South Africa

In a world that has become more inward-looking, the principle of ubuntu should continue to be a crucial part of how we show up as a nation this Mandela Month.

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has called for stronger collaboration among all stakeholders as the death toll of the 2026 Winter Customary Initiation Season climbed to 43.

Minister of Social Development Dina Pule will on Friday lead an Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) in Daggakraal, Mpumalanga, bringing a range of government and social services directly to residents as part of Mandela Month activities.

The Department of Home Affairs has announced another major milestone in a groundbreaking digital partnership with the banking sector, as Absa went live with digital Smart ID applications.

The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) has called on eligible community media organisations across South Africa to apply for financial support through its 2026/27 Annual Call for Grant Funding Applications.

The South African Police Service (SAPS), in close collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority (BMA), and other government departments, has sharpened its focus on immigration enforcement with 8 896 foreign nationals arrested.

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has called for urgent action to remove the barriers that continue to prevent learners with disabilities from accessing quality education and meaningful employment opportunities.

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau and KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Reverend Musa Zondi will today brief the media on the second International Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Infrastructure and Investment Conference, which gets underway in Durban and concludes on Friday.

The Gauteng Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) has arrested a 35-year-old suspect in connection with the murder of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Tshwane Region 2 Secretary and Election Coordinator, Monicca Dube.

Government has encouraged every South African to participate in Mandela Month activities to honour the life and legacy of former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela through service to others and by helping to build stronger, more caring communities.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will embark on a busy programme from Thursday to Saturday, with engagements focused on investment, industrialisation, regional cooperation and improving access to basic services.

South Africa has welcomed the latest report by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, saying it reaffirms previous findings that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and documents the devastating impact of the conflict on Palestinian children.

The Presidency has dismissed what it describes as a sustained misinformation campaign aimed at portraying South Africa as isolated from the rest of the African continent following recent anti-illegal migration protests.

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli says the life of Nelson Mandela was about purpose, it was about ensuring that every South African, regardless of race, gender or background, had the opportunity to live with dignity and hope.

The South African government has reiterated that illegal migration is a shared continental challenge requiring cooperation rather than confrontation, while rejecting claims that the country is becoming isolated in Africa over its handling of migration and its foreign policy positions.