Budget Postponement Is a “Blessing in Disguise” Says COSATU
Hundreds marched in Cape Town ahead of budget announcement
Cape Town
Celebrating 100 Years of Service
Rotary International’s District 9350, which includes over 80 clubs across the Western and Northern Cape of South Africa, Angola, and Namibia, is celebrating a big milestone—100 years of making a real difference in local communities. To kick off this special centenary celebration, they’ve launched an awareness campaign called ‘ACT4IMPACT’. ACT4IMPACT is a call to action …
The Art of Storytelling With Staircases That Have Soul
A staircase is more than just a means of moving between floors. It is an architectural feature that can tell a story, express personality, and set the tone for an entire home. Kim Williams Design, one of Cape Town’s leading interior design studios, shows how staircases can transcend functionality to become captivating focal points. From …
All eyes on the Budget: Godongwana to chart SA’s financial future
All eyes on the Budget: Godongwana to chart SA’s financial future
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana takes center stage this afternoon as he delivers the much-anticipated 2025 Budget Speech in Parliament, Cape Town - a moment that will outline South Africa’s economic trajectory for the year ahead.
With the nation watching, Godongwana will unveil the government's financial game plan, outlining how resources will be allocated to drive growth, tackle pressing challenges, and support vulnerable communities.
His speech follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address, translating policy vision into financial reality.
Despite a tight fiscal environment, the budget aims to strike a delicate balance - stimulating economic progress while ensuring essential social safety nets remain intact. Key legislative measures, including the Appropriation Bill and the Division of Revenue Bill, will be introduced to determine how national funds are distributed across provinces and municipalities, Parliament said in a statement.
For those eager to follow the financial roadmap firsthand, the Budget Speech will be broadcast live on Parliament TV (DStv Channel 408) and streamed across Parliament’s digital platforms. South Africans can tune in to see how the numbers stack up and what lies ahead for the economy in 2025, across various Tv channels and Government platforms, including on www.SAnews.gov.za .
The Minister will deliver the Budget at 2pm.
-SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Wed, 02/19/2025 - 10:03
59 views
European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR)/Vice-President of the European Commission (VP) Kaja Kallas Travels to South Africa
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, will visit South Africa from 19-21 February. Her visit will aim to strengthen EU-South Africa relations and include participation in the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting.
The visit comes as this year marks the 25th anniversary of the EU-Africa partnership, culminating in a Summit with EU and African leaders.
On 19 February, Kaja Kallas will co-chair the Ministerial Political Dialogue in Cape Town with South African counterparts to prepare for the 8th EU-South Africa Summit on 13 March. They will discuss key topics such as security, trade, and investment. The meeting will be followed by a joint press statement by High Representative Kallas and South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola. The High Representative will also engage with students, entrepreneurs, and civil society.
On 20-21 February, the High Representative will participate in the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting in Johannesburg, under the theme "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability." The two-day gathering will focus on the global geopolitical situation and South Africa's G20 Presidency priorities.
All audiovisual material of the visit will be available on EbS.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of European Union External Action: The Diplomatic Service of the European Union.
Opportunities for Growth and Investment in Africa’s Energy Sector
Africa's energy sector presents significant opportunities for investment and growth through targeted infrastructure development. Despite the continent's abundant hydrocarbon resources, inadequate infrastructure has historically impeded efficient extraction, processing and distribution. Addressing these gaps can unlock substantial economic potential and meet the rising energy demands both within Africa and globally.
As Africa continues to prioritize energy infrastructure development, this year's Africa Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town - will serve as a critical platform for investors, policymakers and industry leaders to explore opportunities in oil and gas pipelines, storage facilities and gas-to-power projects. Discussions at AEW 2025 will highlight successful infrastructure projects, showcase emerging investment prospects and address challenges in financing and implementation.
Pipeline Infrastructure
One critical area for investment is the development of extensive pipeline networks. These pipelines are essential for transporting crude oil and natural gas from production sites to refineries and export terminals. The proposed Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline aims to transport approximately 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from Nigeria through to Morocco and onto Europe, traversing 13 African countries. The $25 billion, 5,600-km project is poised to enhance energy security and foster economic integration across the region, with the potential to create jobs, boost industrialization and provide a stable gas supply for domestic consumption and export, strengthening Africa's role in the global energy market.
Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities
Investing in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities is another promising avenue. These facilities enable the processing and export of natural gas, catering to global markets with high energy demands. Countries like Mozambique, the Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Tanzania are advancing large-scale LNG projects to capitalize on their substantial gas reserves. For example, Tanzania's LNG Liquefaction Plant, estimated at $30 billion, is set to position the country as a key player in the global LNG market.
Refining Capacity Enhancement
Africa's limited refining capacity often necessitates the import of refined petroleum products, leading to economic inefficiencies. Investments in modernizing and expanding existing refineries, as well as constructing new ones, are crucial. Such developments would not only meet domestic demand, but also create export opportunities. Angola is in the process of developing three new oil refineries, which will collectively increase domestic refining capacity to 400,000 barrels per day and reduce dependence on imported fuels.
Storage and Distribution Networks
Robust storage facilities and distribution networks are vital for maintaining energy supply stability. Investing in these areas ensures that oil and gas products are efficiently stored and transported to end-users, minimizing losses and meeting market demands. Enhanced storage capacity also provides a buffer against market fluctuations, contributing to energy security. South Africa's Richards Bay III project – a $6 million initiative involving the construction of an oil storage facility – aims to enhance South Africa's energy storage capacity and improve supply stability. Additionally, South Africa is experiencing significant growth in its LPG industry, driven by new distribution hubs and rising electricity prices. Companies like Petredec have announced the establishment of the country's first rail-supplied LPG project, aiming to make LPG a more accessible and cost-effective energy alternative.
Power Generation and Electrification
Leveraging natural gas for power generation offers a dual benefit: monetizing gas resources and addressing electricity deficits. Investments in gas-fired power plants and associated transmission infrastructure can significantly improve electrification rates across the continent. Mozambique's Temane gas-to-power project is set to commence operations in 2025, leveraging gas from the Pande and Temane fields to produce 450 MW of affordable power for the state utility.
AEW: Invest in African Energies 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.
Budget 2025: Western Cape Government Calls for Clear, Credible Path to Navigate Fiscal Pressures
The Western Cape Government (WCG) calls on National Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, to provide a clear and credible path for provinces to navigate South Africa’s current fiscal pressures in his upcoming 2025 Budget Speech. “Provinces are facing growing service delivery demands in the face of cuts to donor funding, a national revenue shortfall, and …
Western Cape Government to Leverage G20 & B20 Summits
While South Africa will host the Group of Twenty (G20) summit this year, the Western Cape and Cape Town will in turn host the Business 20 (B20) – the official G20 dialogue forum for the domestic and international business communities from Monday, 24 – Tuesday, 25 February. “The Western Cape and Cape Town look forward …
This Is Crucial to Stemming Cape Flat Gang Violence
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) reiterates the urgency of devolving certain policing powers to the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Police Service and other provincial law enforcement authorities in the Western Cape. The Memorandum of Understanding between the City, the Province, the Minister and the South African Police Service (SAPS) must be finalised urgently. …
2025 Fame Shorts Film Festival
The FAME Shorts Film Festival is now accepting submissions for its 2025 edition, inviting filmmakers from Africa, and its diaspora, to showcase their unique narratives and storytelling during the film festival at Cape Town’s Labia Theatre (4-6 September). A celebration of African stories, the festival provides a powerful platform for short films that explore themes …
First Day of Lectures Disrupted as Over 600 Uct Students March on Campus
UCT Vice-Chancellor Mosa Moshabela promises to address issues raised by protesting students around financial exclusion
Imam Muhsin Hendricks, Who Fought for Queer Rights, Assassinated
He reportedly said that the need to be authentic was greater than his fear of death
Wins for Lions, North West as 1 Day Cup Begins
CAPE TOWN: Lutho Sipamla starred with the ball by claiming four wickets to help DP World Lions begin the 1 Day...
KZN Inland Rural Remain The Only Unbeaten Team Left At Rural Week
VEREENIGING: Day two saw the KZN Inland Rural team finish as the only undefeated team left in the CSA Inland Rural...
Court Challenge Over Secret Political Donations
My Vote Counts wants all political donations disclosed, no matter how small
Search Ongoing for Ceres Man Missing in Surf
Police divers are continuing in an ongoing search for a man who went missing in the surf while swimming. Schalk Boonzaaier, NSRI Kleinmond station commander, said: At 12h33, Saturday, 15 February, NSRI Kleinmond duty crew were activated following reports a drowning in progress at Kleinmond Main Beach. An NSRI rescue craft was dispatched to the …
Home Affairs detains mother of former Miss SA contestant in Cape Town
Home Affairs detains mother of former Miss SA contestant in Cape Town
Investigators from the Department of Home Affairs, along with the South African Police Service (SAPS), detained Anabela Rungo, the mother of Chidimma Adetshina, at a property in Cape Town on Saturday.
This action follows the withdrawal of Rungo’s South African documentation in September 2024, after it was discovered that it had been fraudulently obtained, which rendered her ineligible to continue residing in South Africa.
“In an apparent act of brazen disregard for the legal consequences of her conduct, it appears that Ms Rungo has defied her ‘undesirable’ status through her Mozambican passport. Investigations are ongoing into further potential misrepresentation and fraudulent conduct,” a Home Affairs statement read.
According to Home Affairs, during yesterday’s operation, investigators from the Counter Corruption and Immigration Services branches of the department also found Adetshina’s under-aged child residing with Rungo.
“After being processed by Home Affairs over her apparent illegal continued residence in South Africa, Ms Rungo will be handed over to the SAPS as she is also the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.”
Meanwhile, Home Affairs is liaising with the Department of Social Development and SAPS Child Protection Unit as it relates to protecting the interests of the under-age child.
“The department will provide further updates at opportune moments. No interviews will be taken on this matter at this stage.”
Adetshina withdrew from the Miss South Africa competition in August of last year after it was announced by the department that her mother might have committed “identity theft“ to obtain South African nationality.
A former law student, Adetshina later won Miss Universe Nigeria after being invited to participate by the organisers.
The department announced the withdrawal of her ID papers in October of last year. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 02/16/2025 - 10:14
46 views
SA, EU to co-chair Ministerial Political Dialogue
SA, EU to co-chair Ministerial Political Dialogue
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, will co-chair the 16th Ministerial Political Dialogue between South Africa and the European Union (EU) on Wednesday, 19 February 2025, in Cape Town.
Lamola will be joined by Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission.
Lamola will also be accompanied by various Cabinet Ministers from South Africa.
“South Africa and the EU enjoy a strategic relationship characterised by multi-dimensional bilateral cooperation, which is long-standing and mutually beneficial,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIrCO) said in a statement.
Diplomatic relations between South Africa and the EU were officially established in December 1993, just before the onset of South Africa's new democratic era.
In 1999, the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA) was established to create a framework for strengthening and diversifying bilateral cooperation.
This has been achieved through enhanced political dialogue, collaboration in trade and trade-related areas, economic cooperation, technical assistance and development cooperation.
“The TDCA also established a political dialogue between South Africa and the EU at the Ministerial level, serving as a mechanism to review progress on various areas of bilateral cooperation and discuss enhancing cooperation on regional and global developments of mutual interest.”
To date, the department has reported that seven summit meetings have taken place since 2007, with the next one scheduled for 13 March 2025.
The 16th MPD meeting is therefore well-timed to prepare for the upcoming eighth summit meeting, which will be hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 02/16/2025 - 13:41
56 views
Western Cape Department of Local Government Helps in Securing a Safe Space for the Nuwerus Crèche
“When stakeholders work together, good things can happen,” Anton Bredell, Provincial Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning said, referring to the official handover of the site of a planned activity centre for the Nuwerus Crèche on the West Coast today.
During municipal public participation and ward committee engagements, the plight of the Crèche at Nuwerus was identified for attention. The Nuwerus Crèche is the only facility within the area that is still housed in an informal structure. The vision is to create an Activity Centre for the crèche inside the building of the church, situated next to it.
Minister Bredell thanked the following private and government departments who made contributions to the project:
- Nuwerus Uniting Reformed Church availed a room to be used by the ECD as an activity center.
- Santam, which donated R60 000 for the revamp of the activity center, and R20 000 towards Diakonal Dienste in support of their programmes.
- The Asla Foundation contributed R110 000 for fitting out the Activity Center.
- Department of Correctional Services will be providing cleaning services.
- Woodenscapes donated and installed the Play Equipment (Jungle Gym)
- Vredendal Signs donating the signage for the facility.
- The Department of Infrastructure donated the wash basins, and its sports committee, which donated R2 500 towards the project.
Minister Bredell said the project was coordinated through the Department of Local Government's Citizen Interface Programme, which focus on improving the interaction between the people of rural communities and government entities.
The purpose of the Citizen Interface Programme is to build the resilience and self-sustainability potential of deep rural small nodes and communities in the Northern areas of the Matzikama Municipality by ensuring access to basic government services and information, as well as linking external and internal resources to localised needs or challenges. It is essentially a partnership programme, and has since its inception, successfully delivered various projects.
The Programme has over the past few years put various efforts and emphasis on supporting and revitalising the early childhood development centres in the area. All this was done in partnership with the Department of Education, as well as other state and non-state partners. These include amongst others: Providing toy-libraries and educational materials, registration of facilities, scoping reports and identifying funding partners to revamp and rebuild facilities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.
Forced removals will ‘never’ be perpetrated again – President Ramaphosa
Forced removals will 'never' be perpetrated again - President Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that the deep historical wounds caused by the racist apartheid-era Natives Land Act are the reason the South African democratic government “will never allow forced removals again”.
President Ramaphosa was replying to the debate of the State of the Nation (SONA) address held on Tuesday and Wednesday in which many speakers based their remarks on the land question.
In January this year, President Ramaphosa promulgated the Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 which states that property may not be expropriated arbitrarily or for a purpose other than a public purpose or in the public interest and subject to just and equitable compensation.
“A number of the speakers during this debate spoke about the land question, which I have in the past said was the original sin that was committed against the people of our country.
“Describing the Natives Land Act of 1913, Solomon T Plaatje described the Natives Land Act of 1913 as ‘an insidious law that rendered black South Africans pariahs in the land of their birth’. It is this Natives Land Act that plunged millions of people into poverty and deprivation, whose impact endures to this day,” the President said in reply to the debate on Thursday.
Some 57 years ago in Cape Town, the Apartheid government perpetrated what President Ramaphosa described as one of the “most painful chapters in the history of this country”.
At the time, the Apartheid government demolished District Six to give way for a “whites-only suburb” with some 60 000 people forcibly removed from their homes as a result.
“Over the course of two decades, the apartheid regime forcibly removed more than 3.5 million people in District Six, Sophiatown, Marabastad, Cato Manor, Kroonstad, Nelspruit and many other places across the country. It was one of the largest mass removals of people in modern history.
“There are some in this House today who have memories of their families being forcibly removed from their land. There are millions more across the country who still experience the effects of this monstrous crime.
“The people of this country know the pain of forced removals. That is why we will never allow forced removals again,” he explained.
President Ramaphosa emphasised that the tragic forced removals of the Apartheid government are part of the reason why the Constitution now:
• prohibits the arbitrary deprivation of property; and
• requires just and equitable compensation be paid in the event of expropriation for a public purpose or in the public interest
“Our experience of forced removals also explains the Constitutional requirement that the state must take reasonable measures, within its available resources, to foster conditions which enable citizens to gain access to land on an equitable basis.
“Today, District Six rings with the sounds of families who have been returned to the land that was taken from them. Yet, like the transformation of our society, the process of restitution is not complete. There is still much that needs to be done to heal the divisions of the past,” he said.
The President reflected on the continuous, “long and hard” road to building a nation free from the shackles of institutionalised racism and “united in its diversity”.
“We are firmly committed to the fundamental principle that South Africa belongs to all who live in it.
“We are firmly committed to a society that is non-racial and non-sexist. We want to live together in peace, harmony and equality. We want to see our country succeed and grow. We must not allow others to define us or to divide us,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 02/13/2025 - 16:28
72 views
Gugulethu’s Filthy Rat-Infested Canal
City says the road maintenance team only cleans the canal for stormwater purposes not to address illegal dumping
South Africa’s G20 Presidency for 2025: A Catalyst for Energy Investment in Africa
In 2025, South Africa will hold the rotating presidency of the G20. Given its position as Africa's most industrialized nation and an energy hub, South Africa's leadership could play a pivotal role in attracting investment to the continent's energy sector. By leveraging its G20 platform, South Africa can push for increased funding from global partners, particularly for natural gas projects, which are critical for Africa's energy security and economic development.
While renewable energy is rapidly expanding across the continent, Africa continues to rely heavily on coal, oil and natural gas to meet growing demand and drive economic growth. Gas is increasingly viewed as a cleaner transitional fuel in Africa's energy mix, and many G20 nations are leading investment in gas exploration and production across the continent. For instance, the U.S. Export-Import Bank, U.K. Export Finance, China Development Bank and Japan Bank for International Cooperation, among other lenders, have played a key role in financing TotalEnergies' $20 billion Mozambique LNG project. Additionally, several G20 countries are driving further investment, with Italy's Eni developing new LNG facilities in the Republic of Congo, bp expanding operations in Senegal and Mauritania, Norway's Equinor advancing the Tanzania LNG development and ExxonMobil spearheading Rovuma LNG in Mozambique. South Africa can advocate for G20 nations to increase their financial backing for new gas projects, which have the potential to boost production, enhance energy security and attract much-needed investment to the continent.
While natural gas is essential for Africa's energy security, combining it with renewable energy sources could help diversify Africa's energy mix. South Africa's own experience with large-scale energy projects, such as its successful Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Program, can serve as a model for blending financing and developing both gas and renewable projects. By advocating for mixed investment, South Africa can show G20 nations that supporting a variety of energy sources will allow Africa to meet its energy demands while transitioning toward greener energy.
In addition to advocating for investment in specific projects, South Africa can focus on creating favorable conditions for financing. One way to achieve this is by encouraging the G20 to support debt relief or concessional financing for African countries with high debt burdens. This would free up resources for governments to invest in energy infrastructure and allow them to prioritize projects that will improve energy access and support economic growth. South Africa could work closely with organizations like the World Bank, IFC, BRICS Bank, European Investment Bank and more to unlock financing mechanisms that reduce the risk for international investors.
The role of South Africa's G20 presidency in facilitating greater engagement between G20 nations and African energy markets cannot be overstated. By using its platform to promote key energy projects, South Africa can attract much-needed investment for both traditional oil and gas and clean energy developments. At the same time, it can help establish new financing structures that make these projects more attractive to investors. African countries like Nigeria, Angola, the Republic of Congo, Senegal, Namibia and Mozambique stand to benefit from increased G20 support for their oil and gas sectors, and other African nations can follow suit by aligning their own energy priorities with the goals set forth by South Africa during its presidency.
This year's African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference in Cape Town serves as a key platform for attracting global attention and investment to Africa's energy sector, facilitating discussions among G20 nations, financial institutions and energy companies. AEW acts as a conduit for driving investment into critical energy projects, positioning South Africa as a catalyst for sustainable development across the continent while ensuring Africa's energy needs are met. With South Africa's G20 presidency presenting a unique opportunity to secure crucial investments in Africa's energy sector, the 2025 edition of AEW is more significant than ever. By leveraging this platform to advocate for financing and foster partnerships between G20 nations and African energy producers, South Africa can play a pivotal role in advancing the continent's energy future and contributing to global energy security.
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.
Gangsterism Remains on the Rise
Dear Editor Nearly 60 people in the past few days have been shot in the Cape Flats, with at least more than 30 dead. We extend our condolences in another week of horror. We must not tolerate or normalise communities being warzones, where children die in hails of bullets while playing outside and going to …
Government to unveil energy investment instrument
Government to unveil energy investment instrument
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says the department has designed a private sector investment instrument to mobilise resources for modernising South Africa’s energy infrastructure.
The minister made the remarks during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate, held in Cape Town, on Wednesday.
“We have designed an instrument. We will be introducing that instrument to the country in the next five weeks and we are going to use that instrument as a template. We’ll take it to Transnet…we’ll take it to all [State Owned Enterprises]. So that we are able to drive infrastructure [investment] forward,” he said.
Over the next ten years, South Africa requires approximately R450 billion to expand transmission lines by some 14 000 km.
Ramokgopa pointed out that government will not be able to bear the financial burden on its own.
“We make the point that the state sovereign balance sheet is weak, the Eskom balance sheet has been eroded, [and] we need to design instruments that help us to ensure that there is accelerated private sector investment,” he said.
Another area where the government aims to increase output is in freight logistics.
“We’ve got a baseline of 149 million tonnes per annum and our target for the year is 170 million tonnes and by 2030 we want to reach 250 million tonnes.
“We have decided that we want to target specific corridors. The Northern Cape Saldanha corridor which carries iron ore and manganese, the northern corridor which carries coal and chrome, the Gauteng-Durban corridor which carries automotive and general freight,” he said.
The transformation project
Turning to geopolitical issues arising from the promulgation of the Expropriation Act, Ramokgopa emphasised that government will press ahead with policies aimed at transforming the country.
“We are determined to protect the gains of the democratic project. We will go and explain ourselves to our allies and articulate the vision of a South Africa that we want; that the transformation project is indeed irreversible.
“We are on the correct path…we will not be bullied,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 02/13/2025 - 11:15
22 views