A. Issues in the environment

Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, will brief members of the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The media briefing will take place as follows:

Date:   Thursday , 26 February 2026
Time:    10h00 - time changed to 11:20
Venue: GCIS, Ronnie Mamoepa Media Centre, 1035 Francis Baard, Hatfield, Pretoria

Government welcomes the breakthrough made by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) following a thorough investigation into allegations of corruption within the Department of Home Affairs.

Government notes the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures released by Statistics South Africa, which show that headline inflation eased from 3,6 in December 2025 to 3,5 in January 2026.

Government welcomes the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) Quarter 4 of 2025 results, released by Statistics South Africa, which indicate an improvement in key labour market indicators. Employment increased by 44 000 in Q4 2025, while the number of unemployed persons decreased by 172 000. As a result, the official unemployment rate declined by 0,5 percent.

The improvement in employment reflects the resilience of the South African economy and the impact of targeted interventions aimed at stimulating growth, supporting businesses, and expanding labour market opportunities.

The South African journalists/media are invited to submit their entries for the 2026 SADC Media Awards competition. The SADC Media Awards competition is open to journalists from the SADC Member States. Entries are open in four categories: Photo Journalism, Print Journalism, Television Journalism, and Radio Journalism.

Government joins the global community in commemorating World Radio Day, a day that recognises the enduring power of radio as a trusted and accessible source of information, education, and entertainment. Proclaimed in 2011 by UNESCO Member States and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, World Radio Day (WRD) is celebrated every February 13. This day highlights the important role radio continues to play in strengthening communication, promoting cultural diversity, and advancing democratic participation.

Government congratulates Professor Vukosi Marivate of the University of Pretoria on the recommendation by the United Nations Secretary-General to appoint him as a member of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence.

Professor Marivate was recommended alongside 40 leading experts from across the world, drawn from diverse disciplines and recognised for their significant expertise in artificial intelligence and related fields.

GCIS hosts country-wide community activations as part of raising and educating the public on the state of the nation address (SoNA) and what the public can expect to hear from the president’s speech

The State of the Nation Address (SoNA) is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa addresses the nation on the programmes of government. The address is delivered at a Joint Sitting of Parliament, including both the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and focuses on the current political and socio-economic state of the nation.

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) will, on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, facilitate a photo-opportunity, and a doorstop briefing by Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on the sidelines of the Cabinet Lekgotla.

Members of the media who wish to cover the sessions are requested to email their details to Bathabile@gcis.gov.za and copy pheliswa@gcis.gov.za by 12h00 on Monday, 26th January 2026.