Category: South Africa Government

By Dr. Fateh Boutbig, President of the Pan-African Parliament

The First Ordinary Session of the Pan-African Parliament will be held at a particularly critical juncture at both continental and international levels. Geopolitical transformations are unfolding alongside economic, security, social and environmental challenges, compelling African institutions to move beyond diagnosis towards action, and from the management of crises to the shaping of the future.

We gather not merely to inaugurate a new parliamentary session, but to launch a new chapter in African parliamentary action, founded upon reform, renewal and effectiveness, while restoring parliamentary diplomacy to its rightful place as one of the African Union’s foremost instruments for advancing peace, stability, development and integration.

The time has come for the Pan-African Parliament to become a more influential actor in shaping continental decision-making, more responsive to the transformations taking place across our continent, and more closely attuned to the aspirations of African citizens. Africa no longer needs institutions that merely deliberate; it requires institutions that take the initiative and lead the change.

The new leadership of the Parliament is guided by a clear vision of comprehensive continental parliamentary transformation. This vision seeks to modernise our working methods, strengthen institutional performance, enhance transparency and governance, and improve the quality of legislation, oversight and evaluation, thereby positioning the Parliament as a principal driver of the implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the realisation of its slogan: “The Africa We Want”.

Agenda 2063 is far more than a strategic document; it is a civilisational project reflecting the collective determination of Africa’s peoples to build a strong, united, prosperous and peaceful continent. Accordingly, the Parliament must serve as an active partner in monitoring the implementation of the Agenda, assessing continental public policies, and advancing legislative proposals and initiatives that foster economic integration, promote sustainable development, and create new opportunities for youth, women and innovation.

No discussion of Africa’s future can overlook economic integration. The African Continental Free Trade Area represents the greatest economic opportunity the continent has witnessed in decades. Yet its success depends upon the removal of barriers, the harmonisation of legal frameworks, investment in modern infrastructure, the promotion of investment, and the expansion of intra-African trade. In this regard, the Parliament has a pivotal role to play by supporting this historic undertaking through the harmonisation of national legislation, strengthening parliamentary oversight of the implementation of agreements, and advocating for a more complementary and equitable African economy.

At the same time, peace and security remain at the forefront of our priorities. There can be no development without stability, and no complementarity without security. The persistence of armed conflicts, the growing threat of terrorism and violent extremism, the proliferation of organised crime, and the increase in unconstitutional changes of government all require a unified African response founded upon dialogue, mediation, conflict prevention, constitutional legitimacy and the rule of law.

Parliamentary diplomacy must therefore assume a more prominent role in crisis management. It must contribute to building trust among States and peoples, support the African Union’s mediation and peacebuilding efforts, and promote a culture of dialogue and consensus as the most effective means of resolving disputes and preventing division.

Likewise, respect for human rights, the consolidation of democracy, broader political participation, and the empowerment of women and youth are not merely political slogan, they constitute the essential pillars of the modern African State. The Parliament must remain the voice of Africa’s peoples and the guardian of their dignity and rights, while promoting the principles of good governance, transparency, accountability, and the protection of rights and freedoms throughout the continent.

During this session, the Parliament attaches particular importance to the issue of water security and sanitation, recognising it as one of the most pressing strategic challenges confronting Africa in the decades ahead. Water has become a matter of national and developmental security, linked to health, food, energy and social stability. It is therefore our responsibility to strengthen African cooperation in the management of shared water resources, expand investment in water and sanitation infrastructure, and ensure every African citizen enjoys access to safe water and adequate sanitation services, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063.

Africa possesses abundant natural resources, human capital and economic potential, positioning it to become one of the world’s foremost engines of growth in the coming decades. Yet realising this ambition first requires the emergence of a new continental consciousness—one founded on the conviction that Africa’s future will be shaped by Africans themselves, that our unity is the source of our strength, and that our complementarity is the pathway to sovereignty, development and prosperity.

It is in this spirit that we believe the Pan-African Parliament must evolve into a forum for strategic dialogue, a platform for continental initiatives, a laboratory for ideas and solutions, and a bridge connecting continental institutions, national parliaments and the peoples of Africa.

The period ahead will be characterised by far-reaching reforms within the Parliament. These reforms will encompass the modernisation of procedures, the digitalization of parliamentary performance, the strengthening of the effectiveness of standing committees, enhanced cooperation with the organs of the African Union, and expanded partnerships with regional and international parliaments. Together, these measures will reinforce the Parliament’s standing and enhance its capacity to respond to the challenges of our time.

Our message is clear: we aspire to build a strong, proactive and influential African Parliament—one that embodies the aspirations of more than 1.4 billion Africans and serves as a genuine partner in building a strong, united, integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.

Africa is not merely the continent of the future, it is equally the continent of the present. Our political will, our civilisational heritage and our human potential equip us to lead a new African renaissance—one in which the Pan-African Parliament serves as the home of the African will, the forum for advancing the continent’s interests, and the united voice of its peoples in a rapidly changing world.

Our historic responsibility demands that we rise to the occasion, that we transform aspirations into policies, policies into programmes, and programmes into tangible outcomes that improve the security, livelihoods, dignity and future of every African citizen.

This is Africa’s moment, and it is the moment of its Parliament.

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Government has called on South Africans to unite behind the national women’s football team, Banyana Banyana, as they continue their campaign in the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

In a statement issued by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on Sunday, government urged citizens to show pride, passion and unwavering support for the reigning African champions as they represent the country on the continental stage.

“Our players carry the hopes of the nation and together, we can inspire them to give their very best,” Government said. 

Banyana Banyana are set to take on Tanzania at the Stade Moulay Rachid in Morocco on Monday, 27 July 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 CAT.

Government encouraged South Africans to stand together in support of the team throughout the tournament.

“Let us stand as one, fly the South African flag high and show the world the strength of our unity,” the statement read. 

South Africans have also been encouraged to wear the national colours as part of the Banyana Fridays campaign and continue backing the team during its WAFCON 2026 journey.

“Wear your green and gold on Banyana Fridays and continue to stand united behind our national team throughout their WAFCON 2026 journey,” Government said. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to liberation struggle stalwart, Shantavothie “Shanthie” Naidoo Tweedie, describing her as a hero whose lifelong sacrifice and commitment helped shape South Africa’s journey to freedom. 

The President expressed his sadness at the passing of Naidoo Tweedie at the age of 91 and conveyed his condolences to her husband, Dominic Tweedie, the Naidoo family, as well as her friends and comrades.

In a statement issued on Friday, President Ramaphosa reflected on Naidoo Tweedie’s enduring contribution to the liberation struggle, saying her passing serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought against apartheid.

“The passing of Shanthie Naidoo Tweedie causes us to revisit and pay tribute to the extraordinary contribution she made to our struggle for freedom.

“Shanthie Naidoo Tweedie was a hero who followed in the footsteps of her politically active family and sacrificially devoted her extended life to fighting for a free, non-racial South Africa,” the President said.

Born in Pretoria in 1935, Naidoo Tweedie became politically active while still at school. She went on to play a prominent role in the then Transvaal Indian Youth Congress, the Federation of South African Women, the South African Congress of Trade Unions and the African National Congress (ANC).

She and her husband later worked for the ANC at the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College in Tanzania after going into exile in the United Kingdom from 1972 until 1991.

Throughout the struggle against apartheid, Naidoo Tweedie endured repeated detention, including periods of solitary confinement under the Terrorism Act, as well as banning orders imposed by the apartheid government.

She was also imprisoned for two months after refusing to testify against Winnie Mandela and 21 other comrades, who had been charged with furthering the aims of the ANC.

The apartheid government initially denied her permission to leave South Africa, only allowing her to go into exile following sustained pressure from supporters locally and internationally, including a campaign led by former liberal Member of Parliament, Helen Suzman.

President Ramaphosa said Naidoo Tweedie’s passing, on the eve of Women’s Month, also highlighted the courage of women who challenged the injustices of apartheid.

“Her passing, on the eve of Women’s Month, draws our attention to the struggles women faced under apartheid and which spurred courageous women to confront a system founded on race and gender discrimination.

“As we mourn Shanthie Naidoo Tweedie’s passing, we also celebrate her legacy and that of the 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings 70 years ago, as well as other women, who have made South Africa a better place for women and girls,” President Ramaphosa said. 

The President called on South Africans to honour her legacy by continuing to build an inclusive society.

“We can only repay Shanthie Naidoo Tweedie by honouring her sacrifice and leadership, and continuing to make South Africa a nation that works for all, and especially women. May her soul rest in peace,” he said.  – SAnews.gov.za

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Government has issued a stern warning that any attack on members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) or other law enforcement agencies will be met with the full force of the law.

In a statement issued on Friday, Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) said attacks on law enforcement officials undermine the authority of the State and the country’s constitutional order. 

“An attack on law enforcement officials is an attack on the authority of the State and the rule of law,” the statement said. 

Government stressed that it would not tolerate any attempts to intimidate, assault, threaten or obstruct members of the SAPS or any other law enforcement agency operating within South Africa’s borders. 

“Government will not tolerate any attempt by any individual or group within South Africa’s borders to intimidate, assault, threaten or obstruct members of the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies. Those responsible will be pursued, arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the statement said. 

The statement reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting law enforcement officers and ensuring they are able to carry out their constitutional mandate without fear or interference.

“The State will act decisively to protect those entrusted with enforcing the law and maintaining public order. South Africa is a constitutional democracy founded on the rule of law, and every person within its borders is expected to respect the country’s laws and institutions,” Government said. 

Government added that it remains resolute in safeguarding the country’s institutions and maintaining public order.

“There will be no compromise when it comes to protecting the authority of the State and ensuring the safety of those who serve and protect the nation”.  – SAnews.gov.za

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Government has cautioned the public against trusting or sharing unverified content relating to migration, as misinformation, disinformation and malinformation continue to pose a growing challenge to social cohesion and informed public discourse. 

In a statement on Saturday, Government explained that South Africa manages migration through established laws, policies and institutions, while balancing national interests, human rights, public safety and regional commitments. 

However, the increasing spread of false and misleading information on social media platforms, messaging applications and unofficial websites is creating confusion, fear and division within communities.

“Government recognises misinformation, disinformation and malinformation as a serious threat to social cohesion, public trust and nation-building, and remains committed to ensuring that the public has access to accurate, credible and verified information,” the statement read.

Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information shared without the intention to deceive. Disinformation is the deliberate creation and dissemination of false information intended to mislead, manipulate or create confusion.

Malinformation involves the deliberate use of genuine information that has been taken out of context, altered or selectively presented with the intention of causing harm.

“During periods of heightened public interest, unverified information can spread rapidly, particularly when accompanied by manipulated images, edited videos, deepfakes or emotionally charged content designed to provoke public reaction.

“False claims relating to migrants, border management, deportations, documentation processes, access to public services or law enforcement operations have the potential to inflame tensions, undermine confidence in public institutions and create unnecessary panic,” Government said. 

Government called on all citizens and migrants living in South Africa to act responsibly when consuming and sharing information relating to migration.

“Government urges all members of the public to verify information before sharing migration-related content. Citizens are encouraged to consume information from bona fide media houses and official government channels or a trusted fact-checking platform.

“Rumours, anonymous voice notes, screenshots without context and unverified social media posts should not be regarded as reliable sources of information. Many fake websites and misleading online posts are intentionally designed to manipulate public opinion and encourage the rapid spread of false information,” Government said. 

Government further emphasised that every person within the border of South Africa has a responsibility to communicate honestly, responsibly and respectfully, and to contribute to a society informed by facts rather than falsehoods. – SAnews.gov.za

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Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister in the Presidency Sindisiwe Chikunga will officially launch the 2026 Women’s Month campaign at the EmpowerHer Market Trade Fair in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The EmpowerHer Market Trade Fair is a flagship government initiative, implemented in partnership with ABSA, to advance women’s economic empowerment by creating opportunities for women-owned businesses to showcase their products and services, access new markets, establish business partnerships, and connect with potential investors and customers.

The launch will recognise the significant contribution women make to South Africa’s economy, while highlighting the persistent barriers many continue to face, including limited access to finance, procurement opportunities, markets, technology, information, and business development support.

“These challenges are further compounded by poverty, unemployment, unequal pay, discrimination and gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF),” the department said.

The trade fair, taking place Durban Olive Convention Centre on Saturday, 1 August 2026, will bring together women entrepreneurs, government departments, state entities, development finance institutions, private sector partners, civil society organisations and members of the public to strengthen collaboration aimed at advancing women’s economic inclusion and sustainable livelihoods.

The event will also mark the official start of the 2026 Women’s Month programme, which will be observed under the theme: “Empowered Women Empower the Nation”.

South Africa commemorates Women’s Month in August as a tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women.

Government declared August Women’s Month and 9 August is celebrated annually as Women’s Day. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Government’s first coordinated nationwide labour enforcement blitz has uncovered widespread labour law violations at a Tshwane textile factory, with workers stating that they were underpaid, worked excessive hours without overtime, lacked basic employment protections and were locked inside the factory during night shifts.  

The inspections, conducted simultaneously across all nine provinces on Friday by the Departments of Employment and Labour and Home Affairs, led by Deputy Ministers Jomo Sibiya and Njabulo Nzuza, resulted in the arrest of the director of Korteks Textiles Africa (Pty) Ltd for allegedly employing undocumented foreign nationals. 

Eight undocumented foreign nationals were also arrested.

Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya said inspectors found the company was failing to comply with several labour and immigration laws.

“What we have found here is that this company… is literally not complying with a number of our labour and immigration laws,” he said. 

Among the findings was the alleged underpayment of workers, who were earning R28 an hour instead of the national minimum wage of R30.23 an hour.

Inspectors also found that employees allegedly worked beyond their scheduled 12-hour shifts without overtime pay, while some were not registered with the UIF or Compensation Fund, lacked employment contracts and were not provided with personal protective equipment.

Workers further complained that they were locked inside the factory from 6pm until 7am during night shifts and received only a one-week shutdown in December instead of annual leave.

“It’s a litany of challenges and undermining a number of our laws that we have observed in this company, and we are going to make sure that there is change,” Sibiya said.

He said the Department of Employment and Labour would calculate outstanding wages owed to workers.

“We are going to calculate how much they owe workers. We are going to go back and make sure that they are paid whatever that they are owed.”

Sibiya said employing undocumented foreign nationals was a criminal offence.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Njabulo Nzuza rejected claims that some undocumented employees were permitted to work while awaiting documentation, as alleged by the director of the company. 

Nzuza said tackling employers who knowingly hire undocumented foreign nationals is critical to reducing illegal migration.

“The issue here is that we are cutting the demand for illegal migrant labour. That will deal with our problem of the influx of illegal people because they are guaranteed a job, even though they are illegal,” Nzuza said. 

The inspections formed part of government’s first nationwide multidisciplinary blitz operation involving the Departments of Employment and Labour, Home Affairs, SAPS and other enforcement agencies. Simultaneous inspections were conducted across all nine provinces to strengthen compliance with labour, immigration and related legislation aimed at protecting workers’ rights. – SAnews.gov.za

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Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a fair, compliant and inclusive labour market with the launch of the country’s first coordinated nationwide multidisciplinary high-impact labour and immigration blitz inspections. 

The inspections are aimed at strengthening compliance with labour laws and protecting workers’ rights.

The inspections, conducted simultaneously across all nine provinces on Friday, are led by the Department of Employment and Labour under the leadership of Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya, in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs under the leadership of Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza, supported by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other enforcement agencies.

The coordinated operation forms part of government’s ongoing efforts to promote lawful employment practices, address workplace non-compliance and ensure employers comply with labour and immigration legislation.

Speaking during inspections in Tshwane, Sibiya described the operation as unprecedented.

“Just today, in all nine provinces as we speak, operations started at the same time. We are in all provinces. It’s the first of its kind in the country. It’s groundbreaking. We are going to continue doing it,” he said. 

Sibiya said the inspections demonstrate government’s intensified approach to law enforcement through closer collaboration between departments.

“We’ve been doing this work, but after President [Cyril Ramaphosa] announced that we need to heighten our law enforcement work, we have heightened it. We have ramped it up. Government is… working together,” Sibiya said. 

He stressed that the operations were not a once-off intervention but would continue across the country.

“We are going to have these sweeping operations in every province. When you see us here, you must know that others are elsewhere. Our executive is with the inspectors and immigration officers in other provinces,” he said. 

Responding to criticism that government is not doing enough to enforce labour and immigration laws, Sibiya said enforcement activities take place daily, although they are not always visible to the public.

“I want to tell South Africans… it’s about doing our work every day. It’s about enforcing the laws of the Republic every day. It’s about making sure that South Africa is a country of laws (sic). It’s a country where people will come and respect our laws.”

Sibiya said that the inspections are intended to protect workers, while ensuring employers comply with the law.

“We want to clean the country. We want to have a safer country. We want people who are in South Africa to be legal in our country.” 

Sibiya said government is equally focused on ensuring employers do not exploit undocumented foreign nationals.

“Another big thing is to make sure that employers are employing people who are supposed to be employed in South Africa. You can’t just employ anybody who comes to South Africa without documents that allow him to work in our country. We must cut the demand [by dealing] with the employers because the demand comes from the employers,” the Deputy Minister said. 

During Friday’s operation, the Deputy Ministers visited Amka and Korteks Textiles Africa (Pty) Ltd in Tshwane.

At Korteks Textiles, inspectors uncovered several alleged violations of labour legislation, including workers reportedly earning below the national minimum wage, working excessive hours without overtime pay, not being registered with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) or Compensation Fund, and not receiving the required personal protective equipment.

The company’s director was arrested for allegedly employing undocumented foreign nationals, while eight undocumented foreign nationals were also arrested during the operation.

Government said the nationwide multidisciplinary inspections will continue as part of efforts to strengthen compliance with labour, immigration and related legislation while building a fair, compliant and inclusive labour market that safeguards both workers and employers. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Emfuleni Local Municipality Executive Mayor Hassan Mako has urged South Africans, particularly young people, to reflect on the key milestones in the country’s democratic journey and use dialogue to deepen social cohesion, strengthen nation-building and foster a shared national identity.

“By talking to each other honestly and openly about our history and shared freedom, we can build greater social cohesion and common understanding. Nation-building is a journey, and we must continue to nurture, protect and defend it. Let us stand firmly against racism, racial discrimination and related intolerance in all their forms,” Mako said on Friday.

The Mayor was addressing young people in Vanderbijlpark during the Milestones of Freedom Provincial Launch, which commemorated those who lost their lives in the Boipatong massacre on 17 June 1992.

“Today, we gather on sacred ground. We stand in a place whose very name means a place of shelter or a place of hiding. On this day, 34 years ago, this place of shelter became a place of unspeakable horror.

“On the night of 17 June 1992, approximately 300 men descended on the community. They came with pangas, axes and guns. They came with military-style coordination.

“They came not as soldiers of a fallen army, but as instruments of a regime that refused to let go of power. In one brutal night, 45 people, including women, children and the elderly, were killed. Pregnant women were not spared. Unsuspecting babies were not spared from the bullets and spears,” Mako said.

He said remembering the heroic struggle of the people of Boipatong is about more than recalling a tragedy.

“It is to honour the heroic struggles of the people of Boipatong and the sacrifices they made. The Milestones of Freedom campaign gives South Africans from all walks of life an opportunity to reflect on our historic journey and what it means to live in a democratic South Africa,” the Mayor said.

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

These landmark events reflect the long struggle for democracy and freedom, while underscoring the journey toward a more inclusive and equitable society.

The campaign also signals the government’s commitment to building on democratic gains and accelerating service delivery to communities.

Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court Manager Teboho Motloenya also called on young people to understand the Constitution and its values as South Africa marks the 30th anniversary of its adoption and signing.

South Africa’s Constitution represents the culmination of decades of struggle against oppression and injustice.

“As young people, you should appreciate that those who passed on did so that you could have opportunities, receive the education you need, enjoy the freedom you have, and not misuse it,” Motloenya said.

He said the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education and the South African Human Rights Commission, annually hosts the National Schools Moot Court Competition to help schoolchildren understand the Constitution and its values.

“The significance of the Moot Court is that it helps young minds understand and acknowledge that education is a very important tool for enhancing learning.

“Without education, you may think you will succeed, but your mind may not be as sharp as that of someone who has studied. We are not only inviting you to the Department of Justice to learn how the Constitution was developed, but also to understand how it is implemented,” Motloenya said. –SAnews.gov.za

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The eThekwini Municipality’s Community Container Bakeries Programme has created more than 220 permanent jobs, helping to transform small township bakeries into sustainable businesses, while boosting local economic development.

Launched in 2019, the initiative, which provides fully equipped container bakeries to qualifying co-operatives, aims to stimulate entrepreneurship, create sustainable employment, and improve food security in township and rural communities.

Since its inception, the municipality has invested approximately R28 million in the programme, delivering more than 30 bakery infrastructure projects across the city. Beneficiary co-operatives also receive baking equipment, operational support and training to help establish and grow their businesses.

To date, the programme has created about 222 permanent jobs within participating co-operatives.

The construction and installation of the bakery facilities has also generated approximately 300 temporary jobs for local residents, including opportunities in earthworks, concrete slab construction, plumbing, painting, and other infrastructure-related activities.

During the 2025/26 financial year, the municipality completed six container bakeries in Newlands West, uMlazi D Section, Welbedacht, Magabheni, Hammarsdale, and Shongweni.

The programme is expected to expand further in the 2026/27 financial year, with three additional container bakeries planned for KwaNyuswa, Dassenhoek and Inanda.

One of the programme’s success stories is the Bread Army Bakery Co-operative in Zwelibomvu, west of Durban.

The co-operative has grown from a small home-based operation run by two people into a thriving enterprise, employing seven full-time staff since opening its container bakery in March 2025.

Co-operative member Khaya Nyawo said municipal support has enabled the business to grow rapidly.

“When we started, there were just two of us using a household stove. Today, we employ seven people and supply bread and other baked goods across our community. Our growth is a direct result of the municipality sponsoring us with a three-part container bakery and the equipment needed to operate.

“We also received baking ingredients, as well as water and electricity connections, which helped us start trading immediately. We now want to expand into other areas and create even more employment opportunities,” Nyawo said.

The municipality equipped the bakery with an industrial oven capable of producing up to 900 loaves of bread a day, as well as a proofer, dough mixer, cake mixer, bread slicer, refrigeration equipment, worktables, storage facilities, a 5 000-litre water tank, baking utensils, and other essential baking equipment.

The municipality also provided R25 000 worth of baking ingredients, water services and a three-phase electricity connection to enable the co-operative to begin operations immediately.

Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee, Thembo Ntuli, said the programme demonstrates the impact of investing in small businesses.

“This programme continues to demonstrate that investing in small businesses creates sustainable livelihoods, strengthens township economies, addresses unemployment and delivers lasting hope to communities across eThekwini,” Ntuli said. – SAnews.gov.za

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