relationship

20 March 2025

President takes ‘dim view’ on US visit seeking Cape secession

Location: News

President takes 'dim view' on US visit seeking Cape secession

President Cyril Ramaphosa takes a “very strong dim view” of a proposed visit to the United States of America by the Cape Independence Advocacy Group to seek the Western Cape’s secession from South Africa.

This according to Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya who addressed the media on Thursday morning.

“Our constitutional democracy that we forged in 1994, created a singular, non-racial state that recognises and protects our unity in diversity. From Musina to Cape Town, we are one democratic society that should never be allowed to fall under the chasm of race divide.

“There is no part of our beautiful land that can be allowed to secede. The President cautions everyone to exercise his or her Constitutionally given right, but to do so in the manner that does not undermine and subvert Constitutional democracy in South Africa.

“We should all be actively engaged in building a better South Africa in the face of unpredictable geo-political dynamics,” Magwenya said.

Turbulent times

Of late, South Africa has grappled with tensions with the United States of America, following the promulgation of the Expropriation Act of 2025 and, more recently, the expulsion of South African Ambassador to the USA, Ebrahim Rasool.

Magwenya explained that the Expropriation Act of 2025 replaces the Apartheid government’s 1975 Expropriation Act to align it to the country’s “land reform policies in line with our democratic Constitutional order”.

“The new Act introduces a transparent expropriation basis that strikes a healthy balance on land reform with legal protections. The Expropriation Act followed all legal prescribed channels to be enacted into law.

“Therefore, it leaves one to wonder what wrong have we done as a country with respect to this particular Act. We remain a rule of law society, and we adhere unwaveringly to the principles of our Constitutional democracy.

“We strongly reject any insinuation or assertion that through the Expropriation Act, we are committing acts of human rights violations, we are arbitrarily expropriating land,” Magwenya said.

On the return of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, Magwenya said government urges all political formations planning homecoming rallies for the ambassador to “refrain from partaking or engaging in actions that may seem inflammatory” and that may “worsen the already volatile diplomatic relationship with the United States”. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 03/20/2025 - 12:54
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20 March 2025

President Ramaphosa to attend Namibia presidential inauguration

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to attend Namibia presidential inauguration

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to attend the inauguration of Namibia’s President-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

Nandi-Ndaitwah will make history when she is inaugurated as that Southern African country’s first female President on Friday.

“The inauguration, which coincides with Namibia’s 35^th Independence Day, will take place… at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek.

“The President’s attendance of the inauguration of the President-elect and the current Vice-President will provide an opportunity to reaffirm the strategic nature of the cordial bilateral relations between South Africa and Namibia, and further consolidate bilateral relations between the two countries," Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said on Thursday, at a briefing on the President's upcoming events.

The spokesperson explained that the two countries enjoy “excellent bilateral relations” because of the “deep fraternal and historic relationship cemented during the fight against colonialism and apartheid”.

“Namibia’s stability and interrelated ties with South Africa make the country a natural strategic partner, not only in the Southern African Development Community but also in the broader African Union context and globally.

“President Ramaphosa is looking forward to working closely with the new President of Namibia and government to advance mutual political economic interests and the integration of the African continent.

“Both countries pursue Africa’s renewal, South-South cooperation and the promotion of a rules based international system,” Magwenya said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 03/20/2025 - 13:12

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20 March 2025

Nelson Mandela Bay sails to cruise industry growth

Location: News

Nelson Mandela Bay sails to cruise industry growth

The strong working relationship between the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) and local tour guides and operators, has proven to be the key driving force for the booming cruise tourism industry within the city.

According to the Tourist Guide Association of Mandela Bay (TGAMB), which represents the tour guides and operators within Nelson Mandela Bay, the industry has seen drastic growth post-COVID-19, due to the ongoing good working relationship with the municipality.

Luxolo Kanti confirmed that huge strides have been made within the tourism industry, with the "cruise industry as the catalyst and gateway” to the region’s broader tourism growth.

Kanti noted that the association, working with the municipality to rebuild the cruise industry, has seen more diversity and inclusiveness.

“A lot of emerging tour guides and operators have managed to get into the industry and thrive. Through a number of training programmes and workshops we have received on areas like Digital Marketing, Tourism Best Practice and Packaging of Cruise Tourism in South Africa, we have managed to acquire skills to market both the city and our businesses to attract more people to venture into the cruise tourism experience across the world,” he said.

Kanti also commended the municipality’s openness to the industry’s advice and contributions in policy development.
"In as much as we have made strides, there are still areas we need to improve on, both as the industry and the municipality, so that we can be competitive against other major cities.”

Successes

Highlighting the success of the current cruise season, NMBM mayor, Babalwa Lobishe said Nelson Mandela Bay has already received 34 cruise vessels which docked at the city’s ports, from the 45 scheduled for the season which started in November last year.

“In March alone, there has been seven cruise vessel dock-ins and five overnight stays, with three vessels still expected for this month. During the current cruise season, there will be 15 cruise vessels that will stay for more than one day. The cruise vessels for this season are expected to spend a combined total of 61 days,” Lobishe said.

The mayor also announced that the current cruise season is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the region, with a forecasted R100 million in economic spin-offs, an increase from R85 million during the 2023/24 season.

“This forecast is based on the anticipated 50 000 passengers who will be spending on tours, dining, shopping, and other cultural and heritage experiences across Nelson Mandela Bay. This influx of visitors will not only boost our local economy but also showcase the rich diversity and vibrant culture of our city,” the mayor said.

Appeal

In line with the city’s Tourism Master Plan, several initiatives are being pursued to enhance the region’s tourism appeal. These include the development of new cultural and heritage routes, the promotion of township tourism through community forums, and the expansion of events strategies aimed at attracting international visitors.

Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture, Bassie Kamana, emphasised the municipality’s commitment to ensuring that the city remains a top destination for tourists and a thriving community for the residents.

According to Kamana, part of the work that the NMBM Tourism Sub-Directorate is doing is to create a conducive environment for the cruise industry to optimise on regional economic opportunities.

“Working with the vast tourism industry stakeholders, the metro encourages passengers to explore the full breadth of the region, including private game reserves, cultural and heritage sites, and local businesses.

“This is done to make sure that passengers do not just sleep over in the metro, but spend funds, explore and experience the region’s tourist attractions and create unforgettable memories,” Kamana said.

The MMC added that working with its development entity Mandela Bay Development Agency, Transnet, Eastern Cape Tourism, and other stakeholders, it has made strategic infrastructure investments to improve port facilities, tourism products and heritage sites. This is so as to ensure a seamless and welcoming experience for cruise tourists.

The NMBM has also paid special attention to tourist safety and hospitality by training and recruiting youth with a tourism background to work as tourism ambassadors. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 03/20/2025 - 12:53
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19 March 2025

Cooperation between SA and Japan to continue

Location: News

Cooperation between SA and Japan to continue

South Africa and Japan continue to enjoy well-established diplomatic relations, which are particularly strong in the fields of trade and investment, science and technology and education, skills transfer and capacity building through development assistance.

This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who was speaking during an interview with the Foreign Correspondence Club of Japan as part of a working visit to the East Asian nation.

Full diplomatic relations with Japan were established in 1992, while in 2010, relations between the two countries were upgraded to a Strategic Cooperation Partnership.

This year marks 115 years of relations between the two nations.

READ | South Africa strengthens ties with Japan

Mashatile told the attendees that South Africa and Japan cooperate within the framework of the Partnership Forum held at a ministerial level, which covers the entire spectrum of sectoral cooperation.

The 13th Partnership Forum was held in 2022 in Tokyo and South Africa is expected to host the next session.

“Over the years, we have witnessed enhanced cooperation to foster closer relations through high-level engagements between our two countries. Japan is one of South Africa’s major economic partners with a sizeable investment in the South African economy, and the potential for increased investment exists,“ Mashatile said.

He stated that Japan is the fourth largest economy in the world and total bilateral trade between the two countries in 2024 was at R132 billion, with South Africa recording a trade surplus of R52 billion.

Development cooperation between South Africa and Japan involves technical assistance, research partnerships, financial loans, supplementary budget support through international organisations, and grassroots projects in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

In terms of multilateral cooperation, the Deputy President said Japan cooperates with Africa on the promotion of Africa’s developmental agenda, in line with Agenda 2063, through the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) framework.

In addition, he said the two countries cooperate in the Group of 20 (G20) framework to strengthen efforts towards advancing international economic cooperation for the achievement of sustainable development.

The Deputy President reiterated the South African government’s key objectives, which include reducing poverty and the cost of living, driving economic growth and job creation, and building a capable and ethical State.

“We are committed to making sure that our country prospers, not only for us to attract investments, but also to ensure that South Africans, have an improved quality of life.”

Meanwhile, the Deputy President said South Africa continues to pursue strong bilateral relations with the United States, despite the recent withdrawal of South Africa’s ambassador to the United States of America (USA).

“Acknowledging the recent withdrawal of our Ambassador from the USA, as a country we maintain the position that South Africa should maintain strong bilateral relations with the USA. As a country, we are committed to improving mutually beneficial trade, political, and diplomatic relations with the USA,” the Deputy President said on Wednesday.

At the weekend, the Presidency stated that it remains committed to building a relationship with the USA, despite the “regrettable“ expulsion of the Ambassador.

Additionally, the Deputy President expressed gratitude to all Ministers, Deputy Ministers, senior government officials, the South African embassy, and all counterparts for contributing to the success of his brief visit.

In the past three days, the team has met with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Chief Cabinet Secretary, members of business, academia, research and numerous other stakeholders.

The Deputy President’s visit which began on Sunday, will conclude on Wednesday, 19 March. -SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 03/19/2025 - 12:35
249 views

18 March 2025

Kenya’s President Ruto Awards African Development Bank’s Adesina Highest National Honour

Location: News

“I am proud of the journey we started together ten years ago; I can see its fruits. Kenyans can feel its benefits,” President Ruto
“What a great honour! What a rare privilege! What a historic recognition!” Adesina

Kenya's President H.E. William Samoei Ruto has conferred the country's highest honour, Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart CGH, on the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr Akinwumi Adesina (www.AfDB.org).

Dr Adesina becomes the 20^th recipient of the honour that was established in 1967 and first awarded to Kenya's founding father and former President, H.E. Jomo Kenyatta. Others include globally renowned leaders such as former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, South Africa's Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Uganda's Yoweri Museveni and Kenya's subsequent Presidents Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta and Dr Ruto.

During a colourful investiture ceremony at Nairobi's State House, President Ruto praised Dr Adesina's distinguished service, commitment, and passion for the economic development of Kenya and Africa.

President Ruto congratulated Adesina and told him, “You are amazing. You are a great leader. You deserve this honour and investiture.”

The two leaders share a warm relationship that dates back 20 years when Adesina lived and worked in Kenya for the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa, AGRA. At that time Ruto was Kenya's Minister for Agriculture. Both recalled how they worked together to provide subsidies to farmers despite opposition at the time from some donors and global financial institutions.

President Ruto said under his presidency he has continued with the same policy of offering subsidies to farmers, leading to an increase in the country's food production.

“Our maize production increased from 40 million to 70 million bags last year. Our sales from tea, generated more than 220 billion shillings [approximately $1.7 billion], the highest ever earnings.”

“I am proud of the journey we started together ten years ago; I can see its fruits. Kenyans can feel its benefits,” President Ruto told Adesina who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Grace Yemisi Adesina.

In its citation, the Kenya government recognized Adesina as a distinguished economist and a global development leader.

“He transformed the African Development Bank into a globally recognized institution for financial innovation and development impact and grown the Bank's general capital from $93 billion to $318 billion,” the citation reads.

In his acceptance speech, Adesina said: “I am greatly humbled by your incredible kindness! What a great honour! What a rare privilege! What a historic recognition!”

Adesina spoke about Kenya's special place in the history of the Bank which was established in 1964. Since then, the Bank has financed a total of 167 projects, with financial commitment of $7.8 billion.

He said the Bank's current portfolio in Kenya consists of 45 projects worth $4.09 billion. They include, among others:

The Last-Mile Connectivity electricity project, which has helped to increase the number of Kenyans connected to the national electricity grid from 2.42 million households in 2014 to 9.7 million households in 2024.
The expansion of the Thika-Nairobi Highway, which has drastically reduced travel time from 2-3 hours to just 30-45 minutes between the two destinations.
The Bank is providing $634 million for the Kenya Town's Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation project. This includes 314.92 million Euros for the construction of the Thwake Multipurpose Water Dam, to be completed by July 2026. It will provide water to about 1.3 million people in Kitui and Makueni counties, as well as the Konza Techno-City in Machakos County.
The Bank's support for the private sector in Kenya includes over $700 million in lines of credit to more than eight commercial banks.

President Ruto said the Bank's support to the country's mortgage sector has boosted the government's national housing programme, with 150,000 houses under construction, generating jobs for 260, 000 youth.

Speaking about Kenya's high youth unemployment, Adesina pointed to several youth riots that shook the country last year.

In addition to providing $309 million for eight on-going projects targeting skills development, Adesina said the Bank is preparing for Board approval, financial support for the establishment of a Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank of Kenya.

“This will be a stand-alone financial institution, that will be 100 percent dedicated to providing technical assistance, debt and equity financing for youth businesses in Kenya.”

Adesina was accompanied by Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth Dr Kevin Kariuki, the Vice President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Nnenna Nwabufo; the Director General for East Africa, Kennedy Mbekeani; the Executive Director for Eastern Africa, Jonathan Nzayikorera; and his Senior Advisor to the President for Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Dr Victor Oladokun, who delivered the opening prayer for the ceremony.

“This is an honour that I will cherish for life,” Adesina said. “It will be a constant reminder that the country I love so much, Kenya, loves me back, appreciates and celebrates my leadership at the African Development Bank, and values and honours the incredible contributions of the Bank to its development. I accept this honour with great humility.”

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

To look at the album click here (apo-opa.co/3FzwNt7).

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

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African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

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18 March 2025

Opportunities presented by green economy must be a shared prosperity

Location: News

Opportunities presented by green economy must be a shared prosperity

Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield says there is a need for global consensus to ensure that the new opportunities presented by the green economy result in shared prosperity.

He was leading a delegation of officials from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), in briefing a joint session of the Portfolio and Select Committees on the policy priorities of South Africa’s G20 Presidency and the dtic’s role in this regard.

Tuesday's session was held ahead of the first Trade and Working Group meeting which will be held virtually later in the day.

The working group is expected to hold further meetings later in the year before the main ministerial meeting in October.

Its primary focus will be on four priority areas, namely, trade and inclusive growth, a responsive trade agenda to address global commons, green industrialisation and the reform of the World Trade Organization.

The Deputy Minister told the Parliamentarians that the G20, as a forum of the largest economies in the world, bears a unique responsibility in ensuring a response to the environmental, social and economic challenges that continue to affect stability and hamper the pursuit of sustainable development.

“A particularly worrisome prospect is the lack of multilateral solutions and cooperative approaches and widening punitive approaches to addressing the issues of global commons and the rise in risks of fragmentation of international trade in the context of the transition to cleaner energy sources.

“We need to ensure that trade and climate/environmental policies should be mutually supportive and are consistent with World Trade Organisation principles contribute to the objectives of sustainable development.

“Mobilising support and resources to tackle the internal disparities driven by the uneven distributional effects of trade and globalisation is critical,” he said.

He said investments into developing countries must move away from “pit to port” activities that promote resource extraction.

“There is a need to promote beneficiation and local value addition of resources at source resulting in an additive rather than an extractive relationship.

“This necessitates finding a requisite balance that ensures that resource-rich countries benefit greatly from their endowments and that investments that contribute to structural transformation and industrial development while there is also a flow of resources to ensure the integrity of global and regional value chains.

“By strengthening and reforming multilateral mechanisms and institutions; by deepening International economic cooperation, we can indeed realise a better world free from the twin scourges of inequality and underdevelopment,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 03/18/2025 - 14:15
152 views

18 March 2025

Zero-tolerance for misconduct on SA Antarctica base

Location: News

Zero-tolerance for misconduct on SA Antarctica base

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has reiterated that it maintains a zero-tolerance approach to any misconduct that would “affect the working and relationship conditions” at South Africa’s current research base at Antarctica, the SANAE IV.

This after allegations of assault and threats at the base emerged in the media over the weekend.

The reports alleged that one of the nine team members assaulted another and threatened to kill them.

The department, in a statement on Monday, said there were no incidents that required the team’s return from the base.

“The department confirms that there were no incidents that required any of the nine overwintering team members to be brought back to Cape Town.

“If such incidents occurred, the management team of the department would have replaced such an overwintering team member with immediate effect, as the DFFE’s position on the matter is clear: zero tolerance for any misconduct that would affect the working and relationship conditions at the SANAE IV. At the time the vessel departed for Antarctica on 1 February 2025, all was in order,” the DFFE said in a statement.

The alleged assault was reported to the department last month and a response plan to deal with the matter was activated to “engage the individuals involved through trained professionals in order to mediate and restore relationships at the base”.

“This process has been ongoing on an almost daily basis in order to ensure that those on the base know that the department is supportive and willing to do whatever is needed to restore the interpersonal relationships, but also firm in dealing with issues of discipline.

“The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, together with the Director-General of the Department, Nomfundo Tshabalala, have personally taken charge of the management processes.

“This is particularly important given the fact that a majority of usual operations at all other scientific bases in Antarctica have stopped due to the onset of winter and unpredictable weather conditions,” the statement read.

The alleged perpetrator has “willingly participated in further psychological evaluation”.

“[He] shown remorse and is willingly cooperative to follow any interventions that are recommended. He has written a formal apology to the victim and is willing to verbally apologise to all members at the base.

“The department has also implemented a longer term sustained intervention process through trained professional counselling services in order to restore the relationships and build a healthy working environment.

“The DFFE have also, in parallel, activated a Labour Relations process to deal with the matter as it relates to the alleged physical assault. An alleged sexual harassment is also being investigated. Reports of sexual assault are not correct,” the statement said.

Furthermore, Minister George will be “engaging the team to reassure them of his support and commitment to their wellbeing”.

“He emphasises that careful management is required to give comfort to those at the base, and also to their families. The willingness of the team to engage in Wellness Programme interventions, as well as the professional and independent counselling will assist in crafting a solution.

“The ultimate goal would be that all at the SANAE IV are safe and healthy, working together as a team to advance the very important work they are performing in Antarctica,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 03/18/2025 - 10:01
133 views

16 March 2025

South Africa, Dutch collaborates to improve water management

Location: News

South Africa, Dutch collaborates to improve water management

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), together with the Dutch Water Authorities, have held a Blue Deal Steering Committee meeting, focusing on the Blue Deal South Africa Programme, which aims to improve water management and access to clean water in South Africa.

According to the department, the meeting, held in Pretoria, on Friday, aimed at enabling environment for future Blue Deal partnerships, discuss lessons learned from the various projects, and provide strategic direction to address key bottlenecks.

“This Blue Deal Programme is a collaboration between the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Netherlands to support water management by exchanging knowledge and experiences, assisting national, regional, and local organisations, and cooperating with key stakeholders. The Blue Deal South Africa Programme will specifically contribute to clean and sufficient water,” the department said in a statement.

During the meeting, the two parties discussed the Crocodile River Revitalisation Action Plan and its adoption and the Theewaterskloof Project Non-Sewer Sanitation pilot project.

“The Crocodile River faces threats of pollution from agriculture, industry, and municipalities. The performance of the wastewater treatment plants in the area is inadequate. The challenge is to improve the operation of the municipal wastewater management systems to ensure better water quality in the river.

“The objective of the Theewaterskloof project is to reduce pollution by improving sanitation and solid waste management through innovative solutions, such as non-sewered sanitation and harnessing the circular economy.

“General discussions covered the status of ongoing projects, a recap of 2024 Blue Deal activities, the outlook for the 2025 projects, and developments regarding international collaborations,” the department said.

DWS Director of International Relations, Albert Mmbidi said: “Today was an important day in the history of the Blue Deal programme. As a team, we managed to review the progress that the project has already made, the challenges, and we proposed solutions to the issues raised.

“We are confident that out of the solutions we have proposed, the programme will be able to run efficiently and strengthen the relationship between the two countries,” Mmbidi said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 03/16/2025 - 12:23
543 views

16 March 2025

Expulsion of SA ambassador to US ‘regrettable’ – Presidency

Location: News

Expulsion of SA ambassador to US 'regrettable' - Presidency

The Presidency says it remains committed to building a relationship with the United States of America (USA), despite the "regrettable" recent expulsion of SA Ambassador to the US, Embrahim Rasool.

Rasool was expelled after US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, took to social media, X, to declare that Rasool was not welcome in the US.

“South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country. We have nothing to discuss with him and so he is considered persona non grata” [person not welcome] (sic),” Rubio post reads on social media.

In a statement on Saturday, The Presidency noted the regrettable expulsion of Rasool and urged all relevant and impacted stakeholders to maintain the established diplomatic decorum in their engagement with the matter.

“South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 03/16/2025 - 12:42

561 views

16 March 2025

Deputy President leads working visit to Japan

Location: News

Deputy President leads working visit to Japan

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Sunday undertake a working visit to Tokyo, in Japan.

The Presidency said the visit, from 16 – 19 March 2025, is aimed at “reaffirming the strong cooperation between” the countries in areas of mutual interest.

“The two countries enjoy well established diplomatic relations, and the year 2025 marks 115 years of such relations. The working visit by the Deputy President underscores South Africa’s strong commitment and the importance that South Africa attaches to the relationship with Japan.

“During the working visit, the Deputy President and his delegation will meet with the Japanese Government and private sector stakeholders to advance South Africa’s key economic growth drivers, such as manufactured-led growth and increasing South Africa’s exports,” the Presidency said in a statement on Saturday.

The Deputy President will be accompanied by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Tandi Moraka; Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane; Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, Trade Industry and Competition Minister, Parks Tau; and Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister, Nomalungelo Gina. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 03/16/2025 - 13:13
275 views

15 March 2025

Deputy President Mashatile to Undertake a Working Visit to Japan

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
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Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on 16 - 19 March 2025, undertake a working visit to Tokyo in Japan, aimed at reaffirming the strong cooperation between South Africa and Japan in areas of mutual interest.

The two countries enjoy well established diplomatic relations, and the year 2025 marks 115 years of such relations.

The working visit by the Deputy President underscores South Africa's strong commitment and the importance that South Africa attaches to the relationship with Japan.

During the working visit, the Deputy President and his delegation will meet with the Japanese Government and private sector stakeholders to advance South Africa's key economic growth drivers such as manufactured-led growth and increasing South Africa's exports.

The Deputy President will be supported by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Tandi Moraka; the Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie; the Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane; the Minister of Agriculture, Mr John Steenhuisen; the Minister of Trade Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau; the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms Nomalungelo Gina.

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

15 March 2025

Presidency Notes Rasool Expulsion

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
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The Presidency has noted the regrettable expulsion of South Africa's Ambassador to the United States of America, Mr. Ebrahim Rasool.

The Presidency urges all relevant and impacted stakeholders to maintain the established diplomatic decorum in their engagement with the matter.

South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America.

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

15 March 2025

Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool’s Speech That Made Him ‘No Longer Welcome’ in the US

Location: News

The South African ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, is no longer welcome in the US, several news publications reported on Saturday. The Guardian states: “South Africa’s ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country,” [US Secretary of State Marco] Rubio posted on X on Friday. Rubio accused ambassador …

13 March 2025

President Ramaphosa engages EU on new investment package

Location: News

President Ramaphosa engages EU on new investment package

With the 8th South Africa-European Union (SA-EU) Summit underway, President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa intends to hold further constructive discussions on a new investment package by the EU, to South Africa.

“Through this we aim to consolidate cooperation in areas such as science and technology, education and skills development, climate action, peace and security, health and critical minerals,” the President said on Thursday.

This as he is co-chairing the summit with the President of the European Council, António Luís Santos da Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Dr. Ursula von der Leyen, at Tuynhuys, in Cape Town.

READ | Summit to strengthen SA-EU relations

Held in the Western Cape, the 8th Summit takes place within the framework of the Strategic Partnership between South Africa and the European Union.

“As one of South Africa’s most important trade and investment partners, the European Union can play a catalytic role in unleashing the productive capacity of our economy and equip our people, especially the youth, to participate in the economy of the future.

“We hope we can continue to rely on the support of the European Union and its member states in our efforts to alleviate poverty, transition to a low-carbon economy, invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and grow our industrial capacity,” the President explained.

In addition, the President welcomed the EU’s support for multilateral institutions and the fundamental principles of the United Nations.

“This Summit is taking place at a time of global uncertainty characterised by rising unilateralism, economic nationalism and a retreat from international law and human rights.

“We hope to work closely with the European Union and other partners to strengthen and reform institutions of global governance to make them more inclusive and capable of meeting the challenges of the present and the future.

We should collectively strengthen our voice in defence of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, including respect for international law and international humanitarian law. We welcome the support of the European Union for Africa’s developmental needs.”

Partnership

He emphasised that African relations with the European Union should be built on a mutually beneficial partnership in the spirit of shared ownership, responsibility, respect and mutual accountability.

“Today we will discuss our shared interest to advance peace, security, stability and sustainable development on the continent and across the world. This Summit affirms our long-standing and close relationship, which is underpinned by the South Africa-European Union Strategic Partnership.

“This is a partnership based on shared values and common interests. A partnership that seeks to create prosperity for our citizens and promote peace, safety and stability.

“We share a commitment to inclusive multilateralism as the most effective means to address the most pressing challenges facing the world. We agree on the need to strengthen economic cooperation and resolve challenges in our trade relations,” the President said.

Reforms

He mentioned that South Africa is forging ahead with far-reaching structural reforms to support economic recovery.

“We are modernising and transforming key industries such as energy, water, transport and digital communications. We have already made considerable progress, supported by institutions such as the European Investment Bank.

“These reforms are contributing to the improvement of the country’s competitiveness and investment environment,” the President said.

According to the Presidency, the Summit follows a series of preparatory engagements that included the Joint Cooperation Council (JCC) held in January in Brussels. -SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 03/13/2025 - 16:00
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6 March 2025

G20 Leaders’ Summit at the end of the year to enhance tourism and economic growth

Location: News

G20 Leaders’ Summit at the end of the year to enhance tourism and economic growth

The upcoming Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit at the end of the year is anticipated to significantly enhance the tourism sector’s contribution to economic growth and job creation.

This is according to the International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, who shared this perspective while responding to a parliamentary question about his department’s strategy to leverage South Africa’s G20 Presidency to create sustainable benefits for the economy, particularly for small businesses in townships and rural areas.

“By hosting G20 meetings across all provinces, South Africa aims to achieve a considerable economic boost, attracting tens of thousands of delegates and support staff from major global economies to provinces throughout its year-long Presidency,” he told Members of Parliament (MPs).

South Africa assumed the Chair of the G20 on 1 December 2023, taking over from Brazil.

The G20 consists of 19 countries, along with the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU), which joined last year.

This group brings together the world’s major and systemically important economies.

The Minister believes that this surge in tourism presents significant opportunities for South African provinces and cities to showcase their cultural heritage and tourism potential.

According to Lamola, South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 is anticipated to be one of the largest national projects, requiring whole-of-government and society participation.

From 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025, South Africa will host well over 100 in-person meetings across the country.

“Firstly, the G20 will boost South Africa’s tourism sector, increasing employment and allowing provinces to showcase their cultural treasures.”

The Minister highlighted that the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) reported that South Africa’s tourism sector employed 1.46 million people in 2023.

This number is expected to increase to 1.7 million jobs soon, driven by a targeted initiative aimed at significantly boosting employment over the next five years.

He also mentioned that WTTC statistics showed that tourism’s direct and indirect contribution to South Africa’s GDP was 8.2% in 2023, with expectations to rise to 8.8% in 2024.

In addition, it also allows for a demonstration of the nation’s advancements across multiple sectors.

According to Lamola, the G20 meetings are anticipated to generate considerable economic benefits, creating many direct and indirect jobs during and beyond this period.

The Minister believes that Africa’s G20 Presidency offers an opportunity to promote inclusive growth, combat poverty, and ensure sustainable development.

“Ultimately, the high-level deliverables and priorities identified for South Africa’s G20 Presidency will benefit South Africa at the national, continental, and global levels.

“The G20 serves as a strategic platform for South Africa to lobby for policies aimed at advancing the three strategic priorities of the seventh administration.”

These include driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental State.

In addition, South Africa’s second priority under its G20 Presidency is ensuring debt sustainability for developing economies.

“In pursuing this, South Africa aims to see greater urgency in addressing the debt and solvency challenges many countries face, determining clear solutions to mobilise low-cost financing for development.

This approach will help reduce debt service costs for developing countries, including South Africa, thereby freeing up spending on essential services such as education, healthcare, and the infrastructure needed for economic development,” he told MPs.

Meanwhile, he said the nation seeks to leverage its G20 Presidency by promoting “harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and development.”

“South Africa calls for a G20 framework on green industrialisation and investments to ensure progress towards a grand bargain that adds value to critical minerals, particularly near the source of extraction.”

He believes that promoting the beneficiation and local value addition of resources at the source will result in a more additive rather than extractive relationship.

“As mineral extraction accelerates to meet the energy transition needs, the countries and local communities endowed with these rich resources must be the primary beneficiaries,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 03/06/2025 - 10:42
499 views

5 March 2025

UK Looks to Deepen Energy Trade, Investment Ties with Africa

Location: News

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.

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5 March 2025

President Ramaphosa and Mozambican counterpart solidify bilateral ties

Location: News

President Ramaphosa and Mozambican counterpart solidify bilateral ties

President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Mozambican counterpart, President Daniel Chapo, have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the diplomatic, political and economic relations between South Africa and Mozambique.

President Ramaphosa received President Chapo for a meeting at his official residence, Genadendal, in Cape Town on Tuesday.

The two leaders held discussions aimed at deepening cooperation and strengthening state institutions. President Chapo was recently inaugurated President of the Republic of Mozambique, which is a close partner and immediate neighbour of South Africa.

Speaking about the significance of the engagement, President Ramaphosa said he came together with his counterpart to continue strengthening the bonds that already exist between the two countries.

“We came together to continue strengthening the bonds between our two countries and in many ways how we can turn a new page of cooperation at a political, diplomatic and economic level and how we can entrench political stability in Mozambique following the elections. And also, how we can create a conducive environment for businesses to operate in both countries,” President Ramaphosa said.

The discussions also focused on Mozambique’s internal political stability, with President Chapo expressing optimism about the ongoing efforts to engage with opposition parties.

“We are here to explain that our situation in Mozambique is good and now we are working. Tomorrow, we will meet with the opposition to sign an agreement on talks we are going to have about the many issues impacting our country including discussions on our electoral laws. We are also here to talk about how we can grow our economy,” President Chapo said.

The relationship between South Africa and Mozambique is rooted in a shared historical struggle against apartheid and colonialism. This bond is further enriched by familial connections and cultural similarities that unite the two nations.

Currently, it is estimated that South African companies have invested between R155 billion and R175 billion, creating more than 42 000 job opportunities.

Several key South African companies recently established the South African Chamber of Commerce, promoting trade and investment between the two nations. Mozambique is also a vital energy security partner for South Africa.

The bilateral meeting gave effect to President Ramaphosa’s commitment in the 2025 State of the Nation Address that South Africa will leverage its international relations to advance the well-being of humanity; strengthen trade relations around the world and leverage strong and diverse global alliances to make South Africa’s economy more resilient. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 03/04/2025 - 16:09
64 views

4 March 2025

Lottery Secretary Resigns After Pocketing About R6-Million While on Suspension

Location: News

Nompumelelo Nene, suspended two years ago, faced 145 disciplinary charges