Category: Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on participants at the Africa Energy Indaba to use the platform to unite to realise an “Africa that meets its needs for reliable and cost-effective energy”.

The annual indaba, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, brings together the continent’s energy leaders, policymakers, investors and development partners to advance energy security, regional integration and investment across the continent.

“This indaba is an opportunity to harness our collective efforts towards realising an Africa that meets its needs for reliable and cost-effective energy, while becoming a competitive exporter of energy in a rapidly changing global market. 

“There has never been a better time for Africa to advance its energy security, resilience and sustainability. With its abundant natural resources, our continent holds immense potential for energy generation,” the President said.

Natural endowments

The African continent holds oil and gas reserves, an abundance of minerals and potential for solar, wind, hydroelectric and hydrogen fuel cell energy.

President Ramaphosa highlighted that despite these natural endowments, the continent continues to experience energy poverty.

The International Energy Agency notes that some 600 million Africans do not have access to electricity, translating into what the President described as “lost production, interrupted services, constrained investment and reduced opportunity”. 

“This energy gap exists in the context of a growing continental population, rising urbanisation and renewed efforts to industrialise and integrate into the global economy. In this environment, access to reliable electricity is a competitive differentiator.

“Industrialisation cannot take place without secure supply chains, resilient villages, towns and cities, and reliable, affordable and scalable energy,” he said.

To remedy the situation, President Ramaphosa proposed an energy system that “connects Africa to itself, and one that allows our economies to grow together rather than apart”.

This vision is articulated in the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which links the continent’s development to modern infrastructure and integrated energy systems.

To operationalise this agenda, the President highlighted the Ten-Year Africa Energy Infrastructure Investment Plan, which was inaugurated under South Africa’s G20 Presidency.

“The plan recognises that Africa’s energy needs are too large to be met by incremental projects.

“There needs to be a coherent pipeline of bankable investments, supported by credible institutions, predictable regulation and partnerships,” President Ramaphosa said.

He noted that while “public finance cannot fund the full scale of Africa’s infrastructure needs alone…it can play a catalytic role in project preparation, credit enhancement and risk reduction”.

“The significance of the Ten-Year Africa Energy Infrastructure Investment Plan lies in its ability to organise the pipeline of projects in a manner that is credible to financiers and valuable to economies,” President Ramaphosa said.

Global markets

On global developments, the President reflected that the indaba is taking place at a time when global energy markets are volatile.

The continent is already facing the impact of escalating conflict in the Middle East which has led to stains on supply chains and higher energy prices. 

“As we have seen with Russia-Ukraine and during the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting geopolitical sands underscore the vulnerabilities of import-dependent economies across Africa. 

“These vulnerabilities sharpen the case for regional and continental energy security and diversification. As such, this Indaba is timely and strategic. It is an opportunity to position our continent in a rapidly changing geopolitical context,” he said.

The President expressed confidence in the continent’s ability to deliver for its people.

“Africa has what it needs to succeed. It has resources. It has people. It has growing institutions and expanding cooperation. The remaining task is to match this potential with sustained implementation, to translate plans into projects, and to turn projects into reliable power that supports industry, jobs and dignity. 

“The present moment calls for unity of effort. It calls for partnerships that recognise that Africa’s growth is not a risk to be managed, but an opportunity to be realised. It calls for a shift from potential to delivery, from promise to construction

“I am confident that this Indaba will help strengthen cooperation, accelerate investment and contribute to building energy systems worthy of Africa’s promising future,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willem Abraham  Aucamp, has published the Revised Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for Pelargonium sidoides in South Africa, for implementation.

Pelargonium sidoides is a medicinal plant native to South Africa, particularly found in the Eastern Cape, Free State and Gauteng.

“The revised BMP aims to ensure that all sub-populations of Pelargonium sidoides, commonly referred to as geranium, continue to persist in nature across its extent of occurrence in South Africa through effective conservation management and sustainable consumptive utilisation for both traditional and commercial purposes with equitable benefits accruing to rightful beneficiaries,” the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said on Tuesday.

This BMP is focused on ensuring the long-term survival of Pelargonium sidoides in the wild.

The Minister published the BMP for Pelargonium sidoides for implementation in the Government Gazette No. 54227 Notice 7181 dated 27 February 2026. 

In terms of section 43(2) and 43(3)(c) of NEM: BA, the Minister has assigned the responsibility for the implementation of this revised BMP to the Pelargonium Working Group, which is already established through the first iteration of the BMP for this purpose. 

This Notice repeals the BMP for Pelargonium sidoides that was published for implementation, for the period 2011 – 2020, in Government Notice No. 433, Government Gazette No. 36411 on 26 April 2013.

Electronic copies of the revised BMP for Pelargonium sidoides can be downloaded from the following link: https://www.dffe.gov.za/legislation/gazetted_notices or www.gpwonline.gov.za

–SAnews.gov.za

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Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has reappointed Unathi Kamlana as Commissioner of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) for a further five-year term, along with two Deputy Commissioners. 

In this position, he is responsible for the overall leadership of the organisation, developing and implementing the FSCA’s regulatory strategy, and overseeing the day-to-day management to ensure the fair treatment of consumers and a stable financial market. 

The FSCA plays a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of financial markets and institutions, and in ensuring that customers in the sector are treated fairly and transparently. 

“The steady management at the FSCA, led by Commissioner Kamlana, in a tough, complex environment marked by a rapidly transforming technological and financial landscape and the still urgent need to lower barriers to entry and protecting all consumers of financial services, is proof of the importance of solid institutions with capable leadership,” Godongwana said on Wednesday in a statement.

The reappointment, in terms of section 61(1), read with section 63(1)(a) and (b) of the Financial Sector Regulation Act, 2017 (Act No. 9 of 2017) (FSR Act), is effective from 1 June 2026 until 31 May 2031. 

Kamlana has been the FSCA Commissioner since 1 June 2021. 

The Minister has also reappointed Katherine Gibson and Farzana Badat as Deputy Commissioners of the FSCA for a further term of five years. 

Gibson’s term will be effective from 27 September 2026 to 26 September 2031, and Badat’s term will be effective from 1 December 2026 to 30 November 2031.

“The team has not wavered from the mission to assist in strengthening the legislative frameworks that keep our financial sector on a sound footing. 

“Testament to this, working together with the National Treasury and other financial sector regulators, the FSCA has supported the development of the Conduct of Financial Institutions Bill, which seeks to establish a consolidated, comprehensive, and consistent regulatory framework for the conduct of financial institutions.

“The reappointment of Kamlana, Badat and Gibson will ensure that this momentum continues,” Godongwana said.

The Minister also expressed well wishes for Astrid Ludin for her service to the FSCA. 

Ludin will, at her request, step down from her role as Deputy Commissioner of the FSCA at the end of her five-year term on 31 May 2026. 

“Ludin, alongside Kamlana, Gibson and Badat, played a vital role in managing the transition of the FSCA to a new leadership, following the disbandment in September 2021 of the Transitional Management Committee, which served as the FSCA EXCO from 1 April 2018, when the FSCA was established, until 30 September 2021.

“The FSR Act allows for the appointment of a Commissioner and up to four Deputy Commissioners of the FSCA. The Minister will shortly initiate the process of appointing a replacement for Ludin, as well as a fourth Deputy Commissioner,” the Ministry of Finance said. 

Established on 1 April 2018 as a dedicated market conduct regulator as envisaged in terms of the Twin Peaks model of financial regulation, the FSCA replaced the Financial Services Board (FSB) as the regulator of the conduct of financial institutions.

Its mandate also includes promoting financial literacy and education as well as deepening financial inclusion, enhancing and supporting the efficiency and integrity of financial markets, and assisting in maintaining financial stability, as part of the government’s overall economic growth plan. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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The City of Cape Town has warned residents of road closures as thousands of cyclists from across South Africa and the world will descend on the Mother City for the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust. 

“The city will once again assist the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust to ensure that participants have a smooth and safe journey around the peninsula, by deploying our Safety and Security personnel from Traffic Services, Metro Police, Law Enforcement and Disaster Risk Management along the route,” Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith said on Tuesday.

Residents and motorists are advised that minor road closures will be in effect in some areas from Friday, with hard closures in place on Saturday, 7 March, and Sunday, 8 March 2026, particularly in the CBD, Green Point, Sea Point, Southern Suburbs and the Deep South. 

Key closures include: 

• Sections of Helen Suzman Boulevard. 
• Chapman’s Peak Drive.
• M3 Highway (outbound). 
• Nelson Mandela Boulevard (N2 outbound).
• Hospital Bend Interchange. 
• Victoria Road, Camps Bay. 
• Main Road (M4) through the Deep South. 

Castle Street between Darling and Stand streets will be closed from 19:00 on Friday until 06:00 on Saturday to allow for the construction of the start gantry. 

The situation intensifies on Saturday, 7 March, as multiple streets, including sections of Castle Street, Darling Street, and Strand Street will be closed in the CBD from 14:00 until late on Sunday afternoon. 

The race will also have an impact on several MyCiTi routes in the CBD and on the service to Hout Bay/Hangberg.   

A comprehensive list of all road closures is available here: https://www.capetowncycletour.com/system/refinery/resources/W1siZiIsIjIwMjYvMDIvMjgvMTcvMjgvNTcvMTA1ZmExMWQtZTIxOC00NDUwLWIyODItYWU3YmQ4NTBmYzcxL0NUQ1QgMjAyNiBSb2FkIENsb3N1cmVzIDEgTWFyLnBkZiJdXQ/CTCT%202026%20Road%20Closures%201%20Mar.pdf

Cycle Tour Expo 

The Cape Town Cycle Tour week kicks off on Thursday, 5 March, with the three-day rider registration and the Lifecycle Expo at the DHL Stadium. 

Approximately 35 000 people will visit over the three days at the expo, which is a celebration of cycling, health and fitness under one roof.

The Expo will feature more than 80 exhibitors showcasing the latest in cycling gear, nutrition, technology and apparel. 

Entry into the Expo is free for participating cyclists and children under 12. The cost is R50 for non-participants.

It will operate during the following hours: Thursday, 5 March: 09:30 – 19:00; Friday, 6 March: 09:00 – 19:00, and Saturday, 7 March: 09:00 – 16:00.

Public parking will be available at the Cape Town International Convention Centre P1 (paid), P9, P11, P12 and P13, with a dedicated bike park and disabled parking in P5 and P13. 

Race day logistics   

This year, the cyclists will take the 109km and the 42km from the city centre, and the 78km invitational Women’s Race and U17 Boys Race from Fish Hoek. 

The traditional 109km route starts at the Grand Parade at 06:16 and circles the Cape Peninsula before finishing on Helen Suzman Boulevard in Green Point. 

The 78km Invitational Women’s Race (06:20) and the U17 Boys Race (06:15) will once again start in Fish Hoek and finish in Green Point. 

The increasingly popular 42km route provides a shorter, but no less memorable experience, drawing riders through the southern suburbs via the M3 before finishing in the city. The ride will set off at 10:00. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, has announced the complete placement of the remaining Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners, whose parents and guardians applied online through the 2026 Online Admissions system.
 
In a statement on Wednesday, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said that approximately 484 Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners remained unplaced in Ekurhuleni, specifically in Tembisa and Kempton Park. 

“By Tuesday evening on 3 March, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) had successfully placed all remaining learners in alternative schools in the respective areas,” the department said. 
 
The total figure of Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners that were placed for the 2026 academic year through Gauteng’s Online Admissions system is 392 224. The main application period, which ran from 24 July to 5 August 2025, accounts for a majority of these applications.
 
Meanwhile, 8.5% (33 650) of these applications were made during the late application period from 17 December 2025 to 30 January 2026. 
 
The department expressed its sincere appreciation for the patience and resilience shown by parents and guardians, particularly while efforts were underway to secure placements for all remaining learners. The department said schools will initiate the appropriate catch-up plans to assist learners recover any curriculum time lost.   
 
Chiloane emphasised that the Online Admissions system remains an important transformation tool to ensure that all schools in the province are accessible to all children. 

“We are pleased to have demonstrated this through the placement of all applicants who applied online. However, we are determined to improve the system to ease some of the frustrations that are encountered during this process. 

“In addition to system improvements, the Gauteng government will be constructing 18 additional new schools to increase capacity in the high-pressure areas that we have identified,” Chiloane said. – SAnews.gov.za

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