Category: English

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen says resilience is no longer an abstract concept for agriculture but an “operational necessity” as climate change, failing logistics infrastructure and volatile global markets reshape the future of South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry.

Addressing the Hortgro Symposium 2026 in Somerset West on Monday, Steenhuisen said the deciduous fruit industry is operating at the frontline of change, confronting increasingly unpredictable climate conditions, logistical pressures, stricter export requirements and growing international competition.

“Climate change is no longer a future challenge for agriculture. It is already reshaping production realities today,” Steenhuisen said.

He said recent storms in the Western Cape, particularly in the Witzenberg and Breede River Valley regions, highlighted the urgent need for climate resilience and stronger disaster preparedness in agriculture.

“The devastating storms caused widespread damage to infrastructure, orchards and local communities. The collapse of critical electricity infrastructure and the pressure placed on cold-storage facilities created serious risks for the apple and pear industry at a particularly sensitive point in the export season,” the Minister said.

Steenhuisen warned that climate change is already reshaping agricultural production realities, particularly for deciduous fruit growers who depend on reliable winter chilling, stable irrigation systems and strict export-quality standards.

“Warmer winters, droughts, floods, storms, heat stress and changing pest pressures all have direct consequences for productivity, fruit quality and export competitiveness,” he said.

He commended the resilience of farming communities trying to protect crops and maintain export operations under severe strain.

“During my visit to the region last week, I was struck not only by the scale of the damage, but also by the resilience and determination shown by farmers, workers, municipalities, and local communities under extremely difficult conditions.

“These events are a stark indicator that climate resilience, infrastructure maintenance and disaster preparedness are becoming increasingly important components of agricultural sustainability,” the Minister said.

Despite mounting pressures, the Minister said South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry remained one of the country’s most dynamic and internationally competitive agricultural sectors, supporting more than 302 000 jobs across agriculture and agri-processing.

The industry also contributes to a broader horticultural economy valued at over R147 billion nationally.

Innovation is the foundation of sustainability.

Stennhuisen also stressed the growing importance of research, innovation and technology in helping producers adapt to changing conditions.

According to the Minister, innovation is no longer optional, “it is the foundation of sustainability.”

“Innovation in modern agriculture is not limited to laboratories or research institutions. It includes technology in orchards, data-driven irrigation systems, biological controls, advanced breeding systems, logistics optimisation and digital traceability platforms.

“The future of agriculture will belong to sectors that combine productivity with sustainability and science with competitiveness,” he said.

Steenhuisen also emphasised the importance of biosecurity and market access, saying South Africa’s future agricultural growth depended on expanding and protecting export opportunities. 

He highlighted the recent trade gains, including a new stone fruit export protocol with China and the reopening of fresh apple exports to Thailand, as examples of successful collaboration between government and industry.

However, he acknowledged that logistics failures and inefficiencies at the Port of Cape Town continued to undermine the competitiveness of the fruit sector.

“For a high-value perishable export sector, logistics efficiency is existential. When export fruit misses shipping windows, producers do not simply lose time. They lose value, market confidence and profitability,” Steenhuisen said.

The Minister reaffirmed government focus on reducing unnecessary red tape, improving regulatory efficiency, supporting infrastructure and logistics improvements, and aggressively pursuing export opportunities for South African producers. – SAnews.gov.za

Free State police have arrested 142 people following incidents of looting, public violence and damage to property in several areas of Mangaung.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the incidents followed the circulation of voice recordings and digital posters on social media calling for a “total shutdown”.

Police said groups targeted businesses and tuckshops in different parts of the city. 

Cases of public violence, business burglary, business robbery, possession of suspected stolen property and malicious damage to property have been opened.

The first reported incident occurred on Sunday evening in Bloemspruit Phase 6, where a crowd entered a grocery store. Police said community members assisted the store manager before Public Order Policing (POP) officers arrived.

Later on Sunday, police responded to an incident in the Maditlhabela area of Phase 6, where a group of about 80 people allegedly threw stones at police vehicles. POP members dispersed the crowd.

Police also reported attempted break-ins at tuckshops in Pieter Swarts. According to SAPS, tuckshop owners removed stock from their premises.

At about 11:45pm on Sunday, POP members arrested 10 suspects who were allegedly found inside a shop with grocery items. Additional arrests were made on Mahlomola Street in Bochabela, where suspects were allegedly found looting a tuckshop.

On Monday at about 4am, police dispersed a crowd of approximately 100 people on Moshoeshoe Street.

Further incidents were reported at Bergman Square at about 5:20am on Monday. Police arrested suspects found in possession of suspected stolen property and others on allegations of business robbery.

SAPS said 142 suspects have been arrested. Of those, 109 are male and 33 are female.

Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia instructed police members based at the provincial office to assist operations in Mangaung.

Police said the arrested suspects are being processed and are expected to appear in court. 

Investigations are continuing and further arrests are expected.

High-visibility policing remains in place in affected areas, according to SAPS. – SAnews.gov.za

Africa’s meaningful participation in the rapidly expanding global space economy will depend not only on technological advancement, but also on strengthening the continent’s legal, policy, regulatory and institutional frameworks for space governance.

This was according to Nomfuneko Majaja, Chief Director of Space Affairs at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and Africa Regional Coordinator for the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition, during the 17th Africa Regional Round of the competition held at Casa Toscana Convention Centre in Pretoria.

Addressing judges, faculty advisors and students from across the continent, Majaja described the competition as a strategic investment in developing Africa’s next generation of space law and governance professionals.

“As we gather here today, we are reminded that Africa’s future in outer space governance will not only depend on technology and infrastructure, but equally on strong legal minds, sound policy frameworks, international cooperation, and visionary leadership.

“This competition therefore, represents far more than a legal exercise. It is an investment in Africa’s future leadership, diplomacy, innovation, governance, and sustainable development within the global space arena,” Majaja said on Monday. 

The annual competition, hosted under the auspices of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL), brings together university law students from South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe to argue complex hypothetical disputes before a simulated International Court of Justice.

The first day of the competition coincided with Africa Day celebrations, reinforcing the importance of continental unity and cooperation in advancing Africa’s role in global space governance.

Held under the theme: “Empowering Africa’s Future in Space Governance for Sustainable Space Activities,” the 2026 edition focuses on strengthening Africa’s legal, policy, regulatory, scientific, and institutional capacity to participate meaningfully in the global space economy.

Majaja said the theme underscores the importance of space technologies in addressing socio-economic challenges across the continent, including climate change, agriculture, disaster management, water security, communications, navigation, industrialisation, and environmental sustainability.

She noted that former participants from institutions such as the University of Pretoria, the University of Calabar, and Midlands State University are already contributing meaningfully across various segments of the space economy and governance environment.

“This demonstrates the strategic value of this competition as a long-term investment in Africa’s human capital and future leadership in outer space governance,” Majaja said.

Majaja reaffirmed the dtic’s commitment to supporting responsible and peaceful uses of outer space, strengthening Africa’s participation in international governance processes, and promoting inclusive industrial development and innovation within the sector.

The dtic hosted the competition in partnership with the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and industry stakeholders.

Participating students will also attend the African Space Policy and Law Conference, to be hosted by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) from 28–29 May 2026, where policymakers, academics, regulators, and industry leaders will deliberate on emerging developments in international space governance and sustainable industrial development. – SAnews.gov.za

Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has reassured workers and beneficiaries that no Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) applications have been lost following the closure of the legacy employee claims portal.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Department of Employment and Labour said the UIF online platform, launched on 1 April 2025, has improved access to services and accelerated claims processing.

The department said the new system replaced the legacy filing employee claims portal and allows for direct client submissions, real-time tracking of claims and automated communication throughout the claims process.

“The new platform simplifies and accelerates claims processing by enabling direct client submissions, real-time claim tracking and automated communication throughout the claim lifecycle,” the statement read.

The department added that the system also supports a self-service model, removing the need for third-party agents to assist claimants with submissions.

According to the department, the implementation of UIF Online has yielded positive results, with 4 558 971 claims successfully processed and paid by April 2026.

This compares with 4 099 522 claims processed during the same review period in 2023 and 3 547 006 claims in 2024 under the legacy filing system.

“These figures demonstrate the effectiveness of the new platform in improving access to benefits and enhancing service delivery,” the department said.

The department has also rolled out a nationwide communication and stakeholder engagement programme to raise awareness about UIF Online.

The campaign included awareness drives through media platforms, guidance and support at Labour Centres, engagements with stakeholders across all provinces and the deployment of call centre agents to assist clients with the migration to the new platform.

The department clarified that the legacy filing platform consisted of two separate components the employee claims portal and the employer portal.

It said the employee claims portal was officially closed on 20 May 2026 after the successful resolution of legal and contractual disputes linked to the old system and the completion of the required handover process.

“These legal disputes had previously prevented the UIF from decommissioning the employee claims portal,” the statement said.

The department further assured claimants that applications submitted through the old platform remain secure.

“With the closing of the employee claims portal we wish to assure clients that no applications were lost. Applications that were submitted on the filing platform have been stored in a separate database from where they are being analysed, verified against system controls and migrated into the new online platform,” the department said. 

Meanwhile, the employer portal remains operational and continues to handle employer registrations, declarations and contributions.

The department said these services are expected to migrate to UIF Online by August 2026, marking the completion of the transition from the legacy uFiling platform.

Meth also warned against the spread of misinformation relating to the UIF migration process.

“As public representatives, we have a responsibility to ensure that the information we share with the public is accurate, factual and in the interests of nation building. While constructive scrutiny is welcomed, the spread of misinformation and unverified claims can undermine public confidence and cause unnecessary panic,” Meth said. – SAnews.gov.za

Africa is increasingly becoming a producer, innovator, and strategic partner in global healthcare manufacturing, says Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau.

“The expansion of the Biovac end-to-end vaccine manufacturing facility sends a powerful signal to the world: that Africa is increasingly becoming a producer, innovator, and strategic partner in global healthcare manufacturing,” the Minister said on Monday.

The Minister was speaking at the soil-turning ceremony at the Biovac Pharma facility expansion ceremony in Cape Town. Biovac is a South African-based biopharmaceutical company established in 2003, in partnership with government, to build local vaccine manufacturing capability.

According to Tau, the expansion reflects growing confidence in South Africa’s industrial base, innovative capabilities, and long-term economic potential.

“One of the lessons from COVID-19 health and economic pandemic experience is that Africa must build stronger regional pharmaceutical, medical device, In-Device Validation, diagnostic and vaccine manufacturing capabilities to ensure greater health security, resilience, and self-reliance. Despite our challenges and high import dependence, South Africa has both the capability and the responsibility to play a leading role in this continental effort,” said Tau.

Monday’s visit formed part of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s 2026/2027 Pre-Budget Vote stakeholder engagement programme and ongoing efforts to highlight the impact of government supported industrialisation initiatives, localisation efforts, and strategic investments within priority sectors of the economy.

Furthermore, Tau said the Biovac expansion project directly advances the broader industrialisation agenda by deepening local pharmaceutical manufacturing, expanding advanced production capabilities, supporting technology transfer, strengthening innovation ecosystems and creating highly skilled employment opportunities.

“Importantly, this investment aligns strongly with the African Union’s (AU) aspirations for health sovereignty, the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing initiative, and the African Continental Free Trade Area’s (AfCFTA) objective of building regional value chains and strategic industrial capability across the continent. At its core, this project demonstrates the critical link between industrial development and public health security,” the Minister said.

Tau underscored government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for advanced manufacturing industries through localisation measures, investment support, skills development, innovation incentives, and stronger public-private collaboration.

“We welcome the strong partnership demonstrated by the European Investment Bank, the International Finance Corporation, Proparco, Industrial Development Corporation and the European Commission. We also acknowledge the impact of GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, AVMA (African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator) – a $1.2billion 10-year fund to support African vaccine manufacturers on their journey to sustainability,” he explained.

Dr Morena Makhoana, Chief Executive Officer at Biovac, said the presence of government at the sod turning ceremony is important and symbolic.

“Whilst Biovac works and is being supported by global partners either in developing new products, technology transfers, and innovative financing, there is nothing that can replace home-grown support. This moment that we celebrate with the South African government is truly important to demonstrate that the local ecosystem in South Africa led by our government is equally and truly supportive of our quest to be an end- to- end vaccine manufacturer of equal standing to our international peers, said Dr Makhoana.

The Chairperson of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, David McAllister said: “I am glad to be in Cape Town today to mark Team Europe’s contribution to Biovac. Our €95 million contribution represents the largest financing package in Biovac’s history and demonstrates concretely the impact of the European Union’s (EU) Global Gateway in Africa’s health security, as well as in building resilience and reducing dependencies.”

McAllister said that beyond financing, it is about transformational impact on skilled jobs, industrial value chains, local beneficiation and EU–Africa private sector partnerships, fully aligned with South Africa’s local manufacturing ambitions.

“These developments mark a promising new phase for Biovac and for Africa’s broader vaccine manufacturing agenda,” said McAllister.

The Cape Town facility will produce vaccines for cholera, polio, pneumonia, and meningitis, with a manufacturing capacity of 30 to 40 million doses annually. It is expected to be completed by 2028 and will create over 340 skilled jobs and 7,000 indirect jobs.

The investment aligns with the African Union’s Vision 2040 goal of achieving 60% local vaccine production and supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It is a flagship project under the EU-South Africa Comprehensive Trade and Investment Partnership and an expression of the dtic’s 3D Industrial Policy. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has refuted claims that it suffered a breach of its systems.

This after an alleged hacker group claimed over the weekend that it had breached the revenue service.

“SARS continuously monitors its systems for any suspicious activity and has conducted a thorough investigation in response to these reports. These claims are false and unsubstantiated.

“At this stage, there is no evidence that SARS’s systems have been compromised. SARS wishes to reassure the public regarding the integrity of its systems,” SARS said.

The tax collector emphasised that it treats the “protection of taxpayer information and the security of its digital platforms as sacrosanct and as its core responsibility”.

“This dovetails with SARS’s broader commitment to build a smart, modern institution with unquestionable integrity, and to strengthen public trust and confidence in the tax administration system.

“Members of the public are urged to verify information before sharing and not to circulate unverified claims or rely on information from unofficial sources. SARS will continue to monitor its digital environment and, where necessary, will communicate through its official platforms.

“The public is also reminded to remain vigilant against scams and phishing attempts, particularly where messages claim to be from SARS, and to consult the following link for guidance: https://www.sars.gov.za/targeting-tax-crime/scams-and-phishing/,” SARS said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, will this morning host a ministerial post–budget vote media and stakeholder roundtable in Cape Town. 

“The engagement will provide an opportunity to reflect on key budget priorities, outline programme commitments for the year ahead, and engage directly with media representatives, industry stakeholders, and partners in an informal setting,” the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said in a statement.

The engagement will be preceded by the 2026 Budget Vote speech, which will outline the department’s key achievements during the previous financial year in the execution of its responsibilities, as well as the budget allocations to support the roll-out of the Annual Performance Plan. – SAnews.gov.za