel & O.R Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, Gauteng.

The conference will started on 8 June, and will conclude on Thursday, 11 June.

The conference is being held under the theme: ” Vuka, Let’s Unite Towards a TB-Free World!”.

It serves as a national platform for government, academia, civil society, development partners, healthcare professionals, researchers and communities to reflect on progress made in the fight against TB and to identify measures required to accelerate South Africa’s response to the epidemic.

“The elimination of TB remains a national priority. Government, together with civil society, development partners, research institutions, communities and the private sector, continues to strengthen efforts to end TB as a public health threat and address its impact on vulnerable communities, economic productivity and the health system,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The Deputy President’s address will reaffirm government’s commitment to ending TB, acknowledge the progress achieved to date, and call for renewed partnerships to address persistent challenges, including TB mortality, TB/HIV co-infection, drug-resistant TB and the socio-economic impact of the disease on households and communities. – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has called on States Parties to accelerate the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), and ensure the meaningful participation of organisations representing persons with disabilities.

Delivering South Africa’s country statement at the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP19) to the CRPD, currently underway at United Nations Headquarters in New York, Chikunga reaffirmed the country’s commitment to advancing disability rights and promoting the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society.

The Minister highlighted South Africa’s longstanding commitment to the Convention, noting that the country played a role in drafting the CRPD and its Optional Protocol in 2002 before signing and ratifying both instruments in 2007.

She said South Africa’s efforts to domesticate the Convention culminated in the adoption of the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2015. The policy framework is built on nine pillars aimed at advancing disability inclusion. It includes among others, the removal of barriers to access and participation, support of sustainable integrated community life, and the reduction of economic vulnerability.

Chikunga emphasised that disability inclusion is a constitutional imperative in South Africa and should be embedded across all areas of governance and development.

“For South Africa, disability inclusion is a constitutional imperative. It is at the heart of the supreme law of the land, and our view is that disability inclusion should be at the centre of everything we do,” Chikunga said.

The Minister outlined several recent initiatives undertaken by the South African government to strengthen disability inclusion, and these include the development of a Disability-Inclusive Service Delivery Monitoring Tool, the Disability Inequality Index, and a Climate Change Impact and Disability Research Initiative.

She also highlighted Disability Rights Awareness Month (held annually between 3 November and 3 December) and the elevation of disability inclusion as a key focus area during South Africa’s G20 Presidency.

With strengthened enforcement mechanisms, Chikunga said government is making progress towards achieving a target of 5% employment equity for persons with disabilities in the public service and ensuring that 7% of public procurement opportunities are disability-inclusive by 2026.

“We are part of the implementation of disability-inclusive climate change, disaster risk reduction and humanitarian response, in line with Article 11 of the CRPD, the Sendai Framework, and the Paris Agreement.”

Chikunga underscored the importance of digital accessibility, assistive technologies, artificial intelligence and accessible public information systems in advancing inclusion.

As part of South Africa’s G20 legacy initiatives, Chikunga said government is in the process of developing a Disability Inclusion Nerve Centre of Excellence, which is expected to enhance the country’s ability to plan effectively, allocate resources equitably, and monitor progress with accountability and transparency.

“Our disability inclusion measures will remain rooted in the principles of equality for all, the full enjoyment of rights, alertness to intersecting layers of discrimination, and the imperative of social and economic protection,” she said.

Held from 9 to 11 June 2026, under the theme: “CRPD at 20: Celebrating and consolidating achievements and shaping the next phase of implementation in a changing world”, COSP19 provides a critical platform for advancing solutions.

Discussions are focussing on preventing exploitation, violence and abuse; strengthening care and support systems that promote autonomy and resilience; and enhancing accessible civic engagement, leadership, and political participation.

As the world marks 20 years of the CRPD, COSP19 is a moment to celebrate progress, strengthen commitments and shape a more inclusive future for persons with disabilities. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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The National Consumer Commission (NCC) on Wednesday  announced the recall of certain Hino 700 Series trucks.

This follows a notification by Toyota South Africa Motors (Pty) Ltd.

“The recalled units were sold nationally through authorised Toyota dealerships between 10 September 2024 and 10 December 2024. This recall applies to 18 Hino 700 Series model,” said the NCC.

According to the supplier, the fuel pump housing has an inappropriate surface treatment process done during production. Cracks may develop when repeated high load is applied to the supply pump resulting in a fuel leak.

“Consumers who own the affected Hino 700 Series are urged to visit their nearest authorised Toyota dealership to arrange for an inspection and repair.

“A new fuel pump will be fitted to the affected trucks. All inspection and corrective work relating to this recall will be carried out at no cost to the consumer,” said the Commission.

The NCC is an agency of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

Questions and queries relating to this recall may be directed to: ProductRecall@thencc.org.za. –SAnews.gov.za 

 

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