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SA requires R2 trillion investment to revitalise rail system

Source: Government of South Africa

SA requires R2 trillion investment to revitalise rail system

South Africa will need nearly R2 trillion in public and private investment over the next 30 years to implement a plan positioning rail as the backbone of the country’s logistics and transport system. 

This investment is expected to benefit the economy due to big infrastructure spending, with economic studies showing that for every R1 million invested, the economy could grow by about R4.3 million. 

“This kind of investment would also support key industries like steel, cement, logistics, and engineering. It would create jobs and help increase people’s incomes,” Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy said on Thursday in Kempton Park, Gauteng. 

According to the draft National Rail Master Plan (NRMP), the goal is to build an integrated system that delivers lower transport costs, faster and safer passenger travel, reliable freight movement, and broader economic opportunities.

The plan also marks a shift toward more inclusive, consultative planning, expanding beyond traditional commercial and state-owned enterprise considerations to include a wider range of stakeholder perspectives from the start.

Therefore, the Minister launched a centralised, web-based platform to host the draft plan and submit comments on the plan.

“This platform includes GIS mapping, interactive tools, and a user manual. I urge all stakeholders here today and across the country to engage actively with the draft Masterplan. 

“Use the digital platform to review the draft plan, provide input, and help us prioritise investments that deliver the most value to our people and our economy,” the Minister said. 

South Africa’s economy is losing potential earnings due to its inability to meet the growing demand for the transport of export goods.

Currently, about 165 million tonnes of freight are moved annually on the rail network, while research suggests the market demand is closer to 280 million tonnes.

“The unintended consequence of this underperformance by our rail network includes loss of foreign exchange earnings, and job losses when mining and agricultural products cannot be affordably and timeously exported,” the Minister said.

In addition, congestion, road deterioration and safety concerns are driving up transport costs and undermining overall efficiency.

“In the commuter sphere, high transport costs undermine take-home pay and condemn commuters to several hours a day spent on congested highways.

“An effective commuter rail system would lower household costs, save time, reduce accidents and improve accessibility to income and services for low-income communities,” she said.

The NRMP is a long-term strategic framework aimed at guiding the revitalisation, expansion, and modernisation of South Africa’s rail system. 

The Master Plan translates the National Rail Policy, approved by Cabinet in 2022, into a practical, phased investment and implementation programme for both freight and passenger rail over the coming decades. 

It seeks to build an affordable and competitive rail system by integrating passenger, freight, and high-speed rail, while promoting private-sector participation. 

The Minister has urged all stakeholders across the country to engage actively with the draft Masterplan. 

“Use the digital platform to review the draft plan, provide input, and help us prioritise investments that deliver the most value to our people and our economy.

“We will schedule engagements across all provinces and with freight, passenger, commuter groups, and labour formations to ensure a truly inclusive process,” the Minister said.

All the dates for the masterplan consultation days and venues in various provinces will be published on the website.

Public consultation will conclude in July 2026, after which the NRMP will be submitted to Cabinet for consideration and approval.

“Going forward, a dedicated Rail Planning Component will maintain an up-to-date databank on passenger and freight flows, network capacity, asset condition, and rolling stock fleets. This will allow the Masterplan to be updated annually and reviewed every five years.

“We need your participation if we are to create an integrated logistical system where rail delivers lower transport costs, faster and safer journeys for people, reliable freight movement, and vibrant economic opportunity across all communities,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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African Mining Week (AMW) to Highlight Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Advanced Tech Driving Africa’s $8.5T Mining Transformation

Source: APO – Report:

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As African nations increasingly adopt advanced technologies and AI to optimize operations across the mining value chain, the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) – The Most Influential Mining Conference in Africa, scheduled for October 14–16 in Cape Town – will bring together technology providers, investors, project developers and regulators to explore the digital transformation of the sector.

The event will feature a dedicated panel titled Leveraging Advanced Technologies & AI to Transform Mining Practices for Sustainable Growth, highlighting the use, challenges and investment opportunities of AI within Africa’s growing mining industry.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), AI is rapidly reshaping exploration. Speaking at AMW 2025, Louis Watum Kabamba, the DRC’s Minister of Mines, said AI-enabled exploration has the potential to reduce resource discovery timelines to under three years. He emphasized the DRC’s efforts to leverage AI to unlock 90% of its geology and over $24 trillion in untapped minerals. In February 2026, the country partnered with Xcalibur Smart Mapping to employ advanced geospatial solutions for mapping critical minerals and mitigating exploration risks. The DRC is also collaborating with U.S.-based startup KoBold Metals to apply AI-driven techniques at the Mingomba Lithium Mine, enhancing lithium development.

Similarly, Burundi has partnered with KoBold Metals and Lifezone Metals to digitize its geological database and assess the 140-million-ton Musongati Nickel Project. In Zambia, KoBold Metals is applying AI at the Mingomba Copper Project to identify high-grade deposits and accelerate production, supporting a national strategy to increase output to three million tons by 2031.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Gold Board and the Ghana Geological Survey Authority are implementing AI-supported mineral prospectivity modeling to evaluate mineralization in Funsi, Atuna and Bensere East, supporting the country’s agenda to expand gold reserves and production.

Botswana is leveraging AI to diversify its mining sector beyond diamonds. Botswana Minerals has identified eight new copper deposits through AI-powered exploration, accelerating the country’s push into critical minerals.

As African nations launch new exploration projects to unlock the region’s $8.5 trillion in untapped mineral resources, AI and advanced technologies are expected to be central to their strategies. The AMW panel will provide a platform to discuss how AI can de-risk exploration, optimize operational efficiency and enable sustainable, value-added development across the continent’s mining sector. The event will unpack best AI practices to help Africa capitalize on its 30% share of global critical minerals, with demand projected to triple by 2030.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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African Mining Week to Connect Investors with New Prospects as Global Gold Demand Skyrockets

Source: APO – Report:

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As global gold prices continue to reach record levels and demand surging, the upcoming African Mining Week Conference – The Most Influential Mining Conference in Africa – taking place on October 14–16 in Cape Town will connect global investors with investment opportunities across Africa’s burgeoning gold value chain. The event will host the Gold Forum, bringing together private and public sector stakeholders from Africa’s leading gold-producing countries alongside international investors to discuss the future of gold mining, trading and value addition.

With reduced reliance on the U.S. dollar and rising central bank purchases expected to keep gold demand elevated, prices are projected to remain above $5,000 per ounce through 2026. In response, African producers are accelerating project development to capitalize on these market trends and drive GDP growth. Central banks alone are forecasted to acquire around 755 tons of gold.

Ghana – Africa’s largest gold producer – aims to increase output to 6.5 million ounces from six million in 2025, through the acceleration of projects such as the Cardinal Namdini, Ahafo North, Black Volta and Bibiani mines, alongside artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) operations.

Similarly, Mali, Africa’s second-largest gold producer, seeks to increase production beyond the current 60 tons per year. Recent license renewals and grants – including Toubani Resources’ Kobada Mine, Barrick Mining’s Loulo-Gounkoto Mine, B2Gold’s Fekola Mine expansion, Compass Gold’s Massala Mine and Roscan Gold’s exploration permits – reflect a commitment to collaborate with global investors to unlock its gold potential.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) also aims to increase gold exports to 15–18 metric tons in 2026. Meanwhile, several projects across the continent have also reached final investment decisions, highlighting Africa’s focus on expanding gold production. Against this backdrop, the Gold Forum at AMW will serve as a key venue for connecting investors with upstream investment opportunities across the continent.

The Forum will also spotlight efforts to enhance local beneficiation to maximize the value of Africa’s gold resources. These include the DRC’s partnership with Lunga Mining to launch a pilot gold refinery in Kalemie. Ghana’s Gold Coast also partnered with South Africa’s Rand Refinery to enhance local gold processing in Ghana. Egypt is collaborating with the African Export-Import Bank to finance and develop an integrated gold value chain in the country while Mali is developing a refinery in partnership with Russian investors. Amidst this rapid expansion of Africa’s downstream infrastructure, AMW will provide a platform to discuss best strategies for unlocking investment to support the continent’s local beneficiation agenda.

In addition, African gold producers are increasingly implementing programs to formalize and empower ASGM operations, contributing to sector stability and growth. For instance, Ghana is leveraging its newly established Ghana Gold Board to support ASGM formalization. Meanwhile, the DRC is leveraging its ASGM Empowerment AXIS Program – a blockchain-based gold tokenization project – and the Goldconnect program – designed to formalize, secure and digitize artisanal gold mining. Coming into this picture, the AMW Gold Forum will connect investors with opportunities arising from Africa’s ASGM formalization initiatives.

AMW serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2026 conference from October 12-16 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Sierra Leone Deepens Upstream Ambitions with Shell Reconnaissance Deal

Source: APO

Sierra Leone has strengthened its upstream petroleum ambitions with the signing of a Reconnaissance Permit Agreement with Shell Exploration Company B.V., marking a significant step in its efforts to attract investment and advance offshore basin evaluation.

The agreement was signed through the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL) at the Invest in African Energy 2026 Forum in Paris on Wednesday.

Under the terms of the agreement, Shell is granted rights to undertake advanced geological and geophysical studies across offshore G-Blocks 91, 92, 93, 110, 111, 112, 114, 115, 116, 117, 133, 134, 135, 148, 149, 150, 162, 163 and 164, covering approximately 20,594 square-kilometers.

The reconnaissance program will include seismic data quality control and interpretation, integration of well data, detailed petrophysical analysis, basin modelling, petroleum systems evaluation, identification of structural traps and reservoir fairways, and play-based exploration and prospectivity mapping.

“This agreement with Shell marks a defining moment in Sierra Leone’s journey to responsibly unlock the value of our natural resources. It sends a strong and credible signal to the global investment community… that Sierra Leone is open for business, underpinned by transparency, stability and strong governance,” said President Julius Maada Bio in a statement released by PDSL.

PDSL Director General Foday Mansaray also highlighted the strategic importance of the agreement, stating: “Signing this agreement… underscores Sierra Leone’s growing visibility on the global energy stage. Securing Shell as a partner is a strong validation of the work we have undertaken to strengthen our geoscience database and regulatory framework.”

He noted that Sierra Leone’s upstream strategy is centered on de-risking frontier acreage through high-quality seismic data, advanced subsurface imaging and transparent engagement with global operators.

Shell’s involvement brings significant weight to Sierra Leone’s upstream ambitions. With operations in more than 70 countries and extensive deepwater exploration expertise, the company is expected to play a key role in assessing basin potential ahead of future licensing rounds.

As African frontier basins continue to attract renewed interest from global energy companies, Sierra Leone’s latest agreement signals both ambition and positioning – placing data, transparency and credible partnerships at the center of its upstream growth strategy.

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

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African Energy Chamber (AEC) Commends Nigerian Government for Swift Action to Safeguard Indigenous Energy Investment

Source: APO


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The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) commends the Nigerian Federal Government for its decisive and timely intervention in the Dawes Island marginal field dispute, reinforcing the country’s commitment to protecting indigenous investment and sustaining momentum in oil and gas production growth.

Following the recent Federal High Court ruling concerning the Dawes Island field, the Office of the Attorney General has moved swiftly to coordinate a response, directing the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to initiate an appeal. The NUPRC has since formally filed an application for leave to appeal, signaling a clear and unified government effort to uphold regulatory integrity and ensure continuity for operators delivering tangible results.

This proactive intervention sends a strong message to both domestic and international stakeholders: Nigeria remains committed to fostering a stable and predictable investment climate where performance, capital deployment and production are recognized and protected.

At the center of the dispute is Petralon 54 Limited, the Nigerian-owned operator of the Dawes Island oil block, which assumed operatorship in2021 following a marginal bid process. Since then, the company has invested approximately $60 million to rehabilitate infrastructure, drill multiple wells and bring the field into production – an achievement that stands out within Nigeria’s marginal field landscape.

Within a short timeframe, Petralon successfully drilled two wells –  DI-2 to 9,740 ft and DI-3 to 10,193 ft – evacuating over 200,000 barrels of crude to the Bonny Terminal and remitting excess of $900,000 in royalties to the Federal Government by March 2026. These results underscore the importance of ensuring that operators who deliver on their commitments are supported through consistent and transparent regulatory processes.

“The Nigerian government’s swift action demonstrates a clear understanding of what is at stake,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “Protecting investors who deploy capital, create value and contribute to national production is essential to maintaining confidence in the sector. This intervention reinforces Nigeria’s position as a serious and responsive energy investment destination.”

The development comes at a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s energy sector. Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the country has seen renewed investor interest, with over $8 billion in upstream investment commitments recorded since 2023. Major projects, including Shell’s $2 billion final investment decision on the HI offshore gas project, TotalEnergies’ Ubeta development and Shell’s Bonga North deepwater project, highlight the scale of capital being mobilized.

Additional financing, such as Chevron’s $1.4 billion for deep and shallow water infill drilling, further reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s regulatory and investment framework. Meanwhile, discussions around large-scale opportunities like the proposed Bonga South West development – potentially worth up to $20 billion – underscore the country’s long-term growth potential.

Indigenous companies remain central to this trajectory, now accounting for approximately 30% of Nigeria’s oil and gas production. Their role in driving output, creating jobs and strengthening local capacity continues to expand, making policy consistency and investment protection more critical than ever.

In parallel, downstream advancements such as Aliko Dangote’s 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Lagos are enhancing regional energy security, with increased exports of refined products helping to stabilize supply across African markets.

The AEC emphasizes that the government’s coordinated response to the Dawes Island case reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s “drill or drop” policy is upheld – rewarding operators that actively develop assets while maintaining accountability across the sector.

The Chamber encourages all parties to support a swift and constructive resolution to the case, ensuring that ongoing operations are not disrupted and that Nigeria’s energy sector continues on its path toward increased output, energy security and economic resilience.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Service as a service (By Viv Muthan Pr Eng)

Source: APO

By Viv Muthan Pr Eng, Head of Export Sales and Operations.

Digitalisation has brought and continues to bring sweeping advancements in how companies go to market and how customers engage with brands. Agentic AI is now poised to disrupt even these developments, creating a scramble among organisations anxious to invest in the “next big thing” for fear of being left behind. Yet history has shown that the more speed becomes associated with winning, the more companies blur the line between operational effectiveness and strategy, copying the same best practices in pursuit of advantage and compromising the very uniqueness they once stood for.

The values companies were founded on often fall away in this race to jump on the bandwagon of the newest technology trend. As digital tools proliferate, strategic differentiation collapses into imitation cycles where organisations appear different in branding but identical in execution. However, beneath the surface of today’s digital revolution is an even more important structural dynamic which is often overlooked: technology accelerates competitive convergence. In hyper‑competitive markets which are characterised by rapid innovation, collapsing entry barriers, and continuous technological shifts, advantages erode quickly. As organisations adopt the same tools, platforms, and automated customer experiences, differentiation becomes increasingly difficult to sustain. Digitalisation enhances efficiency, but it also amplifies sameness.

This is the paradox of the modern competitive landscape where technology expands possibilities on the one hand but compresses uniqueness on the other. Many organisations misinterpret this environment as one where speed itself equals strategy. They invest in more automation, more digital tools, and more system integration at more pace, believing that motion is progress and more equals better. Yet these actions, while valuable, remain squarely within the domain of operational effectiveness. Porter (1996) reminds us that strategy is about what you choose to do as a company, what sets of activities support that position (fit) and, possibly most importantly, what you choose not to do. Digital transformation accelerates the impact of these strategic choices. Technologies shape what organisations prioritise and enable certain behaviours while constraining others. Over time, this subtly shifts how companies make sense of themselves, how they coordinate, and how they engage customers. By spending more on getting faster there is potential for elements of the customer journey to fade into the background, particularly the messy and less easy to control human elements.

That is where and why service, especially human service, has become even more strategically significant. In a digital ecosystem where technologies diffuse rapidly and imitation cycles shorten, the only dimension of the firm that remains difficult to replicate is its humanity. Platforms can be cloned, algorithms can be trained, and interfaces can be mimicked but human discernment, contextual understanding, empathetic listening, and relational trust cannot be reverse‑engineered at scale.

Technology delivers speed.
Humans deliver meaning.

This is why RS, despite being a forefront contender in the space of digitally led and data‑driven e-commerce businesses, continues to invest deliberately in people as a core part of its customer experience. RS recognises that digitalisation is about augmenting and enhancing human capability rather replacing it. E‑commerce platforms handle the transactions, the complicated back end that lends itself to automation, but people handle the relationships. Automation reduces friction, but humans resolve complexity. AI identifies patterns, but people interpret significance.

Human service anchors the organisational values, stabilises behaviour in moments of uncertainty, and protects the customer’s experience across the system. It is the part of the firm that remains recognisably “itself” even as technology evolves. In this sense, “Service as a Service” is more than satire. It might be seen as a strategic assertion: In a transient, digitally accelerated competitive landscape, humanity becomes the last defensible frontier of differentiation. RS embraces digital transformation as an enabler of a higher quality omni-channel customer journey. In an industrial world where customers often operate under pressure, RS is looking at ways to combine speed, technology and humanity to create value that endures even as the technological environment continues to shift.

RS South Africa (https://Africa.RSDelivers.com/) is a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1) and a leading provider of industrial product and service solutions.

References
Barney, J. (1991). Firm Resources and Sustained Competitive Advantage.
Bharadwaj, A. et al. (2013). Digital Business Strategy.
D’Aveni, R. (1995). Hypercompetition.
McGrath, R. (2013). The End of Competitive Advantage.
Porter, M. (1996). What Is Strategy?

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RS South Africa.

PR Contact Person – RS South Africa:
Princess Tlou
Communications & Content Specialist
RS South Africa
Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com
+27 11 691 9366

Media Contact Person – NGAGE:
Thobile Ndlovu
PR Account Executive
thobile@ngage.co.za
+27 11 867 7763

Social Media: 
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4d0rh0V
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About RS: 
RS is a global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, enabling them to operate efficiently and sustainably.

We operate in 36 markets, stock over 800,000 industrial and specialist products and list an additional five million relevant for our industrial customers, sourced from over 2,500 suppliers. This extensive range supports our customers across the industrial lifecycle of designing, building, and maintaining equipment and operations.

We enhance their experience through a tailored service model, leveraging our efficient physical, digital and process infrastructure sustainably. We combine a technically led and digitally enabled approach with an exceptional team of experts; ultimately, it’s our people that make the difference.

Our purpose, making amazing happen for a better world, reflects our focus on delivering results for people planet and profit.

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2024 reported revenue of £2,942 million.

RS South Africa (https://apo-opa.co/41Q4miB)

RS Africa Exports (https://apo-opa.co/41Q4miB)

DesignSpark (https://Africa.RSDelivers.com/)

RS Group plc (https://www.RSGroup.com/)

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Eskom diesel contracts investigation near completion

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom diesel contracts investigation near completion

Eskom says its Group Investigations and Security Department investigation into possible irregularities relating to the procurement of diesel fuel and storage contracts is in its final stages of completion.

This after reports that diesel supplier contracts at the power utility had been allegedly riddled with corruption and irregular contract management.

“As part of its ongoing governance, risk and assurance processes, Eskom…launched an investigation into possible irregularities relating to the procurement of diesel fuel and storage contracts.

“Eskom can confirm the investigation is now in its final stages of completion and remains subject to internal governance, legal and assurance processes,” Eskom said.

The power utility said it encourages the reporting of alleged unlawful activities.

“Eskom supports and encourages the reporting of any concerns or alleged wrongdoing through its established whistleblowing and reporting mechanisms and treats all such information with the necessary seriousness and confidentiality. 

“Given that the matter is still pending, Eskom is not in a position to engage on the details or comment further at this stage. Any updates will be communicated at an appropriate time, in line with applicable legal, governance and regulatory requirements,” Eskom stated. – SAnews.gov.za

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Condolences for respected jurist

Source: Government of South Africa

Condolences for respected jurist

Constitutional Court Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has, on behalf of the South African Judiciary, expressed sadness at the passing of retired Judge President Achmat Naeem Jappie.

Jappie died on Wednesday at the age of 70, following a short illness.

“His passing is a great loss to the Judiciary and the legal profession. He will be remembered for his dedicated service, principled leadership, and lasting contribution to the administration of justice in South Africa,” the Office of the Chief Justice said in a statement.

The retired judge was appointed to the bench in 1998 in post-apartheid South Africa and served for more than two decades before his retirement.

“During his judicial career, he served as Deputy Judge President and was later appointed Judge President of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court.

“He was also appointed as an Acting Judge of the Constitutional Court and had a short stint at the Labour Appeal Court, reflecting the confidence placed in his leadership and legal expertise.

“Judge Jappie was widely admired for his calm temperament, fairness, humility, and commitment to justice. He earned the respect of colleagues, legal practitioners, and court users alike for his integrity and deep knowledge of the law,” the statement read.

The respected jurist retired in 2021 but continued to serve Chairperson of a Judicial Conduct Tribunal.

“The Judiciary extends its heartfelt condolences to his wife Judge Soraya Hassim, his children, family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by his life and service,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Structural reforms boost investor confidence

Source: Government of South Africa

Structural reforms boost investor confidence

Despite a challenging global economic environment, strong and sustained progress in implementing growth-enhancing structural reforms has strengthened policy credibility and positioned South Africa to attract higher levels of investment. 

This is according to the Phase II of Operation Vulindlela progress report for the fourth quarter of 2025/26, which sets out key milestones achieved between January and March 2026 across the seven reform focus areas.

The reforms currently underway aim to reduce input costs, improve competitiveness, and create opportunities for private investment in key sectors of the economy.

“Overall, reforms in critical areas such as energy and water are being pursued with greater urgency, reflecting the direct impact of service delivery failures on South Africans and on the country’s economy. 

“Looking ahead, the emphasis will be on translating this momentum into measurable outcomes – completing outstanding regulatory processes, operationalising new institutions, and accelerating project implementation so that the benefits of reform are felt by all,” the report said.

During this quarter, further progress was recorded in the electricity sector, with the establishment of the Eskom Restructuring Task Team (ERTT) to lead the transition toward a fully independent state–owned transmission entity. 

“This is a critical step to ensure that the restructuring of Eskom is conducted in a manner that minimises financial, operational, and fiscal risk while maintaining energy security and investor confidence.

“Additional progress was made towards establishing the Credit Guarantee Vehicle (CGV) in preparation for issuing the final Request for Proposals (RFP) for the first phase of independent transmission projects (ITPs),” the report said.

Government remains focused on advancing the transition to a competitive electricity market by launching the South African Wholesale Electricity Market (SAWEM) and finalising the Electricity Distribution Industry (EDI) Reform Roadmap. 

In the freight logistics sector, progress was made towards implementing institutional reforms, with the Cabinet’s approval of the publication of the National Rail Master Plan (NRMP) for public comment.

The Master Plan translates the National Rail Policy, approved by Cabinet in 2022, into a practical, phased investment and implementation programme for both freight and passenger rail over the coming decades. 

It seeks to build an affordable and competitive rail system by integrating passenger, freight, and high-speed rail, while promoting private-sector participation.

“Following the conclusion of the technical assessment on the corporatisation of the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) in the previous quarter, a detailed implementation plan has been developed for consideration by the Minister of Transport, which will guide the process and timeframes for the establishment of the National Ports Authority as an independent entity,” the report said.

“Additionally, further progress was made towards the establishment of the Transport Economic Regulator (TER),” the report said.

The award of capacity on the freight rail network to 11 private train operating companies has paved the way for investment in new rolling stock to enable third-party operations, with several companies announcing firm commitments in this regard.

Water and sanitation reforms related to institutional restructuring, stronger regulation and the promotion of infrastructure investment gained significant momentum over the period. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed the establishment of the National Water Crisis Committee (WATERCOM) to promote the overall coordination of the response to the water crisis as well as the effective implementation of the National Water Action Plan (NWAP). 

Regulatory approvals and institutional developments that promote investment in water infrastructure through central financing and project derisking are advanced. 

Specifically, the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA) Amendment Bill was adopted by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP); the project pipeline developed by the Water Partnerships Office (WPO) increased meaningfully; and groundwork was laid for the establishment of the Infrastructure Finance and Implementation Support Agency (IFISA).

Importantly, the publication of the Blue Drop, Green Drop and No Drop water quality monitoring assessments resumed, which presents a clear diagnosis of critical areas that require intervention. –SAnews.gov.za

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Senqu Bridge a powerful symbol of cooperation and shared development

Source: Government of South Africa

Senqu Bridge a powerful symbol of cooperation and shared development

Mokhotlong, Lesotho – President Cyril Ramaphosa has underscored the strength and longevity of relations between South Africa and Lesotho, describing the Senqu Bridge as a powerful symbol of cooperation and shared development.

Speaking at the official launch of the bridge under the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) on Wednesday in Mokhotlong, President Ramaphosa said the structure reflects a partnership built on mutual respect, shared history and a common vision for regional progress.  

“The Senqu Bridge is a milestone in our longstanding collaboration. This bridge is testament to the deep-seated relationship between our two countries. 

“Rising high above the river valley, located more than 2 500 meters above sea level, this bridge has been built to endure. It will serve many generations to come,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa, along with His Majesty King Letsie III, officially unveiled the state-of-the-art Senqu Bridge, marking a major milestone in the long-standing partnership between South Africa and Lesotho under the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. 

Set against the highlands of Mokhotlong, the historic moment unfolded as President Ramaphosa arrived by helicopter near the bridge before joining King Letsie III for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The two leaders then unveiled a commemorative plaque bearing the inscription: “Officially opened on 22 April 2026 by His Majesty King Letsie III, Kingdom of Lesotho and H.E President Cyril Ramaphosa in celebration of 40 years of partnership and regional development” .

The Senqu Bridge, constructed at an estimated cost of R2.4 billion, is the largest of three major crossings being developed under Phase II of the LHWP. Measuring approximately 825 metres in length and rising about 90 metres above the river valley, the bridge will play a critical role in maintaining connectivity across the Polihali Reservoir once water levels rise.

President Ramaphosa noted that beyond its engineering significance, the bridge is designed as long-term infrastructure that will improve connectivity, mobility and economic access for communities, businesses and visitors in the region.

“Together with the two other bridges being constructed to span the Polihali Reservoir, this bridge will improve travel across this part of the country, making transport easier and cheaper for communities, businesses and visitors,” the President said. 

Constructed in the mountainous highlands of Mokhotlong, the bridge forms part of a broader infrastructure programme aimed at supporting both water security and economic development.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that the project reflects a commitment to inclusive development, ensuring that communities affected by construction are not left worse off, despite the complexities involved.

He highlighted the economic benefits already realised, including the creation of more than 1 200 jobs, largely for Basotho, as well as skills development initiatives such as the Young Professionals Programme, which is equipping graduates with technical expertise in the sector.

The President described the LHWP as one of the world’s most ambitious and successful transboundary water projects and the largest investment South Africa has made beyond its borders. 

He also expressed appreciation to the people of Lesotho for their continued partnership in sharing water resources that are essential to South Africa’s economic growth.

“South Africa is a water-scarce country, and the waters of Lesotho’s highlands are vital to our country’s development. We remain forever grateful to the great Basotho nation for making water resources available to us,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa further noted that cooperation between the two countries is expanding across multiple sectors through the Bi-National Commission, including water and energy, infrastructure, skills development, defence and social development.

He said this growing collaboration reflects a broader commitment to regional integration and development, aligned with the vision of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

“The building of partnerships is very important in a changing, complex and uncertain global environment. 

“Guided by the spirit of Pan Africanism, South-South cooperation and solidarity, we are forging ahead to realise the vision of an economically integrated Africa, as espoused by the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” President Ramaphosa said. 

The President added that the Senqu Bridge stands as a symbol of African capability and solidarity, demonstrating what can be achieved through partnership and shared purpose.

“This project is more than infrastructure. It is more than steel and concrete. It is a symbol of a deep and enduring partnership.

“The Senqu Bridge is an example of what Africa can achieve when it believes in itself, when it works together to advance the needs of the people,” President Ramaphosa said.

SA pledges R30 million support to Lesotho

President Ramaphosa also announced that South Africa will provide R30 million in humanitarian assistance to Lesotho through the African Renaissance Fund.

He said the funding will support the country’s response to HIV and tuberculosis, particularly in the context of declining international assistance.

The President noted that South Africa will continue to champion regional cooperation through platforms such as the Southern African Development Community, with a focus on strengthening trade, investment and integration across the region.

Background of the LHWP

The Senqu Bridge forms part of the broader LHWP, a multi-phased, treaty-based partnership between South Africa and Lesotho established on 24 October 1986 to address water security, energy generation and socio-economic development.

The project harnesses the Orange–Senqu River system through a network of dams and transfer tunnels, supplying water to South Africa’s Integrated Vaal River System, which supports the economic hub of Gauteng. 

At the same time, Lesotho benefits through hydropower generation, infrastructure development and long-term economic opportunities.

Phase II of the project is currently under construction and includes the Polihali Dam, a concrete-faced rockfill structure approximately 165 metres high, as well as a 38-kilometre transfer tunnel that will connect the Polihali and Katse reservoirs.

Once completed, this phase will increase water supply capacity from 780 million cubic metres per annum to 1 270 million cubic metres per annum, significantly strengthening long-term water security for South Africa.

Beyond its strategic importance, the Senqu Bridge is also a major engineering achievement. It is the first extradosed bridge in Lesotho and was constructed using advanced techniques suited to the region’s mountainous terrain. 

The project has created significant employment opportunities, with more than 1 200 workers, the majority of them Basotho, contributing to its construction.

The bridge is one of several components under construction in Phase II, alongside the Polihali Dam, transfer tunnel and supporting infrastructure such as roads, power lines and telecommunications. – SAnews.gov.za

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