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President Ramaphosa urges new envoys to strengthen diplomatic, economic ties

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa urges new envoys to strengthen diplomatic, economic ties

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to deepen diplomatic, economic and people-to-people relations between South Africa and their respective countries.

The President received letters of credence from the newly appointed Heads of Mission from 20 countries across the world during a credentials ceremony at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, on Wednesday. 

The ceremony saw the Heads of Mission-designate present their credentials to the President and pledged their commitment to work with South Africa to further advance and strengthen diplomatic relations. 

Letters of Credence are official diplomatic documents presented to the President by Heads of Mission-designate who have been nominated by their respective governments to serve as ambassadors to South Africa.

Addressing Heads of Mission, the President said South Africa stands ready to partner with nations for trade, development and peace.

“In South Africa you will find a ready, willing, able and capable partner for trade, development, progress and peace,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said the envoys begin their tenure at a time when South Africa’s economy is recovering, supported by ongoing structural reforms.

“The structural reform agenda we embarked on in 2018 to overcome longstanding constraints to investment and growth continues to gain momentum,” he said.

He noted improvements in key economic indicators, including stabilised public debt and increased job creation, as well as progress made through investment drives.

“Last week, we held our sixth South Africa Investment Conference, where we secured R889 billion in cumulative investment commitments. This has encouraged us to set a goal of securing R3 trillion in new investment commitments over the next three years,” he said. 

The President said government is also investing heavily in infrastructure to support growth.

“We will be investing approximately R1 trillion over the next three years to build roads, dams, schools, hospitals and other public infrastructure,” he said.

President Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation among nations, particularly in addressing global challenges.

“As we pursue our apex priority of inclusive growth and job creation, we are firmly committed to deepen our cooperation and collaboration with all countries. We hope that your time in South Africa will contribute to building meaningful, sustainable economic partnerships,” he said. 

Expectations for Diplomats

He also outlined expectations for the diplomats, stressing the importance of mutual respect, non-interference and constructive engagement.

“As President, whenever I appoint Ambassadors and High Commissioners to your country, I expect them to promote good relations between our two nations. I expect them to respect your country’s sovereignty and promote trade and investment opportunities in our respective countries. 

“I also expect them to promote South Africa’s culture and value system and strengthen people-to-people relations,” he said.

The President underscored the importance of diplomacy conducted with tact and discretion.

“I always make it a point to inform them that they should never criticise their host countries publicly and in a confrontational manner but should always seek to raise issues privately and constructively.

“They should always seek to build relationships with various stakeholders in the host country. They should always choose to preserve dignity and partnership between our respective countries,” the President said. 

He said this approach aligns with principles of international diplomacy and fosters stronger bilateral relations.

“It is this approach that I believe builds strong relationships between nations and helps to advance the interests of our respective countries based on mutual respect.
 
“South Africa’s interest is to advance a better, more peaceful, more equal world, anchored in human rights and with respect for the dignity of all,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za 

DikelediM

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Gauteng Investment Conference kicks off on Thursday

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng Investment Conference kicks off on Thursday

Johannesburg will take centre stage on Thursday as the Gauteng Provincial Government hosts the second annual Gauteng Investment Conference (GIC).

The GIC – which comes hot off the heels of the successful sixth South Africa Investment Conference – will be held at Melrose Arch, with Deputy President Paul Mashatile expected to deliver the keynote address.

Delivering the provincial budget speech last month, then Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile outlined that the provincial government is targeting some R200 billion in investment pledges.

“For the upcoming GIC, our objective is to secure new investment commitments. We remain determined to secure R800 billion in investments by the end of the seventh administration.

“This target is not aspirational. It is pipeline-backed and supported by structured engagement with domestic investors, foreign direct investors and sector leaders. It builds on the momentum of 2025, but it moves us from mobilisation to institutionalisation. We are institutionalising marketing, origination, facilitation and delivery

“But conferences are not judged by attendance numbers or headlines. They are judged by implementation. It is therefore important that we account not only for what was pledged, but for what has been delivered,” Maile said at the time.

From promise to progress

Last year, the GIC garnered some R312.5 billion in pledges in sectors including agro-processing, transport, infrastructure, property development and aviation.

These pledges are expected to provide some 114 000 job opportunities.

During the launch of the 2026 GIC on 17 February, Maile stated that as of February this year, at least 28% of the pledges have resulted in active projects.

“[Some] 17 out of 60 projects are now in a roll-out and this translates to R73 billion that has been unlocked for the real economy.

“This conversion rate is central to our credibility, as it demonstrates that Gauteng does not treat investment mobilisation as an event driven exercise. But rather, as a continuous life cycle from origination and structuring to facilitation and delivery,” he said at the launch. 

Maile highlighted that the GIC serves as a platform that “integrates project preparation, investor engagement, intergovernmental coordination and capital mobilisation across our strategic pillars”.

“It achieves this by bringing visibility, structure and accountability to the provincial investment pipeline. In so doing, the GIC accelerates delivery and converts intent into implementation, as it translates strategy into bankable projects, aligns provincial ambitions with investor expectations and ensures that economic policy matches execution.

“This approach strongly reinforces the objectives and ambitions of the Gauteng Economic Development Plan, which emphasises inclusive growth, industrial expansion, infrastructure acceleration, job creation and long-term competitiveness,” he said.

Driving Gauteng forward

Maile noted that as GIC 2026 comes around, the provincial government is “now elevating the model”.

“Our goal is to fortify Gauteng’s standing as the top sub-national investment destination in Africa — a status characterised by its credibility, project preparedness and execution discipline.

“We aim to secure R200 billion in new investment commitments. We seek to showcase high-growth sectors that align with global and continental trends, including advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, electric vehicle value chains, digital infrastructure logistics, agro-processing, green hydrogen and financial services,” he said.

Some key catalytic projects to be showcased at GIC 2026 include:

  • Gauteng Rapid Rail Integrated Network extensions.
  • The Lanseria Smart City.
  • The aerotropolis around OR Tambo International Airport.
  • The expansion of the West Rand SEZ [Special Economic Zone].
  • The proposed Vaal SEZ focused on steel revitalisation and green hydrogen

This year’s conference is also aimed at strengthening the “entire investment lifecycle, building on the momentum of 2025”.

“We are institutionalising marketing, origination, facilitation and delivery. We are aligning with the African Continental Free Trade Area and African Union Agenda 2063 to deepen Pan-African value chains.

“We are building on engagements in Davos, Italy and the Mining Indaba to convert diplomatic relations into structured pipelines. We are also placing municipalities at the centre of this model. Urban planning, infrastructure approvals 

“In 2025, we demonstrated that Gauteng can mobilise capital and in 2026, we are showing that Gauteng can convert capital into projects, jobs and leading to growth of the economy,” Maile said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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Liquid C2 launches Africa’s first Google Cloud-powered Experience Centre to accelerate Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption

Source: APO

Liquid C2, a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader, has launched Africa’s first Partner Experience Centre powered by Google Cloud in Johannesburg, South Africa. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to empower partners and resellers to move beyond traditional distribution, providing the immersive, hands-on environment needed to architect and deploy cloud and AI solutions tailored specifically to African market needs.

Through the Centre, partners will be onboarded to a structured journey that guides them in securing official Google Cloud accreditation and certification. Beyond technical training provided by both Liquid C2 and Google, the centre will also serve as a collaborative hub, allowing them to work alongside specialist engineers to architect bespoke solutions. Once finalised, these solutions will be brought to market through Liquid’s robust distribution network. This expansion not only opens new commercial avenues for partners but also acts as a catalyst for high-value job creation and the rapid maturation of Africa’s technology ecosystem.

The Partner Experience Centre provides the partner and reseller ecosystem in Africa with direct access to enterprise-grade technologies such as Gemini Enterprise, and the “Gemini Playspace” for rapid AI experimentation. It also provides specialist expertise to prototype, test, and scale digital solutions in real-world environments. The centre is a testament to Liquid C2’s commitment to strengthening its role within the partner ecosystem in Africa, as it supports partners in overcoming infrastructure constraints, skills gaps, and complexity barriers that often slow digital transformation efforts across the continent.

As demand for advanced digital capabilities grows, the Partner Experience Centre serves as an innovation hub where enterprises, startups, academic institutions, developers, and public-sector stakeholders can co-create locally-relevant solutions, fostering a sense of shared progress and community across Africa.

The facility also provides industry-specific platforms tailored to sectors including financial services, healthcare, and retail. These platforms demonstrate how AI-enabled solutions can reduce operational risk, improve efficiency, enhance customer engagement, and unlock new growth opportunities across African markets.

“At Cassava Technologies, we believe the future of Africa’s digital transformation will be shaped through strong ecosystems that combine global innovation with local infrastructure and expertise,” said Ziaad Suleman, Senior Vice President, Cassava Technologies and CEO, South Africa & Botswana. “The Partner Experience Centre powered by Google Cloud creates a practical environment where organisations can explore, test, and scale solutions that deliver real business value. By combining our infrastructure, expertise, and continental reach with Google Cloud’s advanced technologies, we are helping to democratise access to AI and cloud capabilities for enterprises across Africa.”

“This is a pivotal moment in our commitment to Africa’s digital future,” said Tara Brady, President, Google Cloud EMEA. “The Partner Experience Centre is a testament to our belief in the power of a strong partner ecosystem. By combining our advanced AI capabilities, including our Gemini models, with Liquid C2’s localised expertise, we are not just building a facility; we are building a hub for innovation that will empower businesses, create jobs, and deliver the benefits of digital transformation to every corner of the continent.”

The collaboration will focus on three core pillars of transformation:

  • Accelerated Partner Enablement: The centre acts as a dedicated Proof-of-Concept (PoC) hub designed to dismantle historical market barriers. It provides localised training, hands-on technology interaction, and business support, leveraging Liquid’s capabilities to offer local currency billing and credit to manage financial complexity for resellers.
  • AI and Technology Innovation: A primary focus is empowering partners to build and deploy advanced AI solutions. The facility features a dedicated “Gemini Playspace & AI Solutions” to certify technical staff, alongside integrated “Solutions Pods” where partners can demonstrate complete technology stacks to win complex enterprise bids.
  • Economic Growth and Job Creation: The partnership is a direct investment in Africa’s tech workforce. By strategically broadening the partner network, the initiative will foster deep, localised expertise and act as a catalyst for new economic opportunities, creating a significant ripple effect of job creation for certified engineers and other tech professionals across the continent.

As a business of Cassava Technologies, Liquid C2 has always been at the forefront of bringing cutting-edge digital technologies to African businesses, both directly and through its partner ecosystem. This first-of-its-kind Partner Experience Centre is yet another milestone that reflects the company’s commitment to partnerships that leverage its continental footprint to serve a broader base of organisations.

Aligned with this, Cassava continues to expand digital inclusion across Africa through its integrated portfolio of connectivity, cloud, cyber security, and digital solutions, ensuring that a broad spectrum of organisations, regardless of size or sector, can access and benefit from advanced technologies, thereby enabling more inclusive participation in Africa’s digital economy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

About Liquid C2: 
Liquid C2, a subsidiary of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, delivers cutting-edge cloud and cybersecurity services and solutions. Committed to facilitating digital transformation, Liquid C2 is positioned to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the evolving demands of the digital era by empowering businesses to navigate the complexities of the modern digital landscape securely. The company’s offerings span cloud solutions that enhance accessibility and scalability, and robust cybersecurity services to safeguard sensitive data and elevate security and compliance posture to ensure businesses remain seamlessly connected and protected. https://LiquidC2.com

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eThekwini mayor pays tribute to Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s Albert Mazibuko

Source: Government of South Africa

eThekwini mayor pays tribute to Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s Albert Mazibuko

EThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba has extended heartfelt condolences to the family of Albert Mazibuko, a long-serving and award-winning member of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who passed away over the weekend after a short illness.

The internationally acclaimed choral group confirmed Mazibuko’s passing in a statement on its Facebook page.

Xaba described Mazibuko (77) as a towering figure in South African music, whose artistry and dedication helped elevate the multi-Grammy Award-winning isicathamiya group to global prominence.

“Albert Mazibuko was more than a performer; he was a mentor and role model to generations of artists. His passing is not only a profound loss to his family and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, but to the nation as a whole,” Xaba said in a statement on Tuesday.

Mazibuko’s career spanned more than five decades, during which he helped secure five Grammy Awards and 19 nominations for the group, further cementing the global reach of isicathamiya and mbube music.

In paying tribute, Xaba also called on social partners to strengthen support for the creative industry to ensure that the legacy of cultural icons like Mazibuko continues to inspire and empower future talent.

He also encouraged young artists to draw inspiration from Mazibuko’s discipline, humility and enduring contribution to the arts.

“Mazibuko’s family and colleagues can take comfort in knowing that his remarkable career has left an indelible mark on South Africa’s cultural heritage,” Xaba said.

A memorial service will take place on 15 April in Durban. The funeral service will be held on 18 April in Entabamhlophe, Estcourt. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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Uganda: Opposition calls for reforms amid rising debt burden

Source: APO

In its alternative budget for the 2026/27 financial year, the Opposition has warned that Uganda’s rising debt burden, shifting fiscal targets and controversial tax proposals risk undermining livelihoods, weakening institutions and choking service delivery.

Presenting the proposals at Parliament on Tuesday, 07 April 2026, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon.  Joel Ssenyonyi said the country’s current fiscal path is unsustainable, with the bulk of government spending already locked into debt obligations and fixed costs.

He said that under the proposed national budget of over Shs78 trillion, more than half of the resources are pre-committed, leaving limited fiscal space for critical sectors such as health, education and infrastructure. “For every Shs1,000 collected in taxes, more than Shs300 goes directly to lenders,” Ssenyonyi said warning that, ‘Uganda is increasingly borrowing not for development, but for survival’.

The Opposition estimates that only about Shs34.2 trillion which is close to  44 per cent of the budget is available for discretionary spending, a squeeze it says is already being felt through underfunded public services, stalled projects and widening inequality.

The Opposition singles out a number of projects including Atiak Sugar Factory, Dei BioPharma, Lubowa International Specialised Hospital and the Inspire Africa coffee initiative describing them as examples of investments that have absorbed significant public funds without delivering commensurate value.

Ssenyonyi said such projects reflect deeper weaknesses in public finance management and prioritisation, arguing that government must shift focus from prestige investments to service delivery.

The Executive Director of the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG), Julius Mukunda said persistent changes in budget estimates point to deeper planning challenges. “These numbers are a moving target. Today it is Shs84 trillion, tomorrow Shs43 trillion. Parliament must work with concrete and consistent figures,” Mukunda said.

He noted that debt servicing alone is consuming nearly 39 per cent of the budget, leaving little room for development expenditure. “We believe your priority is where your money is and most of the money is going into debt,” he added.

Mukunda also highlighted a financing gap in key government programmes, particularly under the National Development Plan, where sectors such as agro-industrialisation face a shortfall of about Shs8.1 trillion.

Mukunda argued that Uganda can raise more domestic revenue without increasing tax rates by improving efficiency, including leveraging local governments to support tax collection.

Mukunda criticised the increase in tax on imported second-hand clothes (mivumba) from 15 per cent to 30 per cent arguing that it risks hurting low-income earners without a viable local textile industry to fill the gap.

Equally contentious is the proposed taxation of smartphones, which Mukunda described as a direct barrier to youth entrepreneurship and digital participation. “The phone is the shop, the office, the address for many young people. Making it expensive is telling them to stay poor,” he said.

In their budget statement, the Opposition further criticised government for slashing domestic arrears payments from Shs1.4 trillion to Shs200 billion, calling it a breach of earlier commitments.

At the same time, both the Opposition and civil society pointed to inefficiencies such as idle loans where government continues to pay commitment fees on undisbursed funds due to delayed project execution.

The result, they argued, is a cycle of stalled infrastructure projects, with at least 27 major developments reportedly suspended due to funding constraints.

The Opposition proposed a scaled-down and more realistic budget of about Shs71.4 trillion, aligned with actual revenue performance. Key recommendations include reducing domestic borrowing, prioritising arrears clearance and cutting administrative expenditure on travel, workshops and government vehicle fleets to create what is described as a “service delivery buffer”.

The alternative framework also calls for capping interest payments, strengthening revenue collection efficiency instead of raising taxes and prioritising concessional borrowing over commercial debt.

The Opposition also raised concerns over underfunding in critical social sectors. “Health continues to receive only about 6 per cent of the budget far below the 15 per cent Abuja target resulting in drug shortages, understaffing and poor service delivery,” the budget statement reads in part.

Ssenyonyi added  that agriculture, which employs the majority of Ugandans, remains underfunded with limited investment in irrigation, extension services and market access.

The Opposition framed its alternative budget as a choice between maintaining the current trajectory and adopting reforms aimed at protecting citizens’ welfare. “We must choose discipline over excess, transparency over opacity, and long-term national interest over short-term convenience,” Ssenyonyi added.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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New Final Investment Decisions (FID) Propel Africa’s Mining Sector as Investors Eye $8.5T Untapped Potential

Source: APO


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Australian mining company Resolute Mining has approved a $516 million Final Investment Decision (FID) for its Doropo Gold Project in the Ivory Coast. The FID advances the project into the construction phase, with first production of 500,000 ounces per annum expected by 2028, strengthening the country and Africa’s position as major gold producers. Similarly, Toubani Resources approved a $216 million FID for the Kobada Gold Project in Mali, enabling the project to enter construction. Designed to produce approximately 162,000 ounces of gold per annum, Kobada supports Mali’s strategy to expand gold output beyond the current 60 tons per annum.

Such approvals signal growing capital inflows into Africa’s mining sector, as developers advance projects toward production to meet rising global mineral demand while the continent seeks investment partners to unlock its estimated $8.5 trillion in untapped mineral resources.

Rising FIDs Drive New Phase of Growth for African Mining

As more mining projects reach FID stage, Africa’s mining industry is entering a new phase of expansion, with the capital strengthening the continent’s role in global supply chains while driving infrastructure development, job creation and long-term economic growth.

With global demand for critical minerals expected to triple by 2030, FID announcements across Africa are set to accelerate, underpinned by the continent’s 30% share of energy transition metal reserves. The expanding pipeline of FIDs underscores the strong momentum building across the sector.

Rio Tinto approved a $473 million investment decision to extend the life of the Zulti South Project to 2050, strengthening South Africa’s position as a long-term supplier of mineral sands including zircon and ilmenite, which are essential inputs for construction, ceramics and advanced manufacturing industries. Meanwhile, Tharisa approved a $547 million FID for an underground expansion at its Bushveld Complex operations. The project is expected to deliver over 200,000 ounces of platinum group metals (PGMs) annually alongside more than two million tons of chrome concentrate, reinforcing the country’s position as the world’s leading supplier of PGMs.

Beyond these projects, a broader pipeline of developments is advancing toward investment decisions across the continent. Major projects including the Manono Lithium Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Gorumbwa Platinum Project in Zimbabwe, the Diamba Sud Gold Project in Senegal and the Kabanga Nickel Project in Tanzania are progressing toward potential FIDs as investors position themselves to capture rising demand for battery minerals and critical metals.

Investment Momentum Ahead of African Mining Week

This growing pipeline of investment decisions and project developments will be a key focus of the upcoming African Mining Week 2026, taking place October 14–16 in Cape Town. The event will connect investors, project developers and government regulators to explore partnership opportunities and investment prospects across Africa’s mining value chain. Through high-level discussions and project showcases, the conference will examine how rising FIDs are driving production growth, strengthening infrastructure development and advancing Africa’s strategy to transform its mineral wealth into long-term economic value.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Deputy President Mashatile to deliver a keynote address at the Gauteng Investment Conference

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will tomorrow, Thursday 09 April 2026, deliver a keynote address at the Gauteng Investment Conference 2026 (GIC 2026), a flagship provincial platform aimed at mobilisng investment, advancing industrialisation and accelerating inclusive economic growth. 

This year’s conference builds on the success of the inaugural conference held in 2025, which secured R312 billion in investment pledges. It forms part of Gauteng’s strategy to attract R800 billion in new investments over a three year period.

GIC 2026 will bring together global investors, African governments, municipal leaders, development finance institutions, banks and the private sector with the aim of enhancing Gauteng’s position as Africa’s leading investment hub.

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the conference as follows:
Date: Thursday, 09 April 
Time: 08h30
Venue: The Marriott Hotel, Melrose Arch 

Members of the media who wish to attend are requested to RSVP to Lerato Sewpersad: leratos@ggda.co.za / 072 909 4463 or Siphiwe Hlope: siphiwe.hlope@gauteng.gov.za.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840 or Sabelo Ndlangisa, Senior Communications Manager at GDED on 066 4860 444

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Qatar Condemns Storming of Kuwaiti Consulate General in Basra

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | April 07, 2026 

The State of Qatar voices its strong condemnation and denunciation of the storming of the Consulate General of the fraternal State of Kuwait in the city of Basra in the sisterly Republic of Iraq, and the accompanying violation of the sanctity of diplomatic missions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that targeting diplomatic missions was a flagrant violation of international law and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, stressing the need to respect the inviolability of diplomatic missions and to provide full protection for them and their staff.

The ministry reiterates the State of Qatar’s full solidarity with the fraternal State of Kuwait, stressing the importance of taking the necessary measures to ensure the security and safety of diplomatic missions and to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

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Minister Tau continues with investment drive

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister Tau continues with investment drive

Following the successful sixth South African Investment Conference, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has continued efforts to mobilise business leaders to invest in the South African economy.

Speaking during an engagement with the global think tank, The European House – Ambrosetti (TEHA), held at the Inanda Country Club in Sandton on Wednesday, Tau urged leaders to explore investment opportunities in South Africa.

The Minister emphasised that government has been working to create a conducive environment for investment and has made progress in addressing key constraints.

These include achieving four consecutive quarters of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth up to early 2026, securing a sovereign credit rating upgrade, removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, and the end of load shedding.

“The sixth investment conference was also the platform on which we launched two instruments that directly address the frustrations investors have historically voiced.

“The first is the Fusion Centre — a coordinated government mechanism designed to fast-track regulatory approvals and resolve bottlenecks in real time, with defined timelines and enhanced transparency for investors. 

“The second is the planned Omnibus Fast-tracking Act, which will streamline licensing processes, digitise permits, and enable faster visa approvals for scarce skills. Herein, we are engineering a system that works for investors,” Tau said. 

He further highlighted energy, minerals and beneficiation, automotive and new energy vehicles and green industrialisation as some of the key sectors that will drive the South African economy going forward. 

Tau underscored that South Africa’s path to prosperity is anchored in strong partnerships between government and the private sector. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Deputy Minister visits sugar mills in KwaZulu-Natal

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy Minister visits sugar mills in KwaZulu-Natal

Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi will on Wednesday visit sugar mills in KwaZulu-Natal in preparation for the reopening of the Sugarcane Crushing Season in May.

The Deputy Minister will start his visit with the re-opening of the Gledhow Mill. 

This follows a R1.8 billion expansion by the new owners, which was a commitment pledge made at the South African Investment Conference which took place on 31 March 2026 in Sandton, Gauteng.

Godlimpi will also sign Phase 2 of the Sugar Cane Value Chain Master Plan during the quarterly Executive Oversight Committee meeting. 

According to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Phase 1 of the Sugar Industry Master Plan (SIMP) was established as a partnership between government, the private sector and labour to stabilise and transform the sugar sector.

“The South African sugar industry remains a strategic agro-processing value chain, supporting rural livelihoods, small-scale growers, and regional economies, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. 

“The industry is currently facing several structural challenges, including the risks of potential mill closures that could significantly affect cane growers, rural employment, and associated value chains,” the department said. 

Notwithstanding the challenges faced by the industry, the dtic and government development finance institutions like the Industrial Development Corporation remain committed to supporting the reopening of the sugar cane mills to preserve jobs and sustain the rural livelihoods in KZN. 

This commitment comes from the appreciation that livelihoods would be negatively impacted should there be a disruption in the sugar industry operations. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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