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President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend the 18th BRICS Summit, which will be held in New Delhi, India, over the weekend under India’s chairship theme: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Security.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola; Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, and Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi.

“The gathering will focus on strengthening BRICS cooperation through a people-centred development agenda, expanding trade and investment, enhancing financial and institutional cooperation, and advancing reform of the United Nations and international financial institutions.

“BRICS is an intergovernmental organisation and geopolitical alliance of major emerging market economies,” the Presidency said in a statement.

Initially, the bloc was an alliance of the governments of Brazil, Russia India, China and South Africa.

However, full member status was later extended to governments including Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Furthermore, designated partner states and invited countries will also participate in the New Delhi deliberations.

“Leaders will discuss strengthening unity within the expanded and diverse BRICS membership, advancing global governance reform, and the interests of the Global South.

The discussions take place against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions, “including conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as broader major-power competition, which continue to undermine economic development and the progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals”.

“South Africa will use the Summit to advance its diplomacy economic priorities, with a particular focus on expanding intra-BRICS trade and investment, promoting industrialisation and value addition, and mobilising investment in African infrastructure aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area,” the statement read.

During the gathering, President Ramaphosa will also participate in the BRICS Business Forum Leader’s Dialogue, which will bring together BRICS leaders and business representatives for an “interactive dialogue that will cover trade and supply chains, agriculture, women-led development, the digital economy and innovation”.

“The South African chapters of the BRICS Business Council and BRICS Women’s Business Alliance will participate in the Forum, supporting efforts to deepen commercial ties and identify opportunities for increased investment and economic cooperation.

“The BRICS leaders will also participate in a session entitled: “Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism”.

“A session with invited leaders will focus on ‘Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth’,” the statement explained. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Seiso Mohai, has called for stronger collaboration between government, business and civil society to unlock the full developmental potential of the South African Forestry Company SOC Limited (SAFCOL) and strengthen its contribution to inclusive economic growth.

Mohai made the call during an oversight monitoring visit to SAFCOL in Mpumalanga on Tuesday, 8 September 2026.

The engagement brought together representatives from national, provincial and local government, business, civil society, forestry suppliers, furniture cooperatives and agroforestry beneficiaries.

The visit formed part of the oversight responsibilities of the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) and focused on SAFCOL’s projects and facilities, its capacity to promote rural industrialisation and downstream beneficiation, and examining challenges that may prevent the company from reaching its full potential.

The engagement also explored opportunities linked to the protection of strategic assets, the green economy and sustainable partnerships arising from land reform.

Mohai said SAFCOL has an important role to play in advancing rural economic development, job creation, climate resilience, industrialisation and inclusive economic participation.

He said Mpumalanga is an appropriate location for the oversight engagement, given that it is the company’s operational heartland.

“We need a high-functioning and impactful SAFCOL to drive inclusive economic growth, create jobs, tackle unemployment and strengthen the capacity of the state,” Mohai said.

The oversight visit examined how SAFCOL could become a stronger catalyst for rural industrialisation in Mpumalanga while supporting greater downstream beneficiation of timber.

It also considered measures to protect strategic forestry assets, SAFCOL’s potential contribution to the green economy transition and opportunities to turn unresolved land reform dynamics into productive partnerships.

Mohai emphasised the need for a coordinated, whole-of-government approach focused on security, industrialisation, infrastructure modernisation and meaningful community partnerships.

He said such coordination will help position SAFCOL as a flagship developmental enterprise aligned with South Africa’s long-term growth agenda.

The DPME is responsible for supporting improved government-wide planning and alignment with national priorities, promoting evidence-based decision-making and assessing progress in the implementation of the Medium-Term Development Plan 2024–2029 and the National Development Plan.

The department also facilitates collective action by bringing together stakeholders across sectors to support the implementation of the country’s development priorities.

Mohai said the oversight visit should inspire renewed commitment from all spheres of government and other sectors of society to strengthen SAFCOL and enable it to make a greater contribution to the country’s development.

“Let us make it our collective responsibility to unlock SAFCOL’s full potential and strengthen the building blocks that can drive inclusive growth, sustainable development, transformation and broad prosperity in our communities,” the Deputy Minister said.

The visit was attended by representatives from national and provincial government, DPME Acting Director-General Advocate Melanchton Makobe, SAFCOL Chief Executive Officer Sibalo Dlamini, as well as representatives from business and civil society. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed a Special Tribunal ruling declaring low-cost housing contracts – worth some R30 million – awarded to three service providers in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality as unlawful and unconstitutional.

The three companies, Woodglaze Trading (Pty) Ltd, Madupha Business Enterprise CC and Ready Homes CC, were appointed to develop the housing units in the municipality; however, an SIU investigation found that they “unlawfully benefited” approximately R29 million allegedly due to procurement irregularities at the municipality.

“The matter stems from a 2000 resolution by the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality to use vacant sites in Phoenix for affordable housing for first-time homebuyers in lower- and middle-income groups under its Human Settlements Infill Housing Programme [MHSIHP].

“The municipality intended to sell vacant serviced land to service providers for R30 000 and bulk sites without municipal services for R100 000, excluding VAT. The service providers would develop the sites into residential dwellings and sell them to beneficiaries approved by the Municipal Housing Department.

“On 5 September 2002, the municipality advertised for service providers to take over and develop 130 sites within two years,” the SIU said.

The SIU’s probe found that Madupha Business Enterprise and Ready Homes were “appointed and continued participating in the programme without prior public advertisement, consideration and recommendation by a Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC), or Bid Adjudication Committee (BAC)”.

“Woodglaze Trading’s continued participation was similarly not reviewed in accordance with the statutory framework or subjected to a public procurement process.

“The municipality subsequently amended its appointment letter to allow Woodglaze Trading to take over a house previously allocated to Universal Property Development, which had failed to perform.

“The investigation further established that Madupha Business Enterprise and Ready Homes were originally subcontractors to Sahamba Construction, the successfully appointed service provider, and that the terms of their participation and allocation of sites were negotiated and arranged with parties within the municipality,” the SIU said.

Furthermore, the investigation uncovered that the three companies sold properties contrary to the programme’s objective by selling properties to unapproved buyers who did not meet the income or first-time homebuyer eligibility rules.

Added to that, some sites were also misused for unauthorised commercial developments like shops and business parks, with service providers pocketing the sales revenue.

“In some instances, properties sold by the municipality for R34 200 were subsequently sold by the service providers for amounts ranging from R350 000 to R9 million.

“For example, a stand situated at 155 Canehaven Drive was sold by the municipality to Woodglaze for R21 090 and subsequently sold to an unapproved beneficiary for R9.54 million. Woodglaze unlawfully benefited from the MHSIHP to the value of R25 321 099, Madupha Business Enterprise R2 256 894 and Ready Homes R1 563 428,” the SIU explained.

The Tribunal ruled that:
•    No debatement of account or disgorgement order be made at this stage, meaning there is no immediate repayment order.
•    The three service providers may complete dwellings already commenced at the date of the judgment and sell completed dwellings in accordance with applicable law.
•    Service providers are prohibited from commencing construction of any new dwellings under the invalid arrangements.
•    Should eThekwini wish to continue developing further dwellings under the programme, it must institute a lawful procurement process compliant with the Constitution, the MFMA, the applicable supply chain management framework and its own procurement policies.
•    Where any of the three service providers has paid for undeveloped sites and concluded contracts with third parties, they may continue completing buildings on those sites.
•    Where sites remain undeveloped and have not been sold to third parties, the respondents may place further evidence before the Tribunal for consideration of just and equitable relief.

“The SIU is empowered by Proclamation R.9 of 2021 to probe allegations of maladministration, fraud, and improper conduct within eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality.

“The SIU remains committed to protecting public resources, advancing clean governance, and reinforcing constitutional values in the management of State contracts,” the unit stated. – SAnews.gov.za

Four senior officials, including the Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Correctional Services, have been suspended, pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of fraud related to a coal supply tender.

According to the department, a criminal case has been opened with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) following the allegations.

“A forensic investigation will also be conducted to establish the full extent of any irregularities so that those responsible can be prosecuted.

“At the time of his appointment as Minister of Correctional Services, Dr [Pieter] Groenewald said combating corruption and fraud, and ensuring consequences for officials who transgress would be his top priority.

“The Minister welcomes the breakthrough in this matter and gives the assurance that his department will co-operate fully to ensure that those who are guilty are held to account,” the department said in a short statement. – SAnews.gov.za

The Western Cape Government and Mossel Bay Municipality have agreed on interim emergency measures to address the serious and ongoing coastal erosion risks at Diaz Beach.

In a statement issued by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, the provincial government recognised the serious and ongoing risks posed by coastal erosion at Diaz Beach and the need to protect people, properties and public infrastructure in the affected area.

The department said the Mossel Bay Municipality has proposed the installation of geotextile sandbags as an interim emergency measure to stabilise the dune and reduce the immediate risk of further collapse.

The measure is intended to prevent damage to, or the collapse of, properties and infrastructure onto the beach, while also reducing risks to members of the public accessing an area that remains unsafe.

“The Mossel Bay Municipality and the Western Cape Government are in agreement that a permanent solution for improved coastal management at Diaz Beach needs to be implemented. The Basic Assessment process currently underway will inform the appropriate long-term solution,” department spokesperson Rudolf van Jaarsveldt said.

However, Van Jaarsveldt emphasised that the proposed sandbags are not regarded as the permanent solution to the coastal erosion problem.

“Coastal protection measures can affect the natural movement of sand between the dune, beach and nearshore environment and, if not appropriately designed and managed, can contribute to erosion, beach narrowing and the loss of the beach as a public amenity,” Van Jaarsveldt said.

He said the Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, has decided to abide by the court order allowing the sandbags to be installed as an urgent temporary measure.

“The permanent solution will be determined through the Basic Assessment process in the coming months and could include the removal of the sandbags. Options such as sand replenishment may also be considered in determining the best practicable environmental option.

“The Western Cape Government and Mossel Bay Municipality will continue working together on the immediate measures required to manage the current risks, as well as longer-term interventions needed to improve coastal management at Diaz Beach,” Van Jaarsveldt said. – SAnews.gov.za

Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE) Minister, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, will host the upcoming Africa Green Hydrogen Summit (AGHS) 2026, in Cape Town, next week.

The summit will be held under the theme: “Moving Africa’s Green Hydrogen Sector from PowerPoint to Gigawatts”.

“Following the successful South Africa Green Hydrogen Summits in 2022 and 2023, the platform evolved into the Africa Green Hydrogen Summit in 2025 and has become Africa’s leading convening platform for green hydrogen and Power-to-X [end product] development.

“The summit will convene African governments, international investors, civil society, academia and technology experts to explore the continent’s potential as a global leader in green hydrogen.

“AGHS 2026 will focus on demonstrating tangible progress in project implementation, financing, infrastructure development and industrialisation across the African continent,” the DEE said.

The department noted that South Africa itself has green hydrogen development ambitions as demonstrated in “various national policy instruments including the Hydrogen Society Roadmap, the Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy and the Just Energy Transition framework”.

“Green Hydrogen offers South Africa and Africa an opportunity to play a leading role in the global green hydrogen market, due to its world-class renewable energy resources, critical mineral endowments and industrial demand.

“This summit provides a platform to mobilise foreign and domestic investment; leverage export opportunities for low-carbon energy, drive green industrialisation, job creation and regional infrastructure development,” the department said.

Key focus areas for this year’s summit include:

• Projects moving towards implementation: Showcasing a first wave of South African and African green hydrogen and Power-to-X projects progressing from project development towards investment, construction and commercial deployment.
• Mobilising finance: New project-preparation, blended-finance and development-finance initiatives will be highlighted, aimed at improving project bankability, reducing investment risk and mobilising domestic and international capital.
• Creating markets and demand: Demonstrating emerging commercial applications and demand for green hydrogen and its derivatives, including their role in the decarbonisation of transport, industry and other hard-to-abate sectors.
• Industrialisation and technology: Government, industry and development partners will highlight initiatives aimed at strengthening local manufacturing, technology development, skills and the development of competitive African green hydrogen value chains.
• Building an investable project pipeline: AGHS 2026 will showcase efforts to provide investors and financiers with greater visibility of the emerging pipeline of green hydrogen and Power-to-X opportunities in South Africa.
• African cooperation: The summit will strengthen cooperation between African governments, including members of the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance, around investment, infrastructure, market development, certification, technology and regional value chains.

“The programme will also focus on the interdependent enablers required to take projects to scale, including finance, supply, demand, shared infrastructure, technology and innovation, policy and regulation, and community participation,” the DEE said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) has flagged over 100 unlicensed drivers in a crackdown against non-compliance among public transport operators and drivers.

The GTI, in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and other law-enforcement agencies, conducted enforcement operations across the province’s major metropolitan municipalities under the #RemoveSkorokoro campaign.
Last week, operations targeted high-risk public transport corridors, focusing on roadworthiness, valid documentation as well as driver and regulation compliance.

“During the reporting period, inspectors identified continued non-compliance among public transport operators and drivers. A total of 56 minibuses were found operating without valid licence discs, while 103 drivers were found without valid driving licences.
“In addition, 17 minibus taxis were discontinued after being found to be unroadworthy, posing a safety risk to passengers and other road users.

“Inspectors flagged critical safety issues including defective braking systems, worn tyres, non-functional headlights and brake lights, faulty indicators, and other mechanical faults that rendered the vehicles unsafe for use on public roads,” the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GPDRT) stated.

Furthermore, some 809 handwritten Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act (AARTO) infringement notices as well as 1278 electronic infringement notices were issued.

MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has hailed the efforts to keep Gauteng roads safe.

“The sustained flagging of unlicensed drivers in the public transport sector continues to put commuters and other road users at unnecessary risk. We reiterate that this is unacceptable and compromises the province’s road safety efforts. GTI officers will continue to take firm action against those who disregard the law, without fear or favour.

“The GTI, in collaboration with the RTMC and other law-enforcement agencies, will continue to intensify enforcement operations, improve compliance and contribute towards safer roads and a safer public transport system in the province,” Diale-Tlabela said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Boschfontein Regional Court in Mpumalanga has sentenced a Mozambican national to five years’ imprisonment for contravention of the Immigration Act.

Carlos David Mlambo was arrested in July this year during a routine inspection by Immigration Security officials who stopped and searched him. The officials discovered 16 Mozambican passports belonging to individuals who were not present at the Lebombo Border Post.

“Upon questioning, Mlambo admitted that he had been entrusted with the passports in Mozambique and instructed to facilitate the stamping of the travel documents at both the Mozambican and South African border posts before returning them to their lawful owners in KwaZulu-Natal.

“The matter was initially enrolled in the…Boschfontein Regional Court, where Mlambo pleaded guilty.
“In aggravation of sentence… [the prosecutor] argued that offences of this nature undermine the State’s efforts to regulate migration effectively and maintain the integrity of border management systems.

“She submitted that the unlawful handling of travel documents weakens compliance with immigration laws, erodes public confidence in lawful migration processes, and creates opportunities for further abuse of the immigration system,” the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said in a statement.

He was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, of which two years are suspended for three years on condition that he is not convicted of a similar offence during the period of suspension.

Furthermore, the 16 passports will be referred to the Department of Home Affairs for “further investigation and verification of the immigration stamps and endorsements contained in the travel documents”.

“The NPA commends the vigilance and professionalism of the Immigration Security officials whose swift action led to the detection of the offence and the subsequent prosecution.

“This successful prosecution demonstrates the commitment of the NPA and its law enforcement partners to protecting the integrity of South Africa’s borders, safeguarding lawful immigration processes, and ensuring accountability for conduct that threatens the effective administration of immigration control.

“The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law and supporting efforts aimed at securing the country’s ports of entry against criminal abuse,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za