Category: English

Posted on

South Africa continues to engage the United States (US) government on the reciprocal tariffs

Source: APO


.

President Cyril Ramaphosa notes with concern the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States (US) on South African products.

The reciprocal tariffs have been imposed by the US on a significant number of its trade partners and South Africa has not been spared. South Africa will continue negotiating with the US regarding the 30 percent tariff announced by the US, which will come into effect on or after 12h01 eastern daylight time, 7 days after 1 August 2025.

All applicable exceptions published in the previous US Executive Order are set to remain in force and these exceptions covered products such as copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, certain critical minerals, stainless steel scrap and energy and energy products. 

Government has been engaging the United States, and has submitted a Framework Deal that aims to enhance mutually beneficial trade and investment relations. All channels of communication remain open to engage with the US and our negotiators are ready pending invitation from the US. 

In the meantime, Government is finalising a package to support companies that are vulnerable to the reciprocal tariffs. The package consists of a  number of measures to assist companies, producers and workers affected by the tariffs on SA exports to the US. The details of the measures will be announced in due course. 

South Africa and US trade relations are complementary in nature and South African exports do not pose a threat to US industry. Importantly, SA exports to the US contain inputs from the African Continent and contribute to intra-Africa trade. 

South Africa will continue to pursue all diplomatic efforts to safeguard its national interests.  It is important that as a country we keep our people at work and our companies producing some of the high-quality products destined for many parts of the world.

To this end, Government will intensify its diversification strategy to create resilience of our economy and is working with export councils and industry associations, as well as top exporters to the US with a view to assist with alternative markets. In this regard, an Export Support Desk to provide updates on development and provide advisory services to exporters has been established. The details  are to be published by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition on its website. 

Government, through the dtic is also in constant contact with the US on the  Framework Deal. The Executive order published by the United States today clarifies that goods loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit before 12h01 eastern daylight time, 7 days after 1 August 2025, and entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, before 12h01 eastern daylight time on 5 October 2025, shall not be subject to such additional duty and shall instead remain subject to the additional ad valorem duties previously imposed in Executive Order 14257, as amended.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Posted on

Comment by United Nation (UN) Human Rights Office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan on deaths during protests in Angola

Source: APO


.

Authorities in Angola must carry out prompt, thorough and independent investigations into the deaths of at least 22 people, as well as associated human rights violations, during protests this week against an increase in fuel prices.

According to official reports, more than 1,000 people have been detained. Unverified footage suggests that security forces used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse protesters, which points to an unnecessary and disproportionate use of force.

We note that some of those protesting resorted to violence and that a number of individuals reportedly took advantage of the unrest to commit criminal acts, including looting shops, as well as vandalising property in multiple locations in the capital, Luanda.

We call on the Angolan authorities to refrain from resorting to unnecessary or disproportionate use of force to maintain public order, and to guarantee the full enjoyment of the rights to life, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.

Any individuals who may have been arbitrarily detained must be immediately released. All protesters taking to the streets to express their opinions should do so peacefully. All human rights violations must be investigated and those responsible held accountable.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Posted on

Government announces measures to assist exporters

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has announced a set of measures in response to the tariff hike on South African exports to the United States, which comes into effect this month.

“The dtic has announced a set of measures in response to the imminent 30% tariff hike on South African exports to the United States, which comes into effect on 1 August 2025.

“These urgent interventions are part of the dtic’s ongoing commitment to protecting jobs, preserving market access in the United States, and promoting export diversification to alternate markets in Africa, the EU [European Union], Asia, Latin America, and other strategic partners,” Minister Parks Tau said in a statement ahead of the start of the implementation of the tariff.

In Thursday’s statement, Tau said key among the interventions is the establishment of an Export Support Desk, which will serve as a direct point of contact for companies affected by the US tariff hike.

“The Desk will provide updates on developments and tailored advisory services to exporters on alternative destinations, guidance on market entry processes, insights into compliance requirements and linkages to South African Embassies and High Commissions abroad.”

READ | SA reaffirms commitment to US trade deal

In July, President Cyril Ramaphosa noted the correspondence from the United States (US) President Donald Trump on the unilateral imposition of a 30% trade tariff against South Africa.

In a letter addressed to President Ramaphosa, President Trump announced that he would subject imports from South Africa to new 30% tariffs, that would take effect from 1 August 2025.

On Thursday, the dtic said the tariff hike poses a “direct threat” to the country’s export capacity, particularly in strategic sectors such as automotive, agro-processing, steel and chemicals, amongst others.

“As government, we are fully committed to supporting our exporters through this challenging time. We are working with urgency and resolve to implement real and practical interventions that defend jobs and position South Africa competitively in a shifting global landscape.

“The stakes are high and we must respond decisively to ensure our export industries remain resilient, competitive, and globally integrated into diversified markets.

“Exporters are encouraged to engage directly with the Export Support Desk and also to visit the dtic website regularly for updates and support mechanisms. The dtic remains steadfast in its mission to assist local producers and safeguard South Africa’s trade interests amid growing global uncertainty,” the Minister explained.

The contact details of the Export Support Desk are as follows:

Exporters to the United States and Market Enquiries related to the Americas can contact:
•    Ms. Nthatisi Moraloge 
NMoraloge@thedtic.gov.za 
(012) 394-1125
Or 
•    Mr. Karabo Modimokwane
KModimokwane@thedtc.gov.za
(012) 394-1164

Market Enquiries related to other markets:

In the African region exporters can contact: 
•    Ms. Zamaswazi Nkosi 
ZPNkosi@thedtic.gov.za 
(012) 394-3533

Or

•    Mr. Mncedisi Madela
MMadela@thedtic.gov.za 
(012) 394-5659

Or

•    Ms. Sithembile Shongwe 
SLShongwe@thedtic.gov.za 
Or

•    Ms. Sibongimpilo Mashatola
SMashatola@thedtic.gov.za
(012) 394-5507

In ASEAN and Asia, exporters can contact:

•    Ms. Meresina Ranphabana 
MRanphabana@thedtic.gov.za 
(012) 394-5918

Or 
•    Ms. Mundzhedzi Mahosi
MMahosi@thedtic.gov.za 
(012) 394-5645

Or 
•    Ms. Ledile Bambo  
LBambo@thedtic.gov.za 
(012) 394-1997

Or 
•    Mr. Kenneth Malatsi 
MMahosi@thedtic.gov.za 
(012) 394-1061

In the Europe region, exporters can contact :

•    Ms. Hloniphile Nkiwane
HNkiwane@thedtic.gov.za 
(012) 394-3496

Or

•    Mr. Seth Pule 
SPule@thedtic.gov.za 
(012) 394-3087

In the Middle East, exporters can contact :
•    Mr. Waseem Rinquest 
WRinquest@thedtic.gov.za 
(012) 394-5863

Or

•    Ms. Mpho Sebatana
MSebatana@thedtic.gov.za 
(012) 394-3415

– SAnews.gov.za 

Posted on

The renovated National Road 1 between Kinshasa, Kwango and Kwilu is boosting economic activity in the south-west of the Democratic Republic of Congo

Source: APO

In Kikwit, in Kwilu province in the south-west of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the “lower town” market is bustling. No-one seems bothered by the sun, which is at its zenith. Motorcycles, tricycles, goods trucks and street vendors intermingle in a constant, noisy ballet, signs of the economic dynamism of this city located more than 600 kilometres from the capital, Kinshasa.

In the distance, men can already be seen busy loading huge blue plastic drums onto large trucks lined up in single file at the edge of the market. Their destination: Kinshasa, via National Road No. 1 or RN1.

Modeste Mafangala, a road haulier, makes no secret of his satisfaction with a recent major change in his daily life: the repair of the Kinshasa–N’Djili–Batshamba section of the RN1.

“Before, it was very difficult to get from here to Kinshasa. You could spend a week or two on the road. But now the road is good. The goods we’re loading today will arrive at their destination the next day, either by bus, truck or motorcycle,” he says, visibly relieved.

The project to renovate the 622-kilometre section of RN1 between Kinshasa, N’Djili and Batshamba was financed to the tune of $70.2 million by the African Development Fund, the African Development Bank Group’s concessional financing window. The project addresses the major challenge of opening up rural areas to trade in goods and services. Long isolated due to poor road conditions, the provinces of Kwango and Kwilu now enjoy better connectivity with the capital and with each other.

This improvement greatly facilitates interprovincial trade and creates momentum for regional economic integration. The impact on transport conditions is particularly evident. The journey between Kinshasa and Kikwit, and even Batshamba, now takes just six hours. In addition to reducing travel times, the improved road quality has also led to a significant reduction in the number of accidents.

“Back then, hauliers would spend days on end trying to reach Kikwit or Tshikapa,” explains Jean Luemba, project implementation coordinator in Kinshasa.  “But today, they get there in less time and save money on fuel and even spare parts, because with all the potholes on the road, vehicles used to suffer significant damage. You could say that hauliers are now getting their money’s worth.”

But the benefits of the project go far beyond simply repairing the road. An integrated approach to development has multiplied the positive impacts for the people living in the project area. Schools now have access to drinking water, health centres have been built, rural markets refurbished, agricultural tracks upgraded, and several villages equipped with boreholes.

At the Don Bosco Institute in Kenge, for example, the project has changed the daily lives of the students. A drinking water borehole with a standpipe has been installed in the schoolyard, so the students can now enjoy their breaks without worrying about finding water to drink.

Espérance Anga, a student in the 4th grade general mechanics class, said: “This is a very good thing for us. Before, we had trouble getting drinking water during breaks. We used to buy water in bags from the canteen. Now, thanks to the borehole, it’s much easier.”

The RN1 renovation project is a major infrastructure initiative that is expected to have positive effects on socioeconomic development in the Democratic Republic of Congo. By connecting Kinshasa to the provinces of Kwango and Kwilu, the road facilitates travel and trade, with a knock-on effect on the daily life of communities and economic activity.

“Today, people living along the road can get more value from their daily produce. They can sell more easily because vehicles now have direct access to their villages. One mother, for example, no longer needs to travel to Kinshasa or the market to sell a bag of cassava or charcoal: she can sell it in front of her house. It’s a real change in their daily lives,” says Jean Luemba.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media files

.

Posted on

Free State government urges parents to vaccinate children

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, August 1, 2025

As part of ongoing efforts to prevent the further spread of measles, the Free State Department of Health has called on parents and guardians to ensure that they and their children are up to date with their vaccinations, in accordance with the provisions of the Road to Health Booklet.

The department reported 93 laboratory confirmed cases of measles as of week 29 in the Lejweleputswa District.

“Since the first positive case was detected in the private health sector on 23 February 2025, the department has taken decisive action to control the outbreak. The initial cases in Lejweleputswa were followed by a series of confirmed cases, with the most affected sub-district being Matjhabeng, which accounts for 42 of the total cases. 

“The Nala area has also seen an increase in cases, necessitating continued vigilance and response efforts,” the department said on Thursday.

The department reported that the outbreak in Mangaung has been declared over, which it described as a testament to the effectiveness of the outbreak response measures. 

In Lejweleputswa, while sporadic cases have been observed from weeks 20 to 29, the department said the outbreak is under control. 

The focus remains on the areas with higher numbers of unvaccinated individuals, particularly in Matjhabeng and Nala.

“The department urges all residents to remain vigilant, particularly in areas with higher case numbers. The Free State Department of Health is dedicated to protecting the health of communities and will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

The department has implemented the following interventions as part of the ongoing management of the measles outbreak:

  • Outbreak response teams have been mobilised and resuscitated to address the situation effectively. The department has initiated outbreak response activities in Nala to curb the rising cases.
  • The department has improved community awareness through the distribution of information, education and communication (IEC) materials. This initiative aims to educate the public on measles prevention and encourage vaccination.
  • The department has made significant improvements in completeness of immunisation feedback (CIF) and ensured the collection of blood specimens for all laboratory samples.
  • Provincial support has been extended to the affected district throughout the outbreak. The department has collaborated with the South African Police Service (SAPS), as the local law enforcement, and community leaders to enhance outbreak awareness and response.
  • All laboratory-confirmed cases have been managed appropriately, with patients receiving the correct dose of Vitamin A and being monitored for signs and symptoms of the disease.

– SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

SA joins world in commemorating World Breastfeeding Week 

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Health, in collaboration with various stakeholders, is joining the global community to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), which runs from 1 – 7 August.

This initiative aims to raise awareness about the long-term health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for both mothers and children, as part of ongoing efforts to increase breastfeeding rates in the country.

WBW is a global initiative celebrated in more than 120 countries. 

This movement aims to promote breastfeeding and foster a supportive environment for mothers, ultimately enhancing the well-being of both mothers and their babies.

According to the department, exclusive breastfeeding provides several benefits, including optimal nutrition for the baby’s first six months of life, protection against infections and illnesses, and reduced risks of various conditions, including obesity, asthma and type 1 diabetes. 

“Lack of exclusive breastfeeding contributes to susceptibility to common infections, developmental issues and chronic diseases,” the department said.

While global exclusive breastfeeding rates have seen a slight increase in recent years, the department stated that South Africa is still lagging, with a concerning decline in exclusive breastfeeding rates from 32% in 2016 to 22% in 2024. 

The department believes that the current trend means the country is unlikely to achieve the World Health Assembly’s breastfeeding target of at least 50% by the end of the year 2025, and 70% in 2030.

This decline can be attributed to several factors, including the rising normalisation of formula feeding, which is often driven by aggressive marketing practices by the infant formula industry, particularly on digital platforms. 

“Simultaneously, the country faces an escalating malnutrition crisis, particularly among children under the age of five, marked by worrying increases in stunting, wasting and overweight prevalence,” the department said.

According to the department, exclusive breastfeeding is a shared responsibility, extending beyond just the role of mothers, with families, communities, healthcare systems, and employers having important roles to play. 

“Breastfeeding is not just about reaching country and global targets, but also about supporting infant health and development, as well as maternal well-being.” 

The department, working with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the South African Breastmilk Reserve (SABR), and other partners, will launch awareness activities for WBW 2025. 

These activities aim to engage individuals and organisations to enhance collaboration and support for breastfeeding. 

This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen breastfeeding support systems and create a nurturing environment for mothers to breastfeed their babies.

“This is part of a series of activities to raise awareness about this annual campaign.”

The interventions align with the 2025 WBW theme: ‘Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems’, which highlights the need for long-term, equitable support structures for breastfeeding mothers.

“It also highlights the connection between breastfeeding and environmental sustainability, recognising breastfeeding as a key factor in climate resilience,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Government welcomes renewable energy investments initiative 

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has applauded the launch of a research project investigating how private renewable energy investments in South Africa contribute to equitable social development.

“Projects like Communities and the Private Renewable Energy Sector: Distributing Social Development Benefits in South Africa (COM-PRES),which support South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), are not only welcome, but are encouraged as the knowledge that will be generated will contribute to driving innovation and investment that bolsters South Africa’s renewable energy capacity,” George said on Friday.

COM-PRES is a four-and-a-half-year research project, which was launched on 31 July 2025, led by Danish-based social researcher, Dr Marianne S. Ulriksen from the University of Southern Denmark. 

It will be implemented locally, in partnership with the Centre for Social Development in Africa, at the University of Johannesburg and the Centre for Social Science Research at the University of Cape Town.

The South African government strongly focuses on integrating renewable energy projects with social development initiatives, particularly through the REIPPPP, which is also part of the country’s ambitious just energy transition agenda.

“COM-PRES aims to understand how private-sector renewable energy projects can address inequality in affected and surrounding South African communities through novel mandatory community trusts and social development interventions,” Ulriksen said.

According to Ulriksen, the knowledge and ideas generated at the community level – working collaboratively with community members, local stakeholders and independent power producers – will feed back to national stakeholders, with the aim of providing practical recommendations for designing and managing renewable energy investments to enhance socio-economic outcomes and relations between communities, the industry and government.

“South Africa can develop a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable energy sector that also supports our efforts to drive sustainable economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Financial Action Task Force conducts on-site assessment in SA

Source: Government of South Africa

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Africa Joint Group has concluded an on-site assessment visit to South Africa, which was aimed at verifying the implementation of reforms to address money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

The on-site assessment took place on Tuesday and Wednesday in Pretoria, completing the last step before the October 2025 FATF Plenary can consider whether to remove South Africa from its greylist.

The FATF Joint Group held meetings with South African government officials and representatives of financial institutions and Designated Non-Bank Financial Institutions. 

“At the conclusion of the meetings, the FATF Africa Joint Group held a meeting with Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr David Masondo and Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, who both assured the FATF of the South African government’s political commitment to continue to sustainably improve the country’s Anti-Money Laundering and the Combating of the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) system,” National Treasury said on Thursday.

The on-site visit followed the announcement by the June 2025 FATF Plenary that South Africa had substantially completed all the 22 action items that were contained in the Action Plan that was adopted when South Africa was greylisted in February 2023.

Following the completion of the 22 action items in the Action Plan, the June 2025 FATF Plenary noted that South Africa’s progress warranted an on-site assessment to verify that critical AML/CFT reforms have been implemented, and that the necessary political commitment remains in place to sustain progress.

“After the conclusion of the onsite visit, the FATF Africa Joint Group will submit a report to the October 2025 FATF Plenary, which will consider any recommendations from the report on whether South Africa can be delisted from the FATF greylist.

“Deputy Ministers Masondo and Nel thanked the FATF Africa Joint Group for its collegial working relationship with the South African government delegation since the country’s greylisting in February 2023, and further assured the FATF Africa Joint Group that the South African government will continue actively partnering with the FATF Global network in preserving and advancing the integrity of the South African and global financial systems,” National Treasury said.

Treasury will not be issuing further media statements or conducting interviews until the FATF Plenary concludes its next Plenary Meeting on 24 October 2025 and issues its post-plenary outcomes media statement. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Mandela Month ends on a high note in the North West

Source: Government of South Africa

Mandela Month ended on a high note when communities and learners in the North West province receives blankets and school shoes from the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong.

The action-packed day for Morolong and his entourage started in Tlapeng Ward 19, near Taung, where 200 elderly women received the blankets from the Deputy Minister.

During the handovoer on Thursday, Morolong said former President Nelson Mandela was a global man, whose spirit of ubuntu was celebrated throughout the world.

“Nelson Mandela taught us that education is the only weapon we can use to fight poverty.

“Today, as we are wrapping up  Nelson Mandela Month. The United Nations General Assembly resolved that 18 July will be celebrated as  International Nelson Mandela Day. We are here to celebrate the life of an icon, a global icon, the only man referred to as the father of the nation,” Morolong said.

Nelson Mandela, the Deputy Minister said, made significant strides in the struggle against apartheid.

“We are celebrating the life of Mandela by spending time with those that he loved most — the elderly and the kids.”

Morolong said Nelson Mandela encouraged people to take care of those who are less privileged.

“We are proud today that we are tempting to follow in his big footsteps and we are proud that we are upholding to his values and teachings.”

Morolong encouraged the community to take care of children and the elderly.

One of those who received a blanket, Mme Bettina Seloko from Tlapeng, spoke to SAnews.

“It is very cold. One cannot sleep well because it’s cold. With the blanket I have received today, I am going to sleep well, as I will be feeling warm.

“Government must continue to provide for the poor and those who are unemployed.”

From Tlapeng village, the Deputy Minister proceeded to Anvonster informal settlement, where he handed over school shoes to learners. From there, he proceeded to Mmabana Cultural Centre, where he also handed over school shoes to learners from different schools.

Morolong said giving learners shoes was a way of encouraging them to attend school.

“Our former President Nelson Mandela has taught us that we should look after each other,” Morolong said.

The Deputy Minister also visited Kamogelo Primary School, where he also handed over school shoes.

This year’s Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July was celebrated under the theme: ‘It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity’.

During the month of July, government encourages citizens to donate their time to make a difference in their communities.

Earlier this year, Morolong received 470 pairs of school shoes from Capital Centric, on behalf of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), which were donated to learners.

Nelson Mandela International Day has enjoyed years of global support and solidarity since it was launched in 2009. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Nigeria: African Development Bank Approves $46 Million to Transform Healthcare in Sokoto State

Source: APO

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $46 million loan to finance the Sokoto State Health Infrastructure Project, a transformative initiative designed to enhance healthcare access and quality in Nigeria’s Sokoto State.

The project addresses critical health system gaps in Sokoto, where key indicators reflect a critical need for intervention. Only one in 20 children is fully vaccinated, while infant mortality stands at 104 deaths per 1,000 live births, nearly double Nigeria’s national average of 63. Less than 14 percent of health facilities in the state have functional infrastructure, and there is just one doctor for every 8,285 people — far below the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of 1:1,000.

The Bank’s financing will support the delivery of climate-smart health infrastructure across three levels of care. These include the construction and equipping of a 1,000-bed teaching hospital complex; three zonal hospitals with a combined capacity of 450 beds; and six primary healthcare canters strategically located to serve rural communities.

The project also includes the rehabilitation of health training institutions and the development of a modern medical warehouse to strengthen pharmaceutical supply chains.

“This investment illustrates our commitment to continue working with the Government to fill critical infrastructure gaps in Nigeria’s health system while building resilient, climate-adapted healthcare facilities,” said Abdul Kamara, Director General of the African Development Bank’s Nigeria Office. “By strengthening healthcare infrastructure in Sokoto State, we are building hope and creating pathways to better health outcomes for millions of Nigerians.”

Aligned with Nigeria’s National Development Plan (2021-2025) and the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, the project is expected to generate approximately 2,500 jobs, with 60 percent of opportunities targeting youth and 30 percent women. In addition, the project will integrate electronic health infrastructure and renewable energy systems, ensuring sustainable, energy-efficient operations while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Expanded capacity in local the medical and nursing schools will create 700 new training slots annually, helping to address the region’s acute shortage of skilled health professionals.

The initiative builds on the Bank’s successful track record in Nigeria’s health sector, where it has financed four health infrastructure projects totaling $117.68 million. It will leverage strategic partnerships with the United Nations Children’s Fund, the World Health Organization, USAID, and other development actors to maximize impact and ensure comprehensive health system strengthening.

The African Development Bank Group remains committed to enhancing the quality of life for Africa’s people through targeted investments in resilient health infrastructure that drive inclusive growth and sustainable development across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contact:
Natalie Nkembuh,
Communication and Media Relations Department  
media@afdb.org

Media files

.