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Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli has called for a decisive shift from symbolic commitments to tangible action in advancing gender equality, saying policies must translate into measurable improvements in the lives of women and girls.

Delivering remarks during the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) debate marking International Women’s Day, Mhlauli urged government and society to move beyond declarations and focus on practical implementation.

“We must move from commemoration to implementation; from promises to measurable outcomes. From policy intent to lived reality,” she said on Wednesday.

The Deputy Minister emphasised that tackling gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) requires confronting harmful social norms and the role of male socialisation in perpetuating violence.

“We must also speak plainly about the role of men and boys. We cannot build a future without confronting the socialisation that produces violence, entitlement, and control.

‘The justice system itself acknowledges programmes that focus on positively changing the attitudes of men and boys in areas with high levels of violence against women. This is not optional work. It is prevention,” Mhlauli said.

She said boys must be guided towards a vision of masculinity grounded in respect, responsibility and accountability.

“To the boy child, we must say: your strength is not dominance. It is discipline. It is respect. It is accountability. It is the courage to reject peer pressure, to reject violence, and to protect the dignity of women and girls in your home, your school, your community, and online,” the Deputy Minister said.

She urged men in positions of influence, including fathers, brothers, coaches, faith leaders, traditional leaders and community leaders, to actively challenge violence against women.

“To fathers, brothers, coaches, faith leaders, traditional leaders and community leaders, we must say: silence is not neutrality. Silence is permission.

“If we are serious about ending GBVF, then positive masculinity must become a societal norm, not a campaign for 16 days,” Mhlauli said.

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children is an annual international campaign running from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).

The Deputy Minister referenced the G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group Chairperson’s Statement of 31 October 2025, which highlighted the importance of the care economy and women’s financial inclusion.

“The statement places the care economy and financial inclusion at the centre of women’s empowerment and recognises the importance of shared social responsibility for caregiving, including encouraging the active engagement of men and boys in care work,” she said.

According to Mhlauli, women’s unequal share of unpaid care burden remains one of the most significant barriers to their economic participation.

“This is deeply aligned with our domestic reality: women carry disproportionate unpaid care burdens, and that burden is an economic constraint. If we want women to participate equally in the economy, we must invest in care infrastructure, remove barriers to women’s access to finance, and recognise that economic justice is a form of violence prevention,” she said.

70th anniversary of historic women’s march

Mhlauli said South Africa will this year mark the 70th anniversary of the historic women’s march of 9 August 1956 when thousands of women including mothers, workers, organisers and leaders, marched to the Union Buildings to declare that they would not accept injustice.

“Their message is not only history. It is instruction. It tells us that courage is collective, and that rights are defended through action. 

“We must strengthen access to justice, not only by improving laws, but by fixing the system: faster case processing, safer courts, better survivor support, integrated data, and accountable consequences for perpetrators.

“We must strengthen access to justice not only by improving laws, but by fixing the system – faster case processing, safer courts, better survivor support, integrated data and accountable consequences for perpetrators,” the Deputy Minister said.

Economic empowerment must also be backed by real opportunities for women entrepreneurs, including access to procurement, finance, and markets.

She added that prevention must remain a central pillar in addressing gender-based violence by reshaping community values and promoting respectful relationships.

“We must strengthen prevention not only by protecting women and girls, but by actively shaping the values of boys and men and rebuilding communities that refuse violence as normal,” she said.

Mhlauli stressed that achieving meaningful progress will require collaboration across all sectors of society. “We must do so together, national government, provinces, municipalities, civil society, business, labour, communities and households.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, has called for renewed global commitment to peace and decisive action to enforce existing protections for women.

Speaking at the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) debate in commemoration of International Women’s Day, Mhlauli warned that without stability and political will, gender equality will remain out of reach.

“We must be unequivocal in our call for peace. Peace is not an abstract diplomatic ideal. It is the foundation upon which women are able to live safely, to participate economically, to raise families without fear, and to contribute meaningfully to society.

“Where there is no peace, there can be no justice for women. Where there is no stability, empowerment becomes an empty promise,” Mhlauli said on Wednesday. 

The debate was held under the theme: “Recentering Social Justice and Human Rights for Women and Girls”.

While acknowledging the policy and legal frameworks that exist globally, which are designed to advance gender equality, Mhlauli said their impact is weakened by inconsistent enforcement and insufficient political commitment.

“Yes, policy and legal frameworks exist. They are in place through the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly, the Beijing Platform for Action, the AU Agenda 2063, and our own South African Constitution. 

“What has wavered is not the law but the political will to enforce it, to fund it, and to live by it,” the Deputy Minister said.

According to Mhlauli, the real measure of progress lies not in policy declarations but in the everyday realities experienced by women and girls.

“The real test is not how well we can recite these conventions but whether a woman can walk home safely. Whether a survivor can access justice without being retraumatised. Whether a girl child can learn without fear. Whether a woman-owned enterprise can access markets, finance and procurement without being blocked by old networks and gatekeeping.”

As the global community marks Beijing+30, commemorating three decades since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action, Mhlauli said the moment required honest reflection.

She acknowledged that important gains have been achieved globally, including reductions in maternal mortality, improved enrolment of girls in schools and increased representation of women in legislatures.

But, she said the progress is fragile, uneven, and in many parts of the world, it is reversing.

Mhlauli highlighted the devastating toll conflicts are taking on women and girls in regions such as Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Palestine and parts of the Middle East.

“In these theatres of war and political upheaval, it is women and girls who bear the heaviest burden. They are displaced from their homes, stripped of access to education and healthcare, subjected to violence, and denied even the most basic forms of dignity.

“Conflict does not only destroy infrastructure. It erodes the social fabric that protects women. It turns their bodies into battlegrounds and their rights into collateral damage, Mhlauli said.

South Africa, she said, maintains a principled position in support of peaceful resolution of conflicts, dialogue over destruction, and the protection of civilians, particularly women and children.

“We affirm that the empowerment of women must extend to every sphere of life political, social, and economic. Women must not only survive conflict; they must be included in peacebuilding, reconstruction, and governance processes. Sustainable peace is only possible when women are present at negotiation tables and in leadership structures shaping the future,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has urged students with pending appeals to submit all outstanding documents before the appeals window closes on 31 March 2026.

Providing an update on applications for the 2026 academic year during a media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday, NSFAS Acting CEO Waseem Carrim said the scheme has processed 101 201 appeals to date.

Of these, 22 654 appeals have been approved, 9 073 are awaiting supporting documents, 18 108 have been rejected, and 44 411 have been closed, deleted, or withdrawn.

“The appeals process is designed to be fair, accessible, and responsive. We encourage students with pending appeals to submit any outstanding documents promptly, as delays may impact funding and support.

“We are committed to transparency and timely communication regarding the appeals process, and regular updates are provided on our website and through our support centres,” Carrim said.

Carrim warned that delays in documentation submission may impact the outcome and disbursement of funding.

Students who do not meet academic progression or financial eligibility criteria have a right to lodge an appeal. Appeals may be considered on grounds such as medical conditions, traumatic events, or propensity to complete a qualification.

Over 148 000 accommodation leases signed

Carrim also provided an update on student accommodation applications.

According to NSFAS, the scheme has received 224 983 accommodation applications from students across the country.

So far, 148 825 students and accommodation providers have submitted signed lease agreements, confirming housing arrangements for the academic year.

“This is an important step in the funding and allocation process, ensuring that students can focus on their studies in a secure environment,” Carrim said.

However, he noted that a significant number of applicants have yet to submit their signed leases agreements.

He urged students and accommodation providers to complete the process as soon as possible, warning that failure to do so may result in delays or complications in the allocation of accommodation allowances.

“Students are encouraged to liaise with their accommodation providers and ensure all documentation is submitted promptly,” he said.

Billions disbursed to support students

NSFAS has already disbursed billions of rand to support students during the current academic year.

A total of R3 557 285 045 billion was paid on 2 February 2026 to cover student allowances and accommodation, enabling students to begin their studies without financial strain.

“On 2 March 2026, we made a second disbursement of R2 824 849 085, continuing our commitment to supporting students throughout their academic journey,” he said.

For Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, R679 079 050 was released on 2 February 2026 to cover tuition fees and allow institutions to register and support students from the start of the academic year.

Further payments included R145 457 290 to 51 130 students on 13 February, followed by R446 590 368 to 138 115 students on 27 February, covering allowances, including transport and accommodation.

“These investments are not just numbers; they represent our commitment to removing financial barriers and creating an enabling environment for academic success,” Carrim said.

Over 600 000 new students approved for funding

Meanwhile, NSFAS has approved funding for 692 704 first-time entering students and 550 959 continuing students, including 1 561 student loans.

The scheme has also received registration data for 174 962 TVET college students and 54 280 university students across South Africa.

Carrim said the registration data enables NSFAS to process and disburse funding more efficiently.

“This helps minimise delays and ensures that eligible students can access their funding and start their studies without uncertainty,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has made a robust defence for natural gas development, framing it as essential to industrialisation and a “just and realistic energy transition” for the continent.

The Minister was speaking at the 11th edition of the Africa Gas Forum held on the sidelines of the Africa Energy Indaba in Cape Town.

According to the International Energy Agency, some 600 million Africans lack access to electricity, a reality Mantashe described as both a social and industrial crisis.

“Without reliable energy, there can be no manufacturing base, no beneficiation, and no meaningful job creation.

“Addressing this conundrum requires the African continent to redefine its narrative from one of energy deficit to one of proactive industrial enablement. Natural gas must play a central role in that repositioning.

“Africa accounts for 7% of known global gas reserves and contributes less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In that context, the strategic utilisation of our domestic gas resources is not speculative; it is foundational to a just and realistic energy transition that recognises our socio-economic realities,” Mantashe said.

He noted that expert analysis has identified gas as the “most effective transition fuel for the continent”.

“It offers reliable, high-density baseload power and materially lower emissions. It is the bridge that allows us to industrialise while reducing carbon intensity.

“This year’s Africa Gas Forum presents a vital platform for African nations to examine our gas potential and determine how it can be catalysed to power industrial growth and economic transformation across the continent,” the Minister said.

Domestic prospects

Mantashe noted that South Africa stands at a “critical energy juncture”, with Mozambique’s Pande and Temane fields now facing decline.

The fields have provided for some 90% of South Africa’s needs over at least 20 years.

“This is not merely an industry concern; it is a national economic risk. We cannot allow what happened in the electricity sector to be replicated in the gas sector. Accordingly, we are moving with urgency to ensure security of supply.

“To avert an industrial cliff-edge, we are implementing a two-pronged strategy: immediate imports and accelerated domestic development,” the Minister revealed.

He acknowledged Sasol’s proposed Methane-Rich Gas (MRG) as a bridging solution for the period 2028 to 2030, which will provide “critical breathing space as we finalise our LNG [Liquefied Natural Gas] import infrastructure”.

“Our strategic LNG hubs are progressing toward implementation. However, the sustainable long-term solution is domestic production. Despite resistance from environmental lobby groups, offshore exploration activity remains resilient, led by specialised independent operators.

“Along our west coast, the Orange Basin has emerged as a world-class frontier following significant discoveries in Namibia. Operators, including TotalEnergies and Shell, are advancing exploration programmes that could substantially expand our resource base and enhance our long-term Gross Domestic Product prospects.

“In the Outeniqua Basin, Africa Energy Corp is accelerating development of the Brulpadda and Luiperd discoveries,” Mantashe said.

On South African shores, developments are also underway.

“[The] Virginia Gas Project in the Free State has reported 60% increase in gas throughput since 2025 and maintains an 80% drilling success rate.

“The Thungela resources’ Lephalale coalbed methane project and Kinetiko’s gas project in Mpumalanga are progressing toward production following successful drilling campaigns. Thungela has submitted their application for a production right, while Kinetiko is also preparing to submit their production right application.

“On shale gas, we have concluded a seismic survey in the Central Karoo last month, thus improving our geological understanding of the basin. Once the requisite regulations are promulgated, we stand ready to lift the moratorium to unlock the full potential of our basins,” Mantashe said.

Providing policy certainty

Underpinning these developments are reforms to the legislative architecture such as the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act (UPRDA).

“The [UPRDA] represents a strategic separation of petroleum from mining legislation. By consolidating exploration and production into a single petroleum right, administrative transition periods are shortened significantly.

“The Act further provides for 20% carried interest for the State, ensuring direct national participation in the returns from our natural endowment.

“In addition, the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) Bill seeks to establish a unified state-owned champion to manage our strategic interests across the petroleum value chain,” the Minister said.

Citing the regulatory reforms, the Mantashe pronounced that the “era of policy uncertainty is drawing to a close”.

“To investors and partners in this hall, the regulatory framework is stabilising, infrastructure roll-out is underway, and demand fundamentals are policy anchored.

“The next frontier lies in strengthening midstream connectivity and downstream market certainty to convert gas molecules into industrial output, employment and economic resilience.

“Let us build a foundation for prosperity rooted in our own resources. Let us pursue energy security with pragmatism. And let us drill responsibly and strategically for the benefit of South Africa and the African continent,” Mantashe said. – SAnews.gov.za

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In a major bid to tackle mounting court backlogs, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has reached an agreement with National Treasury to begin the process of appointing an additional 50 new judges to increase judicial capacity.

This according to Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi who answered questions in the National Assembly on Wednesday.

In the State of the Nation Address (SONA) last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa pronounced steps to be taken to speed up the wheels of justice.

Two weeks after SONA, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced an additional R687 million allocation to increase capacity in the judiciary.

“Following the pronouncement by the President…myself and Minister of Finance met together with the judiciary, not only to look at the matters that relate to the specialised courts, but funding completely for the judiciary.

“We have, however, agreed that we will look in terms of administration of justice in line with the Constitution, in terms of working together with the judiciary to ensure that we build capacity.

“We have started this work to look at all of them. We have agreed with the Minister of Finance that we start with 50 judges additional to the establishment that is currently there so that we can build capacity,” Kubayi told the National Assembly.

In addition to bolstering the courts’ capacity, Kubayi also provided an update on government’s anti-corruption agenda.

She told the house that the final report of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) is now being processed.

In its report, the council called for, amongst others:

• The establishment of a permanent, independent, and constitutionally entrenched anti-corruption body. 
• The strengthening and coordination of law enforcement agencies, with enhanced coordination mechanisms.
• Mechanisms to prevent corruption.
• The establishment of an anti-corruption data sharing framework and strengthened whistle-blower protection measures.

“The President has directed the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development to process the recommendations of NACAC for tabling and deliberation in Cabinet. The processing of the report is underway.

“The legislation for whistleblower protection has been completed and will be released into the public domain shortly,” the Minister concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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