The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) invite members of the media to apply for accreditation to cover the 2026 Heritage Day programme.

This years’ national celebration will take place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the King Zwelithini Stadium, in partnership with the Zulu Kingdom and the Royal House under the theme, “Celebrating Our Living Heritage: Strengthening the Ties That Bind Us.”

A.    Issues in the environment
1.    Building economic strength and resilience

1.1.    Government and business deepen partnership to accelerate economic growth and job creation
1.1.1.    Cabinet welcomed the launch of Phase 3 of the Government-Business Partnership to drive growth, attract investment and create over one million jobs by 2030.

Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Mr Kenny Morolong will deliver the keynote address at the Unitra Community Radio 30th anniversary.  

The celebration forms part of the broader Milestones of Freedom Campaign, launched by President Ramaphosa in June 2026.  which reflects on South Africa's democratic journey and recognises institutions that have contributed to empowering communities through access to information, education and civic participation.

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.