South African Government

Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa urges South Africans to register before election proclamation Londekile Mon, 08/03/2026 - 17:31 03 Aug 2026 Minister Hlabisa urges South Africans to register before proclamation of the 2026 Local Government Election date The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, has urged all eligible South Africans to register and verify their voter registration details before the proclamation of the 2026 Local Government Elections date on 7 August 2026. In terms of Section 159 of the Constitution, read together with the Municipal Structures Act, the Minister of CoGTA is responsible for proclaiming the date of local government elections, which must be held within 90 days after the expiry of a five-year municipal term. The proclamation and gazetting of the election date will result in the closure of the voters' roll for the 2026 elections. The Minister's call follows a successful voter registration weekend held on 1 and 2 August 2026, during which approximately 1.7 million citizens interacted with the Electoral Commission (IEC). Of these, 291 806 registered as first-time voters, while more than 1.5 million voters updated or confirmed their registration details. Minister Hlabisa welcomed the encouraging turnout, describing it as a clear demonstration of citizens' commitment to strengthening democracy and shaping the future of their communities. "I urge all eligible South Africans who have not yet registered, or who need to update their details, to do so before the proclamation date. Every registered voter strengthens our democracy and ensures that communities have a voice in local government," said Minister Hlabisa. The Minister reminded voters that, in local government elections, citizens may only vote in the ward where they are registered. He encouraged voters to make use of the IEC's Online Voter Registration Portal and voter verification services to confirm their registration status. Minister Hlabisa also expressed his appreciation to the Electoral Commission, electoral staff, political parties, community organisations, traditional leaders, and all stakeholders whose contributions ensured the success of the voter registration weekend. The 2026 Local Government Elections, scheduled for 4 November 2026, will provide South Africans with an important opportunity to shape the future of local governance and strengthen democratic participation at community level. Media enquiries: Ms Pearl Maseko-Binqose Media Liaison Officer to the Minister of CoGTA Cell: 082 772 1709 Mr Legadima Leso Head of Communications: CoGTA Cell: 066 479 9904 #GovZAUpdates Issued by Department of Traditional Affairs More from Department of Traditional Affairs More on Elections Media Statements

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on the Morita Forestry investment scam Londekile Mon, 08/03/2026 - 11:47 02 Aug 2026 DFFE distances itself from Morita Forestry and condemns alleged investment scam The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) wishes to state categorically that it has no formal or official relationship with a company known as Morita Forestry, which has been implicated in media reports alleging that it operated an investment scam that has caused financial losses to many South Africans. The Department distances itself from Morita Forestry and any alleged pyramid scheme or fraudulent activities associated with the company. Recent media reports published by GroundUp and News24, titled “South Africans lose hundreds of millions of rands to Morita Forestry investment scam”, allege that Morita Forestry, a company with an office in Sandton and an address in Colorado in the United States, but reportedly operated from China, scammed South Africans out of hundreds of millions of rands. According to the reports, Morita Forestry allegedly promised daily returns to investors through purported woodland projects in the United States. The reports further allege that officials from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and the South African Police Service (SAPS) participated in “trainings” and tree-planting activities organised by Morita Forestry, thereby lending credibility to the company. The Department wishes to confirm that as the National Coordinator of the One Million Trees Programme, it participated in a tree planting event organized by the West Rand District Municipality at the Mehlakeng Township where Morita Forestry also participated. As part of the One Million Trees Campaign, the Department encouraged all South Africans, including businesses, civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations, to participate in efforts aimed at increasing tree planting across the country. Morita Forestry responded to this call and donated approximately 300 trees towards the campaign. At no stage did the Department enter into any partnership or formal relationship with Morita Forestry. The Department was not involved in the company's operations, investment activities or business affairs. The Department notes the serious allegations contained in the media reports and reiterates that its involvement with Morita Forestry was limited to the tree-planting activities undertaken as part of the One Million Trees Campaign. The DFFE will assess whether Morita Forestry may have used its participation in a public environmental initiative to create an impression of legitimacy while allegedly engaging in activities that may have harmed unsuspecting members of the public. If proven to be true, such conduct would constitute a serious abuse of a national environmental programme intended to promote sustainable development and environmental stewardship. The Department will also consider all legally available options regarding the apparent unauthorised use of its name, programmes and officials to advance the interests of the company. The DFFE remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of its environmental programmes and will cooperate with any lawful processes relating to this matter should such cooperation be required. For media enquiries, please contact: Zolile Nqayi on 082 898 6483 / znqayi@dffe.go.za #GovZAUpdates Issued by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment More from Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment More on Forestry Media Statements

Eastern Cape Health commemorates World Breastfeeding Week, 4 Aug Londekile Mon, 08/03/2026 - 11:48 02 Aug 2026 World Breastfeeding Week Commemoration: 1-7 August South Africa will this week (1-7 August) join the global community to commemorate the World Breastfeeding Week as part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the vital health, social and economic benefits of breastfeeding for infant survival and maternal well-being. Breastmilk remains a baby’s first vaccine and best protection they need against illness and disease. South Africa continues to face suboptimal breastfeeding practices, with the national exclusive breastfeeding rates at 22%, and this is below the global targets of 60% set for the year 2030, indicating the need for sustained, year-round breastfeeding support. According to the World Health Organization, almost 48% of infants under six months were exclusively breastfed globally as of 2024. South Africa remains committed to achieve the global breastfeeding targets of 60% by the year 2030, and this requires all hands on deck to reduce infant mortality, combat childhood malnutrition, and lower maternal health risks. At the current moment, the burden of malnutrition among children under five remains high. Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean and contains antibodies which help protect against many common childhood illnesses. Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life. Ther 2026 World Breastfeeding Week Campaign is commemorated under the theme: “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works”. The theme focuses on the impact of breastfeeding on nutrition, food security, poverty reduction as well as breastfeeding protection and promotion through cost-effective breastfeeding interventions that require strengthening instead of searching for new methods. Breastfeeding is important for the babies especially in the first 6 months after birth as it provides full nutritional benefits for baby. The Department encourages mothers to initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusively breastfeed for the first six months, and continue breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods until two years and beyond. Breastfeeding provides emotional and economic benefits for both the baby and the mother. The National Department of Health in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Provincial Health Department, World Health Organization, UNICEF and other stakeholders in the sector, will this week conduct the World Breastfeeding Week community outreach activities in the Eastern Cape. This event brings together pregnant women, mothers, fathers health workers and communities to observe a joint breastfeeding session while similar events will be held in other provinces across the country to build a strong support system. Breastfeeding is a shared responsibility. Government, employers, families, communities and healthcare workers all have a critical role in creating conducive environments that enable mothers to breastfeed effectively. Members of the media are invited to join event as follows: Date: Tuesday, 4 August 2026 Time: 9h00 Venue: Nkondlo African Gospel Church in Engcobo, Chris Hani District Municipality - Eastern Cape province For more information and media enquiries, please contact: Mr Foster Mohale Health Departmental Spokesperson Cell: 0724323792 E-mail: Foster.mohale@health.gov.za Ms Camagwini Mavovana Spokesperson to Eastern Cape Health MEC Cell: 083 4003 206 E- mail: Camagwini.Mavovana@echealth.gov.za RSVP : Howard Kgoa @ 079 876 9247- Email Howard.kgoa@health.gov.za #GovZAUpdates Province Eastern Cape Event Category Government activities Issued by Eastern Cape Health More from Eastern Cape Health Media advisories

Minister Blade Nzimande undertakes District Development Model Champion oversight visit in Ixopo, 5 Aug Londekile Mon, 08/03/2026 - 12:53 03 Aug 2026 Minister Nzimande undertakes DDM oversight visit to Harry Gwala District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, will visit the Harry Gwala District Municipality in Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal, in his role as District Development Model Champion. Minister Nzimande’s visit follows a previous meeting with the Harry Gwala District Municipality and surrounding local municipalities and is intended to present the Department’s response to the concerns that were raised in this meeting. The meeting will also provide the Minister with an update on the Status Report of the Political and Technical Hub, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Harry Gwala District Municipality and the proposed projects by the DSTI’s entity, the Technology, Innovation Agency (TIA). The media are invited as follows: Date: Wednesday, 5 August 2026 Venue: Harry Gwala District Municipality Council Chambers, Ixopo Time: 9h30-14h00 Media RSVP: Mr Veli Mbele (Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson to the Minister) 064 615 0644 or Veli.Mbele@dsti.gov.za or KuneneS@harrygwaladm.gov.za Event Enquiries: Ms Busiswa Gqasana (Outreach Officer to the Minister) 078 989 1150 or Busiswa.Gqasana@dsti.gov.za #GovZAUpdates Event Category Government activities Issued by Department of Science, Technology and Innovation More from Department of Science, Technology and Innovation Media advisories

Minister Gwede Mantashe announces adjustment of fuel prices effective from 5 August 2026 Londekile Mon, 08/03/2026 - 13:06 03 Aug 2026 The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources hereby announces the adjustment of fuel prices based on current local and international factors with effect from the 5th of August 2026. South Africa’s fuel prices are adjusted monthly, informed by international and local factors. International factors include the fact that South Africa imports both crude oil and finished products at a price set at the international level, including importation costs, e.g., shipping costs. The main reasons for the fuel price adjustments are as follows: 1. Crude oil prices The average Brent Crude oil price decreased from 86.53 US Dollars (USD) to 82.37 USD during the period under review. The impact of renewed US/Iran tensions which caused the price to increase up to a $100 mark, was offset by the fact that the prices had already decreased significantly the previous month and the first half of this month due to the ceasefire MOU between the US and Iran as well as lower global demand for crude oil. 2. International petroleum product prices The average international product prices of petrol decreased during the period under review, while the prices of diesel and illuminating paraffin increased due to supply shortages caused by Russia/Ukraine conflict which resulted in diesel export Media restrictions by Russia. The situation was compounded by the Middle East Refineries that were operating below capacity. These factors led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices (BFP) of petrol by 6.08 cents per litre (c/l), and higher contributions to the BFP of diesel and illuminating paraffin by 182.62 cents per litre (c/l) and 143.32 c/l, respectively. The prices of Propane and Butane decreased during the period under review. 3. Rand/US Dollar exchange rate The Rand depreciated slightly on average, against the US Dollar (from 16.34 to 16.46 Rand per USD) during the period under review when compared to the previous one. This led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and Illuminating Paraffin by 6.37 c/l, 8.14 c/l and 7.89 c/l respectively. 4. Implementation of the Slate Levy The cumulative slate amounted to a negative balance of R7.418 billion for petrol and diesel of at the end of June 2026. In line with the provisions of the Self-Adjusting Slate Levy Mechanism, the slate levy of 61.38 c/l will be implemented in the price structures of petrol and diesel with effect from the 5th of August 2026. The Slate Levy has decreased by 52.56 c/l from 113.94 to 61.38 c/l. 5. The Maximum Refinery Gate Price (MRGP) for LPGas that is imported through the Port of Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape province The Maximum Refinery Gate Price (MRGP) and the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of LPGas that is imported through the Port of Saldanha Bay will be R 1 4 562.59 per metric ton and R 35.81 per kilogram, respectively, effective from the 5 th of August 2026. Based on current local and international factors, the fuel prices for August 2026 will be adjusted as follows: Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): Fifty-two cents per litre (52.00 c/l) decrease. Petrol 95 (ULP &LRP): Fifty-two cents per litre (52.00 c/l) decrease. Diesel (0.05% sulphur): One hundred and thirty-eight point four-four cents per litre (138.44 c/l) increase. Diesel (0.005% sulphur): One hundred and twenty-three point four-four cents per litre (123.44 c/l) increase. Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): One hundred and fifty-two cents per litre (152.00 c/l) increase. SMNRP for IP: Two hundred and three cents per litre (203.00 c/l) increase. Maximum Retail Price of LPGas: Four hundred and forty-one cents per kilogram (441.00 c/kg) decrease and five hundred and three cents per kilogram (503.00 c/kg) The fuel prices schedule for the different Magisterial District Zones (MDZ) will be published on Tuesday, the 4 th of August 2026. Enquiries: mediadesk@dmpr.gov.za Ms Yolanda Mhlathi – yolanda.mhlathi@dmpr.gov.za / 067 258 1122 Mr Johannes Mokobane - johannes.mokobane@dmpr.gov.za / 082 766 3674 Ms Lerato Ntsoko – lerato.ntsoko@dmpr.gov.za / 082 459 2788 #GovZAUpdates Issued by Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources More from Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources More on Mining and minerals Media Statements

Presidency and Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute unveil International Portraits of Power, 4 Aug Londekile Mon, 08/03/2026 - 14:02 03 Aug 2026 Members of the media are invited to attend the inaugural International Portraits of Power Unveiling Ceremony, presented by the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI) in partnership with The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa and participating diplomatic missions. The International Portraits of Power is a Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute initiative that celebrates extraordinary women whose courage, leadership and contributions have shaped nations and inspired generations through a carefully curated exhibition. The exhibition will feature portraits of iconic women whose legacies reflect the history, values and aspirations of their nations, as nominated by their respective countries. The portraits were created by South African artists in collaboration with participating diplomatic missions. The exhibition forms part of the South African government’s Women’s Month programme, which seeks to honour women’s activism towards equality, preserve women’s liberation history and strengthen cultural diplomacy as part of the recently launched Milestones of Freedom campaign. The exhibition brings together government representatives, cultural practitioners, academics and diplomatic missions from across Africa, Europe, Asia and Oceania, with each nominated woman’s legacy interpreted through a specially commissioned portrait. Event details Date: Tuesday, 4 August 2026 Venue: Amphitheatre, Union Buildings, Pretoria Time: 9h00 Media opportunities Members of the media will have the opportunity to cover the official unveiling ceremony, capture images of the exhibition portraits, and interview participating artists and representatives of diplomatic missions, subject to availability. Media accreditation Members of the media who wish to attend the unveiling ceremony are requested to RSVP by Monday, 3 August 2026, to Ms Sinenhlanhla Mdiya at sine@cmmi.org.za or 083 625 5323. For media enquiries: Mr William Baloyi Deputy Government Spokesperson Cell 083 390 7147 Ms Sinenhlanhla Mdiya Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute Cell: 083 625 5323 #GovZAUpdates Event Category Government activities Issued by The Presidency More from The Presidency Media advisories