Conference Chairs, Dr. Nkateko Mkhondo and Prof. Jackson Marakalala;
Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Joe Phaahla;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers present;
Dr. Gustaav Wolvaardt, the founder of FPD (Foundation for Professional Development), is the custodian of this conference;
CEO of FPD, Dr. Gloria Maimela;
Mr. Solly Nduku, the Co-Chairperson of SANAC;
Dr. Tshepo Sedibe, representing the SANAC Private Sector Forum;
SANAC CEO, Dr. Thembisile Xulu, and all SANAC Sectors represented here today;
The Leadership of Dira Sengwe Board here present;
MECs and MMC’s present;
Leaders of Civil Society, Business, and Development Partners;
Esteemed delegates;
Fellow South Africans;

Greetings to you all.

In their absence, I would like to express our gratitude to the Premier of Gauteng Province, Mr. Panyaza Lesufi, and the host Mayor, Mr. Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, for graciously hosting us in this City of Ekurhuleni.

Equally, we thank Deputy Minister, Dr. Joe Phaahla, whose steadfast leadership continues to inspire our collective fight against TB, and Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, our Minister of Health, for officially opening this conference on Monday.

I fully agree with the Minister’s sentiment that ending tuberculosis (TB) in our lifetime is not impossible and that it requires solidarity, dedication, and commitment from all of us.

In the mid-2000s, specifically between 2006 and 2008, the country experienced a significant TB epidemic, further aggravated by a growing HIV crisis. Subsequently, in the year 2008, Government, researchers, and civil society resolved to end fragmentation and “work as one," recognising that TB could not be tackled in isolation from HIV, poverty, and systemic health challenges.

At that time, a shift began toward a more integrated response, leading to innovations like joint TB/HIV strategies and community-based care models, culminating in the National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB, and STIs.

Now, in 2026, the conference theme, “Vuka! Let’s Unite Towards a TB-Free World!" calls us to rekindle that spirit of unity. Our history in the response to HIV and TB reminds us that disjointed responses prolong epidemics, while collective action bends the curve of history.

The progress since the integration of our TB/HIV strategies, community-driven care, and innovations in diagnostics and treatment proves that unity delivers results. Thus, the 2026 conference serves as a call for renewal and a call to rise together, across nations and sectors, to march towards a TB-free world.

Yet even as we gather in unity, we must confront the stark truth that South Africa consistently ranks among the top eight countries globally for absolute TB incidence and stands first in the world when adjusted for population size. At the start of the conference on Monday, the Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, comprehensively outlined the magnitude of our country’s TB burden, and indeed the picture does not look good.

Nevertheless, as a country, we have gained momentum in our fight against TB by strengthening systems and embracing innovation and technology. As you have heard during the conference, this momentum is real.

Since 2015, South Africa has achieved a 61% reduction in TB incidence, surpassing the World Health Organization’s 2025 milestone ahead of time. Cases have declined from over half a million in 2015 to around 249,000 in 2024.

This is proof of strong political commitment, scientific innovation, and the resilience of our communities. However, progress on TB mortality has been slow, with only a 17% drop since 2015, far short of the 50% target. This disparity serves as a harsh reminder that incidence reduction alone is insufficient to achieve triumph. 

Lives must be saved, households must be protected, and dignity must be restored.

South Africa’s response to TB continues to evolve with purpose and determination, underpinned by a strong multi-sectoral foundation led by SANAC, which coordinates efforts across Government, civil society, the private sector, and other partners to strengthen prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and accountability mechanisms.

The next phase of the response must build on this momentum by leveraging strategic information, innovation, and integrated service delivery to break down barriers to access and ensure that interventions reach the most vulnerable in a timely and effective manner.

This requires a deliberate shift towards a more people-centered approach that prioritises community engagement, strengthens systems resilience, and ensures that leadership at all levels is held accountable for delivering measurable impact in the drive to end TB as a public health threat.

This conference has highlighted the importance of strengthening prevention, closing diagnostic gaps, improving treatment outcomes, and addressing the social and economic drivers of TB. It has also reinforced the need for stronger accountability mechanisms so that commitments made translate into measurable impact at the community level.

South Africa continues to demonstrate strong leadership in the fight against TB, driven by evidence-based interventions and data-driven responses.

One of the key milestones in our response has been the launch of our TB-data dashboard, which is accessible to the public. This platform enables more targeted interventions, strengthens data-driven decision-making, and fosters transparency by making critical information accessible to all stakeholders.

At the same time, South Africa remains at the forefront globally, among the first countries to adopt new and faster diagnostic technologies. This has significantly improved our ability to detect TB early and respond more effectively.

We have also seen a rapid uptake of new tools and innovations across the TB programme. We have introduced service delivery innovations such as targeted universal TB testing, ensuring that high-risk groups, including TB contacts and people living with HIV, are routinely tested regardless of symptoms.

We therefore also take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge all researchers who continue to lead on the innovation front. We welcome and strongly agree with Professor Mosa Moshabela when he said we have to embrace innovation, and that we must collaborate more as the various institutions in the work that we do.

Importantly, our commitment extends beyond treatment and diagnosis. At the United Nations High-Level Meeting on TB, South Africa reaffirmed its pledge to implement TB vaccines as soon as they become available. This commitment is coupled with a recognition that ending TB requires addressing its root causes, including poverty, gender inequality, and the need for greater education on the TB epidemic.

Together, these efforts reflect a comprehensive and forward-looking response, one that not only tackles the disease itself but also the conditions that allow it to persist.

The “End TB Plan” by the Department of Health outlines priorities, activities, monitoring frameworks, stakeholder roles, and targets over a defined period. It emphasises integration with HIV programmes, primary health care, and TB in the mines. It builds on the broader National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB, and STIs 2023 - 2028; the TB Recovery Plan; and the WHO's global End TB Strategy.

It further aims to accelerate progress toward ending TB as a public health threat by 2035, with an intensified focus on prevention, early detection, treatment, and addressing social determinants. Minister Motsoaledi presented the Pillars of the Plan to you during the Opening Plenary and made a clarion call for all stakeholders and individuals to play their part in ending TB.

TB control is indeed everyone’s responsibility:

· Government leadership must provide policy direction and resources.
· Health workers must be equipped with tools, training, and support.
· Researchers must continue advancing scalable innovations.
· Development partners and the private sector must provide support and align with national priorities.
· Communities must remain active partners, not afterthoughts.

Let us ensure that collaboration is not just a word but a working model. Let us make accountability a lived practice. Therefore, as we walk away from here, I call on all stakeholders to commit to the following:

· Turn recommendations into concrete plans with clear responsibilities and timelines.
· Strengthen TB service delivery at all levels.
· Address barriers to care, including stigma and human resource constraints.
· Improve TB-HIV integration.
· Prioritise prevention through accelerated and non-traditional screening, early treatment, and improved awareness.
· Support implementation research to ensure what works is scaled faster and wider.

At all times, remember that these conferences are valuable in fostering a shared vision. However, the true measure of success is what happens after the sessions end. Even as we acknowledged at the outset the heavy burden of TB in our nation, today we close with a renewed sense of hope and determination.

Let us leave this conference inspired by our achievements rather than what is left to do. The unity we have fostered across Government, civil society, the private sector, and communities demonstrates that we can shape a future rooted in justice and health.

TB is preventable, curable, and beatable. Each advancement confirms that the pursuit of a TB-free world is a tangible reality we are actively creating today.

“Vuka! Let’s Unite Towards a TB-Free World!”

Therefore, with unity of purpose and resolve, and in my capacity as the Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council, it is my honour to declare the 9th SA TB Conference officially closed!!!

I wish everyone safe travels home. May the unity and determination that guided our discussions this week continue to inspire your future work. Carry the renewed hope that together we can end TB.

Lastly, on your behalf, I wish Bafana Bafana well as they play Mexico this evening! Bafana Bafana, siyavena!

I thank you.

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team on Matters of Traditional Leadership, will on Friday, 12 June 2026, undertake a visit to the Limpopo Province to engage with Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership.

Scheduled to take place at The Ranch Hotel in Polokwane, the engagement forms part of the ongoing efforts by Government to strengthen cooperation with the institution of Traditional Leadership and to advance the implementation of resolutions aimed at improving the lives of rural communities.

The Inter-Ministerial Task Team on Matters of Traditional Leadership was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in February 2022 to coordinate Government interventions and address concerns raised by Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders. 

The work of the Task Team is organised into five strategic workstreams focusing on land reform and rural development; institutional support and capacity building; social cohesion and nation-building; infrastructure development and skills enhancement; as well as legislative and constitutional matters affecting the institution of traditional leadership.

Tomorrow's engagement will, amongst others, provide an opportunity for Government, led Deputy President Mashatile, to reflect on progress achieved and discuss remaining challenges in relation to:

- Advancing land ownership, tenure rights and socio-economic development in rural communities;

- Strengthening institutional support and funding for Traditional leadership structures;

- Finalisation and implementation of the Handbook for Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership;

- Review of legislative and policy matters affecting traditional leadership, including the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Bill, the Communal Land Tenure Bill and associated regulations;

- Traditional leaders' participation in local government structures and matters relating to Section 81 of the Municipal Structures Act;

- Safe customary initiation practices and the implementation of the Customary Initiation Act.

Deputy President Mashatile will reaffirm Government's commitment to work closely with Traditional Leaders as critical partners in development, social cohesion, nation-building and democratic governance.

The engagement will also acknowledge progress made by the Limpopo Provincial Government in supporting the institution of Traditional Leadership, including the provision of tools of trade, construction and refurbishment of Traditional Council offices, support to Traditional Councils, implementation of customary initiation programmes and efforts to resolve Traditional Leadership disputes where they exist.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by the Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mr Mzwanele Nyhontso; Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe; Deputy Minister Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Sihle Zikalala; the Premier of Limpopo Province, Dr Phophi Ramathuba; Members of the Limpopo Provincial Executive Council; Mayors; the leadership of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders; the Limpopo Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders; as well as senior Government officials.

Details of the engagement are as follows:

Date: Friday, 12 June 2026
Time: 09h00
Venue: The Ranch Hotel, Limpopo Province

For more information and accreditation, please contact Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251 or Dexter Mohale on 082 902 1545.

 

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), will on Thursday, 11 June 2026 address the closing session of the 9th South African Tuberculosis (TB) Conference taking place at Birchwood Hotel & O.R Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, Gauteng Province, from 08 - 11 June 2026.

Held under the theme "Vuka, Let's Unite Towards a TB-Free World!", the Conference serves as a national platform for Government, academia, civil society, development partners, healthcare professionals, researchers and communities to reflect on progress made in the fight against TB and identify measures required to accelerate South Africa's response to the epidemic.

The elimination of TB remains a national priority. Government, together with civil society, development partners, research institutions, communities and the private sector, continues to strengthen efforts to end TB as a public health threat and address its impact on vulnerable communities, economic productivity and the health system.

The Deputy President's address will reaffirm Government's commitment to ending TB, acknowledge the progress achieved to date, and call for renewed partnerships to address persistent challenges, including TB mortality, TB/HIV co-infection, drug-resistant TB and the socio-economic impact of the disease on households and communities.

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event as follows:

Date: Thursday, 11 June 2026
Time: 09h00 (Venue opens at 07h00)
Venue: Birchwood Hotel & O.R Tambo Conference Centre, Boksburg

Members of the media who wish to cover the address must RSVP to Ms Tshiamo Selomo (The Presidency) on 066 118 1505 or Nelson Dlamini (SANAC) on 078 731 0213.

 

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director, Honourable Ms R. Nkonyane;
Acting Premier of Mpumalanga, Honourable Moeketsi;
Honourable Deputy Speaker and Acting Speaker, S. Masango;
Members of the Executive Council;
Honourable Members of the Provincial Legislature;
Executive Mayor of Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, Councillor N.G. Zuma;
Representatives of political parties represented in this Youth Parliament;
Representatives of the various traditional councils present;
Representatives of Government departments and public entities;
Leaders of youth formations;
Students, entrepreneurs, young professionals and community activists;
Distinguished guests;

Good morning/ sanibonani.

It is a privilege to join you today during Youth Month as we gather for the Mpumalanga Youth Parliament 2026. I would like to begin by congratulating the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature for continuing to provide this platform for young people to engage directly with government, interrogate policy implementation, and contribute meaningfully to the future direction of our democracy. 

In a society that seeks to deepen participation and strengthen accountability, forums such as this are not ceremonial events. They are essential democratic instruments that bring government closer to the people it serves.

The significance of this gathering is amplified by the fact that it takes place during June, a month that occupies a special place in the history of our country. We pause to remember the actions of 16 June 1976, when thousands of young people took to the streets to challenge an unjust system and demand a better future. The courage displayed by that generation 50 years ago, transformed our country forever. 

Many of those young people were not much older than the participants gathered in this hall today. They did not possess wealth, political office or institutional power. Yet they understood a truth that continues to resonate across generations: that young people have the capacity to shape history when they organise, participate and refuse to be silent in the face of injustice.

As we reflect on the sacrifices of 1976 on this 50th anniversary, it is important that we do not reduce their contribution to a single day of remembrance. The true legacy of the youth of 1976 lies not only in what they protested against, but in what they stood for. 

They stood for dignity. They stood for equality. They stood for access to education. They stood for opportunity. They stood for the belief that young people should have a voice in determining the future of their country.

Today, the responsibility of our generation is different, but it is no less important. The youth of 1976 fought for freedom. The youth of 2026 must use that freedom to build prosperous communities, strengthen democratic institutions, hold leaders accountable and create opportunities for future generations. They fought to secure a democratic South Africa. We must now ensure that our democracy delivers on its promise for a better life for all.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This year's theme challenges us to move beyond speeches, slogans and aspirations. It challenges us to ask a fundamental question: are we doing enough to ensure that government commitments translate into meaningful improvements in the lives of young people? 

This is precisely why Youth Parliament matters.

Youth Parliament exists because democracy cannot be reduced to voting every five years. A healthy democracy requires continuous engagement between citizens and the institutions that serve them. It requires citizens who ask questions. It requires leaders who provide answers. It requires transparency, accountability and active participation.

The concept behind this Youth Parliament recognises that young people continue to face serious challenges, including unemployment, poverty, economic exclusion, unequal access to opportunities and social vulnerability. 

At the same time, it recognises that young people are not merely beneficiaries of government programmes. They are partners in development. They are stakeholders in governance. They are active participants in shaping public policy and monitoring implementation.

For many years, Youth Parliament has provided an important platform through which young people have influenced public discourse and contributed to policy development. The impact of youth activism and youth engagement can be seen in numerous initiatives that have transformed opportunities for young South Africans.

We have seen the establishment of institutions dedicated to youth development, including the National Youth Development Agency, Youth Directorates at Provincial and Municipal level, and other interventions aimed at expanding opportunities for young people. These achievements remind us that youth voices matter and that organised youth participation can influence the direction of public policy. 

Programme Director,

As we approach the 2026 Local Government Elections, we must confront a reality that there are many young South Africans who are uncertain about whether participating in elections still makes a difference. Many feel frustrated by the pace of change in their communities. Others question whether their vote has any real impact on the challenges they face every day. 

Some have become disillusioned by instances of poor service delivery, unemployment, inequality and unfulfilled promises. These feelings are real and they should not be dismissed. If we are serious about strengthening our democracy, we must acknowledge these frustrations honestly and engage with them directly.

At the same time, we must be careful not to allow frustration to become disengagement. There is a significant difference between being disappointed and becoming detached from the democratic process. 

The greatest mistake that young people can make is to conclude that because change has been slower than expected, participation no longer matters. The truth is that democracy does not stop functioning when citizens choose not to participate. 

Decisions continue to be made. Budgets continue to be approved. Development priorities continue to be determined. Councillors continue to be elected. Municipal projects continue to move forward. The only difference is that those decisions are made without the input of the very people who are most affected by them.

This is why I want to make a direct appeal to every young person gathered here today. Register to vote. Ensure that your name appears on the voters' roll. Verify your details. Make use of the online platforms that have been created to make registration easier and more accessible. 

However, registration alone is not enough. Registration is only the first step. Once you have registered, you must also vote. A democracy cannot be strengthened by people who are registered but absent on Election Day. The true power of citizenship lies not only in having the right to vote, but in exercising that right.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We must also challenge the misconception that democracy begins and ends at the ballot box. Elections are important, but elections are only one part of democratic participation. In many respects, the real work begins after the votes have been counted. The quality of our democracy depends not only on who we elect, but also on how actively citizens remain engaged once those leaders assume office.

Too often, communities only become active when election campaigns begin. Political parties arrive. Manifestos are distributed. Meetings are held. Promises are made. Once the election has passed, many citizens withdraw from public life and wait another five years before engaging again. 

This approach weakens accountability and limits the ability of communities to influence development outcomes. Active citizenship requires continuous engagement throughout the electoral cycle.

Young people must therefore participate in the structures that influence decision-making at local level. They must attend ward meetings. They must participate in public consultations. They must engage with municipal planning processes. They must contribute to Integrated Development Plans. They must familiarise themselves with municipal budgets and development priorities. They must understand how decisions are made and how resources are allocated. Most importantly, they must ensure that the voices of young people are represented whenever decisions affecting their communities are being discussed.

When a municipality announces a housing project, young people should ask what progress has been made six months later. When commitments are made regarding roads, water infrastructure, sports facilities, libraries or community development programmes, young people should continue asking questions long after the announcement has been made. Accountability does not begin when a project is launched. Accountability begins when citizens demand evidence that implementation is taking place.

More importantly, young people must demand their stake in all development aspects of society. We must demand adequate youth representation in all spheres of Government. The notion of “nothing about us. Without us” must become our rallying call.

As young people of Mpumalanga, you must demand to see the Office of the Premier improve the Youth Fund, to ensure you have improved access to funding. You must track whether all government departments are successfully setting aside thirty percent of their procurement for companies owned by young people. 

You must monitor efforts to lobby the Department of Mineral Resources so that at least 30% of mining rights in the Province are allocated to local mining committees to benefit the youth. 

And finally, you must ensure the Department of Economic Development and Tourism delivers on conducting at least three workshops per district in the 2026/27 financial year to train youth-owned enterprises.

Ladies and gentlemen, 

Commemorations and speeches are no longer enough. To achieve this, government is stepping in decisively. We are shifting from policy discussions to aggressive implementation through the launch of five major, government-backed Catalytic Youth Empowerment Projects. These interventions are designed to physically alter the economic landscape for young South Africans. Let me briefly explain what these interventions entail.

The Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI), in partnership with the National Youth Service (NYS), is officially calling on 100,000 young South Africans to step forward.

What is this program?

This is not just a temporary fix; it is a launch-pad. The PYEI and NYS initiative is designed to transition you from unemployment into the active economy. By joining this cohort of 100,000, you are signing up to serve your country, uplift your community, and, most importantly, build your own future.

Here is exactly what the program delivers:

• Through Meaningful Community Service - You will be placed in roles that directly improve your local communities from education and public health to infrastructure and social development.
• By gaining Real-World Skills Development - You won't just be working; you will be receiving formal training, mentorship, and practical experience that makes you highly employable once the program ends.
• And for Financial Support - You will receive a monthly stipend. You will earn while you learn, giving you the dignity and financial breathing room to plan your next steps.

We also invite you to register on SAYouth.Mobi which is a 100% data-free national online network that connects unemployed South African youth aged 15 to 34 with free job, learning, volunteering, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Since inception, the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative has facilitated access to more than 2.36 million earning opportunities. Importantly, over 70% of the opportunities accessed through SA Youth have been taken up by young women, helping close historical gender gaps. 

Furthermore, to ensure our youth are not left behind in the global digital economy, government is rolling out iamtheCODE. This intervention targets 600,000 young people, deliberately prioritising young women in our most rural and marginalised communities. 

Through a 12-week blended STEAMD curriculum, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Design; we are providing direct digital skills training, e-courses, and global mentorship to bridge the digital divide.

Second, as cyber threats grow globally, South Africa currently loses billions annually to cybercrime. We are turning this vulnerability into an employment opportunity through the CSIR Cybersecurity intervention. The government will recruit and train unemployed graduates in Computer Science and Mathematics, with the explicit goal of incubating and launching 2,000 tech-led, youth-owned cybersecurity start-ups. We are empowering the youth to become the digital defenders of our national infrastructure.

Third, we are launching GRIT Lab Africa, a massive push into Artificial Intelligence and future tech. Over the next three years, the government will absorb 10,000 unemployed graduates into this program. This includes deploying an 'AI Instructors Brigade' to teach coding and robotics in under-resourced public schools, and providing AI innovation tools to youth-owned SMMEs so they can scale their businesses and create further employment.

Finally, we must industrialise our agricultural sector. Through the South African National Service Initiative (SANSI), the government is launching a massive skills massification program focused on Goat and Sheep development. This is not just training; it is ownership. We are taking intakes of 5,000 graduates, training them for 18 months, and providing them with a starter pack of 52 animals and state veterinary support. Through local hubs, this intervention will absorb 50,000 youth recruits annually, giving them a direct stake in the agricultural economy.

Combined, Phase 1 of these government interventions will directly impact over 737,000 young lives. 

Comrades, the renewal of the national project is the task of this generation. 

Fellow young people,

The future is calling. We must ensure that when we mark 50 years since 1976, we are not just remembering the past, but actively building a working, thriving, and empowered youth.

South Africa needs a new generation of young leaders who understand both the challenges facing our communities and the opportunities available to transform them. We need young leaders who are committed to ethical leadership, public service and community development. We need young leaders who are prepared to engage difficult issues and work collaboratively to solve problems. We need young leaders who understand that leadership is not about status or titles, but about service and impact.

Ladies and gentlemen,

None of these aspirations will be realised if young people remain isolated from one another.

Throughout history, meaningful change has been driven by organised people working together around a common purpose. The generation of 1976 was organised.

The challenge before young people today is therefore not simply to participate as individuals. The challenge is to organise collectively around the issues that matter most.

Young people must organise around education. They must organise around entrepreneurship. They must organise around community development. They must organise around volunteerism. They must organise around environmental sustainability. They must organise around innovation and technological advancement. Most importantly, they must organise themselves around doing good and creating positive change within their communities.

The youth of 1976 did not have a cellphone, a TikTok, Facebook, Instagram or X account, nor did they have NYDA or SMME funding, they had a conviction and a song. Under those circumstances, they managed to put their country on a course for total liberation for me and you to here today. 

The future that we seek to build will not be delivered to us by others. It will be built through the collective efforts of citizens who choose to participate, contribute and lead. 

The question before us is therefore not whether young people have the power to shape South Africa's future. The question is whether they are prepared to use that power. 

Amandla!! 

It is with deep sadness that I mourn the passing away today, Tuesday, 9 June 2026, of His Majesty King Makhosonke II - Enock Makhosonke Mabhena - reigning King of the amaNdebele Nation.

His Majesty, the traditional leader of the amaNdebele akwaManala, has left us at the age of 65 after 40 years on the throne.

My thoughts and prayers – and I know those of the nation – go out today to the Royal Household, Her Majesty Queen Sekhothali, amaNdebele and the Basotho nation from whom Her Majesty is descended.

We will in due course pay tribute to the King as a pillar of national unity in diversity and as a champion of development, with education and land restitution as part of his vision.

Today we mourn his passing and we stand alongside amaNdebele in this painful hour.

We offer our deep condolences to the Royal Household once more.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

During the 2026 State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the establishment of a dedicated task team to oversee the restructuring of Eskom to establish a fully independent, state-owned Transmission System Operator (TSO) that will own and control transmission assets and be responsible for operating the electricity market. This is a crucial step towards enabling competition, and reflects government’s determination to reform South Africa’s electricity sector to achieve long-term energy security and lower electricity costs for all South Africans.

The Eskom Restructuring Task Team (ERTT) has since been established, and includes representatives of the Presidency, National Treasury, the Department of Electricity and Energy, Eskom, and the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA). The task team is chaired by the Director-General of National Treasury, and has made significant progress in preparing for the establishment of the TSO. While the task team was expected to present a high-level report by the end of May 2026, the President has extended this deadline to the end of June 2026, in order to ensure that the proposed approach can be fully detailed and considered through the relevant governance structures.

The President said: “I am encouraged by the speed and diligence with which the task team has taken forward this important task. The establishment of a fully independent transmission company is a critical reform which will support the introduction of a competitive electricity market and ensure a reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity supply to power the economy.” 

BACKGROUND NOTE

More than 90 countries have reformed their electricity sectors to establish competitive wholesale electricity markets. Most have unbundled transmission and system operation from the incumbent generator as a crucial part of the reform to ensure that the transmission system operator has no real or perceived conflict of interest and is free from influence or control by any market participant, guaranteeing that all participants are treated impartially in the way that it operates and makes decisions.

The Electricity Regulation Act (ERA) provides for the establishment of the TSO by no later than 31 December 2029. In the interim, the functions of the TSO are carried out by the NTCSA, a subsidiary of Eskom that was established in July 2024.  

In line with the commitment made by the President, the Eskom Restructuring Task Team was established at the beginning of March 2026, comprising senior representatives from the Presidency, National Treasury, Department of Energy and Electricity, Eskom and the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA). It is tasked with:

* Developing a detailed proposal and implementation plan for establishing an independent, state-owned TSO separate from Eskom that will assume ownership and control of transmission assets, operate the electricity market, enable transmission investment at scale, and provide non-discriminatory access to the grid.
* Giving consideration to the optimal institutional model for the TSO, drawing on international best practice and ensuring full alignment with the ERA.
* Addressing the measures required to ensure adequate independence of the NTCSA during the period before the TSO is established, and considering the appropriate location of responsibility for the allocation of grid capacity to ensure independent and non-discriminatory treatment of grid users, both during the transitional period and once the TSO is established.

The ERTT is tasked with overseeing the restructuring of Eskom in a manner that fulfils the following core principles, among others, as set out in its Terms of Reference:
* Maintain energy security;
* Ensure full independence of the TSO from all market participants;
* Ensure that ownership of the transmission network and any other assets associated with the statutory functions assigned to the TSO in terms of the ERA is separated from Eskom;
* Ensure that Eskom is not worse off than its current financial position following the restructuring, and that the TSO is financially sustainable;
* Ensure that the TSO is able to raise the funding required for investment in infrastructure in line with the Transmission Development Plan;
* Avoid any qualified audit opinion for Eskom, the NTCSA or the TSO and ensure that that lender requirements are addressed to avoid any default;
* Minimise any impact on South Africa’s fiscal position;
* Prevent any undue financial burden on electricity users; and
* Promote the objectives of electricity market reform, including the successful introduction of independent transmission projects (ITPs).

The work of the ERTT will be undertaken in two phases. The first phase, which is now expected to be completed at the end of June 2026, will focus on the development of a high-level proposal for establishing the TSO. The second phase, which will be completed within a further three months, includes developing a detailed implementation plan with timeframes for completing the restructuring in the manner proposed. 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya  Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa on media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli, will on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, deliver the keynote address at the Mpumalanga Provincial Youth Parliament.

The Provincial Youth Parliament is a platform for young people to engage on issues affecting their communities and to participate meaningfully in democratic processes. 
The engagement is part of Youth Month activities aimed at empowering young people, strengthening civic participation, and encouraging active citizenship.

Details of the Youth Parliament are as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 9 June 2026
Time: 10:00 – 13:00
Venue: Embalenhle Sasol Club and Recreation Centre, Embalenhle, Mpumalanga.

Media enquiries: Mandisa Mbele, MandisaM@presidency.gov.za/0825802213

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

The Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency, Mr Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile has this today, Monday 08 June 2026, paid a courtesy call on His Excellency, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore at the Melrose Arch in Sandton, Johannesburg.

President Shanmugaratnam is on a Working Visit to South Africa where he is, among other things, attending the World Bank High-Level Advisory Council on Jobs and the Group of Thirty Spring Plenary Meeting taking place in Cape Town.

South Africa and Singapore maintain strong and growing bilateral relations, supported by regular high-level engagements and shared priorities in economic development, governance, and innovation. In May 2023, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong paid an Official Visit to South Africa, with Deputy President Mashatile paying a reciprocal Official Visit to Singapore in December 2023, leading to further Bilateral interactions between the two countries on the margins of G20 and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-related engagements in 2024 to 2025.

"For us in South Africa," said the Deputy President," Singapore remains our key economic partner and an important gateway to Southeast Asia, providing significant potential to expand cooperation in trade, investment, logistics, and financial services, as well as to enhance air and trade connectivity."

The meeting between Deputy President Mashatile and President Shanmugaratnam provided an opportunity to reinforce strong bilateral political and economic relations; consolidate cooperation in priority areas such as trade, investment, skills development, and governance; exchange views on economic transformation, job creation, and inclusive growth, as well as maintain momentum in high-level engagements and strengthen South-South cooperation.

At the conclusion of the meeting, President Shanmugaratnam made an undertaking to facilitate engagement by South Africa with the ASEAN economic block for further trade and investment that would benefit both South Africa and Singapore.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Fellow South Africans,
I wish to address you this evening on a matter that concerns many South Africans. 

Over recent months, South Africans from every walk of life have raised concerns about migration and illegal immigration. 

These concerns are being expressed in our communities, our workplaces, our schools, our clinics and across social media platforms. 

Many South Africans are asking difficult but legitimate questions. 

They are asking whether our borders are secure. 

They are concerned about jobs. 

South Africans are raising these matters because they are concerned about pressure on public services. 

They are concerned about safety, security and the rule of law.

These concerns are real. They deserve to be heard. They deserve to be addressed. 

South Africans are asking whether government is taking the necessary steps to address these challenges. 

Tonight, I want to address these concerns. I want to explain what government is doing to address them. And I want to outline the principles that must guide us as we confront this challenge together. 

We must be honest about the context in which these concerns arise.
 
South Africa faces persistently high levels of unemployment, especially among young people. 

Too many families are struggling to make ends meet.

Too many communities are experiencing poverty and inadequate access to opportunities. 

In such circumstances, frustration can easily be directed at those perceived to be competitors for jobs and resources. 

Yet we must recognise that illegal immigration is not the cause of all our economic challenges. 

The answer must be faster economic growth, greater investment, industrial expansion, infrastructure development and the creation of millions of new jobs. 

We know that migration is a global issue. It affects all countries. 

Our country – like many others throughout history – is a product of migration. 

It is the reason for our diversity and contributes to our vibrancy. 

As a democracy, we have welcomed visitors to our country. 

In line with our international obligations and our constitutional values, we accept people from other countries in need of protection from wars, conflicts, discrimination and violence. 

Like every other country in the world, we have laws that determine who can come to our country, what they can do here and how long they can stay. 

The basic principle, on which we all agree, is that every person within the borders of South Africa should be here legally. 

Every person who works in our country must be legally permitted to work.

Every person who runs a business here must be legally permitted to run a business. 

The challenge we have is that some people have migrated to our country irregularly and are here illegally. 

South Africa has a right to implement policies and measures that prevent irregular migration. 

South Africa is committed to protect, uphold and advance the human rights of all people in our country, whether citizens or foreign nationals. 

We are committed to honour our international obligations. 

The responsibility for enforcing immigration laws rests with the state and the state alone. 

There have been weaknesses in the way migration has been managed. 

There have been weaknesses in rigorous and focused enforcement. 

There have been instances of corruption. 

There have been gaps in our systems that have undermined public confidence. 

South Africans are entitled to expect better. 

We accept that responsibility and we are taking decisive action to correct these shortcomings. 

South Africans have a right to expect a state that is effective, professional and capable of enforcing its own laws. 

Government will accordingly take action to address the expectations of our people in dealing with the challenge of the violations of our immigration laws. 

I must make it clear that only the authorised government officials may act against violations of the law, including violation of our immigration laws. 

No other person is allowed, for example, to confront someone in the street to demand proof of nationality. 

We know that South Africans are not xenophobic as there is no space for xenophobia, racism, sexism, Afrophobia or any other forms of intolerance in South Africa. 

As communities and as a society, we must not be tempted to join those who want us to turn against people who were not born in South Africa and who are in our midst. 

We will and must not allow groups to use the legitimate concerns of South Africans to destabilise our country through inciting lawlessness and violence. 

We will act against forces who are exploiting the concerns of our people about illegal immigration to further their own political, personal or criminal agendas. 

We will not be fooled or influenced by social media campaigns that spread misinformation, fake news and lies about foreign nationals. 

We must be concerned that anti-foreigner sentiment is at times accompanied by tribal and ethnic slurs, insults or attacks aimed at other South Africans. 

We expect foreign nationals to respect our laws. We therefore need to respect them ourselves. 

Almost all South Africans recognise that illegal immigration is a significant challenge. 

Illegal migration, if unchecked, poses a risk to South Africa’s security, stability and economic progress. 

We know that illegal migration affects service delivery and places additional burdens on essential services such as health care and education. 

Illegal migration routes increasingly overlap with organised crime. 

Criminal syndicates involved in trafficking, extortion, illegal mining, drugs and money laundering often use undocumented migration for recruitment and concealment of goods. 

We know that illegal immigration undermines our efforts to create decent work for our people. 

There are businesses in our country that employ undocumented immigrants because their legal status means that they cannot stand up for their rights.
 
Some employers hire undocumented immigrants because they pay them wages that are well below the minimum wage and make them work longer hours without due compensation. 

We have uncovered a number of workplaces where undocumented migrants are made to labour under very bad conditions. 

Employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers and exploit their vulnerability are breaking the law. 

They undermine labour standards. They undermine fair competition. 

And they undermine opportunities for South Africans. 

Such conduct will attract far stronger penalties and far stricter enforcement. 

Many communities have expressed anger about the number of foreign nationals running spaza shops, trading stores and other informal outlets. 

They argue that foreign enterprises are squeezing out South Africans from operating in these markets in their own communities. 

These concerns must not be dismissed.

Many South Africans feel excluded from opportunities within their own communities. 

Government has a responsibility to support local enterprise, promote fair competition and create conditions in which South Africans can participate meaningfully in the economy. 

As a country, as communities and as a continent, we need to work together – in accordance with our Constitution, our laws and our international obligations – to tackle illegal immigration. 

We must do so without resorting to violence, intimidation, victimisation or xenophobia. 

Following the announcements made in the State of the Nation Address in February, government is taking further decisive action to tackle illegal immigration. 

Last week, Cabinet adopted a Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management. 

This approach has been endorsed by the President’s Coordinating Council, which includes Premiers and MECs, representatives of local government and representatives of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders. 

This evening, I would like to share with you the key actions we are taking. 

As Government our objective is clear. 

We want a South Africa where every person who enters the country does so lawfully. 

A South Africa where immigration laws are respected and enforced. 

A South Africa where businesses compete fairly. 

A South Africa where communities feel safe and secure. 

And a South Africa that remains true to its constitutional values and its commitment to human dignity. 

We intend to achieve this objective by implementing the following measures, amongst others: 

Firstly, we are and will continue to crack down on the violation of our immigration, labour and other laws. 

Secondly, we will continue to prevent people from entering the country irregularly and illegally. 

Thirdly, we are and will continue to stamp out corruption in our immigration system. Fourthly, we will strengthen our immigration laws and policies. 

Finally, we will continue to engage other countries, including our sister countries on the African continent, to forge a broader response to migration challenges across our region and the continent. 

The first part of our response is a concerted crackdown on violations of existing immigration, labour and other laws. 

The Department of Home Affairs, Border Management Authority, South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies have been and will intensify the process of identifying and deporting undocumented foreign nationals residing illegally in South Africa. 

In the past year alone, the Border Management Authority managed to intercept and stop over 450,000 people who were attempting to enter South Africa illegally. 

We will set up dedicated courts to deal with immigration to speedily support the deportation of undocumented migrants. 

The South African Police Service, Home Affairs and Department of Employment and Labour are increasing inspections targeting companies employing undocumented foreign nationals. 

As part of rebuilding the labour enforcement capacity, the Department of Employment and Labour has launched the phased recruitment of 10,000 inspectors for this financial year. 

We are going to increase the penalties, including imprisonment, for employers who violate the Immigration Act. 

We cannot have a situation where employers who, after being charged and found guilty of violating our laws, merely pay a fine and continue employing undocumented foreign nationals whom they exploit. 

To address violations of immigration and labour laws in the transport sector, we are implementing a plan that has been developed with the logistics and freight industry and labour organisations. 

The second part of our response is to secure our borders. 

Every sovereign nation has a responsibility to know who enters its territory, why they are entering and how long they are permitted to stay. 

Secure borders are not a sign of hostility towards other countries.

They are a fundamental requirement of a sovereign and well-governed state. Accordingly, we are taking further measures to secure our borders. 

We will therefore continue to invest in modern technology, infrastructure and personnel to ensure that our borders are secure while facilitating legitimate trade, travel and economic activity. 

We will undertake a phased relocation of refugee reception centres to border posts, starting with the Tshwane centre this year. 

Many other countries have refugee reception centres close to the place where refugees enter the country seeking asylum or refuge. 

The relocation of refugee reception centres closer to our borders is intended to ensure that asylum applications are processed more efficiently, more securely and more fairly. 

This will enable government to determine protection needs at the point of entry to ensure that those who genuinely require protection receive assistance as quickly as possible. 

The third part of our response will be to continue strengthening our immigration system by stamping out corruption and deploying cutting-edge technology. 

We are continuing the crackdown on corruption and inefficiencies in the Department of Home Affairs. 

We must recognise that illegal immigration is often enabled by corruption. 

Officials who sell documents, facilitate unlawful entry or abuse public office for personal gain betray the trust of the South African people. 

We will pursue these cases relentlessly. 

Those responsible are facing dismissal, criminal prosecution and the full consequences of the law. 

We are establishing an Intelligent Population Register that contains biometric data for every person in the country, laying the foundation for a Digital ID. 

At the same time, we will progressively discontinue the green ID books, which have enabled identity theft by undocumented immigrants and criminal syndicates.
 
The Department of Home Affairs will set a date after which the green ID books will not be recognised. 

We will end the abuse of the Traffic Registration Number, which foreign nationals require to register or buy vehicles, but which is being used as a form of identification. 

The Department of Transport will issue new regulations to align with the identification laws of our country within the next 3 months. 

The fourth part of our response is to close the gaps in our laws and policies. 

The laws that regulate immigration in South Africa are fragmented and often contradictory. They allow legal loopholes that are exploited by undocumented migrants. 

We are addressing these loopholes. 

Government has finalised the National Labour Migration Policy, which proposes maximum quotas for the employment of documented foreign nationals, and deals with the prosecutions of employers hiring undocumented workers. 

The Employment Services Amendment Bill has been approved by Cabinet for introduction to Parliament. This empowers the Minister to set quotas in respect of the employment of foreign nationals in any economic sector or occupational category. 

The Department of Small Business Development, working with the South African Local Government Association, will complete the process of ensuring small and informal businesses are properly registered. It will also provide support for South African informal businesses through the Spaza Shop Fund. 

The final part of our response is to work with other countries in our region and across the continent to address the broader challenge of migration. 

We need to address the factors that drive migration on our continent and elsewhere. 

South Africa cannot address migration challenges alone. 

Migration is a continental and global phenomenon. 

South Africa's future is inseparable from the future of the African continent. 

Migration pressures cannot be addressed through enforcement measures alone. 

They require peace where there is conflict, economic growth where there is stagnation and opportunity where there is poverty. 

As South Africa, we will continue working with our sister countries to build an Africa in which people move by choice and not by desperation. 

Through SADC, the African Union and in our bilateral relations with other countries, we will seek to find sustainable solutions to these challenges. 

As part of this effort, I will be sending envoys to a number of sister African countries to outline the measures that we are announcing this evening. 

Cabinet will remain seized with this matter and will regularly review progress in implementing these measures. 

The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration will coordinate government's response across departments and spheres of government. 

NATJOINTS and Provincial NATJOINTS structures have been directed to strengthen coordination among law enforcement, intelligence and security agencies to ensure effective implementation. 

As we work to tackle the problem of illegal immigration, we are determined that we will not allow anyone to exploit this problem to destabilise our country. 

Our law enforcement agencies and security services – working with other state entities and key stakeholders – are ready to act to protect public safety, maintain law and order, and safeguard critical infrastructure. 

The changes we have recently introduced to our immigration laws and regulations will allow us to attract tourists, highly skilled global talent and investment through lawful channels. 
We must also remember that many of our people travel to other countries to study, to work and to gain experience. 

Many come home with valuable skills and expertise, with a wider view of the world, and in a better position to improve their lives and those of their families. 

Migration is the way of the world and we must be prepared to embrace it. 

South Africa is a better country for migration. And we can become better still. 

But that means our laws need to be strengthened and more effectively enforced. 

It means that we must end illegal immigration and deal with the social, economic and security challenges to which it contributes. 

We must not allow ourselves to turn against foreign nationals or each other. 

We must all respect the Constitution, uphold the basic human rights of all people and consistently uphold the law of the land. 

We reject the notion that we must tolerate illegal immigration. 

We can protect our borders while protecting human dignity. 

We can enforce our laws while upholding our Constitution. 

We can secure our communities while preserving the values of Ubuntu that define us as a people. 

Like many challenges that we have faced before, we can overcome the problem of illegal immigration. 

South Africa has overcome far greater challenges than this. 

We have overcome division. We have overcome conflict. We have overcome injustice. 

We will overcome this challenge too. 

Let us do so not through fear, anger, hatred or violence, but through unity, determination and respect for the rule of law. 

Let us build a South Africa that is secure, lawful, compassionate and prosperous. 

A South Africa in which we expand opportunity, protect people’s dignity and fulfil the promise of democracy for all. 

I thank you. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will this evening address the nation on the government's management approach to illegal migration and the recent surge in protests against foreign nationals. 

The President will address the nation as follows:
Date: Sunday, 7 June 2026
Time: 18h00
Venue: Union Buildings, Pretoria

SABC will provide a feed to all media and PresidencyZA will live stream proceedings on various digital platforms.
 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by:  The Presidency
Pretoria