Category: English

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for deeper trade ties, strengthened democratic partnerships and a more equitable multilateral system at the Spain–South Africa Business Forum during his working visit to the Kingdom of Spain. 

Addressing delegates at the Business Forum on Friday, President Ramaphosa said the visit underscores the shared commitment between the two nations to build a modern, dynamic and mutually beneficial economic relationship. 

“This visit reflects the strength of our longstanding partnership and our shared commitment to building a modern, dynamic and mutually beneficial economic relationship,” he said.

Framing his address around trade expansion, democratic values and the importance of multilateral cooperation, the President highlighted the steady growth in economic ties between the two countries.

“In 2025, total trade between South Africa and Spain reached approximately 2.8 billion Euros. South Africa’s exports to Spain reached 1.3 billion Euros, a 10 percent increase over the previous year.

“This makes Spain our fastest-growing major trading partner within the European Union,” the President said. 

He emphasised that the relationship between the two economies is complementary rather than competitive.

“Our countries do not compete. We complement each other, demonstrating how strategic partnerships can strengthen global value chains,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa noted that more than 150 Spanish companies operate in South Africa, supporting over 20 000 jobs across sectors including renewable energy, infrastructure, technology and tourism.

He further pointed to Spain’s investment of over 2.1 billion Euros in South Africa’s just energy transition as a strong signal of confidence.

“It is a statement of confidence not merely in our economy, but in our future,” he said.

Diversifying trade and strengthening value chains

While acknowledging the strength of bilateral trade, the President cautioned that the relationship remains concentrated in a narrow range of exports.

“Even though our trade relationship is strong, it remains structurally imbalanced. It is concentrated in a narrow range of products,” the President said. 

He said diversification is critical to building resilience, particularly as motor vehicles for the transport of goods account for nearly half of South Africa’s exports to Spain.

President Ramaphosa identified critical minerals, green industrialisation and advanced manufacturing as key areas for future cooperation, especially as the global economy transitions to cleaner energy. 

“South Africa holds the world’s largest reserves of platinum group metals. These critical minerals sit at the heart of hydrogen fuel cell technology, clean energy systems and the future of electric mobility,” President Ramaphosa said. 

He said Spain’s growing leadership in the hydrogen economy presents an opportunity for alignment. 

“South Africa brings the resource base. Spain brings technological capability, investment and market access. Together, this creates the foundation for a new kind of partnership, a collaboration across the value chains of the future,” he said. 

Call for fair global rules and inclusive multilateralism

Placing the discussion within a broader global context, the President stressed the importance of fair and inclusive rules in international trade and climate governance.

“As we expand trade, we must ensure that the rules governing global commerce are fair and support development,” President Ramaphosa said. 

He cautioned that emerging regulatory measures, such as the European Union’s carbon border policies, should not disadvantage developing economies.

“But new regulatory frameworks, including the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, must not become instruments that inadvertently punish developing economies for emissions they did not historically cause,” he said. 

While reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to climate action, he called for stronger support mechanisms within global frameworks.

“We are not opposed to the principle of carbon accountability. What we ask is that climate measures be accompanied by the necessary climate finance, technology transfer and transitional arrangements that the Paris Agreement and successive COP commitments have promised,” the President said. 

Investment, industrial cooperation and shared prosperity

The President used the platform to position South Africa as an attractive investment destination, highlighting a pipeline of 85 projects valued at over 62 billion Euros across key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, digital connectivity and pharmaceuticals.

“Our message to every Spanish company in this room is that South Africa is open for business,” he said. 

He encouraged Spanish firms to partner with South Africa as long-term collaborators in building industries that support inclusive growth.

“We invite you to partner with us not only as investors, but as long-term industrial partners, as co-builders of industries that will serve our people and yours for generations,” President Ramaphosa said. 

Concluding his address, President Ramaphosa underscored the broader significance of the partnership between the two nations.

“We have an opportunity to connect European technological strength with African growth. We have an opportunity to build supply chains that are resilient, sustainable and inclusive,” he said. 

He added that such cooperation can drive shared prosperity across both regions.

“Most importantly, we have an opportunity to create prosperity that is genuinely shared in Madrid and in Johannesburg, in Seville and in Durban,” the President said. 

The President arrived in Spain on Thursday for a Working Visit that runs until 18 April, where he is participating in the In Defence of Democracy Initiative and engaging with political and business leaders to reinforce bilateral relations between South Africa and Spain. 

The President is also scheduled to have an audience with King Felipe VI at the Zarzuela Royal Palace today. 

On Saturday, he will be in Barcelona where he is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with President Pedro Sánchez at the Fira de Barcelona, before delivering remarks at the plenary session on Extremism and Inequality. 

The President is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, and the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained an order from the Special Tribunal freezing assets belonging to Nhlakanipho Mngomezulu after an investigation into the unlawful receipt of Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) funds.

According to the SIU, Lubelo Hlomuka Holdings, trading as SA Scrum Assembly, of which Mngomezulu is the director, unlawfully received approximately R16 362 525.29 from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), administered by the Department of Employment and Labour.

The SIU said the funds were secured through a sophisticated fraudulent scheme involving ghost employees, with money diverted from its intended purpose of supporting workers affected by the COVID-19 lockdown.

Investigators found that between 2020 and 2022, shortly after receiving the funds, Mngomezulu allegedly embarked on a spending spree, purchasing several vehicles in cash.

The vehicles affected by the preservation order included a Volkswagen VN 750 Caravelle, KIA K2700, Toyota Avanza and Ford Ranger.

The tribunal order also covers immovable properties allegedly bought using the misappropriated funds. These include two properties in Glyndale, KwaZulu-Natal, four apartments in Pietermaritzburg, and one property in Zeekoe Vallei, eThekwini.

Bank accounts linked to Mngomezulu and SA Scrum Assembly have also been frozen.

The SIU said analysis of bank records showed SA Scrum Assembly received 45 payments from the UIF, with no evidence that employee salaries were paid.

Instead, investigators found that the funds were channelled through other accounts in a pattern that appeared to be a money-laundering scheme.

The investigation further revealed that Mngomezulu personally benefited from the alleged fraud, receiving more than R5 million in multiple payments derived from the TERS funds.

In November 2025, the SIU approached the Special Tribunal seeking preservation orders over the identified properties, vehicles and bank accounts, with the intention of ultimately forfeiting the assets to the State.

Judge Margaret Victor, President of the Special Tribunal, granted an interim order preventing Mngomezulu from selling, disposing of, transferring, leasing or otherwise dealing with the assets until the matter is finalised.

President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the SIU to investigate allegations relating to the affairs of the UIF under Proclamation R.8 of 2021, including TERS payments made to ineligible recipients and false or irregular applications.

The SIU said it remains committed to recovering public funds meant for workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and holding accountable those who unlawfully benefited.

In terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, the SIU said any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during the investigation would be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Njabulo Nzuza will today lead an ID Campaign and high impact outreach programme in Escourt, in KwaZulu-Natal, aimed at bringing key government services closer to communities.

The initiative is focused on ensuring that all qualifying residents have access to important civic documents, particularly identity documents, ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, the programme seeks to ensure that no eligible community member is left behind, recognising that IDs are more than documents, but “a gateway to dignity, opportunity and full participation in society”.

Working alongside the Electoral Commission of South Africa, the outreach programme will include voter education to help residents understand the importance of participating in shaping the future of their communities.

The campaign comes as South Africa marks 30 years of its Constitution, highlighting the continued commitment to protecting the rights of citizens and ensuring that all people, particularly those in underserved areas, are able to fully exercise their democratic rights.

The event will take place at Phangwini Community Hall in Estcourt on Friday, 17 April 2026, starting at 09:00. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The eThekwini Municipality has expanded its Durban Metro Police K9 Unit, as part of ongoing efforts to strenghten safety, combat crime and restore public confidence.

A total of 13 newly trained K9 handlers were officially introduced during a passing-out parade this week near the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The teams demonstrated their capabilities in drug detection, suspect tracking and combating illegal activities.

The addition of the new handlers follows four months of intensive training and brings the total number of K9 Unit personnel to 20, significantly boosting the Metro Police’s ability to respond effectively to crime.

eThekwini Deputy Mayor and Chairperson of the Community Safety and Security Committee, Zandile Myeni, highlighted the important role of the K9 Unit in modern policing.

She described the unit as a critical force multiplier, assisting in detection of drugs, explosives and illegal firearms, as well as in tracking suspects.

She said this milestone marked a significant advancement in the city’s law enforcement capacity.

“As crime continues to challenge our communities, including drug trafficking, vehicle hijackings, and violent crime, the deployment of specialised teams such as the K9 Unit is essential in strengthening our response and improving public safety,” Myeni said.

The municipality continues to make significant progress towards its 2030 vision of becoming Africa’s most liveable and caring city, with safety and security remaining a key priority.

Metro Police Commissioner Sibonelo Mchunu urged the newly qualified officers to uphold the values of integrity and accountability, reminding them that their role carries both authority and public trust.

Head of College Geraldine Stevens also welcomed the new members, urging them to serve with discipline, courage and professionalism.

The passing-out parade marks the beginning of the unit’s operational deployment.

The event also highlighted the dedication, teamwork, and commitment that underpin effective policing and service to the public. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Eskom has concluded a three-year wage agreement following a Central Bargaining Forum (CBF) process which entails a 7% annual salary increase for workers.

The signatory unions represent more than 75% of the employees in the CBF. The agreement is binding on all employees within the bargaining unit, including those affiliated with the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA).

“The conclusion of the wage process represents an important procedural milestone. It provides Eskom with the stability and predictability required to focus fully on delivering our business objectives and fulfilling our mandate to South Africa. We recognise that our people are central to driving sustainable growth and to building an organisation that is resilient and attractive to future partners and investors,” said Eskom’s Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane.

By maintaining a three year framework, Eskom and organised labour have established a predictable environment that reduces the volatility associated with annual bargaining cycles. The agreement continues Eskom’s established practice of multi year collective bargaining arrangements, supporting cost predictability and operational stability, which has also contributed to the delivery of Eskom’s successful turnaround strategy.

The agreement entails a 7% annual salary increase for all employees within the bargaining unit and effective for a three-year period, starting from 1 July 2026, providing labour certainty over the medium term.

The established multi-year framework secures the labour stability and skills necessary to maintain and reinforce Eskom’s recent gains in overall system performance.

“Eskom remains dedicated to maintaining a constructive partnership with organised labour as a fundamental driver of operational excellence and business sustainability. This collaborative approach ensures the utility remains focused on its primary mandate: the safe and reliable operation of the national power system for the benefit of all South Africans.

“The agreement concludes a structured and intensive collective bargaining process. While negotiations were robust, Eskom acknowledges that NUMSA has declared a deadlock and opted not to sign the current agreement,” said the power utility.

The wage process has been concluded in line with applicable Central Bargaining Forum processes and labour legislation. Eskom remains committed to structured and ongoing engagement with all three of its recognised trade unions on all other matters of mutual importance. – SAnews.gov.za 
 

 

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The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation SOC Ltd (Necsa) has attracted international and local interest in its planned Small Modular Reactor (SMR) demonstration project, following a compulsory briefing session held for prospective suppliers.

The session formed part of Necsa’s recently issued Expression of Interest (EOI), which was released at the end of March and closes on 29 May 2026. 

A total of 54 potential partners attended the briefing, representing 12 countries, including South Africa.

Necsa Group CEO Loyiso Tyabashe said the meeting provided an important opportunity to clarify technical, commercial and strategic aspects of the corporation’s SMR programme.

“The briefing session held with the interested suppliers [on Thursday] provided a platform to clarify technical, commercial and strategic aspects of Necsa’s SMR programme,” he said.

Tyabashe added that it was encouraging to see strong interest from nuclear designers and institutions involved in advancing nuclear technology.

Following the closing date for submissions on 29 May 2026, Necsa will evaluate the responses and move to the next stage of the process, which will involve issuing a request for proposals to shortlisted organisations.

Necsa Board Chairperson David Nicholls said the organisation was committed to ensuring the SMR programme includes local industry participants.

“It was important to see a number of South African organisations in the briefing session [on Thursday],” he said.

Nicholls said Necsa remains committed to a transparent and competitive process aligned with South Africa’s energy policies, while seeking to combine local and global expertise through strategic partnerships. – SAnews.gov.za

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North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Gaoage Oageng Molapisi, will today hand over seven houses to military veterans in Jouberton, in the City of Matlosana Local Municipality. 

According to the department, the housing project is implemented in accordance with the Military Veterans Act, 2011 (Act No. 18 of 2011), which outlines government’s responsibility to support and manage the affairs of military veterans across all nine provinces. 

The Act further makes provision for a range of benefits to military veterans, including access to housing support.

“The hand over will be followed by an Imbizo with Military Veterans across the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District. This engagement will serve as an important platform for military veterans to engage government on various issues, particular those within the human settlements mandate,” the department said. 

MEC Molapisi will be accompanied by the Executive Mayor the City of Matlosana Local Municipality, Cllr Fikile Mahlophe. – SAnews.gov.za

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Basic Education Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule is today leading a government and stakeholder-wide Career Expo Day to commemorate Freedom Month and Schools Democracy Month. 

The inaugural Career Expo Day is taking place at the Spamplek Sports Ground in Daggakraal in the Gert Sibande District in Mpumalanga. 

In a statement, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) said the initiative responds to a request made by several entities focusing on the interests and well-being of learners, community leaders, the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, and its concern for the holistic well-being of learners. 

It also aligns with the call made by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his address at the 2026 Basic Education Lekgotla, urging the department to conduct more career expos.

“The engagement is intended to expose learners to diverse career opportunities and relevant institutions, including entrepreneurship and small business development opportunities available in South Africa, while leaving the district in a more capacitated position. 

“The engagement will leave districts and local institutions capacitated by equipping School Governing Bodies (SGBs), School Management Teams (SMTs), School-Based Support Teams (SBSTs), Representative Councils of Learners (RCLs), parents, and other school-based stakeholders with the necessary support,” the department said. 

The proposed programme will see the DBE working with key government departments and stakeholders to provide integrated services and career awareness activities, both as build-up interventions and on the main day of engagement. 

Each sector department will have specific contributions and roles that they are playing in the advancement of child welfare.

Furthermore, the engagement will guide emerging trends and upcoming skills requirements relevant to the new age of technology and a world increasingly shaped by AI. 

In addition, the engagement will introduce learners to entrepreneurship as a viable career pathway, highlighting how they can create jobs and economic opportunities within their own communities in line with national development. 

The departments that are participating in the Career Expo Day include the South African Police Service (SAPS), The Presidency, Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Pixley Ka Seme Local Municipality, Department of Minerals and Petroleum Resources, Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and the Mpumalanga Department of Education among others. 

The other participants represented includes the Daggakraal Parliamentary Constituency Office (Hon. MP), Independent Electoral Commission (IEC Chairperson), National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Local House of Traditional Leaders Ka Moloi. – SAnews.gov.za 

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The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has strongly condemned the illegal and exploitative practice of “selling” queue positions at its local offices.

In a statement on Thursday, SASSA CEO Themba Matlou said the reports about this mushrooming scourge were unacceptable, unlawful and a serious exploitation of vulnerable members of society who rely on social assistance for survival. 

In particular, he said, taking advantage of the elderly and people living with disabilities was disheartening. 

Matlou said action would be taken against those involved and any SASSA official who may have created fertile ground for the acts to be perpetrated against people visiting SASSA offices. 

“We take serious exception to these acts as the agency as they happen at the doorsteps of our offices and create an impression that we are complicit and encourage this exploitation of our people. We condemn this in the strongly possible terms, and we cannot allow it to happen”, he emphasised. 

SASSA has committed to strengthen its security systems, working with the law enforcement agencies to curb the scourge by ensuring the law and order is implemented against those involved.  

SASSA acknowledges challenges experienced in some of its offices in ensuring effective and seamless service delivery which is compounded by systematic issues. 

“We are working tirelessly to enhance our queue management systems to ensure fair and orderly access. This will reinforce priority service channels for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups,” Matlou said. 

Furthermore, Matlou encouraged SASSA clients to take advantage of the newly introduced self-service online portal, eLife Certification system.

This can be used to verify details when beneficiaries have been notified to do so instead of going to their local offices, thus reducing time and transport costs. 

“As SASSA has reached its 20th year milestone in providing social assistance to the needy, the commitment to improved, dignified and efficient services to its clients will continue unabated,” the agency said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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