MIL Africa Engine

While government’s efforts to support economic recovery are gaining momentum, more need to be done to significantly reduce unemployment.

This is according to the Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa.

“South Africa is making progress, but more must be done to ensure economic recovery translates into jobs, income, and improved well-being for all,” the Minister said on Friday in Pretoria.

She was providing an update on government’s performance against the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024–2029 for the period April to September 2025, which measures performance against government’s priorities  for the seventh administration.

They include driving inclusive economic growth and job creation; reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living; and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

Government has achieved a primary budget surplus, signalling its commitment to fiscal discipline. 

In addition, Operation Vulindlela has played a critical role in removing structural constraints to economic growth. 

“During the reporting period, progress has been reported in energy reforms, logistics and water infrastructure coordination. This has contributed to improved system performance and greater private-sector investment confidence,” Ramokgopa said.

She noted that South Africa recorded 0.8% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, the strongest quarterly performance since 2022, despite global economic volatility. 

“The unemployment rate declined by 1.3 percentage points to 31.9%, with 248 000 jobs added in the third quarter (Q3) 2025. However, youth unemployment remains extremely high at 58.5%, signalling deep structural labour market challenges. 

“Poverty and inequality remain entrenched, with a Gini coefficient of 0.63. South Africa is making progress, but more must be done to ensure economic recovery translates into jobs, income, and improved well-being for all,” the Minister said.

South Africa’s exits from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list after successfully implementing key reforms to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism has improved investor confidence.

Ramokgopa highlighted key sectors that continue to show progress. 

These include R44.2 billion in new investments that were secured across sector masterplans, the automotive sector saw launch of BMW X3 Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicle, backed by a R4.2 billion investment and battery minerals pipeline is valued at R40 billion.

In the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) and informal economy, 45 105 jobs were created, and 41 753 were sustained through MSME programmes.

“In tourism, international arrivals increased to 7.6 million between January and September 2025. Tourism visa reforms are underway through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system

“In terms of energy security, more than 175 consecutive days without load shedding were recorded in the reporting period. The Energy Availability Factor improved to 63.29%, reaching 70% on several days,” she said.

Infrastructure

Government has set aside R1.03 trillion for public infrastructure over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

The Minister emphasised that infrastructure investment remains a key lever for inclusive growth in the country.

“The Infrastructure Fund has approved 26 blended finance projects worth R101.6 billion. The Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) approved 10 major projects worth R37.1 billion for implementation.

“Despite this momentum, delays persist due to municipal capacity constraints, procurement inefficiencies, and inadequate project preparation.

“High municipal debt levels (94.6 billion rand as at March 2025) pose risks to infrastructure sustainability. Grid expansion delays also threaten future energy security, despite recent improvements,” she said.

Local government performance

According to the Minister, work continues to strengthen the performance of local government as financial challenges in municipalities persist.

“An Inter-Ministerial Committee has been established to support distressed municipalities. Local government reforms are being introduced through the review of current legislative and regulatory framework with the development of a White Paper on Local Government (LGWP).

“The Presidential Working Group has also been established to support Metros, including the implementation of the Metro Trading Service Reform Programme,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The eThekwini Municipality’s Recreation and Parks Directorate has invited registered and eligible non-profit organisations (NPOs), non-government organisations (NGOs) and non-profit companies (NPCs) in the performing arts and culture sectors to apply for Grant-In-Aid (GIA) funding for the 2025/26 financial year.

The funding programme, aligned with the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP), is aimed at providing financial and material support to community-based organisations that promote performing arts and cultural programmes, artist development, social cohesion, and economic opportunities within the eThekwini Municipality.

“Areas of focus include music, dance, theatre (drama), comedy, poetry and cultural development,” the municipality said in a statement.

Applicants must meet several compliance requirements, including the submission of a completed application form, a valid tax clearance certificate, latest annual financial statements, certified copies of registration documents and directors’ identity documents, and a detailed organisational profile and project or business plan.

Organisations are also required to provide proof of physical address, bank account details, registration on both the municipal supplier database and the Central Supplier Database, two recent reference letters from the creative sector, and an affidavit confirming that none of the directors are employed by eThekwini Municipality or any other government department.

Application forms and guideline documents are available on the eThekwini Municipality website at www.durban.gov.za, or can be obtained from the Arts and Living Cultures Office at the Stable Theatre, 115 Johannes Nkosi Street, Greyville.

Documents can also be requested via email at Ngiphiwe.Ndlovu@durban.gov.za or Stable.Admin@durban.gov.za.

Completed applications, together with all supporting documentation, must be submitted electronically to Ngiphiwe.Ndlovu@durban.gov.za, or Stable.Admin@durban.gov.za, or hand delivered to the Stable Theatre offices before the closing date of 15 February 2026. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Employment and Labour has taken decisive steps to strengthen worker protection and close long-standing compliance gaps across key sectors, including security, municipalities and the creative industries. 

In a statement on Thursday, the department said it has officially withdrawn the 2003 Variation Notice that previously excluded the application of Section 34A of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), which governs the payment of employee benefit fund contributions.

The withdrawal restores the authority of labour inspectors to enforce the timely payment of pension, provident fund, retirement and medical aid contributions deducted from employees’ salaries. 

For years, the exemption created what the department described as “a significant enforcement gap”, leaving workers vulnerable to employers who deducted contributions but failed to transfer them to the relevant funds.

“With the exemption now removed, inspectors are empowered to verify whether employers have paid contributions into the correct funds, request proof of payment and contribution schedules, and take enforcement action wherever non‑compliance is detected,” the department said. 

The department said the intervention strengthens workplace-level accountability and provides enhanced protection for workers’ hard-earned benefits, particularly in the security sector and municipalities, where abuse has been widespread.

In a separate but related development, the Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, has published a notice indicating the department’s intention to classify performers and crew members in the film, television, advertising, artistic and cultural sectors as employees.

Many workers in these industries are currently designated as independent contractors, despite operating under conditions similar to permanent employment. The department said the move seeks to extend essential labour protections, including access to sick leave, maternity leave, severance pay, protection under the National Minimum Wage, and coverage through the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act.

The proposal would also ensure compliance with BCEA provisions on working hours, termination procedures and record-keeping, while extending rights related to fixed-term contracts under the Labour Relations Act.

According to the department, the proposed reform responds to “strong stakeholder submissions” and recognises the vulnerability of performers and production staff, who frequently operate without basic labour protections. It confirmed that the process could result in a sectoral determination tailored to the industry’s specific needs.

Stakeholders have 30 days from the date of publication to submit written inputs, while the Minister has requested the National Minimum Wage Commission to investigate wage levels and employment conditions in the sector.

“Together, these regulatory measures mark a clear step forward in advancing decent work in South Africa. They demonstrate a renewed commitment to closing compliance gaps, protecting vulnerable workers, and ensuring that employers across all industries uphold the country’s labour laws.

“The actions reinforce the department’s dedication to promoting fairness in the workplace, supporting a more equitable labour market, ensuring accountability among employers, and safeguarding the rights and dignity of all workers,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has approved funding for 626 935 first-time applicants, while 427 144 continuing university students have met the progression criteria for support.

Briefing the media on the state of the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector and readiness for the 2026 academic year on Thursday, Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela said NSFAS remains critical in enabling access to higher education for poor and working-class students.

However, he noted that sustained improvements in basic education, combined with broader economic constraints, continue to place pressure on the funding model.

“Short-term stabilisation measures are in place, while a medium-term sustainable funding reform is being developed. The missing-middle fund continues to scale,” Manamela said.

The Minister also acknowledged the critical role of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) in expanding access to funding, particularly for students who do not qualify for NSFAS.

He said that during the 2025/26 funding cycle, SETAs are supporting more than 15 000 new bursary beneficiaries and nearly 8 000 continuing beneficiaries, with a combined value of close to R2 billion.

“This diversification of funding sources reduces over-reliance on NSFAS and strengthens system resilience,” he said.

Bachelor’s pass does not guarantee university admission 

Manamela used the briefing to address what he described as a persistent misunderstanding regarding university admissions for learners who obtain a Bachelor’s pass in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exam.

He said that while 46.4% of candidates achieved a Bachelor’s pass in the 2025 NSC examinations, this often creates unrealistic expectations among learners and their families.

“A Bachelor’s pass does not guarantee admission to a university or to a specific programme. Universities apply faculty and programme specific requirements, including subject combinations, minimum symbols, and selection processes where demand exceeds capacity.

“Where learners and families experience disappointment, it is often not because of failure, but because of misaligned expectations. Our responsibility is to ensure that learners understand, early and clearly, the full range of credible post-school pathways, not only the most visible ones,” the Minister said.

A total of 28.1% candidates achieved a Diploma pass, while 13.5% obtained a Higher Certificate pass in the 2025 NSC examinations.

Manamela noted that with more than 40% of learners not achieving a Bachelor’s pass, the post-school system must be clearly differentiated, well-articulated and effectively communicated.

While welcoming the sharp increase in matric pass rates, the Minister said the outcome has placed significant pressure on the PSET system.

“The Post-School Education and Training System (PSET) currently has approximately 535 000 funded and planned spaces across universities, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, Community Education and Training (CET) colleges, skills programmes, and workplace-based learning. This gap between success and capacity is real, structural, and longstanding,” Manamela said.

Manamela rejected claims that the post-school system is in crisis, saying it is undergoing deliberate reform.

“It is under pressure, but it is being deliberately reshaped. Education, training, and skills development in all their forms carry equal dignity and social value. Multiple pathways are not a compromise, they are a strength.

“Not every learner will secure immediate placement in their first choice but every learner must be able to find a credible, supported pathway into learning, skills development, and productive participation in society. That is the task we have set ourselves and that is the work we will continue to do,” the Minister said.

Second chance and community education

Manamela said Community Education and Training colleges remain central to inclusive access and are fully prepared for the 2026 academic year.

He said the colleges will accommodate youth and adults seeking the Amended Senior Certificate, participation in the National Senior Certificate Second Chance Programme, as well as occupational and skills programmes.

“The academic year commenced on 12 January 2026, with registrations for annual programmes closing on 27 February 2026, while short skills programmes remain open throughout the year,” Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Department of Employment and Labour has taken decisive steps to strengthen worker protections and close long-standing compliance gaps across key sectors, including security, municipalities and the creative industries. 

In a statement on Thursday, the department said it has officially withdrawn the 2003 Variation Notice that previously excluded the application of Section 34A of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), which governs the payment of employee benefit fund contributions.

The withdrawal restores the authority of labour inspectors to enforce the timely payment of pension, provident fund, retirement and medical aid contributions deducted from employees’ salaries. 

For years, the exemption created what the department described as “a significant enforcement gap”, leaving workers vulnerable to employers who deducted contributions but failed to transfer them to the relevant funds.

“With the exemption now removed, inspectors are empowered to verify whether employers have paid contributions into the correct funds, request proof of payment and contribution schedules, and take enforcement action wherever non‑compliance is detected,” the department said. 

The department said the intervention strengthens workplace-level accountability and provides enhanced protection for workers’ hard-earned benefits, particularly in the security sector and municipalities, where abuse has been widespread.

In a separate but related development, the Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, has published a notice indicating the department’s intention to classify performers and crew members in the film, television, advertising, artistic and cultural sectors as employees.

Many workers in these industries are currently designated as independent contractors, despite operating under conditions similar to permanent employment. The department said the move seeks to extend essential labour protections, including access to sick leave, maternity leave, severance pay, protection under the National Minimum Wage, and coverage through the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act.

The proposal would also ensure compliance with BCEA provisions on working hours, termination procedures and record-keeping, while extending rights related to fixed-term contracts under the Labour Relations Act.

According to the department, the proposed reform responds to “strong stakeholder submissions” and recognises the vulnerability of performers and production staff, who frequently operate without basic labour protections. It confirmed that the process could result in a sectoral determination tailored to the industry’s specific needs.

Stakeholders have 30 days from the date of publication to submit written inputs, while the Minister has requested the National Minimum Wage Commission to investigate wage levels and employment conditions in the sector.

“Together, these regulatory measures mark a clear step forward in advancing decent work in South Africa. They demonstrate a renewed commitment to closing compliance gaps, protecting vulnerable workers, and ensuring that employers across all industries uphold the country’s labour laws.

“The actions reinforce the department’s dedication to promoting fairness in the workplace, supporting a more equitable labour market, ensuring accountability among employers, and safeguarding the rights and dignity of all workers,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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