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The South African Cabinet has reaffirmed its commitment to economic growth, social development, and international diplomacy following its meetings on January 29 and February 12. <\/span><\/p>\n In a statement released after the latest meeting, the government addressed pressing national issues, including land reform, education, social grants, and the withdrawal of US aid funding.<\/span><\/p>\n Defending the Expropriation Act<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the key topics was the recently enacted Expropriation Act of 2024, which aims to address historical land dispossession through a “constitutionally mandated legal process.<\/span><\/p>\n The government pushed back against criticism from the United States, particularly an executive order issued by President Donald Trump, who cited concerns over human rights violations and discriminatory policies.<\/span><\/p>\n Cabinet dismissed these claims as “misinformation and falsehood aimed at misrepresenting the actual purpose of the law and sowing racial divisions in our nation.” <\/span><\/p>\n The statement emphasised that land reform in South Africa is guided by the Constitution and does not involve arbitrary land seizures.<\/span><\/p>\n Acting Government Spokesperson, Nomonde Mnukwa, underscored the importance of the legislation in addressing historical injustices.<\/span><\/p>\n “The Expropriation Act is not about confiscation; it is about fairness and justice. Our Constitution provides a framework to ensure that land reform happens in a responsible and legal manner. <\/span><\/p>\n We will continue to engage diplomatically to clarify any concerns raised by the US government,” Mnukwa said.<\/span><\/p>\n US Aid Withdrawal and HIV\/AIDS Programmes<\/strong><\/p>\n Cabinet also discussed the recent decision by the US government to withdraw certain aid funds, particularly those linked to the fight against HIV\/AIDS and tuberculosis. <\/span><\/p>\n While the decision has been suspended for a 90-day review period, concerns remain over the potential impact on South Africa’s public health efforts. <\/span><\/p>\n Despite this, the government reassured citizens that essential treatment services would not be disrupted.<\/span><\/p>\n According to the Cabinet statement, South Africa funds 90% of its antiretroviral procurement, with the Global Fund covering the remaining 10%. <\/span><\/p>\n The US President\u2019s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has primarily funded salaries and operational costs in certain districts.<\/span><\/p>\n Mnukwa reiterated that South Africa would not be left vulnerable by the funding changes.<\/span><\/p>\n “Our country runs the largest HIV\/AIDS prevention and treatment programme in the world. While we value partnerships, we will not allow external decisions to put lives at risk. <\/span>Government will ensure that no South African defaults on life-saving treatment,” she assured.<\/span><\/p>\n Investment in Education and Skills Development<\/strong><\/p>\n Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to improving education and expanding access to quality learning opportunities. <\/span><\/p>\n The government highlighted an R52 billion investment in school infrastructure over the next three years, with a focus on eradicating pit latrines and improving classroom conditions. <\/span><\/p>\n Additionally, efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education training (TVET) colleges were emphasised.<\/span><\/p>\n Mnukwa stated that skills development is key to boosting youth employment.<\/span><\/p>\n “We are expanding TVET programmes to ensure young South Africans are equipped with skills relevant to the modern economy,” she said.<\/span><\/p>\n Social Grants: Providing a Safety Net for Millions<\/strong><\/p>\n The government reiterated its commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens through social grants. <\/span><\/p>\n As of 2025, more than 19 million South Africans rely on some form of social assistance, with the Child Support Grant and the Older Persons Grant being the largest programs. <\/span><\/p>\n Cabinet assured recipients that grants would continue to be paid on time despite financial pressures.<\/span><\/p>\n “Social protection remains a fundamental pillar of our democracy. We will continue supporting those in need while ensuring sustainable economic policies,” Mnukwa said.<\/span><\/p>\n South Africa\u2019s Leadership on the Global Stage<\/strong><\/p>\n As South Africa holds the G20 presidency for 2025, Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to fostering global cooperation under the theme: <\/span>“Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.”<\/em><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n A series of high-level meetings, including the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg and the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in Cape Town, will take place throughout the year.<\/span><\/p>\n Security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)<\/strong><\/p>\n Cabinet also paid tribute to the 14 South African soldiers killed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) while on a UN-backed peacekeeping mission. ‘It reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to regional stability and peacekeeping efforts.<\/span><\/p>\n “The loss of our soldiers is a tragedy, and we honor their bravery. South Africa remains committed to supporting peace and security in Africa through diplomatic and military efforts,” Mnukwa said.<\/span><\/p>\n The government pledged to engage with regional partners and the UN to strengthen peacekeeping strategies.<\/span><\/p>\n Crackdown on Illegal Mining<\/strong><\/p>\n Illegal mining remains a significant issue, and the government highlighted the progress made through Operation Vala Umgodi. <\/span><\/p>\n Since December 2023, more than 18,000 arrests have been made, and authorities have seized millions of rands in assets, including uncut diamonds worth R32 million.<\/span><\/p>\n Cabinet commended the arrests of four police officers accused of aiding an illegal mining kingpin\u2019s escape, emphasizing that corruption within law enforcement would not be tolerated.<\/span><\/p>\n A Call for National Unity<\/strong><\/p>\n Throughout the statement, Cabinet emphasized the need for national unity amid what it described as “misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda” aimed at dividing the country.<\/span><\/p>\n “South Africa belongs to all who live in it, and we are united in our diversity,” the statement read. “We must not allow false narratives to divide us.”<\/span><\/p>\n With critical economic and diplomatic challenges ahead, the government has positioned itself as both a defender of South Africa\u2019s sovereignty and a leader in international engagements. T<\/span><\/p>\n The next few months will be crucial in determining how South Africa navigates global scrutiny while advancing its domestic priorities.<\/span><\/p>\n politics<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The South African Cabinet has reaffirmed its commitment to economic growth, social development, and international diplomacy following its meetings on January 29 and February 12. In a statement released after the latest meeting, the government addressed pressing national issues, including land reform, education, social grants, and the withdrawal of US aid funding. Defending the Expropriation […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[12317,11737,2165,5570,10486,1276,11207,518,51,12266],"class_list":["post-232786","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-politics","tag-africa039s","tag-aid","tag-cabinet","tag-cuts","tag-grants","tag-land","tag-reform","tag-social","tag-south","tag-tackling"],"yoast_head":"\n