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With the scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) continuing to rise, and GBVF declared a National Disaster, Deputy Minister Mondli Gungubele opened his address on Day 2 of GovTech 2026, on 22 September 2026, by inviting delegates to read a solemn pledge against GBVF.
The pledge reaffirmed a collective commitment to ending GBVF and building a safer and more just society for all.
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21/09/2026
MINISTER DE LILLE HOSTS SAUDI MINISTER OF HAJJ AND UMRAH AL-RABIAH
Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille hosted Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, H.E. Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, during his official visit to South Africa, with
discussions focused on strengthening cooperation to better serve South African pilgrims and Umrah visitors travelling to the Kingdom.
de Lille said the engagement provided an opportunity to develop a broader tourism relationship that benefits travellers and the tourism economies of both
countries.
“South Africa and Saudi Arabia already have an important connection through the thousands of South African Muslims who travel for Hajj and Umrah. We now have an
opportunity to build on that relationship by encouraging greater two-way travel, strengthening connectivity and introducing more Saudi travellers to the diversity of
experiences that South Africa has to offer. As part of our approach, South African Tourism will also build seasonal packages that we can market to Saudi travellers,” said de Lille.
The visit provided an important opportunity for Al-Rabiah to meet with de Lille and representatives of the travel and tourism sector and to hear directly their views on the Hajj and Umrah experience and the challenges facing South African pilgrims and Umrah visitors.
Discussions focused on facilitating the journey of pilgrims and Umrah visitors, supporting the transition to digital services, strengthening coordination with tour operators, and working together on practical solutions to address existing challenges.
The two sides agreed to establish a joint working group to follow up on the recommendations arising from the meetings and further strengthen cooperation between the two countries. They also agreed to encourage airlines in both countries to explore increasing flight frequencies, helping facilitate the movement of pilgrims, Umrah visitors and other travellers, while strengthening connectivity between Saudi Arabia and South Africa.
“Last year, around 56,000 South Africans travelled to the Kingdom for Umrah, an increase of approximately 10% compared to the previous year. This growth means a great deal to us. Our priority is to listen to South African pilgrims, Umrah visitors and service providers, understand their needs, and work together to make their journey more accessible, seamless and enriching,” said Al-Rabiah. Arrivals from Saudi to South Africa increased from 5 461 in 2021 to 24 942 in 2025.
“Travel brings people closer together. Hajj and Umrah have connected South Africa and Saudi Arabia for generations, and we look forward to building on this historic connection to further strengthen the relationship between our two countries,” added Al-Rabiah
The Ministers also discussed opportunities for closer cooperation between the tourism sectors of both countries, including destination promotion, skills development, and
showcasing South Africa’s rich Islamic heritage and halaal tourism offering. The visit forms part of ongoing efforts by South Africa and Saudi Arabia to deepen cooperation, strengthen people-to-people ties and continuously enhance the experience of South African pilgrims and Umrah visitors.
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09/09/2026
INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE, SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ON THE AGENDA AS PREMIER NDLOVU MEETS NTCSA
Investment in infrastructure and skills development took centre stage as Premier Mandla Ndlovu met with the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), Eskom's transmission subsidiary, alongside Director-General Ms Maggie Skosana and provincial leadership. On Tuesday, 8 September 2026, the delegation was led by Mr Mihle Khumalo, Senior Manager, who briefed the Premier on NTCSA's infrastructure footprint and investment plans in the province.
The engagement covered NTCSA's substation and transmission network across Mpumalanga, ongoing and planned capital projects, and efforts to expand energy capacity through renewable integration.
Skills development and youth empowerment remain a key priority on Premier Ndlovu's agenda for the province. NTCSA's presentation spoke directly to this priority, highlighting its commitment to skills development, localisation and community investment, with training, job placements and support for local SMMEs built into its project delivery model, alongside youth empowerment initiatives.
Premier Ndlovu welcomed the engagement and the initiative shown by NTCSA, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening collaboration and partnership in support of infrastructure, skills development and community upliftment priorities in the province.
The Mpumalanga Provincial Government remains committed to working with strategic partners to capacitate the province and uplift communities across Mpumalanga.
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09/09/2026
𝙈𝙋𝙐𝙈𝘼𝙇𝘼𝙉𝙂𝘼 𝙂𝙊𝙑𝙀𝙍𝙉𝙈𝙀𝙉𝙏 𝘾𝙀𝙇𝙀𝘽𝙍𝘼𝙏𝙀𝙎 𝘾𝙇𝙀𝘼𝙉 𝘼𝙐𝘿𝙄𝙏 𝙊𝙐𝙏𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙀𝙎 𝘼𝙎 𝘼𝙂 𝙃𝘼𝙉𝘿𝙎 𝙊𝙐𝙏 𝙏𝙍𝙊𝙋𝙃𝙄𝙀𝙎
The Mpumalanga Provincial Government today celebrated its clean audit achievers, as the Auditor-General handed over trophies in recognition of financial excellence and sound governance.
A clean audit outcome represents the highest standard of financial and performance accountability, showing that an entity's financial statements and performance reports are free of material findings and that recommendations from previous audits have been effectively implemented — not just maintained.
The following departments and entities were recognised for achieving this outcome for the 2025/26 financial year:
𝘿𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨:
- Office of the Premier
- Department of Economic Development and Tourism
- Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs
- Provincial Treasury
𝙀𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨:
- Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER)
- Nkomazi Special Economic Zone
- Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA)
These achievements reflect strengthened consequence management, targeted interventions to address weaknesses, and improved organisational effectiveness. The clean audit achievements illustrate a high level of commitment to applicable legal and financial prescripts. In addition, it is testament to the implementation of audit action plans recommended by the Auditor-General, in response to the audit findings of the previous audit cycle. The Mpumalanga Provincial Government remains committed to embedding this culture of accountability, transparency and institutional integrity across all departments and entities.
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09/09/2026
NSEZ AND TETA TO HOST LOGISTICS AND AGRO-PROCESSING INDUSTRIAL SUMMIT FOR MSMEs IN NKOMAZI
The Nkomazi Special Economic Zone (NSEZ), in partnership with the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA), will on Thursday, 10 September 2026, host the Logistics and Agro-Processing Industrial Summit at Oasis Valley Lodge in Buffelspruit, Nkomazi, Mpumalanga.
The summit is an enterprise development and market access platform aimed at empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operating in the logistics, manufacturing and agro-processing sectors. It seeks to facilitate meaningful connections between fully operational and growth-stage MSMEs and potential corporate buyers, exporters, retailers, processors, development finance institutions (DFIs), financial institutions, logistics operators and skills development partners.
The partnership between NSEZ and TETA will also focus on skills development and enterprise support across the transport sector, including road freight, logistics, forwarding and clearing, freight handling, maritime, rail and aerospace.
The summit will provide participating MSMEs with opportunities to:
* Explore market access opportunities with potential buyers, exporters, retailers and processors in the agro-processing sector.
* Receive guidance on compliance, quality standards, certification and export readiness.
* Engage with DFIs, banks and other funding institutions on potential financing and partnership opportunities.
* Access skills development, learnerships, training programmes and enterprise support initiatives through the TETA Skills and Enterprise Development Hub.
* Explore potential partnerships and collaborations to support sustainable business growth and expansion.
Participation in the summit is subject to specific criteria. Businesses are required to be operational for a minimum of one year, be registered MSMEs, operate in manufacturing, demonstrate an intention and capacity to expand, have the ability to supply beyond local markets and align with the sector priorities of the NSEZ
ABOUT THE NKOMAZI SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE
The Nkomazi Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) was designated in 2019 in terms of the Special Economic Zone Act No. 16 of 2014. Strategically located in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga, the NSEZ serves as an investment destination with a focus on agro-processing and manufacturing, the production of nutraceuticals and logistics.
The zone plays an important role in facilitating the export of commodities from Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Gauteng through the Maputo Port. Its strategic positioning also provides opportunities to reduce freight costs and road congestion through the development of an inland port capable of handling cargo containers and bulk materials, with intermodal connectivity between rail and the Maputo Port
Logistics and Agro-Processing Industrial Summit
The summit will bring together MSMEs, potential buyers, exporters, retailers, processors, DFIs, financial institutions, logistics operators and skills development partners. Discussions and engagements will focus on market access, export readiness, compliance, funding opportunities, skills development and enterprise growth within the logistics and agro-processing sectors.
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Mpumalanga Premier Opens R350-million Destiny Exclusive Hotel, Calls it a "Worker-led Development"
Middelburg – Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu officially opened the R350-million Destiny Exclusive Hotel and International Convention Centre in Middelburg on Friday, 4 September 2026 hailing the development as a landmark investment that will create jobs, stimulate local economic activity and position the province as a premier destination for business and leisure tourism.
The five-star facility, located in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, features 150 hotel rooms and a 1,000-seat convention centre, together with a spa and wellness centre, gym, restaurant and bar. It was developed by Akani Properties on behalf of the Municipal Employees Pension Fund (MEPF).
Addressing dignitaries including MEC for Economic Development and Tourism Jesta Sidell, Nkangala District Municipality Executive Mayor Cllr Thomas Diphepheng Ngwenya and business leaders, Ndlovu said the investment comes at a critical time for the region. He noted that unemployment in Steve Tshwete Local Municipality stands at 19%, with youth unemployment at 27% and 16% of households classified as indigent.
"We are celebrating an investment in the future of Mpumalanga, an investment that creates jobs, stimulates local economic activity, strengthens our tourism offering and positions our province as a destination of choice for visitors and investors alike," the Premier said.
The project created up to 300 permanent jobs during construction, and 70% of newly created operational roles will be reserved for local residents in line with municipal hiring guidelines.
In a powerful address, the Premier praised the MEPF for what he called "revolutionary foresight" in backing the mega-project.
"For far too long, the retirement savings of African workers have been used to develop massive buildings in Sandton or foreign financial markets, leaving the communities where those workers live and work without infrastructure development," he said.
"Today, we salute the revolutionary foresight of the MEPF that backed this mega-project. The MEPF has demonstrated the true definition of 'capital with a conscience'," he added.
The Premier described the development as a "worker-led development", noting that municipal employees, clerks, technicians and administrative staff, are, through their pension fund, the physical owners of the five-star hospitality holding.
The hotel is strategically positioned in Mpumalanga's mining and energy economic hub, with Steve Tshwete being the third major contributor to provincial GDP. It sits on the N4 economic corridor and is well-placed to serve as a convenient base for visitors to the nearby Kruger National Park and the Loskop Nature Reserve, which the provincial government is working to revive as a key tourism attraction.
Ndlovu said the convention centre would help Mpumalanga capture a larger share of corporate travel, conferences and events, linking business tourism with leisure tourism.
"Every conference delegate, tourist and visitor who comes to Middelburg creates opportunities for local restaurants, transport operators, retailers, tourism establishments, informal traders and other small businesses. The economic benefits therefore extend far beyond the hotel itself," he said.
The development aligns with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government's 7th Administration goal of achieving R50 billion in investment.
"We cannot achieve our R50-billion investment target if we do not possess the infrastructure to host the investors and innovators who will bring that capital to life," the Premier said.
The venue demonstrated its operational readiness in July by hosting the Middelburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry's annual investment summit and gala dinner. The property will be managed independently by Carnation Hotels under its existing 'Destiny' brand.
Declaring the facility officially open, Premier Ndlovu issued a clarion call to institutional investors, state-owned enterprises and private sector partners: "Mpumalanga is officially open for business".
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03/09/2026
MPUMALANGA LAUNCHES REAL ESTATE LEARNERSHIP TO EMPOWER YOUTH
Mpumalanga has launched a bold new chapter in empowering its youth, with the Mpumalanga Real Estate Learnership Programme officially launched on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, at Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, placing 200 young people from Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande and Nkangala on a path towards a property management qualification and a foothold in one of South Africa's most influential economic sectors. The initiative is a landmark partnership between the Office of the Premier, Services SETA and the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA).
MEC Thulasizwe Thomo, on behalf of the Premier, emphasised the strategic significance of the programme in his remarks. "Today's launch is far more than the commencement of another learnership programme, it is a strategic intervention that seeks to reposition young people of this province as active participants in one of the country's most significant economic sectors," he said.
He challenged the selected learners to see their selection as a vote of confidence from government. "Your selection represents not only confidence in your potential, but also government's confidence that you possess the determination to become ambassadors of professionalism, integrity and excellence within the property industry."
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Human Settlements Ms Thembi Simelane linked the programme to the broader transformation agenda of the property sector. "We are trying to create an African face in the property industry, to ensure the entire property sector is representative of the transformation agenda our country seeks," she said.
The Minister further said, "we want previously disadvantaged individuals from every walk of life to be represented."
Learners will be placed with established property companies for practical workplace experience as they work towards an NQF4 qualification, with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, Services SETA and the PPRA supporting the process throughout.
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01/09/2026
ICRC President meets Ramaphosa as global push to uphold rules of war gains momentum
PRETORIA – The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mirjana Spoljaric, met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, to discuss efforts to make respect for the rules of war a political priority as the number of armed conflicts continues to rise worldwide.
The meeting, which also included Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, comes as the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) – launched in September 2024 – continues to attract broad international support.
"Today we see the horrific humanitarian consequences resulting from the rules of war being bent, broken or outright ignored," said President Spoljaric. "As one of the six founding states of the Global IHL Initiative, South Africa is playing a critical role in reviving respect for these life-saving rules globally. With over one-third of armed conflicts taking place in Africa, I hope more countries across the continent will join this exceptional effort to unite states around a shared commitment to preserve humanity in war."
South Africa, together with Brazil, China, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan and the ICRC, launched the Global Initiative in September 2024 to galvanise political commitment to international humanitarian law. To date, 118 states, including 27 African countries, have officially joined the initiative.
These efforts will culminate in a high-level conference hosted by His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein in Jordan on 7 December 2026, where states will reaffirm their commitment to upholding the rules of war. The conference will bring together Heads of State and Government to send a unified message reaffirming that the rules of war are fundamental to preserving our shared humanity.
While in Pretoria, President Spoljaric also met with Advocate Mothibedi Panyane, president of the South African Red Cross Society, about their humanitarian work across the country.
The ICRC has been active in South Africa since 1963, beginning with visits to prisoners, including the late President Nelson Mandela on Robben Island. Today, the ICRC works with the South African government, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and partners across the region to address humanitarian challenges and promote respect for the laws of war.
The Global Initiative, which does not aim to create new norms but to strengthen respect for and implementation of existing IHL, has seen more than 150 States participate in its technical consultations. The six co-leaders have invited leaders of all States to come together at this pivotal moment and unite around their shared responsibility to prevent atrocities, preserve human dignity and safeguard the foundations for sustainable peace.
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