Category: South Africa Government

Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, is today leading a strategic dialogue on advancing women’s leadership in South Africa’s energy transition at an event held in Johannesburg. 

Taking place on the sidelines of the South African National Energy Development Institute’s (SANEDI) Annual Energy Conference, which began on Tuesday, today’s breakfast session is themed: “Elevating Women in Energy: Driving Innovation, Inclusion, and Leadership in South Africa’s Energy Sector.”

Gina is joined by key women leaders in the sector, including Morwesi Thonga, the chairperson of the EWSETA Board and Bertha Dlamini, the head of African Women in Energy and Power.

Following the breakfast session, the spotlight will be on projects funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), to examine how science, technology, skills development, and policy can drive an inclusive, innovation-led energy future.

The Department’s Director-General, Dr Mlungisi Cele, will engage stakeholders on DSTI-funded energy projects, including outputs from the Hydrogen and Energy RDI Flagship Programmes.

The broader conference is themed: “Catalysing Just, Sustainable and Digital Energy Transition for Africa and Beyond”. – SAnews.gov.za

 

49 views

A multi-disciplinary team under Operation Shanela and local farm watch members conducted an intelligence-driven and crime prevention operation, concentrating on crime prevention, tracing of wanted suspects and compliance inspections at the weekend.

The operation, conducted from 23 February 2026 to 24 February 2026, within the Ehlazeni District, focusing on Calcutta, Acornhoek and Bushbuckridge, saw members visiting liquor outlets and conducting stop-and-searches as well as patrols at identified places, including Saselani and Dwarsloop in Bushbuckridge.

It was during this operation that a 30-year-old male suspect was arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Two 9mm pistols, two magazines and about 16 live rounds were seized.

Further operations led to the recovery of two firearms, with one suspected of being state-issued. 

Further information from Crime Intelligence resulted in the team recovering another 9 mm pistol with ammunition.

The two suspects, aged 25 and 30, are expected to appear at the Bushbuckridge and Acornhoek Magistrate’s Courts respectively, on Wednesday.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi commended members for their swift response and effective coordination, emphasising that integrated intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with community structures such as farm patrols remain critical in removing illegal firearms from communities.

“These coordinated efforts enhance operational quality, strengthen cohesion among law enforcement partners, and significantly contribute to proactive policing and safer communities,” said Mkhwanazi. – SAnews.gov.za

 

57 views

Government has welcomed the breakthrough made by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) following a thorough investigation into allegations of corruption within the Department of Home Affairs.

The investigation uncovered corruption linked to the fraudulent issuing of official documents to illegal immigrants. According to government, such criminal conduct undermines the integrity of South Africa’s immigration system, weakens public trust in State institutions, and compromises national security.

Government commended the SIU for its diligent work and reaffirmed its unwavering support for law enforcement agencies in holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

“This case bears testament that government will take action to root out any form of corruption. This development gives effect to the commitment made by President Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation Address, where fighting corruption and strengthening the capacity of the State were reaffirmed as national priorities. 

“The successful investigation is a clear indication that government’s anti-corruption [campaign] is being actively implemented,” Acting Government Spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa said.

Government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to corrupt activities in both the public and private sectors, which recognises that corruption prolongs an endless cycle that deprives citizens of quality service delivery and undermines confidence in institutions meant to serve them.

In 2020, Cabinet adopted the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, which focuses on preventive measures that complement the work of law enforcement agencies and constitutional bodies in responding to corruption.

“A capable, ethical and developmental State depends on collective responsibility and accountability,” Mnukwa said.

Government has called on members of the public and public servants alike to continue reporting corruption and to support efforts aimed at safeguarding the integrity of institutions. It reiterated its commitment to building a professional public service that serves the people of South Africa with integrity, transparency and respect for the rule of law.

Members of the public can report fraud and corruption anonymously through the National Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 701 701 (toll free) or via email at integrity@publicservicecorruptionhotline.org.za. – SAnews.gov.za 

102 views

The Gauteng Provincial Government is continuing to strengthen road safety and traffic law enforcement through high-impact stop-and-search operations.

The enforcement is led by the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).

In a statement on Tuesday, the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) said that various operations form part of a coordinated strategy to tackle lawlessness, combat criminality, and improve compliance with traffic legislation, particularly within the public transport sector.

During the week of 16–22 February 2026, intensified operations were conducted across the cities of Johannesburg and Tshwane. These operations targeted major public and scholar transport corridors identified as high-risk areas due to non-compliance and road safety violations.

As a result of the operations 19 minibuses were discontinued for failure to meet critical road safety requirements and 60 vehicles were issued with discontinue notices.

Defects identified included faulty brakes, worn tyres, broken headlights, defective brake lights or indicators, and cracked windscreens, all of which pose serious risks to road users.

In addition, officers further issued infringement notices to non-compliant public transport operators. More than 600 manual infringement notices were issued, while 877 electronic notices were processed using the GTI’s advanced e-Force devices. 

Further non-compliance identified during operations included 89 minibus taxi operators found driving without valid driving licences and 54 minibuses operating without valid licence discs.

The GPG emphasised that by law, driving a vehicle without being in possession of a driving licence is an offence, and that the offender will be issued a fine. This can also lead to the offender having a criminal record and/or impoundment if no licensed driver is present to take over the vehicle. 

Vehicle impoundments carry incremental monetary penalties for first and subsequent offences for public transport operators, in particular.

Officers also arrested fourteen motorists for several serious offences, twelve were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), one was arrested for fraud and another arrested for reckless and negligent driving.

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has commended the GTI for its consistent and proactive enforcement approach. This, she added, reaffirms the Department of Roads and Transport’s zero-tolerance stance on negligence and non-compliance.

“These weekly results demonstrate our commitment to creating a safer, more compliant transport environment. The work of the Inspectorate to discontinue 19 minibuses, in a single week, sends a clear and uncompromising message that Gauteng will not tolerate criminality, corruption, or total disregard for road regulations.”

Diale-Tlabela noted that the stop-and-search operations are key pillars of the province’s quest for safer roads and traffic law enforcement strategy.

Through sustained visibility and decisive action, the Inspectorate continues to bolster the province’s road safety message that lawlessness on public roads will not be tolerated.

The MEC added that discontinuation of unroadworthy vehicles is a necessary step in protecting lives on the province’s public roads.

She further pleaded for patience and understanding during these operations. – SAnews.gov.za

 

105 views

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli has urged young people in Mfuleni to seize employment, skills and business opportunities made available through government’s Community Youth Services Outreach Programme. 

Addressing youth gathered at the Mfuleni Community Hall in Cape Town on Tuesday, the Deputy Minister encouraged them to make full use of the services brought together under one roof, saying government’s goal is to ensure that when it returns, the same young people are no longer unemployed or out of school.

“You are gathered here today because you’re not at work, not running your own businesses, and not at school. When we come back, we want everyone who’s here to no longer be here… We want to find you at work, so that we can then have the next crop of young people that we are going to bring services to and be able to empower,” she said.

The outreach programme forms part of government’s ongoing efforts to expand access to opportunities for young people who are unemployed or not in education, employment or training. It connects youth to employment opportunities, skills development programmes, entrepreneurship support and essential civic services.

The Deputy Minister urged young people to register on SAYouth.mobi and engage with participating entities, including the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), which provides business development support and funding guidance. She also encouraged them to explore internship and training opportunities offered through the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).

“Please make use of today’s opportunity. Beyond today, go tell your friends to register on the SAyouth.mobi website… Whenever there is an opportunity that comes up, it will be posted there, and you will get an opportunity. 

“It might not be a job, it might be a skills development opportunity, a learning opportunity or a business opportunity, but we assure you that these opportunities do exist, and we want you to have them as young people,” Mhlauli said. 

Government departments and partners participating in the outreach include the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Employment and Labour, the SETAs, Harambee, the Youth Employment Service (YES), the Electoral Commission (IEC) and Transnet.

The programme is expected to benefit approximately 350 young people by providing practical support, access to information and pathways into learning, work and economic participation.

The initiative underscores government’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment and ensuring that young people are connected to meaningful opportunities that can transform their lives and communities. – SAnews.gov.za

86 views

The Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, will outline all the financial, economic, and social commitments that the government will prioritise in its planned expenditure when he tables the 2026 Budget in the National Assembly on Wednesday.

The budget allocation aims to strike a balance between growing the economy and supporting the vulnerable amid limited resources.

During the Budget Speech, the Finance Minister outlines how financial resources will be allocated to fund the national government’s priorities outlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the State of the Nation Address. 

During the same plenary sitting, Minister Godongwana will also introduce the Appropriation Bill and table the 2026 Division of Revenue Bill, which Parliament will process in the following months.

READ | Budget 2026: SA economy ‘on the cusp’ of rapid growth

The budget is produced and presented before the National Assembly according to the rules outlined in the Public Finance Management Act. –SAnews.gov.za

 

30 views

South Africa faces a complex and worsening fire risk environment, driven by rapid urbanisation, the rapid growth of informal settlements, expansion of the wildland–urban interface, climate variability, and uneven municipal capacity.

According to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) fire incidents continue to result in devastating human, economic and infrastructural losses. 

Year after year, South Africa records financial losses that exceed into billions of rands, a figure that excludes uninsured incidents and the long-term social impact on affected communities.

Against this backdrop, the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), under the COGTA, will this week host the annual National Fire Services Indaba, which will bring together key players in the fire and disaster management sector to discuss challenges and solutions for reducing fire risks in the country.

Convened annually by the NDMC, the Indaba seeks to strengthen coordination, policy alignment, and implementation across national, provincial, and municipal fire services.

The 2026 Indaba will take place at the President Hotel in Bloemfontein, Free State, from 26 to 27 February under the theme: “Building Resilient Communities: Collaborative Strategies for Fire Risk Reduction”.

The event is hosted in partnership with the Free State Department of COGTA and the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.

The two-day event will provide a dynamic platform for collaboration, innovation and knowledge-sharing, with discussions set to focus on critical vulnerabilities, emerging risks, and the evolving future of fire and disaster risk management in South Africa.

In a statement, the department said the Indaba supports a decisive shift from reactive fire response to a proactive, prevention-led, and predictive approach to fire risk reduction.

“This shift is anchored in the White Paper on Fire Services and aligned to the priorities of the National Development Plan (NDP), particularly those related to building safer communities, strengthening state capability, and improving disaster resilience,” the department said.

Key focus areas for the 2026 Indaba include:
•    Enhancing intergovernmental coordination and mutual aid agreements.
•    Improving fire risk profiling, early warning systems, and data-driven planning.
•    Addressing fire risks in informal settlements and high-density areas.
•    Advancing training standards, professionalisation, and compliance with national norms and standards. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

22 views

President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the return home of the South African men who were lured into the battle lines between Russia and Ukraine by South African elements that remain under investigation. 

The South African government working closely with the Russian government secured the safe return of the men after receiving distressed calls for assistance to return home from 17 South African men between the ages of 20-39 years. 

“President Ramaphosa has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Vladimir Putin who responded positively to his call to support the process of returning the men home,” the Presidency said in a statement. 

President Putin had pledged his support during a telephone call with President Ramaphosa held on 10 February 2026.  

“Out of the 17 men, four are already back in the country, while 11 will be on their way home soon. Two remain in Russia with one in a hospital in Moscow, while the other one is being processed before finalising his travel arrangements,” the Presidency said. 

The South African embassy in Moscow will continue to monitor the individual that is in hospital until he has fully recovered to travel. 

The investigation into the circumstances that led to the recruitment of these young men into mercenary activities is ongoing. – SAnews.gov.za

43 views

Government will host the sixth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) in Johannesburg on 31 March 2026, as government intensifies efforts to attract R2 trillion in new investment commitments over the next five years.

The upcoming summit builds on the success of the previous five-year investment cycle, which concluded in March 2023, after raising R1.51 trillion, surpassing the initial R1.2 trillion target. 

To date, more than R600 billion of these commitments have flowed into projects, supporting the establishment of new factories, mines and other productive facilities across the country.

Announcing the conference during the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa said government was determined to build on this momentum.

“Over the course of the first five South Africa Investment Conferences, we were able to raise R1.5 trillion in investment commitments. To date, over R600 billion has flowed into projects. New factories, mines and other facilities are being opened each year.

“We have now set ourselves a target of raising R2 trillion in new investments over the next five years. We therefore look forward to hosting the sixth South Africa Investment Conference on the 31st of March 2026,” the President said.

The 2026 conference aims to reinforce a clear narrative to investors: credible reforms drive investor confidence, unlock deployable opportunities and foster sustainable global partnerships.

Since its launch in 2018, the conference has drawn thousands of local and international delegates, positioning South Africa as a competitive and globally relevant investment destination. An estimated 1 250 delegates are expected to attend the 2026 edition in person.

Among its objectives, the conference will seek to showcase South Africa’s economic recovery strategy, highlight strategic sectors and bankable projects, and emphasise government’s continued commitment to clean governance and zero tolerance for corruption. It will also profile the country’s role as a gateway to regional markets and a key trade and investment partner on the African continent.

The sixth SAIC comes at a time when government is prioritising industrialisation, infrastructure development, energy reform and job creation as central pillars of economic transformation and inclusive growth. – SAnews.gov.za

 

75 views