MIL Africa Engine

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola says South Africa will continue pushing for reforms to global governance institutions while using foreign policy to drive economic growth and development at home. 

Presenting the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s 2026/27 Budget Vote in Parliament on Tuesday, Lamola said developing countries continued to face unfair treatment in the global system. 

“The world is changing, but many of its institutions still reflect old patterns of power. Developing countries continue to face unsustainable debt, unequal access to development finance and growing pressure to align with powerful geopolitical blocs.

“South Africa’s responsibility is to advance a fairer and more representative global order. This means continuing to call for reform of the United Nations, especially the Security Council, so that it can respond more effectively to contemporary global challenges,” he said.

Lamola said South Africa’s Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability” reflected the country’s commitment to promoting a more inclusive international order.

He said among the outcomes of the Presidency were the G20 Africa Expert Panel Report on Growth, Debt and Development, and the Report of the G20 Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Inequality.

The Minister said South Africa was also working with international partners to establish an International Panel on Inequality through the United Nations General Assembly.

On BRICS, Lamola said the bloc continued to strengthen the voice of the Global South.

“Through BRICS, South Africa will continue to advance reform of global governance institutions and support the development of the new BRICS Economic Partnership Strategy. The expansion of BRICS to 11 members marks a significant milestone in the growing voice of the Global South in international affairs,” he said. 

Lamola also defended South Africa’s position on international law and accountability, saying the country remained committed to protecting multilateral institutions.

“We’ve formed the Hague Group to defend the credibility of international law, hold states accountable for breaches and protect the integrity of the international legal order.

“It was established to rally against complicity, end impunity and support the collective enforcement of international law through concrete measures, including halting arms transfers, blocking weapons shipments, suspending procurement from Israeli firms, ceasing energy exports and pursuing accountability through national and international courts,” Lamola said. 

The Minister said South Africa would continue advocating for nuclear disarmament globally.

“As a country that voluntarily dismantled its nuclear weapons programme, we continue to advocate for the total elimination of nuclear weapons and will preside over the first Review Conference of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons later this year,” he said. 

Lamola said South Africa’s foreign policy must ultimately benefit ordinary citizens through economic growth, job creation and trade opportunities.

“Foreign policy must ultimately speak to the lives of our people. Our foreign policy must support inclusive economic growth, poverty eradication, sustainable development, peace and security,” he said. 

He said economic diplomacy was already yielding positive results, particularly in agriculture.

“Our economic diplomacy is yielding results, 45 % our processed goods are traded on the continent, including in agriculture. In 2025, South Africa’s agricultural exports reached a record 15.1 billion US dollars. In the first quarter of 2026, farm exports reached 3.7 billion US dollars, an increase of 11% year on year.

“These exports reach markets across Africa, the European Union and Asia. They show how foreign policy can support jobs, production and economic opportunity at home,” the Minister said. 

On migration, Lamola said immigration management must remain lawful and coordinated.

“On migration, this means managing migration lawfully, in a coordinated manner and based on evidence. That law enforcement authorities enforce the law with regard to irregular migration, not private citizens.

“It means the protection of the fundamental rights of every person, secure borders and an immigration system that is insulated from corruption,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola says Africa must urgently accelerate regional integration and intra-African trade to shield the continent from external economic shocks and geopolitical instability.

Delivering the 2026/27 Budget Vote for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in Parliament on Tuesday, Lamola said South Africa’s foreign policy remains firmly centred on advancing the interests of the African continent.

“We table this budget at a time when international cooperation is under sustained pressure from unilateralism, economic coercion, wars of aggression, deals of extraction and a winner-takes-all approach to global relations. South Africa cannot afford to shed the responsibilities that come with its history,” he said. 

Lamola said Africa remained heavily dependent on external markets, making the continent vulnerable to global disruptions. 

He said that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has the potential for a common market of 3.4 trillion US dollars and a pathway to diversification, reduced dependence on external markets and greater resilience for economies.

“Yet, intra-African trade remains too low, at just 16% for the continent and 21% for SADC [Southern African Development Community]. This is far below Europe at 68% and Asia at 59%.

“Africa’s trade is also still heavily concentrated outside the continent. Over 50 percent of the continent’s imports and exports are tied to just five economies, all outside of Africa.

“This is the source of our vulnerability to external shocks. It is also why regional integration must move from aspiration to implementation,” he said.

The Minister said South Africa, as Chair of the African Union Ministerial Committee on the Follow-up and Implementation of Agenda 2063, was working to accelerate the continent’s development agenda.

He also highlighted the strategic importance of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), saying the region must prepare itself for future crises and economic disruptions.

“I have recently hosted the SADC Ministers of Foreign Affairs Retreat in Skukuza, Kruger National Park, where Ministers reflected on the geopolitical developments affecting our region.

“The Ministers agreed that SADC must be better prepared to respond to external shocks, whether they arise from conflict, climate disasters, food and fuel price volatility, public health emergencies or the decisions of powerful actors far beyond our borders,” he said. 

Lamola said Southern Africa’s vast mineral wealth could help drive industrialisation and economic transformation if properly managed.

“Our region is home to 30 percent of the world’s proven critical mineral reserves. We are also home to approximately 50 percent of the world’s cobalt reserves, 20 percent of the world’s graphite reserves and 10 percent of the world’s copper reserves. These resources, if harnessed properly, can propel our region’s structural transformation,” the minister said. 

He said South Africa’s priorities when it assumes full chairship of SADC in August 2026 would include strengthening political cohesion and deepening regional trade integration.

“When South Africa assumes the full Chairship of SADC in August 2026, our priorities will include deepening political cohesion, consolidating the SADC Free Trade Area, reducing non-tariff barriers and building regional value chains in agro-processing, critical minerals beneficiation, pharmaceuticals and other strategic sectors,” he said. 

Lamola also reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to peacebuilding efforts on the continent, including in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

“In all these areas, South Africa discharges its responsibility through diplomacy, mediation, regional solidarity and a firm belief that Africa must shape its own future,” he said.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has been allocated R7.227 billion for the 2026/27 financial year. – SAnews.gov.za 

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The Border Management Authority (BMA) says the interception of minibus taxis and buses transporting undocumented foreign nationals has become a major concern within inland operations. 

This, according to the BMA, has necessitated the convening of various stakeholders to strengthen interventions aimed at addressing illegal movements and ensuring compliance with South African laws.

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, will conduct an operational visit to the Beitbridge Port of Entry in Musina on Thursday to monitor activities relating to illegal movements and cross-border operations.

“As part of the visit, Commissioner Masiapato will convene a Port Management Committee meeting involving key law enforcement and border management stakeholders operating in the area, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and Traffic Management authorities,” the Border Management Authority said in a statement.

“The Commissioner will also engage with external stakeholders, including bus and taxi operators operating in the Beitbridge area, to streamline operations and strengthen compliance measures aimed at ensuring the lawful movement of people and goods across the border. A site inspection of identified vulnerable areas around Beitbridge will be conducted,” it said.

On Monday, Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, Mosa Chabane, called on the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority to urgently visit the Border Post to address the continued illegal entry of undocumented migrants into South Africa. 

Due to the urgency and scale of the matter, the committee will meet on 2 June 2026 with the BMA, Home Affairs and the Cross Border Road Transport Agency on the concerning persistent entry of unroadworthy transport carrying illegal immigrants.

Chabane also condemned the dangerous overloading of the taxis, warning that the consequences could have been catastrophic. 

“If the taxis were involved in an accident, the loss of life would have been unimaginable,” he said.

Chabane also called on the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster to consider permanent roadblocks in all ports of entry in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela says his department has moved to stabilise governance, reposition technical colleges and accelerate digital transformation since his appointment to office.

Delivering Budget Vote 17 in Parliament on Tuesday, Manamela outlined a series of interventions already implemented across the post-school education and training sector, saying his focus had been on identifying “where the system is stuck” and how to address longstanding weaknesses.

“Since my appointment, I have asked of every official, every entity, every council, and every meeting one question: where is the system stuck, and what will it take to unstick it?” Manamela said.

The Minister highlighted four key streams of work prioritised by the department since he took office.

The first stream included stabilising governance across institutions and entities under the department.

He said decisive action has been taken at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) following governance and operational concerns.

“Where the institution fell short of the public trust placed in it, we acted within the law to restore order, protect students, and put in place a remedial path,” the Minister said.

The Minister also confirmed that underperforming Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) have been placed under administration, while audit action plans, council development programmes and pre-employment screening for senior managers are being institutionalised across the sector.

“Consequence management is no longer a slogan; it is becoming a discipline,” he said.

The second focus area included the repositioning of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges as the core driver of occupational and technical skills development.

Manamela announced that 24 new occupational qualifications have been introduced at TVET colleges from January 2026, and government has also set a target of 30% of TVET enrolment in occupational qualifications and skills programmes.

In addition, 500 TVET lecturers are expected to obtain formal qualifications, while 150 TVET council members will undergo training.

“We are establishing five regional industrial skills compacts, and by 30 September 2026, we will table a TVET Turnaround Strategy that confronts the system’s chronic challenges head-on,” the Minister said.

Thirdly, the department has started to build digital and future-skills capacity across the post-school system.

This includes plans to complete a feasibility study for online public TVET by March 2027, introduce a TVET digital transformation strategy, launch four new programmes on the National Open Learning System, integrate Khetha career services to reach 250 000 users, and establish a Skills Development Zone.

The fourth area of intervention has focused on reshaping the size and structure of the post-school education and training system.

Manamela said government is finalising a university enrolment plan for 2025 to 2030 and developing a five-year TVET enrolment strategy.

“We are addressing student housing and infrastructure as the precondition for any meaningful expansion,” the Minister said.

He said the reforms are intended to strengthen the link between education, employability, and economic growth.

“We inherit a system of great achievement and deep contradiction. It has opened doors for millions. It has not yet built enough bridges to work, to innovation, and to economic participation,” he said.

He added that government’s broader objective is to ensure that the post-school education and training system becomes a platform for economic inclusion, productivity, and opportunity for young South Africans. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has tabled a R149.2 billion budget anchored on what he described as a “skills revolution” intended to strengthen the link between education, work, and industrial development.

The department’s Budget Vote presented in Parliament on Tuesday, is aimed at driving digital transformation, expanding technical and vocational training, and repositioning South Africa’s post-school education and training system to respond more directly to employment and economic needs.

Manamela stressed that the budget must become more than a budget of transfers, but a budget of “transformation, coordination, skills, accountability, and outcomes.”

The department’s allocation for the 2026/27 financial year has increased from R142.4 billion in 2025/26 to R149.2 billion, while total spending over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework is projected at R468 billion.

Transfers and subsidies account for R134.9 billion, or 90.4% of the total allocation.

Universities remain the largest component of the budget, receiving R100.1 billion, representing approximately 82.4% of the programme budget.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges receive R14.7 billion, reflecting a 6.3% increase as government intensifies efforts to position TVET institutions as centres of occupational and technical skills development.

Community Education and Training (CET) colleges receive R3.3 billion, which Manamela acknowledged highlighted the structural underfunding of the sector.

Manamela noted that TVET and CET colleges are still under-scaled relative to the size of the country’s population and the demands of its economy.

“TVET is central to the production of mid-level technical and vocational skills. CET provides the second-chance opportunities that reconnect young people and adults to the education and training system. Both must grow — and both must improve,” the Minister said.

The Minister announced that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is projected to increase from R48.8 billion in 2025/26 to R54.6 billion by 2028/29, with skills levy income projected to rise from R27.7 billion in 2026/27 to R31.1 billion by 2028/29.

Manamela said the budget priorities centred around three strategic areas, including digital transformation, the skills revolution, and reshaping the size and structure of the post-school education and training system.

He announced plans to expand online and digital learning platforms, modernise data systems, introduce online TVET and CET offerings, and strengthen digital career guidance services.

The department also plans to deepen investment in artificial intelligence, software development, cybersecurity and data-related skills through partnerships with leading technology companies.

“The real question is whether the system can plan, teach, track, fund and connect people to opportunity at the speed and scale that the moment requires,” Manamela said.

The Minister said the “skills revolution” would focus on occupational qualifications, apprenticeships and artisan development, workplace-integrated learning, regional industrial skills compacts, and employer participation.

Among the targets announced were the establishment of five regional industrial skills compacts, employer participation agreements through Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), and increased artisan and occupational skills training.

Manamela said government is finalising the university enrolment plan for 2025 to 2030, develop a five-year TVET enrolment plan, auditing the CET landscape, and continue work on new institutions, including the proposed Ekurhuleni University and new medical and veterinary schools.

“We are converting agricultural colleges into higher education colleges, and we are addressing student housing and infrastructure as the precondition for any meaningful expansion.”

He stressed that the effectiveness of the budget would ultimately be judged by whether it improved opportunities for young people.

“The test of this Budget Vote is not whether the department spends. The test is whether a young person in Mitchells Plain, in Giyani, in Rustenburg, in Lusikisiki, in Kuruman, in Mdantsane, or in Soweto, can see — and can walk — a pathway from learning to livelihood,” Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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Residents have been reminded of Rand Water’s planned maintenance at its Palmiet and Zuikerbosch systems, which will lead to water supply interruptions between 29 May and 17 July 2026.

Rand Water said the maintenance will focus on critical electrical and pumping infrastructure aimed at improving system reliability, operational flexibility and long-term water supply stability.

According to Rand Water, some pumps will need to be temporarily shut down during the maintenance period, which may affect water supply to several municipalities, industries and direct customers.

“The planned maintenance activities are necessary to improve pump availability and standby capacity.  They also enhance operational flexibility across key Rand Water systems, reduce the risk of plant trips and equipment failures,” the utility said in a statement.

Rand Water said the work had been coordinated with Eskom and deliberately scheduled during the winter season, which is traditionally a low-water-demand period.

Key maintenance activities will include Eskom-related electrical maintenance at the Zuikerbosch and Palmiet systems; the installation and upgrading of motors at Zuikerbosch Raw Water Engine Room 4; replacement of critical valves and thrust bearings at Palmiet, Vereeniging and Foresthill systems; and M11 pipeline cross-connections within the Mapleton system.

The planned maintenance will affect parts of Gauteng, the North West, Free State and Mpumalanga.

Municipalities expected to be affected include the Metros of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, as well as local municipalities such as Mogale City, West Rand, Merafong, Rustenburg, Madibeng, Lesedi, Victor Khanye, Govan Mbeki, Thembisile Hani, Midvaal, Emfuleni, Metsimaholo, Ngwathe and the Royal Bafokeng Administration.

Rand Water said various industries, mines and direct customers, including Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), may also be affected.

In line with its commitment to operational transparency and excellence, Rand Water has issued a 21-day notice to all affected municipalities, industries and direct customers.

“The notification is intended to provide all customers with sufficient time to implement contingency measures and minimise potential water supply disruptions to consumers,” Rand Water said.

The utility added that regular updates on the maintenance programme would be communicated through its official channels, including social media platforms. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Household access to improved water, sanitation and electricity has improved significantly over the past 23 years, according to Statistics South Africa’s 2025 General Household Survey.

The survey, conducted annually since 2002, tracks development progress and highlights persistent service-delivery gaps across South Africa.

Access to improved sanitation (flush toilets and pit toilets with ventilation pipes) increased from 61,7% in 2002 to 84,0% in 2025. 

“The largest increases were observed in the Eastern Cape (54,6 percentage points) and Limpopo (37,9 percentage points).

“An estimated 16,8% of households used pit toilets with ventilation pipes (up from 4,4% in 2002). Pit latrine without ventilation pipes decreased by 12,4 percentage points to 13,0% in 2025,” Stats SA said.

Electricity access rose from 76,7% in 2002 to 90,6% in 2025, accompanied by reduced reliance on traditional fuels. 

However, wood use remains relatively high in some provinces, particularly Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

Access to refuse removal services highlights ongoing inequality. 

“While 84,9% of urban households received regular services, only 13,0% of rural households did so. Consequently, a large majority (84,7%) of households reported burning waste. Recycling practices remain limited, with only 10,5% of households separating recyclable material,” Stats SA said.

Access to the internet continues to expand rapidly and close to nine-tenths (85,6%) of households had access to any kind of internet in 2025. 

In contrast, traditional mail services continue to decline, with 67,4% of households reporting no access to postal services.

Families remain central to child development; however, living arrangements vary considerably.

In 2025, fewer than one-third of children (31,4%) lived with both biological parents, while nearly half (45,9%) resided with their mothers only. 

A notable 18,5% of children lived with neither parent, and 11,2% experienced orphanhood. 

Single-person households accounted for 26,6% of all households, while nuclear households made up 38,9%. 

Female-headed households remained significant at 42,6%, particularly in rural areas where the proportion rose to 47,6%.

Participation in early childhood development (ECD) programmes remained uneven, with only 36,3% of children aged 0–4 having attended ECD facilities, while more than half (50,2%) were cared for at home. 

Stats SA added that school attendance was nearly universal until age 15, when it increased to 97,1%; however, delayed progression persists, with 8,8% of 21-year-olds still enrolled in secondary school.

The report shows that educational attainment continues to improve. 

“The proportion of adults with no education declined significantly from 11,4% in 2002 to 2,6% in 2025. Meanwhile, the share of those with at least a National Senior Certificate increased from 30,7% to 53,5%. 

“No-fee schools remained a cornerstone of access, serving 65,1% of learners nationally, although provincial disparities remain pronounced,” Stats SA said.

Medical aid coverage remained relatively unchanged at 15,5%, highlighting persistent inequities in access to private healthcare. 

Coverage was highest in the Western Cape (25,9%) and Gauteng (22,1%) and lowest in Limpopo (8,2%) and KwaZulu-Natal (9,5%). 

Black African individuals comprised the majority (52,2%) of medical aid beneficiaries.

The GHS report revealed that by 2025, grants reached 39,5% of individuals and 50,6% of households, with nearly one-quarter (23,4%) relying on them as their main income source.

“Salaries and wages remained the primary income source for 54,3% of households, though this varied widely across provinces.

“Just over one fifth (22,0%) of households considered their access to food as inadequate or severely inadequate, 4,2 percentage points higher than in 2019 before the outbreak of COVID-19. The need was most common in NC (43,0%) and least common in LP (6,1%),” Stats SA said. –SAnews.gov.za

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The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained a freezing order from the Special Tribunal to preserve a luxury Alberton home linked to businessman Thapelo Samuel Buthelezi.

In May last year, the tribunal ordered that Buthelezi’s companies pay back undue benefits gleaned from R500 million worth of unlawful tenders awarded by the Free State Health Department.

“The order prohibits Buthelezi from selling, transferring, mortgaging, or otherwise dealing with the property.

“The SIU instituted civil proceedings to review and set aside the irregular tenders and subsequent contracts after the provincial department paid R532,789,770.12 to four companies linked to Buthelezi,” the SIU said.

Buthelezi was also ordered to file audited statements detailing expenses incurred, income received, and net profits made under the tender and service contracts, together with supporting documentation.

“Despite a number of attempts and reminders by the SIU, Buthelezi failed to comply with the order. As a result, a judicial case management meeting was convened virtually on 12 September 2025 at the request of the SIU and chaired by the President of the Special Tribunal, Margaret Victor. 

“Due to ongoing non-compliance with the May 2025 order, the SIU initiated contempt proceedings against Buthelezi. In his affidavit, Buthelezi did not dispute the existence of the May 2025 order or his knowledge of it but sought to justify his non-compliance on the grounds of alleged financial constraints, lack of legal representation, and other practical difficulties,” the corruption busting unit explained.

Buthelezi failed to appear at the hearing held in January this year and the tribunal issued an interdict in favour of the SIU regarding Buthelezi’s other property, a farm in the Free State.

“The order prohibited and restrained Buthelezi EMS, the registered owner of the farm, from selling, disposing of, alienating, transferring, mortgaging, pledging, or otherwise encumbering the immovable property.

“The SIU investigation into Buthelezi EMS contracts was initiated through Proclamation 42 of 2019. The Special Tribunal orders part of implementing the SIU investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover financial losses suffered by State institutions because of corruption or negligence,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za

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