Category: Africa

The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, held a national consultative meeting with participants in the Working on Fire (WOF) Programme to discuss concerns about working conditions.

The concerns raised by participants included the cost-of-living wage adjustment, the temporary nature of their employment, the quality of skills development in relation to their capabilities, occupational health and safety, among others.

WOF is an initiative of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment that trains men and women as veld and forest firefighters and stations them throughout South Africa.

The Deputy Minister committed to resolving matters, including Project Progress Compliance and Personal Protective Equipment requirements, the timely issuing of payslips, tax matters, follow-ups on Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act claims, and non-accredited training.

“The department values this programme immensely. The work undertaken by Working on Fire Programme participants is critical in protecting lives, property, infrastructure, and the environment from the devastating impact of wildfires,” she said.

Swarts said participants’ commitment to the Working on Fire Programme remains critical, as wildfires continue to pose an ongoing challenge exacerbated by climate change.

However, she reminded them that the Working on Fire Programme provides temporary employment and does not offer permanent jobs.

“This is why we place significant emphasis on training within the programme. The intention is that participants acquire valuable skills and qualifications that can assist them in securing employment or pursuing other opportunities once they exit the programme,” the Deputy Minister said.

She encouraged them to proactively explore exit opportunities provided by the government through various programmes that support youth entrepreneurship. –SAnews.gov.za

Government is intensifying efforts to build State capacity and strengthen infrastructure delivery by expanding South Africa’s pool of skilled artisans through strategic partnerships with tertiary institutions and industry.

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) is working to grow the country’s pipeline of professional artisans as part of a broader drive to improve the State’s ability to plan, build and maintain critical infrastructure.

Central to this effort is the department’s plan to rapidly roll out artisans by re-establishing departmental workshops across the country.

Speaking at the 4th Annual Construction Business and Project Management (CBPM) Conference in Cape Town, DPWI Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala said collaboration between government, academia and industry remains critical to achieving this goal.

He confirmed that the department will launch a new Centre of Excellence at the University of Cape Town.

Similar Centres of Excellence have already been established at the University of Johannesburg, the University of the Witwatersrand and Walter Sisulu University.

“The work that the institutions are doing is useful in ensuring that there is a coordinated approach and a seamless contribution to the body of knowledge which finds expression in practical implementation.

“We need greater collaboration between government, industry and other partners to accelerate delivery and scale of innovation,” Zikalala said.

The Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of coordination among stakeholders in addressing challenges related to infrastructure delivery, housing provision, procurement, sustainability and technological advancement.

He said that by fostering collaboration, driving innovation and promoting the exchange of insights, Centres of Excellence can play a transformative role in reshaping the built environment.

Zikalala also reminded delegates that government has set itself a target of developing 30 000 artisans per year, as announced by the President during the 2023 State of the Nation Address.

To support this target, the department has already launched the Artisan Development Programme, which focuses on developing critical construction trades including bricklaying, welding, carpentry, painting, mechanical, fitter and turner, electrical work, plumbing and boilermaking.

The programme is aimed at addressing South Africa’s skills shortage while ensuring the State has the technical expertise needed to deliver infrastructure projects efficiently and sustainably.

The Deputy Minister called on the private sector, academia and Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) to play a greater role in helping South Africa train enough artisans, noting that current throughput remains insufficient at only 15 000 graduates per year from technical colleges.

“Let us construct beyond buildings and roads, but hope, opportunity and lasting progress for generations to come,” Zikalala said. – SAnews.gov.za

Government is deepening its efforts to build State capacity and unlock development finance to drive industrialisation after securing access to a US$14 billion funding programme through Afreximbank.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that unlocks access to a massive US$14 billion Country Programme.

Dtic Minister Parks Tau recently concluded a working visit to Egypt where the agreement was signed, marking a significant milestone following South Africa’s decision in April this year to join Afreximbank as a full sovereign Class A shareholder.

Headquartered in Egypt, Afreximbank is a multilateral financial institution established to facilitate, promote and expand both intra-African and extra-African trade.

The newly announced Country Programme will provide South African businesses, State-owned enterprises and financial institutions with access to trade and industrial finance, transformation funding, risk mitigation instruments and project finance.

The funding is also expected to support South African companies seeking to expand into continental markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Tau led a delegation of senior officials from the dtic and its entities to strategic engagements with Afreximbank representatives in Al Alamein, Egypt, led by the bank’s President, culminating in the signing of the MoU.

He said the partnership will strengthen South Africa’s ability to support exports, attract investment and advance economic transformation by improving access to critical funding.

“The proposed Country Programme is designed to support South Africa’s objectives linked to structural economic transformation, industrialisation, export development and regional economic integration.

“Under the proposed multi-year programme, Afreximbank will deploy a coordinated package of financing, risk mitigation, advisory and catalytic interventions targeting priority industrial sectors such as manufacturing, mineral beneficiation, energy and infrastructure, Special Economic Zones and industrial parks, as well as the development of intra-African trade and participation in the AfCFTA,” Tau said.

He emphasised that the programme represents far more than a financing package.

“It is a strategic trade and industrial partnership that will support South Africa’s key economic transformation goals, including positioning the country as a global leader in green hydrogen and critical minerals.

“It will also support efforts to redistribute economic power through inclusive industrialisation, strengthen African value chains and deepen AfCFTA integration, helping build lasting trade infrastructure across the continent,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Gauteng Department of e-Government has been allocated R1.9 billion for the 2026/27 financial year to advance the province’s digital transformation agenda and improve government service delivery.

The funding will be used to modernise information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, expand digital government services, strengthen cybersecurity, improve digital resilience, support ICT skills development, enhance e-waste management and establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Office.

As part of the programme, the department plans to build and connect 300 Gauteng Provincial Network (GPN) sites, extending broadband connectivity to schools, healthcare facilities, libraries and community centres, particularly in townships, informal settlements and hostels.

The department said it will continue developing the Gauteng Digital Platform as a single access point for government services while enhancing digital platforms including the e-Recruitment System and the Gauteng Matric App.

Implementation of the e-Indigent Register System has already been completed in Mogale City, Rand West City Local Municipality and Merafong City Local Municipality. Development in Midvaal, Lesedi and Emfuleni local municipalities is nearing completion.

The department now plans to expand the system to metropolitan municipalities, including the City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane and City of Ekurhuleni, following consultations and system gap analyses.

To encourage greater use of digital government services, the department will appoint 75 e-Ambassadors to help residents access online platforms and government services.

Technology will also continue to support the province’s e-Policing Programme.

According to the department, 960 CCTV cameras have been installed across Gauteng, while more than 184 000 e-Panic Buttons have been distributed to strengthen emergency response and improve community safety.

The budget also includes several initiatives aimed at developing digital skills.

The department plans to train 5 500 government officials, award 70 ICT bursaries, provide experiential learning opportunities for 100 young people, support 12 000 youth through the Action Lab Programme and assist 200 township-based ICT entrepreneurs with skills development, mentorship and innovation support.

Young innovators across Gauteng’s five regions will also participate in the Youth Tech Expo G13 Hackathon Series, where they will develop digital solutions to address challenges including crime, unemployment, education, healthcare and service delivery.

The department said it will continue implementing its e-waste management programme to promote the safe disposal, recycling and repurposing of electronic equipment in support of job creation and the green economy.

Cybersecurity and digital resilience remain key priorities, with ongoing efforts to strengthen governance frameworks, security systems and monitoring capabilities to protect government data and secure digital services.

The department said it will also establish an Artificial Intelligence Office to coordinate the adoption of AI across government.

The office is expected to support service delivery, modernise government operations, enhance public safety and expand access to digital services while promoting the ethical and secure use of artificial intelligence. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa, as Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), has called on member states to accelerate efforts to achieve gender equality, warning that less than five years remain to meet the targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Opening the Ordinary Meeting of SADC Ministers Responsible for Gender and Women’s Affairs on Friday, Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga urged Ministers to assess progress in implementing regional gender commitments while addressing the challenges that continue to hamper development.

Chikunga said SADC’s gender agenda – rooted in the 1997 SADC Declaration on Gender and Development and strengthened by the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development – provides clear obligations for member states to eliminate discrimination, combat gender-based violence (GBV) and ensure equal access to justice.

She called on Ministers to evaluate implementation of regional gender instruments and develop strategic interventions to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

Referring to decisions taken in Harare in 2025, Chikunga urged member states to mobilise resources to implement the Revised Strategy on Gender-Based Violence and the Framework for Achieving Gender Parity in Political and Decision-Making Positions, saying the region was “not faring well” in these areas.

Governments should strengthen accountability, provide adequate funding for gender equality initiatives, remove structural barriers preventing women and girls from accessing justice, and bridge the gap between policy and the lived experiences of women and girls.

Chikunga said gender equality was fundamental to development, saying stronger protection of women’s rights improves food security, health outcomes and broader economic development.

She identified three priorities for the region: protecting the full enjoyment of women’s human rights, increasing women’s representation at all levels of decision-making, and ensuring sufficient financing for gender-responsive programmes.

Calling for greater representation of women in politics, corporate leadership, trade negotiations and peace processes, Chikunga encouraged governments to adopt quotas and special measures to improve gender parity.

She also stressed the importance of gender-responsive budgeting and recognising unpaid care work within social protection and economic planning.

Women’s economic empowerment should be central to development planning because of its potential to drive inclusive growth, job creation and sustainable development across SADC.

Highlighting South Africa’s role as SADC Chair, she outlined the region’s participation in international gender platforms, including the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), where SADC reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender equality, strengthening access to justice and eliminating discriminatory laws and practices.

She also highlighted SADC’s sponsorship of Resolution 68/1 on Women, the Girl Child and HIV and AIDS, saying it seeks to eliminate gender inequalities, address gender-based violence and strengthen efforts to reduce HIV infections among women and girls. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on Chinese medical device and healthcare technology manufacturer Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics to consider expanding its footprint in South Africa through manufacturing, assembly and localisation opportunities.

“We would also welcome discussions around expanding local operations, developing regional service and training centres, and exploring opportunities for medical technology manufacturing, assembly and localisation in South Africa,” Mashatile said on Thursday.

Mashatile made these remarks on Thursday during his Working Visit to the People’s Republic of China, where he undertook a guided tour of Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics. 

The company showcased a range of cutting-edge technologies and Artificial intelligence (AI) solutions deployed in primary healthcare services.

The engagement formed part of efforts to deepen cooperation between South Africa and China in strategic sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, digital technologies, skills development and innovation.

“Through this visit, we are seeking to deepen cooperation in strategic sectors that are critical to South Africa’s growth and development objectives, including manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, digital technologies, healthcare, skills development and innovation.

“Our objective is not merely to attract investment, but to establish long-term partnerships that contribute to industrialisation, technology transfer, localisation, skills development and sustainable job creation,” Mashatile said.

He emphasised that his visit reflects the importance that South Africa attaches to its strategic partnership with China and shared commitment to strengthening trade, investment, industrial cooperation and people-to-people relations.

China remains South Africa’s largest trading partner and one of its most important sources of investment, technology and industrial collaboration. 

“As South Africa continues to strengthen its position as a gateway to the African continent, we believe there are significant opportunities for Mindray to utilise South Africa as a strategic base for serving healthcare markets across Africa.

“Through the African Continental Free Trade Area, companies investing in South Africa have access to one of the world’s fastest-growing markets, creating opportunities for regional expansion and long-term growth,” Mashatile said.

He encouraged Mindray to participate in South Africa’s Investment Conference and explore the extensive opportunities available through the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The Deputy President added that the company can work closely with InvestSA and utilise the One Stop Shop facility, which supports investors with the administrative processes involved in establishing a business in the country.

The One Stop Shop serves as a focal point of contact in government for all investors to coordinate and facilitate the relevant government departments involved in regulatory matters, registration, permits and licensing.

“We look forward to deepening our partnership with Mindray and working together to improve healthcare outcomes, drive innovation and create lasting value for both our countries.

“Mindray’s proposal to support digital health transformation and healthcare skills development aligns strongly with South Africa’s priorities.

“We are particularly interested in exploring opportunities to establish centres of excellence, training facilities and partnerships with South African universities, hospitals and research institutions to strengthen healthcare capabilities and promote knowledge exchange,” Mashatile said. –SAnews.gov.za

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, says the BMA continues to facilitate the lawful and orderly repatriation of foreign nationals through the Beitbridge port of entry, with 8 230 persons having been processed to date.

Between 12 and 24 June 2026, the BMA successfully processed 6 709 Malawian nationals for repatriation, transported in 112 buses and 1 521 Zimbabwean nationals transported in 26 buses. 

“All foreign nationals arriving for repatriation are processed in the presence of officials from their respective embassies to verify identity, travel documentation and compliance with applicable immigration requirements.

“On 25 June 2026, 17 buses transporting foreign nationals arrived at the port without the required Emergency Travel Certificates (ETC). 

“In order to decongest Beitbridge, these buses could not be processed and were directed to the Musina truck stop area until the necessary documentation was obtained and verified. 

“The BMA also noted that a significant number of buses transporting repatriated foreign nationals are registered in South Africa and do not possess the required cross-border permits. In line with the law, buses without valid cross-border permits are not allowed to cross the border,” Masiapato said.

Furthermore, some drivers attempting to transport foreign nationals across the border were found not to be in possession of any passports, which is mandatory for cross-border travel.

The BMA called on all transport operators involved in repatriation activities to comply fully with immigration and administrative requirements before arriving at the port of entry. 

This includes ensuring that buses are roadworthy, drivers are in possession of valid passports, and that all required cross-border permits have been obtained. 

Masiapato said the port of entry will not be used as a waiting area for buses and compliance with these requirements will contribute significantly to the smooth and efficient processing of repatriations.

The BMA called on all foreign nationals participating in voluntary repatriation processes to ensure that they have first been processed by the Department of Home Affairs before presenting themselves at the port of entry. 

Masiapato said Department of Home Affairs-related verifications, as well as all South African Police Service (SAPS)-related clearances, which include ensuring that wanted suspects are not part of the repatriation, must first be completed at the Musina Refugee Reception Centre before arrival at Beitbridge. 

This measure is necessary to prevent delays within the port environment and to improve the efficiency of processing operations.

“The BMA remains committed to working closely with the Departments of Home Affairs and International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), foreign embassies, all law enforcement agencies, border entities and transport operators to ensure that all repatriation processes are conducted in a lawful, safe, dignified and orderly manner,” Masiapato said. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy President Paul Mashatile held a bilateral meeting with the Communist Party of China Secretary of Shenzhen,  Jin Lei, at the Futian Shangri-La Hotel in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, to discuss strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

According to the Presidency, the meeting engaged on the critical need to heighten trade, investment and friendship between South Africa and China.

It also affirmed Shenzhen’s strategic location as the fastest-growing Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in China, which has risen to take its place amongst the notable metropolises in the region and the world. 

The Presidency said Shenzhen’s fortunes were defined by it being accorded the status of an SEZ, its wide-ranging reforms and a strong market system approach to economic development.

The Deputy President reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening its comprehensive strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China and welcomed the growing practical cooperation between South Africa and Shenzhen, noting the important role played by the South Africa–China Shenzhen Chamber in advancing trade, investment and people-to-people relations.

“Deputy President Mashatile expressed confidence that Ambassador Letsatsi-Duba’s tour of duty in China would further strengthen the longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship between South Africa and China.

“He further reflected on recent high-level engagements undertaken during his visit to China, including discussions with Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing and his meeting earlier this week with the leadership of the International Department of the CPC,” the Presidency said.

These engagements followed the successful convening of the Ninth South Africa-China Binational Commission held in Cape Town in March 2026, which reaffirmed the depth and strategic nature of bilateral relations.

The Deputy President reiterated South Africa’s unwavering commitment to the One China Policy, as reaffirmed in the Joint Statement issued during President Ramaphosa’s State Visit to China in September 2024, and underscored South Africa’s intention to expand its diplomatic representation through the proposed establishment of a Consulate-General in Guangdong Province.

South Africa welcomed China’s decision to extend 100% duty-free market access to African countries, which took effect on 1 May 2026, noting with pride that it was the first country to export apples to China under this framework.

Deputy President Mashatile further welcomed the signing of the China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement in February 2026 and emphasised the importance of concluding the Early Harvest Agreement currently under negotiation between South Africa and China to facilitate expanded access for South African products to the Chinese market.

In discussions on economic cooperation, the Deputy President highlighted several priority areas for enhanced collaboration, including the finalisation of the Early Harvest Agreement, progress on matters relating to the Southern African Customs Union framework, support for South Africa’s Trade and Investment Package (2025–2029), mobilisation of investments from Shenzhen, and the promotion of value-added South African exports to China.

Deputy President Mashatile reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to ensuring a conducive environment for Chinese nationals and businesses operating in the country.

He emphasised the importance of continued cooperation in addressing immigration-related challenges in a constructive manner.

“Concluding the meeting, the Deputy President reiterated South Africa’s determination to deepen the All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era and to translate the strong foundation of trust, solidarity and shared values between the two countries into tangible benefits for their respective peoples.

“South Africa looks forward to continuing high-level engagements and to advancing the implementation of decisions taken under the South Africa-China Binational Commission,” the Presidency said. –SAnews.gov.za