The South African Cabinet has condemned the recent incidents of gender-based violence and femicide in the country, particularly the brutal murder of 13 women in various parts of Ekurhuleni Metro Municipality, Gauteng. The Cabinet has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and welcomed the arrest of four suspects in connection with three of the murders. The suspects remain in custody after being denied bail following their court appearances.
The Cabinet has also supported the directive by President Ramaphosa to the Multi-Disciplinary Investigation Team led by the South African Police Service to speedily arrest and prosecute the culprits behind these murders. The team is pursuing several people of interest. The rise in GBV incidents, particularly femicide, has prompted a call for a societal response to protect women by men, families, communities, and society in general.
The Cabinet has welcomed the successful 18th BRICS Summit held in New Delhi, India, from 12 to 13 September 2026, under the theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Security”. The summit reaffirmed the grouping’s commitment to a more inclusive and representative international system and advanced cooperation in trade and investment, local currency transactions, and cross-border payments.
The BRICS Summit outcomes are significant for South Africa, as they support the country’s objectives of accelerating industrialisation, expanding market access, attracting investment, and promoting value addition to critical minerals. These priorities can strengthen local production, create opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs, support job creation, and ensure that greater value is derived from the country’s natural resources.
In other news, South African cherry producers have secured access to the Chinese market for the first time following the signing of a market-access protocol between South Africa and China on 8 September 2026. The agreement opens opportunities for South African producers to access one of the world’s largest cherry markets, which is expected to stimulate investment in cherry production and create approximately 600 new jobs.
The Cabinet has also urged all eligible voters whose identity documents have been lost or damaged to replace them as soon as possible before the Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026. Citizens can visit a Home Affairs office or any of more than 450 participating banks to apply for identity documents. Applications for special votes for the elections are open and will close on 12 October 2026 at 17:00.
Finally, the Cabinet has wished all learners well as they prepare for the 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations, which commence on 13 October 2026. The Cabinet has called on parents and guardians to monitor the progress of learners in their care and to create a supportive environment in which they can focus on their studies. Learners are urged to create a realistic study schedule and to seek guidance from teachers or peers when they are unsure about their schoolwork.
Key points
- The South African Cabinet has condemned the recent incidents of gender-based violence and femicide in the country.
- The Cabinet has welcomed the successful 18th BRICS Summit held in New Delhi, India, and its outcomes that support South Africa’s objectives.
- The Cabinet has wished all learners well as they prepare for the 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations.
