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Cabinet welcomes 2025 National Budget 

Location: News

Cabinet welcomes 2025 National Budget 

Cabinet has welcomed the 2025 National Budget as it seeks to maintain a balance between South Africa’s fiscal framework, fund the priorities of the seventh administration while mitigating negative impact on poor and middle-income households.

The budget was tabled by the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, in the National Assembly, on Wednesday. 

He outlined all the financial, economic and social commitments the government will prioritise in its planned expenditure and provided a detailed plan for 2025 spending. This includes proposals for revenue collection to help fund the government’s planned interventions and commitments.

“The allocation of over R1 trillion to infrastructure development over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), the establishment of alternative infrastructure financing through a credit guarantee vehicle and the introduction of multiple bid windows on the Budget Facility for infrastructure is a demonstration of commitment to grow the economy through a strong infrastructure-build programme, whilst simultaneously improving service delivery. 

“Mechanisms for private sector participation as announced with the Budget, which are part of Operation Vulindlela driven reforms, in the energy, transport and freight logistics sectors indicate government’s commitment to fast-tracking private sector investment and inclusive economic growth,” Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said on Thursday.

Minister Ntshavheni was briefing the media in Cape Town, following Cabinet’s meeting on Wednesday.

Operation Vulindlela is aimed at stabilising the supply of electricity; creating a competitive and efficient freight logistics system; reducing the cost and improving the quality of digital communication; ensuring a stable, quality supply of water; and reforming the visa regime to facilitate skilled immigration and support tourism.

READ | Operation Vulindlela records notable progress

Since its establishment in 2020, Operation Vulindlela has made real progress in achieving these objectives.

In light of new and persistent spending pressures in health, education, transport and security, government decided to raise value-added tax (VAT) by 0.5 percentage points in each of the next two years, which will bring VAT to 16% in the 2026/27 financial year.

READ | Government proposes VAT increase over two years

The first 0.5 percentage point increase in the VAT rate will take effect on 1 May 2025 and the second 0.5 percentage point increase will take effect on 1 April 2026.

“Acknowledging the impact of the tax increases, the Budget provides for mitigation measures against the increases such as no increase in the fuel levy, above inflation increases to social grants, with old age and disability grants increasing by R130 to R2315 in 2025 and significant funding allocation to PRASA [ Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa] to improve passenger rail transport which will reduce household income spend on transport costs.

“Most significantly, the tax increases are going to finance sustainability of this country, by maintaining 11,000 teachers in the classrooms, 9300 health-workers in their jobs, the employment of 800 post-community service doctors and allow an additional 700, 000 children (4-years of age) access to early childhood development which is the necessary foundation education they need for a successful education journey,” Ntshavheni explained. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

nosihle
Thu, 03/13/2025 - 11:49
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Operation Vulindlela records notable progress

Location: News

Operation Vulindlela records notable progress

Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana has highlighted the real progress achieved by implementing structural reforms through Operation Vulindlela, which is a joint initiative between the Treasury and the Presidency.

Operation Vulindlela is aimed at stabilising the supply of electricity; creating a competitive and efficient freight logistics system; reducing the cost and improving the quality of digital communication; ensuring a stable, quality supply of water; and reforming the visa regime to facilitate skilled immigration and support tourism.

Since its establishment in 2020, Operation Vulindlela has made real progress in achieving these objectives.

“The energy reforms have created a 22 500 mega-watt pipeline of projects. More than 10 000 mega-watts are formally registered with NERSA [National Energy Regulator of South Africa], which is one of the last steps in the regulatory process. These projects will contribute to reducing power cuts.

“The Freight Logistics Roadmap was approved. The roadmap allows private sector participation and gives third-party access to any operator without discrimination in accordance with the network statement.

“The cost of a 1.5GB data bundle has declined by 51%, allowing individuals and small businesses to access more affordable data,” Godongwana said on Wednesday during his Budget Speech.

He noted that the water-use licenses backlog has been cleared, unlocking billions in investment and freeing projects that had stalled because of the backlog.

The water quality regulatory system was reinstated for the first time since 2014.

“This is the Green Drop, Blue Drop and No Drop certification that enables effective intervention in supporting failing municipalities to provide clean water to citizens. e-Visas for travellers from 34 countries have been introduced to significantly boost tourism. The trusted employer scheme has been established to fast-track visa process for major investors,” the Minister said.

These achievements have eased economic bottlenecks. 

Building on the successes of the initiative, Phase 2 of Operation Vulindlela will focus on:

  • Following through on existing reforms in energy, water, logistics and visa systems;
  • Strengthening local government and improving the delivery of basic services;
  • Harnessing digital public infrastructure as a driver of growth and inclusion; and
  • Creating efficient, productive and inclusive cities. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 03/12/2025 - 14:43
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Summit to boost small enterprise development in KZN

Location: News

Summit to boost small enterprise development in KZN

Business leaders, entrepreneurs and government officials in KwaZulu-Natal are currently engaging on critical issues impacting small enterprises across the province.

These role players are gathered at the 2025 Umyezane Summit, Conference and Awards, which is taking place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and hosted by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA).

Addressing the opening of the summit on Monday, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli emphasised the pivotal role played by small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in driving economic transformation and creating jobs within the province.

“The growth of SMMEs is central to building a resilient and inclusive economy. Through initiatives like the Umyezane Summit, we aim to empower small businesses, strengthen township and rural economies, and ensure that historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs are given meaningful opportunities to thrive,” Ntuli said.

He highlighted the provincial government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for entrepreneurs by addressing barriers including crime, access to funding, and market opportunities.

The summit and accompanying awards reflect the provincial government’s vision of fostering a thriving, inclusive economy driven by small enterprises.

Ntuli assured entrepreneurs that KwaZulu-Natal remains committed to policy reforms, financial support, and capacity-building programmes that will position SMMEs as key drivers of economic growth.

EDTEA MEC Musa Zondi noted the importance of public-private partnerships in unlocking economic opportunities for SMMEs.

“We must remove red tape, foster innovation and create sustainable pathways for small businesses to succeed in both local and global markets,” Zondi said.

The summit features panel discussions, policy dialogues, and networking sessions, where stakeholders engaged on topics including:

•    Crime and business security – Addressing the impact of crime on small businesses and strategies to enhance security.
•    Regulatory and policy compliance – Simplifying business registration and licensing processes.
•    Revitalising township and rural economies – Exploring innovative approaches to support businesses in historically underserved areas.
•    Access to funding and market opportunities – Strengthening financial support mechanisms for SMMEs.
•    The Black Industrialists Programme – Accelerating transformation by expanding support for Black-owned enterprises in key sectors.

Recognising excellence in entrepreneurship

During the award ceremony on Monday, Ntuli commended the recipients for their dedication and contribution to economic development, reaffirming government’s ongoing support for the province’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The awards celebrated outstanding entrepreneurs, who have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and business excellence in KwaZulu-Natal, including youth and women-owned businesses, rural enterprises, and emerging industrialists.

The summit ends today. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 03/11/2025 - 12:30
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Nelson Mandela Bay shines in global business services sector

Location: News

Nelson Mandela Bay shines in global business services sector

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) has emerged as the fastest growing region in South Africa for the global business services sector, following Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

This is according to data from the municipality's Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture (EDTA) Directorate. 

NMBM Member of the Mayoral Committee for the EDTA, Bassie Kamana, on Monday said she was encouraged by the rapid growth of the global business services sector (call centre services) within the city. 

In collaboration with Business Process Enabling South Africa (BPESA), NMBM recently hosted a stakeholder engagement session in Newton Park, Gqeberha.

BPESA is a leading association that represents global business services and business process outsourcing companies in South Africa. The association’s key objectives include positioning South Africa as a prime destination for offshoring, driving local job creation, and promoting excellence in service delivery within the global business services sector.

BPESA partners with the private sector, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), and municipalities to promote South Africa's capabilities, empower youth through training and job creation, and strengthen the industry’s ability to deliver high quality services.

The purpose of the engagement session was to create a collaborative platform for sector stakeholders to share experiences, review their growth since establishing operations in Nelson Mandela Bay, and explore future opportunities for expanding the industry within the region.

The session also highlighted the support available from government and its entities to further develop the sector.

Participants included representatives from the Coega Special Economic Zone, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, the dtic, Harambe Youth Accelerator, and various global business services companies.

Prominent players in the industry that have already established operations in Nelson Mandela Bay include Discovery Health, ISON, Startek, Dastile Wealth Insure, Outworks and Teleperformance. Teleperformance, which opened its office in late 2024, has already created over 500 jobs for young people in the city.

Addressing the session, Kamana highlighted the growing investments in the sector, noting that over 3 000 jobs have been created for youth with secondary and tertiary education.

"Working with our partners to mobilise resources and create a conducive environment for Nelson Mandela Bay to be a destination of choice is starting to pay off. We can already see ourselves being a major player among the major three cities that are leading in this sector, [and] that alone is encouraging news.

“What encourages [me the] most is the fact that this sector is able to offer jobs to youth, an area that we as the metro we are working around the clock to come up with solutions to,” Kamana said.

Teleperformance Vice President, Leanne Felix, expressed optimism about the future growth of the industry in Nelson Mandela Bay, and even greater expansion in the next five years.

Felix acknowledged the partnership the company has with NMBM.

“This partnership makes it easier for us to mobilise resources and market the city and its talent. The international industry is beginning to show interest in the talent, commitment and skills base we have here in Nelson Mandela Bay.

“We just need to do more in to showcase our capabilities as the Eastern Cape and open up about the support and incentives that are available to support the industry. When the demand came last year for the company to expand our operations from Cape Town, Nelson Mandela Bay became an obvious choice. The support we have received from the metro has been amazing,” Felix said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 03/11/2025 - 09:44
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Consumer rights to come under the spotlight

Location: News

Consumer rights to come under the spotlight

With World Consumer Rights Day to be commemorated this week, the need for educating consumers about their rights has come to the fore.

“The promotion of corporate responsibility and fair-trade principles will also take place. The outcomes of these discussions will help regulators to remain agile to protect consumers in this changing landscape,” said Deputy Commissioner at the National Consumer Commission (NCC), Thezi Mabuza.

Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday, Mabuza averred the need for all stakeholders within the consumer protection landscape to cooperate in the quest for the effective protection of consumers.

“The promotion of corporate responsibility and fair-trade principles will also take place. The outcomes of these discussions will help regulators to remain agile to protect consumers in this changing landscape,” she said.

The briefing came as the NCC in partnership with the Competition Commission of South Africa, Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism and various regulatory bodies under the umbrella of the Consumer Protection Forum (CPF) are set to commemorate World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD 2025). The day is commemorated annually on 15 March globally.

However, this year it will be celebrated on 14 March 2025.

To bring the message closer to home, in South Africa, the day is observed with the theme “Empowering Consumers, Balancing Rights with Ethical Business Practices."

Head of Education and Advocacy at the NCC, Poppy Kweyama, said the global event aims to boost awareness about consumer rights and push for fair trade practices in the marketplace.

“World Consumer Rights Day, first observed in 1983, has become a key event for promoting consumer awareness,” Kweyama said.

Kweyama said many consumers still fall victim to fraud, misinformation, unsafe products, and unethical business practices.
“In today's digital world, issues such as data privacy, online scams, misleading digital advertisements, and unfair pricing have added new dimensions to consumer protection. Each year brings different challenges in the consumer protection space. It has always been our view, as it is our mandate that no consumer should be subjected to unfair and unconscionable practices from unscrupulous suppliers. 

“It is also our view that for a harmonised marketplace, we need to empower consumers while nudging suppliers into complying with various consumer laws,” she explained.

This year’s activities will include consumer education and business compliance inspections conducted by various regulators in the consumer space to enforce compliance.

In addition, a business breakfast will be held on Thursday,13 March, where various regulators will unpack topics such as competition concerns and safety in the food value chain.

“The breakfast is an opportunity for the Competition Commission to engage with business leaders in the area to gain insight into the concerns small-scale farmers, retailers, wholesalers, and large agri-businesses have including the barriers to entry and trade they may face,” head of Advocacy at the Competition Commission Andile Gwabeni said.

He said that the breakfast will also raise awareness of the findings of the Commission’s Fresh Produce Market Inquiry (FPMI).

Released in January, the inquiry began on 31 March 2023 and assessed the fresh produce value chain across three main themes, including the efficiency of the value chain, concentrating on fresh produce market facilities; market dynamics of key inputs and their impact on producers, and barriers to entry, expansion and participation.

The inquiry, in the main, focused on five fruits, namely: apples, citrus (notably oranges and soft citrus), bananas, pears and table grapes, along with six vegetables, including potatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes and spinach. These products are staples in South African households.

READ | Dtic Minister welcomes fresh produce market report

Mpumalanga Consumer Court and other activities 

Also, as part of the activities leading to the commemoration, the Mpumalanga Consumer Protection Office will relaunch its provincial consumer court on 13 March 2025, the eighth in the country. This court will provide access to effective redress for consumers in the province.

This as the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism has expressed delight at the relaunch the Mpumalanga Consumer Court.

“This court will be essential in ensuring a quick resolution to consumer complaints and the enforcement of consumer rights,” said Bonani Dube who is the Acting Director: Business Regulations and Governance at the provincial department.

Activities to commemorate the day on 14 March will include a breakfast with business leaders in Mbombela, site visits to automotive dealerships in the Mbombela area and the surrounding areas, as well as a seminar with students to raise awareness of consumer rights.

The day dedicated to raising awareness about consumer rights and promoting fair practices in the marketplace.

The NCC is a regulatory body in South Africa established under the Consumer Protection Act No. 68 of 2008. Its main function is to enforce consumer protection laws and provide redressal for consumer disputes.

The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) seeks to promote a fair, accessible, and sustainable marketplace for consumer products and services and for that purpose, establishes the national norms and standards relating to consumer protection. 

The Act further seeks to provide for improved standards of consumer information, prohibit certain unfair marketing and business practices, promote responsible consumer behaviour and a consistent legislative and enforcement framework relating to consumer transactions and agreements.

The Competition Commission is one of three independent statutory bodies established in terms of the Competition Act to regulate competition between firms in the market. 

The NCC and the Competition Commission are agencies of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Edwin
Mon, 03/10/2025 - 16:25
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Limpopo a province of boundless opportunity

Location: News

Limpopo a province of boundless opportunity

Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has called on the Diplomatic Corps to view Limpopo as a province of boundless opportunity.

“Our economy is powered by three key drivers, mining, agriculture, and tourism, each offering lucrative potential for investment and growth,” Ramathuba said.

Speaking at a Diplomatic Corps breakfast in Thohoyandou on Saturday, she said Limpopo was rich in mineral wealth, home to vast deposits of platinum, diamonds and rare earth minerals that are crucial to the modern world.

“The global demand for these resources continues to grow, and Limpopo is well-positioned to be a leading supplier, offering a stable and investor-friendly environment for responsible mining and beneficiation,” Ramathuba said.

Limpopo remains the breadbasket of South Africa, she said, producing a significant portion of the country’s fresh produce, including citrus, avocados and macadamia nuts.

“With fertile lands and a climate suited for year-round production, we are not just feeding the nation, we are feeding the world. 

“We seek partnerships that will drive agro-processing, value addition and sustainable farming practices, ensuring that our agricultural sector remains a pillar of economic resilience.

“Our province is a place where nature, culture and heritage converge. From the breathtaking landscapes of the Kruger National Park to the ancient wonders of Mapungubwe, we offer an unparalleled tourism experience,” the Premier said.

Ramathuba said the hospitality of Limpopo people, combined with world-class facilities, makes the province a premier destination for both domestic and international travelers.

“We therefore invite you to join us in expanding this sector, developing eco-tourism, luxury lodges, and cultural heritage sites that will continue to draw visitors from across the globe.

“Our province is not just an economic hub, it is a strategic gateway to Africa. Limpopo shares borders with Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, making it a key trade corridor for goods and services moving across the continent. 

“Our transfrontier parks and cross-border infrastructure position us as a link between SADC markets and global investors looking for an entry point into Africa’s growing economies,” the Premier said.

The province hosted the first Outreach Program of the Group of 20 (G20) on Friday. The Premier described it as a historic milestone.

“The G20 represents 85% of global GDP, 75% of global trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population. The outreach was more than just a dialogue, it was a powerful opportunity for the people of Limpopo to understand and engage with South Africa’s G20 Presidency.

“Moreover, it allowed us to showcase our investment potential in mining, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and the green economy,” she said.

Ramathuba said Limpopo was ready to open doors to investors, to forge new partnerships and to build a future where the province stands as a global leader in industrialisation and sustainable development.

“Limpopo is open for business. Our investment landscape is rich with potential and we stand ready to work alongside you to turn vision into reality,” Ramathuba said.

At a gala dinner on Friday, the Premier told the Diplomatic Corps that Limpopo was a land of immense potential, rich in culture, heritage and economic opportunities.

“We encourage you to consider Limpopo not just as a tourist destination but as a region ripe for investment. Tourism is one of the key drivers of our economy, creating jobs and supporting local communities,” she said.

She said the province believed that investment in infrastructure, particularly in roads, bridges, and logistics would unlock the full economic potential of the province.

“When businesses and farmers have access to reliable roads, they can transport goods efficiently, engage in larger markets, and ultimately grow their enterprises. 

“We invite our esteemed guests and members of the Diplomatic Corps to explore opportunities in infrastructure development, as we seek partnerships that will transform Limpopo into a well-connected economic hub,” she said.

Limpopo is blessed with fertile soil and a climate that supports diverse agricultural activities. 

“We are committed to strengthening our farming industry by supporting small-scale farmers to transition into commercial farming,” the Premier said.  

Friday’s launch of the G20 Outreach Programme forms part of a series of initiatives aimed at fostering wider public dialogue and participation in South Africa's G20 Presidency.

South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024.

The G20 is a group of 19 countries, as well as the African Union and the European Union, which defines itself as the premier forum for global economic cooperation. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Sat, 03/08/2025 - 23:04
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Government will move with urgency to restore City of Gold

Location: News

Government will move with urgency to restore City of Gold

President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved to assure residents of the City of Johannesburg that government is determined to move with urgency to resolve the service delivery challenges facing the city.

The President was addressing residents during a stakeholder engagement at the Johannesburg City Council Chamber on Friday afternoon.

Earlier in the day and on Thursday, the President together with the National Executive conducted an oversight visit to Gauteng.

“As a resident of Johannesburg, I share the concerns that have been expressed here about the deterioration of services and infrastructure. 

“Over the last two days, members of the National Executive have engaged the leadership of Gauteng and the City of Johannesburg on the challenges they face and the work that is being done to address them. 

“We are committed to ensuring cooperation among the three spheres of government to urgently attend to these challenges. We may well have said so in the past, but the enormity of the challenges and the problems compels us to now say we are going to redouble our efforts,” he said.

The President highlighted some of the challenges facing the city, including deteriorating road infrastructure, the closure of public facilities like the Johannesburg Library and delayed or unfinished infrastructure.

“Through the Department of Cooperative Governance, National Treasury and the Provincial Government, we are supporting the City of Johannesburg to stabilise its governance and financial affairs. 

“We need to ensure that we unlock service delivery backlogs and begin to address the backlog in infrastructure provision,” President Ramaphosa said.

Rejuvenating the city

Turning to the establishment of the Presidential Johannesburg Working Group announced earlier in the day, President Ramaphosa explained that the group will be made up of not only government bit also stakeholders.

A similar approach has been applied in KwaZulu-Natal with the establishment in 2024 of the eThekwini Presidential Working Group to turnaround the fortunes of Durban and position it as an investment and tourism hub.

“Our learnings in eThekwini make us confident that this is the correct model to address Johannesburg’s many challenges. 

“Over the last month, the Presidency has engaged the City of Johannesburg, the province of Gauteng and some social partners on establishing a Presidential Johannesburg Working Group. 

“There has been broad support from everyone engaged for an intergovernmental mechanism that will strengthen cooperation and leverage the expertise and resources of all stakeholders in the City of Johannesburg,” he said.

The working group’s first focus will be on governance and financial sustainability.

“We will work to strengthen the internal governance and financial management of the city by restoring institutional capacity. The second focus will be on water and sanitation and the third focus will be on electricity. 

“We will work to stabilise critical infrastructure by improving maintenance, increasing funding and focusing on the whole value chain. 

“The fourth focus will be on public spaces and beautifying the city. Specific interventions will include fixing road infrastructure, restoring street lighting and traffic lights, and enhancing waste collection throughout the city,” President Ramaphosa said.

Focus will also be placed on improving law enforcement and urban security, accelerating housing delivery, launching an inner-city rejuvenation project.

“We have set out a timeframe to achieve all this. It should not be an elongated timeframe. This Working Group will report on a regular basis to the Ministers and myself. 

“We cannot act as if it is business as usual. We must recognise the crisis before us and meet it with the resources, timeframes and accountability measures required,” he said.

The President called on stakeholders to join hands with government to turn the city back to its former glory.

“Government cannot do it alone. The involvement of broader stakeholders in the Working Group will not only hold us collectively accountable to the targets set, but accelerate our efforts. 

“In the coming weeks, my team will be engaging business, labour, civil society and academia regarding their respective roles in the Presidential Johannesburg Working Group. 

“Johannesburg is a city of resilience. It is also a place of innovation and…a place of great hope. Let us move forward with determination, unity and a shared commitment to leaving no one behind,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sat, 03/08/2025 - 11:38
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South Africa’s G20 Presidency to benefit all

Location: News

South Africa’s G20 Presidency to benefit all

International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Thandi Moraka says South Africa’s G20 Presidency is aimed at ensuring resource-rich nations and communities in places like Limpopo can benefit equitably from their mineral wealth.

“In the midst of global geopolitical tensions and rising protectionist, South Africa’s G20 Presidency will champion cooperation, collaboration and partnerships between individuals, groups, peoples and nations,” Moraka said.

Speaking at the G20 Community Outreach event at the University of Venda in Limpopo today, Moraka said strengthening partnerships and expanding dialogue with a wide range of actors is important to collectively shape the G20’s approach to issues requiring international cooperation.

“South Africa will therefore also host a G20 Social Summit, prior to the Leaders’ Summit, by expanding outreach to communities beyond the 13 official G20 Engagement Groups,” Moraka said.

Moraka said during South Africa’s Presidency, there will be more than 85 in-person meetings throughout the country, including five meetings in Limpopo.

“We encourage the people of Limpopo to become more involved in these processes. We have been asked, and rightfully so, what benefits does the G20 Presidency brings to South Africa

“Tens of thousands of delegates and support staff from some of the world’s largest developed and developing economies are expected to arrive in South Africa over the year-long Presidency. 

“In addition to many Ministers, the Heads of State and Government of more than 40 countries will attend the Leaders’ Summit in November 2025,” the Deputy Minister said.

Moraka said the G20 Presidency was without a doubt a mammoth task, requiring considerable personnel and resources, by most accounts, this was the largest national project that South Africa has ever undertaken.

“This project is expected to have significant economic benefits for South Africa, notably for the tourism, transport, restaurant, entertainment and hospitality industries, with global visibility in all nine provinces.

“There is also significant opportunity for South African provinces and cities to promote their cultural, heritage, tourism and innovation, but also an opportunity to demonstrate South Africa’s technological, industrial and commercial advances across various sectors,” Moraka said.

A number of direct and indirect jobs are expected to be created during South Africa’s G20 Presidency.

“It therefore goes without saying that the support of all South Africans in telling a good story and highlighting our successes is critical if we are to leave a permanent G20 legacy for South Africa, and the whole of the African continent.  

“It is important for us all to work in synergy and in cooperation and partnership, more so in a fractured world filled with conflict and destruction. As much as we are excited to host the first G20 Presidency on the African continent, we are also cognisant of the enormous task that is before us,” the Deputy Minister said.

Also speaking at the same event, Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba said she was delighted to welcome esteemed members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, business leaders and all distinguished guests to the historic occasion, the first-ever G20 community outreach to be held in the province.

Ramathuba said the engagement was an opportunity to strengthen ties, advance collaboration and ensure that global economic policies translate into meaningful opportunities for local communities.

“It is also a symbolic gesture, a recognition of the role that provinces like Limpopo play in shaping the broader economic landscape of South Africa and the African continent,” the Premier said.

As the only African nation represented in the G20, South Africa carries a profound responsibility in ensuring that the voices of developing economies, particularly those in Africa, are heard on the global stage.

“The G20’s focus on economic growth, trade, investment, climate action and digital transformation resonates deeply with developmental priorities in Limpopo. 

“We understand that global economic policies have real, tangible effects on the lives of ordinary people, and it is our duty to ensure that these policies translate into meaningful opportunities for our communities,” Dr Ramathuba said. 

Lutendo Luvhengo, a third year student at the University of Venda told SAnews that although she had little knowledge about G20 and South Africa’s G20 Presidency, she hoped that South Africa’s hosting of the G20 meetings would benefit ordinary people.

“I believe that our country’s economy is going to improve. The guests coming to South Africa some of them are going to invest in our country and that will create more jobs,” she said.

Luvhengo was confident that the G20 meetings were going to be successful.

Echoing same sentiments was Israel Marema, first year Bcom student who said the G20 meetings were “investments in the country”.

“This is going to reduce the level of poverty by creating more job opportunities,” he said. 

Today’s launch of the G20 Outreach Programme forms part of a series of initiatives aimed at fostering wider public dialogue and participation in South Africa's G20 Presidency. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 03/07/2025 - 15:53
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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

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SA hosts first G20 Tourism Working Group meeting 

Location: News

SA hosts first G20 Tourism Working Group meeting 

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has urged the G20 to find ways to use tourism to change the lives of communities around the world.

“As you convene during the first Tourism Working Group, I implore on all delegates to focus on how we can use tourism to change people’s lives, communities and the world,” she said in a video-recorded message.

The Minister was addressing the first G20 Tourism Working Group meeting held virtually from the Head Office of the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO) in Pretoria.

Wednesday’s meeting was the first of a series of engagements that will take place throughout the year, ahead of the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in September 2025.

“South Africa is excited to welcome all G20 delegates, member states and organisations to our beautiful country and proud to host the G20 for the first time,” she said.

The Director-General at the department, Nkhumeleni Victor Vele, chaired the meeting which was attended by senior officials and experts in the tourism sector of the G20 countries, invited guest countries and international organisations.

At the meeting, delegates deliberated on and agreed to work on four priorities for the year namely:

• People-Centered Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Innovation to enhance Travel and Tourism Start-Ups and SMMEs,
• Tourism Financing and Investment to Enhance Equality and Promote Sustainable Development,
• Air Connectivity for Seamless Travel, and
• Enhanced Resilience for Inclusive, Sustainable Tourism Development.

The Tourism Working Group will exchange knowledge and best practices among the member countries with a view of crafting actionable deliverables. The group is among the 16 working groups of the G20 during South Africa’s Presidency focusing on solidarity, equality and sustainability. 

In its statement, the Department of Tourism said that as the first African country to preside over the G20 Presidency, South Africa is utilising its term to drive a developmental agenda to benefit the African continent.

Going forward, the following G20 Tourism Meetings are planned in South Africa:

• 2nd G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting from 11 to 13 May 2025 in KwaZulu Natal province.
• 3rd G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting from 10 to 11 September 2025 in Mpumalanga.
• G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting on 12 September 2025 in Mpumalanga.

The G20 economies represent around 85% of the global gross domestic product (GDP), over 75% of the global trade and about two-thirds of the world population. 

In 2023, the G20 welcomed 69% of all international tourists and accounted for 71% of tourism exports worldwide. In 2023 Tourism Direct GDP reached 3.1% of the G20 economies.

The department added that tourism plays a critical role in the global economy and is one of the vital economic sectors contributing significantly to socio-economic development but remains vulnerable to natural and manmade hazards. 

For many countries, the tourism economy is growing faster than most other economic sectors. With its extensive value chain and labour absorption capacity, it is acknowledged as a tool for inclusive economic development, playing a significant role in responding to socioeconomic challenges.

“Tourism is an important economic sector in Africa. In 2023 the continent’s tourism direct gross domestic product reached 85 US billion [dollars] representing 3.5% of the region’s GDP. This value is still below the pre-pandemic 94 US billion [dollars] reached in 2019 (4.3% share).”

The challenges facing the African travel and tourism sector include air connectivity, limited investments, financing for tourism development, positioning and marketing, social and environmental sustainability, as well as safety and security, among others.

South Africa’s tourism priorities for the 2025 G20 Presidency are aligned with the continental priorities as expressed in Agenda 2063 as well as with the core objectives contained in the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa – Tourism for Inclusive Growth, the strategic roadmap guiding the promotion of sustainable tourism development across the African continent.

The meeting also appreciated South Africa’s intention to build on the efforts and successes of the last three G20 Presidencies of the Global South and to champion Africa’s developmental agenda. – SAnews.gov.za

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Cape Town looking forward to hosting Cycle Tour

Location: News

Cape Town looking forward to hosting Cycle Tour

The Western Cape Government (WCG) will welcome over 30 000 cyclists for the Cape Town Cycle Tour set to take place on Sunday, 9 March 2025. 

This iconic event is a highlight of Cape Town and the Western Cape’s sporting calendar, attracting participants from across the country and around the world.

According to the WCG, major sporting events such as the Cape Town Cycle Tour bring many benefits to the province as international and domestic cyclists are expected to boost the already thriving tourism sector, which is critical to creating jobs. 

MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, who will also be taking part, said: “We welcome all cyclists to our province, and I am excited to see more and more people taking up cycling and living active and healthy lifestyles. Please be safe during the tour. All the best to the riders and the organisers. I look forward to seeing you out on the road.”

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport supports major sporting events in the province as it encourages regular participation in sports, as well as playing an important role in the economy, from tourism, hospitality, and retail, to creating direct and indirect jobs.

Taking riders on a 109km route around the Cape Peninsula, the Cape Town Cycle Tour has been described as South Africa’s must-do cycling event.

Several Cape Town roads will be closed on Saturday and Sunday. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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KZN Premier’s Netball Cup to empower young women

Location: News

KZN Premier’s Netball Cup to empower young women

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has officially unveiled the 2025 KZN Premier’s Netball Cup, marking a groundbreaking milestone in the province’s efforts to foster netball talent and empower young women through sport. 

Launched on Sunday, in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Netball Federation, the tournament will take place from 5 - 9 March 2025 at the Victoria Mxenge Indoor Complex in Umlazi, south of Durban. 

The competition is designed to provide a platform for young women aged 16 to 36, and serves as a crucial building block for the future of netball in the province.  

The tournament will feature 12 district-based teams, each representing a local district and named after its respective mayor. The teams will compete for supremacy in one of the province's most prestigious netball tournaments. 

A key feature of the competition is the requirement that each 15-member squad must include at least six players under the age of 20, ensuring the inclusion of emerging talent and helping to nurture the next generation of netball stars. 

Furthermore, each team must field a minimum of 12 players per match, with at least 50% match participation, promoting both fairness and opportunities for skill development. 

A launchpad for future netball stars 

Speaking at the launch, KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, said the tournament will not only showcase the grace and intensity of modern netball, but also offers valuable exposure for players aiming for provincial and national representation. 

“Players will have the chance to be scouted for teams such as the Kingdom Stars, KZN’s professional netball franchise, and potentially the Spar Proteas, South Africa’s national netball team. The KZN Premier’s Netball Cup is not just about competition, but it represents a comprehensive strategy to professionalise the sport,” Ntuli said.  

The Premier said the tournament aims to contribute to netball’s holistic growth, focusing not only on players but also on coaching, officiating, sports administration, marketing, and sponsorship.  

Through these investments, Ntuli said the province is creating pathways for job creation and boosting sport tourism in KwaZulu-Natal. 

The Premier also urged local businesses, municipalities, and fans to actively support the sport, both financially and through engagement, to ensure its continued growth and success. 

Positioning SA as a dominant force in international netball

The KZN Premier’s Netball Cup aligns with the larger vision of Netball South Africa (NSA), the sport’s governing body, which has been pivotal in positioning South Africa as a dominant force on the global netball stage.  

This includes the successful hosting of the 2023 Netball World Cup, which highlighted the country’s rising influence in international netball.

According to NSA, netball is the most popular female sport in South Africa and ranks as the second-most participated sport overall, with over two million active netball players participating on a weekly basis. 

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has extended its best wishes to all participating teams and encouraged the communities to rally behind their local districts. – SAnews.gov.za

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Cape Town to host Cape Town Cycle Tour

Location: News

Cape Town to host Cape Town Cycle Tour

The Western Cape Government (WCG) will welcome over 30 000 cyclists for the Cape Town Cycle Tour set to take place on Sunday, 9 March 2025. 

This iconic event is a highlight of Cape Town and the Western Cape’s sporting calendar, attracting participants from across the country and around the world.

According to the WCG, major sporting events such as the Cape Town Cycle Tour bring many benefits to the province as international and domestic cyclists are expected to boost the already thriving tourism sector, which is critical to creating jobs. 

MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, who will also be taking part, said: “We welcome all cyclists to our province, and I am excited to see more and more people taking up cycling and living active and healthy lifestyles. Please be safe during the tour. All the best to the riders and the organisers. I look forward to seeing you out on the road.”

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport supports major sporting events in the province as it encourages regular participation in sports, as well as playing an important role in the economy, from tourism, hospitality, and retail, to creating direct and indirect jobs.

Taking riders on a 109km route around the Cape Peninsula, the Cape Town Cycle Tour has been described as South Africa’s must-do cycling event.

Several Cape Town roads will be closed on Saturday and Sunday. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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W Cape welcomes lifting of ban on vegetable exports to Botswana

Location: News

W Cape welcomes lifting of ban on vegetable exports to Botswana

Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, has welcomed the lifting of the ban on vegetable exports to Botswana.  

This is after the previous administration of Botswana, led by President Mokgweetsi Masisi, imposed a ban on South African produce to support domestic farmers and reduce reliance on imports, which has since been lifted by President Duma Boko.  

Meyer believes this move will encourage increased trade among Southern African Customs Union (SACU) members, who view the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a critical tool for developing regional value chains and enhancing exports. 

According to the MEC, Botswana’s gradual lifting of vegetable imports will occur in two phases.  

Phase 1, which began in December 2024, includes vegetables such as turmeric, patty pan, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, green peas, sweet corn, broccoli, cauliflower, gem squash, baby marrow, green bean, sweet melon, mushroom, calabash, cantaloup and eggplant. 

Meanwile, Phase 2 is expected to start on 1 April 2025 and will see an easing of restrictions on beetroot, butternut, cabbage, carrot, garlic, ginger, green melon, herbs, lettuce, onion, potato, sweet pepper, tomato and watermelon. 

The MEC said the Western Cape accounted for 37% (or R3.3 million) of South Africa’s vegetable exports to Botswana in quarter four of 2024.  

Regarding the contribution to Phase 1 nationally, Meyer said the provincial share has steadily increased during the period under review, reaching 63% in quarter 3 of 2024 and dropping to 55% in quarter 4 of 2024.  

“It is expected that with the lifting of import restriction for vegetables listed in Phase 2, there will be an improvement in South African exports to Botswana, including those from the Western Cape,” Meyer said. 

The MEC has since encouraged fair trade between SADC partners, saying the lifting of these restrictions is a move in the right direction.  

“Our trade relations with our regional partners are mutually beneficial,” he stated.  

Meanwhile, he said an improvement in exports to Botswana takes the province closer to the Western Cape Government’s Growth for Jobs plan, which aims to triple the value of Western Cape exports of goods and services, including tourism, to R450 billion by 2035. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA welcomes first visitors from China through new visa initiative

Location: News

SA welcomes first visitors from China through new visa initiative

The digital Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) visa initiative is bearing fruit with the first group of visitors from China having arrived in South Africa at the weekend.

Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber along with Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille and other government and tourism stakeholders welcomed the first group of visitors from China through the TTOS visa initiative.

The 15 tourists arrived on Saturday through the Cape Town International Airport in the Western Cape.

The Ministers were delighted to welcome the tourists and a tour guide who arrived in South Africa only a few days after their visas were processed through the Department of Home Affairs visa initiative.

“This was an exciting moment in this ground-breaking initiative where the TTOS is providing a faster and more seamless process for visas for travellers from India and China. Together with the Department of Home Affairs we have worked tirelessly to make this happen and I commend Minister Schreiber and the team in the Department of Home Affairs for the swift implementation of this new and improved visa initiative,” Minister de Lille said.

Last year, an Inter-Ministerial Committee with the Department of Tourism, the Department of Home Affairs, the State Security Agency and Operation Vulindlela in the Presidency was established to tackle the visa regime issues. 

Home Affairs announced that the ground-breaking Trusted Tour Operator Scheme will significantly ease the process and allow for a seamless visa application process for travellers and tour operators from India and China. 
READ | Trusted Tour Operator Scheme to boost tourism from China, India

From 12 February, the first group of approved 65 tour operators from South Africa, India and China started processing visa applications through the TTOS. 

India and China have been identified as two key source markets for South Africa to grow arrivals due to the high number of tourists who travel internationally from these countries. 

Currently, South Africa only receives 41 600 arrivals from India and 79 700 from China, a minor share of the country’s total arrivals for 2024 which stood at 8.9million total international arrivals. 

“The TTOS is a massive win for the tourism and business events sector and the Department of Tourism will use the new visa initiatives as enablers to grow tourism arrivals to South Africa which will in turn drive inclusive economic growth and job creation,” Minister de Lille added.

Through targeted outreach engagements in India and China, the country has also been sharing the developments of the TTOS, the Electronic Travel Authorisation and Digital Nomad Visas with these two key source markets to ensure that more tour operators register and use these new and enhanced visa processes.  

“We are extremely excited about these visa developments and what it means for the growth of the tourism sector. We have no doubt that the TTOS will exponentially increase arrivals from India and China which will stimulate demand across the tourism and services sector,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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South Africa’s National Astro-Tourism Strategy

Location: News

Department of Science and Innovation, Republic of South Africa
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On Tuesday, 18 February, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, supported by Ms. Nomalungelo Gina, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, and Ms. Maggie Sotyu, Deputy Minister of Tourism, led the presentation of South Africa's National Astro-Tourism Strategy to Parliament.

Last year, the Minister of Tourism, Ms. Patricia De Lille, tabled the National Astro-Tourism Strategy in Cabinet. Subsequent to this, in September last year, Cabinet approved this Strategy and in the same month, Minister De Lille and Minister Nzimande presided over the launch of this Strategy in Carnarvon in the Northern Cape.

This past Tuesday, this Strategy was presented at a joint sitting of the Portfolio Committees of Science, Technology and Innovation and Tourism.

In highlighting the strategic importance of astronomy and tourism to South Africa, Minister Nzimande stated that “South Africa is fast becoming one of the leading nations in the discipline of astronomy and this is why in August last year, we hosted the prestigious General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union. This was first time this prestigious gathering was hosted on the African continent.

Equally, we also have a very robust tourism sector as a country, which is a major contributor to GDP and is expected to grow significantly over the next 5 to 10 years.”

Minister Nzimande also used the briefing to highlight some of South Africa's most notable investments in astronomy infrastructure, during the democratic era, which include the 10-metre Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) in Sutherland, which is the largest optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere.

The MeerKAT telescope in Carnarvon, which is a precursor to the SKA project, which he said was “going to be South Africa's single biggest scientific infrastructure.”

Outlining the benefits of these investments, Minister Nzimande indicated that "the investments in these high calibre scientific instruments in astronomy enabled an exponential increase in the number of South African astronomers from 60 (only 5 of them were radio astronomers) to about 300 in the last 30 years.”

The Minister Nzimande also used the opportunity to explain what astro-tourism was and further outlined the objectives of South Africa's Astro-Tourism Strategy.

The Minister stated that “… science tourism involves experiences enjoyed when visiting scientific attractions such as scientific landmarks, including museums, laboratories, observatories, and higher educational institutions where research is conducted.

It is also important to realise that astro-tourism is built around the traditions inherited from our ancestors by different ethnic cultures in observing the skies from time immemorial. Astro-tourism therefore draws heavily from the vast and untapped reservoirs of our indigenous knowledge systems.

Astro-tourism also encompasses all offerings such as observatories, telescopes, museums, planetariums, meteorite sites, visitor centres, amateur astronomy clubs, stargazing, tour-guides, astro-routes, and accommodation establishments, etc.”

In outlining the strategic importance of the Astro-Tourism Strategy, Minister Nzimande stated that “We regard science and tourism as mutually reinforcing and therefore building on our competitive advantages in astronomy and tourism, we seek to use the Astro-Tourism Strategy to achieve the following:

  • Enhance the performance of South Africa's astronomy tourism sector through infrastructure developments and improvements, optimal functioning of various streams of astronomy with tourism offerings and boosting transformation by enhancing the livelihoods of local communities;
  • Position South Africa as a world class Astro tourism destination that will yield sustainable benefit-sharing opportunities by maximising appropriate investments, improving marketing efforts, and enhancing visitor experience in South Africa;
  • Educate communities about the importance of preserving our dark skies and radio silence as this is a geographic advantage that needs to be protected for astrotourism to thrive; and
  • Most importantly, we also seek to use this strategy to drive meaningful socio-economic development within poor and rural communities, through science tourism.”

The Strategy is anchored on three pillars, which are: indigenous celestial narratives and human capacity development; infrastructure development; and inclusive tourism growth and partnerships – and requires an estimated budget of over R352 million.

The implementation of the Astro-Tourism Strategy is the joint responsibility of the Departments of Science, Technology and Innovation and Tourism, which have established a Steering Committee that comprises officials from both departments, the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

The DSTI's entity, the National Research Foundation (NRF) and its sub entities the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) and South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), also form part of this Steering Committee.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Science and Innovation, Republic of South Africa.

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Cape Town to host B20 meeting 

Location: News

Cape Town to host B20 meeting 

With South Africa due to host the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit this year, Cape Town is set to host the Business 20 (B20) – the official dialogue forum for domestic and international business communities next week.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said the province and Cape Town look forward to welcoming the world once again.

This as the province will host the B20 from 24-25 February in the year that South Africa hosts the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit.

“This is an important milestone for our province, country, and continent. It is a huge honour for us all to showcase the region to the world. We did this so well this last holiday season and again with the recent Mining Indaba and other major events. Now it is our opportunity to host the B20. Let us all put our best foot forward and send delegates home as marketers of Cape Town and the Western Cape,” he said.

According to the Premier, the B20 serves as an important networking platform for local companies and businesses to link up with international counterparts, who are eager to join hands with them in exploring ways in which to take economic growth and job creation forward.

The B20 offers several benefits, including attracting foreign investment, boosting tourism, enhancing the international reputation of the Western Cape and South Africa, and influencing global policy discussions.

The B20 summit will focus on the theme ’Inclusive Growth and Prosperity through Global Participation.’

Key areas of priority for the summit include trade and investment, infrastructure development, education, and climate change.
“We have a vital opportunity to showcase our economic successes, further highlight the region as an investment destination of choice, build on our achievements together with global partners, and deepen international ties to tackle critical issues.

“The issues that will be discussed at the B20 can influence the G20 and so we will ensure our voice is heard,” Winde added.

Meanwhile, more than 100 meetings of the G20 will be held throughout the year, 40 of which are planned to take place in the Western Cape.

“The Western Cape is ready to host even more meetings and gatherings linked to the G20 if need be. We must maximise the hosting of these events to enhance our global standing.”

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa will today officially open and address the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg.

The Foreign Ministers’ Meeting hosted by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola takes place under South Africa’s G20 Presidency theme of “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability” on 20 and 21 February at the Nasrec Expo Centre. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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AfCFTA offers SA businesses unlimited opportunities

Location: News

AfCFTA offers SA businesses unlimited opportunities

The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) offers businesspeople in South Africa unlimited opportunities to grow their businesses and expand their market into the rest of the continent. 

This is according to the Director of Africa Bilateral Economic Relations at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Calvin Phume.

Phume was speaking at a workshop that was hosted by the dtic in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism and Gert Sibande District Municipality in Ermelo, Mpumalanga, recently.

The purpose of the workshop was to equip the Mpumalanga businesspeople with information that will enable them to take advantage of opportunities presented by the AfCFTA in order to enter the African export market and expand their businesses into the continent.

“The African Continental Free Trade Agreement has created a single market comprising more than 1.3 billion people that businesspeople across the continent can take advantage of.

“This will provide South African companies with new market access opportunities to key markets in the African continent beyond the Southern Africa Development Community,” he said.

Phume said the main objective of the agreement was to eliminate all barriers to trade in Africa to enable the free flow of goods and services across the continent.

“This is meant to allow businesspeople like yourselves to contribute in increasing intra-African trade and investment. Through the Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, African leaders have set themselves an ambition of increasing intra-Africa trade from the current 17% to 81% by 2035,” Phume said.

He stressed that the agreement emphasises harmonisation of trade regulation in the continent, value-addition, economic inclusion, industrialisation and beneficiation.

“These open up a myriad of opportunities for your companies to increase production and create jobs for women, youth and people with disabilities in order to service the huge market that has been created by the AfCFTA. 

“This is your chance to grow your businesses by tapping into the expansive African market, increase your exports, increase your revenue, and contribute positively in growing the intra-African trade and investment,” he said.

Phume advised businesspeople to set themselves realistic ambitions when they venture into the rest of Africa, as the imposing size of the market created by  the free trade agreement offers huge benefits and rewards, but could also be challenging and daunting for their small businesses.

“It is important that you conduct a thorough research and study of the market you intend entering because the fact that there are 55 countries means that each market has its own dynamics related to business environment and culture, infrastructure, logistical requirements, as well as norms and standards. 

“It is always advisable to partner with a local company that can assist you to navigate the regulatory challenges and other hurdles. This will enable you to transform obstacles into opportunities that will be profitable and rewarding to your business,” advised Phume. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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W Cape unveils key strategies to boost environmental resilience

Location: News

W Cape unveils key strategies to boost environmental resilience

The Western Cape Government and CapeNature have taken steps to protect the province’s rich biodiversity and critical ecological infrastructure by launching two strategies to boost environmental resilience.

The strategies will support the “Build Back Better” approach by focusing on protecting and restoring important natural areas, making them stronger and more resilient.

Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, said while the province cannot rebuild ecosystems like it does with buildings, it can support them so that they recover more effectively from damage and adapt to environmental changes.

Bredell said healthy ecosystems, including wetlands, forests and rivers, help to reduce the impact of natural disasters like floods, fires and droughts.

“By including nature in how we design and build infrastructure, we can create a safer and more sustainable future,” Bredell said in a statement on Friday.

The two crucial strategies for advancing conservation and sustainable land use in the Western Cape include the 2023 Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan (WCBSP) and the Western Cape Protected Areas Expansion Strategy (WCPAES).

The 2023 WCBSP identifies priority areas for conservation and sustainable land use and serves as a blueprint for prioritising the province’s most valuable ecosystems.

Bredell said the plan will form the bedrock of sustainable development in the province.

The second strategy, the WCPAES, outlines a clear approach to expanding protected areas, ensuring that both nature and people can thrive together.

“The 2023 WCBSP identifies and prioritises important areas for conservation, integrating environmental protection with responsible land-use planning. The WCPAES takes this further by mapping out important areas for expansion of the protected area network to secure key ecological infrastructure, strengthen climate resilience, and support sustainable development,” Bredell explained.

The 2023 WCBSP is the first provincial spatial plan, in accordance with the Western Cape Biodiversity Act (Act 6 of 2021).

Bredell emphasised that the economy and the environment are inextricably linked, and all future planning must be implemented with this in mind.

He said environmental protection and expansion of the conservation estate remains a critical priority for the Western Cape Government.

The MEC also emphasised the link between biodiversity conservation and communities.

“Our province’s economy is deeply tied to nature, agriculture and tourism, and rural livelihoods depend on the long-term health of our ecosystems. Investing in conservation means investing in economic stability, food security and sustainable job creation.

“Through providing upfront considerations for spatial planning, we provide key insights to existing and potential investors. Creating a vibrant economy and the jobs created through this remains our focus. Investors can begin their planning processes with the environmental sector considerations already on the table,” Bredell said.

CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo said conservation is not just about protecting species but also bolstering the long-term sustainability of the Western Cape.

“A thriving conservation sector drives job creation through the provision of stable ecosystem services like water security for our industrial sectors. Healthy biodiversity and ecosystems also remain the most cost-effective way to improve society’s resilience to extreme weather and climate change impacts.”

The WCPAES has been published for public comment, giving stakeholders an opportunity to shape the future of conservation in the Western Cape.

CapeNature invites all interested parties to review and comment on the Draft WCPAES by visiting https://www.capenature.co.za/western-cape-protected-areas-expansion-strategy.

Written comments on the Draft Strategy must be submitted within 60 days from the date of publication of the Notice in the Provincial Gazette, which was 31 January 2025. – SAnews.gov.za 

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High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pretoria Celebrates 77th Independence Day

Location: News

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Sri Lanka
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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.

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Visa regime changes boost SA tourism

Location: News

Visa regime changes boost SA tourism

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille on Wednesday welcomed the Department of Home Affairs' significant progress made on the visa regime in recent months.

“We have made great strides in the past year and a key success has been our work with Operation Vulindlela in the Presidency, the State Security Agency and the Department of Home Affairs on the visa regime, particularly with the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, which will significantly ease the visa process for travelers and tour operators from China and India as well as the Electronic Travel Authorisation and the Digital Nomad Visas,” De Lille said.

The tourism sector is a vital engine for economic growth as the country has witnessed a steady rebound over the past two years with close to 9 million arrivals to South Africa in 2024, up by 5.1% compared to 2023.

“We have been working hard with the tourism sector in South Africa, China and India to resolve the visa obstacles and the recent work by the Department of Home Affairs is to be commended. 

“The Department of Tourism will use the visa enablers – the Electronic Travel Authorisation, the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme and the Digital Nomad Visas to grow tourism in South Africa, targeting key source markets - India and China.

“These visa regime enhancements will lead to increased arrivals to South Africa which will in turn assist government to achieve the goals of the GNU to drive inclusive economic growth and create jobs. 

“As the Tourism sector, we are appreciative of the efforts and commitment by Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber and his department for the impressive gains made on the visa regime front,” Minister de Lille said.

On Wednesday, the Department of Home Affairs started with the implementation of phase one of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme that will significantly improve the visa process for travelers and tour operators from India and China.

“These are two massive key source markets for South Africa that can contribute to our goal to increase arrivals exponentially. A seamless visa regime is a key to growing arrivals and we have been working well with Home Affairs in this regard and will continue to work with them to make further improvements,” De Lille said.

On Monday, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber and De Lille addressed the first group of 65 successful tour operators from South Africa, China and India, who were accepted in the first phase of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme.

These tour operators started making visa applications for individuals and groups on a fully digital system in a more seamless process.

“Over the past few months, we have directly engaged the tourism sector in South Africa, China and India on the visa regime and the sector in all three countries have enthusiastically welcomed these improvements. 

“We are truly excited about these visa regime improvements and we cannot wait to reap the rewards of this progress in the coming months with increased arrivals from China and India, especially,” De Lille concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Thu, 02/13/2025 - 12:18

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Seychelles Participates in the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Location: News

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism - Foreign Affairs Department, Republic of Seychelles
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Minister Sylvestre Radegonde, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism led the Seychelles delegation at the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, taking place from 12th to 13th February in Addis Ababa at the African Union Headquarters.

In his intervention on the Permanent Representatives Committee Report, Minister Radegonde expressed Seychelles' sincere appreciation for the donation of USD 200,000 towards the country's recovery efforts following the disasters of December 2023. The Minister touched on the importance of the blue economy for Seychelles, stating that it is more than a concept– it is a conduit for innovation and diversification, while ensuring the preservation of our rich marine environment. He also recognised that the Continent is a distance from achieving the targets set out in Agenda 2063 and that all parties need to collectively work together to maximise the impact of continental projects.

Minister Radegonde also cast Seychelles' votes during the election of four Commissioners of the African Union Commission. Representatives from the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Republic of South Africa, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Republic of Ghana were elected.

On the margins of the Executive Council Meeting, Minister Radegonde met with H.E. Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Expatriate Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The two Ministers discussed the strengthening of bilateral relations in key areas of cooperation, notably tourism, healthcare, investment, and trade. They agreed to pursue these endeavours through knowledge-sharing practices, capacity building and exchange of experts between the two countries.

Minister Radegonde reiterated Seychelles' strong interest in concluding the visa waiver agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders.  He also stressed the need to conclude the negotiations for ordinary passport holders to further cement the people-to-people relations between the Seychelles and Egypt. The Egyptian Minister also took the opportunity to present, once again, Dr. Hanan Morsy, the Egyptian candidate for the position of Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, for the elections to be held during the Assembly of the Union on 15th February 2025.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism - Foreign Affairs Department, Republic of Seychelles.

Read moreSeychelles Participates in the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Lamola leads SA delegation to AU Executive Council meeting

Location: News

Lamola leads SA delegation to AU Executive Council meeting

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he is leading the South African delegation to the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU).

The session is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. 

The council will convene under the agreed AU theme for 2025, which is “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”, which will be officially launched by the Assembly.

Throughout 2025, all AU member States will review and assess the progress made by the continent in achieving long-overdue justice and reparations for the impacts of colonialism, apartheid, slavery, and the transatlantic slave trade.

One of the most anticipated responsibilities and key features of the upcoming Executive Council is the election of six commissioners for the AU Commission.

The six commissioners will oversee the following portfolios: Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE); Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals (ETTIM); Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI); Infrastructure and Energy (I&E), Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development (HHS), and Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS). 

South Africa has nominated two candidates, Dr Molapo Qhobela for Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI) and Lerato Mataboge for Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy.

Both candidates were shortlisted for the next stage of the elections following a thorough interview. The Council is expected to hold the elections on Wednesday, 12 February 2025. 

“Furthermore, the forthcoming Executive Council will take place in a few months sinceSouth Africa assumed its Presidency of the G20 in December 2024.

The Council will inevitably have to reflect on what South Africa’s G20 Presidency presents in terms of the opportunity to place the interests of the continent right at the centre of the G20 Agenda,” said the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation ahead of the start of the session.

Minister Lamola will brief the Council on key priorities of South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency and their alignment with Agenda 2063.

According to the African Union, Agenda 2063 is Africa's development blueprint to achieve inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development over a 50-year period.

Key priorities

The Executive Council is expected to review reports regarding the organisation’s financial situation as it relates to key priorities. 

These priorities include maintaining peace and security across the continent, implementing Agenda 2063, improving Africa’s socio-economic conditions, addressing the severe impacts of climate change in Africa, and promoting human rights and good governance throughout the continent.

The Executive Council will receive a briefing on the progress of the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) for Agenda 2063, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the annual activities of AU organs. 

Challenging environment

The 46th Ordinary Session takes place amid challenges on the continent, including threats to democratic governance, peace, and security from unconstitutional government changes and post-election violence.

Of key concern to South Africa is the ongoing raging war in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which led to the recent attacks, and 14 South African soldiers lost their lives. 

The council meets amid the continent that is bedevilled by inter and intra-state conflicts, terrorism and violent extremism, poverty, food and energy insecurity, the impact of climate change, inadequate infrastructure, low productivity, trade barriers, and continued dependence on external aid and markets. 

The ongoing debt crisis by African countries and the consequent default on their debt repayments remains an issue of serious concern for the continent. 

As of July 2024, a World Bank Report indicates that 22 African countries are either experiencing or at high risk of debt distress, necessitating debt restructuring. 

Many of these countries are unable to meet the basic needs of their citizens, such as health care, education, and employment, due to their heavy debt burdens.

As one of the leading Member States of the AU, South Africa’s participation in the Executive Council will be critical to advancing the organisation’s agenda and priorities.  – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Wed, 02/12/2025 - 09:27

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Read moreLamola leads SA delegation to AU Executive Council meeting