The South African Government congratulates two South African journalists who have been recognised for excellence in journalism at the 2026 SADC Media Awards, announced during the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in Durban.

The awards recognise outstanding journalism that contributes to greater understanding of regional integration, development and cooperation among SADC Member States.

South Africa is proud to have two journalists among the award recipients:

▪️ Mr Siyabulela Duda – Second Prize Winner: Photo Category

Programme Director,
The Deputy Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Hon Thandi Moraka. 
South Africa’s SADC National Contact Point  and former Consul-General, Mr Andrew Maswanganye
Head of Communications and Public Relations at the SADC Secretariat, Ms Barbara Lopi,
Brand South Africa Deputy Board Chairperson Ms Zama Mkosi
Germany development partner, GIZ 
Distinguished delegates,
Members of the diplomatic corps,
Members of the media,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Habari za jioni, Sanibonani, Good evening.

Government congratulates the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and commends Executive Mayor Cyril Xaba for recording the lowest unemployment rate among South Africa’s metropolitan municipalities in the second quarter of 2026, as revealed in the latest Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS).

The latest figures further indicate that KwaZulu-Natal was the only province in South Africa to record an increase in employment during the first quarter of 2026, demonstrating encouraging progress in job creation and economic activity in the province.

Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Kenny Morolong, and Mpumalanga MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, will on Friday, 14 August 2026, lead the Mpumalanga launch of the Milestones of Freedom campaign at the Nomoya Masilela Cultural Precinct in Bethal, Gert Sibande District, Mpumalanga.

The Milestones of Freedom campaign is a public service delivery and civic engagement programme that commemorates key milestones in South Africa’s democratic journey, while strengthening public participation and accelerating integrated government service delivery.

The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Kenny Morolong, together with delegates from the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), and Brand South Africa (Brand SA), will engage the Eastern Cape Provincial Executive Council on the coordination of government communication, nation branding, and community media support in the province.

Government urges members of the public to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution as severe winter weather, including heavy snowfall, freezing conditions, rain and strong winds, affect several parts of the country. The weather has already resulted in a number of road closures and disruptions across several provinces.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued weather warnings for parts of the country, with conditions expected to bring hazardous travel, particularly over mountainous areas and along affected road networks.

Every August, South Africans pause to commemorate Women's Month.

This annual remembrance must be more than a tribute to the heroines of 1956. It must be a moment of national introspection. This year's theme, "Empowered Women Empower Nations", reminds us that when women are empowered to learn, lead, innovate and succeed, they do not transform only their own lives, but also shape the future of South Africa. 

Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) to launch the Milestones of Freedom campaign in partnership with the Eastern Cape province and Kouga Local Municipality on the 11th of August 2026 at Vusumzi Landu Hall in Hankey. 

The Milestones of Freedom campaign was launched nationally by President Ramaphosa on the 18th of June 2026.  Since July, the GCIS has taken the campaign to provinces, with launches held in Gauteng, Northern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, in partnership with the respective provincial governments.

Government unequivocally condemns the killing of two anti-gang officers in Reiger Park, who were shot dead in a suspected ambush last night, 8 August 2026.

The killing of law enforcement officers who dedicate their lives to protecting communities is an attack not only on the individuals concerned, but also on the authority of the State and the rule of law. Government will not allow criminal elements and gangs to undermine the ability of law enforcement to protect communities and uphold the law.