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Pressure Mounts in Gauteng’s Rural Safety Landscape

Location: News

Pressure is mounting in Gauteng’s rural safety landscape due to an ever-increasing number of informal settlements, often lacking adequate planning, essential services and job opportunities. This phenomenon unintentionally transforms rural areas into dumping grounds, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and creating new challenges for rural safety. Gauteng’s agricultural sector is under strain despite the allocation of R671 […]

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Report on Parliamentary Petition to Investigate Farm Murders Manipulated to Point the Finger at Farmers

Location: News

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) did not vote in favour of a joint report by the parliamentary Portfolio Committees on Police and Agriculture on the situation surrounding farm attacks today. The report was intended to address a petition calling for Parliament to investigate farm murders and attacks on the farming community. The few positive […]

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US Geopolitics Drives Harsh Trade Tariffs

Location: News

The United States’ announced 30% trade tariffs, likely driven by underlying geopolitical motives, are, by implication, a direct attack on the economic benefits South Africa derives from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). These tariffs are also a response to South Africa’s growing diplomatic and economic ties with countries such as those in BRICS, […]

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We Need to Make Sewage Sexy

Location: News

GOOD Statement by Kaden Arguile,GOOD National Youth Chairperson 08 July 2025 Waste management rarely makes headlines, and let’s be honest, dealing with human excrement isn’t exactly glamorous. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: every single one of us produces waste, and in a civilised society, that waste must be treated and disposed of properly. Failure to […]

The post WE NEED TO MAKE SEWAGE SEXY appeared first on For Good.

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Tshwane Metro Should Repair Fences Around Nature Reserves

Location: News

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has sent an urgent letter to the Tshwane Metro’s Department of Environmental Affairs and Agriculture, requesting the immediate repair of fences around local nature reserves. This pertains particularly to the Rietvlei and Wonderboom Nature Reserves. The request was prompted by a female cheetah, Njozi, escaping from the Rietvlei Nature […]

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ANC Destroys Job Opportunities, Infrastructure and Jeopardises Water Supply in North West

Location: News

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) yesterday emphasised in the North West Legislature during debates on the high unemployment rate and water crisis affecting residents that these issues are a direct consequence of poor ANC governance and trite policies. At present, North West has by far the highest unemployment rate in South Africa – it […]

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Government Should Do More to Protect This ‘Essential for Human Survival’ Species

Location: News

This morning at the South African Bee Industry Organisation, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) in Gauteng emphasised that comprehensive steps should be taken to protect bees. The party was one of the guest speakers at BEECON’s 2025 Conference in Centurion, Pretoria. Conference attendees were reminded that the cultivation of approximately one-third of all food […]

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Foot-And-Mouth Disease Detected at Large Feedlot – Disease Control at a Crossroads

Location: News

One of South Africa’s largest feedlot groups, Karan Beef, informed its suppliers yesterday that it is imposing a temporary moratorium on purchases after foot-and-mouth disease was detected at one of its feedlots. This development is a crisis for the entire red meat industry in South Africa and impacts the whole southern part of Africa. Large […]

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President Ramaphosa Arrives in the United States of America for His Working Visit

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has this afternoon, Monday 19 May 2025 arrived in Washington DC for his Working Visit.

The purpose of the visit is to reset and revitalise bilateral relations between South Africa and the United States (US). In this regard, the visit will focus specifically on reframing bilateral, economic and commercial relations.

On Wednesday, 21 May 2025, President Ramaphosa will meet with President Donald Trump at the White House.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the following Ministers: Mr Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Ntshavheni, Minister in The Presidency, Mr Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry Competition, Mr Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture and Mr Jonas, Special Envoy to the United States of America.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

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Unlocking Africa’s $180 Billion Digital Trade Economy

Location: Business
dmg Nigeria events

The future of African trade is digital, and it's unfolding. From Dakar to Durban, a quiet but steady transformation is taking shape. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), global trade hit a record $33 trillion in 2024, with developing economies, including Africa, playing a growing role in that expansion.

The African Free Continental Trade Area offers the largest free market, including 55 countries, a population of 1.3 billion and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. The opportunities are vast, yet the strategies required for industrial players to source, move and manage raw materials and finished goods remain a challenge.

“The continent's digital economy is projected to reach $180 billion by 2025, up from $115 billion in 2020, thus contributing significantly to Africa's GDP, creating new job opportunities, and expanding regional trade. Digital trade is transforming the continent's economic landscape, creating new opportunities for real economic growth, productive job creation, and poverty reduction.” H.E. Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment

“Building on this rapid expansion, our focus must shift from isolated digital initiatives to a fully integrated ecosystem that streamlines every step of trade—sourcing, supplying, logistics and payments. By integrating these functionalities on a single platform, Matta enables manufacturers to navigate sourcing headaches and suppliers to manage cross-border complexities with confidence and unlocks new markets in Africa in real time. This holistic approach is what will transform digital trade's potential into tangible, inclusive economic growth across Africa.” Mudiaga Mowoe, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Matta.

Launched to enable sustainable African economies, Matta's integrated ecosystem—today powered by the Matta digital marketplace (www.Matta.Trade) and the Flux logistics management tool, with Oxide Finance (Matta's upcoming trade-financing and cross-border payments platform) arriving soon—empowers manufacturers and suppliers across food & beverage, home & personal care, paints & coatings, agro-processing, automotive assembly, textiles, construction, and beyond with truly end-to-end sourcing, movement, and settlement. Rather than supplanting traditional trade networks, this unified platform amplifies human partnerships through real-time visibility, traceability, and seamless transactions.

This evolution in digital trade and industrial growth is one of the key conversations that will take centre stage at the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit and Exhibition, set to take place from October 21-23, 2025. West Africa IMT is a high-level platform for government leaders, investors, manufacturers, and technology innovators to align practical solutions and policy frameworks for accelerating Africa's industrial transformation.

Matta, Africa's integrated ecosystem for industrial trade, will join other industry stakeholders across the continent at West Africa IMT 2025 to discuss the potential opportunities for industrial growth in the West African sub-region. As manufacturers increasingly seek more innovative, more efficient ways to power production beyond physical infrastructure and policy support, there's an urgent need for systems that simplify sourcing, enhance transparency, and ensure supply chain reliability. Matta addresses these challenges by connecting African manufacturers directly to verified suppliers of raw materials and commodities, ensuring business continuity in an environment where procurement bottlenecks often slow production timelines.

Digital platforms address multiple challenges simultaneously: procurement complexities, logistics coordination, payment processing, and data-based planning. By integrating these capabilities into industrial operations, West African economies can accelerate development timelines and establish competitive manufacturing centres that participate effectively in global markets.

As African nations chart independent economic paths, digital trade platforms like Matta will significantly influence how quickly and effectively new industrial capabilities develop. The transformation in African trade is already underway, with effects that will continue to reshape economic relationships for years to come.

West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade Summit & Exhibition

21-23 October 2025 I Landmark Centre | Lagos | Nigeria

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of dmg Nigeria events.

Contact Details:
Roshan Jan-Mahomed
Head of Marketing – Africa
Email: info@westafricaimt.com
www.WestAfricaIMT.com

About the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade Summit and Exhibition 2025:
The Pre-eminent Global Gathering Driving West Africa's Industrial Revolution

The West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit and Exhibition will unite the industrialisation ecosystem, including energy, finance, infrastructure, manufacturing, raw materials, logistics/supply chain, technology, trade and security, to accelerate a sustainable industrial revolution for West Africa. As governments across the region have declared industrialisation as a key priority, the Strategic Summit will feature the visions from Heads of government seeking public–private partnerships to drive industrial revolution across the region. Decisive action is at the core of the agenda, providing solutions for sustainable resource valorisation and opening up trade pathways for economic development and prosperity.

Participation is expected from across the global industrialisation value chain including the following industries: Aerospace, Agriculture, Automotive, Chemicals, Construction, Energy & Utilities, FCMG, Heavy Industries, ICT & Electronics, Infrastructure, Logistics & Transportation, Machine & Equipment, Maritime, Medical, Mining, Plastics & Rubber, Pharmaceuticals, Retail, Technology Solution Providers, Textiles, Water & Utilities.

●        15+ African ministers

●        25+ countries represented from around the globe

●        70+ expert industry speakers

●        250+ exhibiting companies

●        500+ conference delegates

●        2,500+ attendees

About dmg Nigeria events:
dmg Nigeria events is a subsidiary of dmg events. dmg events is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT), an international portfolio of information, media and events businesses.

DMGT manages a diverse, multinational portfolio of companies, with total revenues of around £1 billion, that provide businesses and consumers with compelling information, analysis, insight, events, news and entertainment. Its venture capital business, dmg ventures, holds minority stakes in early-stage businesses and focuses particularly on disruptive consumer media propositions.

Headquartered in Dubai, UAE since 1989 with offices in Canada, Egypt, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and the UK. dmg events is an international exhibition, conference and intelligence company, attracting more than 1,000,000 attendees to a portfolio of over 80 events each year.

This global portfolio works closely with key stakeholders across the industry to facilitate pragmatic dialogue, serving as a platform for the latest discussions at the forefront of change.

For more information on dmg events, visit: www.dmgevents.com

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Probe into illegal blockages of Middle Letaba Dam tributaries complete

Location: News

Probe into illegal blockages of Middle Letaba Dam tributaries complete

The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, is currently studying the final report of an independent investigation into the alleged illegal blockages of tributaries feeding the Middle Letaba Dam in Limpopo.

Commissioned by former Minister Senzo Mchunu, the investigation was prompted by mounting complaints from local farmers and community members about unlawful obstructions and diversions of watercourses flowing into the dam. 

These alleged illegal activities are believed to have significantly contributed to the dam's alarmingly low levels, currently at an approximate 8%.

“The Middle Letaba Dam, which depends on inflows from the Middle Letaba, Koedoes, and Brandboontjies rivers within the Olifant Catchment Area, is a vital water source for households, agriculture, and industry across the region. 

“It’s diminished capacity has had far-reaching implications, severely limiting the supply of water via the 60 km canal to the Middle Letaba, Mapuve, and Giyani Water Treatment Works,” the Department of Water and Sanitation said on Saturday.

The report was compiled by a panel led by retired Judge Bernard Ngoepe and was handed over to the Minister on Friday, 16 May 2025.

“The Minister will announce the department’s course of action in due course. Nonetheless, there is a clear and urgent need to uphold the recommendations of the report to restore accountability, reinforce lawful water governance, and protect the integrity of South Africa’s water resources,” the department said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Sun, 05/18/2025 - 12:25

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South Africa clarifies position on Tanzanian banana imports

Location: News

South Africa clarifies position on Tanzanian banana imports

The Department of Agriculture has dismissed speculations regarding an alleged ban on the import of bananas from Tanzania into South Africa.

This follows recent media reports suggesting that Tanzanian authorities are considering banning South African agricultural imports, based on speculations that South Africa does not permit banana imports from Tanzania.

In a statement issued this week, the department stressed that there is a strong and cooperative relationship between the two countries regarding agricultural trade, and that South Africa has never imposed a ban on banana imports from Tanzania.

The department explained that the National Plant Protection Organisation of South Africa (NPPOZA), operating under the department’s authority, hase previously been working closely with its Tanzanian counterpart to negotiate market access for various plant and plant product commodities between the two nations.

“Tanzanian avocados have been exported to South Africa over the past four years and have a counter seasonal advantage to local produce, which closes the gap for local consumption. The two technical counterparts from both South Africa and Tanzania are currently in negotiations to facilitate market access to allow the safe trade of banana from Tanzania into South Africa,” the department said. 

According to the department, in February 2025, the department received an official market access application from Tanzania to export bananas to South Africa. This triggered the scientific pest risk analysis (PRA) process by NPPOZA, which is a mandatory step in determining phytosanitary import requirements to prevent the spread of harmful pests and diseases.

“The processes will be conducted in accordance with relevant phytosanitary regulatory frameworks and relevant standards of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). It is mutually beneficial for both nations to allow the PRA process to proceed, so that scientifically justified phytosanitary import conditions can be developed, conditions which aim to safeguard biosecurity,” the department explained. 

The department highlighted the critical need to ensure biosecurity in agricultural trade, citing the example of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (TR4), the most destructive banana disease recorded in history, which poses a serious threat to the banana industry globally.

Once the envisaged PRA process has been concluded, the department said, a draft phytosanitary import requirements will be finalised and officially notify Tanzanian authorities. Only after both countries agree with the drafted phytosanitary import requirements, will the importation of bananas from Tanzania commence.

“As a requirement and in accordance with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and IPPC’s international prescripts, when dealing with agricultural trade matters, parties officially notify each other in case there will be a ban or lifting of a ban of a particular imported produce, or product,” the department said. 

The department reiterated that South Africa has never issued any ban on Tanzanian banana imports, as market access had never been formally granted or denied. South Africa has never received any official notification or intent from Tanzanian authorities indicating a ban on South African exports. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 05/16/2025 - 13:29

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SA’s G20 Presidency to aid recovery of global economy

Location: News

SA’s G20 Presidency to aid recovery of global economy

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli says the primary focus of the G20 platform is to increase multilateral cooperation for the recovery of the global economy.

“Since President Ramaphosa took over the Presidency of the G20 in December 2024, a lot of public discourse has already gone into what this could potentially mean for South Africa, particularly in a post-COVID-19 era where developing economies are still on a path to recovery,” Mhlauli said.

Mhlauli explained that the G20 initially focused largely on broad macro-economic issues but has since expanded its agenda to inter-alia include trade, climate change, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, climate change and anti-corruption.

“The G20 was upgraded to the level of Heads of State/Government in the wake of the global economic and financial crisis of 2007, and in 2009, when it became apparent that the necessary crisis coordination would only be possible at the highest political level,” Mhlauli said.

In her address at a G20 public lecture held at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) south campus in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, Mhlauli said that since then, the G20 leaders have met regularly, and the G20 has become the premier forum for international economic cooperation.

“The primary focus of the forum is to increase multilateral cooperation for the recovery of the global economy, bring stability to the global financial system, promote long-term sustainable growth and strengthen global economic governance,” she said on Friday.

Mhlauli said South Africa will use the G20 Presidency to focus on inclusive and sustainable economic growth that benefits its citizens.

“Through the G20 Presidency, we will foster inclusive economic growth, industrialisation and employment. 

“This Presidency is about demonstrating that our country is open for business. South Africa is an attractive destination for business services, and has sophisticated digital infrastructure, including mobile networks and high-speed broadband.”

On the economic front, the G20 will provide a massive boost, especially in areas such as tourism and hospitality.   

“The over 200 expected G20 related meetings have already commenced in our country presenting opportunities for the country’s tourism, manufacturing, trade and other investment growth.

“We are also intently focusing on youth employment, closing the gender gap, reducing inequality and protecting the environment. 

“The G20 will unlock new possibilities in artificial intelligence (AI), which has the potential to provide unprecedented economic and social opportunities,” Mhlauli said.

Meanwhile, Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) Acting Deputy Director-General, Sandile Nene, said South Africa’s hosting of the G20 will improve the economy.

“We are hoping that the G20 will make people invest in the country,” he said.

Kutlwano Mahosi, a first year Journalism student at TUT, told SAnews that G20 meetings will play a role in increasing the country’s economy as many people will be coming into the country.

“As people come to our country, they will be spending their money which will play a role in job creation,” she said.

Echoing same sentiments was fellow Journalism student, Andiswa Mchunu, who said hosting the G20 gives the country an opportunity to attract investors, thereby improving the economy.

“A better economy means more jobs and better life for South Africans,” Mchunu said.

South Africa assumed the role of Presidency of the G20 on 1 December 2024, taking over from Brazil. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 05/16/2025 - 14:41

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Mashatile Undertakes an Official Working Visit to France

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
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Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will undertake an official Working Visit to the Republic of France from 19 – 24 May 2025, for the South Africa-France Investment Conference. The Visit is aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries and, most importantly, mobilising investments in order to realise the country's economic growth and transformation objectives.

South Africa and France enjoy cordial relations underpinned by a robust bilateral cooperation programme in areas such as Political Dialogue, Defence, Science & Technology, Energy cooperation, Education and skills development, Health, Transport, Arts and Culture, among others.

This Investment Conference will be held under the theme “SA-France: A Partnership for Mutual Prosperity” with the objective of attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and financial resources focusing on key issues such as unemployment, poverty, inequality, climate change and transitions in the digital economy.

The Conference will be centred on eight main sectors, namely Energy, Infrastructure, Transport and Logistics, Finance, Tourism, Agriculture and Agro-Processing, Mining, as well as Information and Communication Technology (ICT). There will also be breakaway groups, which will explore practical steps for projects and investments in these areas.

In addition, the Conference will consist of a high-level segment by Government officials who will lead on thematic discussions related to investment opportunities, policies, and the investment climate in South Africa.

The Deputy President is expected to have a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, Mr Francois Bayrou, Prime Minister of the French Republic.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by Dr A Motsoaledi: Minister of Health; Ms S Ndabeni-Abrahams: Minister of Small, Business Development; Ms B Creecy: Minister of Transport; Mr G McKenzie: Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture; Ms Patricia de Lille: Minister of Tourism; Mr A Botes: Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Mr B Manamela: Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training; Mr Z Godlimpi: Deputy Minister Trade, Industry and Competition; and Ms S Graham-Mare: Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

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Minister Dion George Concludes South Africa’s Participation at Copenhagen Climate Ministerial

Location: News

Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
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Minister Dion George, South Africa's Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, has concluded an impactful participation at the Copenhagen Climate Ministerial in Denmark on 7-8 May 2025, reinforcing South Africa's commitment to a resilient, sustainable future. Representing the nation ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, Minister Dion George championed South Africa's priorities, ensuring the voices of its people, wildlife, and ecosystems shape the global climate agenda.

The Ministerial was a critical platform to advance the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C target, with direct implications for South Africans. Climate change threatens livelihoods through droughts, floods, and rising temperatures, impacting food security, jobs in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, and endangering iconic wildlife and vital marine resources. Minister Dion George's leadership secured progress on ambitious climate commitments that drive job creation, poverty reduction, and biodiversity conservation, embedding community and environmental upliftment. He advocated for a just transition, protecting workers in high-carbon sectors while unlocking opportunities in renewable energy and green technologies. Minister Dion George also championed increased climate finance for adaptation, including water infrastructure, climate-smart agriculture, and marine conservation, to improve daily life and protect ecosystems. From coastal communities to rural farms and wildlife reserves, South Africa promoted solutions to strengthen resilience against climate impacts.

These outcomes translate into tangible benefits: cleaner air, safer water, healthier oceans, and new jobs in green sectors. South Africa's engagement secured stronger global partnerships, clearer funding pathways, and renewed momentum to tackle climate change, empowering communities and safeguarding natural heritage.

Minister Dion George stated, “Our work in Copenhagen is a step toward a future where South Africans thrive in a low-carbon economy, with resilient communities and protected biodiversity. We will carry these engagements forward into the G20, ensuring our priorities continue to shape global climate action.”

South Africa returns from Copenhagen with commitments to advance its climate agenda, delivering resources, technology, and support for its people and environment. The nation is poised to build on this momentum at the G20 and beyond, driving a just and sustainable future for all.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

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Milken Institute and Motsepe Foundation Announce Winner

Location: News
The Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program

The Milken Institute (https://apo-opa.co/452va1L) and the Motsepe Foundation are proud to announce the winner of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech, a $2 million innovation award designed to reward companies working to expand access to capital and financial services for small businesses in emerging and frontier markets. The winner was announced at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles. 

Verto (https://apo-opa.co/4d7WePf), based in the United Kingdom, won the $1 million Grand Prize for its business-to-business cross-border payments platform, which enables businesses in emerging markets to send and receive payments, eliminating intermediary fees, supporting 49 currencies, and settling transactions quickly. 

FinTech is the third prize awarded as part of the Milken–Motsepe Innovation Prize Program, a series of competitive multimillion-dollar global competitions and awards designed to incentivize and reward bold, innovative solutions to address pressing economic and environmental challenges in Africa. 

A Rigorous Award Cycle: From Application to Award 

Launched in May 2024, the Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech attracted more than 3,000 entrepreneurs from 126 countries across six continents. A total of 400 teams applied, with just 10 being selected as semifinalists. 

Each team underwent a comprehensive judging process that evaluated five key criteria: affordability and accessibility, ethical and responsible practices, scalability in other markets, the use of cutting-edge technology, and the potential to promote equitable access to financial services.  

In December 2024, 10 semifinalists pitched their innovations to investors at the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit in Abu Dhabi. From this group, an expert panel of judges selected three finalists—Chumz, Oze, and Verto—to advance to the final stage of the innovation award at the 2025 Milken Institute Global Conference. 

“Across the African continent, technology and innovation are disrupting traditional finance and banking approaches. Investment in this space is profitable and, more importantly, necessary for financial inclusion," said Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, co-founder and CEO of the Motsepe Foundation. "My heartfelt congratulations to the winners and all the finalists for demonstrating feasible and impactful solutions that will drive economic activity and shared prosperity in the global South, while influencing the financial sector all over the world." 

Since its launch in 2021, the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program has awarded over $6 million in funding to more than 50 innovators worldwide. Participating teams have raised nearly 10 times the Grand Prize in additional outside investments, reaching and impacting over 530,000 community members. 

The Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program offers free, curated resources and online events not only to award winners but also to nearly 9,000 global entrepreneurs.  

New Prize in AI and Manufacturing 

The fourth Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize, which focuses on AI and manufacturing, launched at the 2025 Milken Institute Global Conference. The new $2 million award is designed to recognize established companies driving innovation in Africa's manufacturing sector. Focused on advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence, the prize rewards technological breakthroughs that create long-term economic resilience in the supply chain in Africa. 

Registration is open until July 31, 2025.  

With $2 million in total prizes, including a $1 million Grand Prize, “AI and Manufacturing” seeks companies that accelerate technological advancements, create jobs, and improve access to essential goods and services for communities across Africa. The award represents an opportunity to support companies leading the next wave of transformative change in manufacturing. 

“We have witnessed our prize programs bring forward some of the most visionary thinkers across sectors, from agriculture to financial technology. Now we're excited to see what bold entrepreneurs are doing for the manufacturing sector to harness the power of AI and other advanced technologies to improve the supply chain in Africa,” said Emily Musil, PhD, managing director of environmental and social innovation at the Milken Institute. “Prizes like this have the power to reveal new and better ways to operate in the digital age and shape how we can do better for people and the planet in the new future we are building.”  

For more information about the winners and the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program, visit https://MilkenMotsepePrize.org/.   

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program.

Additional Video Link:
Opening Video: https://apo-opa.co/3GJgJpr
Finalist Video 1 - Chumz: https://apo-opa.co/436rMk6
Finalist Video 2  - Oze: https://apo-opa.co/4md7NsO
Finalist Video 3 - Verto: https://apo-opa.co/3Z9lVZT

Contact: 
Paul Guequierre  
Email: pguequierre@milkeninstitute.org 
Phone: 202-249-6942 

ABOUT THE MILKEN INSTITUTE:  
The Milken Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank focused on accelerating measurable progress on the path to a meaningful life. With a focus on financial, physical, mental, and environmental health, we bring together the best ideas and innovative resourcing to develop blueprints for tackling some of our most critical global issues through the lens of what's pressing now and what's coming next. For more information, visit www.MilkenInstitute.org.  

ABOUT THE MOTSEPE FOUNDATION:
The Motsepe Foundation was founded in 1999 by Dr. Patrice Motsepe and his wife, Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe. The goal of the Motsepe Foundation is to contribute toward eradicating poverty and to sustainably improve the living conditions and standards of living of poor, unemployed, and marginalized people in South Africa, Africa, and the world. In January 2013, Dr. Motsepe and Dr. Moloi-Motsepe joined the Giving Pledge, which was started by Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates. Dr. Motsepe and his wife committed to give half of their wealth to the poor and for philanthropic purposes during their lifetime and beyond. 

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Select Committee on Mineral Resources Meets With Indonesian Parliament

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Mineral Resources hosted a delegation from the Indonesian Parliament to discuss, among other things, cooperation on mining and mineral resources.

Committee chairperson Mr Mpho Modise warmly welcomed the delegation. He expressed his appreciation for the Indonesian representatives for visiting South Africa and engage with the committee. He said the committee looked forward to the exchange of ideas and exploration of potential areas of cooperation between South Africa and Indonesia on mining and minerals sectors.

South Africa and Indonesia have significant and diverse mineral resources, including gold, diamonds, platinum, coal, and rare earth minerals. Both countries are major global producers of key minerals. The discussions focused on potential areas of collaboration such as technology sharing, joint exploration, and downstream beneficiation of minerals.

The committee explained its mandate which includes overseeing the country's mineral resources development, environmental regulations, and community consultation processes for mining projects. The Indonesian delegation shared their country's approach to mineral rights, local economic development requirements for mining, and efforts to increase domestic mineral processing and manufacturing.

Both sides agreed to explore further parliamentary engagements and potential study visits to foster closer collaboration and knowledge-sharing between the mining industries and policymakers of South Africa and Indonesia. The delegations concluded with a commitment to strengthening ties between the two countries' legislatures and mining sectors for mutual economic benefit.

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

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Committee Chairperson Apologises for Incorrect Figures in R1.7 Billion Agricultural Support to Farmers Statement

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Mineral Resources, Mr Mpho Modise, acknowledges that the Department of Agriculture has set aside R1.7 billion to support 6000 farmers nationally to create 3000 jobs.

Mr Modise apologises for the incorrect figures that are in the media statement that was issued on behalf of the committee on Tuesday, 22 April 2025. “Upon further examination of the funding allocation, we discovered that the statement conveyed erroneous information regarding the allocation of funds related to the R1.7 billion initiative intended to support farmers,” said Mr Modise.

He added: “We understand the importance of transparency and accuracy especially in communicating such critical information. We acknowledge the error in the statement and retract the statement, and we profusely apologise for the damage caused by the erroneous information,” said Mr Modise.

The committee remains committed to ensuring accountability in the use of public resources and will continue to scrutinise all agricultural initiatives to guarantee their effectiveness and integrity.

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

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Agriculture Committee Allows Department to Review APPS in Line with Medium-Term Development Plan

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture received a briefing yesterday from the Office of the Auditor General (AGSA) on its review of the Department of Agriculture and its entities' 2025/26 annual performance plans (APPs) and budgets.

The department and entities also made presentations on their APPs and budgets for the 2025/26 financial year. During the engagements, the committee told the department to review its 2025/26 APP in line with the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP).

As part of its findings, the AGSA told the committee that seemingly the MTDP indicators and targets are not included in the department's strategic and annual performance plans. The committee heard that MTDP 2024–2029 is a five-year strategic blueprint developed by the 7th administration to drive national development. The MTDP aligns with the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 and integrates international commitments, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the AU Agenda 2063.

The committee expressed concern after it learnt from the AGSA that the department has set annual reports as a target without clearly understanding the expected level of performance. The AGSA said this lack of specificity makes both the indicator and the target unclear and ambiguous. It also renders the AGSA unable to measure effectively, which undermines their usefulness for monitoring progress and evaluating performance.

The committee told the department to revise its APPs, taking into account the AGSA's recommendations, for presentation on 6 May 2025. The Minister of Agriculture, Mr John Steenhuisen, who led the departmental delegation said the department met with the AGSA and has already undertaken to make amendments based on the AGSA recommendations.

AGSA also presented reviews of the APPs of the department's three entities – the Agricultural Research Council, Onderstepoort Biological Products and the National Agricultural Council. As part of the presentation, the AGSA recommended that the committee should ask the department to present a revised 2025/26 APP along with a matrix showing changes made to performance indicators, their definitions and associated date sources. In addition, the committee should also ask the department for regular updates on this information.

In welcoming all the presentations, the committee Chairperson, Ms Dina Pule, emphasised that the committee was not rejecting the APPs as presented, but rather allowing the department and its entities to reconstruct the APPs in light of the AGSA recommendations.

In thanking the AGSA, Ms Pule said the committee has noted with appreciation the extensive and insightful reviews the AGSA has made. “The committee has noted your recommendations and we assure you about our commitment to translating them into progressive actions to take the work of the department to the new heights,” said Ms Pule.

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

Read moreAgriculture Committee Allows Department to Review APPS in Line with Medium-Term Development Plan