Category: Africa

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) will this afternoon host a Business Forum that will bring together business representatives, senior government officials and economic cluster ministers from both South Africa and Kenya. 

The Business Forum is scheduled to take place at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.

The forum will be addressed by both President Cyril Ramaphosa and Kenyan President Dr William Ruto later in the day.

According to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, the Business Forum will focus on deepening economic cooperation, facilitating business partnerships, and exploring strategies for unlocking the full potential of trade and investment between the two countries.

“South Africa and Kenya recognise the importance of trade development and trade diversification for overall economic growth and prosperity. 

“The diversification of exports is crucial for balanced economic development and is vital to guaranteeing the long-term sustainability and future economic welfare of the two countries.” 

Tau said that South Africa and Kenya are both well positioned to harness the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) for improved trade growth, complementary regional gateways and job-creating investments that have the potential to drive continental integration.

He further explained that AFCFTA preferential trade between South Africa and Kenya has shown steady growth since SA’s preferential trade launch on 31January 2024, with Kenya among South Africa’s top destinations, alongside Ghana and Egypt.

Total trade between South Africa and Kenya increased from R9.3 billion in 2016 to R10.5billion in 2025, registering an average growth rate of 3.5% over the period 2016 – 2025.

Strategic sectors targeted for the forum are finance and technology, agriculture and agribusiness, manufacturing and infrastructure development. – SAnews.gov.za

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has identified several former beneficiaries who overpaid their student loan accounts and are eligible for refunds.

According to a statement issued by NSFAS, the refunds relate primarily to historical scheme loan accounts from the period before 2010.

NSFAS previously launched a refund campaign in November 2015 and successfully refunded or resolved the majority of the original refund population.

However, NSFAS said some affected former debtors could not be reached using the contact details available at the time.

NSFAS Administrator, Professor Hlengani Mathebula, said the scheme is now making a further attempt to locate and refund eligible former debtors using updated contact information recently obtained through approved data sources.

Unclaimed funds will be transferred to the National Credit Regulator (NCR).

“NSFAS is committed to administering all financial transactions fairly, accurately, and transparently. Where former beneficiaries have overpaid their loan balances, it is our responsibility to refund those amounts and ensure that affected individuals receive the funds due to them.

“We encourage all eligible debtors to engage with NSFAS through our official channels so that this process can be concluded efficiently,” Mathebula said.

According to NSFAS, the refund process is designed to be straightforward, secure, and efficient. Eligible former debtors will be contacted through official NSFAS communication channels and guided on how to submit their refund requests.

The NSFAS Loans Unit has outlined the following process:

•    NSFAS identifies debtors who overpaid their loan balances due to historical interest calculation corrections.
•    Affected individuals are contacted through official NSFAS communication channels using updated tracing information, including cellphone numbers and email addresses.
•    Debtors are informed that a refund may be due to them and are directed to the official NSFAS refund process or platform.
•    The individual completes the required refund application form and submits verified banking details for payment processing.
•    NSFAS validates the submitted information and processes the refund where applicable.
•    Banking details must be in the debtor’s name and linked to the debtor’s South African ID number.
•    Individuals may elect to donate their refund amount back to NSFAS to support future students.

Mathebula urged former beneficiaries to remain vigilant when sharing personal information and only engage through official NSFAS communication channels and approved NSFAS platforms.

“Protecting the personal information of our beneficiaries and debtors remains a priority. We urge all affected individuals to verify communications and engage only through official NSFAS platforms when submitting refund requests or personal details,” Mathebula said.

NSFAS also advised beneficiaries and former beneficiaries against sharing personal or banking information with unauthorised individuals or through unofficial platforms.

The scheme said it remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the responsible administration of public funds, while ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries receive the support and services to which they are entitled. – SAnews.gov.za
 

North West Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi has called for municipalities to become strategic centres for enterprise development and job creation.

Addressing delegates at the Bojanala-Platinum District Economic Development Symposium in Rustenburg on Thursday, Mokgosi said local government must play a critical role in delivering on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s vision of fixing municipalities and transforming the economy.

He called for municipalities to move beyond their traditional service delivery role and position themselves as catalysts for economic development.

The symposium brought together government leaders, business representatives, labour organisations, civil society and traditional leaders to discuss strategies for stimulating economic growth in the Bojanala-Platinum District.

Mokgosi said the initiative aligns with government’s efforts to reposition municipalities as engines of local economic development capable of attracting investment, supporting businesses and creating sustainable employment opportunities.

“This initiative correlates with our ongoing efforts of repositioning the local sphere of government as strategic locations for enterprise development and job creation,” he said.

The Premier linked the district’s economic development agenda to President Ramaphosa’s call for 2026 to be dedicated to fixing municipalities and transforming the economy, arguing that stronger and more effective local governments are essential for economic recovery.

He noted that municipalities are constitutionally mandated to promote social and economic development and should use their Integrated Development Plans to align local priorities with national development goals.

According to Mokgosi, effective municipalities have the potential to unlock economic opportunities, improve investor confidence and help address high unemployment levels across the province.

“Residents of our province continue to identify service delivery, economic growth and job creation as their apex priorities,” he said.

The Premier said collaboration between government, business, labour and civil society would be crucial to ensuring municipalities succeed in driving economic development and improving living conditions.

He highlighted the need for stronger public-private partnerships to support industrialisation, investment attraction and job creation initiatives across the province.

Mokgosi pointed to the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy as a framework designed to revitalise economic activity and accelerate development through cooperation between government and the private sector.

A key component of this strategy is the Bojanala Special Economic Zone in Mogwase, which is expected to focus on mineral beneficiation, manufacturing, agro-processing and renewable energy. 

The project is projected to create more than 2 500 jobs and attract approximately R8 billion in investment.

The Premier said municipalities must ensure that such developments translate into tangible benefits for local communities through employment opportunities, enterprise development and improved infrastructure.

Despite the province’s vast mineral wealth, Mokgosi acknowledged that many communities continue to face high levels of unemployment, poverty and underdevelopment.

He urged stakeholders to intensify efforts to ensure local communities derive greater benefit from the province’s natural resources, particularly through beneficiation and industrial development.

Mokgosi also called on businesses, particularly mining companies, to support municipal development initiatives through the provincial Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme.

The programme focuses on improving critical services such as water provision, sanitation, road maintenance, refuse removal and public lighting.

He stressed that municipalities cannot drive economic growth without reliable infrastructure and basic services, adding that service delivery and economic development are closely linked. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) seasonal forecast shows that parts of South Africa will receive significant rainfall in winter and early spring.

“During the winter seasons, it is only the south-western, southern and eastern coastal areas that receive significant rainfall. The eastern coastal areas are expected to receive above-normal rainfall during winter and early spring, whilst below-normal rainfall is expected for the south-western and southern regions,” the Seasonal Climate Watch report for June to October 2026 said.

According to the weather service, minimum and maximum temperatures are largely expected to be above-normal for most parts of South Africa during the winter season.

These weather conditions have been attributed to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which is currently still in a neutral state.

Current predictions indicate that it will rapidly move towards an El Niño state within the next month and continue to strengthen up to early summer and last at least until the end of the 2026/27 summer season. 

The anticipated above-normal rainfall conditions in the eastern coastal areas during winter and early spring are likely to boost surface runoff into dams and reservoirs, substantially increasing water storage capacity and availability for purposes such as household, industrial, and agricultural use. 

Such conditions are likely to relieve pressure on water-scarce regions, including areas that are known to receive significant rainfall during winter seasons. 

However, intensive rainfall may overwhelm stormwater and sewage systems, resulting in flash floods and flooding in areas prone to flooding, including low-lying bridges.

In addition, during this period, below-normal rainfall conditions are expected in the south-western and southern coastal areas. 

“Such conditions, coupled with largely forecasted above-normal minimum and maximum temperatures for most parts of the country during the forecast period, are likely to increase water loss, adding pressure on water-scarce regions.

“Furthermore, minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be above normal across the country during the forecast period. This is likely to increase the cooling demand, particularly during early spring. Decision-makers should note these possible outcomes and communicate with affected businesses and communities,” SAWS said.

The June to October 2026 seasonal forecast suggests potential health implications associated with rainfall variability and above-normal temperatures in most parts of South Africa. 

SAWS said above-normal rainfall forecast for parts of the eastern coastal areas during winter and early spring may increase the likelihood of localised flooding, poor drainage, water source contamination, waterborne diseases and water-related injuries, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone communities. 

“Below-normal rainfall forecast for parts of the south-western and southern coastal areas during late winter and early spring may place additional pressure on local water availability, hygiene and sanitation conditions should dry conditions persist. 

“Above-normal minimum and maximum temperatures forecast over most parts of South Africa may increase heat-related health risks, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, older persons, outdoor workers and people with chronic illnesses,” the weather service said.

Warmer conditions may also increase ultraviolet exposure during clear-sky periods, with associated risks such as sunburn and longer-term skin damage. –SAnews.gov.za

Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Nonceba Kontsiwe, has welcomed the strong public support shown for the department’s Agricultural Show and Mnquma Market Day where farmers from across the Amathole District successfully marketed and sold their produce.

Addressing attendees at the show, held at Monument Centre in Butterworth on Wednesday, Kontsiwe said the event highlighted the growing value of agricultural shows as platforms for connecting farmers with consumers, expanding market access, and creating economic opportunities.

She commended the people of Butterworth for supporting farmers, after witnessing a number of people leaving the venue carrying different types of produce they had purchased.  

“These shows are not meant to be places where farmers showcase produce only but they must be hubs of economic activity. The shows have long served as a platform for celebrating excellence in farming in a bid to promote market access for smallholder farmers,” Kontsiwe said.

The shows were re-introduced last year, where various farmers from Amathole, Chris Hani, Sarah Baartman and OR Tambo District Municipalities had an opportunity to showcase their produce to different stakeholders, including buyers, agricultural experts, and other industry stakeholders.

The events also provide a platform space for participants and role players across the agricultural value chain to exhibit produce, products, innovations and funding instruments, while creating opportunities for networking and information-sharing among farmers and industry role players.

Kontsiwe said the department’s reimagined agricultural show model, with its renewed focus on market access and fostering commercial opportunities, will continue to be rolled out across all district municipalities in the province.

“The shows have transitioned from purely competitive events to vibrant, interactive marketplaces that connect farmers directly with potential buyers, financial service providers, and agri-business stakeholders,” the MEC said.

Chairperson of the Mnquma Farmers’ Association, David Nomngqokwana, welcomed the initiative, saying it provided farmers with valuable opportunities to sell their produce and strengthen their businesses.

“We are delighted as farmers to have platforms like these, where we are able to sell our produce. This show has brought exciting opportunities for farmers in terms of markets and gaining more knowledge about our products.

“We need to continue hosting these shows so that we can improve our produce, learn from others and have access to the markets. Through meaningful government initiatives like these, we are able to take steps towards becoming fully-fledged commercial farmers,” Nomngqokwana said.

The department said the quarterly agricultural shows, which will be hosted in all district municipalities, are aimed at bridging the gap between production and markets, empowering farmers, stimulating rural economies and contributing to the growth of the agricultural value chain across the province. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The Gauteng Department of e-Government (e-Gov) will today launch the Youth Tech Expo G13 Hackathon Series 2026 as part of government’s youth empowerment initiatives.

The department said the hackathon is aimed at “accelerating youth innovation and developing practical digital solutions to address Gauteng’s priority service delivery challenges”.

“This initiative brings together young innovators, technology stakeholders, government institutions and industry partners to collaborate on solutions that improve service delivery and address real community challenges.

“The programme will be rolled out across all five corridors [Westrand, Sedibeng, Joburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane] of Gauteng during June 2026 and will culminate in a Provincial Finale and Awards Ceremony to be hosted at the Microsoft offices in Johannesburg.

“The first Hackathon in the series will take place in the West Rand region as an overnight innovation challenge where participants will conceptualize, design and develop technology-driven solutions,” the department said of Thursday’s launch.

The finale will be held from 29 – 30 June 2026, followed by a closing ceremony and awards presentation on 1 July.

MEC for e-Government Bonginkosi Dhlamini said the hackathon presents an opportunity to creatively deal with challenges.

“We believe that the youth of Gauteng possess the creativity, talent and technological capability to develop solutions that can transform communities and improve government service delivery.

“Through the Youth Tech Expo G13 Hackathon Series, we are creating a platform for young innovators to showcase their skills, collaborate with industry leaders and contribute meaningfully to the digital future of our province,” Dhlamini said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gauteng residents are urged to protect public infrastructure amid a recent increase in vandalism.

The Department of e-Government said incidents of vandalism, damage and theft have affected CCTV cameras in the province.

Department MEC Bonginkosi Dhlamini warned that this impacts public safety, crime prevention and crime detection.

“The Gauteng Provincial Government has invested heavily in public infrastructure to improve public safety and service delivery across the province.

“When public assets such as CCTV cameras are vandalised or stolen, it not only undermines our efforts to create safer environments for residents but also diverts valuable resources that could have been used to expand services and invest in additional infrastructure,” Dhlamini said.

Furthermore, public infrastructure is funded through “public resources and is installed for the benefit of our communities”.

“We therefore call on residents, community organisations, businesses and all stakeholders to work with government in protecting these assets. By safeguarding public infrastructure, we are safeguarding our own safety, security and future development,” the MEC added.

Communities are encouraged to report incidents of vandalism and suspicious activity.

According to the department several cameras are currently non-operational due to vandalism, undermining “law enforcement capabilities across the province”.

“Through the e-Policing programme, CCTV cameras assist authorities in monitoring crime hotspots, tracking criminal activities, gathering evidence for investigations and supporting coordinated responses to incidents.

“Gauteng Provincial Government will continue working closely with law enforcement agencies, municipalities, private sector partners and communities to ensure that public safety infrastructure remains operational and effective in serving the people of Gauteng,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za