Category: South Africa Government

The National Dialogue Steering Committee has formally adopted a framework that will guide the rollout phase of the National Dialogue pilot process.

Steering Committee spokesperson Qhamisa Tengile said this follows the adoption of the National Dialogue Roadmap in March, which “laid the strategic foundation for the phased national rollout of the National Dialogue process”.

“The adoption of the Implementation Framework marks an important transition from strategic planning toward structured pilot implementation, as the National Dialogue continues to build the governance, operational and participation architecture required to support a credible, inclusive and citizen-led national process owned by the people of South Africa.

“The adopted Implementation Framework provides a coordinated operational pathway for the pilot phase scheduled to commence in June 2026 and conclude in August 2026. During this phase, the thirty-nine (39) sectors of the National Dialogue will coordinate a total of 195 pilot dialogues, including ward-based, digital, media-based and sectoral dialogues across all nine provinces of South Africa,” Tengile said.

The pilot phase is designed as a deliberate national learning and participation process aimed at:

• Testing methodologies and engagement models;
• Strengthening systems and operational readiness;
• Ensuring broader accessibility and inclusion;
• Integrating existing grassroots and community dialogues, and
• Enabling citizens and communities themselves to shape the future implementation methodology of the National Dialogue.

“The Steering Committee emphasises that the Implementation Framework remains a working operational guide that will continue to evolve through implementation learning processes, sectoral coordination and ongoing institutional refinement.

“In this regard, the National Dialogue seeks to proceed with both urgency and responsibility, recognising the importance of ensuring that the process remains grounded, inclusive, credible and responsive to the lived realities of South Africans.

“The implementation phase is guided by the principle that the National Dialogue must not merely speak about communities, but must create meaningful platforms through which communities are able to speak for themselves, influence national reflection and contribute towards a people’s compact aimed at informing the future growth trajectory of the Republic of South Africa,” she said.

The proposed pilot dialogues are expected to prioritise:

• Balanced participation across provinces, districts, rural communities, urban centres, townships and sector formations;
• Direct community participation and ward-level engagement, targeted at approximately 60% of the rollout;
• Building trust through direct engagement in communities often excluded from national processes;
• Multilingual facilitation approaches;
• Trauma-informed engagement methodologies, and
• Dialogue models capable of navigating South Africa’s social, economic and geographic diversity.

“The Steering Committee further recognises that the success of the National Dialogue depends not only on engagement itself, but also on the strength of the systems supporting implementation, coordination and rapid response capacity,” Tengile added.

She noted that due to the upcoming Local Government Elections scheduled for November this year, the dialogue will take a pause.

“In recognition of the heightened political environment during the election period, and in order to preserve the non-partisan credibility, neutrality and integrity of the National Dialogue process, the Steering Committee has resolved that the Dialogue will enter a pause and reflection period between September and December 2026,” she said.

The spokesperson emphasised that the National Dialogue remains committed to “advancing a shared national vision rooted in accountability, social justice, democratic participation and ethical leadership”.

“The National Dialogue remains fully committed to constitutional values, democratic participation, accountability, dignity and social cohesion. The process further places particular emphasis on ensuring that communities historically excluded from formal policy and decision-making spaces are meaningfully included within the national conversation.

“The Steering Committee therefore calls upon all sectors of society, including communities, civil society organisations, organised labour, business, youth formations, academia, faith-based institutions and broader social partners, to actively participate in shaping a credible, solutions-oriented and citizen-led National Dialogue process for the future of South Africa,” Tengile said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has launched a series of community outreach activities across the Western Cape as part of its 2026/27 Budget Vote programme.

The activities are aimed at strengthening direct engagement between government and citizens.

The programme, taking place from 18 to 21 May, focuses on community participation, service delivery awareness, and social development initiatives, while also creating platforms for dialogue between government and residents.

According to a statement issued by the GCIS, the outreach campaign forms part of its broader mandate to ensure communities are informed about government programmes and empowered to participate in decision-making processes.

The week-long programme began on Monday with the cleaning of the Langa Massacre Memorial Site in Cape Town, a historic site commemorating the events of 21 March 1960 when anti-apartheid protestors were killed by police during demonstrations that coincided with the Sharpeville Massacre.

The clean-up initiative brought together several stakeholders, including GCIS, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the South African Police Service, Metro Police, the Community Policing Forum, the City of Cape Town, Brand South Africa, and the Media Development and Diversity Agency.

On Tuesday, officials will visit the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children, where essential items such as sanitary pads, face cloths, and toothbrushes will be handed over to support vulnerable women and children.

The outreach programme will continue on Wednesday with the GCIS Budget Vote Speech in Parliament.

The department is expected to outline its communication priorities, national campaigns, and plans for the 2026/27 financial year.

Activities will conclude on Thursday in Ward 87 in Khayelitsha, where community outreach initiatives will include street cleaning, painting of a community service point, and pothole repairs.

GCIS said the outreach programme reflects government’s commitment to active citizen engagement and visible service delivery interventions at community level.

Acting Government Spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa said the programme seeks to bring government closer to communities while encouraging greater public participation in governance processes.– SAnews.gov.za

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Eligible South Africans have been urged to use the available registration opportunities and play an active role in shaping the future of their communities through the 2026 Local Government Elections democratic process.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced last month that the elections will take place on 4 November 2026.

Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said at the time that the announcement had provided certainty for planning and should encourage citizens to ensure their voter registration details are up to date.

“The announcement of the election date provides clarity for all role players and certainty of planning for the Electoral Commission as we continue our work to deliver free and fair municipal elections,” Mamabolo said.

The commission urged South Africans who have not yet registered, as well as those who may have changed their residential address, to register in the voting district where they ordinarily live.

To qualify for registration, citizens must be South African citizens, be at least 16 years old — although voting is only permitted from the age of 18 — and possess either a green barcoded ID book, a smartcard ID, or a valid Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC).

The IEC warned that voters are only permitted to vote at the station where they are registered, making it critical for citizens to verify and update their details ahead of election day.

Citizens can register online through the commission’s Online Voter Registration Portal until the official proclamation of the election date. 

The platform also allows users to update their registration details, confirm their address, locate voting stations, and apply for special votes.

Voter registration can also be completed in person at local IEC offices during office hours, at voting stations during national registration weekends, during targeted communication and registration drives, and at civic and democracy education events.

The commission has advised citizens to contact their local IEC office before visiting to make an appointment for registration.

A national voter registration weekend has been scheduled for 20 and 21 June 2026, during which citizens will be able to register and update their information at voting stations nationwide.

The IEC said voters should update their registration details if they have moved to a new address, have incomplete address information, received a new ID number, or if ward or voting district boundaries have changed.

South Africans can check their voter registration status through the IEC website, by SMSing their ID number to 32810, via the IEC WhatsApp chatbot, through the mobile app, or by calling the commission’s toll-free call centre on 0800 11 8000 during designated periods.

While the President has announced the intended election date, the official legal proclamation will still be made by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa. 

Once proclaimed, the national voters’ roll will formally close. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is planning to re-enroll the extortion and money laundering case against well-known taxi boss Johannes Sibanyoni and others in the Kwaggafontein Magistrates Court in Mpumalanga.

This after the matter was struck off the roll after the prosecutor failed to appear in court.

“While this is disappointing, it is not a setback, as we are within our right and authority to reinstate the case once there is compliance with the legal provisions governing matters removed from the court roll in this manner.

“There is no room for impunity, as we remain resolute in our constitutional obligation to hold those accused of criminality accountable,” NPA Head Advocate Andy Mothibi said.

The prosecutorial body explained that it would be instituting disciplinary proceedings against the prosecutor who was found in contempt of court due to the non-arrival.

“On [Monday], the said prosecutor failed to arrive in court for the continuation of the bail application, and that resulted in the matter being struck off the court roll and a warrant of arrest was authorised against him. The implications of this turn of events mean that it can only be reinstated upon a written authorisation by the Director of Public Prosecutions: Mpumalanga Division.

“[The] prosecutor will be suspended pending the institution of appropriate disciplinary action.

“While the Magistrate is within his or her prerogative to invoke the relevant section of the Criminal Procedure Act, we will reflect on the order and determine if it is the best legally available mechanism to deal with the matter,” the NPA said.

The public has been urged to “exercise patience while we deal with the matter internally through appropriate disciplinary action and externally with the South African Police Service”. – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi will this week travel to India to participate in the BRICS Justice Ministers’ Meeting.

The meeting kicks off today under the theme: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.

“The meeting will focus on strengthening cooperation in the field of Law and Justice within the BRICS framework, reflecting the shared commitment of member countries in strengthening the rule of law, enhancing access to justice, and fostering stable and predictable legal environments that support economic growth and development.

“The discussions will explore priority areas that include combating transnational crime, addressing the misuse of information and communication technologies in criminal activities, strengthening mechanisms for dispute resolution, enhancing mutual legal assistance, and promoting the digitisation of justice delivery systems to improve efficiency, accessibility, and transparency,” the department said in a statement.

The country will use the opportunity to call for closer cooperation between countries against “transnational organised crime, cybercrime, corruption, trafficking and the misuse of information and communication technologies for nefarious and criminal purposes”.

“The Minister is confident that the discussions in this upcoming meeting will yield tangible and implementable outcomes that will enhance cooperation in the field of law and justice amongst BRICS countries,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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By David Jacobs

South Africa and Botswana are set to convene the 6th Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Gaborone on 21 May 2026, marking another important milestone in the long-standing relations between the two neighbouring countries. 

The high-level engagement will be preceded by an officials’ meetings scheduled from 17 to 19 May, followed by a Ministers’ Meeting on 20 May 2026. These engagements form part of a structured process aimed at consolidating cooperation and assessing progress on joint commitments between the two nations. 

The Bi-National Commission, formally established through an agreement signed in August 2012 and inaugurated in 2013, serves as a key platform for dialogue on bilateral, regional and continental matters. Through this mechanism, South Africa and Botswana regularly review cooperation and identify new opportunities to strengthen their partnership. 

Relations between the two countries are rooted in strong historical and fraternal ties, dating back to the struggle against colonialism and apartheid. Since South Africa’s transition to democracy in 1994, these relations have continued to deepen, particularly in the areas of trade, investment and broader economic cooperation. 

The upcoming session is expected to reaffirm the warm and cordial relations between the two nations, while advancing cooperation across a wide range of sectors. Discussions will focus on strengthening political and economic ties, enhancing collaboration through established committees, and building on shared positions on regional and global issues. 

Key areas of engagement will include regional security within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the advancement of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The session will also assess progress on existing agreements, commitments and joint projects, while exploring new areas of cooperation. 

South Africa and Botswana maintain a robust strategic partnership supported by an extensive framework of agreements. To date, the two countries have concluded 38 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding spanning sectors such as trade, infrastructure, agriculture, security, health, education and tourism. 

This cooperation has translated into strong economic linkages, with South Africa remaining one of Botswana’s major trading partners. Botswana continues to rely significantly on imports from South Africa, including fuel, machinery, food and other essential goods. At the same time, Botswana serves as a key export market, with South African exports reaching R3.67 billion in January 2026. 

The BNC provides an opportunity for both countries to further expand these economic ties, creating conditions for inclusive growth and development. It also reinforces a shared commitment to regional integration and continental unity, particularly within the framework of the AfCFTA, which seeks to create the world’s largest single market and unlock opportunities for over 1.3 billion people across Africa. 

As South Africa and Botswana prepare to meet in Gaborone, the 6th Session of the Bi-National Commission is expected to build on the solid foundation of cooperation, strengthen partnerships across sectors, and chart a path for continued collaboration in pursuit of shared prosperity.

*David Jacobs is Chief Director: Cluster Communication and Stakeholder Management at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

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The Department of Health (DoH) says it has noted the Constitutional Court judgment declaring that sections 36 to 40 of the National Health Act 61 of 2003 are inconsistent with the Constitution.

The court handed down the judgment today, further declaring that the sections are irrational and unjustifiably limit the right to choose a trade, occupation or profession freely.

“While noting this judgement, it is also important to clarify that the judgement is not a judgement relating to the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act.

“The sections in question were passed by Parliament 23 years ago and have never been brought into effect. Thus, there is no direct impact of the judgement on the NHI as some within the political and private health sector have rushed to mislead the public on. No section of the NHI has been declared unconstitutional,” the department emphasised.

The DoH added that it is continuing with preparations for the NHI.

“The Department will continue with all necessary health system strengthening preparations for the NHI as the mechanism for South Africa to realise universal healthcare coverage.

“This is in line with the provisions of section 27 of the Constitution which guarantees everyone the right to access healthcare services, including reproductive healthcare,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has requested the Bureau of Heraldry South Africa to conduct a formal investigation into the alleged unauthorised use of the Coat of Arms by the Somali Association of South Africa.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture said it had noted what appears to be the Coat of Arms, or a reproduction thereof, being incorporated into the association’s logo and branding materials.

“I wish to confirm that I have today formally referred this matter to Thembinkosi Mabaso, State Herald of the Bureau of Heraldry, with instructions to conduct a formal investigation into whether the logo and branding materials of the Somali Association of South Africa constitute a contravention of the Heraldry Act,” the Minister said.

McKenzie has also requested the State Herald of the Bureau of Heraldry to issue an appropriate compliance notice requiring the immediate cessation of any unauthorised use, should a contravention be found, and to apply the full range of sanctions available under the Act if the association fails to comply.

The Bureau of Heraldry has been asked to submit its findings to the Minister’s office within 10 working days.

“The integrity of South Africa’s national symbols is non-negotiable. The Coat of Arms is not a decorative element available for adoption by any organisation that finds it convenient. It belongs to the people of South Africa and must be treated with the dignity and legal respect it commands. 

“My department will act decisively wherever the law has been contravened, and this matter will be dealt with as a precedent for how such contraventions are handled going forward.

The department said it will provide a further update once the Bureau of Heraldry has completed its assessment.

The Bureau of Heraldry, established under Section 3 of the Heraldry Act, 1962, is responsible for registering heraldic representations, names, special names and uniforms, as well as promoting and protecting national symbols. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has welcomed the sentencing of former Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) officer Mashudu Ernest Mukwevho for soliciting and accepting bribes from motorists.

Mukwevho was convicted on 10 March 2026 following his arrest during a joint undercover operation conducted by the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI/Hawks) in 2018.

The operation targeted corruption involving law enforcement officers.

“The undercover operation successfully exposed several incidents where metro police officers solicited and accepted bribes from motorists. The RTMC, through NTACU, provided operational support, including undercover agents, audio and visual equipment, and bait vehicles used during the investigation,” the RTMC said on Monday.

Mukwevho was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of a similar offence during the suspension period.

“Corruption by traffic and law enforcement officials undermines public trust, compromises road safety enforcement and weakens the rule of law. The RTMC remains committed to rooting out corruption within the traffic law enforcement environment and ensuring that officers who abuse their authority are brought to book.”  –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Alexandra Abrahams, will attend the 6th Botswana-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) and deliver remarks at the Botswana-South Africa Business Forum in Gaborone from 20 to 21 May 2026.

The Business Forum will take place on the sidelines of the 6th session of the South Africa-Botswana BNC, a platform aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and deepening cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

The commission is expected to focus on advancing collaboration across several strategic sectors, including agriculture, transport, infrastructure, water, mining, energy, science and technology, finance, tourism, trade and investment.

According to Abrahams, the BNC will provide an opportunity for the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) to assess progress on Economic Cluster commitments agreed to during the previous BNC session.

“The deliberations of the BNC are expected to support stronger bilateral trade and investment ties between South Africa and Botswana,” said Abrahams.

She added that discussions would include the implementation plan for the Memorandum of Understanding on Trade and Industrial Cooperation, which seeks to address market access barriers, improve customs cooperation and support investment partnerships within Southern African Customs Union (SACU) value chains.

Abrahams said the latest BNC session would also create an opportunity for both countries to tackle ongoing market access challenges, particularly trade restrictions affecting key sectors.

“Through this strengthened coordination, the two countries are able to address emerging issues while ensuring the inclusive implementation of commitments made during the previous Botswana-South Africa Bi-National Commission,” she said.

The Deputy Minister highlighted the growing investment relationship between the two countries, noting that 30 South African companies invested in Botswana between January 2003 and March 2026.

The investments span sectors such as financial services, mining, communications, hospitality and tourism, consumer products, software and information technology services, food and beverages, building materials, and business services.

Abrahams said the investment relationship between South Africa and Botswana demonstrates the importance of strategic cooperation in addressing economic challenges and promoting regional trade and investment growth.

South Africa is Botswana’s second-largest trading partner, accounting for approximately 15% of Botswana’s total exports. South Africa exported goods worth R73.6 billion to Botswana in 2025.

Botswana, meanwhile, remains one of South Africa’s important regional trade partners and accounts for around 60% of Botswana’s total imports. South Africa imported goods valued at an estimated R7.6 billion from Botswana during the same period.

The 6th Botswana-South Africa BNC is expected to further strengthen economic cooperation and reinforce long-standing diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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