Category: English

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has approved the deployment of a Panel of Elders and a Mediation Reference Group to Madagascar to support efforts aimed at restoring political stability, constitutional order and democratic governance.

This was announced in a communiqué issued following the virtual Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government held on Wednesday.

The summit received a report from the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, Malawian President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, on the Technical Fact-Finding Mission to Madagascar conducted from 19 to 26 October 2025. 

The mission assessed the political and security situation through consultations with a wide range of stakeholders.

“Summit welcomed the restoration of calm in Madagascar, noted the national consultation processes launched by the Transitional Government on 10 December 2025, and reaffirmed its commitment to remain engaged with the political and security situation in the Republic of Madagascar until an elected government is established through electoral processes,” the Communique said.

The summit urged the Transitional Government of Madagascar, led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina, to initiate an inclusive, Malagasy-owned and led national dialogue during the transitional period. This process is expected to pave the way for fresh elections and facilitate the peaceful return of political exiles.

SADC further called on the Transitional Government to ensure that reform processes are timely, inclusive of all stakeholders, and create a conducive environment for meaningful participation, including by political exiles.

As part of its decisions, the summit approved the deployment of the SADC Panel of Elders by March 2026, to be led by former Malawian President Dr Joyce Banda, together with the Mediation Reference Group and supported by the SADC Secretariat. The structures will facilitate and support ongoing efforts to restore political stability, democracy and peace in Madagascar.

The summit also directed the Panel of Elders to engage former Mozambican President Dr Joaquim Chissano, SADC’s Special Envoy to Madagascar, to provide context on previous interventions and outstanding issues, particularly regarding constitutional reforms, electoral processes and the rule of law.

In reaffirming the region’s stance, the summit emphasised SADC’s strong commitment to protecting constitutional rule and democratic governance, and to restoring peace and democracy in Madagascar.

Madagascar was directed to submit a dialogue readiness report and a draft National Roadmap by 28 February 2026, with further progress updates scheduled for May, August and November 2026.

On organisational matters, following the appointment of President Cyril Ramaphosa as Chairperson of SADC, the summit appointed Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema as the Interim Incoming Chairperson of the regional body.

The summit further directed the SADC Secretariat to coordinate with the African Union and international partners to mobilise financial, technical and logistical resources to support reforms and ensure coordinated interventions.

Leaders expressed appreciation to President Mutharika for his leadership as Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, as well as to President Ramaphosa for his leadership and contribution to advancing SADC’s regional agenda.

The Extraordinary Summit concluded with a reaffirmation of collective commitment by SADC Heads of State and Government to peace, security and regional integration in Southern Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will consider a report on the political and security situation in Madagascar.

Speaking at a virtual Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government convened on Wednesday, President Ramaphosa thanked regional leaders for responding to his invitation, saying the meeting was convened to consider a report from the Chairperson of the Organ on the political and security situation in the island nation of Madagascar.

He recalled that the region had met recently to address urgent organisational matters. 

“As you will recall, we convened a similar session during the past month to attend to an urgent issue pertaining to the leadership of our organisation,” he said. 

The President said Madagascar experienced political challenges in September 2025 that led to the formation of a transitional government. Following these developments, an Extraordinary SADC Organ Troika Summit was held on 16 October 2025 to assess the situation.

“The Organ Troika Summit resolved to urgently deploy a Technical Mission to undertake a fact-finding mission to Madagascar. The outcome of this mission is contained in the report we will be considering today,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said the developments in Madagascar highlighted the need to accelerate the implementation of regional development objectives under SADC Vision 2050, which seeks to achieve “a region whose peoples live in peace and harmony and can realise their economic potential.”

He reaffirmed SADC’s commitment to peace and stability through the SADC Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, which aims to promote peace, security, democracy and political stability, while fostering solidarity among the peoples of the region.

“Over the past years, we have made progress towards achieving these goals, notably with respect to consolidating democracy, promoting good governance, ensuring electoral integrity and deepening a culture of human rights,” President Ramaphosa said.

However, he cautioned that political and security challenges persist in parts of the region.

“The situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo remains of grave concern. We also stand in solidarity with the government and the people of Mozambique in their quest for stability and security in the Cabo Delgado province,” he said. 

Reflecting on Madagascar’s history, President Ramaphosa said the country has faced systemic political and security challenges, recalling SADC’s support in 2009 for a democratic and peaceful future. While progress had been made, he noted that recent developments showed that “much more work needs to be done to foster sustainable peace.”

“Like all peoples in our region and our continent, the people of Madagascar yearn for durable peace and development. We have a collective responsibility to make this a reality,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

By Nomonde Mnukwa

As the year draws to a close and we stand on the threshold of a new year in 2026, the prevailing sentiment regarding our economy is one of confident optimism. Despite the formidable challenges our economy has navigated, we are now definitively turning the corner, accelerating towards a more stable and prosperous economic future.

It’s our spirit of never giving up and ingenuity that has made it possible for us to rise above recent hard times. Our ability to ‘make a plan,’ swiftly adapt to shifting circumstances, and pull together despite our differences is now paying dividends as we observe clear signs of a stronger economy.

In his recent address to the nation on South Africa’s successful hosting of the G20 Summit, President Cyril Rampahosa said: “Through the work we are doing together, we are beginning to see the green shoots of an emerging economic recovery. Unemployment has fallen in recent months. Our public finances are improving, allowing us to steadily reduce our national debt.”

The latest numbers show we have turned the corner towards a growth trajectory. For the first time since 2008, government debt is starting to level off. That means after years of borrowing more than we earned, we are changing direction and our country’s finances are getting healthier. Next year, debt is expected to stabilise at 77.9 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).

This financial year, we project a primary budget surplus, which means we are no longer borrowing money just to cover day-to-day costs. By 2028/29, this surplus is expected to grow, freeing up more money to fund basic services like health care facilities and interventions to grow the economy to enable job creation. 
With the 7th administration’s no one priority being job creation, in the third quarter of 2025, more than 248,000 new jobs were created. The total employment is now over 17.1 million, marking the highest level recorded this year and confirming our steady path to full economic recovery. In a country where unemployment hurts so many families, these new jobs change lives and bring real hope.

The economy has posted its fourth straight gain with gross domestic product (GDP) expanding 0.5 per cent in the third quarter of the year, signalling an economy that is stabilising and beginning to build resilience.  Importantly, the growth was broad-based with mining, agriculture, trade, retail and accommodation all contributing positively which demonstrates that our economic recovery is taking root across multiple sectors rather than relying on a single driver. 

The agribusiness confidence also bounced back in the final quarter of the year, rising by five points to 67 in the Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index (ACI). 

Furthermore, initiatives such as the Youth Employment Service (YES) have to date, placed over 202 558 young South Africans in 12-month quality work experiences. The initiative which is enabled by more than 1 900 corporate partners has become a key driver of South Africa’s economic transformation, focusing on digital and technological skills development. 

The upward trend provides a solid foundation for stronger performance ahead, signalling renewed confidence and laying groundwork for deeper investment, job creation, and long-term economic renewal.

One of the clearest signs that things are improving came from S&P Global Ratings which recently upgraded South Africa’s outlook. For investors around the world and domestically, this says our reforms and careful financial management is working. South Africa is becoming a place people want to invest in again.
Eskom continues to provide consistent energy supply with South Africa having experienced 169 consecutive days without load shedding during the second quarter of the current financial year. 

This upward trend is not simply luck, but bold reforms that have set our economy on a new path. Through Operation Vulindlela we are fixing ports, speeding up new energy projects and cutting red tape, all of which are starting to deliver real results.

Structural changes like the establishment of a separate Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager to manage the rail network while allowing for open access where private train operating companies (TOCs) can run their own trains, will bring about more competition, reducing costs, and ultimately shifting freight from road to rail. 

As part of major rail reforms, 41 freight rail routes will be opened to 11 selected private Train Operating Companies and will result in rail volumes increasing from 160-million tons to 250-million tons by 2030.

Moreover, joint work between Transnet, police and private companies has cleared blockages, reopened routes and made freight movement faster and safer. Businesses are saving money, factories can produce more, and our exports are growing.

Keeping inflation under control means more money back in people’s pockets as price increases are kept in check. Government wants to bring inflation even lower and has tasked the Reserve Bank to keep inflation around 3 per cent, which will match the best-performing countries.

Furthermore, we have also been taken off the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. In just two and a half years, government kept its promise to tighten rules and enhanced our ability to combat illegal money flows. Being off the grey list improves our reputation, makes it easier to do business overseas and attracts more investors. It shows the world we are serious about good governance.

Our hosting the G20 Summit last month has been a game-changer for South Africa. The images of a safe, organised and vibrant South Africa went around the globe. Heads of State and Business leaders who flew in for the summit saw with their own eyes the world class infrastructure and our budding potential.
The progress we have made is real. Our strengths now outweigh the problems, and we are putting effort in fixing the remaining challenges with clear plans and teamwork.

While turning the corner is a big step, our journey is not finished, we must keep the momentum. Government, business, workers and communities all need to keep working together, supporting reforms, investing, innovating and making sure growth reaches every South African.

South Africa has entered a time of new possibility. If we stay united and keep pushing forward, the good signs we see today will grow into a strong, fair and thriving economy that works for all of us.

*Mnukwa is the Acting Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

The National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) has confirmed that it is committed to concluding a new electricity supply agreement with the Mozal aluminium smelter in Mozambique.

In an update on the Mozal smelter, the NTCSA said it is committed to a new agreement as well as to protect South African electricity consumers from unintended cost impacts.  

“The National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), a subsidiary of Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd, confirms that it remains committed to concluding a new electricity supply agreement with the Mozal aluminium smelter in Mozambique, in a manner that safeguards the NTCSA’s financial stability and protects South African electricity consumers from unintended cost impacts. The long standing supply agreement between the parties has been in place for more than 20 years, and all parties were aware that the new agreement is due on 15 March 2026,” the NTCSA said on Wednesday.

It added that to remain globally competitive, the Mozal smelter requires an electricity price that is significantly lower than the direct cost of supply.

“It has become clear that this arrangement is not sustainable for the NTCSA going forward. As such, a mutually beneficial solution, developed collaboratively with stakeholders in both Mozambique and South Africa, is essential to support regional industrial activity, while ensuring the NTCSA’s financial sustainability and fairness to South African electricity consumers.

“The NTCSA will continue engaging with stakeholders in both countries to explore the feasibility of such an arrangement,” NTCSA Chief Executive Officer, Monde Bala said.

It further added that the Negotiated Price Agreements (NPA) policy mechanism provided by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), does not extend beyond South Africa’s borders.

“The NTCSA remains available and open to finding a solution for the Mozal smelter. We have consistently indicated, over the past year, an appropriate price range for the supply of electricity to secure a new supply agreement with our valued customer,” Bala said.

The NTCSA remains committed to supporting industrial operations within a lawful and economically sustainable framework that balances the needs of industry with the rights of all customers.

Safeguarding households and small businesses from unintended cost impacts remains central to Eskom’s mandate.

The NTCSA will provide further updates as and when developments arise. –SAnews.gov.za

Human Settlements Minister, Thembi Simelane, is expected to conduct an oversight visit to the Baken Park Catalytic Housing Project located in Bethlehem in the Free State today, Thursday, 18 December 2025. 

“The project, expected to cost over R370 million, is a mixed-income residential development which to yield 1248 housing units on completion. These include First Home Finance, Breaking New Ground (BNG), and social housing. Already one hundred serviced sites have been released for First Home Finance, thus enabling the missing middle to build houses for themselves,” the Department of Human Settlements said in a statement. 

The Minister will be joined on her oversight visit by Free State Premier Ma-Queen Letsoha-Mathae.

According to the department, the project represents a strategic intervention aligned with national and provincial priorities to accelerate housing delivery, promote spatial transformation, and stimulate inclusive economic growth.

The in-loco inspection will be led by MEC for CoGTA and Human Settlements, Saki Mokoena, and the Executive Mayor of Dihlabeng Local Municipality, Tseki Tseki. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has officially opened a call for applications to eligible South African students for a fully funded scholarship to study in Germany at the Constructor University. 

 The scholarship is for a fully funded Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD studies, under the Funda Germany Scholarship Programme, commencing in September 2026.

“Constructor University is an English-medium, campus university in Bremen, ranked among the top 30% globally.  With students from around 120 different nations, it is among the world’s most international universities, offering Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees in a wide variety of fields,” the department said.

Who can apply for the scholarship?

• South African citizens in good health.
• Students with a strong academic record.
• Bachelor applicants require a minimum average of 65% or above in their NSC (including Life Orientation as well as Mathematics and 1 other STEM subject).
• Postgraduate applicants should have performed well in their previous studies, with a minimum of 60% average mark or above achieved in their previous studies.
• Must have an interest to study in Germany and demonstrate commitment to the development of South Africa.
• Available and eligible to study full-time in Germany from September 2026.
• Meet the entry criteria for the selected study programme at Constructor University.

Fields of Study

• A wide range of study fields is available for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and PhD projects, including various engineering fields, robotics, management, mathematics, fuel cell development, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, computational systems biology, nano electronics, specialist areas in physics, chemistry, applied mathematics and geosciences, social data sciences, cognitive psychology, computer science, biotechnology, accounting and auditing, political sciences, international logistics, computational drug discovery, communication science, history, economics, sociology and many more.

Deadline for receipt of applications

• 15 February 2026

A comprehensive list of fields of study for the Bachelor’s degree is available at https://constructor.university/programs/undergraduate-education and for Master’s programmes at https://constructor.university/programs/graduate-education.

A comprehensive list of fields of study for the PhD can be accessed via https://constructor.university/phd-degrees-constructor-university

What the scholarship offers

The scholarship will cover the following:

• Return airfare to Germany.
• Tuition fees.
• Monthly stipend for living expenses.
• Accommodation.
• A once-off settlement allowance.
• Annual flights at the end of the academic year for Bachelor’s students. Master’s students may qualify for annual flights if accommodated on campus.
• Mid-term flights after 18 months (PhD students).
• Medical insurance allowance.
• An annual allowance at the beginning of each academic year.
• Academic support for qualifying postgraduate students.
• Psychosocial support.
• Pre-departure orientation.
• SAQA verification of qualification and one professional board examination (if applicable).

Application process

Application for the scholarships is strictly online via the application portal.

Applicants at the Bachelor’s and Master’s level are required to complete the online application on the Constructor University application portal, accessible on the website by the deadline indicated and fulfil all requirements as stipulated.

Successful awardees who withdraw from the programme after signing the Constructor University contract will be liable for the full costs as stipulated in the Constructor University student contract. 

More information about the scholarship is available on: https://www.internationalscholarships.dhet.gov.za/index.php/scholarships/undergraduate-scholarships/496-germany-dhet-funda-germany-scholarship-programme-2026-2027. – SAnews.gov.za