Category: English

Source: Government of South Africa

The upcoming African Union–AIP Water Investment Summit 2025 will serve as a critical platform to translate political commitment into concrete investment in Africa’s water and sanitation sector.

Held under the banner of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, the summit, which is set to take place in Cape Town from 13 – 15 August, aligns with the Presidency’s priorities of inclusive economic growth, poverty and hunger eradication, and climate sustainability.

The landmark event will bring together African Heads of State, including global investors, Ministers, private sector leaders, and development institutions in a unified call to close Africa’s $30 billion annual water investment gap.

The summit, which is jointly organised by the Republic of South Africa and the African Union Development Agency (NEPAD), the AU-AIP International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa aims to mobilise urgent investments in climate-resilient water and sanitation infrastructure projects, ensuring water security, economic growth, and sustainable development across the continent.

“The 2025 Summit will serve as the premier platform to translate political will into investment commitments. Anchored in the G20 theme of ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’, the summit seeks to demonstrate Africa’s leadership in climate and water resilience while attracting strategic capital flows from global markets,” the department of Water and Sanitation said in a statement.

Key objectives of the summit

By leveraging South Africa’s G20 Presidency, the summit will focus on increasing access to climate finance for water security and resilience; showcasing bankable water and sanitation projects to potential funders and investors; promoting policy and regulatory reforms for an enabling investment environment; and strengthening partnerships between governments, private sector, and development partners.

During the event, delegates will participate in high-level dialogues, engage in project matchmaking sessions, and contribute to a Declaration on Water Investments that will influence both continental and global development agendas-including preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference.

High-level participation confirmed summit panelists include President Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa), President Samia Hassan (Tanzania), William Rutto (Kenya), Hakainde Hichilema (Zambia), President Adama Barrow (Gambia).

Institutional leaders participating include Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, CEO: African Union Development Agency – NEPAD Nardos Bekele-Thomas, United Nations Development Programme Administrator Achim Steiner,  United Nations Childrens Fund Executive Director Catherine Russell, Global Center on Adaptation CEO Professor Dr Patrick Verkooijen, Global Water Partnership Chairperson Pablo Bereciartua, as well as  Global Water Partnership, AIP High Level Panel Secretariat CEO Alex Simalabwi. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, July 28, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

South African defence sector companies, which participated in the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) in Türkiye from 22 – 27 July 2025, will arrive in the country tomorrow with a bag full of quality trade leads.

The South African National Pavilion, which was set up by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) at the exhibition, provided a platform for exporters to showcase their innovative, proudly South African products and services, and actively explore opportunities to expand into new export markets, while strengthening their global footprint.

The Technical Manager of engineering company FimmTech, Kevin Mhlanga, said the show has been a great experience from both technical and business perspectives. 

“We managed to have engagements with our counterparts from Türkiye, Canada, China and the United Arab Emirates. 

“We shared ideas in terms of solutions in command and control, communication, computers, intelligence, surveillance reconnaissance (C4ISR) and we are looking forward to expand on the engagements we had. 

“We are committed to continue flying the South African flag higher and ensure that we build international relations through collaboration, sustainable partnerships and offer the international defence industry quality solutions,” he said.

The Managing Director of Kimona Holdings, Kim Bubu, said the support by the department afforded them an extraordinary opportunity to display their products for the first time on an international platform. 

Kimona is a 100% Black-owned manufacturer specialising in high-quality industrial protective clothing, corporate uniforms and employs 100 people.

Bubu said the show represented a significant achievement for the company. Furthermore, she said it demonstrated the impact of the dtic and the endeavours of the Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association of South Africa to support South African businesses, especially women, to access the global market. 

“The exposure and networking opportunity has not only strengthened our position in the defence and protective apparel manufacturing sectors, but has also opened doors to potential export markets, just to mention a few, Lebanon, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Mozambique, a distributor in the whole of the Middle Eastern countries and Switzerland. 

“In addition, there are more than 20 Turkish companies in the defence sector that are keen to collaborate with us. This will not only strengthen our capabilities but it will bring about growth and excellence, and enable us to step into the global platform swiftly,” Bubu said.

Managing Director of Unipro Protective Wear, Zama Ledidi, described her participation at the show as momentous. It afforded her an opportunity to make connections, and to witness the technology advancements that are used in to make bulletproof vests. 

“We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Turkish body armour manufacturer, which has a lot of clientele in Africa and looking to work with a South African company to service the market. 

“We are optimistic that there will be tangible results from the contacts we made during the show, which we will follow-up on. Our main goal is to maintain the jobs that we have and grow the economy,” she said.

According to the International Sales Manager for Zebra Protection, the manufacturers of a range of ballistic helmets, body armour, ballistic plates, demining and shields, Ana Warburg, their presence at the show was beneficial. 

“It provided an opportunity to meet new clients and showcase our products to see what is happening in the markets and the new trends, so that we can also improve on our innovations. 

“We met prospective clients and we look forward to share all the contacts and new things we learned with the team in South Africa, and follow-up on the prospects,” Warburg said.

IDEF 2025 is an internationally acclaimed event showcasing the latest technological advancements and products in the defence industry. 

This premier exhibition brings together leading figures in the defence sector, offering a significant platform for South Africa to demonstrate its defence capabilities and build strategic partnerships with key role players in Türkiye, as well as with participants from other high-growth markets across Eurasia, the Middle East and North Africa. 

The South African pavilion also hosted the Armaments Corporation of South Africa SOC Limited (Armscor), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Aerospace Maritime and Defence Export Council (AMD Export Council), Unipro Protective Wear, Zebra Protection, Kimona Holdings, FimmTech Engineering, Imperial Armour, QP Dronetech, SVI Engineering, Swatek Defence And Aerospace, Bullet Proofing Technology and Redeployable Camp System SA. – SAnews.gov.za 

Source: Government of South Africa

A total of 293 suspects were arrested across all five districts of the Northern Cape as part of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) ongoing anti-crime initiative, Operation Shanela 2.

The intensive, multi-disciplinary campaign – which ran from 21 July to 27 July 2025 – saw law enforcement conducting high-visibility vehicle patrols, roadblocks, and compliance inspections at liquor outlets, second-hand dealers, and various businesses. 

Police stopped and searched 3 088 vehicles and 6 868 individuals at vehicle checkpoints (VCPs) and roadblocks throughout the province.

According to a SAPS statement, 13 unlicensed liquor premises were closed following inspections for compliance with licensing conditions.

The arrests spanned a wide range of offences, including burglary, assault, drug possession, robbery, stock theft, malicious damage to property, and dealing in illegal liquor and narcotics. Police also recovered dangerous weapons, firearms, ammunition, counterfeit goods, alcohol, drugs, and cash during the operation.

Detectives successfully traced 29 wanted suspects, and inspections were carried out at formal and informal businesses, farms, scrapyards, and liquor establishments.

“Police executed numerous actions… in an ongoing effort to address serious and violent crimes plaguing communities in identified hotspots,” SAPS said.

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola praised all officers involved, as well as supporting departments, for their dedication and coordinated response.

“During Operation Shanela 2 and beyond, the SAPS will leave no one behind in its collective efforts to curb and eradicate crime.” – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The 4th group of Twenty (G20) Employment Working Group (EWG) Meeting will kick off today in George with discussions on a various labour market issues, culminating in the development of a declaration.

In a statement on Sunday, the department said the 4th G20 EWG meeting will focus on critical themes, including youth employment, gender equality in the world of work, social security and platform work, as well as addressing inequality and declining labour income share. 

The discussions come amidst transformations and global challenges driven by protectionism and anti-globalisation tendencies.

The two-day 4th G20 EWG meeting of technical experts will conclude with a two-day Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting (LEMM) from 30 – 31 July 2024. 

The theme of the G20 EWG stream is: “Living and Working in an Unequal World: Ensuring Decent Work and Decent Lives”. The EWG theme is aligned to South Africa’s G20 Presidency theme — “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.

“It is expected that the gathering will conclude with a LEMM declaration that will have been negotiated by technical experts. The declaration is also expected to build on the Brisbane (2025) to eThekwini Goal (2030) to address gender equality in the workforce,” the department said. 

Both the EWG and LEMM will bring together more than 150 local and international delegates, including Labour and Employment Ministers from G20 Member Countries, invited countries and international organisations.

“The G20 EWG’s mandate is to address labour, employment and social issues for strong, sustainable, balanced and job-rich growth for all,” the department said. 

Founded in 1999 in response to several world financial economic crises, the G20 is a forum for international economic cooperation to coordinate policy aimed at achieving global economic stability and sustainable growth, promote financial regulations, and create a new international financial architecture.

The G20 member countries are – Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, plus the European Union and the African Union. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has shortlisted candidates for various courts around the country.

The commission had called for nominations for persons to fill vacancies at the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, Land Court, Labour Court and various Divisions of the High Court.

“The Constitutional Court advertised two vacancies. Six candidates have applied but only five of them are eligible to be shortlisted. This means that if one of the candidates does not make the final list to be recommended to the President, there will be one candidate short to fill the two vacancies. 

“The JSC has therefore decided to re-advertise the two vacancies. The advert was published on 18 July 2025, with a closing date of 6 August 2025 for interviews to be conducted during the October 2025 sitting,” the JSC said in a statement.

Furthermore, the vacancy at the Land Court has been withdrawn “pending the finalisation of the new judicial establishment of the Land Court in terms of the Land Court Act 6 of 2023”.

The shortlisted candidates are:

The Supreme Court of Appeal (one vacancy):
•    Judge Gerald Hercules Bloem.
•    Judge Busisiwe Shareen Masipa.
•    Judge Pitso Ephraim Molitsoane.
•    Judge Thandi Victoria Norman.
•    Judge Bashier Vally.
•    Judge Leonie Windell.

Labour Court (three vacancies in Johannesburg):
•    Suzanna Harvey.

Eastern Cape Division of the High Court (Deputy Judge President):
•    Judge Buyiswa Majiki.
•    Judge Mandela Makaula.
•    Judge Bulelwa Myra Pakati.

Eastern Cape Division of the High Court (three vacancies in Makhanda and Mthatha):
•    Gaynor Appels.
•    Nolubabalo Cengani-Mbakaza.
•    Advocate Nicola Molony.
•    Professor Nomthandazo Patience Ntlama-Makhanya.
•    Aron Sipho Zono.

Free State Division of the High Court (one vacancy):
•    Advocate Denise Greyling-Coetzer.
•    Matodzi Brian Nemavhidi.

Gauteng Division of the High Court (eight vacancies):
•    Advocate Thembi Precious Bokako.
•    Advocate Lesibana Gemine Philemon Ledwaba.
•    Advocate Sarita Liebenberg.
•    Judge Daphney Mahosi.
•    Advocate Khashane La Mmapowana Manamela.
•    Nkosingiphile Goodness Ma-Myeni Mazibuko.
•    Advocate Keitumetse Johanna Mogale-Makinta SC.
•    Richard James Austin Moultrie.
•    Advocate Ettian Raubenheimer.
•    Advocate Karin Strydom.
•    Stephens Anthony Thobane.
•    Advocate Petrus Arnoldus Van Niekerk SC.
•    Livhuwani Betty Vuma.
•    Advocate Susan Melissa Wentzel.

KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court (five vacancies):
•    Malizo Samkelo Gwagwa.
•    Sanele David Hlatshwayo.
•    Advocate Ranjiv Rajkumar Nirghin.
•    Advocate Murray Breval Pitman.
•    Advocate Mpumelelo Prosper Sibisi.
•    Nomfundo Sipunzi.
•    Judge Namhla Thina Yvonne Siwendu.

Limpopo Division of the High Court, Polokwane (one vacancy):
•    Advocate Solomon Shami Teboho Kholong.
•    Karin Leanne Pillay.

Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, Middleburg (two vacancies):
•    Lerato Jane Nontando Bam.
•    Advocate Solomon Shami Teboho Kholong.
•    Advocate Daniel Desi Mogotsi.
•    Advocate Kganki Frans Phahlamohlaka.

The candidates will be interviewed from 6 to 17 October 2025.

Law bodies and any persons who wish to comment on the suitability or otherwise of a shortlisted candidate should address their comments to the Secretariat of the JSC at MSongca@judiciary.org.za and TPhaahlamohlaka@judiciary.org.za,  copied to: JSC@judiciary.org.za. 

“Comments in respect of each candidate must be submitted on a separate page in both pdf and word format and must reach the Secretariat by no later than 5 September 2025. Comments received after 5 September 2025 will not be considered,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Despite the global headwinds, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed confidence in South Africa’s auto industry noting that it is making the investments needed to build resilience, protect jobs and lead the way into a new era of green mobility. 

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, the President emphasised that protecting existing jobs in the automotive sector is paramount, particularly in the light of the looming US tariffs. 

“The need to diversify our export base has become all the greater. We are committed to working with the sector to expand its continental footprint, building on the already strong growth of exports to the SADC [Southern African Development Community] region and leveraging the trade relationships that exist,” he said.

The President highlighted that South Africa’s automotive manufacturing industry, with roots dating back over a century, remains one of the country’s most resilient and impactful sectors.

According to the President, the industry has not only cemented itself as the largest manufacturing sector in South Africa but continues to evolve and contribute significantly to the economy.

“Since the first assembly plants were established in the Eastern Cape in the 1920s, the auto industry has grown to become the largest manufacturing sector in the country. South Africa’s role in global vehicle manufacturing has expanded and grown,” he said. 

Major international auto brands, including Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, currently operate production plants in the country. These facilities serve both the domestic market and international export destinations, with exports making up around two-thirds of local vehicle production. 

“The sector currently supports more than 115,000 direct manufacturing jobs and more than 500,000 across the value chain. It contributes approximately 5.3% to GDP [Gross Domestic Product].”

Sustainability

However, he cautioned that the industry faces mounting pressures, including new emissions regulations in key markets such as the European Union and fresh tariffs from the United States.

“With exports currently accounting for approximately two-thirds of local vehicle production, it is critical that we strengthen the sector to not only overcome current headwinds, but to ensure its long-term sustainability,” the President said.

Last week, the President attended the launch of BMW’s new X3 plug-in hybrid at the company’s Rosslyn plant in Tshwane. South Africa is the exclusive global production site for this model. 

READ | President hails BMW’s local production of plug-in hybrid as milestone for green mobility

The President said the shift from internal combustion engines (ICE) towards hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) in a number of markets means that green mobility is becoming increasingly important for automotive manufacturers. 

He described BMW’s latest investment, which follows its pledge at the 2023 South Africa Investment Conference as “a welcome signal to investors that South Africa remains a favourable place to do business.” 

Government, he said, is actively working to ensure an enabling regulatory and policy environment that supports growth in the automotive sector. He pointed to the Automotive Production and Development Programme as a key mechanism to position South Africa “as a key global manufacturing base for vehicles of the future.”

Youth development

Beyond manufacturing, the President emphasised the sector’s contribution to youth development and skills training.

“BMW, for example, has a training academy that focuses on competencies like EV assembly and robotics. The company is also a founding partner of the Youth Employment Service (YES), which was established between Government and the private sector to create work experience opportunities for young people.

“BMW’s participation in this programme has supported more than 3,500 young people with training and work placements across all nine provinces.”

President Ramaphosa also encouraged other companies to follow BMW’s example and broaden their involvement in the YES programme. 

“We have invited more companies to participate in the Youth Employment Service programme as broadly as BMW has done. 
“We are working to ensure that more production takes place locally, creating more employment. To do this, we must upskill our workforce and facilitate the creation of new companies across the value chain,” he said. 

He also acknowledged the role of the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone’s Centre of Excellence, which includes an artisan training academy, incubation hub, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education initiatives for high school learners. 

“There are also a number of industry-driven training initiatives focusing on technical and artisanal skills, and deepening collaboration between Government departments, vocational colleges and companies to grow a new skills pipeline,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za