Category: Africa

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli says the handover of title deeds to residents of Bethlehem in the Free State, presents an opportunity to correct injustices of the past.

“It represents security. It represents opportunity. And it represents a decisive step toward correcting the injustices of our past while building a more inclusive and productive future,” Mhlauli said on Monday.

The Deputy Minister said this at the handing over of title deeds in Bethlehem where she joined the Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mzwanele Nyhontso in also speaking to land reform beneficiaries.

The Deputy Minister said that government is clear in its position that land reform must not only transfer land but must also support sustainable use of that land.

Monday’s session formed part of government’s ongoing efforts to accelerate land reform, strengthen tenure security, and support beneficiaries towards sustainable land use and inclusive rural development.

“Beneficiaries must be empowered to farm, to build, to invest, and to create livelihoods for their families and communities. Land must become a productive asset that drives growth, food security, and local economic development,” she explained.

She added that this work is also part of the broader structural reform programme under Operation Vulindlela, which is focused on removing barriers to growth, improving service delivery, and strengthening the capability of the state.

“Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury aimed at accelerating priority reforms to support economic growth and inclusive development. One of the key priorities within this reform agenda is spatial integration and housing, including clearing the backlog of title deeds and improving access to secure land ownership.

“We recognise that challenges remain. Issues of post-settlement support, governance, access to finance, infrastructure, and market access must continue to be addressed with urgency.

“Government is committed to working with beneficiaries, CPAs, traditional leaders, and all stakeholders to ensure that land reform succeeds not only in policy, but in practice.”

Mhlauli told those who received their title deeds that the land they are receiving is a foundation for progress.

“Use it productively. Build from it. Grow from it. And pass on a legacy of ownership and opportunity to future generations. Let us continue working together to ensure that land reform contributes to inclusive growth, rural development and shared prosperity,” she said.

On Tuesday, 10 February 2025, the Minister and Deputy Minister are expected to engage with communal property associations (CPAs).

The engagement will provide a platform for CPAs to present their experiences, challenges and opportunities in managing communal land for the benefit of communities. 

The session will take place at the Lavender Hill Country Estate in Bethlehem from 9am. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has called on African countries to work together at a “moment of profound global uncertainty”.

The Minister was speaking at the Investing in Africa Mining Indaba which opened in Cape Town on Monday.

The annual Indaba is a gathering of African leaders, industry stakeholders and investors to discuss the development of Africa’s mineral resources.

“This year’s Indaba convenes at a moment of profound global uncertainty. We are witnessing heightened geopolitical tensions, driven largely by the competition of some developed economies seeking greater control over the natural resources of developing nations.

“This dynamic represents a serious threat to the sovereignty of resource-endowed countries, the majority of which are here on the African continent.

“It is, therefore, befitting that the theme of this year’s Indaba is: ‘Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnerships’. To us, this is not merely a slogan – it is a strategic imperative for Africa to act collectively, speak in one voice, and avoid the destructive race to the bottom in our engagement with global powers and investors,” Mantashe said.

He noted that the African Ministers’ Critical Minerals Roundtable, hosted together with the African Union on the sidelines of the Indaba, is a platform aimed at strengthening “continental leadership on…critical minerals”.

“Our objective is to deepen collaboration, accelerate responsible exploration and mining, and ensure that Africa captures greater value from its own mineral endowment.

“As per the consensus reached last year, our partnership must move beyond extraction to industrialisation and value addition closer to the point of production.”

Turning to the South African mining industry, the Minister revealed that work to undertake a comprehensive study on the state of mining alongside the development of the Critical Minerals Strategy has now been completed.

“The strategy is in place, and its implementation is underway.

“As per the G20 declaration, this achievement has not only shaped South Africa’s critical minerals agenda – it has also positioned Africa more broadly to assert greater control over its strategic resources,” the Minister said.

Part of the strategy contains a review of South Africa’s regulatory framework.

“Let me take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to creating a regulatory framework that is more certain, more predictable, and more transparent – one that attracts investment while ensuring that the benefits of our mineral wealth are shared equitably with all South Africans,” he emphasised.

On the removal of the requirement for Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) participation at the prospecting stage, Mantashe assured that this is not a “retreat from transformation” or an endorsement of the view that “black participation is a barrier to economic growth”.

“It is rather a pragmatic recognition that prospecting is a high-risk phase where no economic value has yet been proven.

“This change is designed to stimulate exploration, increase South Africa’s global share of exploration investment, and ultimately expand the pipeline of future mines,” he explained.

The Minister added that while the regulatory review process continues, green shoots are starting to bear fruit including the opening of operations at least five mines.

Furthermore, the department has granted: 358 prospecting rights and 32 mining rights between February 2025 and January 2026.

“This demonstrates continued confidence in South Africa as a mining investment destination of choice.

“We are committed to honouring that confidence by driving a fair, efficient, and transparent licensing system that supports growth while protecting our national interests,” Mantashe said. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape has welcomed the sentencing of 16 accused to life imprisonment for the brutal killing of four people at Ndindwa Village in Debenek.

They were sentenced on Friday in the Bhisho High Court.

The incident took place on 31 December 2022. Community members allegedly held a meeting and decided to take the law into their own hands against people they suspected of stealing electricity cables and terrorising residents. 

Four people were identified, taken from their homes, assaulted, tied up and brought to the centre of the village. 

They were later burnt to death while still alive. A nine-year old child witnessed the killing of her mother during the incident.

The victims were: Vuyo Lamani (40), Lwando Makinana (30), Nwabisa Melani (29) and Ziphozihle Timba (37).

Members from Chungwa SAPS attended the scene and immediately started an investigation. The case was later transferred to the Bhisho High Court on 11 March 2024.

Through hard work and dedication by SAPS detectives, 16 suspects were arrested, charged and convicted. 

The court sentenced each accused as follows:

• Count 1: Murder – life imprisonment
• Count 2: Murder – life imprisonment
• Count 3: Murder – life imprisonment
• Count 4: Murder – life imprisonment
• Count 5: Kidnapping – eight years
• Count 6: Kidnapping – eight years
• Count 7: Kidnapping – eight years
• Count 8: Kidnapping – eight years
• Count 9: Public Violence – three years

All accused received the same sentence.

Those sentenced include: Dumisani Mpofana (38), Mluleki Xulu (48), Neliso Nkohla (31), Zwelandile Kitise (53), Nombulelo Bukani Kitise (41), Unathi Khakhalala (28), Bantu Marala (36), Lindi Mbintashe (37), Mfuniseli Mbintashe (65), Mvelisi Xulu (45), Nkosinathi Dyantyi (73), Yanginkosi Solani (41), Nombuzo Binyashe (57), Lungisa Mathana (39), Zandisile Kitisa (71) and Thobani Vena (38).

The investigation was led by Detective M. Mtshemla of Chungwa SAPS, supported by a team of investigators.

Amathole Acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Zinakile Freddie, praised the members for their commitment and hard work. 

“This sentence shows that crime and vigilantism will not be tolerated. I commend the members for their dedication in ensuring justice for the victims,” said Brigadier Freddie. 

He urged community members not to take the law into their own hands but to report crime to the police. – SAnews.gov.za

Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Alexandra Abrahams conducted official oversight visits at the Freeport Saldanha Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) and the Atlantis Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the Western Cape.

The visits were aimed at assessing the functionality and operational realities within South Africa’s industrial and special economic zones ahead of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee for Trade, Industry and Competition engagement on the IDZs and SEZs.

Abrahams explained that the recent visits were intended for ground policy oversight and decision-making through firsthand experience from the officials and stakeholders she met with.

“I’m out today  to come and see what is happening on the ground, so that when I sit in those meetings, I’m not speaking from theory but from understanding and knowledge. You need to be on the ground to really see what is happening and why certain challenges exist,” she said.

The oversight visits provided an opportunity for direct engagement with zone management and stakeholders, and allowed Abrahams to engage stakeholders on operations, infrastructure, and working conditions beyond formal presentations.

“A lot of my learning and understanding happen when we walk through the floor. There are things you simply cannot see from a boardroom, but once you are on the ground, the questions start to make sense,” Abrahams said.

While acknowledging progress within the SEZ and IDZ programme, Abrahams emphasised the importance of openly addressing challenges that may hinder efficiency, growth and investment.

“We often focus on what is working well, but we don’t always dig into what is not working. Red tape and bureaucracy can sometimes slow down the work that needs to be done, and it is important to understand where those blockages are,” she said.

She further highlighted the need for better coordination and alignment across government and with the private sector to unlock the full potential of industrial development initiatives.

“Economic development does not happen in isolation, it requires alignment between departments, municipalities, provincial government and the private sector. When that alignment is missing, progress is delayed,” she said.

Skills development and youth employment emerged as key priorities during the visit, with Abrahams reiterating that SEZs and industrial parks must deliver tangible benefits to surrounding communities.

“One of the purposes of SEZs and industrial parks is to bring jobs to local communities. Yet we still find that skills are being brought in from outside, while people who live nearby remain excluded,” the Deputy Minister said.

For communities to benefit, skills development must align with what these zones actually need.

Abrahams stressed the importance of future-proofing skills development in response to South Africa’s high youth unemployment and rapidly changing labour market.

“We need to be honest about what we are training our young people for. We should be preparing them for the future economy, not for roles that technology has already overtaken,” she cautioned.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to economic development and job creation, and added that SEZs and IDZs remain strategic instruments for industrialisation, investment attraction and employment creation.

“Economic growth and job creation are the apex priority of the government. These visits allow me to learn, to ask better questions and to ensure that decisions are informed by what is happening on the ground,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za