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With one week to go until the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 gets underway, each nation has finalised their squad and named the players who will be in action in Pakistan and the UAE. Ahead of the action getting underway, here is a full list of the confirmed squads who will be on show: Group …
Five MI Cape Town players have been named in Markram-led team whilst Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Paarl Royals are also equally represented in the line-up. Champions MI Cape Town dominate the Betway SA20 Team of Season 3 with five players selected in a hotly contested line-up. Opening batter and wicket-keeper Ryan Rickelton leads the charge …
Government amends regulations for PPPs
The Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana has amended the regulations of the Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), in an effort to deliver much-needed infrastructure and ease pressure on stretched government finances.
“Although the economic landscape has significantly changed over the years, the PPP regulatory framework has remained static for close to 15 years,” the National Treasury said on Thursday.
In terms of section 76 of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999), the Minister has amended the National Treasury Regulation 16 (NTR 16).
The National Treasury said it is advancing the implementation of recommendations from the comprehensive review of the PPP regulatory framework across all three spheres of government.
“The resulting changes are expected to drive higher confidence and investment in PPPs as well as greater private-sector participation.
“As highlighted in the 2024 Budget, amendments were drafted to the National Treasury Regulation 16 (NTR 16) and the Municipal PPP Regulation 309, which govern PPPs.
“The National Treasury issued these amendments for public comment on 19 February 2024. The public commentary process closed on 15 April 2024,” National Treasury said.
The National Treasury noted that it has made good progress in addressing the public comments and amending NTR16.
The final amendments to NTR 16 were issued in Gazette Notice 5841 of 7-2-25 Amendments to PFMA Treasury Regulation 16: https://www.treasury.gov.za/legislation/regulations/Amendments%20to%20PFMA%20Treasury%20Regulation%2016%20Notice.pdf.
The areas that were amended are summarised as follows:
Communication will be issued in response to all public comments received on NTR 16.
“Further details will be provided in the 2025 Budget Review documents covering supporting processes to enable procuring institutions to meet the new requirements introduced by the amendments.
“The amendments to the Municipal PPP Regulation 309 require more time because of procedural processes, including consultation with Parliament. These amendments will be finalised by June 2025,” National Treasury said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 02/13/2025 - 10:48
Two gripping South African derbies will take centre stage in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship on Saturday as the competition reaches round 11, which also marks the first of two Origins Rounds where the players will celebrate their rugby roots by wearing their school or club socks. With the next two rounds of matches comprising …
The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts will celebrate the golden era of music with an unforgettable performance by The Golden Oldies on Sunday, 16 February 2025. A brainchild of South African music legend Terry Fortune, The Golden Oldies is more than just a band—it is a movement dedicated to honouring and showcasing veteran artists who have …
Cricket fans will be able to experience the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 like never before thanks to ground-breaking uses of the latest technology across the ICC’s digital platforms. Set to return for the first time since 2017, the Champions Trophy will pit the eight best men’s ODI sides against each other across four venues …
Government to unveil energy investment instrument
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says the department has designed a private sector investment instrument to mobilise resources for modernising South Africa’s energy infrastructure.
The minister made the remarks during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate, held in Cape Town, on Wednesday.
“We have designed an instrument. We will be introducing that instrument to the country in the next five weeks and we are going to use that instrument as a template. We’ll take it to Transnet…we’ll take it to all [State Owned Enterprises]. So that we are able to drive infrastructure [investment] forward,” he said.
Over the next ten years, South Africa requires approximately R450 billion to expand transmission lines by some 14 000 km.
Ramokgopa pointed out that government will not be able to bear the financial burden on its own.
“We make the point that the state sovereign balance sheet is weak, the Eskom balance sheet has been eroded, [and] we need to design instruments that help us to ensure that there is accelerated private sector investment,” he said.
Another area where the government aims to increase output is in freight logistics.
“We’ve got a baseline of 149 million tonnes per annum and our target for the year is 170 million tonnes and by 2030 we want to reach 250 million tonnes.
“We have decided that we want to target specific corridors. The Northern Cape Saldanha corridor which carries iron ore and manganese, the northern corridor which carries coal and chrome, the Gauteng-Durban corridor which carries automotive and general freight,” he said.
The transformation project
Turning to geopolitical issues arising from the promulgation of the Expropriation Act, Ramokgopa emphasised that government will press ahead with policies aimed at transforming the country.
“We are determined to protect the gains of the democratic project. We will go and explain ourselves to our allies and articulate the vision of a South Africa that we want; that the transformation project is indeed irreversible.
“We are on the correct path…we will not be bullied,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 02/13/2025 - 11:15
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) is delighted to announce Macron Sport as the new official technical partner to CSA. This...
Volkswagen Motorsport is proud to announce a dynamic partnership with MARACO Management, a Marketing, Racing and Consulting agency, to bring back motorsport in Germany through the Polo Cup Series in 2026. “Partnering with MARACO Management to introduce the Polo Cup Series in Germany is an exciting milestone for Volkswagen Motorsport. This partnership reflects our commitment […]
EC Premier welcomes breakthrough in young girl's abduction case
Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane has commended the Hawks for their swift and successful action in solving the case of a nine-year-old girl, who was kidnapped outside Dreamland Primary School in Buffalo Flats, East London.
The young girl, Emaan Fatima, was released near the Inyibiba Police Station in the early hours of Wednesday, 12 February -- bringing a much-welcomed end to the nightmare that unfolded last Tuesday.
Emaan’s release follows the hard and thorough work of a multi-disciplinary team, including the Kidnapping Task Team of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks; East London Public Order Police; East London Flying Squad, and Provincial Hostage Negotiators -- which led to the arrest of three suspects, aged between 20 and 67.
The suspects appeared before the East London Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, where they were remanded in custody for bail contents. All three suspects were positively linked with Emman’s kidnapping.
"We commend the Hawks for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to ensuring justice is served. The abduction of the... girl sent shockwaves throughout our province, and we are grateful for the progress made in this distressing case.
"We applaud the Hawks for their dedication and perseverance in solving this case, and we look forward to seeing justice being served.
"This breakthrough serves as a testament to the effectiveness of our law enforcement agencies and the importance of collaboration between government, law enforcement and the community," Mabuyane said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 02/13/2025 - 11:00
Government calls national convention for Khoi-San leaders
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, is organising a significant national convention for Khoi-San leaders.
This convention aims to address and find enduring solutions to the challenges the leaders have highlighted, including issues related to the recognitionion of Khoi-San communities.
This event follows a series of preliminary engagements that the Minister held with various Khoi-San leaders.
According to the CoGTA Department, these discussions have laid a solid foundation for the upcoming convention, considering the complexities surrounding the concerns raised.
Hlabisa emphasised the importance of constructive dialogue before, during, and after the convention to facilitate constitutional and statutory recognition of the Khoi-San people.
The Minister has consistently stated that the process undertaken by the seventh administration of CoGTA to engage with Khoi-San stakeholders must succeed.
“The process should contribute to bringing about unity and ultimately cooperation on the leadership and the process going forward for the Khoi-San communities,” the Minister explained.
The three-day convention will kick-start on Friday, 14 February 2025, at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Gauteng. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 02/13/2025 - 08:29
Remains of 14 SANDF troops finally home
The remains of the 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who died in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have finally returned home and will be handed over to their families this evening.
The SANDF has rescheduled the handing-over ceremony and memorial service from Thursday morning to the evening.
This change is due to unavoidable parliamentary commitments related to the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate in Cape Town.
The troops lost their lives at the hands of the M23 as fighting in the Goma region escalated.
The rebel group fought intensely against the Congolese armed forces, resulting in the deaths of soldiers from 23 to 27 January during M23’s advance on Sake and Goma.
The soldiers are part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), which aims to help restore peace, security, and stability in Africa’s second-largest country.
Families have been eagerly awaiting their loved ones after multiple delays, including medical processing in Uganda.
READ | Fallen SANDF soldiers' remains expected to return home on Thursday
The memorial service in honour of the soldiers will be held on Thursday, 13 February 2025, at the Air Force Base Swartkop in Johannesburg at 6 pm. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 02/13/2025 - 09:11
The upcoming launch of the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) on April 1, 2025 marks a significant step in South Africa's ongoing efforts to restructure its energy sector and improve efficiency within state-owned enterprises. This move, which consolidates PetroSA, iGas and the Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF), aligns with broader regional trends in energy governance, where NOCs are increasingly being positioned as catalysts for investment, security of supply and economic development.
The South African government first announced plans for SANPC in 2020 as part of its strategy to rationalize state-owned enterprises and create a more competitive and investment-friendly energy sector. The merger process, overseen by the Central Energy Fund (CEF) Group under the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, has progressed steadily, with agreements in place to ensure a smooth transition for employees. However, questions remain over asset management, particularly regarding how viable and non-viable assets will be handled post-merger.
SANPC's establishment comes at a time when Africa's energy sector is striving to create a more enabling environment for investment, a theme that will take center stage at the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference in Cape Town on September 29 - October 3. As South Africa works to streamline its state-owned energy enterprises, other African nations are similarly evaluating how to strengthen their own NOCs to attract investment, drive economic growth and navigate the global energy transition.
In Angola, Sonangol has embarked on a restructuring process to enhance its operational efficiency and financial sustainability, including divesting non-core assets and increasing transparency to attract private sector investment. Similarly, Ghana's GNPC has pursued strategic partnerships with IOCs to maximize offshore exploration and production while ensuring local participation in energy projects. These efforts reflect a broader trend across the continent, where governments are leveraging regulatory reforms and governance improvements to make their NOCs more competitive in the global energy market.
Nigeria has also taken significant steps with the transformation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), a commercially driven entity under its Petroleum Industry Act. The shift aims to position NNPC as a profit-oriented enterprise, reducing government dependence on oil revenues while fostering a more attractive investment climate. The success of these reforms will serve as a key reference for SANPC and other emerging NOCs in Africa, underscoring the importance of strong governance, fiscal discipline and strategic partnerships in the sector.
A key aspect of SANPC's establishment is its impact on local content development. The latest report from the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources indicates that the integration of employees from PetroSA, iGas and SFF is progressing smoothly, with agreements in place to ensure job security and a seamless transition. This is a crucial development, as maintaining a skilled workforce and prioritizing local expertise will be essential for SANPC's operational success. As the newly established NOC progresses, its approach to workforce integration and skills development will serve as a benchmark for other state-owned enterprises in Africa looking to balance efficiency with social responsibility.
With regulatory and policy frameworks playing a crucial role in shaping investor confidence, SANPC's structure and governance will be closely watched by industry stakeholders. Its success – or challenges – could offer valuable lessons for other African countries seeking to optimize their state energy assets while balancing the transition to cleaner energy sources. AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 will provide a platform to discuss these critical issues, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and investors to explore solutions for Africa's energy future.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
About AEW: Invest in African Energy:
AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Unconscious victim dumped at community clinic
PYEI makes progress in creating opportunities for youth
Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli says the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) remains a cornerstone of national efforts to address the persistent challenge of youth unemployment by ensuring that young South Africans have access to economic opportunities.
Mhlauli said progress has been made in unlocking earning opportunities and equipping young people with the necessary skills and resources to succeed in the labour market.
Briefing media on the PYEI third quarter report in Cape Town on Wednesday, Mhlauli explained that the intervention sets out priority actions, which together seek to stimulate and aggregate demand, and provide a seamless mechanism for young people to be linked to opportunities generated and receive support appropriate to their context and pathway.
“The PYEI coordinates, accelerates and enhances existing programmes, while driving innovation and creating pathways to earning for young people at scale,” Mhlauli said.
Mhlauli said as government enters the fifth year of PYEI, it continues to make significant strides in unlocking earning opportunities and equipping young people with the skills and resources necessary to succeed in the labour market.
“Over 53 379 earning opportunities were secured through the National Pathway Management Network (NPMN), bringing the total to 1.57 million opportunities since the inception of the PYEI.
“More than 38 864 young people accessed earning opportunities via the SA Youth platform, and an additional 14 515 opportunities were secured through the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA).
“The Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative placed 10 337 youth in various workplace experiences across sectors.
“The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) supported over 14 600 young entrepreneurs with financial and non-financial enterprise opportunities.
“The Revitalised National Youth Service (NYS) Phase 3 was success fully launched, with 13 568 new recruits, adding to a total of 82,378 youth placed in service opportunities,” the Deputy Minister said.
Mhlauli said the Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund, a R300 million initiative, continues to create pathways for employment in digital inclusion, enterprise development, and work integrated learning.
“The Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund, launched in November 2023, is an outcome-based instrument launched as a strategic response to unlock jobs for excluded young people by linking contracted payments with desired outcomes.
“Unlike traditional approaches to job creation, which focus on inputs and activities like training and mentorship, the Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund ensures that funds are allocated to implementing organisations upon the successful placement and sustained employment of excluded young people in quality jobs.
“To date, 3 347 young people have been enrolled in training programmes; 1 603young people have been placed in jobs, and 1 247 young people have sustained employment for three-months,” Mhlauli said.
Mhlauli said government remains acutely aware of the work that still lies ahead.
“Our focus remains on scaling impactful programs, securing sustainable funding and deepening strategic partnerships.
“The road to eradicating youth unemployment is not a short one, but through continued collaboration and commitment, we will continue to break barrier sand create real, lasting change,” the Deputy Minister said.
Mhlauli called on young people to make use of the initiative.
“Let us continue working together to ensure that every young person in South Africa has access to the opportunities they need to thrive.” - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 02/12/2025 - 13:55
Infrastructure fund and partners drives major advancement in infrastructure landscape
Public Works Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala has highlighted that since the 2024 State of Nation Address (SONA), the Infrastructure Fund (IF) and its strategic partners have made great strides in the infrastructure landscape.
“Seven more blended finance projects with a capital value of R37.8 billion have been added to the IF pipeline as noted by the President in the SONA last week,” Zikalala said.
In his debate on the State of the Nation Address, held in Cape Town on Tuesday, Zikalala said under the 6th Administration in 2020, 62 projects or programmes, were gazetted as SIPs [Strategic Integrated Projects] with an additional seven programmes gazetted as SIPs in 2022.
“Taking into account the various programmes gazetted as SIPs, we have approximately 268 individual projects gazetted as SIPs, which are dominated by the energy sector under the Embedded Generation Programme, the Green Hydrogen Programme and the various bid windows and preferred bidders, as announced by the DMRE [Department of Mineral Resources and Energy] and the Minister of Electricity and Energy [Kgosientso Ramokgopa],” Zikalala said.
Zikalala revealed that the total value of these projects is estimated at around R3 trillion, with 82 projects already under construction, valued at approximately R437 billion.
“Government commitment for these projects is estimated at around R13.8 billion over the 2025 medium-term, comprising of bespoke and innovative first loss capital grant finance, short and long-term viability gap and project derisking debt instruments. The associated financial additionality from the private sector and public equity contributions is estimated at around R24.2 billion,” Zikalala said.
Bespoke refers to something that is custom-made or tailored specifically to the needs or preferences of an individual. It is often used in contexts like clothing (e.g., bespoke suits), but can apply to anything that is made to order or specially designed.
Zikalala said going forward, government will enhance project preparation by easing regulations affecting Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and further ensure a quicker turn on PPPs implementation unit, while National Treasury continues with its overall monitoring to avoid potential corrupt practices.
“This will ensure an increase in investment in all infrastructure which in turn will lead to the growth of Gross Capital Formation, which is the primary feature of our country’s balance sheet while creating more skills and sustainable jobs.
“As a developmental state, our approach on infrastructure development is not about caring only for selective areas but the whole of South Africa. Each day, we play our role to reverse the evil legacy of apartheid spatial planning which neglected poor townships and rural communities,” the minister said.
Zikalala said the Welisizwe Rural Bridges prgramme connects rural communities with each other and to amenities.
To date, 40 bridges have been completed in six provinces, with the highest numbers in Kwa-Zulu Natal, followed by the Eastern Cape.
The completed bridges include 18 in KwaZulu-Natal, 14 in Eastern Cape, 4 in Mpumalanga, 1 in North West, and 3 in Free State, with none built in Limpopo.
Zikalala said his department has also developed recovery plans for all provinces.
“We managed to unlock hindrances affecting the construction of bridges in that province [North West]. Before the end [of] March 2024, we will hand over six completed bridges in the North West,” Zikalala said.
With regard to the construction of harbours, Zikalala said by the end of March 2025, government would have completed feasibility studies that will allow for the actual construction of new small harbours in Port Alfred (Eastern Cape), Port Nolloth (Northern Cape) and Port Edward (KwaZulu-Natal) for local communities to have fishing infrastructure.
“We continue to ensure that all 13 habours that we have refurbished in the Western Cape are opened for all communities to exploit economic opportunities, including big and small fishing companies,” Zikalala said.
Zikalala said government have seen the impact of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in many communities.
“Whilst departments have fiscal challenges, the reduction of EPWP based on age is unacceptable. The working age in South Africa is from 18 to 65 years, and therefore none must be excluded,” the Minister said.
Regarding expropriation, Zikalala explained that the Expropriation Bill grants the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure the authority to expropriate land or assets solely in the public's interest, with compensation provided, even if that compensation is valued at zero.
Earlier this month, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the Expropriation Bill, which sets out how organs of State may expropriate land in the public interest for varied reasons.
In a statement, The Presidency said the new legislation, which repeals the pre-democratic Expropriation Act of 1975, aligns expropriation processes with the Constitution.
Section 25 of the Constitution recognises expropriation as an essential mechanism for the state to acquire someone’s property for a public purpose or in the public interest, subject to just and equitable compensation being paid. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 02/12/2025 - 12:03
Volkswagen has added two new derivatives to its best-selling T-Cross line up for the 2025 model year. The T-Cross has been the best-selling Volkswagen SUV with over 36 000 cars sold since its launch in 2019. The new two derivatives, the T-Cross 1.0 TSI 70kW manual and 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG are offered as base […]
It’s a tragedy that’s led to calls for political resignations, a military withdrawal and a diplomatic spat with Rwanda. Fourteen of our soldiers, part of a military intervention force in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, were killed in a vicious firefight for control of the key city of Goma. The deaths were reportedly inflicted by a rebel group called M23, allegedly backed by Rwanda. That country’s president, Paul Kagame, dismissed the claim and scoffed at South Africa’s threat of war. So, should the SANDF be in the DRC in the first place, and how capable is it?
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This comes 20 years after their claim was officially granted
Volkswagen introduces the new Transporter which is set to launch in the second half of 2025. The new generation Transporter offers more space, load capacity, more sustainable and economical mobility for all. Anything is possible: The range of new-generation Transporter models available is impressively large. At launch, the new Transporter will be available in a […]
Denel to show off wares at UAE exhibition
Denel is set to strengthen its global presence at IDEX25, one of the world’s largest defence and technology exhibitions, next week.
The exhibition will take place in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Denel’s Group CEO, Tsepo Monaheng, stated that IDEX25 provides an excellent platform for the company to reintroduce its products, which are consistently recognised as cost-effective solutions for defence and security needs.
“We want to say to current and future clients, Denel is back, and we can still deliver quality products and new innovations in a rapidly changing defence industry,” he said.
The organisers anticipate nearly 1 400 exhibitors from 65 countries and expect to attract around 135 000 visitors, including defence decision-makers, industry leaders, and analysts from around the globe.
“It will provide us with a new platform to display the quality of our defence systems and to reach new markets in the Far East, and Eastern Europe, which have been identified as growth markets by Denel,” Monaheng added.
According to the State-owned arms company, the display at the international show will be the top range of its guided weapons and landward products, including the Inkunzi PAW-20.
Inkunzi PAW-20 is a stand-alone system with innovative characteristics that adds real combat value, such as an operational range of up to 1000m, semi-automatic, quick reload time, magazine-fed, and non–degrading suppressive fire effect over the full range.
The weapon is produced by Denel Pretoria Metal Pressings (PMP), which is Africa’s leading manufacturer of small and medium calibre ammunition.
The PAW-20 which is a well-known weapon, is designed to fire a 20x42mm round from the shoulder.
It can be effectively used in infantry combat situations, including engagements with smaller buildings, as well as soft-skinned vehicles or boats.
Also, on display will be Denel’s range of guided weapons, including the Marlin air-to-air missile, the Ingwe Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), and the Umkhonto-IR surface-to-air system.
According to Monaheng, the global interest in Denel has not waned in recent years, but its reputation remains intact despite the difficulties the State-owned company has experienced.
“The quality of our products, services, and people remain known in the defence and technology sectors.”
IDEX has been the premier exhibition of its kind in the Middle East region for more than 30 years and will be a significant platform for Denel to market its capabilities and interact with decision-makers who will be in Abu Dhabi in mid-February.
The CEO stated that they are going to use its presence at IDEX25 to build stronger relationships with customers and stakeholders, explore options for smart partnerships, and reconfirm the Denel brand in the global defence and technology environments.
“Denel remains a valuable asset for the country. We are still open for business, and we can still leverage from the superior quality of our product range and the quality of our services,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 02/12/2025 - 08:47
Economic transformation key to fostering inclusivity
Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni has expressed support for the economic transformation initiatives recently announced by the President to build an inclusive economy that creates opportunities for the historically marginalised and generates new jobs.
During last week’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa must lift economic growth to above 3% and create a thriving economy that benefits all.
“There is no way we can achieve the national consensus with an economy that excludes the majority. The social contract that we want to craft should contribute towards reconstructing our economy to achieve more growth, jobs and inclusion. This is more urgent for communities in the township and rural areas, especially youth and women,” Ndabeni said on Tuesday in Parliament.
Addressing the SONA Debate, the Minister said the national democratic society that government envisions must be founded on a dynamic and inclusive economy that reflects the country’s natural endowments and the innovation of its people.
“To ensure increased access to funding, the President has announced the innovation fund and transformation fund worth R20 billion per year over the next five years. These funds will act as a catalyst to attract other funds and disburse more funding and support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs),” the Minister said in Parliament on Tuesday.
Government will set up a transformation fund worth R20 billion a year over the next five years to fund black-owned and small business enterprises.
“For us, land redistribution is a fundamental pillar of this transformation. Sustainable land reform must be supported by policies that equip small-scale and emerging farmers with the resources and skills needed for success,” she said.
She said economic transformation also requires a competitive and efficient market, free from the monopolistic constraints of colonial capitalism.
“For these goals to be achieved, the State must play a strategic role, including through directing resources towards boosting the township and rural economies. It is in line with this argument that we support the signed Land Expropriation Act and the transformation fund,” the Minister said.
The Act allows for the State to expropriate land in the public interest – subject to just and equitable compensation.
With government placing MSMEs at the centre of economic growth, the Minister said South Africa is drawing valuable lessons from the experiences of other developing countries across the world.
“We welcome the announcement that over the next three years, this administration will spend R940 billion on infrastructure projects. We eagerly await the finalisation of the regulations under the Public Procurement Act that will drive transformation, foster the emergence of new players in the economy, and enable participation of small enterprises,” the Minister said.
The regulations of the Public Procurement Act seek to ensure businesses owned by women, youth and persons with disabilities receive equitable opportunities in government contracts.
“As a department, we have a range of instruments to provide wholesale finance, direct loans, blended finance, working capital and grants to various categories of MSMEs s and co-operatives.
“Some of these we offer in partnership with financial institutions like banks, where our credit guarantee and supplier guarantee products are working well, leveraging R6.25 in financing for every rand we guarantee,” Ndabeni said.
She noted that government’s efforts in digitalising systems at the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) will accelerate turnaround times and improve accountability to applicants.
The Township and Rural Enterprise Programme (TREP) applications will now be processed within seven days and the purchase order financing in four days.
“Through small enterprise eco-system, we have agreed on a stretch target of creating one million new MSMEs by 2030 and this will give us 3.7 million jobs, at current averages.
“We are currently undertaking industry engagements across various sectors to better understand trade and market demand pathways.
“Accordingly, we have engaged the automotive, wine and fishing industries – while in the coming weeks we will be extending these engagements to the agricultural sector, build industry, energy, petroleum and oil industry, sport and arts industries among others. We have accordingly looked at skills gaps within MSMEs and to this end we will be engaging Deans of Commerce across the country to ensure that their curriculum respond effectively,” the Minister said.
The Minister’s department is also engaging traditional leadership and organised business associations.
“We are exploring ways in which to make people in Township and Village economies true owners and drivers of this R 300 billion economy,” she said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 02/12/2025 - 09:13
Lamola leads SA delegation to AU Executive Council meeting
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he is leading the South African delegation to the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU).
The session is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.
The council will convene under the agreed AU theme for 2025, which is “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”, which will be officially launched by the Assembly.
Throughout 2025, all AU member States will review and assess the progress made by the continent in achieving long-overdue justice and reparations for the impacts of colonialism, apartheid, slavery, and the transatlantic slave trade.
One of the most anticipated responsibilities and key features of the upcoming Executive Council is the election of six commissioners for the AU Commission.
The six commissioners will oversee the following portfolios: Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE); Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals (ETTIM); Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI); Infrastructure and Energy (I&E), Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development (HHS), and Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS).
South Africa has nominated two candidates, Dr Molapo Qhobela for Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI) and Lerato Mataboge for Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy.
Both candidates were shortlisted for the next stage of the elections following a thorough interview. The Council is expected to hold the elections on Wednesday, 12 February 2025.
“Furthermore, the forthcoming Executive Council will take place in a few months sinceSouth Africa assumed its Presidency of the G20 in December 2024.
The Council will inevitably have to reflect on what South Africa’s G20 Presidency presents in terms of the opportunity to place the interests of the continent right at the centre of the G20 Agenda,” said the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation ahead of the start of the session.
Minister Lamola will brief the Council on key priorities of South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency and their alignment with Agenda 2063.
According to the African Union, Agenda 2063 is Africa's development blueprint to achieve inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development over a 50-year period.
Key priorities
The Executive Council is expected to review reports regarding the organisation’s financial situation as it relates to key priorities.
These priorities include maintaining peace and security across the continent, implementing Agenda 2063, improving Africa’s socio-economic conditions, addressing the severe impacts of climate change in Africa, and promoting human rights and good governance throughout the continent.
The Executive Council will receive a briefing on the progress of the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) for Agenda 2063, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the annual activities of AU organs.
Challenging environment
The 46th Ordinary Session takes place amid challenges on the continent, including threats to democratic governance, peace, and security from unconstitutional government changes and post-election violence.
Of key concern to South Africa is the ongoing raging war in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which led to the recent attacks, and 14 South African soldiers lost their lives.
The council meets amid the continent that is bedevilled by inter and intra-state conflicts, terrorism and violent extremism, poverty, food and energy insecurity, the impact of climate change, inadequate infrastructure, low productivity, trade barriers, and continued dependence on external aid and markets.
The ongoing debt crisis by African countries and the consequent default on their debt repayments remains an issue of serious concern for the continent.
As of July 2024, a World Bank Report indicates that 22 African countries are either experiencing or at high risk of debt distress, necessitating debt restructuring.
Many of these countries are unable to meet the basic needs of their citizens, such as health care, education, and employment, due to their heavy debt burdens.
As one of the leading Member States of the AU, South Africa’s participation in the Executive Council will be critical to advancing the organisation’s agenda and priorities. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 02/12/2025 - 09:27
But SRC warns protests could start again if the university’s management fails to follow through on its commitments
