MIL Africa Engine

Government has launched a new strategic plan to align education and skills development with the demands of a technology-driven economy and tackle high unemployment. 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile said rapid changes in how people learn and work, driven by technology, shifting demographics and economic pressures require a renewed focus on skills and human development.

Speaking at the 5th Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) summit in Johannesburg on Thursday, he said South Africa must rethink both job skills and broader human development to respond to a changing world. 

The strategy identifies four catalytic goals with the potential to unlock system-wide impact:

• Improving early learning and schooling outcomes, recognising that foundational capabilities determine life opportunities.
• Improving the employability of youth who are not in employment, education, or training, especially through short courses, work-based learning, and entrepreneurship.
• Enhancing the responsiveness of the post‑school education and training system, particularly to skills demanded by the green, digital, and care economies.
• Building a capable, ethical, and developmental state, without which no reform can be sustained.

“Together, these catalytic goals are designed to trigger system-wide impact, to ignite renewal, and to ensure that our people live and work with dignity in a changing world.

“South Africa does not suffer from a shortage of plans. Our vulnerability lies in implementation gaps, weak coordination, and uneven ownership, which hinder the effectiveness of existing plans and prevent us from achieving our development goals,” the Deputy President said on Thursday in Johannesburg.

The summit marked the launch of the Reconceptualised Human Resource Development Strategy (HRD Strategy) 2025–2035 and its implementation framework, the Master Skills Plan (MSP) 2025–2030.

The strategies aim to reform the country’s skills development system, reduce unemployment, and better align education with economic needs. 

“The Strategy and the MSP are explicit; they are living instruments, and their custodians will be held accountable over the next decade. These instruments will guide and energise our collective efforts to advance human resource development over the coming decade. 

Mashatile appealed to the HRD Council, supported by its Secretariat and Standing Committees, to now intensify its role as convener, monitor, and problem‑solver.

“We need to get things done with no procrastination. Reports to Council must help unblock constraints, leverage partnerships, and demonstrate real progress on the ground. The idea of living and working in a changing world is about agency.

“It is about ensuring that South Africans, especially the youth, are not passive victims of change but active shapers of their futures. Our responsibility is to keep development pathways open, relevant, and dignified,” the Deputy President said

He emphasised that today’s dynamic and uncertain world increasingly depends on human and social capabilities such as analytical thinking, communication, creativity, collaboration, resilience, and adaptability.

“Automation and AI are transforming industries at a speed that often exceeds the ability of education and training systems to respond, leading to a growing skills gap that threatens workforce readiness and economic stability.

“At the same time, South Africa’s youthful population is reshaping workplace culture and expectations, while climate change is redefining how and where people live, learn, and earn, necessitating a shift in educational approaches to better prepare individuals for these evolving challenges,” the Deputy President said.

He pointed out that in this environment, technical competence alone is no longer sufficient. 

“Ethical leadership, critical thinking, and social capabilities are now equally essential. Our challenge, therefore, is not simply one of skills alignment but of capability expansion as well.

“While recent labour force data offers modest encouragement, it also reveals a sobering truth. Millions of discouraged work seekers, particularly young people, have disengaged entirely from the labour market. For them, exclusion from work represents not only an economic loss but also a loss of dignity, purpose, and hope,” the Deputy President said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has activated an urgent response to contain the spread of the invasive Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer following reported sightings in parts of the metro.

The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer is an invasive species consisting of multiple cryptic species of ambrosia beetles.

In a statement on Wednesday, the municipality confirmed that all reported incidents from members of the public are being treated with urgency, with a response plan established and already under implementation through the city’s Public Health Environmental Management sub-directorate.

The sub-directorate is working closely with an expert, who has studied the beetle for approximately seven years, to assist officials with accurate identification and appropriate response measures.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, has urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with the relevant municipal officials whenever they experience or suspect the threat of the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer on their properties or periphery.

“We have activated the municipality’s Public Health Environmental Management sub-directorate to give a special attention to this, as we understand the impact it will have on the environmental sustainability of the city,” Lobishe said.

While the municipality is finalising standard operating procedures to comprehensively address the challenge, Lobishe said environmental management officials are already responding to reported incidents.

The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer is an invasive beetle that attacks a wide range of tree species by boring into trunks and introducing a fungus that blocks the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, often leading to tree death.

The pest spreads easily through the movement of infected wood, making early detection and containment critical.

Containment measures underway

Authorities have implemented temporary measures to limit the spread, including:
•    Felling infected trees and chipping material on-site to prevent reinfestation.
•    Transporting infected wood to designated municipal sites for controlled burning or solarisation.
•    Providing guidance to residents on managing affected trees on private property.

In addition, training programmes are being rolled out to councillors and relevant municipal officials to capacitate them in identifying and managing the beetle.

Plans are also underway to train woodcutters and tree-felling operators to ensure proper handling of infected material.

“Residents who suspect infestation in their yards or surrounding areas are urged to contact the Environmental Management Sub-directorate. NMBM Public Health, in collaboration with communications, is also developing awareness material to educate the public,” the Mayor said.

To mitigate the spread and impact of the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer, residents are requested to observe the following measures:

•    Report any suspected sightings to the municipality.
•    Avoid moving firewood, as this contributes to the spread.
•    Sanitise tools after use to prevent cross-contamination.
•    Do not dispose of infected wood in garden waste.
•    Chip infected wood where possible, as this is a safer disposal method.

Members of the public can call the Parks and Cemetery Sub-directorate at 041 5062770 or Environmental Management at 041 5065464 to report suspected infestations.

The municipality reiterated its commitment to protecting the city’s urban environment, urging all residents to work together in containing this threat. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in the Kingdom of Spain on a Working Visit, where he will participate in the In Defence of Democracy Initiative. 

In a statement on Thursday, The Presidency said that on consecutive days, the President will have an audience with the King of Spain, His Majesty Felipe VI, in Madrid, followed by a bilateral engagement with the President of the Government of Spain, Dr Pedro Sánchez, in Barcelona, ahead of the In Defence of Democracy Initiative.

“President Ramaphosa’s engagement with both King Felipe VI and President Sánchez will provide opportunities to review the current status of bilateral cooperation and to advance discussions on the areas of mutual interest between South Africa and Spain, with particular focus on trade and investment, education, renewable energy, the digital economy, tourism, multilateralism and peace and security,” the Presidency said.

The initiative, In Defence of Democracy, is an international effort initially launched by Brazil and Spain in 2024 to confront the rise of extremism, polarisation and disinformation — phenomena that erode social cohesion and threaten democratic institutions.

The first meeting was held in 2024 during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), bringing together countries from different regions and representatives of international organisations, who agreed on the need for permanent coordination to safeguard democratic values.

The forthcoming Initiative will be a meeting in response to attacks against the multilateral system, disdain for international law, threats of territorial expansion and normalising the use of threats and coercion in international relations.

During the visit, President Ramaphosa will deliver remarks at the plenary on Extremism and Inequality, following commissioning the G20 Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Inequality.

In Madrid, the President’s programme includes championing South Africa’s investment drive through engagements with Spanish companies and addressing the South Africa-Spain Business Forum. 

He will also have an audience with King Felipe VI at the Zarzuela Royal Palace.

In Barcelona on Saturday, the President is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with President Sánchez at the Fira de Barcelona, before delivering remarks at the plenary session on Extremism and Inequality. 

The President will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, and the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau.

On the margins of the Initiative, President Ramaphosa will also engage with the Global Progressive Mobilisation Group.

The Working Visit comes after President Sánchez undertook an Official Visit to South Africa in 2022, during which an invitation to undertake a reciprocal visit was extended to President Ramaphosa.

South Africa and Spain maintain close and friendly bilateral relations, underpinned by strong and significant political ties. The relations consistently upholds the values of unity and dialogue, and that stands firm in defence of multilateralism at a time when these principles are increasingly under strain.

Spain’s commitment to cooperation, respect for international law, and constructive engagement on global challenges reflects values that resonate deeply with South Africa.

Spain recognises South Africa as a strategic partner as it seeks to significantly strengthen its political, economic, and people-to-people cooperation with the African continent.

Bilateral trade between South Africa and Spain increased by 8.3% from US$2,9 billion in 2024 to US$3,1 billion in 2025, which is an important indicator of the strengthening economic partnership between the two countries.

Over the past decade, more than 150 Spanish companies have invested in South Africa, creating over 20 000 jobs. – SAnews.gov.za 

The Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG) has taken a significant step toward strengthening collaboration between government and business, advancing a public-private partnership (PPP) policy framework aimed at improving service delivery and driving economic growth in eThekwini.

The workshop, held this week at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, brought together the eThekwini Municipality, representatives from various spheres of government, including the Office of the Presidency and key business leaders to deliberate on the Development and Service Delivery Partnering Policy Framework.

The framework reflects a collective commitment to create a more enabling environment for collaboration and to accelerate implementation following its adoption in October 2025.

Opening the session, PeWG cochairperson, Michael Mabuyakhulu, emphasised the urgency of translating policy into measurable outcomes.

“These discussions are about moving from policy to action,” Mabuyakhulu said, highlighting the need to establish an independent PPP office to serve as a central coordination mechanism.

He added that finalising the implementation framework, including standard operating procedures, an implementation plan and a steering committee is crucial to ensure legal and institutional alignment for efficient execution, while strengthening collaboration and accountability.

“The success of this framework will be measured not by its existence, but by the impact it delivers. Collective commitment from all stakeholders will determine its success,” Mabuyakhulu said.

Acting eThekwini City Manager Sipho Cele highlighted the need for a clear, credible and well-governed approach to manage partnerships with the private sector.

He said the framework addresses long-standing challenges such as fragmented partnership arrangements, regulatory uncertainty, and inconsistent application of rules.

“The policy introduces a single, standardised and transparent system for identifying, assessing, approving, and managing partnerships. This ensures legal compliance, protects financial sustainability, and delivers value for money for the residents of eThekwini,” Cele said.

Business leaders also expressed strong support for the initiative.

Speaking on behalf of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CEO Palesa Phili said business is ready to partner with the city to address key challenges, including infrastructure, water and sanitation, and energy.

“This partnership will unlock investment and accelerate service delivery in the region, and business looks forward to the speedy finalisation of the policy framework,” Phili said. – SAnews.gov.za

By Moahlodi Maphori 

Protecting livelihoods and safeguarding jobs in South Africa’s sugar industry remains a key priority for government. The sector is a strategically important agricultural and agro-processing value chain, supporting more than 20,000 direct jobs across milling and cane-growing operations, while sustaining thousands of additional livelihoods in rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.

The industry continues to operate under severe pressure from challenging domestic and international market conditions, including the impact of cheap imports, rising input costs, and structural inefficiencies within parts of the value chain. These pressures have placed strain on mills and growers alike, with the risk of operational disruptions that could negatively affect employment, rural economies, and associated downstream industries.

Government has remained clear that intervention is necessary not only to stabilise the sector, but to reposition it for long-term sustainability. South Africa’s broader economic trajectory is showing signs of improvement, driven by deliberate structural reforms aimed at restoring policy certainty, improving infrastructure performance, and strengthening investor confidence. However, the economy remains exposed to external shocks and internal capacity constraints, requiring sustained and targeted interventions in key productive sectors such as sugar.

Recently, the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Zuko Godlimpi, undertook a visit to a sugar mill in KwaZulu-Natal in preparation for the reopening of the 2026 sugarcane crushing season in May. This engagement forms part of government’s ongoing efforts to monitor readiness across the value chain and support operational stability ahead of the new season.

The reopening of the Gledhow Mill follows a R1.8 billion expansion investment by its new owners, signalling renewed confidence in the sector. The investment commitment was made as part of the Presidential Investment Conference held on 31 March 2026 in Sandton. The mill’s return to full operations also marks a significant turnaround following its placement under business rescue during 2023/24.

Gledhow Mill, which includes a back-end refinery, is currently undergoing a major off-crop maintenance programme to ensure operational efficiency and readiness for the upcoming crushing season. This reinforces the importance of reinvestment and technical revitalisation in strengthening the competitiveness of the sector.

In addition, Deputy Minister Godlimpi has signed off on Phase 2 of the Sugarcane Value Chain Master Plan to 2030, marking a decisive shift from stabilisation towards transformation, diversification, and growth. The Master Plan, developed through a social compact between government, industry, labour, and civil society, remains the central framework guiding the long-term sustainability of the sector.

This phase focuses on repositioning the sugar industry into a more resilient and diversified value chain. A key priority is the acceleration of inclusive growth, particularly through support for small-scale and emerging growers, ensuring greater participation in a historically concentrated sector.

At the same time, the phase expands the industry’s development trajectory beyond traditional sugar production. This includes advancing opportunities in biofuels, biochemicals, renewable energy, and co-generation, alongside innovation in sugarcane-based industrial products. These interventions are intended to open new revenue streams, deepen industrialisation, and reduce exposure to volatile global sugar markets.

The collapse of this ecosystem would have far-reaching consequences, deepening economic hardship in already vulnerable rural communities and undermining years of progress in agricultural development, industrial capability, and transformation. Government therefore remains firmly committed to supporting the reopening and sustainability of sugar mills across the country, ensuring the protection of jobs, the stability of rural economies, and the long-term competitiveness of the sector.

What is unfolding in the sugar industry reflects a broader economic inflection point. South Africa is turning the corner by choice, not by chance however, through creative policy solutions, decisive investment, and a clear commitment to inclusion. The revitalisation of key sectors such as sugar shows how structural reform can protect livelihoods today while opening new avenues for growth tomorrow. This is the architecture of an inclusive economy: resilient, diversified, and deliberately constructed to deliver shared prosperity.

*Maphori is the Acting Economic Cluster Coordinator at Government Communication and Information System.

The Mkambati Nature Reserve in the Eastern Cape has been designated as South Africa’s newest Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, marking a significant conservation milestone.

The Ramsar Convention identifies and protects wetlands of global significance, known as Ramsar Sites.

“The designation acknowledges that the many wetlands found at Mkambati have unique ecological, cultural and socio-economic value, placing the reserve firmly on the global map of internationally recognised wetlands,” Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh said on Wednesday.

Situated along the scenic Wild Coast, Mkambati forms part of a unique ecological area, home to plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world.

Wetlands play a vital role in supporting life and livelihoods. They provide clean water, grazing areas during dry periods, and habitats for biodiversity. 

They also create opportunities for sustainable tourism, nature-based enterprises and job creation through restoration and conservation efforts.

Mkambati is home to rare wetland types, including swamp forests, and features multiple estuaries. It is also among the few places globally where waterfalls cascade directly into the ocean.

“When we began the process to secure Ramsar status for Mkambati, the Department of Water and Sanitation assisted with water quality monitoring. The findings confirmed that the rivers in the area are exceptionally clean,” Singh said.

He added that the wetlands within the reserve are in good condition.

 “A recent national biodiversity assessment shows that wetlands and estuaries are among the most threatened and least protected ecosystems in South Africa.

“At a time when wetlands face growing pressures from pollution, poor agricultural practices and infrastructure development, finding ecosystems in such good condition is rare and they must be protected,” Singh said. –SAnews.gov.za

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says there is a high likelihood of minor weather impacts, with severe thunderstorms expected over the escarpment and eastern Highveld of Mpumalanga on Thursday.

Severe thunderstorms may cause localised flooding and damage to infrastructure, informal settlements, property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock due to heavy downpours and strong damaging winds.

In addition, a surface trough, supported by an upper-air trough west of the country, will result in severe thunderstorms over the Khai-Ma and Hantam municipalities in the Northern Cape on Thursday afternoon.

These conditions may result in localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges. 

Additionally, large amounts of small hail and strong winds may occur.

There may be localised flooding of susceptible roads and low-lying areas, localised damage to infrastructure, settlements, property and vehicles and localised loss of agricultural production and livestock is possible.

There is also a risk of runaway fires sparked from lightning strikes. –SAnews.gov.za

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of two cold fronts, with good rainfall amounts expected to affect the Western Cape and Northern Cape from Friday until Monday.

The cold fronts will result in a significant drop in the daytime temperatures. 

“Maximum temperatures may be between 10-12°C in places over the southern high-lying areas of the Namakwa (Northern Cape) as well as over the Central Karoo and western part of the Cape Winelands Districts (Western Cape).

“General windy conditions will accompany the cold and wet conditions. Additionally, wave heights are expected to be between 4.0 and 5.0m along the coast from Sunday into Monday,” the weather service advised.

The combination of cold, wet and windy conditions may result in a wind chill factor; thus, temperatures may feel colder than the measured values.

They may be localised disruptions to beachfront activities. –SAnews.gov.za