Category: Africa

Cabinet has expressed confidence in South Africa’s readiness to successfully host the 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), scheduled to take place in August.

Briefing media on the outcomes of Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said preparations for the regional summit are on track.

The SADC Summit will be held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre from 16 to 17 August 2026.

“As part of the SADC Summit build-up activities, South Africa is hosting the 2026 SADC Industrialisation Week from 27 to 31 July 2026… The event brings together policymakers, business leaders, investors, academics, researchers and development finance institutions from across the region and beyond to advance industrial development,” Ntshavheni said on Thursday.

The SADC Industrialisation Week supports the implementation of the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap (2015–2063), which is anchored on three pillars, including industrialisation, competitiveness and regional integration.

This year’s programme places emphasis on developing regional value chains in agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods and critical minerals beneficiation, while also promoting investment in energy, transport, logistics, water and information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure.

Reducing transaction costs within SADC

Cabinet also congratulated the South African Reserve Bank on the expansion of the SADC Real-Time Gross Settlement (SADC-RTGS) system with the inclusion of the Angolan Kwanza as the second settlement currency after the South African Rand.

Operated by the South African Reserve Bank on behalf of participating SADC central banks, the SADC-RTGS system aims to reduce transaction costs for cross border trade within the region by facilitating the utilisation of local currencies.

“The inclusion of the Angolan Kwanza as a settlement currency in the SADC-RTGS system marks a significant milestone in advancing regional economic growth through the reduction of transaction costs,” Ntshavheni said.

This development was announced on Monday by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor Lesetja Kganyago and Governor of the Banco Nacional de Angola, Manuel Tiago Dias.

“The Kwanza’s inclusion supports regional payments modernisation efforts and aligns with the Group of Twenty’s (G20) cross-border payment goals of reducing costs, increasing speed and improving efficiency in cross-border transactions,” SARB said in a statement.

The Angolan Kwanza is the second settlement currency to be introduced in the SADC-RTGS system, which has settled transactions exclusively in South African Rand since its inception in 2013.

The system has processed R250.7 billion worth of transactions per month since its introduction.  

It is operated by the SARB, as appointed by the SADC Committee of Central Bank Governors. There are currently 15 countries participating in the SADC-RTGS system. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa’s economic reform efforts are gaining traction, supported by increased freight rail cargo volumes, investment in the automotive sector, strengthened manufacturing capacity and a modest upward revision to projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.

“While the upward revision to South Africa’s economic growth forecast remains modest, it reflects growing confidence in the country’s economic recovery efforts despite weaker global growth and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East,” Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said on Thursday, in Pretoria.

The Minister said Cabinet welcomed the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) updated macroeconomic forecast, which revised South Africa’s projected GDP growth upward to 1.1%.

“Cabinet noted that this positive adjustment reflects a stabilising domestic economy that continues to demonstrate resilience,” Ntshavheni said.

The Minister was briefing members of the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 29 July 2026.

During the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) recorded a 4.4% year-on-year performance improvement.

TFR ended the quarter having moved 42.0 million tons, compared with 40.2 million tons in the previous year.

“Notably, TFR achieved this performance despite the introduction of an additional 11-day scheduled maintenance shutdown on the Iron Ore Line. Notwithstanding this, TFR moved a higher volume of tonnage, demonstrating a significant improvement in operational efficiency and throughput,” she said,

Cabinet also welcomed Toyota South Africa Motors’ R10.4 billion investment in its Prospecton plant in eThekwini to produce the ninth-generation Hilux.

Ntshavheni said the investment strengthens the automotive manufacturing sector, supports nearly 27 000 jobs across the supplier network and sustains more than 4 300 direct assembly jobs for the employees working at Toyota’s Prospecton manufacturing plant.

The capital injection comes alongside the Chery Group’s recent acquisition and revitalisation of the former Nissan manufacturing facility in Rosslyn, Gauteng.

Chery Group has announced plans to manufacture the Chery, Jaecoo and Jetour brands at the newly acquired Rosslyn facility.

“Initial production is scheduled to commence in mid-2027, with operational capacity ramping up the following year to achieve an annual output of 15 000 units. 

“The Chery Group’s acquisition secures 692 manufacturing jobs and is projected to create nearly 3 000 direct and indirect opportunities across logistics, engineering, supply chains and support services. These long-term commitments also solidify South Africa’s position as a robust manufacturing and regional export hub,” Ntshavheni said.

Digitalised Trusted Employer Scheme

Cabinet further welcomed the official launch of Phase II of the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES), which is aimed at fast-tracking visa processing for verified employers without compromising national security or immigration controls.

The Minister emphasised that qualifying employers must demonstrate significant domestic investment, prioritise the employment of South African citizens and permanent residents, invest in local skills development and align with priority economic sectors.

The dedicated online application portal for TES Phase II, “Home Affairs @ home”, forms part of government’s broader digital transformation strategy.

“At some point, this digital portal will transition into the country’s full Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) ecosystem. Qualifying employers are invited to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) between 20 July 2026 and 4 September 2026,”  Ntshavheni said. –SAnews.gov.za

Cabinet has reiterated that all South Africans, regardless of their race or political views, will always have a home in the country.

The remarks come after allegations that white South Africans who chose to resettle in the United States of America (USA) under claims of a “white genocide” in South Africa have allegedly been denied visas.

Briefing media on the outcomes of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting in Pretoria on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said government remains committed to protecting the rights of all South Africans in line with the Constitution.

“South Africans irrespective of their political views will always have a home in this country without the fear of political persecution and suppression in accordance with the laws of the Republic,” Ntshavheni said.

She said while South Africa continues to face significant socio-economic challenges, these affect all citizens, irrespective of race and gender.

“These challenges must be addressed through a collective (all of South Africa) effort involving government, political parties, labour unions, business, civil society, and individual South Africans. The collective efforts must acknowledge the continued impact of the legacy of Apartheid rule and the need for redress the injustices of the past,” the Minister said.

Cabinet called on South Africans to continue to reject attempts to reverse the gains of democracy through racial mobilisation and instead recommit to the goal of building a united, non-racial, and prosperous South Africa. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

Cabinet has welcomed the release of the National Water Action Plan, which sets out strategic interventions to ensure a reliable supply of quality water to all South Africans while addressing the root causes of the country’s water challenges.

The plan, which was released recently following a meeting of the National Water Crisis Committee (WATERCOM), sets out short-, medium-, and long-term interventions to tackle the root causes of persistent water supply challenges affecting municipalities, communities, and businesses.

Among the measures outlined in the plan are increased investment in water infrastructure, including through private-sector participation, legal and regulatory reforms to improve municipal service delivery, and efforts to tackle corruption and criminality in the water sector.

WATERCOM, which is chaired by President Ramaphosa, was established following the 2026 State of the Nation Address in response to increasingly severe water supply interruptions in parts of the country.

The committee brings together government departments and public agencies responsible for implementing the plan, as well as the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

In his weekly newsletter to the nation on Monday, President Ramaphosa assured citizens that government is focused on the implementation of the plan to ensure the delivery of running water for all South Africans, regardless of their location.

National Water Access Acceleration Programme launch commended

Cabinet also commended the launch of the National Water Access Acceleration Programme, which was unveiled on International Nelson Mandela Day, 18 July 2026, alongside the rollout of 67 decentralised water supply schemes in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape.

The schemes comprise boreholes and package water treatment plants aimed at expanding access to safe drinking water in unserved rural communities that currently lack reliable water services.

Briefing media on the outcomes of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting in Pretoria, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the projects represent the first phase of the Department of Water and Sanitation’s National Water Access Acceleration Programme, which is being implemented through water boards under the Water Services Act.

“More than R200 million has been allocated to Phase One of the programme, which combines borehole drilling, groundwater development, spring protection, rainwater harvesting, and rehabilitation of existing water infrastructure to expand access to safe drinking water,” the Minister highlighted.

As part of a broader public infrastructure investment programme, government earlier this year, allocated R156 billion to water and sanitation infrastructure over the next three years. The investment will support the expansion and maintenance of water infrastructure, improve supply reliability, and address water and sanitation challenges affecting communities across the country.

Framework for water and sanitation services 

Meanwhile, Cabinet approved the publication of the draft Strategic Framework for Water and Sanitation Services for a 60-day public comment period.

The reviewed framework sets sector targets, responds to emerging challenges and developments, and aligns the sector with national priorities and global best practices.

“It emphasises climate resilience, environmental integration, financial sustainability, urban-rural vulnerability gaps, digital transformation, and improved sector planning and delivery.

The strategy is intended to strengthen sector governance, improve planning and delivery, and support the provision of sustainable, reliable, and equitable water and sanitation services for all South Africans,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za 

Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has announced that Cabinet has approved the extension of the validity period of driving licences for light motor vehicles and motorcycle licences from five years to 10 years.

Addressing members of the media in Pretoria on Thursday on the outcomes of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, Ntshavheni said the extension applies to Codes A, A1, B and EB, increasing the validity period from five to 10 years.

Heavy commercial and public transport vehicles will remain subject to the existing two-or five-year renewal cycles, while Professional Driving Permits will also remain on the two-year renewal cycle.

“The implementation of the extended validity period requires legislative amendments. Motorists must therefore continue to renew expired driving licence cards until the new law takes effect. 

“The change aligns with international best practice, enhances administrative efficiency, reduces the frequency of renewals for motorists and eases service-demand pressures within the licensing system,” the Minister said.

Revised Electricity Pricing Policy

Cabinet also approved the publication of the Revised Electricity Pricing Policy for public comment. The policy strengthens the regulatory framework governing electricity prices, tariffs and charges.

The policy provides tariff transparency through the unbundling of tariffs across generation, transmission, distribution and retail activities. It also consolidates regulatory arrangements for electricity pricing across the various pricing interfaces between generators, traders, the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), and distributors.

It also establishes the framework through which these interfaces will be enabled and regulated by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).

Ntshavheni said the policy updates the 2008 Electricity Pricing Policy to reflect developments in the electricity supply industry, including ongoing market reforms arising from the unbundling of Eskom and the implementation of the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, 2024.

“The policy supports the introduction of cost-reflective tariffs while protecting vulnerable users and strategic economic sectors,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, government is set to publish the draft Electricity Sector Market Transformation Position Paper for public comment, following Cabinet’s approval.

“The position paper provides a framework to guide South Africa’s transition from a predominantly state-controlled electricity system to a more competitive electricity market, in line with the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, 2024 and the Energy Action Plan.

“The proposed reforms seek to improve energy security and reliability by reducing reliance on a single electricity supplier and enabling greater participation in electricity generation and trading. 

“The reforms are also aimed at attracting investment in electricity generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure supporting job creation and economic growth, and reducing electricity costs over the long term,” Ntshavheni said. –SAnews.gov.za

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says Cabinet has welcomed the African Development Bank Group’s (AfDB) approval of US$13 million in emergency grants to strengthen efforts to contain the Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda and South Sudan.

Briefing media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, the Minister said the funding will reinforce national emergency response efforts, curb the spread of the virus and reduce deaths and illness in the most affected and vulnerable communities.

The funding follows calls by President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as the African Union (AU) Champion for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPPR), for greater African solidarity, urgent humanitarian assistance and increased investment in African-led health innovation. 

The outbreak was first reported by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on 15 May 2026, in the Ituri province in the country’s east, with cases also reported in Bunia, Rwampara and Mongwalu.

Since then, the outbreak has spread to the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.

Under the funding package, $10 million will be drawn from reallocated resources within the African Development Bank Group’s existing DRC portfolio and channelled through the World Health Organisation.

A further $3 million will come from the bank’s Multi-Country Emergency Assistance Project covering the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, with implementation led by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

The DRC, which is at the centre of the outbreak, will receive $11 million, while Uganda and South Sudan will each receive $1 million.

The funds will be used in coordination with national health ministries to strengthen early diagnosis, epidemiological surveillance, community engagement, public awareness and regional coordination, according to a statement issued by the AfDB.

The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. The strain is described as particularly virulent, and there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for it. – SAnews.gov.za

Cabinet has welcomed the successful conclusion of the fourth South Africa–Namibia Bi-National Commission, held in Pretoria on 17 July 2026, and co-chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Namibian President, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

Briefing media on the outcomes of Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the Bi-National Commission reaffirmed the strategic nature of South Africa- Namibia relations and advanced cooperation between the two countries in priority sectors.

“Of particular significance is the commitment of closer collaboration in the exploration and utilisation of natural resources, which will support economic development and growth in both countries,” the Minister said in Pretoria on Thursday.

In a joint communiqué issued after the meeting, the two Presidents reaffirmed the historic bonds of friendship forged during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid.

“The two Presidents reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction with the steady growth of cooperation between the two countries. They reiterated their commitment to further strengthening political, economic, social and cultural relations for the mutual benefit of their peoples,” the joint communiqué said.

The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and other multilateral forums, while advancing regional peace, security, economic integration and sustainable development.

Namibia also expressed its support for South Africa as host of the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in August 2026.

Recognising the geographical proximity, economic interdependence and complementary resource endowments of the two countries, the Presidents agreed to intensify economic cooperation.

“They agreed to promote greater trade and investment, strengthen cross-border value chains, facilitate private-sector partnerships and pursue opportunities for joint industrial development and beneficiation,” the joint communiqué said.

The two countries also agreed to deepen collaboration in the mining, petroleum and natural gas sectors by expanding cooperation across mineral and energy value chains.

The communiqué said the partnership would place greater emphasis on exploration, research, technology, skills development, local value addition and beneficiation to support industrialisation, economic diversification, energy security and employment creation.

Energy cooperation featured prominently during the discussions, with the two leaders agreeing to strengthen collaboration in electricity generation and transmission, renewable energy and regional energy security.

They also committed to accelerating implementation of the Kudu Gas Power Project.

Transport and logistics were identified as critical enablers of trade, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation on the Trans-Kalahari Corridor and other transport links connecting South Africa, Namibia and the broader Southern African region.

The two governments also agreed to strengthen cooperation in water resource management, agriculture and food security, public health, skills development and public-sector capacity building to improve resilience, service delivery and socio-economic development.

The Commission culminated in the signing of seven bilateral agreements and instruments of cooperation covering:
•    Employment and labour; 
•    Public administration capacity building between South Africa’s National School of Government and Namibia’s Institute of Public Administration and Management; 
•    Bilateral air services; 
•    Legal cooperation; 
•    Correctional services; 
•    An economic partnership agreement between the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and 
•    Gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The two Heads of State also welcomed the convening of the South Africa-Namibia Business Forum, describing it as a strategic public-private partnership platform that will promote greater economic cooperation between the two countries. – SAnews.gov.za