Category: South Africa Government

The Department of Employment and Labour has invited stakeholders and interested parties to comment on the Draft Reviewed Code of Good Practice on the Preparation, Implementation and Monitoring of Employment Equity (EE) Plans. 

The draft code was published for public comment on Friday, 24 July 2026, with members of the public given 60 days to submit written inputs.

According to the department, the revised code provides guidance to designated employers on preparing, implementing and monitoring employment equity plans in line with the Employment Equity Act (EEA), No. 55 of 1998, as amended, and its regulations.

The code deals with several aspects of employment equity planning, including its objectives, application, purpose and rationale, the legal framework, the structure of employment equity plans, the preparation process, implementation and monitoring, as well as reporting requirements.

“The Code provides guidelines to designated employers, those who employ 50 or more employees, and their employees on good practice for the preparation, implementation and monitoring of an employment equity plan as required by the Employment Equity Act, No. 55 of 1998 (EEA), as amended, and its Regulations,” the department said. 

The department said the guidelines are intended to assist employers and employees in applying employment equity requirements appropriately within their respective workplace environments.

The revised code applies to all designated employers that are required to prepare, implement and monitor employment equity plans in consultation with representative trade unions, employees or employee representatives in terms of the EEA and its regulations.

According to the department, the code is issued in terms of Section 54 of the Employment Equity Act and must be read together with other codes issued under the Act, as well as relevant labour legislation, the Constitution and the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act.

The Department of Employment and Labour has encouraged all interested stakeholders to submit written comments during the 60-day consultation period.

Comments can be emailed to Christina.Lehlokoa@labour.gov.za or Tsholofelo.Ndlovu@labour.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Bontebok National Park will begin a phased reopening next month, following extensive rehabilitation work after the flood damage experienced in May 2026.

“Significant progress has been made in restoring affected infrastructure, making it possible to safely reopen parts of the park to visitors while rehabilitation work continues in other areas,” the South African National Parks (SANParks) said.

The first phase, which begins on 1 August 2026, will include six self-catering chalets, the camping site, and the Aloe Hill, Acacia, and Termite hiking trails.

The eight riverside chalets affected by the floods are still undergoing refurbishment and are therefore not yet available for reservations.

Die Stroom Picnic Site and the Bushbuck Trail will also remain closed until rehabilitation work is complete.

“A phased reopening approach will continue, with additional facilities and visitor experiences becoming available as restoration work progresses. Updates on the reopening of these facilities will be communicated as they become available.

“SANParks extends its sincere appreciation to visitors, tourism partners and stakeholders for their patience and continued support during the recovery process. The organisation looks forward to welcoming guests back to Bontebok National Park and remains committed to restoring the park’s facilities safely and responsibly.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Banyana Banyana put up a fierce fight against Tanzania in their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group B opener but suffered a 2-1 defeat at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, on Monday evening.

Despite the setback, Banyana Banyana still have two group matches to revive their campaign.

They will face Ivory Coast on 31 July before taking on Burkina Faso on 4 August.

South Africa is drawn in Group B alongside Tanzania, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. The top two teams in each group will progress to the quarter finals.

The match marked a special milestone for midfielder Linda Motlhalo, who earned her 100th cap for the senior women’s national team.

The tournament, which is being held in Morocco from 26 July to 16 August 2026, also serves as a route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists qualifying automatically. – SAnews.gov.z

 

 

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The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) will in the next two weeks hold discussions with the hospitality, agriculture and tourism sectors on the employment of South Africans and other issues affecting economic growth.

The planned engagements form part of government’s efforts to address migration management while also promoting economic growth and ensuring that local workers benefit from opportunities in the economy.

The announcement was made during a media briefing by the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration on Sunday, held to outline progress on government’s plans to strengthen migration management, uphold the rule of law and secure the country’s borders.

“In the next two weeks the dtic will hold discussions with sectors such as hospitality, agriculture and tourism on matters of employment of locals and other issues related to the growth of the economy,” the committee said.

The discussions are expected to focus on the employment of local people and broader economic challenges facing the sectors.

The IMC said the engagements form part of its work on the “economic stream” of the government’s migration management plan.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and dtic will also convene a meeting with businesses operating elsewhere on the African continent to understand the challenges they face and assess the broader impact of the current migration situation.

The government is simultaneously pursuing policy and legislative changes aimed at addressing gaps in migration management.

These include the Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection Bill, the Employment Services Amendment Bill and the Business Licensing Bill, which the IMC said seeks to reserve certain business activities and sectors wholly or partly for South African citizens.

The planned sector discussions come as government intensifies efforts to crack down on businesses employing undocumented migrants as part of its broader migration management strategy.

The IMC said multi-agency law enforcement operations were targeting illegal border crossings, human trafficking, labour exploitation, fraudulent documentation syndicates and businesses employing illegal migrants.

The IMC is expected to continue engaging stakeholders as government seeks to balance migration management, the protection of human rights and efforts to promote economic growth. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and leaders of the Concerned Religious Fraternity have agreed to strengthen their partnership to advance service delivery, promote meaningful public participation and tackle some of the metro’s most pressing social challenges.

The recent engagement, led by Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe, comes amid ongoing public consultations by the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) on a draft self-regulatory framework for the Christian sector.  

The fraternity called for broader and more inclusive engagement to ensure that the voices of faith communities are adequately heard. 

While discussions included the proposed regulatory framework, the engagement extended far beyond policy matters.

The municipality and the religious fraternity reached a shared commitment to work together in addressing critical challenges affecting residents, including water conservation, the protection of municipal infrastructure against vandalism and theft, the fight against gender-based violence, youth development and strengthening social cohesion across communities. 

Lobishe said the engagement demonstrated the important role that partnerships between government and faith-based organisations play in building resilient communities and strengthening democracy. 

“The Constitution not only protects freedom of religion, belief and association; it also upholds the democratic principle that every citizen must have a meaningful opportunity to participate in decisions that affect them. As local government, we believe constructive dialogue remains one of the strongest foundations of democracy,” Lobishe said.

She said the municipality will engage the relevant government stakeholders to communicate the concerns raised by the religious fraternity while fully respecting the constitutional independence and statutory mandate of the CRL Rights Commission.

“Government cannot build thriving communities on its own. Lasting change is achieved when government, faith leaders, business and civil society unite behind a common purpose. Today’s engagement marks the beginning of a stronger partnership that places the people of Nelson Mandela Bay at the centre of everything we do.

“The reach of the religious fraternity, from local congregations to provincial and national leadership, provides a powerful platform to mobilise communities around responsible citizenship, safer neighbourhoods, protecting public infrastructure, promoting water conservation and confronting gender-based violence. That is a partnership we are committed to strengthening,” Lobishe said.

Lobishe further welcomed the fraternity’s willingness to work alongside the municipality in supporting service delivery initiatives and community development programmes. 

Speaking on behalf of the Concerned Religious Fraternity, Pastor Lingelihle Jadezweni welcomed the outcome of the engagement and described it as an important step towards strengthening relations between local government and the faith community.

“We appreciate the Executive Mayor’s willingness to listen to our concerns and facilitate engagement with the relevant institutions. We believe meaningful consultation is essential in matters affecting churches and religious communities.

“Equally important, we leave this engagement committed to working alongside the Municipality to address the challenges confronting our communities. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our people,” the mayor said.

The mayor reaffirmed that inclusive governance requires collaboration with all sectors of society and that faith-based organisations remain indispensable partners in promoting social cohesion, supporting vulnerable communities and advancing sustainable development.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality will continue strengthening partnerships with religious organisations, civil society, business and communities as part of its commitment to building a capable, responsive and developmental local government that delivers for all residents. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Department of Agriculture has launched an online self-vaccination application portal that will allow livestock owners to apply for authorisation to vaccinate their own animals against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), in a move aimed at streamlining the country’s response to the disease.

Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp said the new system will enable cattle owners and managers to perform voluntary vaccination of their livestock against FMD.

“This step is only the beginning, and I can assure all stakeholders that the Department of Agriculture is committed to enabling the private sector to help tackle this FMD outbreak,” Aucamp said.

The online portal enables livestock owners to register on the FMD Reporting site and apply to become an authorised person to administer FMD vaccines. The system has been designed in line with biosecurity requirements, legal prescripts, and traceability measures, and reporting on vaccinations that were applied.

The application process is divided into three parts:

a) Application to be an “Authorised Person” 

Livestock owners and managers must apply through the FMD Reporting System to be approved as an “Authorised Person” permitted to administer FMD vaccines.

b) Notice of Intention to Vaccinate

Once approved as an “Authorised Person”, they will be required to give notice of their intention to vaccinate, to the Provincial Director of Veterinary Services or the applicable State Veterinarian for the area concerned. This notification needs to be submitted online or in writing, at least five days prior to administering the vaccine. After the authorised persons have given notice of their intention to vaccinate, they will be able to procure the required vaccines directly from their authorised veterinarian in their area.

c) Submit a vaccination report

Following vaccination, authorised persons must submit a vaccination report within 14 days, with the required feedback (as per the online feedback system on the vaccines that they have administered). This feedback report will include various details of the animals vaccinated, as well as the vaccine used and the location of the farm where the vaccine was administered.

The department said livestock owners and managers may also use approved third-party digital platforms, including those operated by Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), Southern African Agri Initiative (SAAI) and Buffalo Analytics, to complete the notification and reporting process.

The information submitted through approved private-sector platforms will be shared with the Department of Agriculture and uploaded to the department’s system. Livestock owners are advised to confirm that their chosen platform has been approved for use by the Director of Animal Health.

Aucamp said the information gathered through these report-back systems will enable government to monitor progress of the vaccination programme.

“It will also enable us to efficiently provide up-to-date information on the success of South Africa’s vaccination programme to the World Organisation for Animal Health when we are in a position to apply for FMD-free status with vaccination once again,” Aucamp said.

The Minister reiterated the department’s commitment to strengthening relations with the sector and that he will chart a unified way of working which welcomes support and collaboration from all stakeholders.

He also encouraged organised agricultural organisations to liaise with approved vaccine importers, on behalf of their members, on the number of vaccines required by their members.

This, he said, will assist importers in determining the number of vaccines that they need to procure and distribute to veterinarians all over the country.

Vaccine importers have also been urged to work with veterinarians to determine the number of vaccines that the veterinarians want to order for their clients in a specific area.

Farmers participating in the voluntary vaccination programme will be responsible for the cost of vaccines administered to their livestock. However, government will continue providing vaccines in areas where new FMD outbreaks are detected, as well as to farmers who cannot afford to purchase them.

“I want to thank all farmers, organised agriculture organisations as well as the Department of Agriculture officials, who have worked tirelessly to get these systems up and running shortly after reaching the settlement,” the Minister said.

For general queries and questions regarding the FMD Reporting system, please contact: Dr Rachel Welsh – 012 319 7460 or RachelW@nda.gov.za  
Link to FMD Reporting System: https://fmd.nda.gov.za/ Link to step-by-step guidelines:https://www.nda.gov.za/images/outbreaks/Foot%20and%20Mouth%20Disease%200 
Outbreak/Reports/2026/request-for-authorisation-notification-and-reporting-for-fmd-vaccination 24jul2026.pdf   
FMD WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vags5R83gvWWZOhk9946 – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau says government will continue to engage with the United States (US) over the 12.5% tariff imposed on South African exports.

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) imposed tariffs on products from 60 economies following Section 301 Investigations of Acts, Policies, and Practices of Various Economies Related to the Failure of Each Economy to Impose and Effectively Enforce a Prohibition on the Importation of Goods Produced with Forced Labor.

South Africa is among the 41 economies that the USTR claims do not impose and effectively enforce forced labour practices.

As a result, South Africa will be subjected to a tariff of 12.5%. The other 19 economies that were found to have imposed laws prohibiting the importation of goods produced using forced labour will be subjected to a 10% tariff.

“It is important to indicate that products already subjected to Section 232 tariffs such as automobiles and auto components, and steel and aluminium, are exempted from the Section 301 tariffs.

“The USTR also published a list of products that will be exempted from the Section 301 tariffs, and these are listed under Annex I and Annex II of the Federal Register,” the Minister said.

Some of the exempted products of export interest to South Africa include, among others, macadamia nuts, oranges, limes, tea, spices, seeds, cane sugar, orange and lime juice, syrups, chemicals, critical minerals, platinum-group and precious metals, isotopes, civil aircraft and parts and components, and pharmaceuticals.

The decision follows numerous written submissions by the South African Government, Organised Labour and the South African private sector, as well as extensive consultations with the office of the USTR in May 2026 and testimony by the South African Government at the Public Hearing held by the US Section 301 Committee earlier this month. 

“South Africa has indicated that it will be publishing a notice in the Gazette requesting public comments on the intent to issue a regulation to prohibit goods produced in whole or in part using forced labour and child labour.

“Government will continue to engage with the USTR on the Section 301 tariffs with a view to either eliminating or reducing the current tariff imposed on our country,” Tau said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has called on families of deceased public transport operators, including minibus and metered taxi operators, to come forward and apply for the transfer of valid operating licences to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

This call follows numerous attempts by the Department of Roads and Transport to reach out to clients and applicants to submit outstanding documentation or collect approved operating licences. 

“The transfer of an operating licence is a statutory requirement that safeguards the integrity of the public transport regulatory system while protecting the rights of operators, commuters, and beneficiaries,” the department said on Monday.

To support applicants, the department has established a Public Transport Women’s Help Desk, a central hub for support, advocacy, information, and redress. 

Located in central Johannesburg, the Help Desk provides step-by-step guidance throughout the application process.

The facility offers legal and compliance support aligned with sector legislation, access to training opportunities, business development resources, and assistance with reporting abuse. 

It also assists in resolving disputes and challenges related to licence transfers, renewals, amendments, and rectifications.

The Public Transport Women’s Help Desk is situated at the corner of Village Main Road and Loveday Street in Wemmer (opposite JMPD offices, central Johannesburg) and can be contacted on (011) 355 7484 during office hours. –SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) to strengthen its role as the guardian of democracy, champion of African integration and catalyst for translating continental commitments into tangible improvements in the lives of Africans.

Addressing the opening of the First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Legislature of the Pan-African Parliament at Gallagher Estate in Midrand on Monday, President Ramaphosa said the institution carries the hopes of more than 1.5 billion Africans at a time when the continent is grappling with conflict, economic uncertainty, climate change and geopolitical tensions.

“The Pan-African Parliament carries the hopes and aspirations of more than 1.5 billion Africans for peace, progress and prosperity across our beloved continent.

“It is an enduring symbol of unity in diversity, a unity anchored in the conviction that Africa’s future must be shaped not only by its governments, but by its peoples,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa said recent wildfires in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, together with other global challenges, underscored the importance of African solidarity.

“These developments make it even more important that Africa is able to stand together to advance its own development,” he said. 

He congratulated Dr Fateh Boutbig and the newly elected leadership of the Pan-African Parliament, expressing confidence that they would advance the mandate of African unity with integrity and purpose.

Reflecting on South Africa’s democratic journey, President Ramaphosa said the country remained committed to repaying the solidarity shown by African nations during the struggle against apartheid through contributions to peace, development and institution building.

He highlighted South Africa’s role in hosting the inaugural African Union Summit in 2002, helping establish the African Peer Review Mechanism and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), as well as supporting democracy, mediation and reconstruction efforts across the continent through the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund.

President Ramaphosa also reflected on Africa’s coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic, describing it as a powerful example of continental cooperation.

“At a time when vaccine nationalism was taking hold and poorer countries were being pushed to the back of the queue, Africa did not only call for international solidarity. Africa practised solidarity,” he said. 

He said the continent had extended its vaccine procurement mechanisms to Caribbean countries, demonstrating that African integration could deliver practical benefits beyond the continent.

President Ramaphosa also commended the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) for leading the response to Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

Turning to the role of the Pan-African Parliament, President Ramaphosa said it remained a pillar of Africa’s democratic architecture and had a responsibility to ensure African Union aspirations translated into better lives for citizens.

“This Parliament must itself exemplify the democratic values it seeks to advance across the continent.

“It must be a model of integrity, transparency, accountability, responsible stewardship and fidelity to its own rules,” he said. 

He welcomed the Parliament’s oversight of African Union flagship projects, saying it played an important role in monitoring the implementation of policies critical to Africa’s development and integration.

Water security

President Ramaphosa urged parliamentarians to prioritise the African Union’s 2026 Theme of the Year: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”

He described access to clean water and sanitation as a fundamental human right and warned that climate change, ageing infrastructure, pollution and poor governance were placing increasing pressure on water resources.

“The Pan-African Parliament and national parliaments have a decisive role to play.

“They must develop and harmonise enabling legislation, oversee public expenditure, promote investment in water infrastructure and hold governments accountable for delivering reliable water and sanitation services,” he said. 

He said South Africa was addressing its own water challenges through the National Water Action Plan while recognising that African countries needed to share knowledge, technology, finance and expertise.

Defending democracy

President Ramaphosa said the Parliament should remain steadfast in protecting constitutional democracy across Africa.

“This Parliament must be resolute in defending constitutional democracy.

“It must speak clearly against unconstitutional changes of government, the unlawful extension of political tenure, the weakening of democratic institutions and the misuse of public resources,” the President said. 

He added that democratic governance was essential for peace, development and public confidence in institutions.

AfCFTA key to Africa’s future

President Ramaphosa described the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as the continent’s most powerful tool for achieving unity and economic transformation.

“The African Continental Free Trade Area is undoubtedly the most powerful instrument we have to realise our cherished goal of African unity, prosperity and progress,” he said. 

He said the agreement would only realise its full potential if African countries removed non-tariff barriers, modernised customs systems, improved transport and logistics, harmonised regulations and simplified payment systems.

“The Pan-African Parliament must work with national and regional parliaments to domesticate AfCFTA commitments, harmonise legislation and hold governments accountable for implementation,” the President said. 

Managing migration

President Ramaphosa also used the address to call for a balanced continental approach to migration, acknowledging growing concerns in South Africa and elsewhere while warning against xenophobia and misinformation.

“As the South African government, we have taken a firm stance against any form of intimidation, vigilantism or violence directed at foreign nationals,” he said. 

He stressed that lawful migrants, refugees and asylum seekers should not be conflated with undocumented migrants or be blamed for unemployment, crime or service delivery failures.

“Our response must combine firm, fair and effective immigration management with an unwavering defence of human dignity and the rule of law,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa said African countries needed to address the root causes of migration, including conflict, instability, poverty and weak governance.

“We must work for a future where Africans migrate out of choice and not necessity,” he said.

Building the Africa of the future

President Ramaphosa said Africa’s future depended on adding value to its own resources, empowering young people and women, investing in infrastructure and strengthening continental institutions.

He urged African countries to process their own minerals and agricultural products, create jobs for young people and ensure women played a greater role in leadership and economic development.

He also called for Africa to speak with one voice on reform of the United Nations Security Council, the global financial architecture and international trade, climate and technology governance.

“The success of this Seventh Legislature will not be measured only by the debates it holds or the resolutions it adopts.

“It will be measured by the laws it helps to shape, the commitments it helps to implement and the difference it makes in the daily lives of the people of Africa,” he said. 

Concluding his address, President Ramaphosa urged the Parliament to remain a force for democracy, peace and accountability.

“History will judge us not by the speeches we deliver, but by the Africa we build. Let this Parliament be the conscience of our continent. Let it be the voice of Africa’s most vulnerable.

“Let it be the guardian of democracy. Let it be the champion of peace,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African business delegation who participated in the largest international business and multi-sector exhibition in Angola are returning home with a strong pipeline of promising trade leads. 

The delegation showcased proudly South African products and services at the Feira Internacional de Angola (FILDA), held in Luanda from 21 to 26 July 2026, with support from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic).

The exporters represented the agro-processing, steel and metal fabrication, engineering and mining, and chemical sectors.

Speaking on his experience, owner of La RicMal Wines, Malcolm Green, said he received positive responses from importers and distributors in the Angolan market, which he attributed to the quality, pricing and packaging of his products.

“There are also businesses operating in Angola that serve markets beyond the country’s borders, including neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and Namibia, who showed interest in doing business with us. This creates an opportunity for our products to enter Angola and subsequently move into other regional markets.

“FILDA has grown, and there is a clear appetite among the international business community to invest in Africa. I see Angola as a gateway, with FILDA serving as an important conduit for South African businesses seeking to access other African markets,” Green said.

Johannesburg-based steel fabrication company InfraPower Engineering explored new export opportunities, partnerships and collaborations across Africa and international markets.

The company engaged with potential clients and collaborators from Angola, Zimbabwe, India and other countries represented at the exhibition.

“The exhibition generated strong interest in our products, with visitors making inquiries and requesting pricing on some of the offerings. We are pleased that we participated and look forward to engaging further with the clients and potential clients we have met,”  the Managing Director of InfraPower, Rakgomo Maetje, said.

Lizwile Engineering targeted strategic partnerships and new export opportunities in Angola, with a focus on supporting the country’s infrastructure, mining, energy and oil and gas sectors.

Lizwile Engineering Executive Director Nomagugu Mvelase said the company established relationships with several companies in Angola during the exhibition and is exploring further collaboration with South African companies.

“We are also pursuing opportunities in other African markets, including Ghana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Kenya. Our technical expertise and experience in delivering projects under challenging conditions positions us to contribute meaningfully to infrastructure development across the continent,” Mvelase said.

TLT-Turbo Africa explored opportunities in Angola’s growing oil and gas and mining sectors, with a particular focus on refinery upgrades and the development of underground mining operations.

TLT-Turbo Africa Director of Sales and Marketing Vusi Madlopha said engaging with local markets provided an opportunity for businesses to learn about the languages and cultures that drive business in different African countries.

“We believe it is a good opportunity for us to be here now and establish our structure with the local agents we have identified so that we can exploit the business opportunities in this country,” he said.

Founder and Brand Development Executive of Eastern Cape-based Analit Africa Consumer Brands, Lungisa Lutshaba, said participation at FILDA 2026 had opened significant opportunities for partnerships, distribution and investment as the company explores expanding its products into the Angolan market.

The company manufactures in-house food brands and organic premium skincare brands.

“We have identified potential distributors and partners interested in establishing relationships and investing in the business. 

“We also engaged with representatives from a major bank, who requested a business plan, while major retailers and packaging companies expressed interest in further discussions,” Lutshaba said.

More than 2 000 visitors were recorded at the South African pavilion, where companies gathered 82 trade leads, met 341 buyers and participated in 55 business-to-business meetings.

The trade exhibition forms part of the government’s efforts to actively shape export markets by expanding opportunities for South African companies and improving the effectiveness of export promotion measures across the African continent. – SAnews.gov.za

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