Category: Africa

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Rodgers urges young entrepreneurs to build businesses with integrity

Source: Government of South Africa

Rodgers urges young entrepreneurs to build businesses with integrity

KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers has urged young entrepreneurs to build businesses on hard work, integrity and sound financial management.

Rodgers made the call during a recent engagement with youth in business, held in partnership with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) and Standard Bank.

Rodgers shared his perspective on the impact of young professionals on the economy and their contribution to the development of a capable and ethical State, as well as the growth of KwaZulu-Natal.

He said entrepreneurship can create income and employment opportunities for young people, highlighting the role of youth in business in growing the provincial economy and contributing to a capable and ethical State.

“It takes courage to build a business. You must work hard in order to create businesses, generate income and opportunities for other young people,” Rodgers said.

He encouraged young people to uphold integrity in their business dealings, stressing the importance of ethical conduct to achieving lasting success.

Rodgers clarified that the provincial Treasury does not directly fund entrepreneurs but remains available to assist with financial management guidance.

He encouraged young people in business to strengthen their financial management knowledge to help them run sustainable enterprises.

Reforming failing State-owned enterprises

Turning to the management of public finances, Rodgers said South Africa does not lack policies, commissions or turnaround plans for State-owned enterprises (SOEs), but needs the political will and institutional discipline to implement meaningful reforms.

He said the focus should shift from diagnosing the challenges facing SOEs to delivering practical solutions that improve their performance and ensure they provide value to the public.

According to Rodgers, State ownership must serve a clear public purpose, such as providing electricity, transporting people and goods, delivering water, developing infrastructure and supporting economic growth.

He said SOEs should be assessed on their ability to fulfil their mandates, deliver services effectively, remain financially sustainable and uphold ethical governance.

“If the answer is repeatedly no, government has an obligation to act. There is nothing developmental about continuously funding failure,” Rodgers said.

He warned that continued bailouts of struggling entities placed pressure on public finances, diverting resources that could otherwise support schools, clinics, roads and water infrastructure.

While government support may provide temporary relief, Rodgers said it cannot substitute structural reforms.

“Public financial support cannot be a blank cheque. Assistance should be conditional, transparent, time-bound and linked to measurable reform. Accountability must follow authority.

“Boards cannot claim authority when decisions succeed but blame government when they fail. Executives cannot be rewarded while their institutions fail to deliver. Shareholder departments cannot appoint boards and then distance themselves from poor governance.” 

He said board appointments should be transparent and based on competence, while political interference in procurement, appointments and commercial decisions should be avoided.

He further called for early-warning systems to identify financial and operational problems before they escalate into crises, as well as decisive action to address recurring audit findings.

Rodgers said the solutions must be tailored to individual SOEs and must include improved governance, restructuring, consolidation, strategic partnerships and partial private sector participation.

“Where an enterprise has no sustainable mandate, credible recovery path or defensible public purpose, government must be prepared to consider closure. We do not have unlimited fiscal resources to sustain permanent non-viability.

“As provincial Treasury, our responsibility is to protect the fiscus. Treasury should not simply be the institution that says “no”. We must ask whether a proposal is affordable, lawful, implementable, and capable of delivering value,” Rodgers said.

He emphasised that public confidence depends on reliable services, well-maintained infrastructure, competent appointments, and accountability for the use of public funds.

“Our objective should not simply be to preserve State-owned enterprises. It must be to make them worthy of public ownership.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Tchad: SANTÉ : Le Maréchal du Tchad a présidé la réunion mensuelle de concertation

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Président de la République, le Maréchal du Tchad MAHAMAT IDRISS DEBY ITNO, a présidé ce matin au Palais Toumaï, la réunion mensuelle sur le secteur de la santé. La situation de l’épidémie de la dengue et du choléra, la prévention contre Ebola, l’état de la gratuité des soins et le suivi des recommandations des précédentes réunions ont constitué l’essentiel des échanges.

A l’entame de la réunion, le Chef de l’Etat a salué l’abnégation au travail de l’ensemble du personnel soignant, les équipes de surveillance épidémiologique ainsi que les relais communautaires mobilisés au quotidien. Il a par la suite rendu hommage aux collectivités territoriales, autorités traditionnelles et religieuses, aux associations et à l’ensemble des partenaires techniques et financiers pour leur constant appui. Il a ensuite précisé que le Gouvernement veillera à ce que les équipes déployées sur le terrain aient les moyens de travail adaptés à leurs missions.

Selon le bilan datant du 21 octobre et présenté ce 26 octobre au Palais Toumaï, le choléra continue de sévir à N’Djaména, à Mani dans le Hadjer-Lamis et à Liwa dans le Lac. L’on dénombre 1.395 cas cumulés dont 58 décès.

Pour la dengue, le Tchad a enregistré 4.004 cas, dont 311 confirmés et 11 décès repartis comme suit : 04 dans le Wadi-Fira, 06 à N’Djaména et 01 dans le Ouaddaï. Actuellement, six provinces sont touchées par l’épidémie.

Face à la dengue, le Chef de l’Etat a déclaré qu’elle exige une réponse rigoureuse et concertée de l’ensemble du Gouvernement et ses partenaires sous la coordination technique du ministère de la Santé. Aussi, a-t-il instruit, que le plan de contingence soit formalisé en un plan de riposte chiffré avec une priorité accordée aux zones à forte incidence avec un point d’orgue sur l’intensification de la lutte antivectorielle.

Concernant Ebola, aucun cas n’est signalé au Tchad mais la prévention et la riposte face au risque doivent être décuplées a instruit le Président de la République.  Sur ce point précis, le Gouvernement doit renforcer la surveillance épidémiologique tout en sécurisant les points d’entrée et les zones frontalières stratégiques, a-t-il orienté.

Les échanges sur la gratuité des soins ont mis en évidence l’importance de cette politique pour les femmes enceintes, les enfants et les urgences, mais aussi ses difficultés telles que l’insuffisance de financement et ruptures de médicaments.

La réunion a également examiné la perspective d’intégrer progressivement certains soins au régime d’assistance médicale de la couverture sanitaire universelle, tout en maintenant les actions de santé publique et de prévention.

Chemin faisant, le Président de la République, Chef de l’État, le Maréchal du Tchad MAHAMAT IDRISS DEBY ITNO, a souligné la nécessité de concrétiser la décentralisation dans le secteur de la santé. Les besoins diffèrent selon les provinces, les recrutements doivent davantage répondre aux réalités locales. Il a ainsi préconisé des recrutements provinciaux, par concours, en associant les collectivités autonomes. Il a également appelé à une hausse, dès 2027, du budget de ces collectivités, notamment dans les secteurs de la santé et de l’éducation.

Le Chef de l’État a instruit le Premier ministre de prendre les dispositions nécessaires pour accroître les ressources consacrées à la santé, dont l’objectif ultime est d’atteindre 15 % du budget national. Aussi, a-t-il appelé à mieux exécuter les crédits disponibles, à renforcer les moyens des hôpitaux et à veiller à ce que les établissements achevés et équipés disposent du personnel nécessaire pour accueillir les patients.

Enfin, le Président de la République a exhorté le Chef du Gouvernement à veiller à la mise en œuvre des recommandations de la réunion, en tenant compte des exigences de la décentralisation et des moyens disponibles. Il a confirmé la tenue de ces réunions chaque 24 du mois, sous sa présidence ou celle du Premier Ministre en cas d’absence. Le prochain rendez-vous est fixé au 24 novembre 2026.

Le Premier Ministre, Ambassadeur Allah-Maye Halina, quelques membres du gouvernement, les ambassadeurs, partenaires au développement évoluant dans le secteur de la santé, proches collaborateurs du Président de la République et une poignée de responsables du Ministère de la Santé ont pris part à la réunion.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Tchad.

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Industrial competitiveness takes centre stage at C&I Energy + Storage Summit Johannesburg

Source: APO

Rising electricity and water costs, changing energy procurement options and pressure to decarbonise are putting South Africa’s industrial competitiveness under scrutiny. These challenges will lead the opening agenda of the C&I Energy + Storage Summit Johannesburg, which begins tomorrow, bringing the relationship between infrastructure resilience and business performance into focus.

Held alongside the Energy Intensive Users Group (EIUG) Conference, Data Centre Summit and Water Security Africa on 28–29 October, the summit opens with a shared question: how can businesses protect production and investment while navigating changes to the systems that supply their energy and water?

Following welcomes from Chanelle Hingston, VUKA Group Director: Power, Energy & Water, and EIUG Chairman Murendeni Matshinyatsimbi, NTCSA CEO Monde Bala will deliver the keynote address. He is expected to explore how grid expansion, fair access and system reliability can support a competitive electricity market and unlock industrial investment.

These opening contributions will set the context for the keynote panel, “Threats and opportunities in South Africa’s industrial future”. Moderated by Kay Walsh, Managing Director of Nova Economics, the discussion brings together Gaylor Montmasson-Clair, Founding Director of Southern Transitions; Charles Dos Santos, Managing Director of Air Products South Africa; and Lubabalo Luyaba, Senior Water Specialist at the World Bank.

The panel will examine how escalating tariffs, electricity market reform and pressure on water resources are influencing industrial competitiveness. Wheeling frameworks, market liquidity and regulatory clarity will feature alongside the growing need for resilient water supply and better water management.

For commercial and industrial businesses, these issues have direct implications for operating costs, procurement decisions and long-term investment. The discussion will explore how companies can manage regulatory uncertainty, strengthen resilience and assess opportunities in energy procurement and carbon markets.

Water security will receive further attention through a keynote address and MOU signing featuring Ramateu Monyokolo, Chairperson of AWSISA. Earlier morning discussions will ask what a loss of Johannesburg’s water supply would mean for business and explore water’s role as a strategic asset.

The opening agenda will lead into practical Day 1 sessions on reducing energy costs, electricity market reform and financing the transition. Industrial case studies from Isuzu Motors South Africa, Sibanye-Stillwater and Harmony Gold Mining Company will examine approaches to cost certainty and energy security.

Across the day, the emphasis will be on decisions businesses can act on: improving efficiency, diversifying supply and investing in infrastructure that supports reliable operations and sustained competitiveness.

Sponsors across the events include WEG, Gold Sponsor; Standard Bank, Gold and Registration Sponsor; Huawei, EIUG Gold and Registration Sponsor; NOA and South32, EIUG Gold Sponsors; Envusa Energy, Scatec (Lyra) and Seriti Green, EIUG Silver Sponsors; LONGi and MATTLA Engineering Solutions, Bronze Sponsors; Africa International Advisors, EIUG Bronze Sponsor; Webber Wentzel, Water Bronze Sponsor; and Air Liquide and Air Products, Session Sponsors.

Download the full programme to explore the keynote speakers, industry case studies and practical sessions taking place on 28–29 October: https://apo-opa.co/4sqc9QL 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

About the C&I Energy + Storage Summit:
Organised by VUKA Group, the C&I Energy + Storage Summit connects commercial and industrial energy users with project developers, financiers, regulators and solution providers to address the practical challenges shaping South Africa’s private energy market. https://apo-opa.co/3WOkcec

About VUKA Group:
​VUKA Group connects people and organisations with information, industry networks and business opportunities across Africa. Through its events and media platforms, the group brings stakeholders together to share knowledge, build relationships and support the growth of the industries it serves. Its power and energy portfolio includes Enlit Africa, the C&I Energy + Storage Summit, Water Security Africa and ESI Africa. https://WeAreVUKA.com/

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Angola Participa na VII Conferência de Diamantes no Dubai

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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Com foco na valorização estratégica dos diamantes naturais, arrancou hoje no Dubai a Conferência Internacional “Diamond 2.0: Um Reset Estratégico – Reacendendo o Desejo, Desbloqueando Novo Valor”, que reúne até amanhã, 27 de Outubro, líderes mundiais do sector diamantífero, investidores e decisores políticos para debater o futuro da indústria num mercado em transformação.

A sessão de abertura foi presidida pelo Membro do Governo do Dubai e Ministro da Economia e Turismo, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri que destacou o papel do Dubai como um dos principais hubs mundiais do comércio de diamantes. O governante sublinhou que, em 2025, o comércio de diamantes através do Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) atingiu um recorde de 41,7 mil milhões de dólares.

A delegação angolana ao certame é composta por José Galiano, Consultor do Ministro do Recursos Minerais, Petróleo e Gás, Ana Feijó, Administradora da Endiama, Fernando Amaral, Administrador da Sodiam, Estanislau Buio, Coordenador da Comissão Nacional do Processo Kimberley (CNPK), bem como representantes dos projectos mineiros do Luele, Lulu, Chitotolo, Mussende e da banca.

A presença de Angola nesta plataforma internacional visa reforçar o posicionamento do país como um dos principais produtores mundiais de diamantes, promover as oportunidades de investimento no sector mineiro nacional e estreitar parcerias estratégicas para a valorização e comercialização de diamantes naturais angolanos.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Angola.

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Moçambique: Pr Anuncia Medidas de Apoio aos Estudantes Moçambicanos na Rússia

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Presidente da República anunciou, em Moscovo, medidas para reforçar o  acompanhamento dos estudantes moçambicanos na Rússia,  incluindo o envio de um responsável específico para atender às  suas necessidades junto da Embaixada de Moçambique naquele  país e a criação de mecanismos para facilitar a renovação de  documentos e a transferência de recursos financeiros.

Falando hoje num encontro com a comunidade moçambicana  residente na Rússia, no quadro da sua Visita de Trabalho ao país, o

Chefe do Estado disse que o Governo considera a diáspora parte  do processo de desenvolvimento nacional e reconheceu os  sacrifícios dos estudantes e das suas famílias, que asseguram a sua  permanência e formação académica no estrangeiro.

Daniel Chapo anunciou que o Governo vai trabalhar para  destacar, junto da Embaixada de Moçambique na Rússia, alguém  especificamente responsável pelo acompanhamento dos  estudantes, à semelhança do que está a ser feito ou previsto  noutros países onde a presença estudantil moçambicana tem  aumentado. A medida deverá responder ao crescimento da  comunidade estudantil, que poderá ultrapassar 500 estudantes com  o aumento das bolsas disponibilizadas pela Rússia.

No domínio da documentação, o Presidente moçambicano  explicou que o Governo está a adoptar soluções tecnológicas que  permitirão a recolha, por telefone, de dados biométricos,  impressões digitais e fotografia para a renovação de documentos  sem necessidade de deslocação a Moçambique. Segundo  explicou, os dados poderão ser processados e certificados em  Moçambique, permitindo posteriormente o envio dos documentos  para o local onde o cidadão se encontra.

O Chefe do Estado indicou igualmente que Moçambique está a  trabalhar com o Governo russo para aumentar o número de bolsas  de estudo, tendo referido a possibilidade de alcançar cerca de 150  estudantes anuais.

“O primeiro desafio é realmente relacionado às bolsas. Nós  gostaríamos de ter muitos mais moçambicanos a virem estudar na

Rússia”, disse, acrescentando que o Executivo continuará a  trabalhar para melhorar as condições dos estudantes.

Durante o encontro, os estudantes apresentaram dificuldades  financeiras. A este respeito, o Presidente Chapo reconheceu o  impacto das restrições associadas à guerra e às sanções nas  transferências de recursos entre a Rússia e outros países. Garantiu  que o Governo continuará a procurar mecanismos que permitam  flexibilizar as transferências financeiras destinadas aos estudantes  moçambicanos.

No que respeita à inserção profissional dos estudantes após a  conclusão dos estudos, o Chefe do Estado anunciou que o Governo  está a trabalhar na criação de uma base de dados sobre os  moçambicanos que estudam no estrangeiro, incluindo os cursos  frequentados, com vista a identificar o capital humano disponível  para responder às necessidades da economia nacional.

Daniel Chapo explicou que esta iniciativa está associada às  reformas económicas em curso, incluindo a nova legislação mineira,  a nova Lei de Petróleos, a Lei de Conteúdo Local, a criação da  Empresa Nacional de Minas e do Banco de Desenvolvimento de  Moçambique.

Segundo explicou, o objectivo é criar uma economia com maior  capacidade de transformar internamente os recursos nacionais e  gerar oportunidades para mão-de-obra qualificada, em áreas  como agricultura, infra-estruturas, transportes, logística, energia,  turismo, transformação digital e economia azul.

No encontro, o Chefe do Estado apelou ainda à solidariedade  entre os moçambicanos residentes na Rússia, à preservação da  identidade nacional e à manutenção dos laços familiares, culturais  e sociais com Moçambique, encorajando os estudantes a  prosseguirem a sua formação com responsabilidade, dedicação,  disciplina e sentido de missão.

Para além das preocupações apresentadas pela comunidade  estudantil, o Presidente da República abordou a situação política,  económica e social de Moçambique, destacando a estabilidade  geral do país, o Diá. Nacional Inclusivo como instrumento de  promoção da paz, da reconciliação e da unidade nacional, bem  como as reformas económicas em curso, destinadas a impulsionar a  industrialização, valorizar os recursos nacionais e criar condições  para o aproveitamento da mão-de-obra qualificada no  desenvolvimento do país.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Portal do Governo de Moçambique.

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Moçambique: MEC e Tesouro Procuram Desbloquear Livro Escolar e Regularizar Dívidas com Professores

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Ministério da Educação e Cultura (MEC) e o Ministério das Finanças estão a articular medidas para regularizar as dívidas aos professores e mobilizar recursos para a impressão e distribuição do livro escolar do ano lectivo de 2027.

O processo inclui a validação de valores em dívida e o pagamento faseado de horas extraordinárias.

O trabalho em curso abrange dívidas relacionadas com horas extraordinárias, segunda turma, salários, progressões e actos administrativos.

Segundo a informação divulgada pelo MEC, a validação dos valores está em andamento, enquanto as duas instituições procuram assegurar os recursos necessários para responder aos compromissos financeiros e garantir a disponibilidade dos livros escolares no próximo ano lectivo.

No que diz respeito às horas extraordinárias, está em curso o pagamento faseado dos valores referentes a 2023, condicionado à disponibilidade financeira. Em paralelo, prossegue a validação das dívidas relativas ao período de 2024 a 2026, sem indicação de uma data para a conclusão do processo.

Paralelamente à regularização das dívidas, o MEC procura mobilizar recursos financeiros para assegurar a impressão e a distribuição do livro escolar destinado ao ano lectivo de 2027.

A iniciativa visa garantir a disponibilidade dos materiais de aprendizagem para o próximo ano lectivo. Contudo, a informação divulgada não especifica o montante necessário para a operação, o número de exemplares a produzir nem o calendário previsto para a impressão e distribuição dos livros.

No âmbito da articulação institucional, os ministros da Educação e Cultura, Edson Macuácua e das Finanças, Carla Louveira, assumiram no final, o compromisso de manter encontros regulares, com periodicidade mensal, para monitorar e avaliar o processo.

A coordenação entre os dois ministérios abrange, assim, a validação das dívidas, o pagamento dos valores reconhecidos e a mobilização de recursos para o livro escolar de 2027. O acompanhamento mensal deverá permitir às duas instituições avaliar o andamento das medidas em curso, de acordo com o compromisso anunciado.

Até ao momento, a informação disponibilizada não apresenta um calendário global para a liquidação das dívidas, nem indica uma data para a conclusão da validação dos valores referentes ao período de 2024 a 2026 ou para a disponibilização dos livros escolares. (AIM)

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Portal do Governo de Moçambique.

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Moçambique e Rússia Estreitam Cooperação e Analisam Expansão das Relações Económicas

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Moçambique e a Federação da Rússia estão a reforçar os seus laços históricos de amizade e cooperação, com enfoque na expansão das relações económicas e comerciais, no quadro da participação do Presidente da República, Daniel Francisco Chapo, na Terceira Cimeira Rússia-África, que arranca terça-feira em Moscovo, Rússia

Cumprindo uma agenda apertada em Moscovo, o Presidente da República, Daniel Chapo, reuniu hoje, com o Vice-Presidente do Conselho de Segurança da Federação da Rússia, Dmitri Medvedev.

O encontro de trabalho decorreu à margem da participação do Chefe do Estado moçambicano na Terceira Cimeira Rússia-África, para a qual foi convidado pelo Presidente russo, Vladimir Putin, e serviu para abordar o aprofundamento das relações bilaterais, com particular destaque para as oportunidades de cooperação económica e comercial.

Falando à imprensa no termo do encontro, Daniel Chapo manifestou satisfação pelo convite para participar na cimeira e sublinhou a importância da união entre os dois países e os respectivos povos.

“Temos de continuar sempre unidos, os nossos países, os nossos povos irmãos”, declarou o Presidente da República, reiterando a necessidade de consolidar os laços históricos que ligam Moçambique e a Rússia.

O estadista moçambicano destacou que a sua presença em Moscovo tem como objectivo reforçar as relações de amizade e cooperação, procurando alargar a parceria bilateral para sectores com potencial de dinamizar as trocas comerciais e as relações económicas entre os dois países.

“Estamos aqui para, mais uma vez, estreitar cada vez mais as nossas relações de amizade, cooperação, que são históricas, e expandir principalmente já para as relações económicas e comerciais”, afirmou Daniel Chapo.

A Terceira Cimeira Rússia-África constitui uma plataforma de diá. entre a Federação da Rússia e os países africanos, destinada a promover o aprofundamento dos mecanismos e das estratégias de cooperação em diferentes áreas de interesse comum.

No âmbito do encontro, os Chefes de Estado deverão adoptar três documentos, nomeadamente a Declaração da 3.ª Cimeira Rússia-África, o Plano de Acção 2027-2029 e a Declaração sobre a Cooperação no Domínio do Uso Pacífico das Tecnologias de Inteligência Artificial.

A participação do Chapo nesta edição marca a sua primeira presença na Cimeira Rússia-África, inserindo-se nos esforços de Moçambique para aprofundar as relações bilaterais com a Federação da Rússia e identificar novas oportunidades de cooperação económica e comercial. (AIM)

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Portal do Governo de Moçambique.

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Get your ID today to make your mark on Election Day

Source: Government of South Africa

Get your ID today to make your mark on Election Day

With the Local Government Elections fast approaching, South Africans, who are eligible to vote and still require identity documents (IDs), are urged to apply for and collect their documents without delay.

Registered voters can only make their mark on Election Day – 4 November – if they are in possession of an acceptable identity document, including a smart ID card, green barcoded ID book or valid temporary identity certificate.

Driver’s licences, passports, student cards or photocopies of ID documents are not accepted for voting purposes.

Those who have not collected their IDs are also encouraged to do so as soon as possible.

“Citizens, who still need to replace a lost or damaged identity document ahead of the elections, are urged to make use of Home Affairs offices or the more than 450 participating bank branches to acquire their documents and not wait until the last minute. 

“Home Affairs is further calling on citizens who already have their identity documents to encourage family members, friends and colleagues who do not yet have a Smart ID to apply now and collect their documents ahead of the elections,” a recent Home Affairs statement read.

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber said: “A valid ID holds the key to democratic participation in the upcoming elections. I call upon South Africans to make use of our vastly improved services to apply for, and collect, their IDs without delay.”

The department has rolled out digitalised Smart ID services at bank branches across the country.

In July, the department expanded its Digital Partnership with Absa, which also includes the launch of the country’s first bank-based Home Affairs mobile unit – further enhancing access to services.

Together with Home Affairs offices, South Africans now have access to around 1 000 locations where they can apply for a Smart ID card – nearly five times the number of access points that existed just two years ago.

The digital partnership will also be expanded before the end of the year to include applications for adult and minor passports, first-time Smart ID card applications and, in the next major milestone, home delivery of identity documents directly to citizens’ homes.

“Through Home Affairs @ home, we are making it easier than ever before for South Africans to replace the fraud-prone green barcoded ID book with the secure Smart ID Card.

“Together, we are closing the chapter on the fraud-prone green barcoded ID book and opening a new chapter of secure, digitalised identity services that deliver dignity for all,” Schreiber said. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa: Deputy Minister Godlimpi Calls for New Approach to Financing Sugarcane Growers

Source: APO


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The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Zuko Godlimpi, has called for a more coordinated and innovative approach to financing sugarcane growers, including smallholder farmers, as government and industry work to strengthen the sustainability and growth of the sugar value chain. He was  speaking at the Sugar Industry Grower Finance and Government Engagement Workshop in Durban yesterday. The engagement focused on identifying the structural barriers that prevent growers from accessing finance and finding practical ways to make them more bankable.

“We need to have a conversation about what are the structural problems that make it difficult for funding institutions to give money to cane growers,” said Godlimpi.

He said government, financial institutions and industry should explore mechanisms that enable smaller growers to aggregate their holdings and collectively access finance, including through appropriate insurance and credit arrangements.

Godlimpi also emphasised the need to better align existing funding across development finance institutions and other funding sources, rather than simply seeking new sources of money.

“My instinct is not to look for new money. My instinct is to try optimise  the  existing money,” he said.

In addition, Godlimpi said that capacity-building and funding readiness should form part of the approach, particularly for growers who are unable to access finance because they do not yet meet funding requirements. He also highlighted the need to address insurance gaps affecting growers and to develop financing models that can support investment in areas such as renewable energy, infrastructure, mechanisation and diversification.

He noted that the transition towards new sugarcane-based opportunities, including bioethanol, would require the industry to demonstrate sufficient production capacity while protecting the supply of sugar for food security.

“We need to build this structural capacity to meet demand on both sides of the equation, sustain the tonnage you give to food and have enough feedstock for this thing that we’re talking,” he said.

The workshop was intended to inform further work on practical financing solutions for the sugar industry, with Godlimpi indicating that the discussions and recommendations would be taken forward for further consideration.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, South Africa.

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South Africa: Deputy Minister John Steenhuisen Calls for Greater Localisation, Investment and Job Creation in South Africa’s R933 Billion Automotive Aftermarket Industry

Source: APO

The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr John Steenhuisen, has called for greater investment, localisation, skills development and export expansion in South Africa’s automotive aftermarket industry, describing the sector as a significant driver of economic growth, industrial development and employment.

Addressing industry leaders at the Automechanika Johannesburg 2026 CEO Breakfast at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand today, Steenhuisen highlighted the economic importance of an industry that traded approximately R933 billion in 2025, contributing R202.6 billion to GDP.

The sector supports more than 310,000 jobs, representing approximately 70% of automotive employment, across more than 23,000 businesses, predominantly small and medium-sized enterprises.

“These are not peripheral activities. They are central to South Africa’s economic resilience, industrial capability, and mobility,” said Steenhuisen.

With approximately 13 million vehicles on South African roads, averaging almost 11 years in age, and 76% outside their warranty periods, Steenhuisen emphasised the enormous potential to expand domestic manufacturing of replacement parts.

South Africa imported approximately R107.5 billion in replacement parts in 2025, presenting a substantial opportunity to strengthen local production, retain economic value and create employment.

“Every additional percentage point of localisation in replacement parts represents jobs created, industrial capability strengthened, foreign exchange retained, and value added within South Africa,” he said.

Steenhuisen stressed that the ongoing review of the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP2) should consider the broader automotive value chain, extending beyond vehicle manufacturing to the businesses supporting vehicles throughout their operational lives.

He also identified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as an opportunity to expand South African exports of replacement parts, remanufactured components and specialised automotive services.

South Africa, he said, has the engineering expertise, established distribution networks and industrial capabilities to become a leading automotive aftermarket hub for Africa.

Addressing skills development, Steenhuisen expressed concern that South Africa has approximately 31% fewer qualified automotive artisans than in 2009, despite increasing apprenticeship numbers.

He called for stronger collaboration between government, industry and training institutions to prepare young South Africans for emerging technologies, including electric vehicles, advanced diagnostics and artificial intelligence-enabled systems.

Steenhuisen further highlighted road safety and the economic benefits of vehicle maintenance, noting that road crashes cost South Africa almost R200 billion in 2025, equivalent to approximately 2.8% of GDP.

Steenhuisen concluded by emphasising the need to translate economic opportunities into measurable results.

“South Africa must move from investment announcements to practical implementation.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to working with industry to remove barriers to growth, strengthen competitiveness, support small businesses and unlock employment opportunities.

“Localisation must extend beyond the factory gate. It must include the businesses that keep South Africans moving every day,” concluded Steenhuisen.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, South Africa.

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