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Wednesday, 11 February 2026 Theme: Post-Pandemic and National Elections: Media, Social Cohesion and National Branding
Programme Director;
Acting Director-General of GCIS, Ms Nomonde Mnukwa;
Our esteemed panelists: Ms Ponstho Maruping, Mr. Neville Matjie, Mr. Tshepo Setshedi, and Mr. Mzuvele Mthethwa;
Our facilitator, Ms Elana Afrika;
Distinguished members of the media fraternity;
Senior government communicators;
Representatives from our valued sponsors;
Ladies and gentlemen;
Introduction It is indeed an honour to stand before you this evening on the eve of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address. I have listened with great interest to the insightful panel discussion, and I am encouraged by the genuine commitment to our collective responsibility in shaping the narrative of our nation. Tonight, as we gather here, we do so not merely as professionals but as custodians of our democracy, as architects of social cohesion and as stewards of our national brand. The theme of this evening's discussion - Media, Social Cohesion and National Branding – could not be timelier. This year, our gathering takes on even greater significance as we stand at the intersection of three profound milestones: Firstly, we celebrate 30 years of our transformative Constitution, secondly, we mark 25 years of democratic local government, and thirdly, we look ahead to the 2026 local government elections. These are not mere anniversaries – they are testament to the resilience of our democracy and the enduring power of a Constitutional vision penned years ago. Reflecting on our journey: From Pandemic to Democratic Renewal Our Constitution – a beacon of hope that emerged from the darkest period of our history – enshrined not only our rights and freedoms but also a commitment to build a society based on democratic values, social justice, and fundamental human rights. Over three decades we have seen remarkable progress, but also significant challenges. Long forgotten by most, the COVID-19 pandemic tested our health systems, our economy and the very fabric of our society. It challenged our communication systems, our media landscape, and our collective ability to maintain social cohesion in the face of unprecedented uncertainty. Not so long ago, the 2024 national elections marked a significant chapter in our democratic journey. It demonstrated the resilience of our democracy and the maturity of our political discourse. But it also highlighted something profound: the critical role that public communication plays in facilitating democratic participation, in fostering informed debate, and in holding power to account – all values enshrined in our Constitution. Through both the pandemic and the elections, we witnessed the power of media – both traditional and new – to unite and, at times, to divide. We saw how information could heal or harm, how narratives could build bridges or erect walls, and how the stories we tell about ourselves as South Africans can either strengthen or weaken the bonds that hold us together. Media as a force for Social Cohesion The panel discussion tonight has rightfully focused on public communication’s role in promoting social integration and diversity. Let me be clear: in a nation as beautifully diverse as ours, media is not just a conveyor of information – it is a mirror that reflects who we are and a window that shows us who we can become. Our media platforms have the profound responsibility and the unique opportunity to: • Amplify diverse voices and tell the full spectrum of South African stories.
• Challenge stereotypes and counter divisive narratives.
• Celebrate our cultural richness while fostering a shared national identity.
• Bridge the divides of language, geography, and socio-economic status. This is not about sanitising difficult conversations or avoiding legitimate criticism. Rather, it is about ensuring that even as we engage in robust debate, we do so in a manner that strengthens rather than weakens the bonds of our common humanity. I recognise Social Media as a “The Double-Edged Sword of our Time”! Ladies and gentlemen, we must acknowledge that social media has fundamentally transformed the communication landscape. It has democratised information dissemination, given voice to the previously voiceless, and enabled citizen journalism at an unprecedented scale. However, we must also confront the challenges it presents: • The spread of misinformation and disinformation.
• The creation of echo chambers that reinforce existing biases rather than challenging them.
• The weaponisation of social platforms to sow division and discord.
• The rise of the influencer economy and its impact on the credibility of information. This last point – the growing influence of social media influencers – deserves particular attention. We must ask ourselves: How do we ensure that the pursuit of likes, shares, and followers does not come at the expense of truth, accuracy, and responsible communication? How do we harness the reach of influencers for nation-building while maintaining standards of credible information dissemination? National Branding: Telling the South African story to the world! Nation branding is not about creating false narratives nor glossing over our challenges. It is about authentic storytelling that presents the full picture of who we are as a nation – our struggles and our triumphs, our challenges and our resilience, our diversity and our unity. Brand South Africa, under the leadership of Mr. Neville Manjies, plays a crucial role in this endeavour. But national branding cannot be the work of one organisation alone. Every media house, every journalist, every government communicator, and yes, every influencer with a platform, contributes to how South Africa is perceived both at home and abroad. I want to particularly acknowledge Ms Pumza Maruping's contribution to tonight's panel. As Managing Director of SARAO, she represents an often-overlooked dimension of nation branding: “authentic achievement”. The MeerKAT Radio Telescope under her leadership has made South Africa a global destination for scientific excellence, attracting international collaboration while creating local opportunities. Her experience – from the UN Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space to community engagement in the Karoo – demonstrates that our strongest national brand is built not on marketing, but on real excellence that the world cannot ignore. This is the resilient, innovative, forward-looking South Africa that must feature prominently in our national narrative. Our national brand must reflect: • Our constitutional values and democratic achievements.
• Our economic potential and investment opportunities.
• Our cultural wealth and creative industries.
• Our innovation and technological advancement.
• Our role as a voice for the Global South, African unity and defenders of human rights. Defending our National Brand Against Misinformation Recently we have witnessed deliberate attempts to damage South Africa's international reputation through the spread of false narratives and distorted representations of our reality. Sensationalised claims, often amplified through social media have painted a picture of our nation that bears little resemblance to the truth on the ground. These fabricated narratives – whether about widespread violence, alleged systematic persecution, or grossly exaggerated accounts of crime and instability – have real consequences. They deter investment, undermine international confidence, and most painfully, they erode the pride and hope of our own citizens. But here is what gives me hope: we have seen patriotic South Africans – including many in this room – rise to defend our nation's reputation with facts, with data, and with authentic stories of our reality. Our South African media practitioners have played a crucial role in this defence. They have: • Investigated and debunked false claims with rigorous factchecking and evidence-based reporting.
• Provided balanced context that acknowledges our challenges while highlighting our progress.
• Amplified authentic South African voices to counter distorted narratives.
• Like the late Tshidi Madia (may her soul rest in peace) engaged with international media to correct misconceptions and provide accurate information. This is patriotism at its finest – not blind loyalty that ignores problems, but informed advocacy that defends truth while working to address genuine systematic challenges. It is the kind of journalism and communication that builds rather than destroys. Our nation's resilience is not just a marketing slogan – it is a lived reality that must be at the heart of our national brand. We must never forget that we are a nation that: • Peacefully negotiated one of history's most remarkable political transitions.
• Built a Constitutional democracy that is admired around the world.
• Navigated a global pandemic while maintaining democratic processes and social stability.
• Continues to punch above our weight in international affairs, science, innovation, culture and sport.
• Remains a beacon of hope and possibility for the African continent, the developing world and nations who today are still fighting oppressive regimes. This is the story we must tell – not to hide our challenges, but to provide the full context within which those challenges exist. When we succeed in telling our story authentically, we not only attract investment and tourism – we build national pride and social cohesion among our own people. We give our citizens, especially our young people, a narrative of hope to believe in and contribute to. The Power of Partnerships The question was raised: What partnerships can enhance media's role in promoting national unity? Let me be clear: the relationship between government and media should not be adversarial. Neither should it be uncritical or compliant. What we need is a relationship built on mutual respect, shared commitment to truth, and recognition of our complementary roles in serving the public interest. Several questions tonight focused on local government, and rightly so. As we mark 25 years since the establishment of democratic local government in South Africa, we have much to celebrate but also much work still to do. Local government is where citizens most directly experience the impact of governance. In the lead-up to 2026 local government elections and beyond, we must: • Strengthen the capacity of local government communicators to engage effectively with media.
• Support community media that serves as a bridge between municipalities and residents
• Promote media literacy at the grassroots level to combat misinformation, particularly around electoral processes. The innovations we see from platforms like Kagiso Media, particularly through East Coast Radio's community engagement under Mr. Mthethwa's leadership, show us what is possible when media is deeply rooted in the communities it serves. When measuring our impact on society we need metrics that go beyond audience numbers and revenue. We need to measure amongst others, diversity of voices and perspectives in our content; public trust in media institutions; and the extent to which media coverage promotes understanding across different communities. A Call to Action Tomorrow, President Ramaphosa will address the nation of South Africa and outline government's programme of action for the year ahead. But the success of that programme will depend in large part on how effectively it is communicated and how well it resonates with the lived experiences of our people. This is where each one of you plays a crucial role. Whether you are a journalist holding government accountable or a government communicator translating policy into accessible information – you are shaping the narrative of our nation. Let us commit ourselves to: • Fact-based reporting and communication that builds public trust.
• Inclusive storytelling that reflects the full diversity of our nation.
• Ethical use of digital platforms that prioritises truth over virality.
• Constructive engagement between media and government that serves the public interest The media landscape will continue to evolve. New technologies will emerge. New challenges will arise. But our fundamental responsibility remains unchanged: to inform, to educate, to facilitate dialogue, and to strengthen the bonds that make us one nation. Conclusion Our 30-year-old Constitution gave us the framework. Our 25-year-old democratic local government brought governance closer to the people. Now, as we prepare for another round of local government elections, we must ensure that our media landscape supports informed participation and strengthens the bonds of community. Social cohesion is not a destination – it is a continuous journey. National branding is not a marketing campaign – it is the authentic expression of who we are and who we aspire to be. And public communication’s role in both these endeavours is essential. I thank you for the work you do every day in service of our democracy. I thank our sponsors for investing in platforms like this that bring us together. And I thank the GCIS team for creating this space for dialogue and collaboration. As you enjoy the evening's festivities, I encourage you to continue the conversations started tonight. Build the partnerships that will strengthen our collective impact. Challenge each other to higher standards of excellence. And most importantly, never lose sight of the extraordinary privilege we have as communicators in this hopeful nation. Thank you and enjoy the rest of the evening. I thank you.
Wednesday, 11 February 2026 Programme Director,
Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr. Gayton McKenzie,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers
Representatives of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,
National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr. Makgothi Thobakgale,
Chaplain of the Drakenstein Correctional Facility, Rev. Dr. Eben Mourries,
Leadership and staff of the Drakenstein Correctional Facility,
Residents,
Guests,
Ladies and gentlemen, Good morning. Goeie môre. Molweni. Sanibonani. Dumelang. Avuxeni. Lotjhani. Thirty-six years ago - almost to the day, the eyes of the world were fixed on the gates just beyond where we stand now. They were waiting for the moment one man would walk out of the gates of history, and into legend. At around four-fifteen pm local time, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, with Winnie Madikizela-Mandela beside him, walked out of the gates into the massive crowd that had gathered to greet him. To have been there beside the father of our nation as he took his first steps as a free man, remains one of the greatest honours of my life. Few moments have marked me more than being witness - at close quarters, to the day that lit the path toward the birth of a new South Africa. Today the Drakenstein Correctional Facility once again stands at the threshold of a new chapter in our country’s history. We are here to open a training center that will carry Madiba’s name, and carry forward his legacy of service, leadership and rebuilding. The Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy stands as a powerful affirmation of the values Madiba stood for and lived by and that continue to guide our democracy. This facility will embody the letter and spirit of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules - as adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015. Having spent 27 years in prison, Madiba stood for the fair and humane treatment of all throughout his life. Madiba believed that offenders are deserving of dignity, respect and humane treatment, and that that justice is not measured by how harshly we punish, but by how faithfully we uphold human dignity, even in the most difficult circumstances. The Nelson Mandela Rules advocate for amongst others humane conditions of imprisonment, the importance of rehabilitation of offenders, the provision of educational and vocational training for inmates, and recognising the value of the work of prison staff. Ladies and gentlemen, We cannot talk about overcoming crime in South Africa without having a frank, honest conversation about the rehabilitation of offenders, their re-integration into society, and prevention of re-offending. Our people are fed up with crime, and at most times are inclined to the “lock the door and throw away the key” mentality when it comes to offenders. Yet this will not serve us in the long term as a country. Offenders come from communities, from families. They are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, daughters and sons. They are husbands, wives, partners, friends and colleagues. In as much as far too many in our country have been impacted by crime, there are also many families across the country from whence the offenders came, and they too have suffered. Once they have served their sentences, ex-offenders are released back into the community. It is therefore a priority that we ensure that they are rehabilitated and provided with the necessary support to successfully reintegrate into society. The reality is that we have fallen far short of this objective. Last year the Minister of Correctional Services disclosed that over the past three years more than 18 000 ex-offenders out on parole re-offended, including for serious crimes. Ex-offenders face many challenges when they exit prison, particularly the stigma of having been behind bars. Many lack basic financial stability. Because they have a criminal record it is difficult, if not impossible to find work. Many ex-offenders leave prison with untreated mental health and substance abuse problems. Rebuilding trust with family members and friends is perhaps the hardest of all. Countless offenders return to the same environment that contributed to them offending, where they are exposed to violence and drugs. Ex-offenders who were members of gangs inside prison are pressured to stay affiliated to the gang even when outside the prison walls. Facing social stigma, an unwelcoming environment and social isolation, far too many return to a life of crime. The Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy is determined to break this cycle. Last year work commenced on refurbishing the Drakenstein Management Area Training Center into this new facility. It will focus on providing education, skills training and support to inmates in line with the Nelson Mandela Rules - extending the vistas of opportunity to inmates in preparation for life outside prison, and those serving long sentences, a chance to better themselves. I am told this is the first such facility of its kind on the African continent, so it will serve as a knowledge hub not only for South African officials, but also for the global corrections community. This is not merely a building, but a story. You are welcomed by striking artwork depicting Madiba’s art created by offenders themselves. This is not incidental. It is deeply symbolic. It reflects the very essence of rehabilitation. It is about unlocking the human potential, creativity and self-worth. The furniture that fills this academy has also been produced by offenders within our correctional system. Every table, every chair, every crafted piece speaks to the power of skills development, meaningful work and desire for change. Today we open a repurposed, renovated and expanded facility, transformed into a modern training academy. One cannot help but marvel at the quality of workmanship. It fills me with pride to appreciate work of such high standard being produced by local hands, by men and women within our correctional system. Working together with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime as the custodian of the Nelson Mandela Rules, this academy will ensure that training, practice and policy are firmly guided by the values Madiba stood for. This facility symbolises the humanisation of corrections, the elevation of dignity, and the global pursuit of justice rooted in humanity. Allow me to pay tribute to the men and women of the Department of Correctional Services who perform one of the most demanding and often unrecognised duties in our public service. Every day, correctional officials work under difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions. Your responsibility goes beyond custody and security. You have the duty to transform lives and instil hope where there is often despair. We appreciate and acknowledge the challenges posed by overcrowding and resource constraints. However, I take great encouragement from the efforts within the Department to advance self-sufficiency and sustainability, skills development and productive work, ensuring that correctional facilities become places of rehabilitation rather than mere containment. Your commitment affirms that even in the most difficult circumstances, our correctional system remains anchored in humanity, professionalism and service to the nation. May this academy stand as a living tribute to Nelson Mandela’s legacy. May it shape generations of correctional practitioners committed to dignity and reform. I thank you.
Wednesday, 11 February 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Thursday, 12 February 2026, deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) to a Joint Sitting of the two Houses of Parliament, the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), at Cape Town City Hall. The State of the Nation Address is an annual overview delivered by the President to mobilise all sectors of society to secure ongoing development in the country. The Joint Sitting provides an opportunity for the President to reflect on progress made, highlight key achievements, flag challenges, and outline Government’s policy direction and programme of action for the year ahead. During SONA 2026, President Ramaphosa will outline interventions for the coming financial year, deliberating on South Africa’s domestic priorities, as well as the country’s continental and international relations. The State of the Nation Address remains an important national milestone, reinforcing the strength and resilience of South Africa’s constitutional democratic system. President Ramaphosa will deliver the 2026 State of the Nation Address as follows: Date: Thursday, 12 February 2026
Time: 19h00
Venue: Cape Town City Hall, Western Cape Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
Tuesday, 10 February 2026 Programme Director,
Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Sindiswa
Chikunga,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town, Cllr. Geordin Hill-Lewis,
Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Development Agency, Mr.
Ndumiso Kubheka,
Executive Chairperson of the NYDA, Dr. Sunshine Myende,
Panellists and delegates,
Young South Africans,
Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen, Good afternoon, and thank you for the warm welcome to this annual youth dialogue on the eve of the State of the Nation address, which is always a highlight for the President. The President is unable to attend this year due to pressing issues as he is preparing for the State of the Nation Address. I however want to assure that immediately after this session I will be joining him to look at the final touch up on his speech and ensure that the issues that will be emerging from this gathering form part of his address to the nation. This is primarily the President believes that young people, are our nation’s beating pulse, our present and our future. The are not passive observers of the national mood - you set its tone and pace, you surface new ideas, and you turn what matters to you into conversations, debates and movements. It is from you, the youth, that we come to appreciate what this country sounds like, what its many currents, and the lived experiences of our people are. For anyone seeking to read the pulse of South Africa, one need only be in gatherings such as this one, so it is a real privilege to be here on behalf of the President. It is for this reason why the President in his absence asked that I come and engage, listen, and to learn from you, because you are the future. Together we want to resolve issues on the economy, on education, on healthcare as well as on climate change and any other issue that you consider necessary. This is a year of particular significance for us as a nation, as we mark 50 years since the Soweto uprising. In 1976 the youth took to the streets, demanding that their voices be heard and refusing to accept a future that would exclude and marginalise them. As today’s generation of young people, you are infused with the same moral clarity and sense of purpose. Your instincts for success, for dignity and for taking up opportunity are hard-wired. They are “locked-in”, to use your Gen Z phrase. A future in which democracy truly delivers for all is the struggle of your time and your generational mission. In striving to fulfil your goals, you are the worthy inheritors of the mantle of the 1976 generation. Allow me to thank the National Youth Development Agency for convening this dialogue. For the past 17 years the NYDA has been at the forefront of our efforts as government to connect young people to livelihoods, skills training and economic opportunities. The NYDA has facilitated a range of interventions to support youth entrepreneurship and also lent its support to the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, the National Youth Service and others. On behalf of President Ramaphosa, I look forward to hearing more from the young South Africans on today’s panel who are the beneficiaries of the NYDA’s work. As has been the case in the past, the valuable insights gleaned from this engagement have enriched the State of the Nation address and given us valuable food for thought. I keep my words brief because I would like this to be a real exchange of views. I am here with Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Mayor of Cape Town, Councillors, Officials from all spheres of government not only to share with you what we as government are doing but to plan with you the future of our country. Thank you once more for welcoming me and I look forward to our discussion today.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mr Dipak Patel as Deputy Chairperson of the Presidential Climate Commission. Mr Patel’s designation as Deputy Chairperson forms part of strengthening the Commission’s work on climate finance, investment mobilisation and the delivery of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition objectives. President Ramaphosa, who chairs the Commission, appointed members of the inaugural Presidential Climate Commission in December 2020. The Commission is an independent, statutory, multi-stakeholder body that oversees and facilitates South Africa’s just and equitable transition towards a low-emissions and climate-resilient economy. President Ramaphosa has appointed Mr Patel as Deputy Chairperson for a tenure from 2026 to 2030 in terms of Section 10 (8) of the Climate Change Act, 2024 (Act No 22 of 2024). Mr Patel is an experienced professional with expertise in production management, process engineering, climate finance, and investment banking, and has strong networks across the business and public sectors. He previously served as a Senior Advisor: Climate Finance and Innovation to the Presidential Climate Commission. Earlier this year, President Ramaphosa announced the appointment of 25 new commissioners. The President thanks Mr Patel for availing himself for this role and wishes him and fellow commissioners well in their critical national undertaking. Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, will release the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) Q3 2025/26 report. The release will present progress made in advancing youth employment, provide an overview of programme outcomes, and highlight partnerships driving digital and economic opportunities for young people. Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the briefing as follows: Date: Wednesday, 11 February 2025
Time: 10h00 – 12h00
Venue: Edunova, 1 Ndabeni Street, Langa, Cape Town The programme will include opening remarks by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, a presentation on the PYEI Q3 results, an overview of Edunova and the Innovation Fund, testimonies from youth participants, a media Q&A session, and a tour of the Edunova facilities. The briefing will also highlight the ComUnity Digital Enablers Initiative, a collaborative programme designed to empower young people, particularly young women, through digital skills development, micro-enterprise support, and sustainable economic participation.
Media enquiries: Mandisa Mbele, MandisaM@presidency.gov.za / 082 580 2213
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, will join the Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mzwanele Nyhontso, in two important engagements with land reform stakeholders in the Free State. These engagements form part of government’s ongoing efforts to accelerate land reform, strengthen tenure security, and support beneficiaries towards sustainable land use and inclusive rural development. 1. ENGAGEMENT WITH LAND REFORM BENEFICIARIES AND TITLE DEEDS HANDOVER The first programme will focus on direct engagement with land reform beneficiaries, highlighting progress made, addressing challenges, and reinforcing government’s commitment to restoring land rights. The programme will also include the handover of title deeds to beneficiaries. Details are as follows:
Date: Monday, 9 February 2026
Time: 09:00 – 16:30
Venue: Loft Conference Centre, Bethlehem, Free State The Deputy Minister will deliver remarks during the programme and participate in engagements with beneficiaries and stakeholders. 2. ENGAGEMENT WITH COMMUNAL PROPERTY ASSOCIATIONS (CPAs) The second programme will focus on strengthening governance, accountability, and sustainability of Communal Property Associations. The engagement provides a platform for CPAs to present their experiences, challenges, and opportunities in managing communal land for the benefit of communities. Details are as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 10 February 2026
Time: 09:00 – 16:30
Venue: Lavender Hill Country Estate, Bethlehem, Free State These engagements reaffirm government’s commitment to meaningful land reform, improved rural livelihoods, and ensuring that land reform beneficiaries and communal institutions are empowered, supported, and sustainable. Members of the media are invited to cover both programmes.
Media enquiries: Ms Mandisa Mbele, Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on 082 580 2213 or mandisam@presidency.gov.za Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
President Cyril Ramaphosa has informed the United Nations Secretary‑General, His Excellency Mr Antonio Guterres, of the South African government’s decision to withdraw its contribution of soldiers to the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). South Africa ranks amongst the top ten troop‑contributing countries to MONUSCO, with a force presence of over seven hundred soldiers deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in support of the Mission’s peacekeeping mandate. In a telephone conversation held on 12 January 2026, President Ramaphosa indicated that South Africa’s unilateral withdrawal decision from MONUSCO is influenced by the need to consolidate and realign the resources of the South African National Defence Force, following twenty‑seven years of South Africa’s support to UN peacekeeping efforts in the DRC. MONUSCO was established by the UN Security Council in 1999, initially to support the 1999 Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement. With persistent conflict in the DRC, the mission has evolved with a mandate to protect civilians, humanitarian personnel, and human rights defenders under imminent threat of physical violence, and to support the DRC government in stabilisation and peace‑consolidation efforts. South Africa will work jointly with the UN to finalise the timelines and other modalities of the withdrawal, which will be completed before the end of 2026. President Ramaphosa has welcomed the appreciation expressed by the UN Secretary‑General regarding South Africa’s decision. The South African government will continue to maintain close bilateral relations with the government of the DRC, as well as provide ongoing support to other multilateral efforts by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN) aimed at bringing lasting peace to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
Thursday, 5 February 2026 South African Revenue Service Commissioner Edward Kieswetter,
Deputy Commissioners,
Members of the SARS Exco,
Representatives from SARS management,
Representatives of government entities,
SARS staff,
Guests, Good Morning, It is an honour and privilege to be here at the SARS National Command Centre, which is the engine room of the South African state. The South African Revenue Service occupies a unique and critical role in the life of our nation; it is at the heart of our efforts to build a capable state. By strengthening compliance, SARS turns collection into capability. It ensures that government has sufficient, predictable resources for the delivery of public services, to invest in infrastructure to better the lives of our people, and to drive inclusive growth. SARS is a creation of our democracy. And for nearly 30 years, it has sustained our democracy. Since SARS was established in 1997 it has collected more than R23 trillion in tax revenue that has been used for social and economic development. By harnessing new technologies, employing new methods and better understanding taxpayers, SARS has established itself at the forefront of innovation in tax revenue collection. This organisation stands as a shining example of global tax collection best practice. It is one of the most effective, best run and trusted state institutions in our country. In just five years, public trust in SARS has grown from 48 percent to 75 percent. The recent improvements in business and investor confidence are in no small part due to the diligent efforts of the South African Revenue Service. The regulatory environment is a key consideration for investors looking to bring their business to our country. They seek certainty in tax policy and honesty and efficiency in tax administration. When S&P issued our first sovereign credit rating upgrade in nearly two decades late last year, amongst the factors cited was strong value-added tax and corporate income tax receipts. SARS was also instrumental in the work of the multi-disciplinary team whose efforts saw South Africa exit the Financial Action Task Force grey list in October last year. Given the heights SARS has scaled and the position in which it is now, it is easy to forget the difficult journey the organisation has traversed. Like a number of other key state institutions, SARS was severely impacted by the state capture era, with political meddling, mismanagement and corruption hampering its efficiency. To the organisation’s great credit, SARS moved swiftly to implement the recommendations of the Nugent Commission of Inquiry into tax administration and governance. Eight years later, the majority of the recommendations have been implemented as the organisation continues along its transformative journey to become “a smart, modern SARS with unquestionable integrity that is trusted and admired”. Having largely achieved a turnaround, SARS has positioned itself to be at the forefront of efficiency and service excellence. It has set its horizons on broadening the tax base, improving voluntary compliance and fiscal citizenship. It has also focused on its own organisational capacity by strengthening leadership and governance, and on scaling up its modernisation efforts by leveraging people, data and technology. While we have seen early signs of recovery in our economy, these are difficult times. Revenue collection is more challenging, both domestically and globally. Slower economic growth and higher living costs are squeezing the tax base. Even though we are on track to achieve a third consecutive primary budget surplus, giving us more room for social spending, we continue to rely on SARS to support the delivery of the strategic priorities of the Government of National Unity. We need to have the fiscal space to drive inclusive economic growth and job creation, reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living, and build a capable, ethical developmental state. We do not want to burden future generations with debilitating debt. We therefore welcome the launch last year of what has been dubbed Project AmaBillions, a SARS initiative to recover an estimated R300 billion in outstanding taxes that is legally due. We continue to rely on SARS in the ongoing fight against corruption and malfeasance in both the public and private sectors. Through lifestyle audits, enforcement actions directed at the illicit economy and other efforts, SARS is playing a leading role in this fight. Ultimately, every rand collected by the South African Revenue Service advances the nation’s development. We are greatly encouraged by SARS’ stated intent to continue to modernise its systems, to strengthen compliance and to safeguard its integrity. An effective organisation relies on dedicated, capable and motivated people. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all the hardworking men and women of the South African Revenue Service, here at the National Command Centre and around the country, for their efforts. Yours is not an easy task. Thank you for doing what is one of the state’s most difficult jobs: enforcing tax compliance and taking tough decisions with fairness and integrity, often under immense pressure and criticism. Your role is an invaluable one. You are keeping public services funded and our society functioning. For this our nation thanks you. I also acknowledge all the men and women in the compliance and enforcement ecosystem who support SARS in its work: in the Financial Intelligence Centre, the South African Police Service, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the Special Investigating Unit and others. Cooperation with the private sector and other stakeholders is integral to SARS’ effectiveness. We acknowledge the role played by the financial institutions and data providers such as banks, insurers and fund administrators. I want to thank the South African taxpayer who diligently acts in fulfilment of their responsibility to contribute what they should to building a better country. Lastly, I wish to acknowledge and thank Commissioner Edward Kieswetter for his stewardship of SARS since 2019. Your leadership has been vital to restoring the credibility and integrity of this critical South African institution. You leave an organisation that is much more cohesive, efficient, capable and trusted than when you took office. The real measure of your contribution is not how much revenue SARS collected during your tenure, but by how well prepared it is for a challenging future. The country is deeply grateful for your outstanding contribution. This has been an immensely insightful visit. I am greatly impressed by what I have seen today. I leave here confident that SARS will continue to reach milestone after milestone in its ongoing quest to be a revenue service that is cutting-edge, innovative and agile. A revenue service that does South Africa and its people proud. I thank you.
Wednesday, 4 February 2026 Programme Director and Chairperson of the Export Credit Insurance Corporation, Ms Delia Ndlovu;
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
Former Deputy President Baleka Mbete;
President of the Afrexim Bank, Dr George Elombi;
Former President of Afrexim Bank, Professor Benedict Oramah;
Members of the Board and Technical Team;
Representatives of business and organised labour;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen; Good Morning. Today we mark a major milestone in our quest to realise the economic integration of our continent. South Africa’s accession to the Africa Export‑Import Bank affirms our commitment to African industrial development and to deepening trade, investment and development across the continent. Once finalised, the South Africa‑Afreximbank Country Programme will be operationalised with a finance package that will initially support a range of strategic projects across the trade and industrial cluster. The programme will inject capital into priority industrial projects, export diversification, infrastructure development and transformation initiatives. Today’s signing signals a deliberate, ambitious and more impactful phase in South Africa’s economic engagement with Africa and the world. For South Africa, the decision to accede to Afreximbank represents a strategic alignment. We seek to contribute to an Africa that prioritises intra‑continental trade, that builds its own industrial base, and that mobilises African financial institutions to support development. For more than 30 years, Afreximbank has demonstrated resilience, innovation and impact. It has developed a diversified portfolio across geographies and sectors. This partnership will strengthen South Africa’s ability to support exporters, industrial projects and regional value chains, while advancing continental development. South Africa accedes to Afreximbank at a time of both challenge and opportunity for the continent. Global economic uncertainties, climate risks and shifting trade patterns underscore the need for building economic resilience. As a country, we are implementing far‑reaching reforms to restore growth, improve competitiveness and expand inclusion. We are working to accelerate economic growth by implementing structural reforms, increasing infrastructure investment and through targeted industrial policy. As we accede to the Establishment Agreement today, we do so with a clear understanding that membership alone is not the objective. What matters is how this partnership is translated into practical instruments that expand productive capacity, diversify our exports and integrate more South Africans into regional and global value chains. South Africa’s industrialisation path is anchored by three mutually‑reinforcing pillars: decarbonisation, diversification and digitisation. We are pursuing an energy transition that balances climate imperatives with developmental realities; that builds new industrial capabilities and creates new jobs. That is why we are investing in renewable energy, green hydrogen, sustainable fuels and climate‑resilient infrastructure. That is why we are focused on beneficiating critical minerals for clean energy technologies. These are sectors where African countries hold competitive advantage. They are sectors where long‑term project finance, guarantees and blended instruments are essential to unlocking scale. Diversifying both our export basket and our exporter base is key to our economic growth strategy. We are shifting toward higher‑value, more complex exports in advanced manufacturing, green industries, critical minerals beneficiation, pharmaceuticals and the digital economy. Through the African Continental Free Trade Area we are working to build African value chains that anchor production on the continent and strengthen Africa’s economic sovereignty. Afreximbank’s instruments — from trade finance and project preparation to risk mitigation and market access support — are indispensable in turning this vision into reality. They will help to lower barriers to entry, reduce transaction costs and support South African firms as they expand into new African markets. Through the Afreximbank Inclusive Development Support Programme for South Africa, a dedicated facility has been set aside to address structural barriers that have historically excluded many South Africans from participating in trade and industrialisation. As a country we are working to enable new and emerging exporters to participate meaningfully in trade – particularly small and medium enterprises, black industrialists, and women‑ and youth‑owned firms. This programme will enable black businesses and entrepreneurs to access finance, build assets and participate in strategic sectors. Today’s accession brings us a step closer towards the incubation of a South African Export–Import Bank. Working closely with Afreximbank, and building on the experience of our Export Credit Insurance Corporation, we are laying the foundations for a national institution that will support exporters, crowd in investment and provide financing aligned to our industrial priorities. This is a strategic investment in our ability to compete and to support South African firms across the export lifecycle. It will help to ensure that our participation in African and global trade is sustained, resilient and developmental. Allow me to conclude by acknowledging the leadership that has brought us to this moment. We welcome Dr George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, whose stewardship marks a new chapter in the Bank’s evolution. We recognise Professor Benedict Oramah, former President of AfreximBank, under whose visionary leadership the process of South Africa’s accession was initiated and advanced. Your contribution to building Afreximbank into a formidable continental institution laid much of the foundations for the partnership we formalise today. The continuity of leadership reflects the strength and maturity of Afreximbank as a Pan‑African institution. Finally, we thank Minister Parks Tau for his central role in advancing South Africa’s trade and industrial agenda. Today, as we sign this Instrument of Accession, we do so with clarity of purpose and confidence. Let this moment mark not only South Africa’s full membership of Afreximbank, but the activation of a partnership that delivers growth, transformation and opportunity for our country and for our continent. I thank you.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday , 04 February 2026, deliver an address at the signing of the Instrument of Accession by South Africa to the Establishment Agreement of the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank). The signing ceremony marks South Africa’s formal transition to Class A Shareholder status in Afreximbank and signals the activation of a strategic partnership aimed at advancing industrial development, export-led growth, and deeper intra-African trade integration. Afreximbank is a pan-African multilateral financial institution that facilitates, promotes and expands intra- and extra-African trade. The bank is a key player in financing the continent's economic development and industrialisation. The ceremony will be attended by the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, Dr George Elombi; members of the Bank’s Board and management; Ministers, senior government officials, captains of industry and representatives of the diplomatic corps. The partnership with Afreximbank is expected to support priority areas including industrial competitiveness, transformation and inclusive growth, as well as the expansion of intra-African trade and investment. Sovereign membership offers South African companies, commercial banks as well as State Owned Enterprises (SOEs), more competitive trade finance; expanded funding for trade activities under the AfCFTA; greater participation in cross-border projects and investments; increased partnerships and cooperation with other African financial institutions, and access to various risk mitigation tools. President Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address, outlining South Africa’s vision for industrialisation, export diversification, decarbonisation, and digitisation, as well as the country’s role in advancing Africa’s economic integration in line with the bank’s strategic mandate. President Ramaphosa will address and officiate the signing ceremony of the Instrument of Accession by the Republic of South Africa to the Establishment Agreement of the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 4 February 2026
Venue: The Westcliff Hotel, Johannesburg
Time: 08:00 - 10:00 am Members of the media who wish to attend the session are advised to RSVP by sending details to Khutjo Sebata on Khutjo@presidency.gov.za/079 898 4621 or Phumzile Kotane on pkotane@thedtic.gov.za/071 462 8246 by 14h00 on Tuesday , 03 February 2026.
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing in Cape Town of Mr Leon Levy, aged 96, who was the last surviving signatory of the Freedom Charter and Accused No 4 in the 1956 Treason Trial. President Ramaphosa offers his deep sympathy to the family and friends of Mr Levy who took on numerous roles in the struggle alongside his equally committed identical twin brother, Norman, who passed away in July 2021. Leon Levy, whose parents had emigrated from Lithuania, joined the Communist Party of South Africa when he was a teenager and became a trade unionist when he was 24 – two years before he was elected president of the South African Congress of Trade Unions that he had helped to establish. He was among the organisers of the Congress of the People which adopted the Freedom Charter on 26 June 1955. The six Charter signatories were African National Congress President Chief Albert Luthuli; Jimmy La Guma of the South African Coloured People's Congress; Monty Naicker of the Natal Indian Congress; Pieter Beyleveld of the Congress of Democrats and Leon Levy of the South African Congress of Trade Unions. In December 1956, security police arrested the Levy brothers as part of a crackdown on liberation movement leaders and charged the activists with high treason, which carried the death penalty as a possible sentence. While Norman Levy was discharged later, Leon Levy remained on trial until his acquittal in 1961. The brothers remained politically active, with Norman Levy serving three years after being convicted under the Suppression of Communism Act. Leon Levy was subjected to two periods of detention, after which he went into exile in England, where Norman joined him after being released from prison. President Ramaphosa said: “The passing of Leon Levy is a sad moment for us as fellow human beings. It is particularly sad for us as citizens of a South Africa that attained freedom from apartheid through the hard and sacrificial activism of Leon Levy and those who were in the trenches with him, including his brother, Norman. “As we mark 70 years since the Treason Trial of 1956, we are obliged to pay tribute to the cohort of leaders and other activists who fought the apartheid state based on their belief in the inherent equality and dignity of all people. “Leon Levy attached his signature to the Freedom Charter that lives on in our Constitution whose 30th anniversary we observe as well in 2026. “Leon Levy was part of a generation whose contributions to a better life and a better world for all South Africans and humanity globally must never be forgotten or dishonoured. “May his soul rest in peace.” Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
Your Excellencies,
Distinguished Ministers,
Representatives of Member States,
Ladies and gentlemen, As we conclude our deliberations today, allow me to extend my sincere appreciation to all of you for the depth of engagement and the renewed sense of collective purpose that has defined this meeting. Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its development journey. Through the Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative, we are charting a course to accelerate the continent’s transformation by placing strategic infrastructure at the heart of our shared vision. This initiative is not simply about building roads, bridges, and energy corridors. It is about connecting our people, our economies and our aspirations. We need to ensure that these projects translate into tangible progress for every community, every region and every citizen. This means we need to mobilise resources and unite governments, partners and the private sector. Our discussions today have reaffirmed the tangible progress being made across the continent. The highways, bridges, corridors and cables that are being built are lifelines of trade, integration and opportunity. They represent the arteries of a modern, interconnected and competitive Africa. This meeting has confronted the persistent challenges that continue to slow our momentum, including financing constraints, weak coordination mechanisms, limited secretariat capacity and security risks. These are real and pressing obstacles. But they are not insurmountable. As we look ahead to the forthcoming African Union Summit in mid-February, our task is clear: to translate today’s reflections into a strong, coherent and actionable mandate. We seek a mandate that re-energises political support for the initiative, that strengthens its institutional base, and that secures the sustainable financing and partnerships necessary to deliver the next generation of transformative infrastructure. Let us continue to ensure that PICI remains fully aligned with the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area, so that every road we pave, every bridge we build, every data link we connect contributes directly to deeper integration, expanded trade and shared prosperity. The spirit of unity and practical solidarity displayed here today gives us confidence that, together, we will overcome the barriers before us and accelerate Africa’s infrastructure transformation. Let us leave this meeting not only with a report to adopt, but with a renewed conviction that Africa’s development is, and must remain, championed by Africans. It must be driven by our leadership, financed through our ingenuity and sustained by our shared vision for a continent that is connected in every sense. I thank you.
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Wednesday, 11 February 2026 Programme Director,
Deputy Minister in The Presidency Responsible for Women, Youth And Persons With Disabilities Steve Letsike
Director of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, Tshego Walker
COO of Edunova, Dietrich Baron
Leaders of Afrika Tikkun and Capacitate
Partners and stakeholders
Members of the media
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen Good morning. South Africa is a young nation. More than half of our population is under the age of 35. This is not simply a statistic it is a national reality that shapes our politics, our economy, and our future. Yet we must also confront a difficult truth. Too many young South Africans continue to face unemployment, exclusion, and limited pathways into meaningful economic participation. Youth unemployment is not only an economic challenge it is a social challenge, a developmental challenge, and fundamentally, a matter of justice. As a democratic and responsive government, we are clear that the future of South Africa depends on the future of its young people. We cannot speak about growth, inclusion, or stability without addressing the lived realities of youth. Government has a responsibility not only to listen, but to act decisively to expand opportunity, restore hope, and ensure that no young person is left behind. It is within this context that the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention was established not as a temporary response, but as a structural national effort to unlock earning opportunities at scale, remove barriers to entry, and support young people as they transition from learning to earning. As Deputy President Paul Mashatile said yesterday in Khayelitsha, young people are the beating pulse of our nation, not only our future but our present. They shape the national mood, surface new ideas, and drive the conversations that define our country. Government therefore has a responsibility not only to speak to young people, but to listen, engage and act together with them to resolve the challenges of unemployment, education, economic inclusion and opportunity. Today’s generation of young South Africans carries the same sense of purpose and determination that defined the youth of 1976, and it is our duty to ensure that democracy delivers meaningfully for them. Today, Colleagues, we present the Quarter 3 results of this intervention and reflect on the progress we continue to make in building a South Africa where young people can participate in the economy with dignity, agency, and hope. Ladies and gentlemen, We continue to see meaningful progress. By the end of Quarter 3: - More than 5.77 million young people are registered on SA Youth, and over 4.8 million on ESSA.
- The PYEI has facilitated access to over 2.36 million earning opportunities, with an additional 402,515 opportunities through ESSA since inception.
- This represents an increase of more than 294,000 new opportunities in just one quarter.
Importantly, over 70% of opportunities accessed through SA Youth are taken up by young women, demonstrating our continued commitment to closing equity gaps in the labour market. These are not just statistics. Behind every number is a young person whose dignity is restored, whose confidence is strengthened, and whose future is expanding. Achievements in Quarter 3 In the period October to December 2025: - 294,530 earning opportunities were secured through the National Pathway Management Network.
- Over 11,000 young people gained workplace experience opportunities through partnerships with the private sector and higher education institutions.
- More than 6,700 enterprise opportunities were provided to support youth entrepreneurship.
- The Revitalised National Youth Service continues to expand, with 132,784 young people placed in paid service opportunities to date.
- These achievements show that the PYEI is not only growing in scale, but also in depth, diversity, and sustainability of opportunities.
Colleagues, One of the most important milestones this quarter has been the continued success of the Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund. - Over 9,170 young people enrolled, exceeding targets.
- More than 7,200 young people placed into jobs.
- Over R220 million disbursed based on verified employment outcomes.
- This results-based financing model ensures we do not simply fund activity, we fund real employment outcomes.
Ladies and Gentleman, The Innovation Fund continues to demonstrate how targeted support can unlock new earning pathways. From digital skills to the property sector and health services, innovative projects are helping young people enter industries that were previously difficult to access. This is why today’s venue, Edunova, is so significant. The ComUnity Digital Enablers Initiative represents the future of youth employment. Through collaboration between Edunova, Afrika Tikkun and Capacitate: - Young people, particularly young women, are trained as Community Digital Angels.
- They operate through a micro-franchise model, building digital micro-enterprises in their own communities.
- The initiative combines digital skills, entrepreneurship, and community-based opportunity creation.
This model not only creates jobs, it builds local economies, strengthens digital inclusion something I am very passionate about, and empowers communities. Colleagues and members of the media, Policy and programmes matter. But what matters most is impact on people’s lives. Shortly, we will hear directly from two young beneficiaries of this programme. They will share their journeys, their challenges, and how access to opportunity has changed their lives and their futures. Their testimonies remind us why this work is urgent, why it is necessary, and why we must continue to scale these efforts. To every young person watching and listening today, Opportunities are available to you right now. You can register for free on the SAYouth.mobi platform, which is zero-rated on all major mobile networks, meaning you do not need data to access it. Through SAYouth.mobi, young people can: - Find earning and learning opportunities
- Access work experience and enterprise support
- Receive job-readiness support and guidance
- Connect to opportunities in their communities and across the country.
This platform is designed to ensure that no young person is excluded because of cost, location, or lack of access to information. We encourage every young South African to visit www.SAYouth.mobi, register, and take the first step toward opportunity. Members of the Media, The PYEI is part of a broader national effort to remove structural barriers to job creation and economic participation. Through partnerships and initiatives such as: - Demand-led skills development
- Strengthening local economic ecosystems
- Expanding youth service opportunities
- Integrating with Operation Vulindlela and the Presidential Employment Stimulus.We are building a South Africa where young people participate in the economy with dignity, agency, and hope.
Ladies and gentlemen, The progress we present today is encouraging, but our work is far from complete. Youth unemployment remains one of the greatest challenges facing our nation. But through partnership, innovation, and persistence, we are steadily expanding pathways to earning for millions of young South Africans. To our partners and stakeholders, thank you. And to the young people of South Africa we see you, we believe in you, and we will continue working to unlock opportunities for you. I thank you.
Wednesday, 11 February 2026 Programme Director;
Deputy Minister in The Presidency Responsible for Women, Youth And Persons With Disabilities, Steve Letsike;
Director of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, Tshego Walker;
COO of Edunova, Dietrich Baron;
Leaders of Afrika Tikkun and Capacitate;
Partners and stakeholders;
Members of the media;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen; Good morning. South Africa is a young nation. More than half of our population is under the age of 35. This is not simply a statistic it is a national reality that shapes our politics, our economy, and our future. Yet we must also confront a difficult truth. Too many young South Africans continue to face unemployment, exclusion, and limited pathways into meaningful economic participation. Youth unemployment is not only an economic challenge it is a social challenge, a developmental challenge, and fundamentally, a matter of justice. As a democratic and responsive Government, we are clear that the future of South Africa depends on the future of its young people. We cannot speak about growth, inclusion, or stability without addressing the lived realities of youth. Government has a responsibility not only to listen, but to act decisively to expand opportunity, restore hope, and ensure that no young person is left behind. It is within this context that the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention was established not as a temporary response, but as a structural national effort to unlock earning opportunities at scale, remove barriers to entry, and support young people as they transition from learning to earning. As Deputy President Paul Mashatile said yesterday in Khayelitsha, young people are the beating pulse of our nation, not only our future but our present. They shape the national mood, surface new ideas, and drive the conversations that define our country. Government, therefore, has a responsibility not only to speak to young people, but to listen, engage and act together with them to resolve the challenges of unemployment, education, economic inclusion and opportunity. Today’s generation of young South Africans carries the same sense of purpose and determination that defined the youth of 1976, and it is our duty to ensure that democracy delivers meaningfully for them. Today, colleagues, we present the Quarter 3 results of this intervention and reflect on the progress we continue to make in building a South Africa where young people can participate in the economy with dignity, agency, and hope. Ladies and gentlemen, We continue to see meaningful progress. By the end of Quarter 3: * More than 5.77 million young people are registered on SA Youth, and over 4.8 million on ESSA.
* The PYEI has facilitated access to over 2.36 million earning opportunities, with an additional 402,515 opportunities through ESSA since inception.
* This represents an increase of more than 294,000 new opportunities in just one quarter. Importantly, over 70% of opportunities accessed through SA Youth are taken up by young women, demonstrating our continued commitment to closing equity gaps in the labour market. These are not just statistics. Behind every number is a young person whose dignity is restored, whose confidence is strengthened, and whose future is expanding.
Achievements in Quarter 3 In the period October to December 2025: * 294,530 earning opportunities were secured through the National Pathway Management Network.
* Over 11,000 young people gained workplace experience opportunities through partnerships with the private sector and higher education institutions.
* More than 6,700 enterprise opportunities were provided to support youth entrepreneurship.
* The Revitalised National Youth Service continues to expand, with 132,784 young people placed in paid service opportunities to date. These achievements show that the PYEI is not only growing in scale, but also in depth, diversity, and sustainability of opportunities. Colleagues, One of the most important milestones this quarter has been the continued success of the Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund. * Over 9,170 young people enrolled, exceeding targets.
* More than 7,200 young people placed into jobs.
* Over R220 million disbursed based on verified employment outcomes. This results-based financing model ensures we do not simply fund activity, we fund real employment outcomes. Ladies and gentleman, The Innovation Fund continues to demonstrate how targeted support can unlock new earning pathways. From digital skills to the property sector and health services, innovative projects are helping young people enter industries that were previously difficult to access. This is why today’s venue, Edunova, is so significant. The ComUnity Digital Enablers Initiative represents the future of youth employment. Through collaboration between Edunova, Afrika Tikkun and Capacitate:
* Young people, particularly young women, are trained as Community Digital Angels.
* They operate through a micro-franchise model, building digital micro-enterprises in their own communities.
* The initiative combines digital skills, entrepreneurship, and community-based opportunity creation. This model not only creates jobs, it builds local economies, strengthens digital inclusion something I am very passionate about, and empowers communities. Colleagues and members of the media, Policy and programmes matter. But what matters most is impact on people’s lives. Shortly, we will hear directly from two young beneficiaries of this programme. They will share their journeys, their challenges, and how access to opportunity has changed their lives and their futures. Their testimonies remind us why this work is urgent, why it is necessary, and why we must continue to scale these efforts. To every young person watching and listening today, Opportunities are available to you right now. You can register for free on the SAYouth.mobi platform, which is zero-rated on all major mobile networks, meaning you do not need data to access it. Through SAYouth.mobi, young people can: * Find earning and learning opportunities
* Access work experience and enterprise support
* Receive job-readiness support and guidance
* Connect to opportunities in their communities and across the country This platform is designed to ensure that no young person is excluded because of cost, location, or lack of access to information. We encourage every young South African to visit www.SAYouth.mobi, register, and take the first step toward opportunity. Members of the media, the PYEI is part of a broader national effort to remove structural barriers to job creation and economic participation, through partnerships and initiatives such as: * Demand-led skills development
* Strengthening local economic ecosystems
* Expanding youth service opportunities
* Integrating with Operation Vulindlela and the Presidential Employment Stimulus We are building a South Africa where young people participate in the economy with dignity, agency, and hope. Ladies and gentlemen, The progress we present today is encouraging, but our work is far from complete. Youth unemployment remains one of the greatest challenges facing our nation. But through partnership, innovation, and persistence, we are steadily expanding pathways to earning for millions of young South Africans. To our partners and stakeholders, thank you. And to the young people of South Africa we see you, we believe in you, and we will continue working to unlock opportunities for you. I thank you.
Tuesday, 10 February 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed South Africa’s ongoing support to diplomatic and peaceful efforts aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This is in line with South Africa’s long stated position during talks with both sides that all wars end through negotiations. In a telephone call held today, 10 February 2026, President Ramaphosa received a briefing from President Vladimir Putin on the situation in Ukraine and on Russia’s commitment to a diplomatic solution. On the bilateral relationship, President Ramaphosa welcomed the engagements with Russia aimed at advancing the development of a mutually beneficial trade and investment framework within the Russia-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership. The two leaders also discussed cooperation in key international fora such as BRICS and the G20. President Ramaphosa and President Putin pledged their support to the process of returning South Africans fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. In this regard, teams from both sides will continue their engagements towards the finalisation of this process.
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya - Spokesperson to the President on media@presidency.gov.za
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
Programme Director, Mr Zulu,
Honourable Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mr Mzwanele Nyhontso,
Honourable MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Elzabe Rockman,
District Mayor, Cllr Conny Msibi, and other Councillors,
Chairperson of the Free State House of Traditional Leaders, Ntate Morena Neo Mopeli,
Leaders of Communal Property Associations,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is an honour to join the Honourable Minister and all stakeholders gathered here today for this important engagement with land reform beneficiaries. Programmes such as this are not ceremonial. They are about restoring dignity, strengthening ownership, and ensuring that land reform translates into real economic participation for our people. The handover of title deeds represents far more than a legal process. It represents security. It represents opportunity. And it represents a decisive step toward correcting the injustices of our past while building a more inclusive and productive future. Government is clear that land reform must not only transfer land, but must also support sustainable use of that land. Beneficiaries must be empowered to farm, to build, to invest, and to create livelihoods for their families and communities. Land must become a productive asset that drives growth, food security, and local economic development. This work is also part of the broader structural reform programme under Operation Vulindlela, which is focused on removing barriers to growth, improving service delivery, and strengthening the capability of the state. Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury aimed at accelerating priority reforms to support economic growth and inclusive development. One of the key priorities within this reform agenda is spatial integration and housing, including clearing the backlog of title deeds and improving access to secure land ownership. This work ensures that more South Africans are able to participate meaningfully in the economy and build intergenerational wealth. Today’s engagement therefore forms part of a much larger national effort to unlock opportunity, restore dignity, and build a capable, responsive state that works for its people. We recognise that challenges remain. Issues of post-settlement support, governance, access to finance, infrastructure, and market access must continue to be addressed with urgency. Government is committed to working with beneficiaries, CPAs, traditional leaders, and all stakeholders to ensure that land reform succeeds not only in policy, but in practice. To the beneficiaries present today: the land you receive is a foundation for progress. Use it productively. Build from it. Grow from it. And pass on a legacy of ownership and opportunity to future generations. Let us continue working together to ensure that land reform contributes to inclusive growth, rural development, and shared prosperity. I thank you.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, attend and deliver the keynote address at the SAYEC 4th Annual Mining Indaba Business Dialogue under the theme: “Unlocking South Africa’s Critical Minerals Advantage: Driving Investment and Value Addition for a Competitive Future”. The Mining Indaba Business Dialogue is SAYEC’s flagship convening platform and forms part of engagements aligned to the Mining Indaba programme, placing young people at the centre of discussions on ownership, enterprise participation, and long-term sector transformation. The Dialogue will bring together Government, industry leaders, investors, and young people to engage on South Africa’s mining, oil, and gas sectors as key enablers of industrialisation, beneficiation, investment mobilisation and inclusive economic growth. Deputy President Mashatile will deliver a keynote address focusing on energy security, critical minerals beneficiation as well as inclusive ownership in advancing a resilient and competitive industrial economy. Details of the event are as follows: Date: Wednesday, 11 February 2026
Time: 18h00 (media to arrive at 17h00)
Venue: Southern Sun, Cape Sun Hotel, Cape Town, Western Cape Province Media wishing to attend and cover the event must please RSVP by sending: full name, ID number & media house before 14h00 on Tuesday, 10 February 2026 to info@sayec.co.za or 081 413 5999 or contact Sthembiso Sithole (The Presidency) on 078 356 4355. Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840. Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, officially open the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy at the Drakenstein Correctional Facility in the Western Cape. Drakenstein Correctional Facility, formerly known as Victor Verster Prison, holds profound historical significance as the place from which Nelson Mandela walked to freedom on 10 February 1990. That historic walk marked a decisive turning point in South Africa’s journey towards democracy, culminating in the election of Nelson Mandela as the country’s first democratically elected President in 1994. On 11 February, President Ramaphosa will pay a visit to the Madiba House, which housed Nelson Mandela during the final years of his imprisonment. The President will thereafter officially open the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy, the first of its kind, reaffirming South Africa’s leadership role in advancing human rights, humane correctional practices, and the protection of the dignity and rights of offenders. The year 2026 marks 11 years since the adoption of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules) and 16 years since the adoption of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules). These international instruments provide practical standards that call for the humanisation of correctional systems, recognition of inherent human dignity, and the advancement of justice anchored in humanity. The establishment of the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy reflects South Africa’s continued commitment to embedding these principles within correctional training and practice. The country will work closely with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), as the custodian of the Nelson Mandela Rules, to ensure their effective implementation. President Ramaphosa will officially open the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy as follows: Date: Wednesday, 11 February 2026
Time: 08h00
Venue: Drakenstein Correctional Facility, Western Cape Members of the media are invited to rsvp to Khutjo Sebata on Khutjo@presidency.gov.za / 079 898 4621 and Mocheta Monama on Mocheta.Monama@dcs.gov.za by Monday, 09 February 2026 at 17h00. Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, engage in a youth roundtable as part of a series of ongoing consultations with stakeholders ahead of the 2026 State of the Nation Address. The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), an agency of the Ministry in the Presidency, is hosting the Presidential Youth Roundtable engagement at the Thusong Service Centre in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. The Presidential Youth Roundtable is an interactive session where young South Africans will have a direct and open exchange with President Cyril Ramaphosa and members of the National Executive. President Ramaphosa will engage with youth on their perspectives, challenges, and ideas for the nation's future. Participating Ministers’ engagement with youth will precede the Presidential Youth Roundtable. The President will be accompanied by several Ministers to participate in the discussions and address issues within their respective mandates. The Presidential Youth Roundtable Engagement will take place as follows: Date: Tuesday, 10 February 2026
Time: 11h00 (Media to arrive by 10h00 for set-up)
Venue: Khayelitsha CBD Hall (Thusong), Cape Town Members of the media who wish to cover the engagement are requested to send their details to Ndivhuwo Kharivhe on ndivhuwo@presidency.gov.za and Tabudi Madisha on Tabudi.Madisha@NYDA.GOV.ZA by Monday, 9 February 2026 at midday, 12h00.
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
Saturday, 7 February 2026 Yesterday, the Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen together with the Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development Mzwanele Nyhontso and the Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli, held an engagement with the Izwi Labantu Forum as part of efforts to address grievances delivered during a march to the Union Buildings on January 29, 2026. The ministers were joined by senior officials at the head office of the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development in Pretoria. Ministers Nyhontso and Steenhuisen and Deputy Minister Mhlauli confirmed that constructive discussions were held and that, the engagement demonstrated that the government is committed to addressing genuine concerns raised, with ongoing and concrete interventions already underway across the affected sectors. The issues presented by the Izwi Labantu, including matters relating to land reform, support for emerging farmers, rural safety, access to markets, bureaucratic delays, and transparency in agricultural support programmes, are not new to Government and form part of existing policy, reform, and implementation programmes currently being executed. Government has already initiated a series of interventions aimed at strengthening farmer support, improving land reform outcomes, enhancing rural safety coordination, and accelerating service delivery in affected communities. In addition, government wishes to reiterate its efforts and interventions to accelerating land reform and agriculture from both emerging and commercial farmers. Over the years, government has put together programmes to addressing equity and inclusion of small scale and previously disadvantaged farmers. The inclusion of emerging black farmers in commercial agriculture is critical for the transformation of the agricultural sector and our land reform programme. The ongoing land reform process and release of government land demonstrates our government’s commitment to ensure that emerging farmers are given the necessary support to contribute to the growth of South Africa's agricultural economy. Given that the issue of land reform is critical for the transformation of the agricultural sector to the same degree that the development of small and medium scale black farmers is vital for ensuring food security and increasing agricultural exports, the Government remains dedicated to advancing land reform and agricultural development, with the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Agriculture and Land Reform providing political and strategic leadership on these issues. In terms of targets for land reform, the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development has been working towards allocating 200,000 hectares of land between 2024 and 2029 to ensure equitable land access and improved tenure security. This work will build on the significant progress achieved during the previous administrations. Among other matters, the following progress has been reported to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform and Agriculture: - The Commission on Restitution of Land Rights reported that a total of 3,760,495 hectares of land were settled in the period between 1995 and 31 December 2024. A total of nearly 2,4 million individuals, including 1,275 persons with disabilities and 466,568 households, including 180,354 female-headed households benefited from these settlements.
- Since 2019, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has released 125 land parcels measuring 25 549 hectares, for land redistribution,
- As of April 2025, the Department of Human Settlements had already released 44 land parcels measuring 2 424 hectares in extent. Power of Attorneys (POAs) have been issued to enable development planning.
Issued by:
The Presidency of South Africa
Thursday, 5 February 2026 Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, on behalf of Government and the people of South Africa, conveys his heartfelt condolences on the passing of Bishop Dr John Bolana, the fifth Bishop of the Bantu Church of Christ (Ibandla Lika Krestu LaBantu), who passed away on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape Province. Since his appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa to champion social cohesion and nation-building initiatives, the Deputy President has engaged positively and constructively with Bishop Bolana and the leadership of Ibandla Lika Krestu LaBantu, working closely with interfaith leaders to strengthen unity, moral regeneration, and social solidarity across the country. “With profound sorrow and a deep sense of both personal and national loss, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, our heartfelt condolences on the passing of a spiritual giant and a committed nation builder, Bishop Dr John Bolana,” said Deputy President Mashatile. The Deputy President described Bishop Bolana as more than a church leader, noting that he was a pillar of strength within communities in the Eastern Cape and beyond, and a valued social partner in the collective effort to build a united and compassionate nation. “Bishop Bolana provided unwavering spiritual guidance, moral clarity, and compassionate service to the church and broader society for many decades. His leadership reflected faith in action, rooted in love, dignity, and service to others,” the Deputy President added. Deputy President Mashatile further acknowledged that Bishop Bolana’s counsel and ecumenical leadership were widely respected and sought after, not only by his congregation, but by leaders across South African society. “We once again convey our deepest condolences to the Bantu Church of Christ. You have lost a devoted shepherd whose vision and dedication shaped the lives of many families and communities. May Bishop Bolana’s soul rest in eternal peace,” concluded the Deputy President.
Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840.
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
Wednesday, 4 February 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 5 February 2026, undertake an oversight visit to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) National Command Centre in Brooklyn, Pretoria. The visit forms part of a broader engagement with key government institutions, including the Ministry of Finance and National Treasury, aimed at demonstrating SARS’ progress and showcasing its modernisation initiatives. SARS was established in terms of the South African Revenue Service Act, 1997 (Act No. 34 of 1997) to function as an autonomous agency responsible for administering South Africa’s tax system and customs service. During his visit, President Ramaphosa will undertake a walkabout of exhibitions showcasing the work of various SARS business units, including Customs, Taxpayer Engagement, and the Modernisation and Innovation Hub. The President will also be briefed on the operations and ongoing modernisation of the National Command Centre, which is designed to monitor tax compliance, revenue collection, and key operational metrics in real time. The President will deliver a keynote address and interact with SARS staff members. The Visit will take place as follows: Date: Thursday, 05 February 2026
Time: 10h30
Venue: SARS National Command Centre, Brooklyn, Pretoria NOTE TO MEDIA: DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS, A MEDIA POOL IS IN PLACE FOR THE VISIT. THE KEYNOTE ADDRESS WILL BE LIVE STREAMED ON ALL PRESIDENCY SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS.
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
Programme Director,
Minister of Human Settlements, Ms Thembisile Simelane,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Premiers,
Leaders of industry, labour and civil society,
Representatives of academia, research institutions and professional bodies,
Development finance partners,
Guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good Morning. It is a great pleasure to address this critical gathering, which places the built environment at the centre of human development. The right to adequate housing is a basic human right, reflected both in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in our own Constitution. Having shelter that provides privacy, safety and freedom is inextricably bound to human dignity. Housing is not merely about shelter, but it is about belonging, security and opportunity. South Africa, like many countries in the world, faces a growing demand for housing. Since 1994, the democratic Government has been able to provide more than 5 million housing opportunities. This achievement stands among the most ambitious social programmes on our continent. It has transformed millions of lives. Yet, despite this progress, more than 2.5 million families are today still on the waiting list for housing throughout the country. Inadequate supply, limited land availability, rising construction costs and delays in project delivery are all contributing to a situation of scarcity. This has a number of consequences. For the middle class, prices and rents are being pushed upwards. For the poor, homelessness and the proliferation of informal settlements are exacerbating already dire conditions. The delivery of basic services to unplanned settlements is stretching the capacity and the resources of the State. Rapid urbanisation, population growth, migration and climate change are reshaping our human settlements on an unprecedented scale. It is estimated that by 2050, nearly eight out of every ten South Africans will live in cities. Many will live in informal settlements, often located on land vulnerable to floods, drought, heat stress and environmental degradation. In recent years, many parts of our country have borne the brunt of climate change. It is always the poorest and most vulnerable who suffer first and who suffer most. If we continue to build in the old way – on the same land, with the same vulnerabilities, using the same methods – then we are not solving the housing challenge. We must make a change. We must embrace the tide of technological progress to future-proof human settlements. This is a social imperative and an economic necessity. The right to adequate housing must not be the sole privilege of those with money. It is an aspiration for all that our Constitution compels us to progressively realise. This Summit has been convened because it is time to think differently. We have to think beyond traditional brick-and-mortar. We must embrace technological solutions that enable housing to be delivered faster, better and at scale. This Summit brings together Government, regulators, financiers, innovators, municipalities, professional bodies, community organisations, youth formations and international partners in support of modernising human settlements. We are united in our resolve to turn innovation into a coordinated national pathway for housing delivery at scale. We are learning from global experience while building solutions that are locally embedded, socially accepted and owned by our people. At the G20 Leaders’ Summit held in Johannesburg in November last year, South Africa reaffirmed a principle that now defines leadership in the 21st Century. We said that resilience is not merely the ability to recover. It is the foresight to prepare. Resilience is about choices made before disaster strikes. It is about building systems that protect lives, conserve resources and endure over time. Resilient human settlements require such foresight. Buildings are among the world’s largest sources of carbon emissions and resource consumption. Traditional construction methods, while familiar and trusted, are no longer sustainable on their own. Water scarcity, rising energy costs, climate risk and the urgency of scale demand that we modernise how we build. Innovative building technologies offer us a strategic opportunity. When appropriately regulated, financed, socially accepted and locally embedded, innovative building technologies allow us to build faster and at scale. They enable us to reduce carbon emissions and water use, improve energy efficiency, and enhance durability and quality. Innovative building technologies are an essential part of a diversified, modern construction system capable of meeting today’s challenges. In South Africa, innovation in construction takes place within an established regulatory framework. Agrément South Africa provides rigorous scientific and technical certification of innovation systems while the National Home Builders Registration Council safeguards quality, compliance and consumer protection during implementation. Together, these institutions ensure that innovation strengthens public trust. Innovation without standards erodes confidence, while innovation with oversight builds legitimacy. The 2024 White Paper on Human Settlements provides the policy foundation for the innovative shift we need to make. It calls for resilient building typologies, sustainable local materials, rapid emergency housing responses and stronger partnerships across society. At the heart of this Summit is a Social Compact on Innovative Building Technologies. This Compact represents a shared national commitment to move innovative building technologies from pilot projects and demonstrations into the mainstream of South Africa’s human settlements. The Compact aligns policy and planning, regulation and standards, finance and insurance, research and skills development, and implementation across all spheres of Government. Most importantly, it establishes shared responsibility and accountability. The Innovative Building Technologies Programme focuses on areas where impact is most urgent. These areas include disaster recovery and emergency housing, climate-resilient settlements, energy-efficient and water-saving technologies, and local manufacturing and supply chains. Scaling innovation requires confidence from financiers and insurers. Through the Social Compact, Government, development finance institutions, banks and insurers have committed to align funding instruments, de-risk these projects, and recognise certified IBT housing as financeable and insurable assets. Without this alignment, innovation stalls. As we proceed along this path, we need to address concerns that these innovative building technologies will cost jobs. We must work together to protect jobs. We must draw on the international experience that shows that innovation does not eliminate work, but rather transforms it. International experience shows bricklayers becoming technicians, contractors becoming manufacturers, and communities becoming producers, not just beneficiaries. Innovative building technologies enable us to align housing delivery with technical training, artisan development, digital skills and local manufacturing. Through this, we must provide opportunities for young people in particular to learn and to work. We must use this transition to address the persistent exclusion of women from the built environment sector. Through targeted procurement, access to finance and support for women-owned enterprises and cooperatives, innovative building technologies can create space for women as entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders. Inclusion must also be built into the design of our settlements. For persons with disabilities, housing is about access, independence and dignity. Innovative building technologies allow universal design principles to be integrated from the outset, not retrofitted as an afterthought. This Summit is a commitment to action. The Social Compact will guide coordinated implementation, supported by structured governance, monitoring and accountability. Delivery is now the measure of our seriousness. Resilience is the difference between recovery and repeated loss, between dignity and displacement, between success and failure. We have the technology to build for the present and to be prepared for the future. Now we need leadership. We need partnerships. We need to be creative. We need to build faster and better. Let us work together to build a resilient, inclusive South Africa which is a home to all our people, and in which all our people have a decent home. I thank you.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep condolences following the passing of writer, storyteller and cultural activist, Dr Diana Ferrus, who has passed away at the age of 72. President Ramaphosa’s thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and associates of the late poet who in 1998 penned the persuasive poem, A Poem for Sarah Baartman. The poem is credited with being instrumental in the return to South Africa from France of the mortal remains of Ms Sarah Baartman, an Eastern Cape citizen who had been taken to Europe in the 19th century to be dehumanised and exploited as an exhibit. Dr Ferrus was a writer who published works in Afrikaans and English and taught and empowered emerging writers to articulate protest and social commentary. President Ramaphosa said: “A remarkable voice has gone silent. Diana Ferrus was a creative stalwart whose profound understanding of the human condition and the all-encompassing injustices of apartheid inspired her way with words. “She was a patriot who painted our nation in prose that awakened us to the essence of our humanity. “No-one could remain unaffected by her insight, her deep appreciation of our nation’s cultural and natural endowments, or her demands for justice and the restoration of the dignity of a dispossessed and disempowered people. “May Diana’s soul rest in the peace to which she invited Sarah Baartman in her landmark poem.” Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
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