News

It is a sad reflection of our society that almost everyone knows or has heard of a woman who has experienced abuse, gender-based violence or femicide.  Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike reflects on what should be done to deal with the problem. 

South Africa's official unemployment rate increased to 33.6% in the second quarter of 2026, according to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).

South Africa has commemorated the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women's March, with President Cyril Ramaphosa paying tribute to the more than 20,000 women who marched against apartheid pass laws.

As South Africa commemorates the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women's March, the Gauteng province has highlighted the importance of ensuring women have access to health information and essential healthcare services.

The Department of Home Affairs has launched a new online service that allows South Africans to quickly find their nearest participating bank branch where they can apply for a Smart ID Card.

The EmpowerHer Market Trade Fair has been launched with the aim of boosting women-owned businesses in South Africa by giving them access to new markets, helping them attract investment, and secure business opportunities.

South Africa's tourism industry continued its strong recovery during the first six months of 2026, with the country recording a significant increase in international visitor arrivals. 

A new Code of Good Practice on completing Employment Equity plans has been published, and there are some significant changes.  The team from Bowmans have some guidance for us about  the proposed changes. 

The Department of Employment and Labour has called on employers, trade unions, employees and other stakeholders to provide feedback on the Draft Reviewed Code of Good Practice on the Preparation, Implementation and Monitoring of Employment Equity (EE) Plans.

A South African scientific initiative linking agriculture and space research has officially launched with the Rooibos in Space programme - which will see Rooibos seeds sent to the International Space Station. 

Spaza shop owners looking to grow their businesses can apply for support through the Spaza Shop Support Fund. The programme seeks to help township and rural enterprises improve their operations, increase their competitiveness, create jobs and contribute to local economic development. 

South Africans now have significantly more places to apply for a Smart ID Card following the expansion of the Department of Home Affairs' Digital Partnership with Absa.

Following a number of senior staff resignations, and allegations of governance failings, the Media and ICT Seta, MICT, is to be investigated by the National Skills Authority. 

While South Africa's workplace landscape is undergoing this fundamental shift, small and large businesses are choosing to right-size their real estate portfolios in favour of more adaptable, humanised workplace solutions.

The Healing Lives Foundation has launched their new initiative to support GBVF survivors through skills development and employment. Gauteng Provincial government was on hand to support the organisation at their launch in Mamelodi. 

The DO MORE FOUNDATION and Kids Collab are coming together this Mandela Day to bring the magic of outdoor play to young children in 675 ECD centres across South Africa. 

"EPWP participants play an important role in supporting a range of municipal programmes, including community safety, public health, water and sanitation services," according to eThekwini Municipality who are strongly promoting the programme. 

Tuesday's national protests were a cause for concern, but the authorities have commended protesters for keeping the day peaceful, with only isolated incidents of violence being reported 

As South Africa marks Science Month in July, a UCT Professor has been named the 2026 L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Award Laureate for Africa and the Arab States. The award is for her work in the field of Life and Environmental Sciences. 

Investec is advancing its vision of a higher tech, higher touch future with news that it will be rolling out Copilot to all of its employees globally. This makes them the first large organisation to announce such a significant rollout.