By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Cabinet welcomed the latest Quarterly Progress Report on the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) for April to June 2025.
Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni briefed the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 17 September 2025.
Ntshavheni said the report showed over 5.64 million young people registered on the National Pathway Management Network (NPMN), exceeding the initial target of 5 million. More than 1.91 million youth accessed temporary earning opportunities, with over 234,000 opportunities seized in the last quarter alone.
“The government’s sustained efforts are gaining traction in creating meaningful pathways to earning for our young people,” Ntshavheni stated, highlighting initiatives ranging from skills development programs to income-generating opportunities.
GDP
Cabinet has welcomed the latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures, which show that the economy has grown 0.8% in the second quarter of 2025, an improvement from the 0.1% growth in the first quarter.
Ntshavheni said the 0.8% GDP growth reflects a broad-based recovery across key sectors.
“Eight industries recorded growth in the second quarter, with key sectors like manufacturing, mining, and trade returning to growth territory.
“Rising household consumption also reflects an improvement in disposable income and this is confirmed through improved reported inflation figures,” the Minister said.
The Cabinet also noted Fitch Ratings’ affirmation of South Africa’s long-term foreign and local currency debt ratings with a stable outlook, affirming investor confidence.
Fitch’s report cited government reforms under Operation Vulindlela Phase 2 – focusing on infrastructure such as electricity, logistics, and water – as pivotal in reducing load shedding and stabilizing freight volumes, underpinning the optimistic economic forecast.
United Nations
She highlighted that South Africa is gearing up for a prominent role at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA-80), set to take place from 23 to 29 September 2025 in New York.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the delegation under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.”
Ntshavheni emphasised that South Africa will use the platform to advocate for global multilateralism, human rights, sustainable development, and peaceful conflict resolution, focusing on crises in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Sudan, and Palestine.
She added that Ministers Parks Tau and Ronal Lamola have already engaged in pre-UNGA discussions on the South Africa-US trade deal and UN special sessions, respectively, with other ministers scheduled to report on their engagements during the assembly.
Madlanga Commission of Inquiry
The Cabinet welcomed the commencement of hearings by the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into criminality, political interference, and corruption within the justice system.
“Cabinet calls on anyone who may have information that could assist the work of the commission to make contact via madlangacommission@behonest.co.za or 0800 111 369, “Minister said.
The Khampepe Commission
Cabinet has also welcomed the commencement of the Khampepe Commission on Truth and Reconciliation Conciliation (TRC) matters.
The commission has already held meetings with complainants and representatives of government.
The Khampepe Commission is a judicial commission of inquiry established by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 29 May 2025.
The purpose is to investigate whether attempts were made to delay, refuse, or interfere with the investigation and prosecution of apartheid‐era crimes that had been identified in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) process.
Governance
Cabinet further welcomed the outcomes of the meeting between the National Executive with the Provincial Executive Council of the North West.
This is the 7th engagement between national executive and provincial executive councils aimed at strengthening intergovernmental coordination and improving service delivery in line with the priorities of the 7th Administration.