Category: Africa

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Opening remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the meeting between the National Executive and the Free State Provincial Executive Council

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director, 
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa,
Premier of the Free State, Ms. MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
MECs,
Executive Mayors,
Officials,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning and thank you for availing yourselves for today’s engagement. 

Allow me to begin by commending Premier Letsoha-Mathae and the provincial leadership on the ambitious, future-facing and outcomes-oriented State of the Province address last month.

I was particularly struck by the attention to detail given to the initiatives planned for the year ahead, particularly around youth job creation, vocational training for young people, support for the agricultural sector, township economy revitalization and others. 

This is what the District Development Model we initiated in 2019 is all about – namely the finer, granular details of not just what is being done to localize development, but also the ‘how ‘and the ‘when.’

Timeous implementation is the yardstick by which we are measured, and also by which we will be judged.

We look forward to the presentation from the Premier on the priorities, challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the Free State.

We also wish to congratulate the Free State for achieving an 89,33 per cent pass rate in the 2025 matriculation examinations, the second highest in the country. 

Naturally this came as something of a damper because the province had been on a six-year streak with the highest pass rate. Nonetheless this is a fine achievement, and we certainly look forward to the province reclaiming the first place crown next year.

This is the eighth engagement between the National Executive and provincial leadership, with the first having commenced in late 2024. We will be meeting with the leadership of all nine provinces in due course. 

The purpose of this engagement is to see how we can work smarter and in a more integrated manner to drive inclusive growth and job creation; to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living; and build a capable, ethical and developmental state. 

Achieving our collective strategic goals necessitates that we deepen cooperation between the different spheres of government as mandated by our Constitution.

With the State of the Nation address having given the line of march, as it were, we are here to offer our support, and also our counsel.

Being agile and responsive is a hallmark of the capable, ethical and developmental state we are striving to build, and we are also here to listen.

Having members of the National Executive here today offers you an opportunity to raise the urgencies requiring their attention directly.

This engagement is really opening an additional channel of communication beyond what already exists within the intergovernmental relations framework, like the President’s Coordinating Council (PCC)

Colleagues,

The DDM model acknowledges the direct correlation between delivering on our mandate, and the state of local government.

When local government is effective, capacitated, and professional, service delivery is improved. With effective financial management and strong, accountable leadership in local government, we are responsive to the needs of citizens and enjoy their trust. 

When there are weaknesses or failings at local government, it isn’t just service delivery that suffers, but the trust between government and citizens becomes frayed. 

To put it quite bluntly, across much if not most of the country, local government is in crisis.

As of 2025, 35 of our country’s 257 municipalities were classified as distressed, and approximately 63 per cent were classified as being at risk. 

The number of municipalities across the country being placed under administration is growing, including seven here in the Free State.

We are alive to the realities and to the magnitude of this problem. 

Underfunding, lack of capacity, high debt and struggling revenue generation models are just some of the challenges. At the same time, many municipalities are practically paralysed by poor governance, financial mismanagement and corruption.  

Premier, in your State of the Province address you characterised fixing local government as regaining our pride, and I wholly concur.

In this year’s State of the Nation address I outlined the steps we will be taking to strengthen local government, including reviewing the funding model for municipalities and establishing ring-fenced utilities for water and electricity services.

We will also be undertaking extensive consultations around the updated White Paper on Local Government during the course of this year.

Restoring the fortunes of local government must be at the center of our efforts if we are to attract investment that creates jobs and boosts the provincial economy.

Next week we will be hosting the sixth South Africa Investment Conference in Gauteng, and I will be making the point, as I have done every year, that all our nine provinces are ripe for foreign and domestic investment.

The Free State is uniquely positioned to be at the heart of our country’s economic growth story. 

It is strategically located, making it a natural logistics and distribution hub linking major economic centers.

The province has extensive agricultural capacity, contributes significantly to our nation’s food security, and has a growing agro-processing sector.

Mining is well-established here, with increasing opportunities in manufacturing and beneficiation. The province is also leveraging its natural resources to generate renewable energy and for battery storage.

The Free State’s urban centers that are already administrative hubs are well-positioned to attract investment in professional services, education and sectors.

These endowments and advantages must be leveraged to drive inclusive growth and create jobs. 

With the necessary support, focus and direction, guided by the provincial One Plan developed under the DDM, the Free State’s full potential must be unleashed.

I have said, colleagues, that we are also here to listen: not only to what is not going well, but also to hear from you what is being done well and what lessons can be drawn.

For example, the Free State is leading the way in providing comprehensive agricultural support to emerging farmers and in implementing food security initiatives in vulnerable communities. 

During the last financial year, the province also exceeded its work opportunities targets through the Expanded Public Works Programme, reaching more than 46 000 beneficiaries. 

The Free State also continues to register successes in the provision of health services, notably around HIV/Aids and TB. There has also been notable progress in fighting crime. 

In your State of the Province address, Premier, you indicated that by the end of June 2025, that 93 per cent of Municipal Infrastructure Grants (MIG) had been spent on providing and maintaining public infrastructure. 

Considering the well-known problem of municipalities underspending on conditional grants for municipal infrastructure, this is truly commendable.  
As National Treasury forges ahead with plans to reform the way in which local government is currently being funded, we look forward to hearing more on the  
Free State’s experience with the MIG and other grants.

As you build on the progress made over the past year, be assured of our full support as the National Executive.

This year marks 30 years since our democratic Constitution was signed into law. The Constitution enjoins on us to work together to free the potential of and improve the lives of every citizen, to advance the Bill of Rights.

As much as introspection is necessary and critical, let us at the same time cast our horizons to the future we aspire to. 

Inasmuch as we need drill down what the challenges, obstacles and bottlenecks are, this must be matched by solutions, and timelines for implementing them. This would be time well and effectively spent today.

We are one government, united by One Constitution for One People, and it is in this spirit of cooperation that I would like our deliberations today to proceed. 

So welcome once again and I look forward to our discussions.

I thank you.
 

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Partnerships key to solving South Africa’s water crisis – Mahlobo

Source: Government of South Africa

Partnerships key to solving South Africa’s water crisis – Mahlobo

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has emphasised the critical role of partnerships in addressing South Africa’s water and sanitation challenges.

Mahlobo was speaking at the 2026 Future of Sustainability Conference, held in Johannesburg, on Wednesday.

Held under the theme: “Africa’s Green Horizon: Leading the Global Transition,” the two-day conference brought together sustainability leaders, policymakers, business executives, academics, and industry specialists to address pressing environmental challenges and explore innovative, sustainable business strategies.

Established in 2011 through a partnership between Topco Media and the United Nations for the COP17 climate conference, the conference has evolved into a key platform for exploring pioneering solutions for a sustainable future.

Mahlobo said collaboration between government and the private sector is essential to resolving water supply challenges.

“There is no single institution, municipality, department, company or country that can solve the water challenge alone,” he said.

He warned that ageing infrastructure and outdated technology, combined with population growth, have led to the current water supply challenges experienced in most parts of the country.

“The water challenges confronting South Africa are well known, but their seriousness demands that we name them plainly and confront them honestly.”

He warned that ageing infrastructure and outdated technology, combined with population growth, have exacerbated water shortages across the country.

He cited key issues, including infrastructure deficits, climate variability, rapid urbanisation, the pollution of rivers, and operational weaknesses in some wastewater systems, as well as persistent inequality in access to water, particularly in rural and historically marginalised communities. 

Addressing these challenges he said, demands a coalition of capability at local, national, and global levels.

“Water security requires alignment across government departments, water boards, municipalities, regulators, state entities, research institutions, financiers and the private sector. We must end the old culture of silo governance.

“The era of fragmented mandates, parallel planning without integrated execution, and infrastructure built without adequate maintenance discipline must come to an end,” Mahlobo said.

He also highlighted the importance of data-driven decision-making and technology.

“What gets measured gets managed, and what gets managed well gets sustained,” he said, adding that technology is essential for improving accountability and efficiency.

The Deputy Minister further advocated for the diversifying approach to water supply through groundwater development, wastewater reuse and integrated urban water systems to reduce pressure on traditional sources.

Referring to the United Nation’s declaration of 2026 as the Water Year, Mahlobo reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring access to water as a constitutional right.

He urged South Africans to change water habits and adopt a water saving approach to ensure a more sustainable use of water for everyone.

“Communities are not passive beneficiaries… they are co-creators of resilience. When communities are organised, informed and included, they become a force multiplier for sustainability.

“They help protect infrastructure, strengthen accountability, support behavioural change, defend local ecosystems, detect failures earlier and give legitimacy to interventions that might otherwise remain abstract,” Mahlobo said.

In concluding his address, Mahlobo called for urgent action to build a better world for future generations.

“We have less than four years to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, and we are not on track. In your hands lies the duty to create a better world. We will not be doing it for our sake; we are holding it for our children.”. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

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Public comments sought on proposed deposits for the 2026/27 Local Government Elections

Source: Government of South Africa

Public comments sought on proposed deposits for the 2026/27 Local Government Elections

The Electoral Commission will today publish a Government Gazette notice inviting political parties, independent candidates and all interested stakeholders to comment on the proposed deposit amount for the 2026/27 Local Government Elections.

By law, registered political parties and independent candidates intending to contest elections must pay deposits. 

The purpose of the deposit is to confirm a contestant’s intention to participate in the election and to create certainty on who the contestants in an election are, the Commission said in a statement.

“Deposits are refundable to contestants who obtain a seat in the applicable Proportional Representation election, or who obtain at least 10% of the valid votes cast in the applicable ward election. If a contestant loses, the deposit is not refundable and is paid into the National Revenue Fund,” the Commission said.

The amount of the deposit to be paid in terms of Section 14(1)(b) of the Act is, in respect of each separate list submitted by a party is:

• R4 700 in an election in a metropolitan municipality.

• R2 800 in an election in a local municipality with wards.

• R1 800 in an election in a local municipality without wards and in an election in a district municipality.

The Electoral Commission intends increasing the deposit as prescribed in Item 11(1) of the Municipal Electoral Regulations as follows:

“(1) The amount of the deposit referred to in section 17(2)(d) of the Act, is R1 800.00 in respect of an independent ward candidate and for a ward candidate nominated by a party who is not contesting the election of the relevant municipal council by way of a party list.

Representations or comment on the proposed election deposits may be emailed to Mr Kgosietsile Tshoke at deposits@elections.org.za or delivered to Election House, Riverside Office Park, 1303 Heuwel Avenue, Centurion, 0157.

The closing date for the submission of comments is Friday, 8 May 2026.

The Commission emphasised that it had not yet decided on the election deposit amounts for the 2026/27 Local Government Elections. 

It will review feedback and comments before making a final decision. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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Husband arrested for drugging, raping his wife then distributing pornographic material

Source: Government of South Africa

Husband arrested for drugging, raping his wife then distributing pornographic material

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested two suspects for possession and distribution of drug-facilitated sexual abuse and child sexual abuse material, following a multi-disciplinary operation in Gauteng. 

The national Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) team received an intelligence report from the National Crime Agency (NCA) of the British High Commission regarding a South African target who was believed to be involved in drug-facilitated sexual assault and somnophilia or “sleep fetish”.

“The 34-year-old husband drugged, raped his wife and distributed pornographic material of him performing sexual acts on her without consent on an exclusive social media channel over a period of five years,” the police said in a statement. 

“The victim appeared sedated and in a state of unconsciousness when these serious sexual offences were committed. Innovative investigative techniques and analysis led a multi-disciplinary team to the location of the suspect who was arrested in Boksburg on Thursday, 26 March 2026,” said the police.

The team comprised investigators from the national and provincial SECI team in Gauteng, supported by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the United States Embassy. 

“Forensic experts at the scene uncovered multiple images and videos relating to drug-facilitated sexual assault as well as child sexual abuse material which were found on the suspect’s electronic devices,” the police said. 

On the same day, further investigation led the team to another suspect in Germiston with a similar modus operandi. 

The two suspects are known to each other. 

Police also seized the 48-year-old suspect’s electronic devices and two unlicensed firearms found in his possession. 

“Both suspects are expected appear before the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court today on charges that include sexual assault, possession of unlicensed firearm, possession, distribution and manufacturing of child sexual abuse material as well as contravention of Section 16 of the Cyber Crimes Act, namely sharing of intimate images without consent of the victim,” the police said. 

Investigations and forensic analysis of the suspects’ devices remain ongoing. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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Legal professionals to discuss Companies Tribunal’s extended jurisdiction

Source: Government of South Africa

Legal professionals to discuss Companies Tribunal’s extended jurisdiction

Legal professionals will on Tuesday convene at the Johannesburg Society of Advocates offices in Sandton for a seminar hosted by the Companies Tribunal aimed at informing stakeholders about its extended jurisdiction, as well as the recent appointment of retired judges.

The seminar will also outline the implications of these developments for corporate governance and dispute resolution in South Africa. 

In terms of the amendments to the Companies Act 71 of 2008, the Tribunal has been granted exclusive jurisdiction to arbitrate certain company disputes. 

This expanded mandate represents a significant development in South Africa’s corporate dispute resolution landscape. 

“The seminar will provide a platform for direct engagement, enabling stakeholders to better understand the Tribunal’s evolving role and mandate,” the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said in a statement.

Furthermore, the appointment of retired judges – Judge Mohammed Navsa, Judge Kathleen Satchwell, Judge Robert Nugent, Judge Boissie Henry Mbha, and Judge Visvanathan Ponnan – to the Tribunal strengthens its institutional credibility. 

“The retired judges bring impartiality and independence, and their extensive experience in legal reasoning and statutory interpretation is expected to enhance the quality of dispute resolution. Their involvement will contribute to increased confidence and trust in the Tribunal’s processes among stakeholders,” the department said.

The Tribunal reaffirms its commitment to transparency, stakeholder engagement, and the effective administration of justice in company law matters. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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Hendricks leads community registration outreach programme in Mohlakeng

Source: Government of South Africa

Hendricks leads community registration outreach programme in Mohlakeng

Social Development Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks is today leading an Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) at the Mohlakeng Old Age Home, in Gauteng’s West Rand.

ICROP is one of the South African Social Security Agency’s (SASSA) flagship initiatives, designed to bring essential government services closer to communities, particularly those in underserved areas. 

By reducing travel distances, cutting costs, and simplifying administrative processes, ICROP ensures that services are delivered efficiently and directly to the people who need them most.

The Deputy Minister’s outreach also forms part of Human Rights Month activities, highlighting government’s commitment to upholding the rights of all citizens, strengthening social protection, expanding access to critical social services, and supporting vulnerable groups, including older persons, children, and people with disabilities.

Through ICROP, the Department of Social Development (DSD), SASSA, and key government partners will provide a wide range of on-site services, including:
•    Social grant applications and enquiries. 
•    Assistance with birth certificates and identity documents.
•    Support for victims of gender-based violence and substance abuse. 
•    Social work services and referrals. 
•    Services from the National Development Agency.
•    Many more offerings from government departments and stakeholders, including the Department of Health, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), and the Public Protector.

“The ICROP will begin with a community engagement session, providing an opportunity for Deputy Minister Hendricks and stakeholders to interact directly with residents. This will be followed by on-site service delivery facilitated by government departments and partners,” the department said ahead of Friday’s  engagement.

The Deputy Minister will be joined by senior management from the DSD and SASSA, as well as representatives from all three spheres of government, reaffirming a collective commitment to responsive, integrated, and people-centred service delivery.

Residents are encouraged to bring their ID documents and other supporting documentation to facilitate access to services. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM

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Department restores dignity of North West woman

Source: Government of South Africa

Department restores dignity of North West woman

Living with a disability in the Phelindaba section of Sannieshof, in the Tswaing Local Municipality, Annah Lekgetho spent her entire life relying on a family toilet that was not designed to meet her needs, a situation that made even the most basic tasks difficult and, at times, undignified.

That reality changed for the 20-year-old this week when Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo handed over a disability-friendly onsite toilet to her family, restoring not only access, but a sense of dignity.

For Lekgetho and the family that cared for her, the new facility represents more than infrastructure, it brings relief, independence, and hope.

Lekgetho’s situation came to the attention of the Deputy Minister during an oversight visit to Tswaing that is located in the North West province in December last year. The Deputy Minister’s visit at the time formed part of National Sanitation Month.

The visit was initially aimed at assessing the state of the Sannieshof Wastewater Treatment Works and the impact of ongoing sewer spillages on surrounding communities.

But it was in the homes of residents, including Lekgetho’s where the human cost of inadequate sanitation became most apparent.

Sharing a standard toilet facility that could not accommodate her disability had placed strain not only on Lekgetho, but also on family members.

Speaking at the handover, Seitlholo said Lekgetho’s story reflects the broader challenges faced by vulnerable members of society when access to proper sanitation is limited.

“A lack of a decent, disability-friendly toilet highlights the daily struggles faced by many in our communities. This requires urgent intervention to protect the dignity and well-being of our people, especially those living with disabilities.”

He stressed that access to safe and appropriate sanitation is not a luxury, but a constitutional right.

“Access to proper sanitation is not a privilege, it is a constitutional right. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa affirms every person’s right to dignity, equality, and a safe and healthy environment. As government, we could not leave this family behind,” Seitlholo said.

Partnership brings change

To address the need, the Department of Water and Sanitation partnered with private sanitation company, AmaLooLoo to provide and install the specialised facility.

The facility is designed to accommodate Lekgetho’s mobility needs and includes a supportive toilet seat and an indoor shower for ease of use. It is also designed to utilise rainwater for most of its operation, promoting sustainability while improving the household’s quality of life.

Seitlholo was accompanied by the Acting Mayor of Tswaing Local Municipality, Nkagisang Molehabangwe, who echoed the Deputy Minister’s sentiments and highlighted the importance of partnerships to improve service delivery and responding to community needs.

The Deputy Minister expressed hope that the initiative would inspire stronger collaboration between national, provincial, and local government, together with private sector partners, to accelerate access to basic services and improve the lives of vulnerable citizens.

For Lekgetho, the intervention marks a significant shift in her daily life, one that restores independence and eases the burden on her family.

As the country moves towards the end of the commemoration of Human Rights Month, her story is a reminder that service delivery is not only about infrastructure, but about people, and the dignity that comes with being seen, heard, and supported. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

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Minister Ernesto Kesar Joins Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2026 as Trinidad and Tobago Accelerates Upstream Momentum

Source: APO


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Ernesto Kesar, Minister in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries of Trinidad and Tobago, has officially joined the upcoming Caribbean Energy Week (CEW), reinforcing the country’s commitment to upstream growth at a time of renewed momentum in the oil and gas sector.

As the twin-island country advances new gas supply projects, encourages exploration and strengthens regional energy ties, Minister Kesar’s participation at CEW 2026 is expected to serve as a launchpad for strengthened regional ties.

Minister Kesar’s participation comes amid a multi-billion-dollar investment surge in Trinidad and Tobago as operators advance projects, regional energy ties and strategic partnerships. At the helm of these efforts, the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries continues to prioritize upstream investment, deepwater exploration and cross-border gas projects, positioning the country as a regional hub for natural gas production and LNG exports.

Recent milestones reflect this momentum, with several projects starting production and exploration kicking off across key basins. The bpTT-led Cypre gas project achieved first gas in April 2025, with peak production estimated at 45,000 barrels per day (bpd) – translating to around 250 million standard cubic feet of gas. The project comprised seven wells and will enhance the country’s overall export capacity. In partnership with EOG Resources, the company also started production at the Mento field in 2025, featuring a 12-slot, attended facility.

Looking ahead, bp’s Ginger gas development is on track for first gas production in 2027 following FID reached in 2025. With an expected capacity of 62,000 bpd, the project will feature four subsea wells tied back to the company’s existing Mahogany B platform. The company is also evaluating development options for its Frangipani exploration well which identified multiple stacked gas reservoirs in 2025. These initiatives will not only bring additional volumes online to support LNG exports and domestic capacity, but strengthen the country’s position as a regional hub for oil and gas.

Beyond projects, Trinidad and Tobago is advancing exploration efforts with a view to strengthen its reserves. The company awarded an ultra-deepwater exploration block to ExxonMobil in 2025, signaling the company’s return to the market after nearly two decades. The milestone not only paves the way for the development of Block TTUD-1, but opens the door to nearly $20 billion in potential investment. The move follows a 2025 licensing round launched by the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries in 2025, aligning with national goals of revitalizing exploration across deepwater margins.

On a regional front, Trinidad and Tobago is streamlining cross-border collaboration. The country recently secured a license from the United States authorizing oil and gas activities with Venezuela. The approval allows Trinidad-based companies to pursue cross-border gas developments, paving the way for Venezuela to feed new gas volumes into Trinidad and Tobago’s existing LNG and processing infrastructure. The move will not only sustain gas exports but accelerate long-delayed projects such as the Dragon gas field – situated near the maritime border of the two countries.

Trinidad and Tobago is also assessing options to restart the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery, which has been closed since 2018 following the restructuring of state-owned Petrotrin. The government is currently in talks with various partners as well as Guyana to reopen the facility. If brought back online successfully, the facility would support regional energy security efforts, highlighting a strategic opportunity for global and regional investors.

As upstream momentum continues to build, the upcoming CEW 2026 offers a strategic platform to advance dialogue on regional gas monetization, energy security and investment opportunities. Minister Kesar’s participation reflects Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to strengthening Caribbean energy ties, paving the way for new collaborations and sustained investment. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Parliamentarians and business step up calls for World Trade Organization (WTO) reform at Ministerial Conference (MC14)

Source: APO


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The Parliamentary Outcome document, adopted on 25 March at the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO, was presented by Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, together with Jörgen Warborn, Member of the European Parliament. 

The document calls for comprehensive reform across all core functions of the Organization, including restoring a fully functioning dispute settlement system, strengthening the development dimension and advancing work on digital trade. It also calls on ministers to provide clear political direction and to agree on a credible roadmap for reform beyond MC14.

The Parliamentary Conference brought together parliamentarians from across the globe, who underscored the need to restore the WTO’s relevance, credibility and effectiveness in a rapidly changing global economic environment.

The Global Business Statement for MC14 was presented by John W.H. Denton AO on behalf of more than 200 business organizations worldwide. It calls on ministers to use MC14 as a catalyst for reform and to agree on a structured and time-bound plan to modernize the WTO, underlining that a functioning multilateral trading system is essential for economic stability, investment confidence and sustainable growth.

The statement also stressed the importance of restoring the WTO’s negotiating, deliberative and dispute settlement functions to ensure the institution remains fit for purpose. A key priority it highlights is the renewal of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, with businesses warning that its lapse would introduce new uncertainty into global trade and risk undermining cross-border e-commerce, particularly for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

The Parliamentary Conference outcome document is available here and the ICC Global Business Statement for MC14 is available here.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Trade Organization (WTO).

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Remarks by Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the South Africa-China Economic and Trade Forum, Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director, Ms Lin Honghong, Director General of CCPIT 
Vice President of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Mr Han Zheng;
Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of the Republic of South Africa, Ms Alexandra Abrahams, Deputy Minister of International Relations, Ms Thandi Moraka and all Deputy Ministers here present;
Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Zhang Li and all Assistant Ministers here present;
Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Mr Ren Hongbin;
Business Leaders from China and South Africa;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a privilege to address this Economic and Trade Forum, convened in the wake of the 9th Session of the Bi-National Commission, which I had the honour of co-chairing yesterday with His Excellency Vice President Han Zheng.

The conclusion of the Commission’s work marks a significant milestone in South Africa’s journey of a thousand miles with China. This is a journey that began with a single step in the year 2000, when our two nations agreed to establish the Bi National Commission on the founding principle of equality, mutual respect, and shared progress.

Together, we have built bridges of trade and investment, strengthened the pillars of cooperation, and opened doors of opportunity for our peoples.

We have also expanded sectoral collaboration in broad areas of tourism, mineral resources, environment, science & technology, education, and culture.

Economic cooperation remains central to government collaboration. Efforts are focused on restructuring trade to enhance value-added exports to China. 

This has positioned South Africa as China’s largest trade partner in Africa and its top global partner. As a result, bilateral trade grew by 6.4%, rising from USD 34.2 billion in 2024 to USD 36.4 billion in 2025.

The work that we have done as Governments has also paved the way for China to invest USD8.11 billion in 103 FDI projects, creating a total of 5 694 jobs in South Africa.

On the other hand, there is a group of South African companies that collectively invested USD 689 million into China in the health, ICT, financial services, manufacturing, and services sectors.

However, there is still much work to be done to diversify our exports from raw commodities and to strengthen South Africa’s industrial base in electric vehicle and battery manufacturing.

South Africa is keen to draw investments across various sectors, particularly in mineral beneficiation, the hydrogen economy & clean energy, ICT technology, textiles and leather. 

Over and above what we have achieved in our government deliberations, the signing of the Framework Agreement for the China Africa Economic Partnership Agreement (CAEPA) will cement South Africa’s status as an attractive sourcing destination.

This agreement will effectively lower costs for Chinese companies importing South African goods while opening new avenues for our industries to expand their reach and competitiveness. In many ways, CAEPA is the natural outgrowth of the founding principle of our BNC.
Deputy Minister Abrahams reported on the advancements regarding the Early Harvest Agreement aimed at ensuring that South African exports destined for China will receive permanent zero-tariff treatment, contingent upon consultations with domestic trade partners in the Customs Union.

We also believe that the CAEPA solidifies South Africa’s status as a preferred destination for Chinese investment. Duty free access for South African exports not only makes it more profitable for Chinese firms to source semi processed and finished goods from South Africa, but it also makes the prospects of building local processing plants more viable.

This is aptly demonstrated by the incoming delegation who operate in the sectors of Biotechnology, Renewable Energy, Food and Beverage, Engineering and Construction, Oil and Gas, Utilities as well as banking and finance. These companies are regarded as innovative leaders in their sectors. We welcome that you have chosen South Africa as a home for your investment and that you are simultaneously investing in government supported priority sectors and initiatives.

For those considering South Africa for the first time, be assured that our nation offers exponential returns. Companies such as Hi-Sense have not only expanded their product lines here but have also unlocked access to the African market of 1.4 billion people. Original Equipment Manufacturers, through their investments, have discovered that South Africa is more than a gateway; it is a launchpad into continental opportunity, innovation and growth.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
South Africa opportunities that are available for investment include but are not limited to agriculture, energy sector, mineral beneficiation and infrastructure.

Our agriculture and agro processing sectors showcase South Africa’s fertile land and diverse produce, which can ultimately be transformed into high value exports to China and other regions. 

By deepening cooperation in this sector, we not only strengthen food security but also create jobs across rural communities, ensuring that prosperity reaches every corner of our nation.

Of critical importance is investment in mineral beneficiation and infrastructure development. South Africa’s mineral wealth is widely recognised, but our goal is to go beyond raw exports by processing minerals, adding value, and developing the infrastructure that supports industrial growth.

Here, Chinese investment and technology can help us unlock the full potential of our resources, while building sustainable industries that will last for generations.

In the energy sector, we see great potential in renewable energy and baseload electricity collaborations. South Africa is committed to moving toward a greener future, and with China’s expertise, we can accelerate the deployment of solar, wind, and storage technologies. Together, we can provide a reliable energy supply while fulfilling our climate commitments.

The automotive sector remains a key part of our industrial base. By expanding manufacturing and parts production, along with investments in electronics and high-tech industries, we can position South Africa as a centre for next-generation vehicles and innovation.

This is not just about vehicles, but also about creating an ecosystem of suppliers, innovators, and skilled workers who will help drive our economy forward.

Perhaps the most transformative is the hydrogen economy. South Africa has the potential to become the lowest-cost producer and exporter of green hydrogen by leveraging our abundant renewable resources. With strategic partnerships, we can lead the way into a new energy future, positioning our country as a global leader in clean fuels and sustainable industrialisation.

Finally, Ladies and gentlemen, our Special Economic Zones and Industrial Parks provide the platforms to localise production, attract investment, and foster innovation. These zones are designed to act as catalysts, bringing together infrastructure, incentives, and skilled labour to develop competitive industries capable of thriving in global markets.

There will be presentations in the technical sessions that will help to guide you in your investment journey.
What South Africa offers you is political stability, a legal environment that safeguards and protects your investments, world-class infrastructure.

Lastly, all of this will be bolstered by a catalytic partnership agreement that, once finalised, will make South Africa your most indispensable trade and investment partner.

We firmly believe that this forum serves as a platform for aligning Government strategies with private sector engagement. The issues discussed in our diplomatic and technical sessions are expected to be implemented by private sector players, leading to job creation, industrialisation, and shared prosperity. Central to this collaboration are opportunities that directly address our shared priorities.

Today, we have an opportunity to energise momentum, to turn the commitments made here into real action.

Let us take this moment to ensure that our collaboration not only brings prosperity to both our nations but also makes a meaningful contribution to Africa’s broader development agenda.

Together, we can create a future defined by resilience, inclusivity, and shared success.

I thank you. Xiè Xiè