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One of South Africa’s most strategic marketing positions is up for grabs — this comes when the country’s global tourism brand can least afford missteps. South African Tourism is recruiting a chief marketing officer (CMO), a role that will shape how the country is positioned to the world as a leisure and business destination, while …
Rosebank Mall continues to elevate its retail offering with the opening of Livo, a contemporary luxury lifestyle store set to launch on Level 1 on 7 February 2026. One of only two Livo locations nationwide, the Rosebank store introduces a thoughtfully curated retail experience that blends design, functionality and everyday luxury under one roof. Livo …
Just a few years ago, the local film industry was booming. South African production was at record levels and getting global recognition. We were one of the world’s darling destinations for shooting foreign productions. Billions of rand came into the country and the Avengers landed in Joburg. Local work also thrived: Inxeba made the Oscar …
Masters’ offices remain under acting appointments after terms expired
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is using National Epilepsy Week (February 10–16) to raise awareness about the different types of seizures and why understanding them is critical for early recognition, safety, and proper treatment. While epilepsy affects millions of people around the world, seizures can vary significantly in severity, appearance, and …
Matt Henry took five wickets as New Zealand defeated the USA by seven runs in a high-scoring ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match. There were also wins for Oman and Nepal, while Australia’s clash with the Netherlands was washed out in Colombo. Henry holds his nerve Tim Seifert and Matt Henry were the …
Kariega – The new Volkswagen T-Roc will launch in South Africa in second half of 2026. Together with the Taigo, T-Cross, Tiguan, Tayron and Touareg, the T-Roc is a member of the Volkswagen T-SUV family. Positioned between the more compact Taigo and the larger Tiguan, the T-Roc has not only become one of the most successful …
England Under-19s captain Thomas Rew is determined to treat the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 final as ‘just another game’ as his side take on India in Harare. England have not won the tournament since 1998, coming closest four years ago when they were beaten by Friday’s opponents in the final. Rew’s sparkling …
Between 9 124 and 17 969 tonnes of fruits and vegetables are wasted each year in South Africa, equivalent to roughly 450 to 900 fully loaded large trucks, according to a new study. The losses occur largely at wholesale markets due to postharvest inefficiencies, contributing to food insecurity that affects over 63% of South African …
Magic: The Gathering fans and newbies are thrilled to step back into the mysterious, dreamlike world of Lorwyn, only this time it’s changed. Lorwyn Eclipsed, the latest set from MTG’s Universes Beyond narrative arc, reimagines the beloved plane through a different lens, blending shadowed folklore with powerful new mechanics and breathtaking card art. Stefan Roets, …
The Ekurhuleni Metro’s ongoing failure to repair the Stoffberg subway in Brakpan creates a serious risk for motorists and is literally an accident waiting to happen. Despite repeated warnings and formal pleas from the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) in January after floods rendered the underpass virtually unusable, not a finger has been lifted to […]
The post Stoffberg subway: an accident waiting to happen appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
The WOH G64 star looked to be accelerating to its end of life. But now astronomers are not sure that’s the case.
There are differing opinions on what the actual average age of cars on South Africa’s roads is, but the consensus in the industry is that the average age is increasing. This difference in opinion makes it hard to pinpoint exactly how old South Africa’s cars are, although the data suggests it is at least more …
Many workers rely on UIF support during periods of unemployment, reduced income, or specific life changes. The UIF system exists to offer temporary financial relief when a person is unable to earn a regular income. While the idea behind the system is simple, the process itself often feels confusing for people who have never …
After more than five years of constant pressure from the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus), the Emfuleni Local Municipality (Evaton, Sebokeng, Vaal Oewer, Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging) will finally appear in court on 3 March 2026 to explain why millions of litres of untreated sewage are ending up in the Vaal River every day. The Freedom Front […]
The post Emfuleni finally in court for years of polluting Vaal River appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
The high‑profile exit of global energy major TotalEnergies from deepwater Blocks 11B/12B and 5/6/7 – home to the Brulpadda and Luiperd gas discoveries – was a significant setback for South Africa's plans to use domestic resources to boost energy security and economic growth. TotalEnergies, together with partners QatarEnergy and CNR International, gave up their stakes after determining that the discoveries could not be commercially developed under the existing market conditions and regulatory framework.
The exits underscored long‑standing industry frustrations with South Africa's legal and regulatory environment, widely seen as lacking the clarity and predictability that deepwater investors demand. That backdrop helps explain the government's passage of the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act (UPRD Act) – a standalone legislative framework designed to replace the petroleum provisions embedded in the old Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act and provide a bespoke upstream regime.
At its core, the UPRD Act aims to accelerate exploration and production of South Africa's petroleum resources by providing clear rules and stable rights for companies – key to attracting major investment. It combines exploration and production rights into a single petroleum right, sets out controlled licensing rounds, guarantees third-party access to infrastructure, and establishes the Petroleum Agency of South Africa as a clear regulatory authority. The law also promotes active participation by the State and previously disadvantaged South Africans, mandates local content, allows a share of output to be sold for strategic stock purposes, and separates oil and gas regulation from mining rules to reduce red tape and simplify operations.
Yet the big question remains: will this new legal certainty be enough to lure back the supermajors, or has the landscape shifted toward leaner, more aggressive independent companies seeking opportunities where majors have stepped away?
“Simply put, TotalEnergies' exit was a blow to South Africa's energy industry. These discoveries brought to light alternative energy solutions for a country plagued with a decade‑long energy crisis. However, without clear, predictable rules, even world‑class discoveries struggle to progress to commercial development. It shows how regulatory reform is essential to restoring investor confidence,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
The UPRD Act now provides that framework, but timing is crucial. The regulations needed to put the Act into practice are still being finalized, and until these rules – covering licensing, environmental safeguards and rights administration – are published and tested in early rounds, investor confidence is likely to remain cautious.
For supermajors, investment decisions are increasingly guided by a global strategy that prioritizes projects with clearer returns and lower regulatory risk. With growing pressure to meet climate targets and streamline their portfolios amid the energy transition, deepwater frontier projects in emerging markets are less appealing unless they come with clear, predictable terms.
This creates an opening for independent and smaller players. Companies like Africa Energy Corp. – which increased its stake in Block 11B/12B after the majors' exit – could view South Africa's upstream sector as a promising opportunity. With leaner cost structures and a greater tolerance for frontier risk, these players can advance projects that supermajors may avoid, potentially driving local value creation and technology transfer through a different investment model.
Looking ahead to African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 – the continent's premier energy summit bringing together governments, investors and service companies – the UPRD Act is expected to be a central topic in discussions surrounding South Africa. AEW offers a high‑profile platform to showcase the country's evolving policy landscape and could set the stage for the first post‑Act licensing round. Industry leaders are likely to debate whether the framework delivers on its promise of stability and what conditions might be needed to attract supermajors back.
Ultimately, South Africa's upstream rebound will depend on execution: if the regulations foster transparency, competitive terms and confidence in governance, the UPRD Act could be a turning point. If not, the sector may settle into a new normal where ambitious independents, rather than supermajors, drive the next chapter of oil and gas development.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Luke Fraser ·5 Feb 2026 ArcelorMittal SA (AMSA) has narrowed its loss to R2.6 billion, and the company is in takeover negotiations with the state-owned Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). The IDC is expected to submit a non-binding offer for the business. The parties had already negotiated in 2025, but an informal proposal of R8.5 billion …
South Africa’s corporate affairs landscape is getting a new heavyweight player. Former MP and disinformation specialist Phumzile Van Damme, geopolitics strategist Khadija Patel, and award-winning communications leader Keri-Ann Stanton have launched The War Room — a new advisory offering designed to help organisations navigate today’s era of risk, disruption, and reputational volatility. Launching February 2026, …
The South African government must still engage mobile network operators about its plans to provide free mobile data to all households in the country. This ambition forms part of the National Infrastructure Plan 2050, published by former public works minister Patricia de Lille in March 2022. The plan included two key targets regarding free mobile …
As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.
Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London's premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.
Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year's forum will focus on Africa's response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.
The Africa Debate puts Africa's priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.
"Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition," says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.
"This year's edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value."
The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.
Key challenges driving the debate
Core focus areas for this year's edition of The Africa Debate include:
Global Realignment & New Partnerships
How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa's global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.
Financing Africa's Future
The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.
Strategic Value Chains
Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa's energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.
Digital Transformation & Technology
Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa's economic transformation.
The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa's economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent's next growth phase.
Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.
Media Contact:
Invest Africa
Email: george.meadows@investafrica.com
About The Africa Debate:
The Africa Debate is London's premier investment forum dedicated to shaping the future of African trade, investment and economic transformation. Now in its 12th year, the event serves as a critical platform for global businesses, investors, policymakers and thought leaders to engage in high-level discussions on Africa's evolving role in the global economy.
Website: https://TheAfricaDebate.com
About Invest Africa:
Invest Africa is a leading business and investment platform with over seventy years' experience in Africa, dedicated to connecting businesses with unique opportunities across the continent. Its global network comprises more than 400 member companies, including multinationals, private equity firms, institutional investors, development finance institutions, professional service providers, government bodies and entrepreneurs.
With presence in the UK, UAE, US, South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria, Invest Africa leverages its international reach, market intelligence and extensive network to support and connect businesses. As a trusted gateway into Africa, it promotes sustainable investment and socio-economic growth through membership, advisory services and a dynamic events programme.
For more information visit www.InvestAfrica.com
We’ve all been there: you book your getaway, arrive at your destination, and somehow still feel… tense. You’re physically away but mentally still running through to-do lists. Sound familiar? “True relaxation isn’t just about getting away,” says Samantha Pillay, Director at ekko, a lifestyle brand for millennials. “It’s about actually switching off when you do …
“I’m appealing that please don’t use South Africa as an example on how the just transition is being done. That has nothing to do with just transition. We only came to know about it when we couldn’t put food on our table.” These stark words from Malaka George Mpe at last year’s 30th annual UN …
Love Is Blind, But Debt Isn’t: Valentine’s Day And the Cost of Compatibility Valentine’s Day spending often exposes hidden debt and money stress in relationships, with experts warning that true compatibility starts with honesty, boundaries, and shared financial planning. It’s Valentine’s Day, and as South Africans spend big on love, much of that spending is …
The Chantelle social housing project in the Akasia area, launched with great expectations in June 2022, began as a beacon of hope but has since degenerated into a financial and administrative disaster. This project, managed by the Housing Company Tshwane (HCT), was intended to provide a viable solution to the growing housing crisis and to […]
The post Chantelle housing project: from beacon of hope to R123 million disaster appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.