Category: Africa

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong, responsible for the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on Wednesday engaged with members of the North West provincial government where he emphasised the importance of government communications to the public.

The GCIS provides strategic communication leadership and support in government communications to all of government. It further leads government communication through the submission of a National Communication Strategy to Cabinet.

“Your responsibility as the provincial government is to implement the national policy,” Morolong said.

In his remarks to Members of the Executive Council (MECs), Morolong said Cabinet recently resolved on the review of the Government Communication Policy.

“I am here to socialise the Government Communication Policy with provincial government executives,” he said.
Morolong said in carrying out its responsibilities, the GCIS is working with the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) and Brand South Africa (Brand SA).

He explained that the MDDA helps to create an enabling environment for media development and diversity that is conducive to public discourse and which reflects the needs and aspirations of all South Africans.

The MDDA, as part of its responsibilities, promotes media development and diversity by providing support primarily to community and small commercial media projects.

“Brand SA’s mandate is to make sure that South Africa is globally competitive and that it is an admired brand internationally.”

Brand SA is South Africa’s official marketing agency appointed to promote the country’s reputation.

The primary objective of Brand South Africa is to develop and implement proactive marketing and communication strategies for South Africa, with and through stakeholders, to promote South Africa’s competitiveness and attractiveness to both domestic and international audiences.

Following a closed session with the Deputy Minister, North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi said part of the discussions were around how to “position communications in the three spheres of government at the centre of communicating to the people”.

“Our responsibility as government is to tell people what government does,” Mokgosi said, emphasising the need for the community media to be supported.

“Departments must report on progress on how are they supporting the local media. We are going to up the game in supporting the local media, we have a responsibility as a province to support local media,” he said.

Sandile Nene, the Acting Deputy Director-General for Content Processing and Dissemination at the GCIS spoke on the Government Communication Policy and the establishment of a Task Group on Government Communications in 1995 by the then Deputy President Thabo Mbeki. 

He explained how the GCIS was established while also unpacking to the executives the importance of communicating government messages to the public as this plays a role in improving people’s lives.

“People need to know where to go for government services,” he said. 

Morolong was accompanied by GCIS senior officials, MDDA and Brand SA officials. The Deputy Minister’s day concluded by a visit to Mmabatho FM were he engaged with the listeners. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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As the Gauteng Provincial Government and the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) begin the process of appointing a new private operator, commuters have been assured that the Gautrain will continue operating under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model beyond 2026. 

This guarantee follows the announcement that the concession agreement between the Gauteng Provincial Government and private partner, Bombela Concession Company (Pty) Ltd (BCC), ends on 27 March 2026.

BCC currently holds a 19½-year concession for the design, construction, partial financing, operation and maintenance of the Gautrain system.

“As the current concession agreement approaches its conclusion, the process of appointing a new private partner to operate, maintain, refurbish, upgrade and modernise the Gautrain system for the next 15 years is at an advanced stage of negotiation.

“As one of South Africa’s largest and most successful PPP projects, the Gautrain will continue operating under the PPP model beyond this date, ensuring stability, continuity and sustained private-sector participation,” a joint statement by GMA and the provincial government explained on Wednesday.

By 27 March 2026, the costs associated with establishing the Gautrain project will have been fully paid off. 

As a State-owned asset, the Gautrain is valued at approximately R45 billion.

“This important step positions the post-2026 Gautrain Project to realise enhanced economic and operational benefits for the province and its residents. 

“A preferred bidder has been identified for the new concession agreement. During the negotiation period, the GMA has triggered a contractual holdover arrangement as of 28 March 2026, which will allow the current operator, Bombela Operating Company (BOC), to continue operating the Gautrain system as per the existing Concession Agreement, which makes provision for a holdover period of six months, thereby ensuring uninterrupted service to passengers,” the statement continued.

In parallel with ensuring operational continuity, the Gautrain remains committed to making public transport more accessible and affordable. 

Among its initiatives is KlevaMova, which provides a 50% discount on train fares to qualifying low-income earners, scholars, pensioners and South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) disability grant recipients.

Since its launch in May 2025, thousands of eligible passengers have registered for KlevaMova. 

Students under the age of 25 also benefit from a 50% discount through the Student Product introduced in 2022.

The GMA continues to support the Gauteng Provincial Government in advancing transport and rail-related initiatives, including the rollout of smart Driver’s Licence Testing Centres located closer to communities, particularly within Townships, Informal Settlements and Hostels.

“As we transition into the post-2026 phase, our priority is to safeguard service continuity, strengthen private-sector participation, and ensure that the Gautrain continues to contribute meaningfully to economic growth, job creation and improved mobility for all residents of Gauteng,” Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has highlighted the importance of energy security, insisting that electricity is far more than a utility, it is the bedrock of human dignity and economic possibility.

“Energy is not an isolated sector. It is the foundation of growth, the enabler of trade, the engine of industrial development and the guarantor of dignity for South Africa and for the continent as a whole,” the Minister said, speaking at the Africa Energy Indaba.

The three-day indaba is being held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre this week.

Ramokgopa’s remarks come at a critical time as the continent grapples with the dual need for development on one hand and the global push for decarbonisation of economies on the other.

To navigate this, the Minister insisted that the journey toward cleaner energy must be intrinsically linked to the lived realities of African citizens.

“The energy transition must be developmental. It must expand access, strengthen resilience, unlock investment and accelerate industrialisation.

“It must also advance continental integration through interconnection, competitive markets and coordinated planning,” he insisted.

Ramokgopa highlighted that these goals are not “abstract aspirations” but are set out in continental roadmaps.

“They are central to Africa’s Agenda 2063. They are embedded in the African Single Electricity Market. They are reflected in the Ten-Year Africa Energy Infrastructure Investment Plan for cross border interconnectivity and they are reinforced by initiatives such as Mission 300 which seeks to accelerate access at scale,” the Minister said.

He added that the success of these African-led plans hinges on more than just financial modelling or technical specifications as it also requires a shift in political will and governance.

“[Achieving] these ambitious figures requires political leadership at the highest level. It requires clarity of direction.

“It requires institutional reform. It requires investment confidence and above all, it requires firm commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth,” he said.

The Minister reflected that as the global order evolves, the voice of the continent is beginning to be heard in rooms where it was previously silent.

“South Africa is privileged to host this gathering at a time when our continent’s voice in global forums continues to strengthen. The African Union’s permanent membership in the G20 has reinforced the centrality of Africa in the global economic governance.

“Our collective priorities around energy security, energy development and just transitions are now firmly on the global agenda,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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South Africa is projected to generate close to R1 billion in economic activity from tourism, hospitality, local spending, taxation, and international exposure by hosting an international series event of the LIV Golf tournament later this month. 

“Fifty-four of the best golfers in the world will be here. And LIV Golf is not just a golf tournament; it is a global sporting and cultural festival that combines sport, music, entertainment and tourism,” Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie said on Wednesday.

LIV Golf is coming to South Africa with big stars participating in the tournament, including Jon Rahm, Cam Smith, Bryson DeChambeau and Louis Oosthuizen from 19 March 2026 until 22 March, at the exclusive Steyn City in Johannesburg.

Club at Steyn City is a luxury venue centred around a championship 18-hole golf course, set in a scenic parkland with the Jukskei River running through it. 

The course offers a challenging layout, pristine conditions, and a tranquil, upscale atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for both golf and refined gatherings.

“We are also pleased that discussions are already underway with Steyn City to renew the tournament for several more years. In fact, the scale of the event is expected to increase further, with future editions potentially accommodating up to 95 000 spectators, making it the biggest event on the LIV calendar, eclipsing even Australia. 

“That’s a goal that I promised we would achieve, and we will. But beyond the numbers, LIV Golf sends a powerful message.

“It tells the world that South Africa is open – a country of unity, peace and cohesion. It tells the world that South Africa can host global events. And it tells the world that South Africa remains a destination for sport, tourism and culture,” the Minister said in Pretoria during a media briefing.

VAR football

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has allocated funding for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system for South African football.

VAR is a technology-aided officiating system that is intended to assist on-field referees in making accurate decisions during a football match. 

The VAR team monitors the game remotely on multiple screens and has real-time access to video footage of the match through multiple camera angles. 

The technology continuously monitors play and automatically alerts the referee in case it deems that a wrong decision may have been made during the match.

Initial estimates indicate that implementing VAR in South Africa could cost as much as R80 million. 

The department has transferred the first R20 million tranche to the South African Football Association (SAFA) as part of a three-year rollout plan.

“SAFA is the implementing authority, as required under FIFA governance structures. My office also conducted benchmarking internationally, including engagements in Spain and with Premier League Productions in the United Kingdom, where VAR operates in the most watched football league in the world.

“This project has not been approached lightly. And importantly, the final cost of implementing VAR has come in significantly lower than the figures we were originally told,” he said.

Formula One

With South Africa’s ambition to return to the Formula One calendar, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has secured the necessary government guarantee, marking a major milestone.

“Discussions with Formula One management are continuing as we work toward aligning the commercial and promotional aspects required to host a race.

“I would like to thank the companies that have stepped forward to support this vision — especially Betway, Discovery, MTN, Canal Plus and SuperSport.

“Their willingness to invest in Formula One in South Africa shows that the private sector believes in South Africa’s ability to host world-class events,” the Minister said.

Robben Island 

This year also marks 30 years since Robben Island was declared a national heritage institution.

“Once a place of imprisonment and injustice, Robben Island today stands as a symbol of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.

“Our department is implementing infrastructure upgrades to enhance the visitor experience and ensure that Robben Island remains one of the premier heritage sites in Africa, and one of the most visited and top museums on the continent,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

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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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