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President Herminie Concludes Successful High-Level Working Visit to Assomption Island, Affirming Commitment to Sustainable Development and Environmental Conservation

Source: APO – Report:

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President Dr. Patrick Herminie’s high-level working visit to Assomption Island on Monday 1st December, 2025, culminated in significant commitments to advancing sustainable development, strengthening environmental protections, and enhancing security measures on the island. The visit highlighted the government’s strategic approach to balancing infrastructure development with environmental preservation.

During the visit, the President announced the formation of a dedicated Commission of Inquiry, established on 28th November, 2025, to investigate potential breaches of biodiversity agreements and to reinforce asset tracking protocols. This initiative underscores the government’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding Assomption Island’s unique ecological heritage while pursuing responsible development.

A key outcome of the visit was the reaffirmation of plans to re-establish a military presence on Assomption early next year. Led by Major General Mr. Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Force, this move aims to enhance security and oversight, ensuring that development activities adhere to legal and environmental standards.

The visit included a comprehensive review of infrastructural upgrades, such as the ongoing hotel development project, jetty reconstruction, airstrip improvements, and the development of front- and back-of-house facilities. These initiatives aim to boost tourism and economic activity on the island while respecting environmental constraints.

Throughout the visit, the delegation engaged in substantive discussions with stakeholders, including representatives from Friends of Aldabra, who expressed support for development efforts but advocated for a cautious and environmentally sensitive scale of construction. The group toured key sites, including a nearly completed villa, major infrastructure facilities, the jetty, and planned development zones at the southern tip of the island.

The delegation was composed of several high-ranking officials, including Vice-President Mr. Sebastien Pillay, key government ministers, leaders from the Island Development Company (IDC), environmental representatives, security officials, and media personnel. Their collective presence underscores the government’s coordinated approach to managing Assomption’s development and environmental stewardship, ensuring that future growth benefits both the nation and its natural heritage.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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President Ramaphosa urges stronger economic integration, regional peace efforts

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for deeper economic integration and intensified regional peace efforts as South Africa and Mozambique opened the fourth Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Maputo on Wednesday, reaffirming a partnership built on struggle-era solidarity and sustained by expanding economic ties. 

Addressing Mozambican President Daniel Chapo, Ministers and senior officials at the State House, President Ramaphosa said the BNC remains a vital platform for elevating cooperation between the two countries at a time of rising global uncertainty and geopolitical instability. 

“This fourth session of the Bi-National Commission reaffirms the historic and fraternal bonds of solidarity between our nations and peoples, rooted in our shared struggle against colonialism and apartheid. The brave people of Mozambique paid a heavy price for their solidarity with us. For this, we remain eternally grateful,” the President said. 

With multilateralism under strain and violent conflicts escalating across the world, President Ramaphosa said South Africa and Mozambique must work together to defend international law, promote dialogue and tackle regional insecurity.

“Civil strife, conflict and war are robbing entire generations of the peace, stability and development that is their due,” he said, raising concern over the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the civil war in Sudan, and the political impasse in South Sudan. 

The President further stressed the need to redouble efforts to tackle the threat posed by terrorism and extremism. 

Economic cooperation takes centre stage 

President Ramaphosa highlighted Mozambique’s position as South Africa’s largest trading partner in the region and a key global export destination. He underscored the BNC’s central role in strengthening economic links.

“Mozambique is also host to more than 300 South African companies. We are keen to see more Mozambican investment in South Africa,” the President said. 

He added that stronger bilateral trade, investment and infrastructure development would yield shared benefits. 

He pointed to the Maputo Development Corridor as a prime example of successful cross-border cooperation, saying it had significantly improved the movement of goods and people, boosted tourism, and created multiplier effects across sectors.

The President placed particular emphasis on energy cooperation as a “central pillar” of the economic partnership. He stressed the importance of the Cahora Bassa hydroelectric scheme to South Africa’s grid and commended Mozambique for the Mphanda Nkuwa Hydropower project.

“We stand ready to explore partnership opportunities in this project,” the President said.

Later today, President Ramaphosa and President Chapo will inaugurate the new Sasol gas development facility in Inhambane – a project born out of the long-standing gas cooperation agreement signed in 2004.

“This facility represents another milestone in our joint efforts to expand the energy mix in both countries in a mutually beneficial manner,” President Ramaphosa said, adding that a new Memorandum on Energy Cooperation will be signed during the BNC.

He also highlighted opportunities in minerals such as graphite, iron ore and tantalum, supported by financing from South Africa’s development finance institutions, including the Development Bank of Southern Africa, Industrial Development Corporation and Export Credit Insurance Corporation.

Driving continental economic integration

President Ramaphosa said both countries must fully leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area to diversify markets, deepen intra-African trade and strengthen economic resilience.

“This BNC session should therefore focus on how we can expand all areas of cooperation, including accelerating people-to-people ties and cultural links. Our fortunes are intertwined, and our interests are mutually reinforcing,” he said. 

The President closed by expressing appreciation for the delegation’s warm reception in Maputo and reiterated South Africa’s commitment to working closely with Mozambique to secure a better future for both nations. – SAnews.gov.za 

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New Plant Improvement Act comes into effect

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

The Department of Agriculture has announced that the Plant Improvement Act, 2018 (Act 11 of 2018) and its accompanying regulations has officially come into effect on 1 December 2025.

President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the proclamation of the new Plant Improvement Act, following the approval of the regulations by Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen.

The Act replaces the Plant Improvement Act of 1976 (Act No. 53 of 1976). Both the proclamation of the Act and its regulations were published in Government Gazette No. 53707 on 21 November 2025.

Key provisions of the new Act

The updated legislation establishes systems for:
The registration of businesses relating to plants and propagating material intended for cultivation and sale.

  • The registration of premises on or from which that business is conducted.
  • Quality standards for plants and propagating material intended for cultivation and sale and conditions of sale of plants and propagating material.
  • National listing of plant varieties.
  • The evaluation of plant varieties in order to ensure value if there is doubt in respect of the value for cultivation and use of plant varieties intended for cultivation and sale.
  • Import and export control of plants and propagating material.
  • Certification schemes for plants and propagating material.

New additions not included in the 1976 Act

The 2018 Act introduces several new provisions, including:
The registration of businesses relating to plants and propagating material intended for cultivation and sale.

  • The cultivation of Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) varieties in South Africa in accordance with the revised definition which means “low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) plants or parts of plants of Cannabis sativa L. cultivated for agricultural or industrial purposes, of which the leaves and flowering heads do not contain more than 2% transdelta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol, and no longer 0 2% THC as per the definition under the old Act;
  • The publication of a National Varietal List Journal; and
  • The hearing of objections lodged with the Registrar in respect of an application for National the hearing of objections lodged with the Registrar in respect of an application for National Listing of a plant variety.

The Act also provides for the establishment of an advisory committee that may provide advice to the Registrar on any technical matters arising from the provisions of the Act and any other matter relating to the administration of the Act.

“The Plant Improvement Act provides a legal framework for the production and sale of good quality, true-to-type seed and vegetative propagating material which contributes to the overall productivity and sustainability of food production in the country,” the department said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Act and its regulations will be accessible on the Department of Agriculture’s website: https://www.nda.gov.za 

For technical enquiries, contact the Director: Plant Production, Joseph Mahlabe, or Ashika Kistnasamy, Registrar: Plant Improvement Act, in the Department of Agriculture on 012 319 6072 or e-mail JosephMa@nda.gov.za or AshikaK@nda.gov.za – SAnews.gov.za
 

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World Health Organization (WHO) supports Mauritius in developing its first National Infant and Young Child Feeding Policy

Source: APO


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Mauritius, with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), completed a three-day national consultative workshop from 17 to 19 November 2025 to develop its first comprehensive National Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Policy. The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Health and Wellness in collaboration with technical assistance from WHO AFRO, WHO Headquarters, and in-country partners. Infant and young child feeding is central to the survival, growth, and long-term wellbeing of children. 

Although Mauritius has strong programmes such as the National Action Plan on Breastfeeding (2022–2027) recent analyses have highlighted the absence of a unified national IYCF policy. This gap has led to:

•    Fragmented interventions across health, labour, education, and social sectors
•    Limited enforcement of breastfeeding protection and maternity entitlements
•    Insufficient guidance for supporting preterm and low-birth-weight infants
•    Variations in feeding counselling and community support
•    Lack of a structured response to IYCF during emergencies and disease outbreaks

Given Mauritius’ increasing number of preterm births and the need to strengthen early childhood development, a national policy is essential to provide one coherent, evidence-based framework that protects, promotes, and supports optimal feeding for all infants, including the most vulnerable.

Over three days, more than 40 participants including pediatricians, nurses, midwives, nutritionists, NGOs, worked collaboratively to produce key components of the upcoming IYCF Policy.

Key outcomes and results:

1. Evidence-informed gap identification
Participants reviewed national data, legal frameworks, and WHO/UNICEF global recommendations to identify priority gaps, including:
•    Insufficient maternity protection and workplace breastfeeding support
•    Partial implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes
•    Inconsistent counselling practices across facilities
•    Need for standardized guidance on complementary feeding
•    Limited community-based support systems
•    Gaps in managing IYCF during emergencies and climate-related shocks

2. Development of the policy vision and objectives
Stakeholders jointly drafted the vision, guiding principles, and policy objectives centred on:
•    Ensuring every child receives optimal feeding from birth
•    Strengthening health systems, community structures, and workplace protections
•    Supporting mothers and families with accurate, accessible information
•    Addressing the needs of preterm, low-birth-weight, and medically vulnerable infants

3. Policy strategic directions
Four strategic directions emerged from the workshop discussions:
1.    Strengthening governance and legal frameworks (including maternity protection and regulation of marketing practices)
2.    Enhancing service delivery in health facilities and communities
3.    Improving training and capacity-building for health workers
4.    Building multisectoral systems, aligning with labour, education, social protection, disaster management, and media
4. Drafting of the implementation roadmap (2025–2030)

Participants outlined key activities, responsible sectors, monitoring indicators, and timelines to ensure the policy is operational, measurable, and aligned with national priorities.

During her opening statement, Dr Anne Ancia, WHO Representative in Mauritius, emphasized that the development of a national IYCF policy represents “a decisive step in strengthening one of the most powerful interventions for newborn survival: optimal feeding practices, especially breastfeeding and Kangaroo Mother Care”.   She commended national commitment and reaffirmed WHO’s full support throughout the process of finalization and implementation.

Dr Tavisha Gunness, National Coordinator for Sexual and Reproductive Health, highlighted that multiple national dataset, policy documents, and laws were reviewed. She underscored that the draft IYCF elements were built through cross-sector collaboration and alignment with global standards.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness and WHO reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that every infant in Mauritius receives the best possible start in life through strong, coordinated, and evidence-based infant and young child feeding practices.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Mauritius.

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The number of the year: Kaspersky detected half a million malicious files daily in 2025

Source: APO

Kaspersky’s (www.Kaspersky.co.za) detection systems discovered an average of 500,000 malicious files per day in 2025, marking a 7% increase compared to the previous year. Certain types of threats saw growth globally – there was a 59% surge in password stealer detections, a 51% growth in spyware detections, and a 6% growth in backdoor detections compared to 2024.

These findings are part of the Kaspersky Security Bulletin (https://apo-opa.co/44CY5Zj) series where we review the key cybersecurity trends of the past year.

Windows remains the primary target for cyberattacks. 48% of users on Windows were targeted by different types of threats throughout 2025. For Mac users, this figure stands at 29%.

Web threats

Globally, 27% of users were attacked with web threats – these refer to malware that targets users when they are online. Web threats are not limited to online activity, but ultimately involve the Internet at some stage for inflicted harm. In Latin America, 26% of users were attacked by web threats in 2025, while this share reached 25% in Africa, 21% in Europe and 19% in the Middle East.

On-device threats

33% of users were attacked with on-device threats. These include malware that is spread via removable USB drives, CDs and DVDs, or that initially makes its way onto the computer in non-open form (for example, programs in complex installers, encrypted files, etc.). Africa headed the rating with 41% of users attacked with this type of threat; APAC reached 33%, Middle East – 32%, Latin America – 30%, and Europe 20%.

“The current cyberthreat landscape is defined by increasingly sophisticated attacks on organisations and individuals around the world. One of the most significant revelations made by Kaspersky this year was the resurgence of the Hacking Team after its 2019 rebranding, with its commercial spyware Dante used in the ForumTroll APT campaign, incorporating zero-day exploits in Chrome and Firefox browsers. Vulnerabilities remain the most popular way for attackers to get into corporate networks, followed by using stolen credentials – hence the rise in password stealers and spyware we see this year. Supply chain attacks are also common, including attacks on open-source software. This year the number of such attacks increased significantly, and we even saw the first widespread NPM worm Shai-Hulud,” comments Alexander Liskin, Head of Threat Research at Kaspersky. “This increasingly complex threat landscape makes implementing robust cybersecurity strategies vital for organisations, as failure to do so can lead to months of downtime in the event of attacks. Individual users should also always use reliable security solutions, otherwise they put not only their data and money at risk, but also those of the organisations where they work.”

Follow this link (https://apo-opa.co/44CY5Zj) to learn more about other KSB reports.

To stay protected, follow the recommendations below.

Individual users:

  • Do not download and install applications from untrusted sources.
  • Do not click on any links from unknown sources or suspicious online advertisements.
  • Always use two-factor authentication when available. Create strong and unique passwords, using a mix of lower-case and upper-case letters, numbers, and punctuation. Use a reliable password manager to help to remember them.
  • Always install updates when they become available; they contain fixes for critical security issues.
  • Ignore messages asking to disable security systems for office or cybersecurity software.
  • Use a robust security solution appropriate to your system type and devices, such as Kaspersky Premium (https://apo-opa.co/4pFVUMB).

Organisations:

  • Always keep software updated on all the devices you use to prevent attackers from infiltrating your network by exploiting vulnerabilities.
  • Do not expose remote desktop services (such as RDP) to public networks unless absolutely necessary and always use strong passwords for them.
  • Use advanced Kaspersky Next (https://apo-opa.co/4pQstI1) security products for comprehensive visibility across all company’s corporate infrastructure to rapidly hunt out, prioritise, investigate and neutralise complex threats and APT-like attacks.
  • Use the latest Threat Intelligence (https://apo-opa.co/3MdQvOI) information to stay aware of actual TTPs used by threat actors.
  • Back up corporate data regularly. Backups should be isolated from the network. Make sure you can quickly access the backups in an emergency if needed.

All statistics in this report come from Kaspersky Security Network (KSN). For 2025, the statistics cover the period from November 2024 through October 2025.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.

For further information please contact:
Nicole Allman
nicole@inkandco.co.za

Social Media:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4iwRZzo
X: https://apo-opa.co/4owAi4r
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/48pGVkt
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3XwhmI4
Blog: https://apo-opa.co/4apW9XJ

About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help nearly 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.

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Seychelles: German Ambassador pays courtesy call on Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora

Source: APO


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The Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr. Barry Faure received the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Mr. Sebastien Groth on Monday 01 December at Maison Queau de Quinssy.

Discussions were centred around cooperation between Seychelles and Germany. The two diplomats discussed matters of peace and security in the region, as well as the resurgence of piracy in the western Indian Ocean.

Ambassador Groth thanked the Seychelles government and local law enforcement agencies for the close and consistent collaboration they have experienced when working on cases pertaining to German tourists.

The elaboration of a Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement was also touched upon during the encounter whereby Ambassador Groth expressed interest in exploring the possibility of having such an agreement which would enable both countries to share information concerning legal matters.

The German Ambassador also expressed Germany’s willingness to assist with capacity building initiatives or knowledge exchange to help tackle drugs and its negative impact on local communities.

They also discussed tourism, highlighting Germany as one of the largest European markets for Seychelles. The recent addition of Discover Airlines to the growing list of carriers serving the destination was noted as a positive development.

Beyond tourism, the meeting addressed Germany’s continued support for Small Island Developing States, fisheries, and the operationalisation of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.

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SA, Mozambique strengthen regional cooperation for peace and prosperity

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa, in collaboration with Mozambique and other regional partners, has committed to enhancing efforts to promote regional integration and ensure peace and security in the region. 

This announcement was made by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola during the fourth South Africa-Mozambique Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Maputo on Tuesday.

The gathering was co-chaired by Lamola and Mozambique’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas. 

During his address, Lamola emphasised the importance of working together to address cross-border crime and other significant security issues affecting both countries.

“Without peace and stability, our efforts at regional integration and shared prosperity cannot succeed,” he said, calling for collective action from the African Union (AU), regional partners, and the international community to address this crisis.

He highlighted the humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the conflict in Sudan during the session. 

Lamola conveyed South Africa’s concern over the recent devastating attacks in El Fasher, Darfur, which resulted in loss of lives, including the lives of women and children. 

The discussions at the commission focused on a variety of regional security challenges, with a particular emphasis on the ongoing threats from terrorism and violent extremism in Cabo Delgado province. 

“We remain committed to working with you in support of lasting solutions to terrorism and violent extremism in Cabo Delgado province. As President [Cyril] Ramaphosa noted at the third session of the Bi-National Commission, this is a threat we face together.” 

In addition, Lamola emphasised the importance of the relationship between the two nations. 

“This fourth Bi-National Commission session reflects our desire to continue to strengthen cooperation and partnership between our nations.” 

He acknowledged the special bond shared, marked by friendship and a common heritage.

“In the words of Oliver Tambo: ‘It is no simple physical proximity that unites us. What unites us is the geography of shared goals and shared dreams,’” Lamola said.

The Minister also recognised the significant legacy of the late former Mozambican President Samora Machel, a great revolutionary and pan-Africanist, who stood firm with all those who fought for justice and peace.

“As we meet here in Maputo, we honour his memory and the sacrifices of countless Mozambicans and South Africans whose struggles laid the foundations for the democratic and mutually beneficial relations we enjoy today.” 

Building on this firm foundation, Lamola said South Africa and Mozambique’s shared task now is to ensure that their partnership improves the quality of life for their respective citizens. 

He believes that expanding cooperation in key sectors is vital, such as trade and investment, energy and mining, agriculture, infrastructure and transportation, as well as health, culture, and people-to-people ties.

“As we work together, we must ensure that the full scope of our relations is reflected in the progress we make and in the new opportunities we unlock in each of these sectors.

“It is encouraging to note that trade and investment levels between South Africa and Mozambique are high.” 

Mozambique is South Africa’s largest trading partner on the African continent. 

“We are committed to ensuring that Mozambique shares equally in the benefits of this trade, including through increased imports of Mozambican goods into South Africa,” Lamola said.

South Africa and Mozambique have intertwined economies and development, with numerous local companies operating in various sectors of Mozambique’s economy. 

These companies create employment opportunities, transfer skills, and generate revenue.

The meeting also served as a platform to reflect on South Africa’s recent Group of 20 (G20) Presidency, where African development priorities were at the forefront. 

Lamola touched on the key issues, including debt sustainability and a fairer global climate finance system, stressing the need for a continental approach. 

“We look forward to building on this agenda as a continental collective, speaking and acting with one voice.”

Lamola expressed appreciation for the gracious hospitality received in Mozambique. 

“The South African delegation once again appreciates the warm welcome and great hospitality extended to us.” 

The Minister invited all present to continue to nurture a regional order based on relations of equality among nations, trust and cooperation for mutual benefit. – SAnews.gov.za

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Petrol prices increase in December

Source: Government of South Africa

Motorists will have to fork out more for fuel this festive season as the price of all grades of petrol have gone up this December.

This as the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announced the adjustment of the fuel prices based on current local and international factors with effect from Wednesday, 03 December 2025.

Based on current local and international factors, the fuel prices for December 2025  have been adjusted as follows:
•    Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): 29 cents a litre increase.
•    Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP): 29 cents a litre increase.
•    Diesel (0.05% sulphur): 65.48  cents a litre increase.
•    Diesel (0.005% sulphur): 82.48 cents a litre  increase.
•    Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): 74.48 cents a litre increase.
•    SMNRP (Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin) for Illuminating Paraffin: 99 cents a litre increase.
•    Maximum LPGas Retail Price: 24 cents a litre increase and 9 cents per kilogram increase in the Western Cape.

The increase means that a litre of Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP) now costs R21.41 in Gauteng while a litre of Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP) in the coast now costs R 20.58

In a statement on Tuesday, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, said the average brent crude oil price decreased from 64.14 US Dollars (USD) to 63.54 USD during the period under review. 

“The main contributing factors are oversupply concerns due to increased production by OPEC+ and non-OPEC [Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries] producers amid slower global demand,” it said.

It added that the average international product prices of petrol were affected by lower inventories ahead of the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere due to planned and unplanned refinery outages which resulted in higher refinery margins. 

“These factors led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 28.97 cents a litre, 64.09 cents a litre and 72.04 cents a litre, respectively.”

In addition, the Rand appreciated on average, against the US Dollar (from R 17.29 to R17.23 per USD) during the period under review when compared to the previous one.

In line with the application of the Regulatory Accounting System (RAS), the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources approved a net increase of 3.6 cents a litre in the annual margin adjustments on petrol and a net increase of 5.48 cents a litre on diesel and illuminating paraffin wholesale prices, with effect from the 3rd of December 2025.

The Minister also approved the annual adjustment to the pricing elements of the maximum retail price of LPGas with effect from the 03 December 2025.

“The operating expenses and the working capital were adjusted by the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) for 2024 of 4.4% whilst the depreciation, primary transport cost and the gross margin were adjusted by the average Producer Price Index (PPI) for 2024 which was 3.1%.”

In November, the department announced decreases in the price of petrol, diesel, illuminating paraffin and LP Gas.
READ | Petrol and diesel to decrease from Wednesday

–SAnews.gov.za

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Recreational fishing dates for West Coast Rock Lobster season announced

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has announced the designated recreational fishing dates for the 2025/26 West Coast Rock Lobster season.

“These dates have been finalised following a thorough and science-based assessment to ensure that recreational opportunities are balanced with the long-term sustainability of our marine resources,” the Minister said on Wednesday.

The dates were announced as follows:

  • 20, 21, 27 and 28 December 2025.
  • 3, 4, 24, 25 and 31 January 2026.
  • 1 February 2026.
  • 21 and 22 March 2026.

The dates were determined taking into account the West Coast Rock Lobster breeding season; alignment with weekends, public holidays and the festive season, and the timing of the low tide periods to maximise safe and responsible harvesting opportunities.

Fishers are requested to fish responsibly and adhere to the regulations for recreational fishing. 

These include, but are not limited to, that fishing is prohibited on the days that are not included in the above list. 

Furthermore, fishers must hold a valid recreational permit, and follow the bag and size limits. 

These measures collectively support stock recovery trajectories and contribute to ensuring that utilisation remains within sustainable thresholds. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa positions Mozambique as SA’s top African economic partner

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his official dinner remarks in Maputo to underscore Mozambique’s growing significance as South Africa’s leading economic partner on the continent, saying the two nations are one people bound by history and now firmly focused on shared prosperity.

Speaking on the eve of the fourth South Africa-Mozambique Bi-National Commission (BNC), President Ramaphosa said the bilateral relationship – forged in the struggle against colonialism and apartheid – had evolved into one of South Africa’s most strategic economic partnerships.

“Today, Mozambique is South Africa’s largest trading partner on the African continent and the fourth in the world. We are committed to growing this partnership in a mutually beneficial manner,” the President said. 

His remarks set the tone for a two-day working visit centred on deepening cooperation in energy, infrastructure, transport, tourism, agriculture and mining — areas he said hold huge potential for expanded investment. 

The President arrived in Mozambique on Tuesday afternoon at the invitation of President Daniel Chapo, ahead of a full programme that includes bilateral talks, the official opening of the BNC, and a series of high-impact economic engagements.

President Ramaphosa said South African businesses continued to see Mozambique as a priority destination, with investments spanning numerous sectors. 

President Ramaphosa and President Chapo are expected to jointly launch the flagship Integrated Hydrocarbons Infrastructure Facility in Temane on Wednesday, a major partnership between Mozambique and Sasol expected to bolster regional energy security and industrial development. 

“We are also looking forward to attending the Business Forum in Vilankulo, in which many South African companies, State-owned enterprises and development finance institutions will participate,” President Ramaphosa said.

The BNC, first established in 2015, serves as the central mechanism guiding cooperation between the two neighbours. More than 70 agreements and memoranda of understanding have been signed over the years, covering areas such as agriculture, defence, border management, health, labour, customs administration and investment facilitation.

The fourth session will assess progress on commitments made during the previous BNC in 2022 and identify new opportunities for trade and investment. In 2024, Mozambique recorded R119.4 billion in goods and merchandise trade with South Africa, an increase from R114 billion the previous year. South African exports to Mozambique totalled R19.4 billion.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that the future of both countries remains intertwined.

“Ours is a special relationship… South Africans and Mozambicans are bound together by a common heritage, geographic proximity and familial ties. We are one people. Once more, my dear brother, I extend our gratitude for your gracious hospitality. We feel truly welcome,” he said to President Chapo. 

The President is accompanied by a high-level ministerial delegation, reflecting the breadth of cooperation under review. The delegation includes Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola; Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga; Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni;  Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille; Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy; Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Tolashe, and Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, among others. 

The BNC opening and joint press conference will take place at the State House in Maputo on Wednesday morning, followed by the Sasol project launch in Temane and an address to the South Africa-Mozambique Business Forum in Vilankulo later this evening. – SAnews.gov.za