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Speech by Brett Herron, GOOD Secretary-General & City of Cape Town Mayoral Candidate. *Note to Editor: This speech was given during the GOOD City of Cape Town Mayoral Launch
The post CAPE TOWN TRULY IS AN EXCEPTIONAL CITY appeared first on For Good.
Award-winning journalist, activist and author dies aged 84
Her poem I’ve Come to Take You Home was written into French law. It deals with the repatriation of the remains of Sarah Baartman.
Speech by Brett Herron, Unite for Change Leadership Council member and GOOD member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament. Note to Editor: This speech was delivered during the SOPA debate
The post ABANDONED PROMISES AND RISING MURDERS: GOOD DEMANDS REAL ACTION FOR THE CAPE FLATS appeared first on For Good.
Summer water restrictions in Robertson and surrounding towns are not due to a lack of water
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) condemns the proposed level 2 water restrictions that the Langeberg Local Municipality (Ashton, Bonnievale, McGregor, Montagu, Robertson) intends to implement from 1 February 2026 and regards them as completely unnecessary, counterproductive, and clear proof of poor planning and years of infrastructure neglect. The Municipality cites poor rainfall and empty […]
The post Proposed Level 2 water restrictions in Langeberg the result of years of infrastructure neglect appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Internet shutdown affects millions of Africans more and more often and are most prominent during elections or protests.
Museveni’s iron grip on the Ugandan military makes it difficult to imagine a peaceful transfer of power.
Palms play a vital role in food, culture and livelihoods. A new pan-African network aims to study, protect and conserve the continent’s unique and rare palm trees.
The United States’ announced 30% trade tariffs, likely driven by underlying geopolitical motives, are, by implication, a direct attack on the economic benefits South Africa derives from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). These tariffs are also a response to South Africa’s growing diplomatic and economic ties with countries such as those in BRICS, […]
The post US geopolitics drives harsh trade tariffs imposed on South Africa appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
People helping do so out of goodwill and with the best intentions
Small business urged to apply for tourism opportunities
Small businesses have been encouraged to apply for opportunities provided by the Department of Tourism.
“The Department of Tourism is dedicated to creating an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient tourism economy. We have a variety of programmes with the specific aim of promoting tourism, alleviating poverty and creating jobs,” Tourism Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu said.
Addressing a stakeholder engagement at the Fezile Dabi District Municipality in the Free State, the Deputy Minister said small businesses face challenges that threaten their survival and growth.
These include limited access to funding and financial support, skills gap in business management and digital transformation, market access and a lack of exposure to international tourists.
“As the government, our role is to enable and empower small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to overcome these barriers and it is our duty to maximise every opportunity to empower these enterprises.
“Embracing sustainable tourism by black-owned enterprises is not just about being part of a global trend, but is a necessity for resilience, competitiveness and profitability,” the Deputy Minister said on Friday.
The department’s Market Access Support Programme offers financial support to small tourism enterprises to exhibit at tourism platforms.
“I want to urge you to visit the Department of Tourism website at www.tourism.gov.za and look at this Market Access Support Incentive Programme.
“This week we are assisting 49 tourism SMMEs [small, medium, and micro enterprises] to promote their services at the World Travel Market Africa in Cape Town. We also want to encourage you to apply for our Green Tourism Incentive Programme which offers a win-win solution to tourism establishments and our greening objectives,” the Deputy Minister said.
The Green Tourism Incentive Programme is a resource efficiency programme which aims to support tourism enterprises to reduce the cost of investing in energy and water efficient solutions.
“This incentive can greatly assist a tourism establishment to reduce their electricity and water bills in the long term. The department also established a Tourism Transformation Fund and Tourism Equity Fund to support the transformation efforts in the sector.
“The Transformation Fund offers a combination of debt finance and grant funding for new and expansion tourism development projects with majority black shareholding,” she said.
For tourist guides, the department has a number of programmes including language training.
“We recently advertised for youth to apply for tourist guide training in Vredefort Dome and we are currently conducting tourist guide training in Golden Gate National Park.
“For youth in tourism, the department offers annually a bursary programme and learnership programmes, focusing on professional cooking, wine appreciation and hospitality, targeting youth with a specific interest in tourism,” said the Deputy Minister. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 04/13/2025 - 11:37
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Sin taxes adjusted above the expected inflation rate
Government will adjust the excise duties on alcohol and tobacco products at above the expected inflation rate in the 2025/26 financial year.
According to the 2025 National Treasury Budget Review document, government is proposing to increase excise duties on alcoholic beverages by 6.75%, while the tobacco excise duties are expected to increase by 4.75% for cigarettes, cigarette tobacco, and electronic nicotine and non-nicotine delivery systems (“vaping”).
The proposed increase for pipe tobacco and cigars is 6.75%.
“To ease the administrative burden of implementing adjustments on Budget Day, in future years, adjustments to excise duties will take effect from 1 April. Legislative provisions to deal with unusual clearances of cigarettes around Budget announcements have been in place since 2021 and may be extended,” National Treasury said.
Last November, government published a discussion paper, The Taxation of Alcoholic Beverages, for public comment.
“It proposes adjustments to the alcohol excise taxation policy framework, including the introduction of a three-tier progressive excise duty rate structure for wine and beer. Government will hold public consultations on the new excise framework during 2025.
“Considering that the details of the new alcohol excise taxation framework will be finalised only after the 2025 Budget, government has proposed to increase excise duties on alcoholic beverages by 6.75% for 2025/26,” National Treasury said.
Changes in specific excise duties for the 2025/26 financial year are as follows:
- SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 03/12/2025 - 14:58
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Economic transformation key to fostering inclusivity
Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni has expressed support for the economic transformation initiatives recently announced by the President to build an inclusive economy that creates opportunities for the historically marginalised and generates new jobs.
During last week’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa must lift economic growth to above 3% and create a thriving economy that benefits all.
“There is no way we can achieve the national consensus with an economy that excludes the majority. The social contract that we want to craft should contribute towards reconstructing our economy to achieve more growth, jobs and inclusion. This is more urgent for communities in the township and rural areas, especially youth and women,” Ndabeni said on Tuesday in Parliament.
Addressing the SONA Debate, the Minister said the national democratic society that government envisions must be founded on a dynamic and inclusive economy that reflects the country’s natural endowments and the innovation of its people.
“To ensure increased access to funding, the President has announced the innovation fund and transformation fund worth R20 billion per year over the next five years. These funds will act as a catalyst to attract other funds and disburse more funding and support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs),” the Minister said in Parliament on Tuesday.
Government will set up a transformation fund worth R20 billion a year over the next five years to fund black-owned and small business enterprises.
“For us, land redistribution is a fundamental pillar of this transformation. Sustainable land reform must be supported by policies that equip small-scale and emerging farmers with the resources and skills needed for success,” she said.
She said economic transformation also requires a competitive and efficient market, free from the monopolistic constraints of colonial capitalism.
“For these goals to be achieved, the State must play a strategic role, including through directing resources towards boosting the township and rural economies. It is in line with this argument that we support the signed Land Expropriation Act and the transformation fund,” the Minister said.
The Act allows for the State to expropriate land in the public interest – subject to just and equitable compensation.
With government placing MSMEs at the centre of economic growth, the Minister said South Africa is drawing valuable lessons from the experiences of other developing countries across the world.
“We welcome the announcement that over the next three years, this administration will spend R940 billion on infrastructure projects. We eagerly await the finalisation of the regulations under the Public Procurement Act that will drive transformation, foster the emergence of new players in the economy, and enable participation of small enterprises,” the Minister said.
The regulations of the Public Procurement Act seek to ensure businesses owned by women, youth and persons with disabilities receive equitable opportunities in government contracts.
“As a department, we have a range of instruments to provide wholesale finance, direct loans, blended finance, working capital and grants to various categories of MSMEs s and co-operatives.
“Some of these we offer in partnership with financial institutions like banks, where our credit guarantee and supplier guarantee products are working well, leveraging R6.25 in financing for every rand we guarantee,” Ndabeni said.
She noted that government’s efforts in digitalising systems at the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) will accelerate turnaround times and improve accountability to applicants.
The Township and Rural Enterprise Programme (TREP) applications will now be processed within seven days and the purchase order financing in four days.
“Through small enterprise eco-system, we have agreed on a stretch target of creating one million new MSMEs by 2030 and this will give us 3.7 million jobs, at current averages.
“We are currently undertaking industry engagements across various sectors to better understand trade and market demand pathways.
“Accordingly, we have engaged the automotive, wine and fishing industries – while in the coming weeks we will be extending these engagements to the agricultural sector, build industry, energy, petroleum and oil industry, sport and arts industries among others. We have accordingly looked at skills gaps within MSMEs and to this end we will be engaging Deans of Commerce across the country to ensure that their curriculum respond effectively,” the Minister said.
The Minister’s department is also engaging traditional leadership and organised business associations.
“We are exploring ways in which to make people in Township and Village economies true owners and drivers of this R 300 billion economy,” she said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 02/12/2025 - 09:13
CAPE TOWN: The defending champions of the Khaya Majola Cricket Week (for u19 players), Lions, had to wait until the third...
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens concluded a landmark official visit to South Africa, accompanied by a delegation of 35 Atlantan political, business, and community leaders. The December 4-11 visit marked a significant milestone in Atlanta Phambili—a subnational diplomacy initiative centered on deepening U.S.-South Africa partnership through the City of Atlanta– and reaffirmed the shared commitment to advancing economic, cultural, and educational collaboration between the two nations.
“This trip was a celebration of the enduring bonds between Atlanta and South Africa, built on shared histories and common goals,” said Mayor Dickens. “Atlanta Phambili embodies our joint vision for progress and collaboration, creating opportunities for both our citizens and economies.”
The visit followed the launch of Atlanta Phambili in March 2024 with a trade and investment roadshow hosted in Atlanta, featuring senior South African business executives and government officials.
South Africa and Atlanta United in Progress
The South African government, in partnership with Standard Bank, BrandSA, Amazon, and the American Chamber of Commerce in South Africa, hosted a robust program focused on trade and investment, science and innovation, and the creative economy. This was led by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC), the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC), the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the Gauteng and Western Cape provincial governments, and the cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town.
“The South African government's partnership on the Atlanta Phambili initiative is a testament to the strength of our bilateral ties and the shared potential of our cities to drive innovation, inclusion, and prosperity,” said U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Reuben Brigety, II.
Visit Milestones
Atlanta Phambili Pledge
The visit kicked off with the unveiling of the Atlanta Phambili Pledge on December 5 at the Standard Bank Trade and Investment Seminar in Johannesburg. This open call to action seeks to mobilize stakeholders across both nations to deepen collaboration in trade, investment, and entrepreneurship. The pledge reflects Atlanta's and South Africa's shared commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and creating opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Go Global Trade Expo: Strengthening Black-Owned Business Connections
On December 5, Ambassador Brigety announced a collaboration between the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Atlanta Black Chambers to support the Chambers' Go Global Trade Expo. The program will bring a delegation of Black-owned South African businesses to Atlanta in 2025, connecting them with the Chamber's extensive network and U.S. buyers.
Through this agreement, export-ready businesses will build connections with Atlanta-based platforms to foster trade and investment between South Africa and the United States.
FAME Week Africa 2025: Atlanta Announced as the Feature Destination
On December 9 in Cape Town, Mayor Dickens announced Atlanta will be the Feature Destination for FAME Week Africa 2025, the continent's premier gathering for professionals in film, television, music, fashion, and animation. This recognition highlights Atlanta's emergence as a global creative hub and its strong historic and Diaspora ties to Africa.
“Atlanta being recognized as the Feature Destination for FAME Week 2025 is an excellent fit,” said Mayor Dickens. “Our city is uniquely poised to satisfy the growing demand in the United States for African content and support production innovations.”
This honor also grants Atlanta a dedicated pavilion and events at FAME Week 2025, scheduled to take place in Cape Town from September 1-6, 2025.
Business-to-Business Engagements in Johannesburg and Cape Town
Empowering Entrepreneurs and Celebrating Culture
Strengthening Historic Ties
Atlanta Phambili builds on a historic relationship between South Africa and Atlanta, from collaboration between U.S. civil rights activists and members of the South African anti-Apartheid movement to Nelson Mandela's historic 1990 speech at Georgia Tech. This trip further cements Atlanta as a gateway for South African businesses to access U.S. markets and strengthens South Africa's position as a premier investment destination for Atlanta's private sector.
“Our visit reflects a robust partnership that will continue to grow as we move forward together,” said Mayor Dickens. “The commitment of the South African government and its people has been vital in shaping this initiative. I look forward to building on these foundations for years to come.”
Ambassador Brigety added “From trade and investment to culture, sports, and education, Atlanta and South Africa are charting a future defined by innovation, inclusion, and opportunity. The future economic partnership between Atlanta and South Africa is built to last and poised for growth.”
A Shared Vision for the Future
The U.S. Embassy in South Africa and the City of Atlanta extend their gratitude to the South African government and all participating partners for making this visit a success. Together, Atlanta and South Africa are moving forward—Phambili—toward an even brighter, shared future.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa.
National Treasury has proposed tax increases to reduce harmful drinking
Tickets now available for 15th edition of Simola Hillclimb which takes place in Knysna from 1 to 4 May 2025 General Entry tickets along with upgrades for Pit Access, Turn 2 and The Esses Grandstands, plus VIP Parking – all available on simolahillclimb.com Hospitality packages offer exclusive VIP experience with 1, 2 or 3-day packages […]
Southern Africa’s biggest wine festival is returning to Sandton in October, featuring a broader selection of wines and more tasting sessions. WineX 2024 will showcase over 700 wines and attract up to 9,000 attendees from Gauteng. “This wine show allows enthusiasts and novice drinkers to explore different flavour profiles and learn about local wines, catering …
Deputy President calls on the UK to raise tariff-free quota on wine, sugar from SA
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on the United Kingdom government to raise the tariff-free quota (TFQ) on wine and sugar coming from South Africa.
The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the Mozambique Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) include provisions for a 70/30 split between bottled and bulk wine throughout the trade relationship.
“As the South African government, we urge flexibility for a 50/50 split. In our view, this does not necessitate an amendment of the EPA but can be a decision of the SACUM-UK Joint Council.
“South Africa has requested that the United Kingdom raise the TRQ amounts allowed under the Environmental Protection Agency Framework for South African sugar to 171 thousand tonnes and for wine to 150 million litres,” he said on Monday.
The TFQ for imports of South African wine into the United Kingdom is currently sitting at 71.5 million litres per annum, which applies to 30% bulk and 70% packaged wine.
“We call for the UK to agree to this change which is mutually beneficial and will benefit the UK bottling industry.”
Deputy President Mashatile was speaking during the South African Heritage Month dinner hosted by Brand South Africa in London.
The country’s second-in-command is in London for the second leg of his working visit to improve trade and investment relations between the two nations.
He said he believed that if South Africa could introduce local umqombothi, also known as African beer, or more wine to the global market, the country could double exports from South Africa to the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, Netherlands and Canada.
The Deputy President said another element that has worked to construct a robust economy and enhance economic relations with the United Kingdom is the conventional interchange of commodities and services, such as food and clothes.
“As you run your company and live in this area of the globe, you must show that South Africa is a nation moulded by a diverse range of cultures, languages, and traditions, all of which contribute to the vivid mosaic that defines South Africa.”
Government of National Unity
Shifting his focus to the Government of National Unity (GNU), he said the coalition government has demonstrated that South Africa embraces its diversity.
“We have shown to the world that, despite our differences, we can work together for a single goal – to create a stronger South Africa. We have also shown the world that our rainbow country has a thriving democracy.”
He told the attendees that he was convinced that the GNU would endure and achieve its goals of driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty, addressing the high cost of living, and establishing a competent, ethical, and progressive State.
“However, as we mark 30 years of freedom this year, we must remember those who were at the forefront of the liberation of our nation and spent years in exile advocating for a peaceful and democratic South Africa.”
The Deputy President paid tribute to those who continue to raise the South African flag high internationally by contributing to the welfare of their fellow citizens and the economy.
“We refer to these people as Global South Africans. Now to all South Africans living, working, studying or travelling abroad, it is an exciting time for you to be a Global South African – to be part of the South African story, to be a son or daughter of Africa, to be directly connected to what we confidently predict will be the African century.”
He applauded Brand South Africa for launching the Global South African programme, as the country works to position itself as a global player in an increasingly competitive world.
“We believe that as Global South Africans you are an untapped voice and advocates who can elevate our nation's brand position to greater heights in international markets, whilst also shaping perceptions and the narrative about our beautiful and beloved country.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 10/01/2024 - 11:28
South Africa’s wine industry is poised for a comeback, driven by rising local demand and the growing popularity of white wines like Cap Classique and Chenin Blanc in China. Exports of Cap Classique to China rose by 4% in 2023, despite a decline in overall wine exports. Although South Africa’s wine exports to China shrank …