Government Communication and Information System Parliament office

29/10/2026

Minister Parks Tau engages NEDLAC on AGOA, 29 Oct

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau will meet with stakeholders in the Nedlac forum to discuss the awaited outcome of the United State’s review which sought to determine whether South Africa meets the eligibility criteria to receive AGOA benefits in 2027. The US is expected to release the outcomes of the annual eligibility review on Monday 2 November 2026.

Minister Tau will brief the media on developments in the discussions at the conclusion of the meeting with Nedlac.

Members of the media who would like to attend the briefing are requested to confirm to Phumzile Kotane on Whattsapp on the number 071 462 8246

The media briefing will take place as follows:
Date: Thursday, 29 October 2026
Time: 16:30
Venue: Nedlac Offices, 14a Jellicoe Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg

Media enquiries:
Kaamil Alli – Ministerial Spokesperson
Mobile: +27 82 520 6813
WhatsApp: +27 82 520 6813
E-mail: [email protected]
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14/10/2026

Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina unveils advanced microscopy infrastructure at NMU, 14 Oct

The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, will join the Centre for High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (CHRTEM) at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha on Wednesday, 14 October, for its 15th anniversary celebration.

Dr Gina will unveil two new scanning electron microscopes and a new bioimaging laboratory at the CHRTEM, based at the university’s Ocean Sciences Campus.

The new infrastructure replaces ageing instruments with advanced technology to maintain South Africa's competitiveness in the field, while expanding CHRTEM's traditional materials science into biomedical imaging and the bioeconomy.

The centre, a multimillion-rand facility for advanced electron microscopy funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and its entity, the National Research Foundation (NRF), has evolved from producing high-resolution imaging to conducting quantitative measurements of matter at the atomic and nanoscale.

This allows researchers to move beyond asking where atoms are, to determining their chemical, electronic, structural and chemical environment, and understanding how these characteristics can be exploited towards novel applications.

CHRTEM's researchers work with universities and research organisations across the country, and collaborate internationally. Its capabilities are applied to address complex scientific and technological challenges in many different fields, including materials science, engineering, medicine, geology, zoology, botany and biochemistry.

The centre’s work contributes to strategic sectors such as mining and minerals beneficiation, hydrogen energy, nuclear technology, advanced manufacturing, agriculture and food security, biomedical technologies and nanomedicine, and marine science.

Its broader significance is in developing national capability in advanced quantitative imaging, combining sophisticated instrumentation with the scientific, technical and computational skills needed to extract new information from increasingly complex databases. It has so far supported more than 1 000 postgraduates.

The Deputy Minister will also deliver the keynote address during a gala, bringing together international, research as well as industry partners. Dr Mlungisi Cele, the DSTI Director-General, will also deliver the keynote there as part of the 15th anniversary celebrations.

Date: Wednesday, 14 October 2026
Time: 08:30 – Keynote address by Director-General, Dr Mlungisi Cele
14:00 – Unveiling of the new infrastructure
Venue: Nelson Mandela University, Ocean Sciences Campus

For more information, please contact:
Veronica Mohapeloa
Cell: 083 400 5750

Zama Mthethwa
Cell: 082 808 3956

12/10/2026

Minister MB

05/10/2026

President Cyril Ramaphosa visits Land Bank-supported Redlands Dairy Farm in Eastern Cape, 8 Oct.
President Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 08th October visit the Redlands Dairy Farm in Stutterheim, Amahlathi Local Municipality, Amathole District in the Eastern Cape. The visit by the President will provide an opportunity for Government to review the operations of the Land Bank-supported agricultural enterprise.

Redlands Dairy Farm is a black-owned and youth-owned commercial farming enterprise that has benefited from funding support through the Blended Finance Scheme (BFS), implemented by Land Bank in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture. The visit will provide the President with first-hand exposure to the developmental impact of the BFS through engagement with the beneficiary farmer and an assessment of the farm’s contribution to inclusive agricultural development, job creation and rural economic growth.

Through its collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Land Bank administers and manages a range of funding instruments aimed at supporting commercial and emerging farmers, including the Blended Finance Scheme, Agri-BEE Fund and Agro-Energy Fund.

During the previous financial year, Land Bank disbursed more than R1.7 billion in funding, including approximately R700 million through the Blended Finance Scheme, supporting commercial and emerging farmers.

The programme will include engagements focused on the operations of Redlands Dairy Farm, the impact of Land Bank's funding support, and the contribution of the agricultural enterprise to job creation, rural development and inclusive participation in the commercial agricultural sector.

Media Programme

PART ONE: Farm Visit by Members of the Media and Interaction with the Farm Owner and Senior Land Bank Officials

Date: Wednesday, 07 October 2026
Time: 11h00
Venue: Redlands Dairy Farm, Stutterheim, Amahlathi Local Municipality, Amathole District, Eastern Cape

PART TWO: Presidential Visit

Date: Thursday, 08 October 2026
Time: 11h00
Venue: Redlands Dairy Farm, Stutterheim, Amahlathi Local Municipality, Amathole District, Eastern Cape

NB: Due to the FMD Protocols, only a select number of the media will be permitted to join the President on the visit to the farm

PART THREE: Official Programme - Presidential Address

Date: Thursday, 08 October 2026
Time: 12h30
Venue: Mzwandile Fanti Community Hall in Stutterheim, Amahlathi Local Municipality, Amathole District, Eastern Cape

Members of the media wishing to cover the event are requested to apply for accreditation by completing the attached Accreditation Form (President's Visit to Redlands Diary Farm - Media Accreditation.xlsx) in full and submit to [email protected] copy [email protected]

Media enquiries:
Vincent Magwenya
Spokesperson to the President
E-mail: [email protected]

05/10/2026

Free State Province launches Catalytic Investment and Industrialisation Project in Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality, 9 Oct
The Premier of the Free State Province, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality and the Chinese investors Joy Long-YJC will host a high-level ceremony to launch the Free State Catalytic Investment and Industrialization Project in Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality.

The ceremony will take place at the Phuthaditjhaba Multipurpose Centre on Friday, 9 October 2026.

The project will mobilise automotive assembly, electric-mobility technologies, components, energy systems, logistics, skills and local suppliers.

The project represents an investment of approximately R100-billion and is expected to contribute to manufacturing, industrialisation, green economy development and the energy transition, while creating approximately 6,500 permanent jobs.

*Details of the launch are as follows:*
Date: Friday, 09 October 2026
Time: 09:00
Venue: Phuthaditjhaba Multipurpose Centre, Free State Province

Members of the media wishing to cover the Launch of the Free State Catalytic Investment and Industrialization are advised to apply for accreditation using the following link: https://mrs.gcis.gov.za/?q=Free-State-Catalytic-Investment-and-Industrialisation-Launch

The deadline for applications is Wednesday, 07 October 2026 at 16:00.

Accreditation enquiries:
Free State Premier’s Office: Ms Pulane Tsupane on +27 71 302 2595
GCIS: Ms Mpho Phatudi on +27 79 605 2659

Media enquiries:
Ms Matshidiso Setai
Head of Provincial Government Communication Services: Free State Premier’s Office
Cell: 083 795 6498

Ms Mpho Sikisi
Premier Spokesperson
Cell: 083 449 9463

28/09/2026

Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni briefs media on outcomes of the Cabinet meeting, 29 Sep

Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni will brief media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 23rd September 2026.

The details of the briefing are as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 29 September 2026
Time: 11h00
Venue: Ronnie Mamoepa Press Room, Ground Floor, Tshedimosetso House, 1035 Francis Baard Street, Hatfield, Pretoria

Live Streaming:
Facebook: http://facebook.com/GovernmentZA
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GovernmentZA 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GovernmentZA

Enquiries:
Nomonde Mnukwa - Acting Government Spokesperson Cell: 083 653 7485
William Baloyi – Deputy Government Spokesperson Cell: 083 390 7147

The Official YouTube Channel of the Government of South Africa

21/09/2026

Commission for Gender Equality investigates gendered power dynamics in Eastern Cape, 21 Sept

Commission for Gender Equality to investigate gendered power dynamics at Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) is undertaking a provincial investigation into gendered power dynamics within the administrative environment of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature.

The investigation will examine whether and to what extent institutional and power relations may impact gender equality, workplace dignity and safety, including any concerns that may arise in relation to bullying, harassment, intimidation, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, retaliation and barriers to reporting. It will further consider how the Legislature responds to such matters, including the adequacy of its mechanisms for prevention, reporting, investigation, oversight and accountability, and whether appropriate measures are taken to address identified concerns and ensure institutional accountability.

The CGE’s intervention seeks to look beyond individual incidents and examine the policies, practices, institutional culture, reporting mechanisms and accountability structures that may either protect employees or create conditions in which gendered power imbalances can persist.

Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: 21 September 2026
Time: 10h00 – 17h00
Venue: Blue Lagoon Hotel And Conference Centre
RSVP: [email protected]
Link:

Javu Baloyi: Spokesperson
Cell: 083 579 3306
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cge.org.za
X:
WhatsApp Channel: Commission for Gender Equality

One of the CGE's functions and powers, as outlined in section 11 of the CGGE Act 39 of 1996, is that the CGE shall investigate any gender-related issues of its own accord or on receipt of a complaint.

21/09/2026

Gender Equality holds accountability session on plight of women farm workers, 22 Sep

CGE to hold accountability session on the plight of women farm workers in the Eastern Cape
On 17 September 2026, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) will convene an Accountability Session on the plight of farm workers, with a particular focus on women farm workers, in the Eastern Cape.

The session follows CGE outreach engagements with farm workers in the Sarah Baartman District, which highlighted concerns relating to gender inequality, discrimination, sexual harassment and gender-based violence, labour rights, access to justice, housing, healthcare and other essential services.

The Accountability Session will bring together farm workers, government departments, farm owners and employers, organised labour, municipalities, civil society organisations and relevant human and gender-rights institutions to respond to the challenges identified and identify gaps in the implementation and enforcement of laws and policies protecting farm workers.

Of particular importance will be ensuring that women farm workers have a platform to raise concerns about gender discrimination, unequal remuneration, sexual harassment, gender -based violence and barriers to accessing justice and essential services.

Members of the media are invited to cover the Accountability Session.

Date: 22 September 2026

Time: 9:00 am to 13:30 pm

Venue: Sarah Baartman District Municipality Council Chambers, 32 Goven Mbeki Avenue, Gqeberha

RSVP: [email protected]

11/09/2026

Minister Buti Manamela calls on young people to apply early to TVET colleges

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela is calling on young South Africans to start planning their future now and make use of the September 2026 application window period to apply to a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College for the 2027 academic year.

The Minister is urging prospective TVET students not to wait until January to begin the application process, when many opportunities may already be limited. Young people can apply using their previous year’s results and should use this period to explore their interests, understand different occupational offerings, identify the skills they would like to acquire and apply. Making informed choices about education and training timeously, is an important step towards accessing opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and further learning. TVET Colleges offer these opportunities.

“We must change the way we think about TVET Colleges. They are not a second choice for young people who do not get admitted into a university. They are one of the pathways provided for in the PSET sector and central to the Skills Revolution. We are building a Post-School Education and Training system that connects learning to the skills our economy needs and creates pathways from education to opportunity and are inviting young people to take up the available opportunities, said Minister Manamela.

The Minister also called on parents, guardians, teachers and Life Orientation educators to support young people during this application period by starting conversations about career choices, helping them understand the different pathways available and encouraging them to consider TVET Colleges as institutions of choice.

Through the Skills Revolution, government is working to ensure that education and training translate into skills, skills translate into opportunities, and opportunities translate into meaningful participation in the economy.

The message is simple: EXPLORE. CHOOSE. APPLY. Information about TVET Colleges can be obtained from TVET Colleges or through the Department of Higher Education and Training website www.dhet.gov.za. Applications close 30 September 2026.

Enquiries:
Matshepo Seedat
Cell: 082 679 9473

09/09/2026

Minister Blade Nzimande leads South Africa’s participation at 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum in China, 11 to 14 Sept

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, will lead a South African delegation to the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum in Shanghai, China, from 11 to 14 September 2026.

South Africa's participation is especially significant because the country has been designated Country of Honour by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China and the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality.

The Forum takes place in the context of the upgraded bilateral relationship between South Africa and China, elevated in 2024 to an “All-Round Strategic Partnership in the New Era”. It also coincides with the 28th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

Founded in 2008 and jointly hosted by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Shanghai Municipal Government, the Pujiang Innovation Forum has become one of the world's leading platforms for dialogue and cooperation in science, technology and innovation. It brings together policymakers, researchers, innovators, industry leaders and international partners to exchange ideas, deepen collaboration and explore solutions to shared global challenges.

The 2026 Forum will be held under the theme: “Sharing Innovation and Shaping the Future: The Mission of the Global Sci-Tech Community amid a New Round of Sci-Tech Revolution”.

As Country of Honour, South Africa will use the Forum to showcase its scientific excellence, innovation capabilities and the strength of its National System of Innovation. The country will participate in activities including:

the Ministerial Opening Ceremony;
plenary discussions and thematic sub-forums;
technology matchmaking and technology transfer engagements; and
exhibition activities highlighting South African innovations and research achievements
Minister Nzimande said South Africa's designation as Country of Honour reflects the growing strength of the bilateral relationship and the central role of science, technology and innovation as a pillar of cooperation between the two countries.

“South Africa’s participation in the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum carries profound significance, particularly as we have been designated Guest Country of Honour. This prestigious role places South Africa at the centre of one of the world's premier scientific and technological exchanges. It also provides a unique opportunity to showcase key South African advances in science, technology and innovation, while strengthening STI relations between South Africa, Africa, China and the broader Global South,” said Minister Nzimande.

The South African delegation will include representatives from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and institutions across the National System of Innovation, including the South African Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure, the University of the Witwatersrand, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, the Technology Innovation Agency, the University of Cape Town and the South African Medical Research Council.

Through the South African pavilion, these organisations will showcase cutting-edge research, technological innovations and collaborative programmes that demonstrate the country's scientific excellence and contribution to addressing global challenges. Exhibits will include the African Medicines Innovation and Technology Development platform of the University of the Free State, technologies developed by South African start-ups supported through the DSTI's Grassroots Innovation Programme, and advances in space science and technology led by the South African National Space Agency.

South Africa will also host a dedicated national pavilion and cultural showcase to promote people-to-people exchanges and strengthen ties between the two countries.

Given the Forum’s role in connecting regional innovation partners across Asia, South Africa’s participation will support the country’s broader internationalisation objectives, including those set out in the Decadal Plan on Science, Technology and Innovation.

The Forum will help South Africa leverage existing and new partnerships and joint ventures with China and other international partners. These collaborations are intended to advance inclusive economic growth, strengthen industrial competitiveness, build human capabilities and support societal transformation.

Priority areas of cooperation include:

climate change and sustainability;
health innovation and biotechnology;
space science and astronomy;
artificial intelligence and digital innovation;
green hydrogen and the energy transition;
advanced manufacturing and mining innovation;
oceans and polar research;
open science; and
science communication.
The Forum is expected to strengthen institutional partnerships, promote knowledge exchange, support collaborative research and innovation initiatives, and create new opportunities for South African researchers, innovators, science councils, universities and industry partners to engage with counterparts from China and other countries.

Enquiries: Mr Veli Mbele: Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson to the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation
Mobile: 064 615 0644
Email: [email protected]

Buhle Khumalo: Chief Director: Science Communication
Department of Science, Technology and Innovation
Mobile: 082 603 5602
Email: Buhle. [email protected]