Statement on the Cabinet meeting of Wednesday, 26 August 2026

28 August 2026

A. Issues in the environment

1. Building economic strength and resilience

1.1. Government and business deepen partnership to accelerate economic growth and job creation

1.1.1. Cabinet welcomed the launch of Phase 3 of the Government-Business Partnership to drive growth, attract investment and create over one million jobs by 2030.

1.1.2. Phase 3 builds on successes of Phases 1 and 2 collaboration in key sectors. Phase 2 achievements, include the end to loadshedding, improvements in rail and port performance; South Africa's exit from the FATF grey list; and Credit rating upgrades by S&P and Fitch.

1.1.3. Phase 3 will advance reforms, strengthen investor confidence and expand economic opportunities for all South Africans. With key targets on expanding energy capacity, increasing freight volumes, unlocking major investments, and further boosting international tourist arrivals by 2027.

1.2. South Africa prepares for a new tuberculosis vaccine

1.2.1. Cabinet was briefed on progress towards the development of a new tuberculosis (TB) vaccine, currently undergoing Phase 3 trials, which could significantly contribute to eliminating TB as a public health threat.

1.2.2. Cabinet noted that government is preparing for the registration and introduction of the vaccine should the trials prove successful.

Cabinet also welcomed an agreement with the Serum Institute of India to produce TB vaccines for global distribution, which will strengthen South Africa's vaccine manufacturing capacity, support innovation and contribute to economic growth and job creation.

1.3. Laying the foundation for a more resilient energy future: Eskom Generation Performance

1.3.1. Eskom exceeded a key milestone in its load reduction eradication programme by achieving load reduction status in seven provinces ahead of the October 2026 target. Approximately 1.2 million customers have been restored to normal supply conditions, reducing the share of affected customers to 6.8% of Eskom's customer base.

1.3.2. Furthermore, Eskom has also significantly reduced its reliance on diesel, with expenditure falling by more than 83% year-on-year from R5.92 billion to R992 million over the comparable period, as Open Cycle Gas Turbine usage dropped from 8.67% to 1.10%.

1.3.3. The sharp reduction in diesel use reflects sustained improvements in fleet performance and a more reliable, efficient and resilient power system. South Africa has now recorded 467 consecutive days without loadshedding since 16 May 2025, providing reliable electricity to households and businesses and supporting broader economic development.

1.3.4. Cabinet welcomed continued improvement in Eskom's performance with the Energy Availability Factor reaching its highest level since 2020, reflecting a more reliable generation fleet. This sustained improvement returned approximately 6 100 megawatts of generation capacity to the grid, while unplanned outages declined by nearly 40% year-on-year

1.3.5. Cabinet calls on South Africans to make submissions on the Draft Revised Electricity Pricing Policy which is currently open for public comments. The proposed policy measures aimed at reducing the cost of electricity while maintaining cost-reflective tariffs and protecting vulnerable households and strategic economic sectors.

1.4. 5th Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa

1.4.1. Cabinet welcomed South Africa's successful hosting of the 5th Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa (SIDSSA) in Cape Town.

1.4.2. Cabinet also welcomed the identification of 263 infrastructure projects valued at R1.99 trillion across various stages of development and implementation.

1.4.3. Over the past 18 months, 37 projects valued at R69 billion have been completed, supporting economic growth and job creation.

1.5. African Growth and Opportunity Act

1.5.1. Cabinet welcomed the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which maintains preferential access for eligible South African products to the United States of America (USA) market. The extension, which will last until 31 December 2028, provides certainty for local producers and exporters, supporting market diversification, increased exports and deeper trade and investment ties with the USA.

1.6. Citrus agreement with India

1.6.1. Cabinet welcomed the agreement between South Africa and India to expand treatment options for South African fresh citrus exports, following nearly a decade of negotiations. The agreement will provide citrus producers with greater logistical flexibility and support increased exports to India - one of the world's largest and fastest growing markets.

1.6.2. As the world's second largest citrus exporter with 2.9-million tonnes of citrus exported in 2025 earning US$2.1-billion, South Africa's citrus industry supports significant employment across the value chain. Expanded market access will strengthen the sector's growth, export and job creation potential.

1.7. Enhancing South Africa's competitiveness as a destination for tourism, business and investment

1.7.1. Cabinet welcomed the launch of South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) platform as part of the digital transformation of the visa and immigration system.

1.7.2. The ETA replaces manual visa processes with a faster, more efficient digital system.

1.7.3. By integrating biometric verification and advanced technology, the ETA will strengthen border security, improve migration management and enhance South Africa's competitiveness as a destination for tourism, business and investment.

2. Building stronger international relations

2.1. South Africa hosted a successful 46th SADC Summit

2.1.1. Cabinet welcomed the successful hosting of the 46th SADC Summit in Durban that commenced South Africa's Chairship which under the theme: Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in pursuit of a Just World".

2.1.2. The summit received and considered reports on: the implementation of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020 -2030, which is based on continued efforts towards improving peace, security, economic, health, and infrastructure performance; progress on the development of the North-South Economic Corridor (NSEC), the establishment of the NSEC Investment programme, and the Corridor Management Institution; and the need to identify at least three (03) high impact projects/ areas to be discussed in the next meeting of Council of Ministers.

2.1.3. South Africa took the opportunity to brief Summit about migration governance in the country and the need to hold SADC dialogue on the matter including the pull and push factors and relate security matters.

2.2. 4th Session of the South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission

2.2.1. Cabinet commended the success of the 4th South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission, which reviewed bilateral cooperation and strengthened relations between the two countries.

2.2.2. Cabinet noted that Zimbabwe remains one of South Africa's largest trading partners in Africa, with bilateral trade reaching R81 billion in 2025.

2.2.3. The 4th session concluded six new cooperation agreements, including an MoU on the interstate transfer of sentenced prisoners. Additional agreements are on: diplomacy, agriculture, arts and culture, and women's empowerment will further advance regional integration and economic transformation.

3. Exile Repatriation Programme

3.1. Angola phase of South Africa's Exile Repatriation Programme

3.1.1. Cabinet welcomed the launch of the Angola phase of South Africa's Exile Repatriation Programme to locate and repatriate the remains of South Africans who died in exile during the liberation struggle, as part of the country's Five-Year Exile Repatriation Plan.

3.1.2. Cabinet noted that Angola has the largest known concentration of South Africans who died in exile, with more than 400 possible graves identified.

3.1.3. Cabinet calls on families whose loved ones died, disappeared or were buried in Angola during the liberation struggle to register with the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) through the SAHRA Exile Repatriation Portal at https://www.sahra.org.za/exile-repatriation/.

3.1.4. Families requiring assistance can also register at SAHRA offices, Freedom Park, provincial Department of Sport, Arts and Culture offices and through military veterans' structures.

3.2. South Africa repatriates Namibian remains and struggle heroes

3.2.1. Cabinet welcomed the repatriation of the remains of 86 Namibians, including liberation heroes Festus Nehale and Simon Niilenge, who died in detention after being imprisoned on Robben Island.

3.2.2. The remains, which were removed from Namibia more than a century ago and subjected to unethical colonial-era experiments, will be reburied at Namibia's Heroes' Acre.

3.2.3. Cabinet welcomed the repatriation as an important act of restorative justice that honours liberation heroes and provides closure to their descendants.

B. Cabinet decisions

1. Amendment to the Articles of Agreement of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

1.1. Cabinet approved the tabling in Parliament of the proposed amendment to the Articles of Agreement of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) to enhance the bank's lending capacity and support global and regional development priorities.

1.2. The amendment forms part of the broader G20-endorsed Multilateral Development Banks reform agenda to strengthen the financial capacity and operational flexibility of the MDBs.

1.3. Ratification by South Africa will support the country's development priorities by improving access to concessional financing for sustainable development.

2. 2025/26 Annual Reports on the implementation of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and related Matters) Amendment Act of 2007

2.1. Cabinet approved the submission to Parliament of the 2025/26 Annual Reports on the implementation of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007.

2.2. Cabinet raised concerns on the still high statistics with regard to rape and other sexual offences highlighted in the Report despite multiple government interventions, and directed the strengthening of multidisciplinary initiatives under the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

2.3. The strengthening of coordinated response to sexual offences the criminal justice, health, social development and education sectors, strengthening prevention, victim support, offender accountability and the protection of vulnerable groups

3. 2025/26 Annual Reports on the implementation of the Child Justice Act, 2008 (Act No. 75 of 2008)

3.1. Cabinet approved the submission to Parliament 2025/26 Annual Reports on the implementation of the Child Justice Act, 2008 (Act No. 75 of 2008): 1 April 2025 -31 March 2026

3.2. Cabinet directed that more efforts must be made to strengthen the coordinated approach to prevent child offending.

C. Updates to Cabinet

1. Implementation of the Municipal Performance Turnaround Strategy

1.1. Cabinet was briefed on progress made by the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on the Municipal Performance Turnaround Strategy in addressing challenges in distressed municipalities.

1.2. The intervention has been expanded from the initial 10 to 38 municipalities and focuses on improving financial viability, governance, service delivery, audit outcomes and institutional capacity.

1.3. The IMC also supports the implementation of constitutional interventions where existing support measures have not achieved the desired outcomes.

2. Improvement of borderline infrastructure

2.1. Cabinet approved the Borderline Infrastructure Improvement Plan (2026-2030) to strengthen and modernise South Africa's borderline infrastructure as part of government's broader migration management strategy.

2.2. The plan will be implemented across all seven border provinces and will improve border security, patrol mobility, operational response times, personnel safety, infrastructure maintenance and intergovernmental coordination, while deterring illegal cross-border incursions.

3. State of readiness for the 2026 Local Government Elections

3.1. Cabinet was briefed on the state of readiness for the 2026 Local Government Elections (LGEs) and noted progress made in preparations towards the elections scheduled for 4 November 2026.

3.2. Cabinet noted that coordination mechanisms across national, provincial and local spheres of government were in place to support a free, fair, credible and peaceful electoral process. Cabinet welcomed ongoing measures to strengthen voter participation, combat misinformation and ensure operational readiness; and encouraged all eligible South Africans to participate in the democratic process by exercising their right to vote.

3.3. Cabinet has strongly condemned the recent killings of councillors and appreciated the swift response of the law enforcement in finding perpetrators of these heinous crimes.

3.4. Cabinet called on all South Africans to uphold political tolerance, reject intimidation, violence and any conduct that undermines the integrity of the electoral process as the country prepares for the 2026 Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026.

4. Water Partnership Update

4.1. Cabinet received an update on the work of the Water Partnership Office (WPO), which supports municipalities to strengthen water service delivery through partnerships with the private sector.

4.2. Under the Non-Revenue Water Programme, the WPO assisted eThekwini Municipality to secure R379 million over six years to reduce water losses and is supporting eThekwini and the City of Tshwane with implementation.

4.3. Under the Water Re-Use Programme, 34 municipalities completed climate risk assessments, while US$235 million was secured from the Green Climate Fund to advance water re-use projects.

4.4. The WPO is developing a sanitation bond and fund to support non-sewered sanitation technologies in informal settlements and schools.

4.5. Under the Seawater Desalination Programme, a proposal was submitted to the City of Cape Town to support the Paarden Eiland desalination public-private partnership project.

D. Bills

1. Second-Hand Goods Amendment Bill, 2026

1.1. Cabinet approved the publication of the Second-Hand Goods Amendment Bill, 2026 for public comment. The Bill seeks to strengthen the regulation of the second-hand goods sector and close regulatory gaps to combat stolen goods, infrastructure vandalism, cable theft and the unlawful scrap-metal trade.

2. Stock Theft Amendment Bill, 2026

2.1. Cabinet approved the publication of the Stock Theft Amendment Bill, 2026 for public comment. The Bill seeks to strengthen measures to prevent, investigate and prosecute livestock theft, improve the regulation of livestock ownership and possession, and enhance protection of the agricultural sector.

3. Executive Members Ethics Bill, 2026

3.1. Cabinet approved the publication of the Executive Members Ethics Bill for public comment. The Bill amends the Executive Members' Ethics Act, 1998 to strengthen ethical standards and accountability, clarify the role of the Public Protector, and improve the management of conflicts of interest and the improper use of public office.

E. Appointments

All appointments are subject to verification of qualifications and relevant security clearances.

1. Dr Thembisile Lynette Xulu as Director-General in the National Department of Health

2. Ms Blikis Omar as Deputy Director-General: Policy Research and Legislation at the Department of the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service.

3. Ms Prudence Madiba as Chief Executive Officer of the South African National Energy Development Institute.

4. Ms Babalwa Mapisa as the Chief Financial Officer of the National Housing Finance Corporation.

5. Appointment of non-executive members on the Board of Directors of the Road Traffic Management Corporation

a. Ms Nomusa Mufamadi (Chairperson);

b. Ms Lerato Magalo (re-appointment);

c. Ms Lindani Agness Mncwango;

d. Mr Tshepiso Poho;

e. Ms Nomkhita Mona;

f. Mr Gift van Staden;

g. Ms Malebo Matolong; and

h. Dr Mpostol Mashinini.

6. Appointment of part-time regulator members for the National Energy Regulator of South Africa

a. Ms Sijabulile Makhathini;

b. Mr Dharamraj Brijlal; and

c. Ms Nompucuko Nontombana

7. Re-appointment of the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson and one Director to the Board of the National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute

a. Dr Lemao Dorah Modise (re-appointment and Chairperson);

b. Dr Wolsey Barnard (re-appointment and Deputy Chairperson); and

c. Mr Ashley Latchu

8. Mr Graham Ian Wood as the Chairperson of the South African Tourism Board.

F. Events and conferences

1.1. 18th BRICS Summit

1.1.1. President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead South Africa's delegation to the 18th BRICS Summit in India on 12 and 13 September 2026 under the theme: "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability".

1.1.2. The summit will provide an opportunity for South Africa to advance its national and African development priorities, while strengthening cooperation, trade, investment and sustainable development within BRICS.

1.2. 2027 World Bank Group (WBG) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Africa Caucus Annual Meeting

1.2.1. Cabinet approved South Africa's hosting of the World Bank Group (WBG) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Africa Caucus Annual Meeting in 2027 in its capacity as Chair of the Africa Caucus. The meeting will provide a platform to advance Africa's development priorities, strengthen the continent's voice in global financial governance, and leverage South Africa's leadership of the Africa Caucus and experience from its G20 Presidency to advance Africa-specific priorities and engagement with the WBG and IMF.

1.3. World Economic Forum Special Meeting

1.3.1. Cabinet approved South Africa's hosting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Meeting in Cape Town from 27 to 31 March 2028, the first time the WEF Spring Davos will be held in the country, providing an opportunity to promote investment, trade, economic cooperation and sustainable development.

1.4. Africa Green Hydrogen Summit 2026

1.4.1. Cabinet approved the hosting of the 2nd Africa Green Hydrogen Summit in Cape Town from 15 to 16 September 2026 to advance Africa's green hydrogen economy through collaboration among governments, investors and industry partners.

1.4.2. The summit will support South Africa's green hydrogen ambitions by promoting industrialisation, investment, technology transfer, skills development and access to emerging green hydrogen markets.

1.5. International Conference on Access to Justice for All

1.5.1. Cabinet approved South Africa's hosting of the International Conference on Access to Justice for All and Responding to Emerging Developments, under the theme: "Strengthening People-Centred Justice Systems: Deepening Democracy". The conference will be held at the Sun City Convention Centre in the North West from 11 to 13 November 2026.

1.5.2. It will bring together Ministers of Justice from the SADC region, BRICS, Germany, Spain, Canada, the Netherlands, the European Union, the United Nations and Kenya, as well as legal practitioners, academics, civil society and other stakeholders. The conference will provide a platform to examine emerging trends, share best practices, strengthen partnerships and develop actionable recommendations to improve access to justice regionally and globally.

1.6. September National Commemorations and Campaigns

1.6.1. Cabinet noted that September will be observed as Tourism Month, Heritage Month and Public Service Month. Tourism Month, under the theme "Growing South Africa's Tourism Sector in the Digital Era", encourages South Africans to explore local destinations through the Sho't Left campaign and take advantage of affordable travel packages.

1.6.2. Heritage Month, commemorated under the theme "Celebrating Our Living Heritage: Strengthening the Ties That Bind Us", celebrates South Africa's diverse cultures, traditions and living heritage, while encouraging social cohesion and appreciation of the nation's rich cultural diversity.

1.6.3. Public Service Month recognises the contribution of public servants to development and service delivery, while promoting professionalism, accountability, innovation and excellence across the Public Service.

1.6.4. Cabinet encourages all South Africans to participate in activities marking these observances and to celebrate the values, people and institutions that contribute to nation-building and social progress.

1.7. SAPS National Commemoration Day

1.7.1. The SAPS will host the National Commemoration Day on Sunday, 6 September 2026, to honour all SAPS members who lost their lives in the line of duty between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026. The event will take place at the SAPS Memorial at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

G. Messages

1. Condolences

Cabinet expressed condolences to the friends and family of:

• Justice Fikile Eunice Mokgohloa, who had a distinguished service in the administration of justice in our country. She passed-on while serving at the Supreme Court of Appeal.
• The Government and people of Zimbabwe following the loss of 93 lives in a ferry accident on Lake Kariba;
• The government and the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo following more that 2000 reported deaths due to current strain of the Ebola virus in the eastern DRC.
• Tlotlo Tsheka, a seven-year-old author, illustrator and literacy ambassador, and publisher of three books, she passes on when she was completing a fourth manuscript;
• Former Bafana Bafana Team Manager, Mr Sipho Nkumane, known for his contribution to South African football; and
• Former two-time Boxing World Champion, Mr Zolani Tete, who will be remembered for his contribution to South African boxing.

2. Congratulations

Cabinet would like to congratulate:

• the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), on receiving the Public Sector Icon Award in recognition of its leadership, institutional stewardship and contribution to public service and national transformation.
• Mr Siyabulela Duda of the GCIS, who won second prize in the Photo category of the 2026 SADC Media Awards, and Mr Seakga Relebogile Tladi of Sputnik Radio Africa, who received second prize in the Radio category. The awards recognise excellence in journalism and contributions to advancing regional integration, development and cooperation within SADC.
• South Africa's sporting fraternity on the outstanding achievements recognised at the 2026 South African Sport Awards:
• Mr Akani Simbine for being named Sport Star of the Year;
• Ms Prudence Sekgodiso for winning Sportswoman of the Year;
• Mr Pieter Coetze for being named Sportsman of the Year;
• Mr Bayanda Walaza who received the Youth/Junior Sport Star of the Year Award; and
• Protea Men's Test Cricket Team on being named Team of the Year.
• Banyana Banyana, on advancing to the FIFA Inter-Confederation Play-Off Tournament and keeping alive their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup;
• the South African National Women's Hockey Team, on securing their first victory at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup;
• Linani Potwana, who at six years old was crowned champion at the IPA All-Star Contest in Wuhan, China, competing against participants from more than 40 countries; and
• the recipients of the 2026 South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA), for their contribution to advancing South Africa's science, technology and innovation agenda.

Issued on behalf of Cabinet by:
Minister in The Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni
Date: 28 August 2026
Enquiries:
Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
Contact: Terry Vandayar, Acting Director-General
Mobile: 082 444 9092
www.gcis.gov.za; www.gov.za

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