PRETORIA: The Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, will lead South Africa’s engagement at the Inaugural Africa Care Forum taking place from 2–4 September 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Convened by the African Union Commission (AUC), the Forum will provide a continental platform for policy dialogue, knowledge exchange and the sharing of African solutions and innovations to transform care work.

Deputy Minister Letsike will advance South Africa’s position on the care economy, with a particular focus on recognising, reducing and redistributing unpaid care work; strengthening care systems; promoting decent work; and advancing women’s economic empowerment.

Members of the media are invited to follow and cover the Deputy Minister’s participation as follows:

Event Name: Inaugural Africa Care Forum
Date: 2–4 September 2026
Venue: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The Forum will track the outcomes of the 10th Specialised Technical Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (STC-GEWE) and will form part of ongoing continental efforts to place care at the centre of Africa’s development agenda. South Africa will advocate greater recognition of care work as an essential component of economic development, social protection, gender equality and inclusive growth, while sharing national experiences and learning from innovative approaches across the continent.

Media Enquiries: Cassius Selala, Head of Communication, Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, 060 534 0672