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Significant progress made in implementing State Capture Commission recommendations

Source: President of South Africa –

The Presidency is today, 28 July 2025, releasing the latest progress report on the implementation of actions arising from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s response to the recommendations of the State Capture Commission, showing significant progress across both accountability measures and institutional reforms.

President Ramaphosa has also submitted the report to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council of Province.

The report, covering the period up to the end of Quarter 4 2024/25, reveals that of the 60 actions identified in the President’s October 2022 Response Plan, 48% are complete or substantially complete, 23% are on track and 29% are delayed but receiving attention.

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN ACCOUNTABILITY

Criminal Justice Progress

The Integrated Task Force, led by the National Prosecuting Authority, is actively implementing 218 criminal investigation recommendations across multiple state capture focus areas. As of March 2025, 21% of these cases were either finalised or  enrolled for trial. Just over half were under active investigation. Several high-profile cases are scheduled for trial through 2025-2026, including matters related to the Free State Asbestos Removal Case, SA Express, Bosasa-related cases and Transnet contracts.

Four state capture-related cases have already concluded with guilty verdicts.

Asset Recovery Success

Government has achieved remarkable success in recovering stolen public funds, with total recoveries now reaching nearly R11 billion, a substantial increase from the R2.9 billion reported in October 2022. This includes R2.9 billion recovered by the Special Investigating Unit and R8 billion by the Asset Forfeiture Unit.

Additionally, assets worth R10.6 billion are currently under restraint or preservation orders, indicating significant additional recoveries to come. Major recoveries include settlements from ABB (R2.55 billion), McKinsey (R1.12 billion), and SAP (R1.16 billion).

INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS TO PREVENT FUTURE STATE CAPTURE

Law Enforcement Strengthening

The National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act of 2024 established the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) as a permanent entity with enhanced police powers and criminal investigation capabilities. IDAC officially commenced operations in August 2024.

Financial Crime Combat Measures

South Africa has implemented comprehensive anti-money laundering reforms through the General Laws Amendment Act of 2022, addressing all the deficiencies identified by the Financial Action Task Force. Among other things, these measures have resulted in a 40% increase in compliance with anti-money laundering requirements between 2023 and 2024.

Public Procurement Transformation

The Public Procurement Act of 2024 represents a fundamental transformation of South Africa’s procurement landscape, consolidating previously fragmented systems into a single regulatory framework designed to enhance transparency and combat corruption.

Intelligence Services Reform

The General Intelligence Laws Amendment Act, enacted in March 2025, disestablished the State Security Agency and created two separate entities – the South African Intelligence Service (foreign intelligence) and the South African Intelligence Agency (domestic intelligence) – restoring the pre-2009 structure and strengthening oversight mechanisms.

Public Administration Professionalisation

Government has made substantial progress in professionalising the public service through the National Framework for Public Sector Professionalisation. Key measures include mandatory lifestyle audits for senior officials and supply chain personnel, with 138 departments implementing these audits by 2024.

CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES

The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission has completed reviews of 10 private sector entities implicated in state capture, with six investigations ongoing. The National Treasury imposed a 10-year ban on Bain & Co from doing business with the South African state, running from September 2022 to September 2032.

Professional bodies have taken disciplinary action against implicated professionals, including the permanent disbarment of a chartered accountant by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, with a R6.1 million fine.

LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS

Several critical pieces of legislation have been enacted to address state capture vulnerabilities:

· Electoral Matters Amendment Act (Act 14 of 2024): Criminalises donations to political parties in expectation of contracts or influence 

· Judicial Matters Amendment Act (Act 15 of 2023): Introduces corporate liability for failure to prevent corruption 

· Companies Second Amendment Act (Act 17 of 2024): Extends time limits for director delinquency proceedings 

· General Intelligence Laws Amendment Act (Act 37 of 2024): Reforms intelligence services structure and oversight 

LOOKING AHEAD: 2025-2026 PRIORITIES

President Ramaphosa emphasised that while substantial progress has been made, the work continues. Key priorities for the coming year include:

· accelerating high-profile prosecutions and bringing new cases to court;

· finalising the Whistleblower Protection Bill for presentation to Parliament; 

· finalising the National State Enterprises Bill as part of SOE governance reform;

· completing SARS Act amendments based on Nugent Commission recommendations;

· finalising anti-corruption architecture proposals under consideration by the Executive.

“The progress outlined in this report demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that those responsible for state capture are held accountable and that the systemic weaknesses that enabled this assault on our democracy are permanently addressed,” said President Ramaphosa.

“We have recovered nearly R11 billion in stolen public funds, strengthened our law enforcement capacity and implemented comprehensive reforms across government. However, our work is far from complete. We remain committed to the full implementation of the State Capture Commission’s recommendations and to rebuilding public trust in our institutions.”

The President emphasised that the effectiveness of these reforms will ultimately be measured by their ability to prevent future occurrences of state capture and restore public trust in state institutions.

The full progress report, including detailed annexures on implementation status, new legislation, court cases and asset recoveries, is available on The Presidency website. https://tinyurl.com/25rx85jr

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Accreditation for integrated service delivery outreach programme to the North West led by Deputy President Mashatile

Source: President of South Africa –

Members of the media are invited to cover the forthcoming service delivery outreach programme on 01-02 August 2025, led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile in the North West Province, and to apply for accreditation.  

The outreach programme will commence on Friday, 01 August 2025, with the official hand over of a 25 ML Moretele South Bulk Water Supply Scheme Water Reservoir at Dilopye Village, as part of improving the provision of reliable water supply to communities.

Deputy President Mashatile will then embark on a Clean Cities and Towns campaign in Mogogelo Village, Moretele Local Municipality. This nationwide campaign, led by the Deputy President, is aimed at fostering cleaner, greener, and more inclusive urban spaces, while advancing sustainability, equality, and solidarity among all citizens.

Deputy President Mashatile and the delegation will have the opportunity to provide feedback on progress made in addressing service delivery issues affecting members of the surrounding communities. The Community Meeting is scheduled to take place at the Mogogelo Community Hall. 

On Saturday, 02 August 2025, Deputy President Mashatile will officiate at the Launch of the Provincial Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) at the ORBIT TVET College Mankwe Campus, Moses Kotane Local Municipality, in the North West. 

Amongst others, the HRDC mobilises various key stakeholders to rally behind the country’s revised Human Resource Development Strategy 2030, which is aimed at developing the requisite skills relevant which supports economy growth of the country.

DEADLINE FOR MEDIA ACCREDITATION – Thursday, 31 July 2025.

For more information and accreditation please contact, Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Nearly 300 arrested in Northern Cape Operation Shanela

Source: Government of South Africa

A total of 293 suspects were arrested across all five districts of the Northern Cape as part of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) ongoing anti-crime initiative, Operation Shanela 2.

The intensive, multi-disciplinary campaign – which ran from 21 July to 27 July 2025 – saw law enforcement conducting high-visibility vehicle patrols, roadblocks, and compliance inspections at liquor outlets, second-hand dealers, and various businesses. 

Police stopped and searched 3 088 vehicles and 6 868 individuals at vehicle checkpoints (VCPs) and roadblocks throughout the province.

According to a SAPS statement, 13 unlicensed liquor premises were closed following inspections for compliance with licensing conditions.

The arrests spanned a wide range of offences, including burglary, assault, drug possession, robbery, stock theft, malicious damage to property, and dealing in illegal liquor and narcotics. Police also recovered dangerous weapons, firearms, ammunition, counterfeit goods, alcohol, drugs, and cash during the operation.

Detectives successfully traced 29 wanted suspects, and inspections were carried out at formal and informal businesses, farms, scrapyards, and liquor establishments.

“Police executed numerous actions… in an ongoing effort to address serious and violent crimes plaguing communities in identified hotspots,” SAPS said.

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola praised all officers involved, as well as supporting departments, for their dedication and coordinated response.

“During Operation Shanela 2 and beyond, the SAPS will leave no one behind in its collective efforts to curb and eradicate crime.” – SAnews.gov.za

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G20 Employment Working Group technical meeting kicks off

Source: Government of South Africa

The 4th group of Twenty (G20) Employment Working Group (EWG) Meeting will kick off today in George with discussions on a various labour market issues, culminating in the development of a declaration.

In a statement on Sunday, the department said the 4th G20 EWG meeting will focus on critical themes, including youth employment, gender equality in the world of work, social security and platform work, as well as addressing inequality and declining labour income share. 

The discussions come amidst transformations and global challenges driven by protectionism and anti-globalisation tendencies.

The two-day 4th G20 EWG meeting of technical experts will conclude with a two-day Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting (LEMM) from 30 – 31 July 2024. 

The theme of the G20 EWG stream is: “Living and Working in an Unequal World: Ensuring Decent Work and Decent Lives”. The EWG theme is aligned to South Africa’s G20 Presidency theme — “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.

“It is expected that the gathering will conclude with a LEMM declaration that will have been negotiated by technical experts. The declaration is also expected to build on the Brisbane (2025) to eThekwini Goal (2030) to address gender equality in the workforce,” the department said. 

Both the EWG and LEMM will bring together more than 150 local and international delegates, including Labour and Employment Ministers from G20 Member Countries, invited countries and international organisations.

“The G20 EWG’s mandate is to address labour, employment and social issues for strong, sustainable, balanced and job-rich growth for all,” the department said. 

Founded in 1999 in response to several world financial economic crises, the G20 is a forum for international economic cooperation to coordinate policy aimed at achieving global economic stability and sustainable growth, promote financial regulations, and create a new international financial architecture.

The G20 member countries are – Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, plus the European Union and the African Union. – SAnews.gov.za

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JSC announces shortlisted candidates for South African courts

Source: Government of South Africa

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has shortlisted candidates for various courts around the country.

The commission had called for nominations for persons to fill vacancies at the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, Land Court, Labour Court and various Divisions of the High Court.

“The Constitutional Court advertised two vacancies. Six candidates have applied but only five of them are eligible to be shortlisted. This means that if one of the candidates does not make the final list to be recommended to the President, there will be one candidate short to fill the two vacancies. 

“The JSC has therefore decided to re-advertise the two vacancies. The advert was published on 18 July 2025, with a closing date of 6 August 2025 for interviews to be conducted during the October 2025 sitting,” the JSC said in a statement.

Furthermore, the vacancy at the Land Court has been withdrawn “pending the finalisation of the new judicial establishment of the Land Court in terms of the Land Court Act 6 of 2023”.

The shortlisted candidates are:

The Supreme Court of Appeal (one vacancy):
•    Judge Gerald Hercules Bloem.
•    Judge Busisiwe Shareen Masipa.
•    Judge Pitso Ephraim Molitsoane.
•    Judge Thandi Victoria Norman.
•    Judge Bashier Vally.
•    Judge Leonie Windell.

Labour Court (three vacancies in Johannesburg):
•    Suzanna Harvey.

Eastern Cape Division of the High Court (Deputy Judge President):
•    Judge Buyiswa Majiki.
•    Judge Mandela Makaula.
•    Judge Bulelwa Myra Pakati.

Eastern Cape Division of the High Court (three vacancies in Makhanda and Mthatha):
•    Gaynor Appels.
•    Nolubabalo Cengani-Mbakaza.
•    Advocate Nicola Molony.
•    Professor Nomthandazo Patience Ntlama-Makhanya.
•    Aron Sipho Zono.

Free State Division of the High Court (one vacancy):
•    Advocate Denise Greyling-Coetzer.
•    Matodzi Brian Nemavhidi.

Gauteng Division of the High Court (eight vacancies):
•    Advocate Thembi Precious Bokako.
•    Advocate Lesibana Gemine Philemon Ledwaba.
•    Advocate Sarita Liebenberg.
•    Judge Daphney Mahosi.
•    Advocate Khashane La Mmapowana Manamela.
•    Nkosingiphile Goodness Ma-Myeni Mazibuko.
•    Advocate Keitumetse Johanna Mogale-Makinta SC.
•    Richard James Austin Moultrie.
•    Advocate Ettian Raubenheimer.
•    Advocate Karin Strydom.
•    Stephens Anthony Thobane.
•    Advocate Petrus Arnoldus Van Niekerk SC.
•    Livhuwani Betty Vuma.
•    Advocate Susan Melissa Wentzel.

KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court (five vacancies):
•    Malizo Samkelo Gwagwa.
•    Sanele David Hlatshwayo.
•    Advocate Ranjiv Rajkumar Nirghin.
•    Advocate Murray Breval Pitman.
•    Advocate Mpumelelo Prosper Sibisi.
•    Nomfundo Sipunzi.
•    Judge Namhla Thina Yvonne Siwendu.

Limpopo Division of the High Court, Polokwane (one vacancy):
•    Advocate Solomon Shami Teboho Kholong.
•    Karin Leanne Pillay.

Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, Middleburg (two vacancies):
•    Lerato Jane Nontando Bam.
•    Advocate Solomon Shami Teboho Kholong.
•    Advocate Daniel Desi Mogotsi.
•    Advocate Kganki Frans Phahlamohlaka.

The candidates will be interviewed from 6 to 17 October 2025.

Law bodies and any persons who wish to comment on the suitability or otherwise of a shortlisted candidate should address their comments to the Secretariat of the JSC at MSongca@judiciary.org.za and TPhaahlamohlaka@judiciary.org.za,  copied to: JSC@judiciary.org.za. 

“Comments in respect of each candidate must be submitted on a separate page in both pdf and word format and must reach the Secretariat by no later than 5 September 2025. Comments received after 5 September 2025 will not be considered,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Capacity building on medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF) process for Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) focal points

Source: APO


.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission is hosting the second phase of its capacity-building on Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) process, taking place in Lagos, Nigeria from July 21st to 25th, 2025. This training is co-organized by the Human Resources Directorate in consultation with the Directorate of Budget and Treasury (DBT) and the Directorate of Strategic Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (SPME).

This training will equip Focal Persons with the requisite tools and competencies to actively participate in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) process, as well as the subsequent Management Arbitration meetings.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Molokwu Azikiwe, Director of Budget and Treasury at ECOWAS, highlighted the significance of this framework in facilitating dialogue and finding solutions to enhance the MTEF process, with the ultimate goal of utilizing public resources to drive meaningful improvements in citizens lives. He also added that, this workshop offers a valuable opportunity for collaborative learning, problem-solving, and exchange of experiences.

On behalf of the Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mrs. Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, the Director of Strategic Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (SPME) at the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Musa Gbogboto, stressed that the MTEF is a component that each Directorate needs to understand. “This workshop will permit to align your activities with the programs and projects that exist within the community… and to understand how the vision 2050 is linked to the community strategic framework, and how that community strategic framework is linked to our programs and projects.” He added.

This activity, organized in partnership with GIZ, marks the conclusion of Phase 2, which will wrap up on Friday, July 25th, and sets the stage for Phase 3, scheduled to take place next week, where another group of agents will receive training on the same theme.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Racines béninoises retrouvées : Des figures afrodescendantes renouent avec leur identité

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


C’est avec émotion et fierté que les afrodescandants Ciara Princess WILSON, Gabendy JOSEPH et David Romuald SMERALDA ont reçu des mains des autorités béninoises, leurs attestations de nationalité béninoise. Cet acte d’une portée à la fois symbolique, humaine et historique n’est pas qu’un geste administratif. Il est un geste d’âme, un retour aux origines, une main tendue à ceux que l’Histoire, dans sa brutalité, avait arrachés à cette terre. 

Ce moment marque la concrétisation d’une ambition et d’une vision du Gouvernement du Bénin. Il s’agit du resserrement des liens historiques et culturels avec des personnes d’ascendance africaine dont les prémices ont été posées à travers l’adoption de la Loi 2024-31 du 02 septembre 2024, relative à la reconnaissance de la nationalité béninoise aux afrodescandants en République du Bénin. 

À travers cette démarche, le Bénin démontre qu’il reste une Nation lucide sur son passé, fier de son présent et ambitieux pour son avenir. 

« Madame et Messieurs, en renouant avec vos racines, vous réparez une partie du monde. Vous offrez à votre société une chance de se reconstruire sur ces valeurs républicaines que nous partagerons désormais ensemble. La présente cérémonie engage chacun de nous à regarder l’histoire en face, à la partager, à la réparer et à la transcender. Elle nous projette dans un avenir commun », a indiqué le Ministre de la Justice et de la Législation, Monsieur Yvon DETCHENOU. 

Il poursuit son propos en lançant un appel solennel aux bénéficiaires : « Soyez donc des citoyens actifs. Des ambassadeurs de notre culture et des défenseurs de notre vivre-ensemble ». 

En acceptant d’offrir la nationalité béninoise aux afrodescandants, le Bénin n’honore pas seulement la mémoire. Il bâtit un avenir commun, plus humain, plus digne et fier.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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La Mission de l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour la Stabilisation en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO) condamne l’attaque du groupe armé Forces démocratiques alliées (ADF) ayant coûté la vie à 43 civils à Komanda et intensifie ses efforts de protection en Ituri

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La Mission de l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour la Stabilisation en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO) exprime sa ferme condamnation de l’attaque survenue dans la nuit du 26 au 27 juillet 2025 à Komanda (environ 60km au sud-ouest de Bunia), dans le territoire d’Irumu en Ituri.

Selon des informations officielles, cette attaque des éléments du groupe armé Forces démocratiques alliées (ADF) a causé la mort d’au moins 43 civils (19 femmes, 15 hommes et neuf enfants). La majorité des victimes auraient été tuées à l’arme blanche dans un lieu de culte. Plusieurs personnes ont été enlevées. Des habitations et boutiques ont également été incendiées, aggravant une situation humanitaire déjà extrêmement préoccupante dans la province.

La MONUSCO exprime sa profonde indignation face à ces actes de violence inqualifiables, qui constituent de graves violations du droit international humanitaire et atteintes aux droits de l’homme. Elle présente ses sincères condoléances aux familles et communautés endeuillées et réaffirme sa solidarité aux populations affectées. Elle exhorte les autorités congolaises à diligenter une enquête sur cette tuerie et à traduire les auteurs en justice. La Mission réitère également l’appel du Secrétaire général des Nations Unies aux groupes armés étrangers à déposer les armes sans conditions et à retourner dans leurs pays d’origine.

« Ces attaques ciblées contre des civils sans défense, notamment dans des lieux de culte, sont non seulement révoltantes mais aussi contraires à toutes les normes en matière de droit de l’homme et de droit international humanitaire. La MONUSCO continuera de travailler sans relâche aux côtés des autorités congolaises pour protéger les populations civiles conformément à son mandat », a déclaré Madame Vivian van de Perre, Représentante spéciale adjointe du Secrétaire général de l’ONU, chargée de la Protection et des opérations et Cheffe par intérim de la MONUSCO. En coordination avec les autorités locales, la Mission a apporté son soutien aux opérations de prise en charge des victimes, notamment à travers l’organisation des inhumations et la fourniture de soins médicaux aux blessés. Parallèlement, la MONUSCO a intensifié ses efforts de sécurisation autour de Komanda en augmentant la fréquence de ses patrouilles dans la zone.

La MONUSCO reste pleinement engagée aux côtés des autorités congolaises et des communautés locales afin de prévenir de futures attaques, protéger les civils, et contribuer à la réduction des tensions, et à la stabilisation des zones affectées par les violences armées.

Distribué par APO Group pour Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

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Foh renoue avec sécurité et développement grâce à un nouveau pont

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Les autorités de la commune de Foh, à environ 60 km de Bouar, ont officiellement réceptionné, le 24 juillet 2025, le pont Bendoue réhabilité par la MINUSCA via ses projets à impact rapide. Sur l’axe stratégique Gallo–Abba, la nouvelle infrastructure rouvre ainsi la voie à la circulation des populations et des biens, ainsi qu’à la mobilité des Forces de défense et de sécurité et des Casques bleus. Une belle contribution au développement de la région.

En réceptionnant l’ouvrage, le sous-préfet de Baboua, Jean Norbert Niende, a salué un projet structurant qui répond à un besoin pressant des populations locales. « La réhabilitation du pont de Bendoue facilitera désormais la circulation des personnes, des biens, mais aussi celle des Forces de défense et de sécurité et de la MINUSCA sur l’axe stratégique Gallo-Abba », a-t-il souligné.

Le maire de Foh a également exprimé sa reconnaissance envers la MINUSCA pour « cette action concrète en faveur du développement local. Le pont était un point de blocage important, et aujourd’hui, grâce à ce projet, nos espoirs de relance économique sont ravivés ».

De son côté, le représentant de la MINUSCA à Bouar, Abdou Diouf, a insisté sur l’importance de la préservation des infrastructures. « Nous invitons les autorités locales et la population à faire bon usage de ce pont, à respecter les charges maximales autorisées et à en assurer la maintenance régulière pour qu’il serve longtemps », a-t-il plaidé.

La coupure symbolique du ruban, suivie d’une traversée inaugurale à pied par les officiels et les habitants, puis par un véhicule de la MINUSCA et plusieurs motos ont ainsi mis en service le nouvel ouvrage.

Ce pont est entièrement réhabilité par la Mission à plus de 29 millions de FCFA, illustrant sa volonté renouvelée d’accompagner les efforts des autorités en faveur de la protection des civils, la restauration de l’autorité de l’Etat, de la paix et de la stabilité.

Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

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SA’s automotive industry continues to drive investment, jobs and innovation

Source: Government of South Africa

Despite the global headwinds, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed confidence in South Africa’s auto industry noting that it is making the investments needed to build resilience, protect jobs and lead the way into a new era of green mobility. 

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, the President emphasised that protecting existing jobs in the automotive sector is paramount, particularly in the light of the looming US tariffs. 

“The need to diversify our export base has become all the greater. We are committed to working with the sector to expand its continental footprint, building on the already strong growth of exports to the SADC [Southern African Development Community] region and leveraging the trade relationships that exist,” he said.

The President highlighted that South Africa’s automotive manufacturing industry, with roots dating back over a century, remains one of the country’s most resilient and impactful sectors.

According to the President, the industry has not only cemented itself as the largest manufacturing sector in South Africa but continues to evolve and contribute significantly to the economy.

“Since the first assembly plants were established in the Eastern Cape in the 1920s, the auto industry has grown to become the largest manufacturing sector in the country. South Africa’s role in global vehicle manufacturing has expanded and grown,” he said. 

Major international auto brands, including Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, currently operate production plants in the country. These facilities serve both the domestic market and international export destinations, with exports making up around two-thirds of local vehicle production. 

“The sector currently supports more than 115,000 direct manufacturing jobs and more than 500,000 across the value chain. It contributes approximately 5.3% to GDP [Gross Domestic Product].”

Sustainability

However, he cautioned that the industry faces mounting pressures, including new emissions regulations in key markets such as the European Union and fresh tariffs from the United States.

“With exports currently accounting for approximately two-thirds of local vehicle production, it is critical that we strengthen the sector to not only overcome current headwinds, but to ensure its long-term sustainability,” the President said.

Last week, the President attended the launch of BMW’s new X3 plug-in hybrid at the company’s Rosslyn plant in Tshwane. South Africa is the exclusive global production site for this model. 

READ | President hails BMW’s local production of plug-in hybrid as milestone for green mobility

The President said the shift from internal combustion engines (ICE) towards hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) in a number of markets means that green mobility is becoming increasingly important for automotive manufacturers. 

He described BMW’s latest investment, which follows its pledge at the 2023 South Africa Investment Conference as “a welcome signal to investors that South Africa remains a favourable place to do business.” 

Government, he said, is actively working to ensure an enabling regulatory and policy environment that supports growth in the automotive sector. He pointed to the Automotive Production and Development Programme as a key mechanism to position South Africa “as a key global manufacturing base for vehicles of the future.”

Youth development

Beyond manufacturing, the President emphasised the sector’s contribution to youth development and skills training.

“BMW, for example, has a training academy that focuses on competencies like EV assembly and robotics. The company is also a founding partner of the Youth Employment Service (YES), which was established between Government and the private sector to create work experience opportunities for young people.

“BMW’s participation in this programme has supported more than 3,500 young people with training and work placements across all nine provinces.”

President Ramaphosa also encouraged other companies to follow BMW’s example and broaden their involvement in the YES programme. 

“We have invited more companies to participate in the Youth Employment Service programme as broadly as BMW has done. 
“We are working to ensure that more production takes place locally, creating more employment. To do this, we must upskill our workforce and facilitate the creation of new companies across the value chain,” he said. 

He also acknowledged the role of the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone’s Centre of Excellence, which includes an artisan training academy, incubation hub, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education initiatives for high school learners. 

“There are also a number of industry-driven training initiatives focusing on technical and artisanal skills, and deepening collaboration between Government departments, vocational colleges and companies to grow a new skills pipeline,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za