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Minister Godongwana, SARB pay tribute to Mboweni

Location: News

Minister Godongwana, SARB pay tribute to Mboweni

Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana has passed his condolences to the family of Former Minister Tito Mboweni following his passing on Saturday evening.

Mboweni served as Finance Minister from 2018 to 2021, following the role Governor of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), and the first Labour Minister of the democratic dispensation.

READ | Former Finance Minisiter Tito Mboweni passes on

“We have lost a titan. A thinker, a doer and above all - a patriot. I am lost for words and heart broken.

“It is hard to imagine the grief felt by those closest to him. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time,” Godongwana said on Sunday.

The SARB joined the chorus of voices expressing condolences to the Mboweni family.

“Mr Mboweni’s passing is a great loss to South Africa, the continent and the global economic community. He played a meaningful role in driving economic transformation and social change throughout a distinguished career.

“Mr Mboweni guided South Africa through periods of great uncertainty, with a steady hand on the economy during the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 as Governor, and later shepherding the country’s finances through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic as Finance Minister,” the SARB said.

Mboweni served as Governor of the reserve bank for some 10 years – between 1999 and 2009.

“He was a passionate central banker and played a key role in building the SARB into the professional, formidable and purposeful organisation it is today. During his tenure, the SARB introduced live media conferences to publicly announce the decision of the Monetary Policy Committee, making it more transparent and accountable. 

“He also introduced the Monetary Policy Forums in provinces across the country, giving ordinary South Africans the opportunity to engage directly with SARB officials. It was also under his leadership that the SARB implemented South Africa’s inflation targeting policy, spearheading efforts to reduce inflation to within the target of 3%−6%.

“He advanced the modernisation of the SARB at large, including the national payment system, strengthened internal governance processes, and built a strong and sustainable leadership team. He played an impactful role on the global stage, driving meaningful change at various multilateral organisations,” the bank said.

The SARB added that it mourns Mboweni’s passing.

“We will miss his candour and sharp wit, which endeared him to many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult and trying time.” – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 10/13/2024 - 10:37

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Eskom records 200 consecutive days of no load shedding

Location: News

Eskom records 200 consecutive days of no load shedding

Eskom has recorded 200 days without implementing load shedding in South Africa, with the last day of load shedding being on 26 March this year.

The power utility on Sunday said the implementation of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan has yielded a reduction of [about] 8.6% in unplanned outages, and an improvement in the Energy Availability Factor by [about] 7.7%.

“The plan is projected to contribute to a potential 2% growth in the South African economy and improve Eskom’s financial performance for the financial year 2025,” Eskom said.

Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane called it a “significant moment”.

“We are in an incredibly exciting industry at a moment of tangible change. In preparation for a competitive electricity market, this is a significant milestone to ensure energy security and attracting investment to South Africa. 

“We are days away from a further milestone that demonstrates the stability of our fleet... We are on track to reach 206 days [on Saturday] without load shedding, a result we last delivered five years ago on 15 October 2019,” Marokane said.

The power utility’s Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo, praised Eskom officials for the work they have put in to address load shedding. 

“The dedication of all Eskom employees has been crucial in driving these positive outcomes, and their contributions are clearly reflected in today’s results. 

“We wish to convey our thanks to all our employees for reaching this achievement and we recognise that this is the result of immense hard work and time spent away from friends and families to deliver a national imperative in a high pressure turnaround environment,” Nxumalo said.

Eskom Board Chairperson, Mteto Nyati, explained that when it came in, the board conducted an “independent investigation and consulted with power station management using a data-driven approach to create the Generation Recovery Plan”. 

“Today’s achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team in implementing this plan. It demonstrates that with the right leadership, strategic planning and unwavering commitment, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges. 

“Eskom’s journey towards a stable and reliable power supply is well on track, and we remain focused on sustaining this progress for the benefit of all South Africans.

“The Eskom Board is grateful for the support and collaborative efforts of all our key stakeholders, including government and the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) members, who enabled us to reach this milestone today,” Nyati said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 10/13/2024 - 09:42

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R25 million cocaine bust at airport

Location: News

R25 million cocaine bust at airport

Customs officials of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) have made a cocaine bust at the OR Tambo International Airport, with a street value of some R25 million.

According to SARS, the 47 cocaine bricks – weighing some 50kg – were stuffed in a bag that was spotted by officials and airport security on a carousel for a flight from Sao Paolo in Brazil and heading to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“SARS Customs officers inspected the luggage bag and saw suspicious looking objects in the bag. These objects tested positive for narcotics. There were no passengers accompanying the bag and no arrests were made. The South African Police Service (SAPS) will now investigate the matter after everything was handed over to them.

“Sao Paolo in Brazil is a high-risk departure point for drug mules, and accompanied and unaccompanied luggage containing cocaine. There have been several busts of drug mules at OR Tambo airport in recent weeks,” the revenue service said.

SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter warned that the revenue service is partnering with the Border Management Authority, the Airports Company, SAPS and the Department of Home Affairs to crack down illegality.

 “This multi-disciplinary approach is having palpable results, demonstrated by arrests and interceptions recently. Through these actions, we are protecting the wellbeing of our citizens, especially young people who are our future,” Kieswetter said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 10/13/2024 - 08:42

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Former Finance Minisiter Tito Mboweni passes on

Location: News

Former Finance Minisiter Tito Mboweni passes on

President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to former Minister and Governor of the Reserve Bank, Tito Mboweni, following his passing.

Mboweni passed away on Saturday evening following a short illness.

“Given his sense of vitality and energetic and affable engagement with fellow South Africans, Dr Mboweni’s passing at 65 comes as a shock. We have lost a leader and compatriot, who has served our nation as an activist, economic policy innovator and champion of labour rights,” President Ramaphosa said.

Mboweni served as South Africa’s Minister of Labour in the first democratically elected Cabinet from 1994 to 1999. Following that, he served as the South African Reserve Bank Governor from 1999 to 2009.

His final official position in government was as the Minister of Finance in President Ramaphosa’s administration from 2018 to 2021.

Mboweni resigned from Parliament on 1 February 2022.

“As Governor and Finance Minister, he had a sharp focus on fiscal discipline and economic transformation. Tito Mboweni distinguished himself in different strategic roles in the private sector and was a flag bearer in global forums for our economy and developing economies more broadly.

“He conducted himself with expert rigour, while maintaining the personable touch that made him a social media star and ambassador for Modjadjiskloof’s culinary traditions. His passing is a great loss. May his soul rest in peace,” President Ramaphosa said. 

The life and times of Mboweni

The youngest of three children, Mboweni was born on 16 March 1959. He grew up in Tzaneen, Limpopo. 

He attended the University of the North between 1979 and 1980, where he registered for a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He did not complete his studies there and left South Africa to go into exile in 1980.

While in exile in Lesotho, Mboweni joined the African National Congress (ANC), and was an activist for the party in many capacities. 

He obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Economics and Political Science from the National University of Lesotho in 1985. In 1988, he obtained a Master of Arts in Development Economics from the University of East Anglia in England.

Prior to his appointment as Minister of Labour, Mboweni was Deputy Head of the Department of Economic Policy in the ANC. He also represented the ANC on several domestic and international platforms. 

Mboweni was a member of the ANC's National Executive and National Working Committees, and was also chairperson of the National Executive Committee's Economic Transformation Committee, which coordinated the development of ANC economic policies. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 10/13/2024 - 08:10

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Read moreFormer Finance Minisiter Tito Mboweni passes on

Public Works Committee Calls for Urgent Forensic Audit of Telkom Towers

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure is currently conducting oversight over the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI). The oversight includes engagements with the Property Trading Management Trading Entity including precinct development programmes and entities in the Public Works portfolio.

One of the committee's key issues were the challenges preventing the South African Police Service from fully utilising the Telkom Towers building. This must be addressed transparently, given that public funds have been spent on these facilities, the committee said.

The committee made site visits to Telkom Towers yesterday and was unimpressed with the state of the building. The committee said it is shocking that a building meant to display DPWI's excellence in managing the government's property portfolio can be left in such a state.

The DPWI told the committee that 90% of the necessary renovations to the north Telkom Tower, earmarked for the South African Police Services, have been completed. The committee noted that despite this progress, the building remains uninhabitable and in need of maintenance. The committee is concerned that the Telkom Towers issue has dragged on for too long with nobody taking accountability for the state of the buildings.

Ms Carol Phiri, the Chairperson of the committee said, “The committee wants a full forensic audit of the Telkom Towers that will bring everything to light. Because government money just went to the drain purchasing the buildings and at an additional cost of over R200 million on renovations and still to remain empty is a great concern; someone needs to take accountability for this.”

Meanwhile, committee was impressed with the work at the Salvokop government precinct during its visit to the site. The Salvokop government precinct is a collaborative effort between the three spheres of government to build government headquarters, commercial buildings and a shelter for the vulnerable. The DPWI bought the 43-hectare site from Transnet. The committee commended the DPWI for the progress achieved in developing the site, including well-designed offices for Statistics South Africa, which have already been handed over. According to the DPWI, the Salvokop site has generated over 390 jobs.

The committee resolved to prioritise quarterly briefings from the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure and stakeholders on the progress achieved on the Telkom Towers project.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read morePublic Works Committee Calls for Urgent Forensic Audit of Telkom Towers

Committee on Agriculture Wraps Its Oversight Visit to OBP and ARC With Success in Tshwane

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture has concluded its week-long oversight visit to Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) and Agricultural Research Council (ARC) with success in Tshwane. Both visits were aimed at assessing progress in the modernisation of a vaccine manufacturing plant by OBP and the construction of the foot and mouth disease facility by the ARC.

The committee had fruitful and productive engagements with board chairpersons and executive managers of both entities. Furthermore, the committee had an opportunity of rich and memorable exposure through walkabouts at both entities. “We have seen these entities physically and we now have a clearer picture of each of them,” said the Chairperson of the committee, Ms Dina Pule.

Ms Pule described the visits as a great success. She said as the committee, they can say without fear of contradiction that the objective of the visit has been achieved. “The committee has a better understanding of the challenges that are experienced by both entities and had an opportunity to share some insights with them to take them to the higher heights,” said Ms Pule.

The visit also provided the committee with an opportunity to interact with scientists, and researchers. The committee wrapped-up the oversight programme with a visit to the ARC's Plant Health and Protection (ARC-PHP) and ARC's Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants Institute (ARC-VIMP) in Roodepoort.

The ARC-PHP provides specialist knowledge on organisms that threaten agricultural crops in natural environment, to protect arable land, water resources, natural biodiversity and food security. Its focus is on promoting economic and environmentally acceptable, management strategies for pests, plant diseases, weeds and invasive plants.

The committee was happy to learn that ARC also offers a mobile health clinic. The plant supports small-scale farmers, it creates networks and serves as a mechanism to monitor pests and diseases. The clinic is furnished with basic equipment and accessories to facilitate training and plant health diagnostic services to smaller farmers. The committee heard that the entity is in the process of procuring more mobile clinics.

As part of walkabouts that were conducted at AC-PHP, the committee was taken to an upgraded fully operational plant pathogen facility. It was also taken to an interactive exhibition which showcased some of the products produced by both ARC-PHP and ARC VIMP.

Ms Pule committed the committee to playing its role and called on all other role-players to ensure that these entities meet the objectives for which they were created to add a meaningful value in the broader ecosystem of the South African economy. She said agriculture is one of the major sources of the South African economy and based on that reality all its components must be fully activated and used to their fullest potentials.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreCommittee on Agriculture Wraps Its Oversight Visit to OBP and ARC With Success in Tshwane

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Committee Welcomes Temporary Joint Operation to Dispel Approximately 6,500 Illegal Miners

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources has applauded a temporarily arranged joint operation that dispelled approximately 6 500 people who participate in illegal mining and illicit business activities at Van Ryan illegal mining site in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.

The joint operation between the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and MI7 National Group private security was set up for the committee's visit today. As part of its week-long oversight visit to North West and Gauteng, the committee conducted a walk-about at Van Ryan illegal mining site to gain an appreciation of the extent of illegal activities taking place there.

The committee was deeply shocked to witness what looked like a fully flagged settlement, with holes to access underground shafts, as well as shelters under which illegally mined ore is processed and where illegal shebeens and restaurants operate.

Furthermore, the committee was dismayed to learn that since the core business of the area is illegal mining, those people operating secondary businesses, such as catering, shebeens and sex work, pay rent to unknown kingpins. Another secondary business is security.

In October 2023, illegal miners were cleared from the site on the orders of President Cyril Ramaphosa after the SANDF were deployed there in “Operation Prosper”. Full-scale illegal activities resumed after six months at the end of the SANDF's deployment period in April this year. On Friday, a joint operation between the SANDF, SAPS and MI7 National Group security moved into the area and dispelled everyone again.

Against this backdrop, the committee calls for sustainable measures to be put in place to prevent illegal activities permanently. Such measures have been put in place before at other sites, such as the Benoni Driving Range Racetrack, which used to be a hotspot for illegal mining.

The committee will develop an oversight report with recommendations for adoption by the National Assembly.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreMineral and Petroleum Resources Committee Welcomes Temporary Joint Operation to Dispel Approximately 6,500 Illegal Miners

African Energy Chamber Reaffirms Commitment to Host AEW in Cape Town Through 2030

Location: Business
African Energy Chamber

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) – the voice of the African energy sector – is proud to announce that the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference remains committed to hosting the African continent's most successful energy event in Cape Town. AEW was established in 2021 under the premise to make energy poverty history by 2030 and, now in its fourth immensely successfully edition, we remain devoted to keeping the event at Cape Town's International Conference Center (CTICC) until 2030. 

Africa Oil Week (AOW) recently confirmed it will hold its 2025 edition in Accra, Ghana, and while we wish them the best in their endeavors, the Chamber is steadfast in its commitment to hosting AEW – the continent's premier energy event – in Cape Town. In 2021, AOW made the decision to take its conference to Dubai, citing the fact that Africa was not equipped to host a large-scale conference in a safe manner due to the COVID-19 pandemic. AOW claimed that the event is focused on supporting Africa's needs, and yet the decisions to leave Cape Town for Dubai contradicted this very ambition. 

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. 

What AEW sought to prove, and was successful in doing, is that Africa has always been capable of hosting large-scale events. Under very strict COVID-19 safety measures, AEW 2021 hosted delegations from both the African and global energy sector. In 2022, the conference attracted thousands of delegates, while in 2023, the conference supported an even bigger and better event. When Africa needed investment, AEW was quick to respond, providing a platform where stakeholders could meet, and deals be made. 

Now, in 2024, AEW: Invest in African Energy continues our mandate to eradicate energy poverty by 2030 and serves as the official meeting place for Africa's energy elite. At the forefront of the African energy industry, the conference promotes the role Africa plays in global energy matters, centered around Africa-led dialogue and decision making. That's why we remain committed to Cape Town, a city that represents an industrial, business and socioeconomic hub for the entire African continent. Furthermore, AEW's focus transcends South Africa, with the event recognizing and supporting the development of various oil and gas projects across the continent.  

South Africa, and notably Minister Gwede Mantashe and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy have been steadfast supporters of AEW since its inception in 2021. Through our partnership with the City of Cape Town and the government, we have created numerous job opportunities in Cape Town, contributing significantly to the local tourism industry and Cape Town-based vendors alike. We remain committed to our promise to position Cape Town as the hub for oil, gas and energy discussions in Africa. 

We reaffirm our pledge to maintain AEW's presence in Cape Town, rather than relocating to Dubai or other destinations outside of Africa. Our focus is on addressing key issues surrounding the African energy sector, ensuring that South African service providers, small business, local enterprises and stakeholders continue to benefit from our efforts. AEW not only generates jobs, but also stimulates economic growth. 

As the largest energy conference in Africa, we acknowledge the challenges faced by Cape Town and are dedicated to making a positive impact on the community. 

Meanwhile, outside of South Africa, the continent is seeing monumental growth. In Senegal and Mauritania, first production is soon expected for the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim conventional gas development while Senegal, just this year, achieved first oil production, thus showcasing the potential for offshore exploration and production investment. In Uganda, progress continues to be made on the Lake Albert Development, a multi-faceted project that promises new opportunities for energy security and industrialization in East Africa. In the Republic of the Congo, marginal projects are making headway as the government prioritizes gas investment and development while Libya recently announced that oil production has reached 1.217 million barrels per day. 

Meanwhile, South Africa's neighbor, Namibia, has made a litany of major oil and gas discoveries since 2022 and is making significant strides to develop these major finds. Mozambique is gradually making progress with its three major gas projects, opening new opportunities for regional trade. All of these projects and many more are showcased at AEW: Invest in African Energy, with investment opportunities made clear to existing and potential investors. AEW promotes the African position on the future of Africa's energy sector. By advocating personal responsibility, free markets, individual liberty and an enabling environment for investors, AEW ensure that Africa's oil and natural gas industry benefits Africans, rather than continuing a reliance on foreign aid and assistance.  

Therefore, we stand wholly committed to leveraging all Cape Town has to offer, a city that has been good to every edition of our conference since 2021. At the CTICC, we will continue to host panel discussions, investor forums, industry summits and one-one-one meeting opportunities and driving the discussions that will reshape the trajectory of the continent's energy development. 

“The Chamber is unwavering in our commitment to hosting AEW in Cape Town, a city that embodies the spirit of opportunity and innovation. The city is a hub for Africa's energy dialogue and, by staying here, we reinforce our mission to make energy poverty history by 2030. Cape Town has proven to be a premier venue for fostering critical dialogue and investment in Africa's energy sector and we believe that this vibrant city is the perfect backdrop for our mandate. Together, we will continue to drive progress and empower local stakeholders for sustainable growth,” states AEC Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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African Energy Chamber
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Lamola calls on African leaders to help end wars on the continent

Location: News

Lamola calls on African leaders to help end wars on the continent

While the media glare is on the Russia-Ukraine war - the genocide in Palestine, the conflict in Sudan, the war in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and conflicts in the Sahel are as good as footnotes. 

These are the comments from the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, who expressed concern that not enough attention is being given to conflicts in Africa.

“We must take up our responsibility as Africans to help end these wars. We should work with external and international friends who act bona fide to end the war. Admittedly, this is not easy. 

“The presence of unconventional participants on both sides, including mercenaries, foreign volunteers, special forces, and paramilitary squads, has made Africa a place for proxy wars,” he said of Friday. 

Lamola delivered a keynote address at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA) Conference in Sandton.

The Minister used his platform to reiterate South Africa’s commitment to the maintenance of international peace and security, promotion of human rights and sustainable development. 

He said he was concerned that it was now easier to fund wars than to support development, adding that economic, financial, and cyber warfare, as well as artificial intelligence, have been “weaponised” and used on a large scale.

Lamola told delegates that the world was in a “grievous interregnum, and transitioning to the new is that dangerous”. 

“We are experiencing a proverbial ‘crisis moment’ in world affairs, which could easily become a ‘moment of calamity’.

“In this dangerous geopolitical moment, the champions of the liberal international order generally refuse to accept any notions of decline and would resist any attempt to emerge an alternative, least of all one from the Global South.”

Meanwhile, he stressed that geopolitical rivalry over people’s suffering was serious. 

“This is most evident in Sudan, where the conflict has created a humanitarian catastrophe unlike any other.”

However, he believes that South Africa’s elections beckons hope for democracy and that the way the Government of National Unity (GNU) was formed is a model for democracy worldwide.

“There comes a time when it is not absolute power that defines us but our collective ability to resolve our challenges and build a foundation of new frontiers for future generations.” 

Middle East

The Minister is of the view that the world is witnessing the making of a post-Cold War, with all the hallmarks that it could become an “unimaginable hot war”, with the Middle East as its centre point. 

“Turbulence, anarchy and combustion are the order of the day.” 

He believes that the Middle East crisis is becoming a proverbial shift in the global balance of power in front of our very eyes. 

“What started as plausible evidence of ‘genocide against the people of Palestine’ is now transforming into a real regional war that will have long-lasting ramifications for global peace and the economy and Africa in particular.”  

Lamola pointed out that those who were once at the heart of multilateral order are now at the forefront of undermining them. 

These, he said, include strategic pillars such as the Bretton Woods Institutions, the United Nations, and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. 

“Imagine what the reaction of the world would be if an African State declared the United Nations Secretary-General a persona non grata like Israel did.” 

This is after Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, announced on X that he had declared the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, persona non grata or banned from setting foot in Israel.

“[The] Russia-Ukraine war, the genocide against Palestinians, trade wars that result in greater challenges in the global economy, and wars raging in Africa, with our continent becoming the theatre for proxy battles, all point to this moment of deep global crisis.” 

He said BRICS was determined to play this counter-balancing role for the development of the Global South.

BRICS originally consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It has since expanded to include Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and others.

“After the 2023 expansion, especially to members from the MENA [Middle East and North Africa] region, BRICS is a real force to be reckoned with.

“We will ensure that it does not take its eyes off the peaceful settlement of disputes, the transformation of global multilateral institutions, development finance, and the agitation for a more equitable global order.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Fri, 10/11/2024 - 12:50

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SA’s G20 Presidency a significant moment for the country’s young democracy, says Lamola

Location: News

SA’s G20 Presidency a significant moment for the country’s young democracy, says Lamola

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola believes that South Africa’s G20 Presidency will be a significant moment in the country’s young democracy. 

“After the [2010] World Cup and the collective fight we mounted as a nation against COVID-19, it will be our biggest national project,” he said on Friday. 

The Minister was speaking during his keynote address at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA) Conference, in Sandton, Johannesburg.

South Africa will assume the G20 Presidency from Brazil in December this year. 

READ | SA committed to prioritising Africa’s development during G20 Presidency

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the theme of South Africa’s Presidency will focus on solidarity, cooperation and sustainable development.  

According to Lamola, South Africa plans to prioritise discussions on the Just Energy Transition, financing for development, transforming global financial structures, infrastructure development, and other critical issues. These include artificial intelligence, food security, and the debt trap.

“We must reverse the uneven distribution of resources for just transition. It is inconceivable that Africa receives less than 3% of the global climate change financing, while being the most affected continent. We will advocate for more resources to be allocated to Africa for climate change.” 

On Thursday, International Relations and Cooperation Director-General (DG) Zane Dangor emphasised South Africa’s commitment to prioritising Africa’s development and equality during its G20 Presidency.

Dangor, who also serves as South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, was speaking during a consultation meeting on the G20 with his African Union Commission (AUC) counterpart, Ambassador Albert Muchanga. 

He stressed that South Africa would place Africa’s development at the top of the agenda.

The DG said he hopes that South Africa’s G20 Presidency will bring to the fore the needs, not just of African countries, but other developing nations as well.

“The idea of strengthening the voice of the South is going to be very critical,” said Dangor. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 10/11/2024 - 13:24

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Read moreSA’s G20 Presidency a significant moment for the country’s young democracy, says Lamola

AEW 2024 Ministerial Lineup to Foster Strategies to Alleviate Energy Poverty in Africa

Location: News
African Energy Chamber

Energy and hydrocarbon ministers from across Africa have joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference to discuss investment opportunities while engaging with financiers and project developers. Representing the entire energy value chain from oil and gas to renewable energy to power and infrastructure, regional ministers will unpack the continent's strategies to make energy poverty history by 2030.  

North African countries such as Libya and Algeria have set ambitious production targets for the coming years, aiming to plug Europe's energy gap while enhancing domestic energy access. Libya aims to boost output to 2 million barrels per day (bpd) in the next two to three years while Algeria aims to produce over 1.5 million bpd in 2025. Meeting production goals requires accelerated exploration, with both countries promoting investments in upstream drilling. At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, North African energy and hydrocarbon ministers will provide insight into these opportunities. They are joined by ministers representing global and African oil and gas organizations, including:  

  • Khalifa Abdulsadek, Minister of Oil & Gas, Libya 
  • Mohamed Arkab, Minister of Energy and Mines, Algeria 
  • Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General, OPEC 
  • Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of APPO 

In Southern Africa, the region is ripe with opportunity. An estimated 11 billion barrels has been found off Namibia's coast since 2022; over 100 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas found offshore Mozambique; and an estimated 200 tcf likely held onshore South Africa. While Angola - the second largest oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa – still offers significant potential in both on- and offshore basins, Southern African countries such as Zambia are largely underexplored, presenting strategic opportunities for exploration companies. At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, Southern African energy and hydrocarbon ministers will outline strategic basins and upcoming projects. Speakers include:  

  • Carlos Zacarias, Minister, Ministry of Natural Resources & Energy, Mozambique 
  • Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources and Petroleum, Angola 
  • Gwede Mantashe, Minister, Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, South Africa 
  • Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity, South Africa 
  • Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister of Finance and National Planning, Zambia 
  • Tom Alweendo, Minister of Mines and Energy, Namibia 

Recent offshore projects have positioned West Africa as a global hydrocarbon hotspot. Mauritania and Senegal's Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project will start production this year, following the start of operations at Senegal's Sangomar Oil Project in mid-2024. Nigeria's Dangote Refinery – the largest in Africa at 650,000 bpd – recently secured a 400,000-bpd feedstock supply from the government a year after its start while Ivory Coast's Belaine project – the first net-zero upstream development in Africa – plans to commence phase two operations this December. Regional ministers will provide an update on ongoing projects, future investments and efforts to unlock additional reserves at AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024. Ministers include:  

  • Aboubacar Camara, Minister of Energy, Hydropower and Hydrocarbons, Guinea Conakry 
  • Birame Soulèye Diop, Minister of Energy, Oil and Mines Republic of Senegal 
  • Chief. Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, Federal Republic of Nigeria 
  • Collins Adomako-Mensah, Deputy Minister of Energy in Charge of Power, Ghana 
  • Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Nigeria 
  • Foday Mansaray, Director General, PDSL 
  • Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Nigeria 
  • Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Minister of Energy, Ghana 
  • Mohamed Ould Khaled, Minister of Petroleum & Energy, Ministry of Petroleum, Mines & Energy, Mauritania 
  • Nani Juwara, Minister of Energy and Petroleum, The Gambia 
  • Viriato Luis Soares Cassama, Minister of Environment & Biodiversity, Guinea-Bissau 
  • Yacouba Zabré Gouba, Minister of Energy and Mines, Burkina Faso 

Central Africa – with major producers such as Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and the Republic of Congo – are inviting investors to support diversification efforts in production and refining. Leveraging natural gas, these markets aim to unlock reserves in both domestic and regional basins while boosting export capacity and intra-African trade. The Republic of Congo exported its first LNG cargo in 2024 from the Tango FLNG facility, targeting 3 million tons per year by 2025, while Equatorial Guinea forged an agreement with Nigeria to import and process gas at its Punta Europa facility. At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, regional ministers will outline these initiatives, while sharing insight into available opportunities in natural gas. Ministers include:  

  • Antonio Uburu Ondo, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, Equatorial Guinea 
  • Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons, the Republic of Congo 
  • Marcel Abeke, Minister of Petroleum, Republic of Gabon 

As a frontier market, East Africa is incentivizing exploration in both on- and offshore basins while driving infrastructure and field development projects forward. Uganda inked a deal with Ethiopia in 2024 to export crude via pipeline while South Sudan is seeking diversified export routes and promoting exploration onshore. Regional ministers will share more insights at AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024. Speakers include:   

  • Ing Habtamu Itefa Geleta, Minister of Water and Energy, Ethiopia 
  • Okasaai Sidronious Opolot, Minister of state for Energy, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Uganda 
  • Puot Kang Chol, Minister Petroleum, South Sudan 

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.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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3rd Project Steering Committee Meeting on Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in Africa’s Blue Economy

Location: News

The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR)
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The third Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting of the "Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in Africa's Blue Economy" project took place on October 9, 2024, in Mombasa, Kenya. The meeting aimed to update stakeholders on project progress, discuss difficulties, and provide strategic guidance for the future. The meeting included discussions on the 2023-2024 work plan, no-cost extension activities, adopted recommendations, and strategic recommendations for future project implementation.

The opening session was chaired by Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, on behalf of H.E. Ambassador Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment. Dr. Salih welcomed participants and expressed gratitude to the Government of Kenya and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) for their continued support.

In his statement, Dr. Joachim Beijmo, Head of Regional Development Cooperation in Africa at the Swedish Embassy to the African Union, emphasized the importance of the Blue Economy for livelihoods and food security across Africa. He highlighted Sweden's commitment to aquatic biodiversity conservation and development cooperation across many sectors, with the Blue Economy being a key priority. Dr. Beijmo underscored the potential of the Blue Economy to improve livelihoods and noted that the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems is a global concern. He welcomed the growing interest from diverse stakeholders, including local communities, and emphasized the importance of cooperation among institutions to maximize synergies. However, he also warned about the increasing threats to ecosystems, such as overfishing, and reaffirmed Sweden's commitment to expanding Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) initiatives and supporting local communities in conservation efforts.

Dr. Ndiaga Gueye, Senior Fisheries and Aquaculture Officer at FAO's Regional Office for Africa, commended AU-IBAR for its achievements in aquatic biodiversity conservation and called for continued efforts in this critical area. He pointed out the vulnerability of oceans and inland waters and noted that the fishing industry is at a crossroads. Dr. Gueye stressed the need for greater investment in capacity building to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, which focuses on life below water. He also highlighted the importance of international agreements, which can take time to implement, and emphasized the essential role of the private sector in the sustainable management of aquatic resources. Access to data, knowledge sharing, and enhanced communication were identified as key enablers for achieving these goals.

In his remarks officially opening the meeting, Mr. Rodrick Kundu, Secretary of the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, Kenya, highlighted the challenges faced by aquatic ecosystems, including pollution and the impacts of climate change, which have severely undermined the productivity of fisheries resources. He stressed that when the productivity of these resources declines, the livelihoods of millions of people, especially those dependent on fisheries, are negatively affected. Mr. Kundu acknowledged Kenya's leadership in promoting the Blue Economy, citing its role in high-level initiatives such as the Blue Growth concept and its participation in the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. He also noted the significant benefits Kenya has gained from the project, particularly in terms of capacity building among local communities.

Solidarity Messages from the Regions

Representatives from the five regions of Africa shared insights on their countries' progress in aquatic biodiversity conservation:
- Uganda: Ms. Grace Namukasa, representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, highlighted Uganda's achievements in transboundary aquatic ecosystem management. She emphasized the importance of regional cooperation to address challenges in aquatic biodiversity and noted Uganda's commitment to sustainable resource management.
- Côte d'Ivoire: Mr. Yao N'da Firmin, Director of Blue Economy and Coastal Environment, underscored the critical role of fisheries in food security in West Africa. He explained that Côte d'Ivoire has implemented systems for managing biodiversity and is currently working on its second Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) project. Mr. Firmin emphasized the need for integrated strategies to enhance the conservation of aquatic biodiversity and adapt to emerging challenges.
- Cameroon: Prof. Paul Tchawa, Secretary General of MINEPDED, discussed Cameroon's National Strategy on mangrove conservation and climate change adaptation. He stressed the importance of solidarity and complementarities among African countries to defend their shared interests in aquatic resource conservation.
- South Africa: Mr. Belemane Semoli, Chief Director of Aquaculture and Economic Development, reiterated the significance of sustaining aquatic biodiversity for mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable development. He highlighted that maintaining biodiversity is essential for both aquatic ecosystems and human life, providing energy, food, shelter, and livelihoods. Mr. Semoli noted South Africa's Marine Spatial Plan and Ocean Plan, which recognize the contributions of all sectors, and identified the challenge of balancing conservation with realizing the socio-economic benefits of the Blue Economy.

Technical Sessions and Presentations

Key presentations covered the progress of the project, recommendations from the PTC, the project's no-cost extension activities, and budget updates. The PSC members endorsed the presentations and commended AU-IBAR for the significant achievements made so far.

Emerging Issues and Recommendations

Several important issues were raised during the meeting, including the need for:
- A second phase of the project to ensure sustainability and broader coverage across Africa.
- Increased collaboration with regional institutions to strengthen capacity-building efforts.
- Greater private sector involvement to support the long-term sustainability of the project.
- Addressing the challenges of plastic pollution and expanding training programs to replicate the project's successes in other regions.

The PSC members endorsed the recommendations from the 3rd PTC and approved the work plan for the no-cost extension. They recommended the preparation of a comprehensive report on the 3rd PSC meeting and requested AU-IBAR to share its exit strategy with PSC members. They also urged AU-IBAR to begin preparations for a second phase of the project and to enhance partnerships with both regional institutions and the private sector.

The meeting concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Huyam Salih, AU-IBAR Director, as well as representatives from Uganda and SIDA. SIDA noted the significant progress made, the valuable recommendations provided, and the strong leadership demonstrated throughout the project. FAO acknowledged the relevance of the successful recommendations shared during the exchanges.

In her vote of gratitude, the president of AWFISHNET emphasised the importance of women's participation in the initiative. A government officer from Kenya formally ended the meeting. The significance of ongoing communication with member nations was stressed by Mr. Rodrick Kundu in his concluding remarks. He emphasised the significance of establishing mechanisms for cross-border cooperation, bringing project initiatives down to the local level, and keeping partnerships and accountability at the forefront of the project's objectives. At its third meeting, the Project Steering Committee (PSC) reaffirmed AU-IBAR's dedication to protecting aquatic biodiversity in Africa and fostering long-term growth in the Blue Economy across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

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Government invests billions in road infrastructure projects in KZN

Location: News

Government invests billions in road infrastructure projects in KZN

With an investment of billlions of rands into the N2 and N3 road infrastructure projects in KwaZulu-Natal, the province is witnessing the biggest road infrastructure upgrade campaign that has been undertaken by government in several decades.

This investment is expected to play a key role in unlocking economic growth and has to date provided training for 1 000 young people, including civil engineers, quantity surveyors, chartered accountants and artisans.

“Once completed, we will have covered 135 kilometers, including the east, west and north and south areas. The total value of the project will be in the region of about R50 billion.

“Easing traffic congestion, making these roads safer both for passengers and freight is a major objective of the project. At the moment, these areas have been plagued by congestion.

“Seventy percent of the freight that moves on land moves through this N2 and N3 corridor to the ports of Durban and Richards Bay,” Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said on Thursday.

As part of the Transport Month programme, Creecy assessed the progress on the projects, starting by vising the Key Ridge project in Peacevale, before making her way to the EB Cloete project upgrades and the N2 KwaMashu to Umdloti River Bridge.

The visit signaled the South African government’s commitment to fast-track the delivery of critical road infrastructure, which is key to unlocking economic growth and the potential of the country. 

“The first objective is to widen the existing roads. On the N3, we want to increase the lanes to four or five lanes. We also want to increase the number of lanes on the interchanges.

“This particular project is extremely interesting because it is about efficiency and road safety. Once it has been completed, there will be a new roadway that connects the N3 from one high level piece of ground to another high-level piece of ground.

“This will eliminate the sharp descent areas and the very sharp curves. That will have an enormous impact on road safety. It will also cut down on travel time and make it much more efficient,” the Minister said.

This work will promote the work of small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) and the work of young people, whether they are in the artisan class or whether they are university graduates.

“They have an opportunity to undertake onsite training so that they can be registered as professionals or as artisans in their particular category of work.

“One of the major problems that we face in this country, in terms of economic development and growth from a construction point of view, is that it is difficult to for small construction companies to grow and attain the necessary experience so they can move up the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) registration ladder,” Creecy said.

Contractors, who wish to work in the public sector, must register with the CIDB. The Register of Contractors (RoC) supports clients in infrastructure procurement, and categorises and grades contractors from 1-9, according to financial and works capability.

“Thirty percent of the spend of this huge project is on subcontractors. The total value of this particular package of work is about R8 billion. The intention is to make sure that by the time a company is finished their particular package of work, they are able to upgrade their CIBD grading and in the future, be able to undertake a higher-level category of work and work of greater value.

“With this project, we have trained 1 000 young people to date, including civil engineers, quantity surveyors, chartered accountants and artisans. Once they have completed their training, they will be able to register as professionals,” Creecy said.

Throughout the history of South Africa, State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) have played an important role in giving practical training to graduates of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and universities.

“In... this project, we are spending R340 million on the training of young people. The intention is that overtime, there will be 2 000 young people that will receive their formal technical training on all these construction sites,” the Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za

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Benin to Contribute $2 Million to the African Development Fund

Location: News
African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

Benin joins six other African countries that contribute to ADF; 74 million people in Africa have benefitted from improvements in agriculture for food security through the Fund.

Benin has pledged $2 million to the next replenishment of the African Development Fund, the concessional window of the African Development Bank Group.

The country's Minister of Economy and Finance, Romuald Wadagni, made the announcement in Cotonou, at the opening session of the Mid-Term Review of the 16th Replenishment of the Fund.

It came shortly after the head of the African Development Bank Group, Dr Akinwumi Adesina invited Benin's President Patrice Talon to be a champion of ADF 17 and encouraged him to “pledge financial support.”

Announcing his country's pledge, Minister Wadagni said the African Development Fund was a trusted partner for low-income countries and recommended that each “recipient country demonstrates rigour and transparency.”

He said one of Benin's objectives was “to ensure that we can use the ADF instrument in the form of guarantees and raise money in order to benefit from its leverage effect.”

The current three-year financing cycle, which received a record $8.9 billion ends in 2025. Benin becomes the seventh African country to contribute, joining Algeria, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Morocco and South Africa.

“Our ambition is encouraging more African countries to become state participants in the ADF,” said Adesina, citing Kenya's pledge of $20 million to ADF, announced last May by President William Ruto during the Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group in Nairobi.

He said the African Development Fund is providing Benin with $108.2 million towards general budget support for economic governance and private sector development program focused on improving the overall business climate, supporting agro-industrial sector and strengthening the development of Special Economic Zones, like Glo Gjigbe, that ADF delegates visited as part of the Mid Term Review program.

Across the continent, Adesina said the African Development Fund is achieving impactful and impressive results.

“15 million people have been provided with access to electricity. 74 million people have benefitted from improvements in agriculture for food security. 45 million people have benefitted from improved transport. And over 8,700 kilometers of roads have been built or rehabilitated,” said Adesina.

“I am proud of what this institution has achieved in its 50 years of existence,” he added, pointing out that the Fund has been ranked “the second-best concessional financing institution in the world for the quality of its development assistance.”

The Cotonou meeting was attended by ministers, representatives of donor and beneficiary member countries, the Bank Group's Board of Directors, senior management and staff.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Amadou Mansour Diouf
Communications and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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Bafana Bafana to face Congo Brazzaville 

Location: News

Bafana Bafana to face Congo Brazzaville 

Bafana Bafana are all set to face Congo Brazzaville in tonight’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Ggeberha.

The South African senior men’s national team will host the Congolese at 7pm.

“The boyz [sic]  are ready,” Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie, said in a social media post on X on Friday. 

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos said his team has prepared well in the last few days.

“I’m more comfortable now than I was in the beginning of our camp.

“Again, I saw a very hungry team this week. We trained very well this week; we prepared ourselves very well and this is something I like about this group. I think everybody was aware of the fact that our games against Uganda and South Sudan were not our best games, and that we were lucky to achieve those 4-on-6.

“And then you see the immediate reaction of the group, and it means we did a lot of progress also on that level, the mental level. After the performances of September, we will again motivate each other and be ready to have good results, two good results against Congo tomorrow and next week on Tuesday,” the coach said ahead of Friday’s game.

Captain Ronwen Williams said the spirit in the camp has been exceptional.

“There’s been a change in mentality, and you could see it this week in training. Once the team was together, the team spirit was there again,” said Williams.

In its statement, the South African Football Association (SAFA) said the visitors arrived in the Eastern Cape on Thursday afternoon and had their first training session at the match venue in the evening.

Following tonight’s match, Bafana Bafana will travel to Congo to play the return match on Tuesday, 15 October. -SAnews.gov.za

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Majodina to participate in Africa and Cairo Water Weeks

Location: News

Majodina to participate in Africa and Cairo Water Weeks

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina is set to participate in the 9th Africa Water Week (AWW) and 7th Cairo Water Week (CWW) from Sunday.

The session will be held from Sunday, 13 October to Thursday, 17 October in Cairo, Egypt.

The 9th edition of the Africa Water Week will this year be held jointly with the Cairo Water Week, hosted by the government of the Arab Republic of Egypt, through the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.

The Africa Water Week is an African Ministers' Council on Water (AMCOW) flagship initiative to facilitate the dissemination, sharing, networking and brokering of knowledge and information on water management and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services provision in Africa.

Since the establishment of the AWW, participants have included Ministers and representatives responsible for water affairs in Africa; development partners and civil society organisations from Africa and beyond.

Held under the theme “Placing Water and Sanitation at the Heart of Achieving Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, “Africa Water Week will have three running sub-themes.

The sub-themes include financing, investments and resource mobilisation; water supply, sanitation, hygiene, and wastewater; and water infrastructure for economic production, climate resilience, and disaster risk reduction.

“With less than two years before the end of the Africa Water Vision 2025, the 9th Africa Water Week aims to evaluate progress made in implementing the vision, consolidate the gains and derive lessons for the future,” Majodina said.

Meanwhile, the Cairo Water Week to be held under the theme “Water and Climate: Building Resilient Communities” aims to explore the intricate relationship between water and climate, emphasising their collective impact on community resilience.

Discussions will extend beyond recognition, delving into the need for sustainable and adaptive practices that fortify communities against the challenges of climate change and water scarcity.

Climate change 

As part of the event, various related sub-themes and sub-topics will be explored in plenary and technical sessions organised by international and regional organisations.

Majodina said government is standing at a defining moment as climate change is a lead conversation with rising sea levels that increase chances of floods, its impact on droughts and changing weather patterns that force changes in agricultural productions.
She said the impacts are global, hence the importance of the Cairo Water Week Theme.

“As a country, we are constantly working towards Goal Six of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. I look forward to engaging with my counterparts from across the continent and learning from their work and taking some of the lessons home,” Majodina said.

During her visit, Majodina will attend high-level plenary sessions and will be meeting with her Egyptian counterpart, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister, Professor Hani Sewilam.

The Minister will also be delivering keynote addresses at sessions convened by Water and Sanitation on the African Transboundary Management Benchmarking and Youth, Gender and Social Inclusion workshop, among others.

The Youth, Gender and Social Inclusion Strategy is aimed at addressing power imbalances and social inequalities based on various social identities.

Taking an action-oriented, and youth and women-led approach; it is improving the terms on which individuals and groups take part in society - improving the ability, opportunity, and dignity of those who have been disadvantaged based on their identity. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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NPA declines to prosecute in Phala Phala case

Location: News

NPA declines to prosecute in Phala Phala case

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has taken a decision not to prosecute anyone in relation to the Phala Phala case.

The decision was taken by Limpopo Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Advocate Mukhali Ivy Thenga.

“This decision follows a comprehensive investigation process that was conducted by the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation [DPCI] following a complaint laid by Mr Arthur Fraser with the South African Police Service [SAPS]. 

“The criminal complaint was registered against the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa,” the NPA said in a statement.

READ | President Ramaphosa committed to cooperate with authorities in Phala Phala matter

According to the statement, the decision not to prosecute was taken by Thenga after a “careful assessment of all available evidence presented to the prosecutors by the DPCI”. 

“She concluded that there is no reasonable prospect of a successful prosecution based on evidence contained in the docket.

“The DPP made her decision in line with the Prosecution Policy of the NPA, which states that a prosecutor, in deciding whether to institute criminal proceedings against an accused person, must assess whether there is sufficient and admissible evidence to provide a reasonable prospect of a successful prosecution.

“Various factors must be considered when the prosecutor evaluates evidence, notably (i) the strength of the case for the State, (ii) the availability of evidence, (iii) whether the State witnesses are likely to be credible, (iv) the admissibility of evidence, (v) the reliability of evidence, and (vi) the strength of the case for the defence,” the NPA said.

The prosecutorial body explained that a criminal complaint requested an investigation into the “conduct of the President and that of Major General Wally Roode, alleging that it amounted to the commission of money laundering and corruption”.

“The investigations also covered any possible contravention of the lncome Tax Act 58 of 1962 and Exchange Control Regulation 1962. This was subsequent to the break-in and theft of an undisclosed amount of US dollars at Phala Phala Farm, Bela Bela, Limpopo,” the NPA said. – SAnews.gov.za

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