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Government strengthens coordinated response to GBVF

Source: Government of South Africa

Government strengthens coordinated response to GBVF

No nation can claim freedom while its women remain unsafe, unpaid, unseen, or excluded from the economy.

These remarks, made by Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, set the tone for government’s 2026/27 priorities, placing the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) at the centre of South Africa’s development agenda.

Presenting the department’s Budget Vote in Parliament on Wednesday, Chikunga said government is intensifying efforts to strengthen a coordinated and multisectoral response to GBVF, anchored in the principle that women’s safety, dignity and economic empowerment are inseparable.

National council to lead GBVF response
Since the adoption of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, Chikunga highlighted that government has worked to strengthen a coordinated and multisectoral response to GBVF.

She said that in the 2026/27 financial year, this work will be accelerated following the classification of GBVF as a national disaster and the adoption of a Cabinet-approved action plan.

READ | Violence against women a national disaster that demands national action – President

A key priority will be supporting the establishment of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which will lead and coordinate the country’s response to GBVF.

The Minister said the department will continue to strengthen the monitoring of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) 2020-2030 across government, Cabinet clusters and sectors.

“We will deepen prevention work through the Comprehensive National Prevention Strategy, particularly our flagship project – positive masculinity focused on boys; young men and older men, including targeted interventions in schools, communities and stakeholders.

“We will continue to strengthen GBVF Rapid Response Teams and support the 100-Day Challenge model, to resolve practical blockages in the justice and support systems. We will continue to advance women’s economic empowerment through programmes that open access to markets, finance, procurement and strategic value chains,” the Minister said.

Linking safety to economic empowerment

Chikunga emphasised that tackling GBVF cannot be separated from advancing women’s economic participation.

“We cannot speak of freedom if women remain excluded from the economy.”

She said the department will continue to roll out programmes that improve women’s access to markets, finance and procurement opportunities, including initiatives such as Women Economic Assembly (WECONA), Women in Trade, and the Women’s Cooperative Financial Institution.

Efforts will also focus on integrating women into key sectors of the economy, including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, oceans and the green economy.

“We will work with public and private sector partners to ensure that all women, irrespective of age, are not merely beneficiaries of development, but owners, producers, traders and leaders in the economy. This will include leveraging the critical Mineral strategy to place women and youth at the centre of South Africa’s mining expansion and industrial plans,” Chikunga said.

She also urged sectors to submit inputs on the Public Procurement Regulations published by the National Treasury for public comment.

READ | Have your say on draft procurement regulations

Expanding youth development programmes
 

As South Africa marks 50 years since the 1976 youth uprisings under the theme “Reset@50 – The Future Calls”, Chikunga said the department is scaling up interventions to address youth unemployment.

Through the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), which has been allocated R1.8 billion, she said government aims to significantly expand youth development programmes.

Key targets for the year include funding at least 2 600 youth-owned small businesses, expanding paid service opportunities under the National Youth Service and Presidential Youth Employment Intervention from 40 000 to 100 000 young people, providing business development support to 23 500 youth, and supporting employment and job placement for more than 26 000 young people.

The Department will also develop a National Youth Fund Strategy to increase access to funding for youth-owned enterprises, particularly for young women; persons with disabilities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) youth; and other marginalised young people.

Chikunga stressed the need to address barriers facing graduates, calling for greater opportunities for young people to gain work experience.

“As we fight to have all public service and private sector posts filled, no young person should be overlooked because of the so-called overqualification with no experience. Young people with qualifications must be given an opportunity to work and gain experience. Moreover, we wish to stress that, our call extends for those above the age of 35 years,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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Driving Africa’s Fair Energy Transition Through Technology and Innovation (By Prof. Bart O. Nnaji)

Source: APO – Report:

By Prof. Bart O. Nnaji FAS, FA Eng. CON, NNOM – Founder/Chairman, Geometric Power Limited and former Nigerian Minister of Power.

Africa’s energy journey is often portrayed as a stark choice between climate responsibility and development. In reality, the continent faces a more nuanced challenge: finding a fair, gradual energy transition that matches its unique needs and ambitions. Technology and innovation can drive this change, helping secure affordable and sustainable energy for all.

In the coming decades, Africa’s population is expected to soar to nearly 2.5 billion. Cities will grow. Industries will expand. Digital connections will multiply. The demand for energy will increase significantly. Right now, expecting Africa to abandon fossil fuels overnight is neither realistic nor fair. In the near future, fossil fuels remain crucial for base power that is reliable, and affordable. In particular, natural gas is key transition fuel that will remain the base power solution for the next decade. Africa must not embrace renewable energy primarily when they have abundance of fossil fuel for their industrialization as other emerging and emerged nations have done. A just energy transition recognises these realities and seeks ways to build cleaner, more resilient systems over time.

Technology as the Enabler of Africa’s Energy Future

Exciting new technologies are already reshaping Africa’s energy landscape:

  • Decentralised solutions, like mini-grids, off-grid solar, and batteries, bring electricity to places traditional grids can’t reach. By 2030, these distributed renewables could provide most new connections in underserved communities.
  • Smart grids and AI-driven management can reduce waste. They help utilities serve people better.
  • Modern batteries ensure that solar and wind energy can be delivered steadily, even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.

Decentralised approaches are essential to Africa’s path toward universal energy access. While technology is not a fix-all solution, it is a crucial enabler of efficiency, resilience, and affordability, shaping Africa’s energy future.

African entrepreneurs are leading much of this change. They’re developing solutions that meet local needs, such as pay-as-you-go solar, community-run mini-grids, and mobile payment platforms. These innovations don’t just bring power; they create jobs, build skills, and reap economic benefits for the continent.

But innovation alone isn’t enough. Investment is critical. According to the International Energy Agency, Africa needs about $90 billion annually to achieve a successful energy transition, but current funding falls short. Governments can help by setting clear, supportive policies that attract investment and make projects more affordable. Organisations like the African Development Bank say grid investment must rise dramatically, and clean energy spending should double by 2030 to keep up with growing demand.

From Energy Access to Economic and Human Impact

Reliable energy is more than just a technical necessity – it’s what fuels industrial growth. Picture the continent’s factories buzzing with activity, transport networks connecting people and goods, and data centres powering a vibrant digital economy.

Expanding decentralised solutions brings light to places that have been left in the dark for too long. It’s about giving children a place to study at night, helping clinics store vaccines safely, and empowering entrepreneurs to launch new businesses.

Of course, none of this works in isolation. Supportive policies, strong regulations, and partnerships between governments and private companies are essential. When African countries harmonise their rules and work together, they can create bigger markets. This draws even more investment and innovation.

Ultimately, Africa’s energy transition must be shaped by Africans themselves. The path forward is about collaboration, pragmatism, and investing in homegrown solutions. Africa’s mobile phone revolution showed the world how quickly the continent can leapfrog old systems. The same can happen with energy; by embracing flexible, tech-driven models that serve today’s and tomorrow’s needs.

Now is the time to come together to act boldly and invest in Africa’s energy future. By uniting efforts, we can turn potential into progress, ensuring resilient, inclusive, and sustainable energy for generations to come. Let’s power Africa’s future, together.

– on behalf of Prof. Bart O. Nnaji.

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Welcoming Innovation Without Losing the Fundamentals: Why Lenacapavir’s Rollout Must Strengthen Combination Prevention in South Africa (By Ngaa Murombedzi)

Source: APO – Report:

By Ngaa Murombedzi, On behalf of AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Southern Africa Region (www.AIDSHealth.org). 

South Africa’s introduction of long‑acting injectable HIV pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), Lenacapavir, is a welcome addition to the choices people have to protect against HIV. It signals scientific progress and renews hope in a country that remains at the heart of the global HIV epidemic. With approximately 7.8 million people living with HIV and an estimated 170 000 new infections recorded in 2024, our prevention response must be bold, people‑centred, and grounded in lived realities.

Lenacapavir offers particular promise for adolescent girls and young women, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and key and vulnerable populations who continue to face disproportionate HIV risk. For individuals who have struggled with daily oral PrEP adherence, a twice‑yearly injectable option could be life‑changing. Choice matters. Innovation matters. But innovation must never come at the expense of the fundamentals that have carried South Africa’s HIV response forward for decades.

Lenacapavir is PrEP—but it is not comprehensive prevention. It protects against HIV, not against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unintended pregnancy. That distinction is not academic; it is critical in a country already burdened by some of the highest STI rates globally and persistently high levels of adolescent pregnancy. At this moment of biomedical progress, we must be clear: injectable PrEP does not replace condoms.

Condoms remain the only prevention tool that simultaneously protects against HIV, STIs, and unplanned pregnancy—and they remain the most cost‑effective intervention available to the public health system. Yet condom use, particularly among young women and within longer‑term or age‑disparate relationships, remains uneven. These patterns are not driven by lack of knowledge alone; they reflect entrenched gender norms, power imbalances, economic vulnerability, and limited negotiation autonomy. Any prevention strategy that ignores these demographic and social realities is destined to fall short.

This is why the rollout of Lenacapavir must strengthen—not weaken—condom promotion and access. In a context of constrained resources and competing health priorities, narrowing prevention messaging risks creating new pressures elsewhere in the system. Rising untreated STIs and ongoing high rates of teenage pregnancy are not side issues; they are core indicators of whether our HIV prevention approach is working.

Community engagement must therefore be non‑negotiable. Biomedical innovation does not succeed in isolation. Communities must fully understand what Lenacapavir is, how it works, how often it must be taken, and—crucially—what it does not protect against. We need ongoing, community‑led consultations that listen to people’s experiences, from access barriers and service quality to perceptions of risk and protection. One‑off messaging is not enough. Listening must be continuous.

South Africa’s progress against HIV has always been strongest when communities were not treated as passive recipients, but as drivers of change. We must return to that principle now. To stem the tide of HIV infections among key and vulnerable populations—while also reversing increases in STIs and teenage pregnancy—we need a deliberate behaviour shift anchored in co‑creation.

The ask is clear.

Government, donors, and implementing partners must:

  • Position key and vulnerable populations as co‑creators of prevention messaging, not merely targets of it.
  • Embed strong, visible condom promotion at every point of Lenacapavir rollout.
  • Integrate routine STI screening and sexual health services into all HIV prevention encounters.
  • Invest in peer‑led, community‑based education and distribution strategies that reflect real‑world relationships, risks, and constraints.
  • Actively and consistently engage men and boys, recognizing that prevention responsibility cannot continue to rest disproportionately on women and girls.

We can welcome innovation without losing our foundations. Lenacapavir expands the prevention toolbox—but combination prevention remains the backbone of an effective response. Condoms, community leadership, and integrated sexual and reproductive health services are not optional add‑ons; they are essential.

As AIDS Healthcare Foundation in Southern Africa, we believe this moment can either strengthen our prevention architecture—or unintentionally weaken it. The difference lies in whether we choose to lead with communities, protect proven interventions, and balance biomedical ambition with social reality. If we do that, innovation will accelerate progress rather than compromise it—and South Africa will be closer to ending new HIV infections while safeguarding broader sexual and reproductive health for all.

– on behalf of AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

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Acolhendo a Inovação Sem Perder os Fundamentos: Razão por que o Lançamento de Lenacapavir Tem de Fortalecer a Prevenção Combinada na África do Sul (Por Ngaa Murombedzi)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Por Ngaa Murombedzi, (Em nome da Fundação dos Cuidados de Saúde contra a SIDA (FSS), Região da África Austral (www.AIDSHealth.org). 

A introdução do Lenacapavir, um medicamento injetável de longa duração para profilaxia pré-exposição (PrEP) contra o HIV na África do Sul, é uma bem-vinda adição às opções disponíveis para que se protejam contra HIV. Isto sinaliza um progresso científico e renova a Esperança num país que permanece no epicentro da epidemia global de HIV. Com aproximadamente 7.8 milhões de pessoas que vivem com HIV e uma estimativa de 170 000 novas infeções registadas em 2024, a nossa resposta de prevenção deve ser ousada, centrada nas pessoas, e fundamentada em realidades vividas.

Lenacapavir oferece uma específica promessa a raparigas adolescentes e mulheres jovens, mães que estão a amamentar e grávidas, e a populações chave e vulneráveis que continuam a enfrentar riscos desproporcionados de HIV. Para indivíduos que têm lutado com adesão diária à PrEP oral, uma opção injetável duas vezes por ano pode ser uma mudança de vida. A escolha importa. A Inovação importa. Mas a inovação jamais deve ocorrer em detrimento dos princípios fundamentais que têm impulsionado a resposta da África do Sul ao HIV por décadas.

Lenacapavir é PrEP—mas não se trata de uma prevenção abrangente. Protege contra o HIV, não contra infeções sexualmente transmitidas (ISTs) ou gravidez indesejada. Essa distinção não é meramente académica; é crucial num país já sobrecarregado por algumas das taxas mais altas de ISTs do mundo e por níveis persistentemente elevados de gravidez na adolescência. Neste momento de progresso biomédico, precisamos de ser claros: a PrEP injetável não substitui o preservativo.

Os preservativos continuam a ser a única ferramenta de prevenção que protege simultaneamente contra HIV, ISTs, e gravidez indesejada—e continuam a ser a intervenção mais custo-efetiva disponível para o sistema de saúde público. No entanto, o uso de preservativos, particularmente entre mulheres jovens e em relacionamentos de longa duração ou com grande diferença de idade, permanece desigual. Esses padrões não são impulsionados apenas pela falta de conhecimentos; eles refletem normas de género arraigadas, desequilíbrios de poder, vulnerabilidade económica e autonomia limitada para negociação.  Qualquer estratégia de prevenção que ignore essas realidades demográficas e sociais está fadada ao fracasso.

É por isso que a implementação do Lenacapavir deve fortalecer — e não enfraquecer— a promoção e o acesso ao uso de preservativos. Num contexto de recursos limitados e prioridades de saúde concorrentes, restringir as mensagens de prevenção pode criar pressões noutras áreas do sistema. O aumento de ISTs não tratados e as altas taxas de gravidez na adolescência não são questões secundárias; são indicadores essenciais da eficácia da nossa abordagem de prevenção do HIV.

O envolvimento da comunidade deve, portanto, ser inegociável. A inovação Biomédica não tem sucesso isoladamente. As comunidades precisam entender completamente o que é o Lenacapavir, como funciona, com que frequência deve ser tomado, e—crucialmente—contra o que não protege. Precisamos de consultas contínuas, lideradas pela comunidade, que ouçam as experiências das pessoas, desde as barreiras de acesso e a qualidade do serviço em relação às perceções de risco e proteção. Uma única mensagem, não basta. É preciso escutar continuamente.

O progresso contra o HIV na África do Sul tem sido sempre mais forte quando as comunidades não são tratadas como recipientes passivos, mas como condutores de mudança. Devemos voltar de novo a esse princípio. Para conter a maré de infeções de HIV entre populações chave e vulneráveis-enquanto o reverso também tem aumentos em ISTs e gravidez em adolescentes—precisamos de uma mudança deliberada em comportamento, ancorada na criação.

A tarefa é simples.

Governo, doadores, e parceiros de implementação devem:

  • Posicionar as populações chave e vulneráveis como cocriadores de mensagens de prevenção, não meros alvos delas.
  • Incorporar uma promoção forte, visível do uso de preservativos em todos os pontos de distribuição de Lenacapavir.
  • Integrar triagem de rotina de ISTs e serviços de saúde sexual em todos os atendimentos de prevenção do HIV.
  • Investir em estratégias de educação e distribuição lideradas por pares e baseadas na comunidade, que reflitam as relações, os riscos e as limitações do mundo real.
  • Envolver homens e rapazes de forma ativa e consistente, reconhecendo que a responsabilidade pela prevenção não pode continuar a recair desproporcionalmente sobre mulheres e raparigas.

Podemos acolher a inovação sem perder de vista os nossos fundamentos. Lenacapavir amplia o leque de ferramentas de prevenção, mas a prevenção combinada continua a ser a espinha dorsal de uma resposta eficaz. Preservativos, liderança comunitária e serviços integrados de saúde sexual e reprodutiva não são complementos opcionais; são essenciais.

Como Fundação de Saúde para a SIDA, na África Austral, acreditamos que este momento pode tanto fortalecer a nossa estrutura de prevenção como enfraquecê-la involuntariamente. A diferença reside em optarmos por liderar com as comunidades, proteger intervenções comprovadas e equilibrar a ambição biomédica com a realidade social. Se assim o fizermos, a inovação acelerará o progresso em vez de o comprometer – e a África do Sul estará mais perto de acabar com as novas infeções por HIV, salvaguardando simultaneamente a saúde sexual e reprodutiva para todos.  

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

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Transnet announces 11 Train Operating Companies

Source: Government of South Africa

Transnet announces 11 Train Operating Companies

The Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has announced 11 Train Operating Companies (TOCs) that were allocated slots to operate routes on Transnet’s rail network, marking a major milestone in South Africa’s rail reform journey. 

As part of efforts to reform the rail sector, government opened South Africa’s rail network to private operators to increase Transnet rail volumes and assist producers in ensuring more minerals, vehicles and agricultural produce reach international markets.

This achievement increases the number of active operators on the national rail network from one to 12, spanning five strategic corridors. 

The allocations are expected to introduce an additional 24  million tonnes (Mt) of freight capacity to the network, with the potential to scale to 52mt over the next five years, supporting the national objective of increasing rail volumes from approximately 180mt to 250mt by 2030.

“This milestone represents more than slot allocation; it signals the creation of a functional and competitive rail marketplace. We have moved from policy design to practical implementation, enabling real private-sector participation and investment in rail,” said TRIM Chief Executive Moshe Motlohi. 

The new TOCs are: ARC South Africa (ARC), The Railway Corporation, MSC, TLD Marine, MENAR, Sharp Logistics, Barberry, Grindrod, Minrail, IRACEMA, Motheo Logistics, and Interlinks, spanning key sectors such as coal, manganese, containers, fuel, and general freight, collectively driving diversification and competitiveness across the network.

In December 2025, TRIM introduced the Ad Hoc Slot application process, an innovative, rules-based mechanism that enables rapid allocation of rail capacity outside the annual cycle.

This process has already unlocked new opportunities, including a proposed short-haul service between Cato Ridge and Durban aimed at reducing road congestion in the port precinct. 

The service is targeted to commence operations in May 2026.

“The Ad Hoc Slot process is a game-changer. It allows operators to respond to real-time demand while maintaining the highest standards of safety, transparency, and efficiency,” Motlohi said.

Engagements are currently underway to onboard and assist the new TOCs with operational readiness.

Some TOCs are targeting to commence operations before the end of 2026, while the remaining operators are expected to be operational during the course of 2027.

“This collaborative process has also enhanced the bankability of rail projects by incorporating feedback from both operators and financial institutions. The insights gathered are informing ongoing improvements to Network Statement Version 4, which is currently at an advanced stage of finalisation.

“As TRIM continues to refine its access framework through Network Statement Version 4, the focus remains on scaling participation, enhancing operational efficiency, and unlocking further investment into the rail sector – building a modern rail ecosystem that is competitive, accessible, and aligned with South Africa’s economic growth ambitions,” Transnet said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

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Suspended police commissioner appears in court

Source: Government of South Africa

Suspended police commissioner appears in court

Suspended National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court in a case linked to the alleged irregular awarding of a contract valued at approximately R228 million to Medicare 24, a business linked to alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Masemola joined at least 16 other co-accused in the dock, including Matlala.

The Commissioner faces four charges of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PMFA), while the other accused are answering to charges of corruption, fraud and money laundering.

“Consultations with Matlala have been concluded, however, new information has emerged from these consultations compelling further investigation by the state. The state committed to disclose the docket to the accused by 26 June 2026 and to amend the charge sheet following the inclusion of General Masemola in the matter.

“A request by Matlala’s attorney to have him kept at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility for the second phase of consultations to unfold and be completed timeously was granted,” Investigating Directorate Against Corruption spokesperson Henry Mamothame explained.

The case has been postponed for further investigations and to disclose the docket to the accused. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Government sets bold priorities for women, youth and persons with disabilities

Source: Government of South Africa

Government sets bold priorities for women, youth and persons with disabilities

The South African government has outlined an ambitious programme of action for the 2026/27 financial year, placing women, youth and persons with disabilities at the centre of national development efforts.

Presenting her department Budget Vote in Parliament on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, said the department’s priorities are aimed at driving inclusive growth, tackling inequality and strengthening social justice.

The budget is tabled during a year of profound historical and constitutional significance for South Africa, including the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March, 50 years since the 1976 youth uprisings, and 30 years of South Africa’s democratic Constitution.

“We have come a long way and yet we remain far from where we want to be. But the work of freedom continues. The struggle continues,” Chikunga said.

Focus on inclusion and economic participation

Central to the department’s strategy is ensuring that women, youth and persons with disabilities are no longer treated as peripheral groups, but as key drivers of development.

The 2026/27 priorities are aligned with government’s Medium-Term Development Plan, which focuses on driving inclusive growth and job creation; reducing poverty and the high cost of living; and building a capable, ethical and developmental state.

“For our department, these priorities require that all women, young people and persons with disabilities are not treated as an afterthought, but are placed at the centre of government planning, budgeting, implementation and accountability,” the Minister said.

Within this framework, she said the department has identified five key focus areas:

  • Accelerating women’s empowerment and strengthening prevention and response to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF); 
  • Confront youth unemployment and vulnerability, among those not in education, employment or training (NEET); 
  • Deepening inclusion of persons with disabilities; 
  • Institutionalising responsive planning, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation and auditing, and 
  • Strengthening coordinated State and societal action from fragmented interventions to achieve measurable impact.

R2.2 billion to drive implementation

To support these priorities, the department has been allocated R2.2 billion for the 2026/27 financial year, with a significant budget of R1.8 billion allocated to the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) to expand programmes focused on youth entrepreneurship, employment pathways, skills development and paid service opportunities.

Additional allocations include R241 million for the department’s operational work, R111 million for the Commission for Gender Equality, and R46.5 million for the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

Chikunga said these resources will be used to drive policy implementation, legislation, advocacy, mainstreaming, monitoring, evaluation, research, coordination, and partnerships across government and society.

“This is how we give meaning to the struggles we commemorate this year: by moving from memory to measurable impact,” she said.

Legislative and policy priorities

The department will also prioritise key legislation in the coming financial year.

Among the major policy initiatives include the Promotion of Women’s Rights, Empowerment and Gender Equality Bill, which is being prepared for Cabinet; the South African Youth Development Bill, which will be submitted to Cabinet as a discussion document, gazetted for public comment, and released for public consultation across all provinces; and the Disability Rights Bill, being developed in collaboration with the South African Law Reform Commission.

In addition, the department will work on a National Strategy against Teenage Pregnancies and conduct research to inform the development of the national strategy on the care work, aimed at addressing the unequal burden of paid and unpaid care work, and inequality carried by women.

“Our task is to move from policy commitments to measurable accountability,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA government, OPEC Fund sign US$150 million development policy loan agreement

Source: Government of South Africa

SA government, OPEC Fund sign US$150 million development policy loan agreement

South Africa has secured a US$150 million development policy loan agreement from the OPEC Fund for International Development (OPEC Fund), the National Treasury has announced.

The loan is aimed at “supporting critical structural reforms to improve the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of the country’s infrastructure services”.

“This marks the first loan agreement between the Government of South Africa and the OPEC Fund and represents an important partnership in addressing South Africa’s pressing economic challenges of low growth and high unemployment. 

“The loan will support government’s ongoing reform programme aimed at unlocking infrastructure bottlenecks, particularly in the energy and freight transport sectors, which are critical for enabling inclusive economic growth, improving service delivery and fostering job creation,” the department said in a statement.

The financing terms of the OPEC Fund loan are as follows:

  • Nominal amount: US$150 million
  • Maturity: 6 years with a 2-year-grace period
  • Interest rate: 6-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate, plus 1.25%

“The financing terms of the loan are aligned with the National Treasury’s financing strategy, which seeks to diversify funding sources, secure cost effecting financing and minimise increases in debt service costs. 

“The loan provides favourable pricing and flexible repayment terms compared to conventional market funding.

“The National Treasury welcomes this partnership and expresses its appreciation for the institution’s support towards South Africa’s development objectives and infrastructure reform agenda,” Treasury said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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‘Days are numbered’ for prison smugglers – DCS Minister Groenewald

Source: Government of South Africa

‘Days are numbered’ for prison smugglers – DCS Minister Groenewald

Officials of the Department of Correctional Services conducted 1 406 raids at facilities across the country, leading to the confiscation of some 37 500 cellphones and contraband.

This was revealed by Correctional Services Minister, Dr Pieter Groenewald, during the tabling of the department’s Budget Vote in Parliament.

“During the last budget debate, I committed to more unannounced visits and raids, and we have met that promise.

“In the previous Budget Vote, I announced that 466 raids had been conducted. From then, we have significantly expanded our efforts, increasing the number of raids to 1 406 – a 200% increase. This resulted in the confiscation of more than 37 500 cell phones and other contraband.

“During the December/January holiday period alone, officials carried out searches across correctional facilities nationwide, confiscating over 8000 cell phones, R102 700 in cash, and numerous other illegal items. Remarkably, there were no escapes during Operation Vala,” the minister said.

Groenewald dismissed notions that the raids showed “operational failures” in the system, emphasising that results “serve as evidence of a more aggressive security strategy”.

“The large-scale confiscations and frequent raids demonstrate our increased control over internal threats. Let me be clear: we are effectively purging our prisons of illegal activities. Those involved in smuggling should understand their days are numbered.

“Failure to confront those who betray their duties endangers the many honourable officials working in dangerous conditions. Officials committed to integrity, who stand firm against criminal organisations within our facilities, often face threats, intimidation, or violence.

“It is essential to act swiftly and decisively against corruption to safeguard these individuals and to reaffirm trust in our institutions,” he stated.

A strict zero-tolerance policy regarding the use of cellphones in facilities will now be enforced within the coming year.

“This will involve transitioning to two-way radios for internal communication. The policy will be initially implemented in select locations and expanded to all facilities,” the minister announced.

Staying on the officials themselves, Groenewald emphasised the department’s “zero-tolerance approach against officials who undermine the Department’s integrity”.

“Discipline, accountability, and ethical conduct are non-negotiable.

“A total of 2 388 officials were subjected to disciplinary hearings during the reporting period, of which 2 138 cases have been finalised. This reflects progress in improving the efficiency of disciplinary processes and reinforcing a culture of accountability within the department. 

“Of the 2 388 cases, 137 officials were involved in contraband-related misconduct,” he said.

The Minister acknowledged that the department is facing challenges but vowed to continue to “fortify the Department, reaffirm our constitutional obligations, and uphold justice throughout South Africa”.

“Each day presents a fresh opportunity to restore, improve, and create hope for a future that is safe, peaceful, and prosperous. 

“The challenges before us are undeniable. Our system is under strain. But we will continue to deliver on our mandate as the Department of Correctional Services.

“I want to thank the Deputy Minister, my office staff, the National Commissioner and his team, and every official in the Department for their hard work and dedication in contributing to a safer South Africa for all,” Groenewald concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Correctional Services to continue with self sufficiency model

Source: Government of South Africa

Correctional Services to continue with self sufficiency model

The Department of Correctional Services will continue pursuing its self-sufficiency model in the face of R683.4 million budget reductions over the current Medium-Term Expenditure Framework.

This according to Correctional Services Minister, Dr Pieter Groenewald, who tabled the department’s Budget Vote in Parliament on Wednesday.

The department’s budget this year stands at some R30.939 billion, rising to R32.8 billion in 2028/29.

“If there is one area where resilience is most evident, it is in our drive towards self-sufficiency and sustainability.

“Faced with rising costs and limited resources, the department has expanded agricultural production, workshops, and internal manufacturing capabilities. These are not only cost-saving measures but also rehabilitation tools that equip offenders with practical skills and restore a sense of purpose,” Groenewald said.

The department has opened 12 bakeries at facilities with a 13th bakery expected to be operational in Qalakabusha this financial year.

The total savings on bread as a result of the bakeries reached R77.1 million in the 2025/26 financial year.

“From farms producing vegetables, meat, and dairy, to workshops manufacturing uniforms, furniture, and essential goods, the department is steadily reducing its reliance on external procurement while enhancing offender development.

“From April 2025 to February 2026, the Witbank Textile Workshop manufactured 40 869 items for officials’ uniforms, an increase of 13 047 items compared with the previous financial year.

“In the 2025/26 financial year, savings of R125 million were realised through internally produced agricultural commodities,” the Minister said.

The department is also supplying furniture to other departments.

“During 2025/26, the value of production workshop orders from client departments was R101 700, as at the end of February 2026, which included the Departments of Water and Sanitation, Defence, Public Works and Infrastructure, Justice and Constitutional Development, Office of the Inspecting Judge and the State Information and Technology Agency.

“This is inadequate, and therefore, I am once again formally extending the invitation to other government departments to consider fulfilling their furniture and related supply needs through the Department of Correctional Services.

“We are currently engaging to expand on the MOU with the Department of Basic Education, specifically on the production and repair of school desks,” Groenewald said.

Honouring those in service

The Minister told Parliament that the department has reintroduced medals for faithful long service of 10, 20, 30, and 40 years within the department in a move to restore “tradition, honouring excellence, and strengthening our organisational culture”.

“At the centre of this system are the men and women who serve in Correctional Services. 

“These medals are awarded to officials who have dedicated years of service to the Department, an extraordinary testament to loyalty, discipline, and commitment,” Groenewald said.

Some 187 qualifying officials have been honoured for 40 years of service.

New insignia has also been introduced for members of the Senior Management Service to reflect “both leadership authority and its integral role within the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster.”

Groenewald reflected on the interactions he has had with the heads of correctional centres nationwide.

“These interactions went beyond administrative matters; they were a deliberate reaffirmation of the vital leadership role these officials hold within the broader correctional framework.

“I further directed the National Commissioner to review the policy on the training of all officials, more specifically, officials in critical positions, such as Heads of Centres, who, among others, will be subject to annual examinations to ensure that our centres and their leadership comply with all legislative requirements.

“Efficient centre-level operations are essential for a credible and effective correctional system,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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