Category: Africa

Source: Government of South Africa

By Dikeledi Molobela

Hanoi, Vietnam – President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa and Vietnam must move beyond trading in raw materials and build a partnership rooted in value addition, industrial collaboration and shared prosperity.

Speaking at the South Africa–Vietnam Business Forum in Hanoi during his State Visit on Friday, President Ramaphosa said that while trade between the two countries has grown significantly, the balance remains tilted against South Africa.

“South Africa runs a sizable trade deficit with Vietnam. We import significantly more than we export. Between 2023 and 2024, we had a trade deficit of 30%.

“South Africa largely exports raw commodities – minerals, ores, fuels and agricultural products – while Vietnam exports manufactured goods of higher value. This imbalance calls us to move beyond the traditional trade in raw materials. We need to work toward greater value addition, diversification and industrial collaboration. This challenge is our greatest opportunity,” the President said. 

The President said both nations stand to gain from combining their respective strengths.

“South Africa has much to offer Vietnam – a rich resource base, advanced mining expertise, a robust agricultural sector and a growing manufacturing capability. Vietnam, in turn, brings extraordinary strengths in electronics, textiles, machinery and renewable energy technologies.

“Together, we can build supply chains that are not only profitable, but resilient, sustainable and future-focused,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa called for increased investments, noting that there are currently no Vietnamese investments in South Africa. 

“There are a number of financial and non-financial support measures available for Vietnamese companies that may be keen to invest in South Africa to diversify their supply chains,” he said.

Highlighting the vast investment opportunities, he said South Africa’s potential lies in “agriculture, agro-processing, mining and mineral beneficiation, manufacturing, advanced manufacturing and services”.

The President urged business leaders from both countries to seize the opportunity to shape a shared vision of cooperation.

“This Business Forum is about shaping a shared vision of cooperation between South Africa and Vietnam – a vision that reflects our mutual aspirations for prosperity, sustainability and human development,” he said.

He described South Africa and Vietnam as “innate partners”, with histories of resilience and shared values. 

“Both of our countries have demonstrated remarkable determination in overcoming adversity and in building societies that stand proud on the global stage. This shared experience reminds us that economic cooperation is not simply about transactions. It is about building bridges of solidarity, trust and long-term prosperity,” the President said. 

The President highlighted that the recent US tariff decisions have tested the resilience of many countries.

In response to these tariffs, he said the South African government has swiftly activated strategies to diversify its export markets. 

“We have re-established trade offices and assistance desks, with our Asian trading partners as a central pillar in our outreach,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa said the future of the partnership lies in collaboration across strategic and emerging sectors, including electric vehicles, battery manufacturing, renewable energy, agro-processing and digital innovation.

“By combining South Africa’s natural advantages with Vietnam’s manufacturing dynamism, we can create industries that generate jobs, drive exports and strengthen both our nations’ positions in the global economy,” he said.

Underscoring the geographic advantage of both countries, the President said South Africa serves as a gateway to Africa through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while Vietnam is a vital hub in the fast-growing ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] region.

“Together, our two countries can serve as vital bridges between Africa and Asia, connecting supply chains, enhancing trade flows and creating new pathways for investment.” 

President Ramaphosa also pointed to opportunities in education, tourism and clean energy, saying collaboration in these areas would deepen people-to-people ties and drive inclusive development.

“The future belongs to our youth. Partnerships in education, training, research and innovation can empower the next generation to drive inclusive and sustainable growth,” he said.

President Ramaphosa concluded by reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship with Vietnam.

“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to work hand in hand with our Vietnamese counterparts, our business leaders and our people to ensure that the potential of this partnership is fully realised. Together, let us move forward from friendship to partnership to shared prosperity,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, October 24, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Former Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Land Affairs (2007–2009), Manyaba Rubben Mohlaloga, has been ordered to report to the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday, 23 October 2025, to commence serving his 20-year imprisonment sentence handed down on 14 February 2019.

This follows one of the landmark cases investigated by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit, which was registered in Brooklyn in October 2012. 

Investigations revealed that during February 2008, a grant of R6 million was irregularly paid to an entity on the verbal instruction of the then CEO of the Land Bank, without following the requisite approval procedures.

The matter was brought to the Hawks’ attention by the Land Bank, which was responsible for managing and administering the AgriBEE Fund, valued at R100 million — a fund allocated by Parliament to promote the empowerment of previously disadvantaged farmers.

Mohlaloga, in his capacity as the then Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, was among the individuals who personally benefitted from the illicitly approved grant.

He was subsequently found guilty on one count of fraud and one count of money laundering, resulting in his sentencing on 14 February 2019. The court imposed 15 years’ imprisonment on each count, with 10 years of the money laundering sentence ordered to run concurrently, resulting in an effective 20-year term.

Mohlaloga lodged appeals with both the Pretoria High Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), which were unsuccessful. Following the SCA’s order on 8 August 2025, directing that he commence his sentence, Mohlaloga filed an urgent application for bail extension, pending an intended application for leave to appeal to the Constitutional Court.

The bail extension application was heard in the Pretoria High Court on 16 September 2025 and was successfully opposed by the State. On 13 October 2025, the court refused the application for bail, ordering that Mohlaloga surrender himself for incarceration.

The Acting National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Patrick Mbotho, commended the investigation and prosecution teams for their outstanding diligence and commitment, ensuring that those who unlawfully enrich themselves at the expense of public funds are held accountable.

“This case is a clear demonstration that the Hawks and the justice system remain resolute in bringing those who abuse positions of trust and authority to justice,” said Mbotho. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The acquisition of four new ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, at a cost of R967 million, to enhance operations at the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2, reinforces Transnet’s commitment to improving its service offering through investing in new equipment.

This is according to Transnet Group Chief Executive, Michelle Phillips, who explained that the new equipment will enhance the terminal’s operational efficiency, cargo-handling capacity, and competitiveness. 

The new STS cranes will replace an old fleet, which has reached its end–of–lifecycle.

The Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 is the largest and busiest container facility in Southern Africa – responsible for 60% of the country’s container volumes. Pier 2 is currently the only facility in Africa with tandem lift cranes that have a carrying capacity of 80 tons at a time.

“These cranes will enable us to turn vessels faster, to operate at higher winds and match the world-class efficiency that global trade demand. This investment is a symbol of our commitment to ensure that cargo moves through our port terminals with the required speed and reliability. 

“Faster processing of cargo at our terminals directly supports South Africa’s export-led growth strategy, boosting global trade competitiveness and economic prosperity. The investment is set up to increase the terminal’s volume throughput and significantly boost productivity and efficiency levels,” Phillips said on Thursday in Durban.

Two of the cranes are being commissioned, with endurance testing and operational handover scheduled to start in the last week of October 2025. 

The remaining two cranes are being assembled and are planned to undergo commissioning and operational handover by the end of November 2025.

The new fleet is part of Transnet Port Terminal’s (TPT’s) capital expenditure to strengthen the cargo-handling fleet across its container terminals. 

In March 2025, TPT unveiled 20 straddle carriers and nine rubber-tyred gantries (RTGs) for DCT Pier 2 and Pier 1, respectively. 

This investment is already yielding tangible results, which is affirmed by the recently concluded citrus season, where DCT Pier 2 recorded an impressive year-on-year increase of 28.8%.

TPT has set aside R4 billion on acquiring equipment across its business this financial year (2025/26).

Original equipment manufacturer, Liebherr Africa has equipped the cranes with the latest technology and minimised environmental impact demonstrated by its reduced energy consumption. 

Positioned at the terminal’s edge, the cranes boast advanced cargo-handling features, including increased lifting capacity, to efficiently load and unload containers on calling vessels. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure (DOI) has completed a project to upgrade 3.8 km of the MR 201 (R301) from a single carriageway to a dual carriageway. 

This stretch is located between the N1 at Paarl and Kliprug Road (OP5255).

The DOI Director for Operational Support, Jandré Bakker, said this section of the MR 201 is now classified as a Class E (ii) dual carriageway. 

It has a width of five meters for most of its length, tapering to 1.9 meters at intersections to accommodate a right-turning lane. 

In addition, there is a 2.8-meter surfaced shoulder along most of the route, which includes a curb and drainage channel throughout.

“A pedestrian sidewalk and a median have been built, and traffic signals and lighting have been installed. Two major culverts across non-perennial rivers have been lengthened, and an existing culvert has been replaced. A new urban drainage system has been built to direct stormwater into the nearest natural drainage channel,” said Bakker.  

He said the catchpits and inlet structures have been constructed to feed into the urban stormwater system, while enhancements have also been made to traffic capacity at intersections.

Kliprug Road was realigned to upgrade the intersection of the MR201 and Kliprug Road from a roundabout to a signalised T-junction, with an investment of R214.8 million.

Western Cape Infrastructure MEC, Tertuis Simmers, said: “There is a staggered junction at OP5256, which provides access to the Wildepaarde and Azalea Acres developments, along with the road accesses to the Zanddrift and Boschenmeer developments.”

The MEC said the plan, as envisaged in the current contract was to consolidate all these access roads to one access on MR201 for reasons of safety and mobility. 

“However, at the time of construction, the Zanddrift development had not yet commenced, and its starting date was uncertain. This meant that existing access roads to Wildepaarde and Boschenmeer could not be closed. 

“Modifications were made to the median island and the turning lane layout to maintain access. The consolidated intersection, as envisaged in the current contract, including the realignment of OP5256 that will be required, will be undertaken by Zanddrift Development when that project commences,” said Simmers. 

The MEC reports that the project generated 241 short-term job opportunities, exceeding the target of 200. 

According to Simmers, the project created a total of 39 786 person-days of work, surpassing the goal of 20 000.

In addition, R48.5 million was spent on procuring goods and services from targeted enterprises, which is significantly higher than the target of R26 million.

“A total of 14 local enterprises and six emerging contractors benefited from the project, and both those contract participation goals were met,” Simmers added.

The MEC said this project is part of a significant investment in the area, with various projects currently underway. 

“I wish to thank road users for their patience during the 33-month construction process,” Simmers added. – SAnews.gov.za