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Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has welcomed an agreement which clears a pathway towards stabilising Tongaat Hulett and securing the future of the sugar industry value chain.

The agreement, concluded between the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Tongaat Hulett’s business rescue practitioners and the Vision Group, is expected to preserve approximately 250 000 jobs across the sugar industry value chain.

In a statement on Thursday, Minister Meth commended the decisive intervention by the IDC and acknowledged its leadership in extending post-commencement finance and its commitment to restructuring this support into equity.  

The Minister said the move would strengthen the company’s capital structure and position it for sustainable recovery.

“This landmark agreement marks a pivotal turning point following a prolonged period of uncertainty, including the imminent risk of liquidation. The decision by all parties to pursue a collaborative solution that preserves operations and protects value across the ecosystem is both timely and commendable,” Meth said. 

She added that the IDC’s intervention demonstrated its commitment to supporting industrial capacity.

“The agreement is of profound importance to the broader economy, as it is expected to preserve approximately 250 000 jobs across the sugar industry value chain, including workers, growers, suppliers, and dependent communities in South Africa and the region. 

“This intervention not only protects livelihoods but also ensures continuity in a strategic sector that underpins rural economies and regional trade,” the Minister said.

According to the Minister, the participation of Vision Group as a long-term investor further strengthens the prospects for recovery.

She said Vision Group’s commitment to invest in operations, support growers and suppliers, and restore stability to the business signals renewed confidence in the sector and creates a platform for sustainable growth.

Meth also welcomed the withdrawal of the liquidation application, saying it clears the way for the implementation of the approved business rescue plan and reinforces the shared objective of stabilising the company and enabling its successful exit from business rescue.

“This agreement underscores the power of strategic partnerships between the public sector, private investors, and key stakeholders in addressing complex economic challenges. It reflects a collective commitment to safeguarding productive assets, transforming industries, and driving inclusive growth across the Southern African region.”

Meth reiterated government’s support for initiatives aimed at strengthening industrial resilience, protecting jobs and promoting investment in key sectors such as agriculture and agro-processing.

“The preservation of Tongaat Hulett is not only a corporate turnaround, but it is a critical step towards securing food systems, sustaining rural economies, and advancing economic transformation,” she said.

READ | Minister Tau welcomes withdrawal of Tongaat Hulett liquidation

Government, the Minister said, will continue working closely with all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the agreement and to support the long-term stability and competitiveness of the sugar industry. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday met with religious and interfaith leaders at the Union Buildings in Pretoria to discuss migration and the National Dialogue, as government continues to implement a comprehensive approach to migration management.

The meeting follows government’s recent announcement of measures aimed at managing migration and comes amid growing public concern over illegal immigration.

This as South Africans have raised concerns about migration, and illegal immigration in particular. 
President Ramaphosa noted that these concerns arise in conditions of persistently high unemployment, poverty and hardship, as well as in communities affected by crime, violence and corruption and increasing pressure on public services.

However, the President emphasised that illegal immigration is not the cause of South Africa’s social and economic challenges.

“To tackle the challenges our country faces, we need faster and more inclusive growth, investment and the creation of jobs. We need to strengthen our efforts to tackle poverty and hunger. We must build safer communities by addressing the causes of crime, improving policing and ending corruption. 

“Migration is not the cause of our problems, but it is something that we must manage constructively and collectively, always holding firm to our Constitutional principles and shared values,” he said.

President Ramaphosa called on religious and interfaith leaders to work with government and other social partners to ensure that frustration over migration does not lead to hatred or intolerance. 

READ | Faith leaders urged to help shape SA’s migration response

“We must demonstrate that there is a better way to manage these genuine concerns – a way that builds cohesion in communities and strengthens the bonds between us,” President Ramaphosa said.  

The President also highlighted the importance of the National Dialogue, saying both migration and the dialogue process touch on the values that bind South Africans together and the shared responsibility to build a better future.

He underscored the role of faith communities in ensuring the success and inclusivity of the National Dialogue.

“Faith communities are vital to this endeavour, for you reach into every village, township and suburb. The National Dialogue continues our proud tradition of coming together to confront our challenges, to build consensus and to chart a course for the future. At every defining moment in our history, we have found our way forward through dialogue with one another.

“The National Dialogue is a people-led process that unfolds from local dialogue to national gatherings, through which all South Africans are able to define a vision and plan for our country,” President Ramaphosa said.

The religious and interfaith leaders welcomed government’s comprehensive approach to migration management, which is anchored on five pillars: the enforcement of migration laws, securing South Africa’s borders, strengthening immigration systems, closing gaps in laws and policies, and working with sister African countries through diplomatic channels.

Among the issues raised by religious and interfaith leaders was the need to strengthen law enforcement’s response to vigilantism, amplify government communication efforts, enhance diplomatic engagement and address the situation in Sherwood, Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal.

Government said the Department of Home Affairs has begun deportation proceedings through dedicated priority courts to accelerate the processing of Malawian nationals seeking to leave the country.

The intervention follows capacity challenges affecting the Malawian government’s repatriation efforts. The Department of Social Development will also mobilise resources to provide relief assistance.

President Ramaphosa expressed appreciation to the religious and interfaith leaders for their contributions and inputs during the engagement. – SAnews.gov.za

Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, will on Friday officially launch the Artisan and Skills Development Centre and the Renewable Energy Training Centre at Elangeni TVET College in Inchanga, KwaZulu-Natal.

Hosted under the theme: “Skills Revolution Realised – From Skills to Production – From Training to Transformation”, the launch underscores the college’s strategic drive to ensure that skills development translates into meaningful production, employment opportunities, and socio-economic transformation.

The Artisan and Skills Development Centre represents a significant investment in artisan training and occupational skills development, aimed at strengthening the pipeline of skilled workers required to support South Africa’s economic growth and industrial development.

A key component of the initiative is the Renewable Energy Training Centre, established through a strategic partnership between Elangeni TVET College, the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA), the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), and the Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre (CCIEEC). The collaboration supports international knowledge exchange and enhances the college’s capacity to deliver specialised renewable energy training.

The department said the centre is designed to strengthen training in renewable energy technologies, particularly photovoltaic systems, and to support South Africa’s just energy transition agenda by equipping students with practical, industry-relevant skills.

“In addition, a career exhibition will highlight vocational pathways across artisan trades and the renewable energy sector, reinforcing Elangeni TVET College’s role in expanding access to skills and employment opportunities,” the department said in a statement.

The launch marks a major milestone in Elangeni TVET college’s ongoing efforts to strengthening artisan development, occupational training, and future-focused skills delivery. – SAnews.gov.za 

Bafana Bafana will take on Czechia in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A encounter at Atlanta Stadium in the United States, with kick-off scheduled for 6 pm on Thursday.

“The South African senior men’s national team will be determined to return to winning ways, and coach Hugo Broos described this as a massive encounter following the 0-2 defeat to tournament co-hosts Mexico in the opening match of the global event a few days ago,” the South African Football Association (SAFA) said on its website.

Bafana Bafana will, however, return to the pitch without midfielder Themba Zwane, who has been suspended for three matches after receiving a red card in the opening fixture against Mexico last Thursday.

Bafana has also urged supporters in Atlanta to join a festive pre-match celebratory march ahead of the showdown.

“We will be marching together along the route from Founders Green straight to the Atlanta Stadium! Arrive early to vibe with us. There will be live music, food, and drinks to get the pre-match party started.

“Bring your flags, wear your jerseys, and warm up those vocal cords. Let’s show Atlanta how South Africans show up. See you there,” the team said on its X account. – SAnews.gov.za

Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa is leading the South African delegation to the High-Level Consultative Conference on the African Union-led United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution A/RES/80/250 on the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Taking place in Accra, Ghana, the conference, which gets underway on Thursday, 18 June 2026, is expected to deliberate on and adopt outcomes aimed at advancing the implementation of the UNGA Resolution, including the formulation of a global post-adoption framework to guide its implementation.

“The high-level conference is expected to bring together Heads of State and Government, Ministers, global reparations experts, legal practitioners, academics, civil society representatives, and delegates from regional and international organisations,” the Ministry of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation said in a statement ahead of the conference, which will conclude on Friday.

South Africa welcomes and supports the convening of the conference.

“The country believes that the call for reparatory justice for Africa and People of African Descent should be linked to a broader development agenda that addresses the enduring socio-economic consequences of the transatlantic slave trade, including debt burdens, poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment.

“South Africa further supports the key principles contained in the proposed Global Strategic Framework, which reflects and builds upon the extensive work undertaken by the African Union over many years in advancing the cause of historical justice, restitution, and sustainable development for affected communities,” the Ministry said.

The conference provides an important platform for advancing global dialogue and forging consensus on practical measures that can contribute to restorative justice and equitable development outcomes for Africa and the African diaspora.

South Africa looks forward to constructive deliberations and a successful outcome that will contribute meaningfully to the implementation of the Resolution and the advancement of the African Union’s longstanding position on reparatory justice. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy President Paul Mashatile says migration forms part of South Africa’s historical and contemporary story and must be addressed with firmness, fairness and compassion.

Guided by the spirit of Ubuntu, the Deputy President emphasised that migration should unite rather than divide communities, helping to build a South Africa that is safe, inclusive and prosperous.

He made the remarks during a special meeting with the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, led by Kgosi Seathlolo, alongside the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration chaired by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi.

The meeting reaffirmed government’s commitment to the Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The five-pillar plan seeks to curb irregular migration, strengthen border security, and enforce labour and immigration laws, while upholding constitutional values and human dignity.

Presidency Director-General Phindile Baleni outlined the work under way to address the challenges posed by undocumented migrants.

The presentation highlighted coordinated government action, improved border management and lawful enforcement measures that respect both sovereignty and human rights.

“Traditional leaders highlighted their critical role as custodians of heritage and guardians of community integrity, particularly in rural and borderland communities. 

“In this regard, they have pledged to continue supporting efforts to register businesses, keep records of foreign nationals, and mediate tensions in communities affected by migration pressures,” the Presidency said.

The meeting expressed strong support for the President’s call to implement the five-pillar plan, noting that migration must be managed in a way that protects South Africa’s sovereignty while strengthening democracy and fostering social cohesion. – SAnews.gov.za

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Parks Tau has welcomed the withdrawal of the liquidation proceedings against Tongaat Hulett and commended all stakeholders who worked tirelessly to secure a viable path forward for one of South Africa’s most important agro-industrial companies.

“The withdrawal of the liquidation application represents a significant milestone in safeguarding around 250 000 jobs, protecting rural livelihoods, preserving productive industrial capacity and securing the future of the sugar value chain,” the Minister said in a statement on Wednesday.

This as Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition also welcomed the agreement reached between the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), the business rescue practitioners of Tongaat Hulett and the Vision Group, for Tongaat Hulett to exit business rescue and maintain its operations.

Tongaat Hulett is a strategic asset within South Africa’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

Its operations support thousands of direct and indirect jobs and underpin the economic wellbeing of communities across KwaZulu-Natal and other parts of Southern Africa.

The Minister said the prospect of liquidation posed serious risks not only to workers and growers, but also to suppliers, transport operators, small businesses and the broader economy.

“Government has consistently maintained that every lawful effort should be pursued to secure a sustainable and durable solution for the company. We therefore welcome the progress made by stakeholders in reaching an outcome that creates an opportunity for the business to continue operating while longer-term restructuring and stabilisation measures are implemented,” Tau said.

In addition, the Minister acknowledged the role played by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), industry stakeholders, organised agriculture, labour and all other parties who remained committed to finding a constructive solution under extremely challenging circumstances.

The Portfolio Committee said the outcome of the agreement is what it called for.

“The committee welcomes the demonstration of decisive leadership by the IDC. At a time when uncertainty threatened the future of Tongaat Hulett and the broader sugar industry, the IDC stepped forward to facilitate a solution that prioritises industrial capacity, economic stability and jobs preservation.

“The committee also recognises the role played by the Vision Group in reaching an agreement that provides a credible path towards stabilising and rebuilding one of the oldest and most important companies in the southern African sugar sector,” said the committee in a statement.

While welcoming the agreement, the committee emphasises that the rescue of Tongaat Hulett must be accompanied by accountability for the events that led to the company’s collapse. The committee remains firmly of the view that individuals responsible for fraud, and corporate and financial misconduct at the company must face the full consequences of their actions.

The committee also reiterated its call on the government to accelerate the implementation of the Sugar Value Chain Master Plan.

“The progress achieved under the first phase of the Master Plan has demonstrated that coordinated action between government, labour, growers and industry can deliver positive results. However, it is important to note that challenges remain which require the government’s interventions, including protection against unfair sugar imports, support for small-scale growers, funding certainty and the development of a competitive biofuels industry; and investment from the private sector, particularly for industry diversification, “said the committee. – SAnews.gov.za