Political Will Needed to Save Lives Amid USAID Funding Cuts, Say Activists
“We will not let our people die” says Zackie Achmat
Lesotho
The “Biggest Trout Farm in Africa” and the Failed R5,000 Community Fund
Lesotho Highlands aquaculture project offers little in return for its licence
Dinosaur Tracks, Made 140 Million Years Ago, Have Been Found for the First Time in South Africa’s Western Cape
Dinosaur tracks were found in a rugged, remote coastal South African setting.
Lesotho Highlands Water Project tunnel closure extended
Lesotho Highlands Water Project tunnel closure extended
Due to technical challenges, the closure of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) water transfer and delivery tunnels for maintenance has been extended by an additional three weeks.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) confirmed that the extension was due to the delays in the maintenance work experienced in the Delivery Tunnel South on the Lesotho side of the project.
Originally, the tunnel shutdown was planned to run from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025.
However, the department cited a combination of unpredictable weather conditions and technical issues experienced by the implementing agent, the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency (LHDA).
“The challenges experienced include higher than anticipated seepage within the tunnel due to a change in sand blasting technique. There was a change from a manual to an automated approach of sand blasting, but high humidity affected the automated approach.
“The contractor is reported to have procured additional equipment to better manage the seepage challenge. The recovery plan was implemented to accelerate the progress of the maintenance work in Lesotho, but the delay could not be avoided,” the department’s spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa, explained.
According to Mavasa, on the South African side of the project, maintenance work being carried out by the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) is progressing according to schedule and is expected to be completed on time.
With the Vaal Dam currently at full capacity (101.51%) due to the recent above-normal rainfall experienced in most parts of the country, the department has reassured all water users that the extended tunnel closure will not affect the availability of water for the Integrated Vaal River System.
The municipalities located along the Liebenbergsvlei River in the Free State will also not be impacted by the extended tunnel closure.
“The Sol Plaatje (Saulspoort) Dam is [currently] at satisfactory levels, standing at 82.1% this week. Therefore, water can be released from the dam to assist downstream users, should the need arise.
"Saulspoort Dam will be able to provide water to the local communities of Bethlehem, Reitz and Tweeling for a period of up to nine months, which is more than the initially scheduled six months of the LHWP tunnel shutdown,” Mavasa said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 03/13/2025 - 09:34
25 views
SASSA Gets About 80,000 New SRD Grant Applications Each Month
17.4-million people have applied for the Social Relief of Distress grant since it was introduced in May 2020
Elon Musk Is Trying to Do Business in Lesotho, the Country Donald Trump Says “Nobody Has Ever Heard Of”
And Starlink is not the only US company investing in the kingdom
Lesotho HIV Programmes Collapse After USAID Decision
Fear of a surge in new infections as antiretroviral medicines become harder to get
UK Looks to Deepen Energy Trade, Investment Ties with Africa
Trade relations between the UK and Africa are gaining momentum. Last month, UK Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security Douglas Alexander visited South Africa and Botswana to strengthen trade ties and create opportunities for businesses on both sides. The UK aims to expand trade and investment across the continent, fostering mutually beneficial growth by addressing trade barriers, facilitating exports and supporting trade-focused development programs. With South Africa as the UK's largest trading partner in Africa and set to assume the G20 Presidency, this marks an important moment for deepening economic collaboration.
This builds on the UK's 2019 Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the Southern African Customs Union member states – Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa – and Mozambique. This agreement eliminates tariffs and quotas on all goods imported from these countries into the UK, facilitating smoother trade relations and economic cooperation. The EPA aims to bolster economic ties and create a conducive environment for investments, including in the energy sector.
The UK is expanding its engagement across Africa, including in West and North Africa. In February 2024, it signed the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) with Nigeria – the first such agreement with an African nation – marking a significant milestone. The partnership builds on a trade relationship valued at £7 billion in the year leading up to September 2023. The ETIP focuses on key sectors such as financial and legal services, fostering economic growth and attracting investment across industries, including energy.
Globeleq, a UK government-backed independent power producer, has been instrumental in advancing gas-powered energy projects across Africa. Alongside its 153 MW Red Sands project in South Africa – set to become the continent's largest standalone battery energy storage system – the company recently acquired a stake in a solar plant at Egypt's Benban Solar Complex and secured $99 million in debt financing for Mozambique's first wind project. Supported by shareholders such as British International Investment and Norfund, Globeleq continues to invest in upgrading existing assets and developing new utility-scale power projects, strengthening Africa's energy infrastructure.
In the oil and gas sector, bp achieved first gas from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project offshore Senegal and Mauritania at the start of this year, marking a major step in boosting regional energy production and supply. Shell is advancing its $5 billion Bonga North deepwater project in Nigeria and, alongside bp, has agreed to cover operational costs for the buyer of South Africa's Sapref refinery – a move that could revitalize the country's largest refinery and secure oil supply. Meanwhile, Harbour Energy, one of the UK's largest independent oil and gas companies, is looking to expand into African markets following its acquisition of concessions in Egypt's Nile Delta and the Mediterranean Sea.
The UK is also a major investor in Africa's clean energy sector and a key partner in the Mission 300 initiative to expand electricity access to 300 million people by 2030. Last month, British International Investment (BII) committed £5.3 million to UK cleantech firm MOPO to scale battery rental operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where over 80% of the population lacks electricity. In December 2024, BII and GuarantCo announced a $500 million renewable power deal with South Africa's Etana Energy, providing $100 million in guarantees to support the country's largest energy wheeling framework and unlock new projects. Beyond direct investments, the UK government continues to provide funding and technical assistance for energy infrastructure projects across Africa, aiming to improve energy reliability and efficiency, drive economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for local communities.
As a G20 member, the UK plays a pivotal role in shaping global energy investment strategies, with Africa positioned as a key partner in its trade and energy agenda. The UK's investments in oil and gas, renewables and energy infrastructure align with broader G20 goals of energy security, sustainability and economic growth.
“These initiatives not only strengthen the UK's economic ties with Africa, but also support the continent's transition to cleaner, more reliable energy. With African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 set to convene global stakeholders, the UK's role in advancing energy partnerships will be in focus, offering a platform to drive further investment, policy collaboration, and infrastructure development across Africa's energy landscape,” says Johnson Kayode Obembe, Director of Sales and Partnerships, African Energy Week.
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.
KFC Celebrates Inspirational African Women Accelerating Action Towards Equality
Progress in closing the gender gap in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa has almost halted, leaving millions of women at a disadvantage to men. But female role models across the continent are refusing to admit defeat, dedicating themselves to accelerating progress towards gender equality.
To mark International Women's Day on 8 March and honour its theme of “Accelerate Action”, KFC Africa has collected the stories of dozens of women who are taking bold steps to advance equality on the continent by educating, empowering and supporting women to achieve more, together, faster.
KFC Africa's list contains the names of 54 women – one for each year the company has been in Africa – and follows its successful International Women's Day campaign in 2024 which introduced an inaugural list (https://apo-opa.co/4h5xiID) of 53 “female firsts”. Each of those women had overcome educational, social and financial obstacles to achieve something no woman in their country had done before.
The 2025 list (https://apo-opa.co/4h5xiID), drawn from each of the 22 Sub-Saharan Africa countries where KFC has restaurants, also has its share of female firsts – people such as Dior Fall Sow, Senegal's first female prosecutor; Nelly Mutti, the Zambian parliament's first female speaker; and Adelaide Retselisitsoe Matlanyane, the first woman to lead Lesotho's central bank.
The list is dominated, however, by younger women who are breaking the mould – particularly in the technology sector – and showing they can do anything they set their mind to, regardless of age or gender.
They include the likes of Christine Ogo, a Cote d'Ivoire physicist who has encouraged thousands of schoolgirls to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics; Rachel Sibande, who set up Malawi's first technology incubator for emerging entrepreneurs and has gone on to teach coding to 92,000 women and children; and Regina Honu, whose Tech Needs Girls movement in Ghana has trained more than 20,000 women and girls to code.
Gender gap
“It's a powerful list that gives us hope after the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report (https://apo-opa.co/4i2QKXB) in 2024 showed that progress seems to have ground to a halt,” says Akhona Qengqe, General Manager of KFC Africa.
The report showed that 68.4% of Sub-Saharan Africa's gender gap had been closed, only marginally higher than 68.2% in 2023 (https://apo-opa.co/3QEYGm5). South Africa, while being Africa's highest scorer and ranking 18th out of 146 nations, went backwards, from 78.7% in 2023 to 78.5% a year later.
“The report says that at the current rate of progress, it will be 2158 until the world reaches full gender parity,” says Qengqe. “That's why we need to accelerate action, particularly in Africa, and why the efforts of the women on the KFC list are worthy of recognition and support.”
In her seven years at KFC – she was as director of Africa franchise development, director of transformation and diversity and chief people officer before taking over as general manager in April 2023 – Qengqe has prioritised female empowerment.
Her initiatives include spearheading KFC Add Hope, a women-led programme that serves free meals to tens of thousands of children at more than 3,000 feeding centres across South Africa.
In 2021, she launched the Women on the Move leadership development programme, which prepares 22 women at KFC for future leadership positions every year, cultivating a pipeline of talent. Within two years, the number of female leaders in the business grew by 14%.
Transforming franchising
Last November she turned her attention to the wider quick service restaurant sector, launching Women in Franchising Africa (Wifa), the first network for current and aspiring female franchisees and franchisors across the continent.
“To say I am passionate about the inclusion of women in growing our economies is an understatement. It is in fact one of my life's purposes,” she says. “My partners in Wifa intend to transform the participation of women in the franchising sector across African economies.
“We want to educate women on how to run successful franchise businesses, provide networking opportunities for like-minded women, transform the sector by making funding accessible to women, and create mentorship opportunities for all the women in the network.”
KFC Africa Chief People Officer Nolo Thobejane says “Accelerate Action” is a call to look at what has a positive impact on women's advancement and replicate it.
“This is a journey we need to embark on together as we learn from each other. I cannot stress enough the importance of forming alliances and partnerships to amplify impact. By working together, organisations and individuals can share resources, knowledge, and support to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for women.”
“At KFC, we have implemented some programmes which have yielded great results – such as the Women on the Move Leadership programme to ensure the pipeline of leaders, developing them with quality education and training through initiatives like our Streetwise Academy and then providing career support into positions of leadership.”
“Other successful initiatives organisations can implement include designing and building infrastructure that meets the needs of women and girls, involving them in sustainable agriculture, and elevating their participation and achievement in sport, as we do with KFC Mini Cricket.”
“There's a lot we can do as individuals, too – we can call out stereotypes, challenge discrimination, question bias and celebrate women's success. Everyone everywhere can Accelerate Action.”
Qengqe says the new list of 54 names brings to 107 the number of inspirational African women KFC has honoured and recognised in the past two years. “We know this is the tip of a wonderful iceberg, and we welcome nominations of other women who are Accelerating Action in Africa.”
Explore the list of 54 women Accelerating Action across Africa: https://apo-opa.co/4heEjqM
To nominate a woman Accelerating Action: Email: za-kfcafricamedia@yum.com
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KFC Africa.
For media inquiries and to arrange interviews with Akhona Qengqe and Nolo Thobejane:
Elmarie Swart
Phone number:
WhatsApp: +44 7464739649
South Africa: +27 79 831 2429
Email: elmarie@kamuses.co.za
KFC Socials:
Instagram – @kfcsouthafrica - https://apo-opa.co/3FdDUap
Facebook – @KFCSA - https://apo-opa.co/4hYOsJl
TikTok – @kfcsa - https://apo-opa.co/4h83tHx
X – @KFCSA - https://apo-opa.co/4h9pMMX
YouTube – @KFCSouthAfrica - youtube.com/@KFCSouthAfrica
About KFC Africa:
KFC has been in South Africa for over 53 years and has more than 1,300 stores across the country. The first KFC restaurant in South Africa opened in 1971 in Orange Grove, Johannesburg. KFC is the leading quick-service restaurant brand in South Africa with just under a third of market share, according to Brand Image Tracker. KFC serves more than 20 million customers a month and we work hard to ensure that no matter which of our restaurants they walk into, they will get that distinctive KFC flavour and have a great experience. KFC's Original Recipe® Chicken was first made by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1940 when he perfected his secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices at his restaurant in Kentucky. Today, KFC is the world's most popular chicken restaurant, still preparing our chicken with the Colonel's secret recipe to his exact standards. Every KFC restaurant follows the same global processes and procedures to ensure that our customers get great-tasting food, every time.
Next generation of scholars gathering to shape Africa’s future
Next generation of scholars gathering to shape Africa’s future
Research-based insights and collaboration on finding solutions to Africa’s most urgent challenges will be at the heart of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)’s 19th Africa Young Graduates and Scholars (AYGS) Conference.
The conference which gets underway tomorrow, is being held in collaboration with the University of Mpumalanga (UMP).
Under the theme “Enabling Africa’s Inclusive and Sustainable Development: Challenges and Opportunities,” the conference will gather over 100 young and emerging scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from various regions of Africa to share research-based insights and collaborate on solutions to the continent’s most urgent challenges.
The gathering will take place at UMP’s Mbombela campus from 4 to 6 March 2025.
“We are excited to provide a platform for Africa’s next generation of leaders to engage, share knowledge, and shape the continent’s future,” said the Executive Head at the HSRC’s Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA), Dr Sabelo Gumedze.
He believes that the AYGS Conference has the potential to contribute significantly to Africa’s developmental trajectory, and said they were looking forward to fostering innovative solutions, enhancing capacity, and informing policy decisions with research-based insights.
Meanwhile, the UMP Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Professor Aldo Stroebel, said the university was privileged to partner with the HSRC and other prominent stakeholders to engage and strengthen an opportunity framework for emerging scholars through critical thinking and policy impact.
“UMP benefits from this convening to further advance our focus on sustainability and innovation, building a strong base of intellectual engagement, international networks, and learning,” Stroebel added.
The conference will feature sessions covering various topics such as advancing agricultural sustainability and food security.
The panellists will also zoom into governance, peace, and security in enabling Africa’s inclusive and sustainable development; climate change action and the Just Transition; and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to drive Africa’s development priorities.
Meanwhile, more than 30 papers will be presented by scholars from over 15 countries, including Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The annual AYGS conference is a research capacity-building project that was conceived in 2005 to build a body of knowledge and to project the African “voice” into various global discussions.
It is further intended to bridge the existing expertise gap in knowledge production on African affairs by developing a society of knowledge producers among the youth.
The conference, which features a comprehensive programme including a pre-conference training workshop on policy-engaged research and open science, is hosted by the HSRC’s Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) in collaboration with the UMP, the National Research Foundation’s (NRF) Future Earth Africa Hub Leadership Centre, the Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR), and other key partners. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 03/03/2025 - 08:50
134 views
Picket for Water Budget Increase During Joburg Council Meeting
Activists gather outside the City Council in Braamfontein to picket about water challenges affecting millions of residents
Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I Reaches Final Close at R1,4 Billion
Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I (“Kholo Capital” or “the Fund”) (www.KholoCapital.com/), has reached final close at R1,4 billion in commitments, in order to make long-term mezzanine debt investments in small and medium sized businesses in Southern Africa (i.e., South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland). The funding provided to these businesses will positively impact communities and support economic growth, job creation, alleviation of poverty and advancement of transformation in the Southern African region. The Fund provides growth capital, BEE Financing and acquisition funding into sectors of the Southern African economy with high social impact including social housing, healthcare, education, renewable energy, food and food security, ICT, financial technology and infrastructure. The Fund follows the United Nation's 17 Sustainable Development Goals as guiding principles with key focus on those linked to Job Creation (i.e., Decent work and Economic growth, Reduced Inequalities and Gender Equality) and those linked to Sustainable Growth (i.e.; Affordable and Green Energy, Sustainable Cities and Communities and Climate Action). The R1,4 billion in commitments was secured from leading South African institutional investors.
Kholo Capital believes that mezzanine debt funding, being a subordinated loan position that sits between senior debt and equity in the capital structure of a business, is attractive because it plugs any equity funding gaps and provides businesses with a tailored and flexible loan solutions in support of their growth requirements. Kholo Capital's investment criteria include investing in small and medium sized businesses generating minimum R25m EBITDA across various growth sectors of the Southern African economy, thereby providing much needed access to capital within a preferred range of R70m to 200m per investment. The benefit of mezzanine debt loan funding lies not only in the ability to tailor funding terms like debt servicing requirements (e.g., providing capital repayment moratoriums), and also because it is a loan funding instrument it avoids the significant equity dilution which is sometimes the sad reality when businesses try to fund their growth ambitions by raising pure equity funding.
Mokgome Mogoba, Founder and Managing Partner at Kholo Capital, said: “We are very bullish about South Africa, the South African economy and the future prospects of this beautiful country and the surrounding region. We are heartened and motivated by the optimism and the resilience of its people. We aim to create in excess of 500 new jobs at a rate of more than 40 nett jobs created per investment and we have committed to investing more than 50% of the Fund in black empowered companies. We are excited at the opportunity to bring creative funding solutions to the Southern African market and to form long term sustainable partnerships with businesses over a 4 to 7-year investment horizon, realising not only strong commercial returns for our investors, but also providing transformational funding that has a positive ESG impact on businesses and surrounding communities as we also look to boost our rural and township economies.”
Zaheer Cassim, Founder and Managing Partner at Kholo Capital, added: “Mezzanine debt funding is non-dilutive by nature and therefore is an attractive funding option for family-owned businesses, BEE companies or any business that needs to raise capital and hold onto the equity in the business. And with the banks becoming more risk averse due to regulatory requirements, lending to small and medium sized businesses has reduced, creating a great opportunity for flexible mezzanine debt structures. We are grateful that our investors recognise the opportunity and have shown us tremendous support.”
With a strong pipeline of opportunities, Kholo Mezzanine Debt Fund I is well positioned to advance its investment objectives, and make a sustainable impact in support of the real economy.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kholo Capital.
For more information contact:
Mokgome Mogoba
Managing Partner
Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I
mokgome@kholocapital.com
Tel: +27-79-631-5860
Zaheer Cassim
Managing Partner
Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I
zaheer@kholocapital.com
Tel: +27-83-786-0845
About Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I:
Kholo Capital is a specialist alternative investment fund management company with deep experience and track record in private markets. It was founded in 2020 by Mokgome Mogoba and Zaheer Cassim. The Kholo Capital investment team has more than 100 years of collective credit and investment experience and is highly skilled in senior debt, mezzanine debt and private equity. The investment team has a strong track record in the credit and investment space and has invested in excess of R50bn of mezzanine debt, private equity and senior debt investment transactions in over 90 transactions in more than 10 African countries. Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I is managed by a cohesive, dynamic and nimble team and the management team has worked together over the last 21 years.
Website: www.KholoCapital.com
High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pretoria Celebrates 77th Independence Day
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pretoria commemorated the 77th anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka on 08 February 2025. The event, held at the High Commission premises, was attended by approximately 150 Sri Lankans from South Africa and other accredited countries including Lesotho, along with South African friends of Sri Lanka and well-wishers.
The program commenced with the singing of the Sri Lankan National Anthem, followed by the National Anthem of the Republic of South Africa. A two-minute silence was observed in honor of those who sacrificed their lives for the motherland.
Religious observances representing Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, and Christian faiths were conducted to invoke blessings for peace and prosperity in Sri Lanka. These observances were led by Suratsawadi Mart, representing the Johannesburg Buddhist Temple; Guru Ratnasabapathy Vengatraman from the Adhi Lingeswarar Hindu Temple in Benoni; Moulana Obeidullah Bhoja from Jamiatul Ulama, South Africa and Pastor Keshia Van Rooyen from the Christian Revival Church in Johannesburg. Symbolizing the passing of Sri Lankan traditional values to the next generation, an open invitation was extended to children and young Sri Lankans present at the event to take part in lighting of the traditional oil lamp.
During the welcome remarks, the Independence Day theme for this year, “Towards a National Renaissance,” along with other key national policies such as “Thriving Nation – Beautiful Life”, “Clean Sri Lanka”, alleviation of rural poverty, and implementing a digital economy were explained to the gathering. In particular, the recently launched digital platforms and the benefits of the e-BMD system were introduced to the Sri Lankan community in South Africa.
Following the welcome remarks, the Independence Day messages of the President, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism of Sri Lanka were read out by the members of the staff of the High Commission. Promotional materials were also shared with the attendees.
All attendees were served with traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and Ceylon tea.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Sri Lanka.
Restoring Michael Mosoeu Moerane’s Place in History
The true depth of Michael Mosoeu Moerane’s work as a composer and educator is revealed in a stunning new biography called The Times Do Not Permit.
Polokwane to host Bafana Bafana match against Lesotho
Polokwane to host Bafana Bafana match against Lesotho
Bafana Bafana will host the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup qualifier against Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane next month.
“This match is not just another fixture on the football calendar, but it is a momentous occasion for our city, our province and of course for our country as we rally behind our boys in their quest to secure a spot in football’s grandest stage (the 2026 FIFA World Cup),” Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, said on Monday.
Coach Hugo Broos’ charges will face the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) neighbours in the Limpopo province on Friday, 21 March 2025.
The South African senior men’s national team will then fly to Benin by charter to face the West Africans in the second qualifier a few days later.
The Limpopo Provincial Government, led by the Premier, in collaboration with the South African Football Association (SAFA) held a media briefing to announce Polokwane as the venue of the match and also used the opportunity to allay fears about the readiness of the pitch to accommodate the crunch FIFA World Cup qualifier.
SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan, said the association was happy to continue taking the senior men’s national team to different parts of the country, with Polokwane the latest to assume the responsibility.
“Hosting this game in Polokwane, Limpopo, is a continuation of our commitment to taking the team to different parts of the country. We hope to see the passionate and packed stadiums we saw in Mangaung, Gqeberha and Cape Town during the team’s unbeaten run in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers last year. Now it is Polokwane’s turn to fill up the stadium,” Jordaan said.
The kick off time and ticketing information will be communicated by SAFA in the coming days. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 02/11/2025 - 09:01
153 views
1,500 Lesotho Health Workers Sent Home After US Aid Suspended
Trump blocking aid threatens vital health services
SONA in numbers – 2025
SONA in numbers - 2025
MOURNING
- 14 – South African soldiers who died as part of a mission to bring peace to the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
HISTORY
- 70 – years since the adoption of the Freedom Charter at the Congress of the People in Kliptown.
- 30 – years since the dawn of democracy.
ECONOMY AND INFRASTRUCTURE
- 5 – number of years for the implementation of the Medium-Term Development Plan.
- 3 – government’s strategic priorities to be advanced by the Medium-Term Development Plan.
- Over 3% – the level of economic growth that government aims to lift to create the virtuous cycle of investment, growth and jobs.
- R100 billion – value of infrastructure financing expected from local and international financial institutions and investors.
- More than R940 billion – money that government will spend on infrastructure over the next three years.
- 3 – number of years during which government will spend more than R940 billion on infrastructure.
- R375 billion – money to be spent by state-owned companies on infrastructure.
- 12 – blended finance projects worth nearly R38 billion that have been approved through the Infrastructure Fund last year.
- Nearly R38 billion – value of 12 blended finance projects that have been approved through the Infrastructure Fund last year.
WATER
- 490 million – cubic metres of water a year that the Polihlali Dam will feed from the Lesotho Highlands into the Vaal River System.
- R23 billion – money secured by the Infrastructure Fund for seven large water infrastructure projects.
- 7 – large water infrastructure projects for which the Infrastructure Fund has secured R23 billion.
ENERGY
- More than 300 – days without load-shedding since March 2024.
- Over 13 billion – United States dollars that have been pledged by the international community to the Just Energy Transition.
VISA
- Over 90% – the backlog of more than 300 000 visa applications that government has cleared.
- More than 300 000 – visa applications of over 90% of the backlog that government has cleared.
BUSINESS FUNDING AND JOB CREATION
- R20 billion – value of a transformation fund a year over the next five years that government will set up to fund black-owned and small business enterprises.
- Over 10 000 – persons with disabilities to be empowered by the National Skills Fund Disabilities Programme through tailored training programmes, stipends and specialised tools.
- Almost 2.2 million – work and livelihood opportunities created by the Presidential Employment Stimulus through innovative models that provide high-quality work to participants.
- Over 80 000 – jobs created by the Social Employment Fund in 2025.
- More than 12 000 – participants supported by the Social Employment Fund to enter entrepreneurial activities.
TOURISM
- Close to 9 million – tourists who visited South Africa last year.
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND EMPLOYMENT
- 235 000 – work opportunities secured by young people during the past year through the National Pathway Management Network, which is underpinned by the SAYouth.mobi platform.
- Some 4.5 million – young people registered on the SAYouth.mobi platform.
- Around 60% – value of the national budget that government spends on the social wage: on health, education, social protection, community development and public employment programmes.
SOCIAL ASSISTANCE AND EDUCATION
- More than 28 million – unemployed and vulnerable people who receive social grants.
- More than 10.5 million – learners who go to public schools where they do not have to pay fees.
- Over 900 000 – students from poor and working-class backgrounds who received funding to study at universities and colleges in 2024.
- 10 – key priorities of the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children.
- 87% – learners who passed their matric exams.
- Approximately 10 000 – students in the first year to be supported through Phase 1 of the Comprehensive Student Funding Model for Higher Education to address the needs of the “missing middle”.
HEALTH
- 3 – existing old central hospitals to be replaced.
- 3 – new central hospitals to be constructed.
- 5 – new district hospitals to be constructed.
- 5 – community health centres to be constructed.
- 1 – a new psychiatric hospital to be constructed.
- 96% – people living with HIV who knew their status, by the end of March 2024.
- 79% – people on antiretroviral treatment among the 96% of people living with HIV who knew their status, by the end of March 2024.
- 94% – people on antiretroviral treatment, among the 96% of people living with HIV who knew their status by the end of March 2024, who were virally suppressed.
- 1.1 million – additional HIV-positive people not on antiretroviral treatment that government will look for to ensure that South Africa reaches its target of 95-95-95.
- 90 – days during which the United States Government has decided to suspend some of its funding for HIV and TB programmes in African countries.
- About 17% – the value of funding from the United States Government to South Africa’s HIV spend.
HOUSING
- 300 000 – serviced stands to be provided to qualifying beneficiaries to enable housing development in well-planned, connected communities along key development corridors.
RAIL TRANSPORT
- More than 80% – passenger rail corridors that have been returned to service.
- Over 200 – locally-produced trains that the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa has introduced on its network to provide a low-cost option for public transport.
- Over the next five years – period during which government will restore the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s signalling system.
CRIME AND CORRUPTION
- 4 000 – personnel to expand the Detective Service through internal recruitment processes.
- Over R95 billion – value of leakage in impermissible refunds that the South African Revenue Service prevented by using artificial intelligence in its fraud risk detection and verification work.
- R20 billion – amount recovered by the South African Revenue Service.
- Over R10 billion – money recovered by the Special Investigating Unit and Asset Forfeiture Unit in state capture related cases.
- 16 out of 22 – action items that government has fully addressed in the law-enforcement system to secure the removal of South Africa from the international Financial Action Task Force grey list.
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
- 65 – Thuthuzela Care Centres across the country.
- 52 – districts in the country.
- 44 – districts, out of 55 districts in the country, which have gender-based violence shelters.
- 16 – additional sexual offences courts to be established in the next financial year.
VISION
- Next 30 years – period of a vision for the country to be defined by all South Africans coming together in the National Dialogue.
Janine
Sat, 02/08/2025 - 09:11
59 views
Government puts shoulder to the wheel to build a thriving economy
Government puts shoulder to the wheel to build a thriving economy
Growing the economy and job creation are at the top of the seventh administration’s agenda, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday.
“We want a nation with a thriving economy that benefits all. To create this virtuous cycle of investment, growth and jobs, we must lift economic growth to above three percent,” the President said, as he delivered the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Cape Town.
In the first SONA of the seventh administration, the President said government has adopted the Medium-Term Development Plan, which sets out a clear and ambitious programme for the next five years.
The actions contained in the plan advance three strategic priorities: driving inclusive growth and job creation; reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living as well as building a capable, ethical and developmental state.
“To achieve higher levels of economic growth, we are undertaking massive investment in new infrastructure while upgrading and maintaining the infrastructure we have.
“We are engaging local and international financial institutions and investors to unlock R 100 billion in infrastructure financing. A project preparation bid window has been launched to fast-track investment readiness.
“This includes revised regulations for public private partnerships, which will unlock private sector expertise and funds,” the President explained.
Focus on infrastructure
Over the next three years, government will spend more than R940 billion on infrastructure. This includes R375 billion in spending by state owned companies.
“This funding will revitalise our roads and bridges, build dams and waterways, modernise our ports and airports and power our economy. Through the Infrastructure Fund, 12 blended finance projects worth nearly R38 billion have been approved in the last year.
The aim of the Infrastructure Fund is to use committed government funding to leverage much higher levels of private sector investment in public infrastructure. Managed by Infrastructure South Africa, the fund is a portfolio of blended finance projects and programmes.
“These are projects in water and sanitation, student accommodation, transport, health and energy. Construction of the Mtentu Bridge continues. This bridge will rise above the river between Port Edward and Lusikisiki, and will become the tallest bridge in Africa,” the President said.
The Polihlali Dam will feed 490 million cubic metres of water a year from the Lesotho Highlands into the Vaal River System, securing water supply to several provinces for years to come.
In addition, government is working with international partners to revitalises small harbours and unlock economic opportunities for coastal communities.
“We are steadily removing the obstacles to meaningful and faster growth,” he said.
Operation Vulindlela
As government continues to implement economic reforms through Operation Vulindlela, the President said a new sense of optimism and confidence in the economy has been created.
“We have made progress in rebuilding and restructuring a number of our network industries. We are seeing positive results in the improvement of the functioning of our network industries as well as the investment opportunities that are opening up and are being taken by investors leading to job creation.
“Working together with business, labour and other social partners we must now finish this work. Over the coming year, we will initiate a second wave of reform to unleash more rapid and inclusive growth,” the President said.
Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms and support economic recovery.
The initiative aims to modernise and transform network industries, including electricity, water, transport and digital communications.
“Our immediate focus is to enable Eskom, Transnet and other state-owned enterprises that are vital to our economy to function optimally.
“We are repositioning these entities to provide world-class infrastructure while enabling competition in operations, whether in electricity generation, freight rail or port terminals.
“We continue with the fundamental reform of our state-owned enterprises to ensure that they can effectively fulfil their social and economic mandates."
READ | New wave of reforms to propel SA economy
This includes the work underway to put in place a new model to strengthen governance and oversight of public entities.
“We will ensure public ownership of strategic infrastructure for public benefit while finding innovative ways to attract private investment to improve services and ensure public revenue can be focused on the provision of public services,” the President said.
Meanwhile, government is in the process of establishing a dedicated State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) Reform Unit to coordinate this work.
Energy Action Plan
“The measures we have implemented through the Energy Action Plan have reduced the severity and frequency of load shedding, with more than 300 days without load shedding since March 2024.
“While the return of load shedding for two days last week was a reminder that our energy supply is still constrained, we remain on a positive trajectory.
“We now need to put the risk of load shedding behind us once and for all by completing the reform of our energy system to ensure long-term energy security.”
The President said the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, which came into effect on 1 January, marks the beginning of a new era.
READ | President Ramaphosa signs Electricity Regulation Amendment Act into law
The act sets out far-reaching reforms of the country’s electricity sector, including the establishment of a competitive electricity market.
“This year, we will put in place the building blocks of a competitive electricity market. Over time, this will allow multiple electricity generation entities to emerge and compete.
“We will mobilise private sector investment in our transmission network to connect more renewable energy to the grid,” Ramaphosa said.
Rail network
The President said Transnet’s performance has stabilised and is steadily improving.
“We released a Network Statement in December 2024 which, for the first time, will enable private rail operators to access the freight rail system
“Open access to the rail network will allow train operating companies to increase the volume of goods transported by rail, while our network infrastructure remains state owned,” the President said.
This will ensure that South African minerals, vehicles and agricultural produce reach international markets, securing jobs and earning much needed revenue for the fiscus.
New cranes and other port equipment are being commissioned to speed up the loading and unloading of cargo and reduce waiting times for ships at ports. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 02/06/2025 - 21:22
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Lesotho Highlands Water Project on track for completion
Lesotho Highlands Water Project on track for completion
The South African government says it is confident that the maintenance work at the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) tunnel in Clarens, in the Free State, will be completed within its scheduled six-month timeframe.
Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina, and Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, conducted an oversight visit to the Ash River Outfall in Clarens over the weekend to assess the progress of the maintenance of the LHWP tunnel.
The Minister and Deputy Minister were joined by Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation Deputy Minister, Seiso Mohai; Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha Mathae; Free State Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Saki Mokoena, and the Executive Mayor of Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality, Conny Msibi.
The maintenance and refurbishment of the 37-kilometre water tunnel has been ongoing since its closure on 31 October 2024. Repair work on the South African side is being carried out by the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), while the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency (LHDA) oversees the maintenance work on the Lesotho side, focusing on the transfer tunnels at the Muela Hydro power station.
The repair work included mechanical, electrical, civil, and general works, as well as the repair of waterway steel lining to protect tunnel corrosion. The primary construction work currently underway on the South African side is the painting of the tunnel’s inner side.
While progress has been steady on the South African side, Majodina noted a slight delay in the maintenance work undertaken by LHDA.
However, their work indicates that they are on track to complete the work by 28 March 2025.
Majodina expressed satisfaction with the progress on the South African side, acknowledging the challenges faced by their counterparts in Lesotho, but reaffirming their commitment to meet the 31 March deadline.
“I am satisfied that the maintenance work has advanced very well on the South African side, and I know that our counterparts in Lesotho are doing everything they can to ensure that we meet the deadline set for 31 March. We know that the contractors here appointed by TCTA to conduct the maintenance work are within the schedule.
“They have done an exceptional job even in difficult situations of rain and mist, which interfered with their work. However, they have pulled through and I would like to extent my gratitude to the work that they have done up to date,” Majodina said.
The Minister also visited the Clarens Water Treatment Works, which is undergoing an upgrade to increase its capacity from 1 to 4 megalitres of water per day. The upgrade will ensure a consistent water supply to Clarens and surrounding areas.
The supply of raw water from Townlands storage dam in Dihlabeng Municipality, which abstracts water from the Little Caledon River (a tributary to Caledon River) and is filled with water from the LHWP tunnel.
However, the dam levels have deteriorated due to the tunnel closure and exacerbated by a high-water demand over the festive season.
However, the Department of Water and Sanitation, through its Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG), has availed funds for the refurbishment of boreholes to the local municipalities of Dihlabeng and Mafube and Nketoana, to ensure consistent supply of water to the high lying areas of Kgubetswana (Clarens), Mamafubedu (Petrus Steyn), Petsana (Reitz), and Namahadi (Frankfort). The boreholes ensured that there is sustainable water supply to the communities. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 09:08
255 views
Fallen SANDF soldiers are South African and African heroes: President Ramaphosa
Fallen SANDF soldiers are South African and African heroes: President Ramaphosa
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers, who were killed in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), are African heroes who laid their lives in defence of those who are not able to defend themselves.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who addressed the nation through his weekly newsletter on Monday.
The SANDF lost 14 members in the DRC after coming under deadly attack allegedly from M23 fighters.
South African soldiers are in the DRC as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).
“They were killed in violation of a ceasefire agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, facilitated by President João Lourenço of Angola. As a nation, we pay tribute to our fallen soldiers. They are South African and African heroes.
“They lost their lives in defence of the defenceless: the men, women and children who are the victims of one of the world’s most protracted conflicts,” President Ramaphosa said.
The names of the soldiers – as released by the SANDF – are:
- Staff Sergeant William Eddie Cola.
- Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi.
- Staff Sergeant Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe.
- Corporal Matome Justice Malesa.
- Corporal Rinae Nemavhulani.
- Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo.
- Lance Corporal Tseke Moffat Molapo.
- Lance Corporal Metse Stansly Raswiswi.
- Rifleman Sebatane Richard Chokoe.
- Rifleman Derrick Maluleke.
- Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele.
- Rifleman Calvin Louis Moagi.
- Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe
- Private Peter Jacobus Strydom.
President Ramaphosa has assured that SANDF participation in the DRC is “subject to the SAMIDRC mission” and will wind down “in accordance with the implementation of various confidence-building measures and when the ceasefire we have called for takes root”.
“As this happens, securing the safety of our troops remains paramount. The situation in the areas where our troops are stationed remains highly volatile. We are making every effort to ensure that our soldiers are well-equipped and sufficiently supported during the mission,” he said.
SAnews on Friday, 31 January 2025, reported on the Extraordinary SADC Summit, which was held in Harare, Zimbabwe, on the situation in the DRC. President Ramaphosa and other leaders at the summit, strongly condemned the ongoing violence in the DRC, where clashes have displaced thousands of civilians.
READ | SADC Extraordinary Summit condemns escalating violence in DRC, calls for urgent action
Silencing the guns
President Ramaphosa explained that South Africa has been a “troop contributing country to MONUSCO since 1999 and we have lent our support to the SADC mission deployed to the region in 2023” – anchored in the commitment to “silencing the guns” on African soil.
“Supporting peacebuilding and the resolution of conflict in Africa has been a cornerstone of our country’s foreign policy since the advent of democracy, as we have sought to draw on our experience of political dialogue and national reconciliation.
“Since 1994, our country has contributed to UN peace operations in Burundi, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Liberia, Nepal and to the UN-AU Mission in Darfur. South Africa has been part of fostering peace in Lesotho, Burundi and South Sudan. In 2022, we hosted negotiations that brokered a ceasefire between the government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front.
“Last year marked the end of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), which SANDF troops formed part of. The mission was deployed for three years to combat extremist groups in the Cabo Delgado province. The government of Mozambique has praised SAMIM for its efforts to restore stability to the region and for contributing to a vastly improved security situation,” he said.
In our best interests
According to the President, since the attack on the SANDF soldiers, questions were raised on South Africa’s DRC presence, with some saying “we have no business being there.”.
“Violence and conflict in Africa is the business of all Africans. The humanitarian, economic and social effects of these conflicts are felt across borders and regions. Instability in any part of the continent affects the prospects for growth and development across the continent,” President Ramaphosa insisted.
He said for peace to be secured in the eastern DRC, “there must be an immediate end to hostilities and a ceasefire that must be respected by all”.
“A ceasefire is a necessary precondition for peace talks that must include all parties to the conflict, whether they are State or non-state actors, Congolese or non-Congolese.
"Diplomacy is the most sustainable pathway to achieving a lasting peace for the DRC and its people. We call on all parties to fully embrace the current diplomatic efforts that are aimed at finding a peaceful resolution, including honouring the Luanda Process.
“Strong political will and leadership will be required from all parties to the conflict, as well as respect for the territorial integrity of the DRC,” the President said.
Furthermore, for lasting peace and security to be achieved in the DRC, “the collective will of the community of nations” will be needed.
“As a country, we have a duty of support towards the nations of Africa, whose solidarity and material support helped secure our liberation.
“South Africa will not let up in its support to the people of the DRC, so that they may have the peace and security they rightfully deserve,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 02/03/2025 - 14:25
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SA hosts global circular economy workshop
SA hosts global circular economy workshop
Efforts to ensure that South Africa has a clean and healthy environment are under the spotlight at the 7th Global Forum of Cities for Circular Economy (GFCCE) workshop.
The two-day workshop, which is being hosted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in Johannesburg -- in collaboration with the Centre for Science and Environment -- is aimed at enhancing South-South cooperation for improving the solid waste management ecosystem in the Global South, and building the capacity of nominated officials from 18 African nations.
The workshop, which concludes on Wednesday, is being attended by delegates from Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Addressing the opening of the workshop, South Africa's Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, highlighted some of the measures government has adopted to bolster the circular economy, focusing on reusing and recycling materials to ensure a sustainable and secure supply of resources.
“South Africa has instituted various policy instruments and initiatives to advance sustainable development pathways, with circular economy principles firmly embedded in these strategies,” Swarts said on Tuesday.
These policy instruments include the National Waste Management Strategy, Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations (EPR) for priority waste streams and other economic instruments that include fees, levies and taxes to incentivise or disincentivise behaviour change.
“Extended Producer Responsibility became necessary to be included in South Africa’s policy mix, given the increased generation of waste. EPR shifts seek to shift the responsibility for products from municipalities and consumers, to producers.
“South Africa is under immense pressure and the host city [of the workshop] - the City of Joburg - together with others - does not have sufficient landfill airspace. It is, therefore, necessary to utilise a policy mix to address resource efficiency. It is also necessary that cities are enabled to monitor resource use,” Swarts said.
The Deputy Minister noted that for meaningful progress to be made across the board, strong partnerships are needed.
"Collaboration between government and the private sector is paramount in realising the goals of the waste management hierarchy and facilitating our transition to a circular economy.
“South Africa remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening these partnerships and advancing the shared objectives of the GFCCE. This collaboration benefits our governments through reduced spending and creates green opportunities,” she said.
Since its establishment in 2021, the GFCCE has expanded to a community of 22 Member States, with 18 countries from Africa. This platform is dedicated to advancing circular economy principles in alignment with national policies and priorities.
Cities account for 75% of natural resource consumption and 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Swarts said more people will continue to migrate to cities to seek better opportunities and it is necessary that cities become resilient in resource efficiency and reduce their environmental footprint. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 01/28/2025 - 13:05
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Informal Mining in South Africa Is Here to Stay. Police Brutality Won’t End It – Here’s What Will
South Africa’s police have resorted to medieval military tactics against illegal miners. But the solution lies elsewhere: massive regional economic repair.
Manhunt for Stilfontein underground ‘kingpin’ after escaping police custody
Manhunt for Stilfontein underground 'kingpin' after escaping police custody
North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, has ordered maximum resources to be mobilised in finding an alleged Stilfontein mining kingpin.
This comes after James Neo Tshoaeli, known as “Tiger”, allegedly escaped from the police custody, after resurfacing from the mine shaft 11 at Stilfontein, last week.
In a statement issued on Monday, Asaneng said extensive investigations and tracing operations were underway to find the officials who aided Tiger’s escape between shaft 11 and the Stilfontein police holding cells.
“According to records, Tiger was never booked into various other stations where some illegal miners are being kept. Tiger is also not admitted at a local hospital for further medical care,” Asaneng said.
The alleged kingpin and ringleader is a Lesotho national and according to records, his name is James Neo Tshoaeli but is commonly known as Tiger.
According to the Acting Commissioner, Tiger is being fingered in several statements as one of the ring leaders who controlled operations underground.
“He is also being accused by some illegal miners who resurfaced underground as being allegedly responsible for some deaths, assault, and torture that is alleged to have taken place according to videos in police possession. He is also alleged to have hoarded and kept food away from other illegal miners,” Asaneng said.
Asaneng has expressed disappointment in what he terms as an “embarrassment to the Vala Umgodi operation that has been running from December 2023”.
He warned that heads would roll once they find the officials that aided the kingpin to escape from police custody.
“Tiger is a fugitive of justice and is considered dangerous. Members of the public are advised to share any information pertaining to his whereabouts to the Stilfontein Police Station,” Asaneng said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 01/20/2025 - 13:45
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Suspect in Free State police officers murder arrested
Suspect in Free State police officers murder arrested
A Lesotho national has been arrested in connection with the alleged killing of two police officers in the Free State.
Constable Sipho Mohapi and Constable Gedione Motloung of Namahadi Visible Policing in Qwaqwa were shot and killed while responding to a house robbery in Phuthaditjhaba on 4 January 2024.
In a statement released by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) on Thursday, the male suspect, who is in South Africa illegally, was traced and arrested in Phuthaditjhaba by a team, including the Hawks, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Provincial Organised Crime, and Local Criminal Record Center (LCRC) on Wednesday.
“He was caught on horseback near Monontsha Port of Entry in an apparent attempt to escape into neighbouring Lesotho. The suspect was found in possession of a cellphone stolen during the robbery and a firearm suspected to have been used during the murders,” the statement reads.
The suspect will appear in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate's Court on Friday, facing charges of murder, attempted murder and robbery.
The National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Advocate/Dr Godfrey Lebeya, has commended the multi-disciplinary team, which has worked without ceasing for the breakthrough.
Advocate Lebeya said a search for two outstanding suspects continues. Anyone with information is urged to call detective Captain Michael Masekoa on 082 455 6063. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 01/16/2025 - 12:05
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