Statement on the Cabinet Meeting of Wednesday, 26 August 2026

Building economic strength and resilience

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

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.

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

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

South Africa prepares for a new tuberculosis vaccine

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

Cabinet noted that government is preparing for the registration and introduction of the vaccine if the trials are 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.

Laying the foundation for a more resilient energy future: Eskom generation performance

Eskom exceeded a key milestone in its programme to eradicate load reduction 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.

Furthermore, Eskom has 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%.

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.

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.

Cabinet called on South Africans to make submissions on the Draft Revised Electricity Pricing Policy, which is currently open for public comment. The proposed policy aims to reduce the cost of electricity while maintaining cost-reflective tariffs and protecting vulnerable households and strategic economic sectors.

Fifth Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa

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

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

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

African Growth and Opportunity Act

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.

Citrus agreement with India

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.

As the world's second-largest citrus exporter, South Africa exported 2.9 million tonnes of citrus in 2025 worth US$2.1 billion. The country's citrus industry supports significant employment across the value chain and expanded market access will strengthen the sector's potential for growth, exports and job creation.

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

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.

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

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.

Building stronger international relations

South Africa successfully hosted the 46th SADC Summit

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

The summit received and considered reports on the implementation of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020–2030, which is geared towards improving peace, security, economic development, health and infrastructure performance. It also considered the progress made in developing the North-South Economic Corridor (NSEC), establishing the NSEC investment programme and establishing the Corridor Management Institution. The summit further noted the need to identify at least three high-impact projects or areas to be discussed at the next meeting of the Council of Ministers.

South Africa briefed the summit on migration governance in the country and the need to hold a SADC dialogue on the matter, including the push and pull factors and related security matters.

Fourth session of the South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission

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

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

The fourth session resulted in the conclusion of six new cooperation agreements, including an MoU on the interstate transfer of sentenced prisoners. Additional agreements on diplomacy, agriculture, arts and culture, and women's empowerment will further advance regional integration and economic transformation.

Exile Repatriation Programme

Angola phase of South Africa's Exile Repatriation Programme

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.

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

Cabinet called 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/.

Families requiring assistance can also register at SAHRA offices, Freedom Park, offices of provincial departments responsible for sport, arts and culture or through military veterans' structures.

South Africa repatriates Namibian remains and struggle heroes

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.

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.

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

Bills

Second-Hand Goods Amendment Bill, 2026

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.

Stock Theft Amendment Bill, 2026

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.

Executive Members' Ethics Bill, 2026

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.

Cabinet updates

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

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.

The amendment forms part of the broader G20-endorsed multilateral development banks reform agenda to strengthen the financial capacity and operational flexibility of multilateral development banks.

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

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

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 of 2007.

Cabinet expressed concern about the persistently high statistics of reported rape and other sexual offences highlighted in the reports despite multiple government interventions under the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

Cabinet directed the criminal justice, health, social development and education sectors to strengthen their coordinated response to sexual offences by strengthening prevention initiatives, victim support, offender accountability and the protection of vulnerable groups.

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

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

Cabinet directed relevant authorities to strengthen the coordinated approach to preventing child offending.

Condolences

Cabinet expresses condolences to the friends and family of:

• Justice Fikile Eunice Mokgohloa, who had a distinguished career in the administration of justice in our country. She passed away 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 than 2,000 reported deaths due to the current outbreak of the Ebola disease in the eastern DRC;
• Tlotlo Tsheka, a seven-year-old author, illustrator and literacy ambassador, who had published three books and passed away while 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.

Congratulations

Cabinet extends its congratulations and well wishes to:

• 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 Coetzee for being named Sportsman of the Year;
  • Mr Bayanda Walaza, who received the Youth/Junior Sport Star of the Year Award; and
  • The Proteas 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 for their contribution to advancing South Africa's science, technology and innovation agenda.

Implementation of the Municipal Performance Turnaround Strategy

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

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.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee also supports the implementation of constitutional interventions where existing support measures have not achieved the desired outcomes.

Improvement of borderline infrastructure

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.

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.

State of readiness for the 2026 Local Government Elections

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

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.

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

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.

Water partnership update

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.

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.

Under the Water Reuse Programme, 34 municipalities completed climate risk assessments, while US$235 million was secured from the Green Climate Fund to advance water reuse projects.

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

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.

Identification of a suitable strategic equity partner for SAA SOC Limited

Cabinet approved the start of a transparent, competitive and properly governed process to identify a suitable strategic equity partner for SAA SOC Limited. The proposed strategic equity partner is a long-term strategic intervention to strengthen SAA's balance sheet, improve access to capital and aviation expertise, and support fleet renewal and route development. This will enable the airline to expand sustainably and improve its competitiveness in a highly competitive aviation market. The decision also aims to reduce government's financial exposure and help SAA become a credible, investable and self-sustaining national carrier that supports connectivity, trade, tourism and economic development.

Events and conferences

18th BRICS Summit

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".

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.

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

Cabinet approved South Africa's hosting of the WBG and 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.

World Economic Forum Special Meeting

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

Africa Green Hydrogen Summit 2026

Cabinet approved the hosting of the second 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.

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.

International Conference on Access to Justice for All

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.

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.

September national commemorations and campaigns

Cabinet noted that September will be observed as Tourism Month, Heritage Month and Public Service Month. Tourism Month, which will be commemorated 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.

Heritage Month, which will be 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.

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.

Cabinet encouraged 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.

SAPS National Commemoration Day

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.

Issued on behalf of Cabinet by:
Minister in The Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni

Enquiries: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
Contact: Ms Nomonde Mnukwa, Acting Director-General
Mobile: 083 6537485 | www.gcis.gov.za | www.gov.za