Category: South Africa Government

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to unite behind Bafana Bafana as the national men’s football team prepares to make its long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup.

In his weekly newsletter to the nation, the President said the team carries the hopes and aspirations of millions of South Africans as it heads to the global tournament, where it will face Mexico in the opening match in just under two weeks.

“They carry with them the best wishes of more than 62 million South Africans who will be cheering them on at every stage of the tournament. Bafana Bafana are taking part in the World Cup for the first time since we hosted the event in 2010,” the President said on Monday.

The soccer tournament will be held in Mexico, the United States of America, and Canada.

He urged the entire nation to get behind the team and celebrate the achievement of qualifying for football’s biggest tournament.

“I call on all South Africans to rally behind our team and show their support. Let us wear the team colours and fly the flag.”

The President also acknowledged the efforts that have gone into rebuilding South African football over the years, crediting government, football administrators, clubs, leagues and sponsors for their contribution to the sport’s development.

“It has been a long and difficult journey to transform the fortunes of Bafana Bafana. Credit must go to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the South African Football Association, the leagues, clubs and sponsors for their commitment to developing local football over many years. The coach and the players deserve our collective recognition.”

He said work continues to professionalise football, nurture emerging talent and encourage participation in the sport among young people across the country.

President Ramaphosa described the national team as ambassadors for South Africa, saying the composition of the squad reflects the country’s diversity and commitment to unity.

“Bafana Bafana will be ambassadors for our country and what we stand for. The diversity of the squad and technical team is a reminder to the world that we are a united nation of many races, languages and cultures,” he said. 

The President said the transformation of sport demonstrates South Africa’s commitment to the constitutional values of respect, fairness, tolerance and inclusivity.

Drawing parallels with the unifying power of sport throughout the country’s democratic history, President Ramaphosa reflected on the iconic moment during the 1995 Rugby World Cup final when former President Nelson Mandela wore a Springbok jersey to congratulate the national rugby team.

He said that while South Africans hope Bafana Bafana will lift the World Cup trophy, the team’s participation itself holds significant meaning for the nation.

“As I told the Bafana Bafana squad last week, the people of South Africa expect them to bring the trophy home. Yet regardless of how Bafana Bafana fare in the tournament, their participation is as rich with meaning as the 1995 Rugby World Cup,” he said. 

READ | Bafana Bafana have “the nation behind them”

President Ramaphosa said the country’s journey mirrors that of the national football team, noting that South Africa has emerged from a challenging period and is looking ahead with renewed optimism.

“Much like the national squad, the country has emerged from a prolonged period of difficulty and now looks to the future with hope,” he said. 

He pointed to the country’s democratic progress, the strength of its Constitution, the launch of the National Dialogue process and signs of economic recovery as reasons for growing confidence in the future.

The President urged citizens to celebrate not only the team’s achievements but also the progress South Africa has made in building a united, non-racial, non-sexist and democratic society.

“So, as we cheer our team on from the stands, at fan zones and in our homes, we should also cheer ourselves on as a country. We should celebrate how far we have come in building a united, non-racial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa,” the President said. 

He concluded by calling for unity as South Africans support the national team on the world stage. 

“For 90 minutes, as they play for our country, we will not be divided by language, race, province, club or circumstance. For 90 minutes, as they play, we will simply be South Africans standing together behind our national team and behind our flag.

“One Team. One Nation. Behind Bafana. Behind South Africa. United by our Flag, inspired by our Team. 62 million cheering voices. One Dream,” the President said.

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

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will provide an update on its investigation into the Free State Provincial Government Bursary Scheme at a media briefing on Tuesday.

The bursary scheme is aimed at unemployed young people interested in pursuing higher education in scarce skills fields, including agriculture, accounting and engineering in the province.

“The SIU’s investigation, under Proclamation 123 of 2023, examines the Office of the Premier’s 2017/2018 report on bursaries, including payments for travel, accommodation, and stipends that were improperly given or in violation of bursary policy.

“The SIU’s investigation looks at payments for student accommodation, causes of maladministration, and related unauthorised or wasteful expenditure. The probe also looks into any unlawful conduct by officials or others related to these matters.

“Additionally, the SIU examined suspense account funds at higher education institutions and arranged repayment where credit balances to the Premier’s Office were found,” the SIU said.

The briefing will be led by Acting SIU Head Leonard Lekgetho and will be joined by Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, and the Director-General of the Free State Provincial Government, Dr Molefinyana Phera.

“The release of the report is a key milestone in the investigation, highlighting the SIU’s commitment to transparency and keeping the public informed,” the SIU stated. – SAnews.gov.za

Two suspects, aged 73 and 46, are expected to appear before the Alice Magistrate’s Court today on allegations of fraud, unlawful impersonation of a senior law enforcement officer, abuse of State resources, and the deliberate misrepresentation of official authority.

The arrests follow an extensive investigation conducted by the KuGompo Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team.

The matter stems from information reported to Alice Police Station in July 2024 after an individual identifying himself as “Colonel Zweni” of the Hawks presented himself at the station and requested to meet the Station Commander. 

He introduced himself as a senior Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) official tasked with investigating corruption within the Department of Public Works and Human Settlements.

“Reports further revealed that the same individual visited offices of the Department of Public Works and Human Settlements while dressed in police attire and portraying himself as a senior Hawks officer,” the police said. 

Through these alleged misrepresentations, he reportedly created the impression that he possessed legitimate law enforcement authority and official investigative powers.

“Accompanying him during some of these interactions was a former SAPS Warrant Officer, who allegedly reinforced and authenticated the false representations made by the impersonator. As a result, the Hawks opened an inquiry and launched an investigation.

“As the investigation progressed, search-and-seizure warrants were executed at premises linked to the former officer. 

“The operation yielded various exhibits of evidential significance, including police rank insignia associated with the rank of Colonel and documents bearing the identity of “Colonel Zweni”. These discoveries strengthened suspicions that the fraudulent identity had been deliberately created and used to deceive government officials and members of the public,” the police said.

Further investigations established that official SAPS communication platforms were allegedly exploited in furtherance of the scheme. 

Evidence gathered revealed that the former warrant officer purportedly used her official SAPS email account, without the knowledge or authorisation of her commanding officers, to communicate with officials from the Department of Public Works and Human Settlements. 

These communications allegedly carried the signature and credentials of the fictitious “Colonel Zweni”, creating an appearance of legitimacy and official sanction.

A comprehensive verification process subsequently exposed the true identity of the individual operating under the assumed name. The suspect was positively identified, and official records confirmed that he had served in the former South African Police Force from July 1977 until his resignation in November 1981.

Upon careful consideration of the evidence, warrants of arrest were authorised for both suspects. They were arrested on 30 May 2026 and are scheduled to appear before the Alice Magistrate’s Court on 1 June 2026. Investigations remain ongoing. – SAnews.gov.za

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has called on South Africans to embrace their shared responsibility as custodians of the Kruger National Park (KNP).

The Minister delivered remarks at the KNP Centenary Commemoration held at the park’s Skukuza Rest Camp in Mpumalanga.

The Minister reflected on the recent flooding that affected the park.

“What these floods taught us is the resilience of the Kruger family. Over 100 years, lots of successes, lots of failures, lots of hardships [and] lots of triumphs. But we’ve always come through and we will do that for 100s of years to come.

“Our responsibility is to raise this generation…so that they can accept this stewardship and can take this pattern and go forward. So that our grandchildren, our great grandchildren and theirs will still be able – in 100 to 200 years’ time from now – to sit alongside the Sabie River, to watch a herd of elephants going through this Sabie River, to listen to the roar of a lion at night, to play a game in the car [and] see who is the best of the siblings. I hope that that legacy can continue,” Aucamp said.

The Minister committed that the KNP will not only endure but also claim its place as the world’s leading conservation destination.

“This…event calls not only for reflection and celebration but it also demands clarity. Clarity about where we come from and where we are going.

“The Kruger National Park stands today as one of the most recognised conservation landscapes in the world,” he urged.

Aucump acknowledged the park’s pioneers and workers for their contribution to its establishment and continued existence.

“The Kruger National Park reflects foresight at a time when such foresight was rare. It reflects decades of scientific progress, of institutional commitment and the sustained efforts of generations. We are clear that the future of conservation in South Africa lies with inclusive stewardship, a responsibility that we all have got to take on.

“I realise that we are walking in the footsteps of giants. We truly are. Their vision, their perseverance and their deeper abiding love for nature gave us the Kruger National Park.

“They dreamt beyond their time of a landscape where elephants roam, where lions rule, and where the ancient rhythms of the wild echo through the bush for generations to come. As a united people, that legacy now rests in our hands,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has urged the leadership of the Ditsobotla Municipality to fully embrace the national intervention to strengthen the municipality.

The Minister visited the North West municipality on Friday to officially hand over the revised Financial Recovery Plan (FRP) and outline its implementation.

The municipality was placed under administration in terms of section 139(7) of the Constitution in a bid to stabilise it.

“I can only surmise that part of the reason for eight failures is that we have not fully embraced what it means to be under an intervention. When a municipality is under intervention, it is not operating under normal conditions.

“The municipality is operating under constrained conditions with fewer financial resources. Therefore, it cannot be ‘business as usual’ in the way the day-to-day activities are run and managed. Habits, attitudes and mindsets must shift in this process.

“An intervention mindset must be adopted to kickstart recovery. I believe that officials from the Municipal Financial Recovery Services unit are already assisting the municipality with change management,” Godongwana said.

He noted that strained finances meant that it would be unlikely for the municipality to receive financial assistance.

“Neither national nor provincial interventions are accompanied by financial bailouts. However, this does not mean that other forms of support will not be provided to get you moving.

“The National Treasury will provide you with fuel by exploring options to assist the municipality with smart metering and metering for bulk supply and will investigate further opportunities for assistance,” Godongwana explained.

The municipality has already completed the Section 78 process required to sign the Distribution Agency Agreement (DAA) with Eskom where the power utility will take over revenue collection while sector departments have also committed to supporting the municipality.

Furthermore, in terms of Section 147 of the Municipal Finance Management Act, the Minister will ensure that progress reports are presented on a quarterly basis to Cabinet.

“The National Treasury will continue with oversight visits and closely monitor the implementation of the financial recovery plan through the monthly progress reporting by the municipality and through War Room meetings which will take place quarterly,” Godongwana said. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced that both the legal and operational frameworks required to administer China’s temporary zero-tariff scheme have been finalised.

The Asian country announced in February this year that it would implement the zero-tariff policy with African countries which it has diplomatic ties with.

SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu explained that from June, it would be issuing Rules of Origin certificates for qualifying exports in this regard.

“Beginning 1 June, we are introducing a simple, printable certificate format, allowing exporters to prove origin and claim the tariff preference straight away.

“We understand that exporters have questions about how this scheme works, especially for shipments already on the way. I want to assure our traders that no qualifying exporter will be left behind.

“From 1 June, SARS is issuing origin certificates retrospectively to cater for qualifying goods that were shipped or cleared after 1 May 2026, so they can still benefit fully from the zero tariffs,” Makhubu said.

This measure, the revenue collector said in a statement, confirms its commitment to “providing clarity and certainty while making the movement of goods easy and seamless [and]…to facilitate legitimate trade and protect South Africa’s customs system”.

“As an interim measure, exporters can lodge security with China’s customs administration in the absence of a certificate of origin. This security will be released upon the lodging of a valid certificate of origin obtained from SARS in respect of qualifying goods.

“Exporters are reminded that not all goods qualify for China’s zero-tariff arrangement: some remain subject to tariff‑rates or quotas and specific conditions. Zero-tariff treatment depends strictly on meeting the Rules of Origin and presenting a valid SARS Certificate of Origin.

“Exporters must confirm eligibility with their trading partners in China, maintain proper origin documentation, and stay up to date with SARS processes. Only fully compliant shipments will qualify, making careful preparation essential to avoid delays or disqualification,” SARS further stated.

For purposes of the verification of the issued certificates, contact rulesoforigin@sars.gov.za.

Exporters requiring assistance can also contact SARS at rulesoforigin@sars.gov.za for guidance on the new arrangement. – SAnews.gov.za

Director-General of the National Treasury, Duncan Pieterse, says global rating agency Standard and Poor’s (S&P) decision to affirm South Africa’s global rating is a sign that government is meeting its commitment to lower the debt-to-GDP ratio over the medium term while steadying public finances.

S&P affirmed South Africa’s long-term foreign currency sovereign credit rating at ‘BB’ and local currency rating at ‘BB+’ and to maintain the positive outlook.

“The affirmation from S&P that government is on track to deliver on its commitment to reduce the debt to GDP ratio over the medium term reflects the progress we have made towards restoring the health of South Africa’s public finances, and our ability to continue to do so despite geopolitical upheavals.

“Two of the major rating agencies, S&P and Moody’s, now have South Africa on a positive outlook, which is an encouraging signal that we have the potential to lift our economic growth rate higher and reduce our public debt faster. We are determined to do so,” Pieterse said.

National Treasury said the outlook reflects “scope for further fiscal improvement and debt stabilisation, conditional on continued consolidation and an easing of the current energy-price shock”.

“The rating decision also recognises stronger revenue performance, which has enabled the government to maintain fiscal discipline while implementing targeted measures to protect vulnerable households, including the temporary fuel levy relief in response to elevated global energy prices.

“These interventions have been implemented in a manner that remains consistent with the existing fiscal framework and does not compromise the medium-term consolidation path,” the department said.

The global ratings agency also noted the acceleration of Operation Vulindlela, government’s structural reform path aimed addressing constraints in electricity, infrastructure delivery and logistics.

It also noted that South Africa’s economic growth remains moderate in the near term in conditions of global headwinds and tight financial conditions.

“The retention of a positive outlook comes in a context in which 23 sovereigns’ S&P ratings have been negatively impacted since the start of the current Middle East conflict in late February, including 14 investment-grade sovereigns. South Africa is currently one of only two G20 nations, alongside Italy, on a positive outlook from S&P.

“The government remains committed to maintaining prudent fiscal policy, strengthening the credibility of the fiscal framework, and accelerating reforms that support higher growth, job creation, and improved service delivery.

“The government is developing a principles-based fiscal anchor to reinforce the credibility and durability of the fiscal framework,” National Treasury said. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has dismissed reports that it has deployed soldiers in anticipation of protest action at the end of June.

“The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has noted with concern misleading reports on social media suggesting that the SANDF will be deployed in anticipation of planned marches and protest action on 30 June 2026 by various civil society groups calling for the repatriation of illegal nationals. 

“The SANDF dismisses these claims as false, unfounded, and deliberately misleading. At no stage has the SANDF issued any directive or made preparations for deployment in relation to these activities. The SANDF appreciates that the constitution of the Republic allows peaceful protest marches.

“The SANDF distances itself entirely from these claims and cautions against the dissemination of unverified information that undermines public trust and creates unnecessary alarm,” an SANDF statement read.

On Monday last week government, through the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster, confirmed that members of the public are free to march but called on leaders to do so responsibly.

“The SANDF reiterates that it operates strictly within its constitutional mandate,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

The Presidency has confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the second interim report of the Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, known as the Madlanga Commission.

The commission was established to investigate allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on 6 July 2025 relating to criminality, political interference and corruption within the criminal justice system.

“President Ramaphosa will study the latest report while the commission continues its proceedings.

“President Ramaphosa has expressed his appreciation for the interim report as well as his expectation that the commission will, as part of its terms of reference, refer actions thought to be criminal acts for prosecution,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za