Statement on the Cabinet Meeting of Wednesday, 28 May 2025

A. Issues In The Environment

1. International
1.1 SA-US Relations
1.1.1 Cabinet welcomed the reset of strategic relationships between South Africa (SA) and the United States (US) during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s working visit to the United States of America.
1.1.2  The SA and US teams will finalise the details of the trade deal between the SA and US. Safe to emphasise that the objectives that SA had set for the trip have been met.
1.1.3 Cabinet looks forward to the continued participation of the US administration in the G20, including the possible attendance of President Trump to the G20 Leaders Summit.

1.2 South Africa – France Relations
1.2.1 Cabinet welcomed the working visit by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile’s that strengthened relations between South Africa and France. The Deputy President and the SA delegation also attended the SA-France Investment Conference with a view to improving investments by French Companies into South Africa and vice versa, and also establishing partnerships between South African and French companies in joint investments through the African Continental Free Trade Area.

2. Economy
2.1 National Budget
2.1.1 Cabinet affirmed its support for the 2025 National Budget tabled by the Minister of Finance on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, which details key spending priorities over the next three years within the country’s fiscal envelope.
2.1.2 The National Budget has demonstrated our commitment to fiscal discipline. We have shown that we are steering the economy in a way that looks after the most vulnerable in our society, while investing in economic activity through investment of R1-trillion towards infrastructure over the coming three years.
2.1.3 This pro poor budget, means on every Rand, 61 cents of consolidated, non-interest expenditure funds will be spent on free basic services like electricity, water, education, healthcare, affordable housing, as well as social grants for those in need.

2.2 Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) 2025
2.2.1 Cabinet welcomed the successful conclusion of the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) 2025 held in Cape Town from 25 to 27 May 2025, which saw the unveiling of the country’s second edition of the construction book: “A Repository Of Funded Infrastructure Projects” for procurement in 2025/2026. 
2.2.2 During the symposium, the new top seven (7) infrastructure project priorities, stemming from Bid Window 1 for project preparation, were announced, uplifting our nation’s drive to use infrastructure to grow the economy, create jobs and build sustainable communities.
2.2.3  The total value of projects currently in construction in the country is over R313.5 billion, while our energy sector infrastructure project pipeline includes R180 billion of embedded generation investment.

3. Justice, Crime Prevention and Security 
3.1 Crime Statistics
3.1.1 The release of the fourth-quarter crime statistics for the 2024/2025 financial year confirms that crime remains a societal issue in South Africa which affects everyone. The statistics indicated a decline in some categories of crime including murder. However, commercial crimes, sexual offences, including rape and other contact sexual offences have increased. 
3.1.2 We commend the SAPS for the speedy work in investigating and making arrests in cases of GBVF. The SAPS have already made arrests of suspects in the murder of Olorato Mongale, a Wits University student whose body was found after going on a date with her alleged killer. We extend governments deepest condolences to her family and friends.
3.1.3 Government welcomes the judgement handed down by Judge Nathan Erasmus in the Western Cape High Court, sentencing Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn to life imprisonment for human trafficking, with an additional 10 years for kidnapping related to the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith.  While this sentencing brings a measure of justice, it is a bittersweet moment. We remain steadfast in our commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring that law enforcement continues to pursue every possible lead to find Joshlin.  The protection of children is a national priority. We will continue to strengthen our laws, partnerships, and community efforts to ensure that every child in South Africa is safe, valued, and shielded from harm.
3.1.4 As government we will continue to intensify our fight against crime by recruiting and training new officers and reintroducing specialised crime-fighting units. This includes equipping our law enforcement agencies with modern tools and training which are required to tackle today’s complex crime challenges.

3.2 Combating illegal immigration
3.2.1 The launch of Operation New Broom is the latest technology-driven initiative by the Department of Home Affairs which serves to combat illegal immigration demonstrates government’s commitment to fight crime and maintain the rule of law. This initiative uses technology to arrest, convict and deport illegal immigrants from the country.
3.2.2 The operation, has in its first phase, led to the arrest of 25 suspects who occupied land illegally in District 6, Cape Town. The initiative uses biometric technology to verify the immigration status of suspects, eliminating the risk of fraudulent documents and making it easier for the courts to conclude cases.

4. Governance
4.1 Government of National Unity (GNU)
4.1.1 Today marks exactly a year after the National and Provincial elections whose outcome meant that there was no political party that won outright majority. The period created much uncertainty for South Africa and her people. Today as Government of National Unity (GNU), we are proud that we were able to form a government within 14 days, an outstanding achievement given the period taken by some first world countries to form a government in similar situations.
4.1.2 This milestone symbolises a renewed commitment to stability, collaboration and inclusive governance. This historic partnership, comprising 10 political parties, has demonstrated the power of putting the nation first by prioritising the needs of South Africa and its people. Through constructive dialogue and compromise, the parties have worked together to address pressing issues, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose despite our different ideological outlook.

B. Updates to cabinet
1. G20 Summit Preparations

1.1 G20 Leaders Summit Venue
The G20 Leaders Summit will take place in NASREC Expo Centre in Johannesburg in November 2025. NASREC (the National Agricultural, Sports and Recreation Events Centre) was built in 1984 at the height of Apartheid segregation. Its location between Johannesburg and the South-Western-Townships, now simply known as SOWETO, represented the boundary of the city, with its movement restrictions and the beginning of Soweto, which served as a reservoir of black cheap labour. The democratic government continues to develop the NASREC precinct to serve as a bridge against the Apartheid spatial planning divide that separated the developed and undeveloped South Africa, which remains a true South African characterisation of two countries in one. Today, developments around the NASREC precinct as a smart city, which also hosts Soccer City (FNB stadium), South Africa’s national stadium which is very symbolic. Soccer City which hosted the first soccer World Cup match on African soil is amongst the top 20 largest stadiums in the world. Therefore, the hosting of the G20 Leaders Summit, like many other events, in the NASREC precinct continues to contribute to making NASREC a symbol of spatial integration towards an equal South Africa.

1.2 G20 Social Summit
South Africa will soon unveil its G20 Social Summit plan and programme. The G20 Social Summit initiative is part of the programme adopted from the Brazil G20 Initiatives, which created a platform for social movements and civil society organisations who are impacted by geopolitical and macroeconomic decisions made by leaders of the powerful Group of 20 countries.

1.3 G20 Summit Preparatory Meetings
As part of the on-going G20 content preparations as we work towards decisions that must be considered at the G20 Leaders Summit, the following G20 meetings were held: 
a) The Second Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion Meeting held in Mpumalanga - deliberated on the importance of advancing financial inclusion by providing financial support to micro, small, and medium enterprises as well as how best to use technology to include underserved populations.
b) The W20 Inception Meeting hosted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and its partners in Cape Town - provided an opportunity for various task teams to discuss issues that affect women, including the role of women in the economy, GBVF, access to education and health equity.
c) The Third Infrastructure Working Group Meeting held in Mpumalanga - focused on Productive cross-border infrastructure, scaling sustainable investment via blended finance and building investable project pipelines.
d) The Second meeting of the G20 Initiative on Bio-Economy held in Mpumalanga - deliberated on leveraging the bioeconomy to address economic growth, sustainable development, environmental protection and social equity.
e) The G20 Research and Innovation Working Group & Engagement Group Meetings held in Mpumalanga - reviewed the progress made on the ten deliverables that were agreed upon during the first meeting and discussed the G20 Research and Innovation Ministerial Declaration.
f) The Third Development Working Group Meeting held in KwaZulu-Natal - focused on priority areas of the Development Working Group with the aim of reaching consensus on addressing pressing development challenges of our time and accelerating the attainment of the SDGs.
g) The Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS) Meeting held in Limpopo - discussed actionable strategies on how countries around the world can strengthen food security, sustainable farming, and climate change through innovation and scientific collaboration. 
h) The G20 Seminar on Early Childhood Care and Education - discussed placing Early Childhood Care and Education at the heart of the global education agenda.
i) The G20 Seminar: Mutual Recognition of Qualifications in a Global Context - discussed issues that are critical to shaping inclusive and globally competitive educational systems such as international labour migration, skills mobility and the evolving role of micro-credentials in lifelong learning and employability.
j) The Second Education Working Group Meeting held in the North West discussed the provision of quality and inclusive education for all learners.

C. Cabinet decisions
1. National Labour Migration Policy (NLMP) 2025 White Paper
1.1.Cabinet approved the National Labour Migration Policy (NLMP) White Paper 2025 for implementation. The policy seeks to provide a framework to enforce proper and orderly movement and employment of foreign nationals in the country. It aims to achieve a balance across several areas, including addressing South Africans’ expectations for job prospects, in light of rising unemployment and the perception that foreign nationals restrict labour market access. 
1.2. The NLMP introduces quotas on the total number of documented foreign nationals with work visas that can be employed in major economic sectors such as agriculture, hospitality and tourism, as well as construction, among others. 
1.3. The policy complements other interventions such as enforcement of a list of sectors where foreign nationals cannot be allocated business visas and amendments to the National Small Enterprise Act, 1996 (Act 102 of 1996), as amended, to limit foreign nationals establishing small, medium and micro enterprises, and trading in some sectors of the economy.

D. Bill
1. Employment Services Amendment Bill  
1.1. Cabinet approved the Employment Services Amendment Bill for submission to Parliament. 
1.2. The Bill provides a policy framework and the legal basis to regulate the employment of foreign nationals in businesses while promoting national security and national interests.
1.3. The purpose of the Bill is to propose the regulation of labour brokers to prevent worker exploitation, such as the provision of cheap labour through undocumented foreign nationals. It further creates consistency between the provisions of the Immigration Act, (Act 13 of 2002) and the Refugees Act (Act 130 of 1998).
1.4. The Bill proposes a framework that will enable the Minister of Employment and Labour to set quotas for the employment of foreign nationals. A quota may apply in respect of a sector of the economy, an occupational category or a geographical area. The Minister will establish a quota in a sector after consulting the Employment Services Board and considering public comments.
1.5. Cabinet directed the Minister of Employment and Labour to speedily finalise the mapping (through consultations) of what constitutes scarce and critical skills in order to develop a domestic skills base to improve absorption of more unemployed South Africans.
1.6. Cabinet reiterated the need to fast-track the finalisation of the White Paper on Immigration for the effective administration and management of labour migration.

E. Appointments
All appointments are subject to the verification of qualifications and relevant security clearances.
1. Mr Matsobane Themba Matlou as the Chief Executive Officer in the South African Social Security Agency. 
2. Ms Ogalaletseng Anastasia Gaarekwe as Deputy Director-General (DDG): Intergovernmental Relations at National Treasury. 
3. Mr Christopher Charles Axelson as DDG: Tax and Financial Sector at National Treasury. 
4. Ms Ulrike Britton as DDG: Public Finance at National Treasury

5. Board members of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF):
(a) Ms Zodwa Penelope Manase (Chairperson) 
(b) Mr Edward Malomeje Thobejane (Organised Labour);
(c) Ms Martle Keyter (Organised Labour);
(d) Mr Malesela Moses Lekota (Organised Labour);
(e) Ms Zizile Lushaba-Nyawo (Organised Business);
(f) Mr Hillary Mac Master (Organised Business);
(g) Ms Beverly Jack (Organised Business);
(h) Mr Thembinkosi Josopu (Organised Community);
(i) Mr Skhumbuzo Mpanza (OrganisedCcommunity);  
(j) Ms Paulet Sesedi Pelo (Organised Community). 
(k) Mr Mahuza Ngubane (Department of Higher Education representative);
(l) Ms Ogalaletseng Anastasia Gaarekwe (National Treasury representative); and 
(m) Ms Ntshimi Esther Tloana (Department of Employment and Labour representative)

6. Members of the Sentech Board: 
(a) Ms Sedzani Mudau (Chairperson);
(b) Mr Themba Phiri;
(c) Mr Mbasa Metuse;
(d) Adv Lavandran Gopaul;
(e) Mr Patrick Wadula;
(f) Mr Peter Zimri;
(g) Ms Alexandria Procter; and 
(h) Ms Lwazikazi Nopece.

F. Events
1. Commemoration of key months and national events in 2025 
Cabinet approved the themes and concept documents for the commeration of key national events that will be taking place over the next few months as follows:  

(a) Youth Month
The 2025 Youth Month programme will be launched at the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum in Orlando West, Soweto in Gauteng under the theme: “Skills for the changing world – Empowering youth for meaningful economic participation.” The focus of the 2025 Youth Month programme will be a call to action to address youth unemployment and build an economy that prioritises the country’s youth. The month will be used to highlight the available learning and job opportunities in industries with high absorption capacity and that are in demand for young people.

(b) Women’s Month
Cabinet approved the theme and activities for the commemoration of the 2025 Women’s Month programme, this year marks the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, an important reflection on women’s rights, empowerment and pursuit of gender equality. The 2025 programme will focus on implementing proactive measures to prevent GBVF, promote healthy, respectful behaviour and attitude among men and boys, and create workplaces and environments where women and girls feel safe. Cabinet reiterated the call to all South Africans to stand up and confront the scourge of GBVF.

(c) 16 Days of Activism against GBVF
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) will take place from 25 November until 10 December 2025 under the theme: “Empowering Change: Scaling, prevention, promoting positive masculinities, and ensuring safe and inclusive spaces to end GBVF”. This year’s campaign continues to address the root causes of GBVF while promoting positive masculinity and gender equity, along with creating economic opportunities for women and children.

(d) Disability Rights Awareness Month 
Cabinet approved the concept and the theme for the 2025 Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM) which runs from 3 November to 3 December. The theme is: “Creating strategic multisectoral partnerships for disability-inclusive society”. The theme emphasises the importance of partnerships towards promoting the rights and participation, of people with disability in society. The month-long activities will raise awareness and also showcase progress the country has made in ensuring that the rights of persons with disability are protected, this will include promoting the voice of children with disability, unlocking digital opportunities for persons with disability and investing in strategies to promote disability-inclusive jobs.

G. Messages
1. Condolences
Cabinet expressed condolences to the friends and family of:
a) Mama Gertrude Ntiti Shope, who was affectionately known as MaShope, a stalwart from our liberation struggle who was part of the first cohort of democratically elected members of Parliament in 1994. She was also a member of the Order for Meritorious Service (Silver), awarded in 2003 in recognition of her exceptional public service. Further, MaShope was a founding member of the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW) which mobilised women to fight against the unjust, brutal and racist apartheid regime. She was elected the first President of the ANCWL in 1991. President Ramaphosa has declared that MaShope be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 1 and that South African flags across the country and in all our stations must fly at half mast until her funeral service on Saturday, 31 May 2025. 
b) Ms Lungi Annette Mnganga-Gcabashe who a Member of Parliament at various periods since 2004 and served as the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Tourism in the 7th Parliament. She was also the current Deputy President of the ANCWL. She fought against the injustices of Apartheid and played an active role in mobilising communities for peace at the height of political violence in KwaZulu-Natal. 
c) Award-winning actor, Presley Chweneyagae who became known for his extraordinary acting abilities in the film Tsotsi, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2005. He featured in many films and television drama, at the time of his passing he was popular in his role as Cobrizi in the popular television drama The River. 
d) Veteran broadcaster Darren Scott whose voice shaped the South African radio industry for over four decades and was in 2024 inducted into the Radio Awards Hall of Fame. 
e) Celebrated former Springbok winger Cornal Hendricks who played 12 Tests matched for the Springboks between 2014 and 2015 and scored five tries.
f) Charles B Rangel, former and long serving US congressman from Harlem, New York, who in 1987 sponsored what became known as the “Rangel Amendment” that changed the US tax code to deny foreign tax credits to US companies investing in Apartheid South Africa. He also used his influence to help open trading opportunities between the US and developing nations through the Caribbean Basin Initiative and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
g) Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, Kenyan author who died aged 87, was a giant of modern African literature – his writings documenting the transformation of Kenya from a colonial subject to a democracy, and his work continues to inspire Africa and the World in the development of the African Continent. He will be remembered as one of the greatest literary giant from the African continent. 
h) Dr, Dean Tshenuwani Simon Farisani, a former member of Parliament, a former MEC of Transport in Limpopo, a theologian and pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Southern Africa (ELCSA). During the Apartheid era, he was one of the country’s most prominent black clergymen who preached anti-Apartheid liberation theology from his Diocese and Devhula-Lebowa Circuit in the then Transvaal. He founded the Black Evangelic Youth Organisation with Cyril Ramaphosa (the current President of South Africa) in the early 1970s and was also active in the Black Consciousness movement, especially as its President of the Black People’s Convention from 1973 to 1975. He was arrested on several occasions, according to Amnesty International as a prisoner of conscience, and he testified abroad about the torture he was subjected to by the apartheid police. He was banished and exiled in the early 1980s. Upon his return after the unbanning of the ANC, he contributed to the rebuilding of the ANC structures, mobilising the Church to actively support the reconciliation of the country and community development.  

2. Congratulations
Cabinet extended its congratulations and well-wishes to:
a) Sprinting sensation Akani Simbine, currently the fastest athlete in the world, who won the 100m at the Atlanta City Games in 9.86 seconds and the 100m at the Rabat Diamond League in a time of 9.95s.
b) Junior sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza, the fastest in his age category in the world who set a new South African record in the Men’s 100m, clocking 9.94 seconds at the Boris Hanzekovic Memorial.
c) South African athlete, Zakithi Nene who finished 2nd in the Men’s 400m, clocking a solid 44.46 seconds at the Rabat Diamond League.
d) Amajita, the under 20 national soccer team, who made history by winning the U20 Africa Cup of Nations title for the first time.
e) Rayno Nel for making history as the first South African and African ever to claim the prestigious World’s Strongest Man title.

Enquiries: 
Ms Nomonde Mnukwa
Acting Government Spokesperson
Cell: 083 653 7485

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