MIL Africa Engine

 The role of the media in society remains vital, with the government continuing its work to ensure a free, independent, and thriving media sector, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong said.

Morolong said the media landscape today is very different from what confronted the country in 1994.

In his closing remarks at the two-day North West Media Sustainability and Collaboration Summit held in Mahikeng, Morolong said the landscape and power resided in the hands of a few powerful media houses, allowing them to shape the media agenda. 

“Today the print media is a shadow of its former self, and many former staple publications have either vanished or are only available online,” he said on Friday.

He added that, similarly, the South African Press Association, known as SAPA, which for many decades was a mainstay in the news industry, closed shop as the industry changed and evolved. 

“This closure paved the way for others to fill the void, and I am pleased to say that SAnews, the government news agency run by the GCIS [Government Communication and Information System], has steadily emerged as one of the most trusted sources of government news,” the Deputy Minister said.  

In its 2024–2025 Annual Report, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) noted that despite having invested more than 20 years into community media development initiatives, research indicated that merely 7% of respondents in the sector perceive their organisations as being sustainable, with 74% of respondents identifying as partially sustainable.

“The MDDA Annual Report also notes that community radio outperformed community television, as well as community and small commercial print, in terms of sustainability, while also highlighting challenges faced by the sector, including funding limitations, a shortage of skilled personnel, restricted access to advertising, and infrastructure.

“I can assure you that the survival of the community media sector has been at the forefront of various administrations since 1994.

“In support of this noble cause, the MDDA has funded 586 community media projects, consisting of 321 radio/television stations and 185 print projects (newspapers, magazines, small commercial print. 
“GCIS continues to work with the MDDA, which is responsible for promoting media development and diversity,” he said.

In addition, the MDDA continues to strengthen its role as an enabler of credible, community-driven media that empower voices, promote democracy, and support national development priorities.   

Meanwhile, the Deputy Government Spokesperson William Baloyi applauded the organisers of the summit for prioritising community media and thanked the North West University for availing their facilities for this important event. 

“The government of South Africa has elevated community media in its policies. The GCIS has developed a Draft Media Buying Policy that was presented to stakeholders. 

“One of the key tenets of the policy is to answer the question of non-adherence to the 30% advertising spent on community media. The policy is expected to come into implementation this year.”

Baloyi told SAnews.gov.za that once the policy is approved, it will make it compulsory for government departments to ensure that community media become part of the broader beneficiaries of the advertising budget.

He emphasised the importance of compliance and encouraged community media owners to ensure they comply with the necessary requirements and to feel free to approach GCIS for advice. 

“Those in the community radio sector, it is important to check the ICASA [Independent Communication Authority of South Africa] requirements and also to approach MDDA for advice,” he said.

Baloyi also emphasised the centrality of community media in providing information to citizens to enable them to improve their lives while also encouraging community media to use the local language in their areas of coverage.

Speaking to SAnews.gov.za, Chairperson of the North West Media Awards, Brenda Ramokopelwa spoke of the importance of the media.

“In the future, I would like to see media being sustainable and more partnerships forged,” she said, adding that some journalists lack knowledge about the work of the MDDA.

“We need to have journalists who are supported and who are well informed about the various issues,” Ramokopelwa said.

The delegates at the summit agreed that government and local municipalities should support community media, especially when it comes to funding.

The summit was designed to unite the region’s most influential stakeholders in media, communication, funding, and the private sector.

At the summit, delegates explored funding models, digital transformation, sector-wide collaboration, skills development, and audience growth with 20 expert speakers and five specialist facilitators driving each conversation.– SAnews.gov.za

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has called for a decisive shift from policy commitments to implementation as South Africa chairs the Southern African Development Community (SADC) amid growing global uncertainty.  

Delivering closing remarks at an interdepartmental workshop on the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020 – 2030 at the O.R. Tambo Building in Pretoria on Friday, Lamola said the region’s primary challenge was no longer a lack of frameworks, but the failure to effectively execute them.

“The feedback I have received confirms that the SADC region is not constrained by a lack of frameworks, vision or institutional architecture. The core challenge is implementation,” he said.

The workshop, supported by the European Union and the SADC Secretariat, brought together senior government officials, representatives of State-owned enterprises, development finance institutions and senior officials from the SADC Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana, to develop a strategy and identify priorities for South Africa’s chairship of SADC. 

The workshop also reflected on the implementation of the SADC RISDP in order to foster synergies with South Africa’s national development frameworks, National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 and the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) and priorities.

Lamola said discussions over the past two and a half days had focused on assessing performance, identifying constraints and proposing practical interventions aligned with the RISDP, whose implementation currently stands at just over 60%.

“This requires a decisive shift from policy articulation to disciplined execution, and from broad commitments to focused, high-impact priorities,” he said.

He warned that South Africa would assume the regional leadership role at a time of “considerable global uncertainty”, with geopolitical and economic developments placing added pressure on the region.

“We cannot afford to be passive observers, while some states reshape the global order in ways that risk reversing gains achieved over decades in international law, global trade, peace and security, food security and ocean governance,” Lamola said.

Among the challenges facing the region are slow domestication of protocols, limited enforcement mechanisms and reliance on external financing, alongside climate vulnerability, debt pressures and exposure to external shocks.

Lamola noted that intra-regional trade remains between 19% and 23%, while manufacturing contributes just over 12% to regional GDP. Indicators, he said, must inform planning and prioritisation during South Africa’s tenure.

He also highlighted the need to strengthen public support for regional integration, warning that low awareness and rising anti-migrant sentiment could undermine progress.

Citing Afrobarometer findings, Lamola said while six in ten South Africans support easier trade with other countries, awareness of key continental initiatives remains low.

“Only 12 per cent of South Africans interviewed had heard of the African Continental Free Trade Area. This means that more than 80 per cent of our citizens were unaware of one of the continent’s most important economic integration projects,” he said.

He condemned recent acts of violence and intimidation against migrants, stressing that such actions have no place in a constitutional democracy.

“Acts of lawlessness, intimidation and violence against migrant communities have no place in our constitutional democracy. Acts of violence constitute a threat to our constitutional order,” Lamola said.

Looking ahead, Lamola urged officials to confront two key questions: how to build public confidence in regional integration, and how to navigate an increasingly unstable global environment.

“This places upon us both a responsibility and an opportunity: to provide steady leadership during a period of transition, and to shape regional integration in a manner that is practical, responsive and focused on implementation,” he said. 

SADC consists of 16 Member States, including South Africa. On 07 November 2025, South Africa was elected as interim Chair of SADC until August 2026, where it will be elected as Chair until August 2027. – SAnews.gov.za 

As South Africa commemorates Freedom Month, government has emphasised the importance of reflecting on South Africa’s democratic journey while fostering intergenerational understanding of the country’s history.

Speaking at a dialogue ahead of the commemorations for Freedom Day, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Deputy Director-General for Corporate Services, Mandisa Tshikwatamba, reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening democracy through public dialogues.

“Government has placed particular emphasis on youth, noting that many South Africans born after 1994 have no lived experience of apartheid. As a result, intergenerational dialogue remains critical to ensuring that younger citizens understand the country’s past and the significance of its democratic transition,” Tshikwatamba said on Friday in Mangaung, Free State.

The initiative encourages citizens to discuss the origins of South Africa’s freedom and the progress made since the advent of democracy in 1994.

The dialogue takes place under the theme: “Freedom and the Rule of Law – Threats and Solutions,” which marks three decades since the adoption of the country’s Constitution in 1996.

Freedom Month commemorates South Africa’s transition from apartheid to a democratic society and marks the country’s first democratic elections in 1994. 

Tshikwatamba said this period provides an opportunity to reflect on progress made in expanding rights and opportunities while acknowledging ongoing challenges.

Since 1994, South Africa has made significant strides in improving the lives of its people. 

“Government remains committed to building an inclusive, participatory democracy and ensuring that every voice is heard.

“These platforms are about ensuring that, from generation to generation, we continue to reflect on how we gained our freedom and how it came about. As we speak about rights, we must also emphasise responsibilities,” she said.

Tshikwatamba added that democracy requires active participation and accountability from all citizens. 

“This engagement aims to create a platform for meaningful dialogue between the government, young people, and community leadership,” she said. 

Through continued engagement with citizens in both small and large forums, government aims to strengthen democratic participation and ensure that the gains of freedom are preserved for future generations. –SAnews.gov.za

The Electoral Commission of South Africa says preparations for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) in KwaZulu-Natal are well advanced, with significant progress made in staffing, training, and voter registration planning.

Addressing the media in Durban, following the conclusion of a week-long stakeholder engagement programme held in the province, the Commission reported that 9 268 of the 9 948 electoral staff positions have been filled, representing 93% of required capacity.

Recruitment for the remaining 680 posts is ongoing, while training programmes for appointed staff have already started to ensure full operational readiness ahead of the registration weekend, with a focus on efficiency, compliance, and service mindedness at voting stations.

“Following the handover of final wards to the Commission by the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) in December 2025, the realignment of the voting district (VD) boundaries to the new ward boundaries commenced in January and has been concluded in 40 out of 44 municipalities. 

A total of 424 out of 901 wards in the province were impacted by ward boundary changes, which affected 606 VD boundaries across the province,” the Commission reported.

The Commission added that the assessment of the impact of ward boundary changes on VD boundaries in the four outstanding municipalities will commence once the final wards are received from the MDB.

To address these changes, the Commission will roll out targeted communication and registration (TCR) from 9 to 11 May 2026 to assist affected voters in updating their registration details.

Voter education initiatives are also underway, including the School Democracy Focus Week running from 20 to 30 April, with 98 schools already reached to promote civic awareness among learners.

KwaZulu-Natal is expected to see a competitive electoral contest, with 15 political parties currently operational in the province out of 520 registered nationally.

The Commission has encouraged eligible voters to use its online self-service platform to register or update their details ahead of the elections. 

A voter registration weekend is scheduled for 20–21 June, although online registration remains available at all times.

“In the upcoming elections, voters must ensure that they are registered where they live, as they will vote in the ward where they are registered,” the Commission said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has welcomed stakeholders’ strong commitment in KwaZulu-Natal to strengthen electoral democracy, enhance voter participation and ensure peaceful Local Government Elections.

The collective commitment follows the successful conclusion of a week-long stakeholder engagement programme held in the province from 20 – 24 April.

The engagement formed a critical part of the Commission’s preparations for the upcoming elections.

The engagement also responded directly to the findings of the 2026 Human Sciences Research Council’s Voter Participation Survey (VPS), which provides the Commission with an important barometer of public sentiment ahead of elections.

“This yardstick of public sentiment captures the national picture, whilst disaggregating provincial data,” Commission chairperson, Mosotho Moepya, said during a media briefing on Friday.

Highlights of the study

In KwaZulu-Natal, the findings painted a sobering picture, with a sharp decline in public confidence in democracy.

“The study highlights declining trust in key political institutions, growing political disengagement, and rising voter disillusionment. KZN is among the provinces recording the sharpest decline in confidence in democracy.

“These trends underscore why the Commission’s presence in the province this week has been both necessary and urgent,” Moepya said.

The survey highlights a sharp decline in public confidence in democracy in KwaZulu-Natal, with satisfaction levels dropping from 54% in 2004 to just 6% in 2025, compared to a national decline from 65% in the 2000s to 36%.

“While most adults continue to support democratic values, many feel that democracy is not working well in practice,” the study revealed.

It also revealed high dissatisfaction in the province’s economy, with 88% people unhappy about current conditions.

According to the study, the same proportion expect the economy to worsen in the next five years.

“Sixty percent say life in their communities has worsened over the last five years.”

Trust in institutions, including the Electoral Commission, is also lowest in the province at 20%, compared to a national average of 32%.

Despite this, the Commission noted encouraging signs, with 76% of adults in the province indicating an intention to vote if elections were held imminently, and 69% affirming voting as a civic duty.

Recognising that the forthcoming Local Government Elections will be highly contested, the Commission said efforts to improve voter turnout must address widespread public disillusionment, declining trust in institutions, and concerns about electoral integrity.

“Strengthening confidence in the Electoral Commission through consistent, transparent performance, while enhancing clear and proactive communication, particularly through the media, can help counter negative perceptions, address fears of irregularities, and reinforce the importance of active and peaceful citizen participation,” the chairperson said.

Key activities and outcomes of the week

A key highlight of the visit was an engagement with King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, who pledged support for the Commission’s work and committed to encouraging voter registration and participation in the upcoming elections in a peaceful, respectful and responsible manner.

The Commission also met with provincial leadership, including the Premier, political parties such as the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), the National Freedom Party (NFP), the African National Congress (ANC), and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)., as well as civil society, faith-based organisations and the security cluster.

The Commission said meetings with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Umkhonto We Sizwe Party (MKP) are being rearranged to more suitable dates.

“These engagements reaffirmed the importance of collaboration in strengthening electoral integrity, enhancing voter education, and building public confidence.,” Moepya said.

Stakeholders raised concerns about electoral fairness, misinformation and barriers to participation, particularly in rural and marginalised communities. Delays in the demarcation process in municipalities including eThekwini, Inkosi Langalibalele, Alfred Duma and uMkhambathini, were also flagged as challenges.

The Commission said engagements with the security cluster confirmed readiness to ensure a safe electoral environment, including the capacity to investigate and prosecute election-related offences.

Across all engagements, key priorities included rebuilding trust in democratic institutions; shared commitment to peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections; intensifying voter education, especially among young people, and combating misinformation and strengthen communication efforts.

“The Commission’s visit to the province was to listen, to engage and to work collaboratively with stakeholders to rebuild trust, strengthen participation, and ensure a conducive environment for free and fair elections,” Moepya said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

By Moahlodi Maphori 
Government continues to work relentlessly to address South Africa’s triple challenge of unemployment, inequality, and poverty. These persistent challenges have detrimental effects on the country’s prospects for economic growth and remain a critical barrier to social cohesion and expanded economic opportunity. 

The father of our nation, former President Nelson Mandela, reminded us of the kind of society we were striving to build when he said: “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.” It is this ideal that compels government to take decisive action by implementing practical interventions aimed at tackling deeply rooted societal challenges. 

The reality is that without jobs, the economy will not grow. What is therefore required from government is the intensification and coordination of efforts across all sectors of society to address the persistent challenge of unemployment. Those with financial muscle must make it their business to invest in job creation, education, innovation, and skills development. In doing so they help to grow the economy and unlock meaningful economic opportunities for others. 

With the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, artificial intelligence is already reshaping what jobs exist, the skills they require, and what it means to be productive. This has necessitated government action to bridge the gap between education, skills development, and economic opportunities by empowering citizens with information to better understand which courses and qualifications are relevant to current economic demand. Career Expos have been held across the country to enlighten students on career pathways that are in line with the emerging new technologies and markets. 

The Just Energy Transition is creating new demand for artisans, technicians, and engineers in sectors that did not exist in their current form just five years ago. The green economy is growing, as is the platform economy, which introduces new forms of work that differ from traditional employment models.  

All of these new frontiers provide greater opportunities for employment, and this necessitates appropriate qualifications, protections, and opportunities for advancement. 

As the economy shifts away from coal, oil, and gas, new technologies and industries are emerging, driving demand for skills that were previously less relevant. The renewable energy infrastructure in the Northern Cape is not merely an abstract policy objective, but a visible source of employment and opportunity within local communities. Beyond formal employment, these new skills also create space for small businesses focused on installation, maintenance, supply, and energy services within a growing value chain. 

At the centre of government’s Medium Term Development Plan is a strong focus on tackling unemployment. This priority is aligned with the objectives outlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the 2026 State of the Nation Address, which emphasised inclusive growth, poverty reduction, improved living standards, and the building of a capable, ethical, and developmental state. In the third quarter of the 202/26 financial year, government through the President Youth Employment Intervention continued to see great progress made in unlocking opportunities for young people in the country.  

Encouragingly, government has increased direct engagement with stakeholders, calling for a coordinated approach to advancing South Africa’s development and transformation agenda. The recent South Africa Investment Conference 2026 underscored this progress, securing 81 privatesector investment commitments valued at R415 billion. 

These investments span all nine provinces and originate from 22 markets across five continents. While they inject much-needed economic activity into local communities, their true value lies in their potential to create jobs. Realising this potential, however, depends on a critical factor: skills. Infrastructure investment alone does not generate employment at scale people do. A skilled workforce is essential to design, build, operate and sustain these projects, ensuring that investment translates into meaningful and lasting job creation. 

Government cannot build a capable, ethical, and developmental state in isolation. As Madiba reminds that success depends on strong collaboration between industry, colleges, universities, and sector bodies to ensure that skills programmes remain relevant and lead directly to sustainable work opportunities. If we are serious about tackling unemployment, we must work together across sectors and generations to empower our people with skills, dignity, and real economic opportunity. Together, let us build a nation that works for all. 

*Maphori is Acting Economic Cluster Support Coordinator at the Government Communication and Information System 
–SAnews.gov.za