Category: English

Source: Government of South Africa

The State Visit to South Africa by Austria President Alexander van der Bellen and his delegation presents an opportunity for the two countries to deepen trade and investment relations.

This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who welcomed the delegation at the Union Buildings on Friday morning.

In his opening remarks, President Ramaphosa described the visit as a “new chapter in relations”.

“Through the bilateral consultations we have maintained cordial relations rooted in mutual respect, shared values and a common commitment to multilateralism. We are also committed to deepening investment and trade between our two countries.

“South Africa is Austria’s largest economic and trade partner in Africa. Our country accounts for almost a third of Austria’s total exports to the continent. There are more than 70 Austrian companies with subsidiaries or agencies in South Africa across a range of sectors.

“There is significant potential to deepen investment and trade links in areas such as the green economy, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure development and tourism,” President Ramaphosa said.

He highlighted the two countries’ commitment to a transition towards low carbon climate economies – noting the European country’s move towards green hydrogen which South Africa is also pursuing.

“As South Africa strives to achieve energy security through investment in renewable and clean energy, we look forward to expanding our cooperation with Austria.

“We noted with interest the launch of Austria’s first green hydrogen production facility in 2023. We are eager to share our Green Hydrogen Economy Strategy and explore avenues for cooperation,” he said.

The global environment

President Ramaphosa noted that the state visit takes place at a time of “heightened global insecurity, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, the climate emergency and conflicts in many parts of the world”.

“These events reinforce the need for multilateralism to remain at the centre of world affairs. They further underscore the need for the urgent reform of the institutions of global governance, including the United Nations Security Council.

“South Africa and Austria share a common commitment to a world free of conflict and war, where sustainable development is a reality for all,” he said.

The President reflected on South Africa’s presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’.

“It reflects our commitment to advancing the African Agenda, multilateral cooperation and the interests of all countries and peoples.

“Austria is a valued partner of South Africa and we look forward to taking this partnership to even greater heights,” President Ramaphosa concluded.

The state visit will culminate in the South Africa-Austria Business Forum to be held later on Fridaya. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Police Service says it will be undertaking assessments to determine the effectiveness of established Community Safety Forums (CSFs) and Community Policing Forums (CPFs).

The police will also provide training workshops which will be conducted in selected high crime rate areas to equip CPF members to support policing and crime prevention efforts.

This is according to Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale who was speaking during the Budget Vote debate on Friday.

Community Policing Forums were set up to involve all local stakeholders and key organisations in local policing. They meet regularly with the officers in charge of the local police station and discuss problems and solutions to crime in their area.

Providing an update on the work of the Ministry, the Deputy Minister said the Civilian Secretariat for Police (CSPS) developed the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy (ICVPS), which was approved by Cabinet and “remains one of the apex strategic interventions to reduce violence and crime in a holistic approach in all spheres of government”.

The CSPS has developed the National Policing Policy (NPP), which was approved by Cabinet on 14 May 2025 to address challenges such as inadequate police stations, capacity issues and ensure that infrastructure is based on proper norms and standards.  

The NPP also makes provisions for creating professional and quality policing; providing efficient and effective policing service delivery; improving legitimacy and trust between communities and the police; building a strong and ethical leadership, management and governance architecture within the SAPS.

“Honourable members, this is a significant policy shift in the South African Policing landscape.

“CSPS will also focus on the finalisation of the Policy on Familial DNA Searches (FDS), which gives effect to Section 15M of the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act 37 of 2013. The FDS is a forensic technique employed by law enforcement agencies to identify genetic relatedness among DNA profiles in forensic databases.

“In addition, the CSPS will enhance the monitoring of the Forensic Science Laboratories with a view of ensuring that processing of exhibits is done timeously and challenges are identified on time and resolved efficiently. The effective laboratory services contribute to the quick resolutions of court cases, thus ensuring that victims of crime receive justice,” said Mathale.

As a legislative and policy wing of the Ministry of Police, the CSPS will introduce two Bills in Parliament in 2025/26 financial year. These are the South African Police Amendment Bill and the Firearms Control Amendment Bill.

Mathale said the Ministry of Police has entered into partnerships with critical stakeholders to enhance police performance through cooperation agreements with provinces and municipalities – aimed at sharing a vision for safety and security within cities and communities.

“Various initiatives, programmes and strategies through these agreements will be implemented in the medium term. To date, four provinces and their respective metros have signed the aforesaid cooperation agreements namely; Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape.”

In an effort to contribute to the effective implementation of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), the CSPS will continue to conduct the following initiatives:

–    Monitoring of SAPS compliance to and implementation of the Domestic Violence Act;
–    Oversight visits over the top 30 police stations with high levels of GBV related crimes (nationally);
–    Court watching briefs to identify systemic issues that lead to the withdrawal of GBVF related cases – with particular focus on police responsibilities; and
–    Awareness campaigns involving community and faith-based organisations, institutions of higher learning and other government departments.

“In order to deliver effectively on the mandate of the CSPS, the department is allocated a total budget of R172 245 million for the 2025/26 financial year. This is an increase of R16.281 million from the adjusted budget of R155.964 million for 2024/25 financial year and includes an inflation adjustment and R9.187 additional funding for Compensation of Employees.

“This increase is for the filling of the two posts of Deputy Directors-General and their support staff as well as the cost of living adjustment for 2025/26. The micro organisational structure is being reviewed in order to increase capacity in line with the departmental strategy and mandates,” said the Deputy Minister. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, July 4, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, July 4, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister Leon Schreiber has outlined the key achievements recorded in the Department of Home Affairs at Thursday’s Budget Vote presentation.

“It has been a year of remarkable progress for the Home Affairs ecosystem. I am here to confidently report to the House that the progress we have made over the last 12 months, by working as one team with one dream, has exceeded the expectations of cynics and optimists alike,” Schreiber said.

The department has cleared a backlog of over 306 000 visa applications dating back more than a decade.

“We produced and delivered just under 3.6 million Smart IDs, surpassing the previous annual record by nearly half a million. 

“We deployed advanced drone and body camera technology at the border for the first time, leading to an increase of up to 215% in the detection and prevention of attempted illegal border crossings.

“We launched Operation New Broom as part of intensified operations to restore the rule of law, leading to over 46 000 deportations — the highest figure in more than five years and more than countries like France and Germany combined,” the Minister said.

Schreiber said the department launched the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme to boost tourism from the major source markets of China and India where South Africa has underperformed for years.

“We enabled over 1.4 million naturalised citizens and permanent residents to obtain secure Smart IDs for the first time. We activated the Immigration Advisory Board for the first time in a decade by appointing a diverse group of seasoned experts to help shape better policies,” Schreiber said.

Schreiber said the department dismissed 37 crooked officials and launched the dedicated Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum that brings together law enforcement, the Special Investigating Unit, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations and the National Prosecuting Authority to ensure corrupt officials and fraudsters are put behind bars.  

“Our anti-corruption work has led to the conviction of eight offenders, with sentences ranging from four to 18 years in prison.

“We built a working prototype of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system that will digitalise the visa processes from beginning to end, eliminating corruption and inefficiency,” the Minister said.

Schreiber said the reforms that his department will deliver in the next 12 months will begin to redefine the quality of services that South Africans expect from their government.

“The endpoint of these reforms is to enable both South Africans and legitimate visitors to apply and obtain enabling documents online, including in digital format, from the comfort of their own homes,” Schreiber said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa’s port landlord, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), has berthed one of the largest container vessels in the world, MSC Nicola Mastro, on her maiden voyage at its deepwater Port of Ngqura in the Eastern Cape this morning. 

With capacity of 24 116 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit), 299 metres in width and 61 metres in beam, the historical berthing of this vessel demonstrates TNPA’s marine capabilities and fit-for-purpose port infrastructure designed to accommodate new-generation vessels. 

This achievement solidifies TNPA’s status as a significant player in the global maritime industry.

The successful berthing of MSC Nicola Mastro was made possible by a four-tug operation. These tugboats (tugs) have a bollard-pull of 60 to 70 tonnes, fully capable to handle larger vessels efficiently. 

This special operation necessitated the ports authority to increase the number of tugs required for safe navigation in the port, from the standard two-tug operation to four. Tugboats are critical marine assets that enable the safe manoeuvring of vessels during pilotage operations. 

“The arrival of this vessel on our shores brings to the fore the critical role SA ports should uphold in responding to the needs of the current global trade ecosystem. Our ability to dock one of the world’s largest container ships has the potential to transform shipping patterns. It positions the Port of Ngqura as the key container transhipment hub, within the global and Saharan Africa markets,” said Acting TNPA Chief Executive, Phyllis Difeto.

The Port of Ngqura features depths ranging from 16 -18 meters and boasts deepwater berths, making it a major attraction for container traffic and transhipment opportunities.

Nicola Mastro surpasses the size of previous vessels that have docked at the Port of Ngqura, which were limited to 366 meters in length. Her on-time berthing was skilfully managed by a marine crew of approximately 24 members, led by Marine Pilot Olwethu Mtsewu-Sisilana, alongside the marine crew in tug services, pilotage and berthing. Mtsewu-Sisilana is one of TNPA’s Marine Pilots with an open licence, allowing her to handle any size of vessel docking and sailing at the port. 

Originally from Qanda village of eXesi in the rural Eastern Cape, Mtsewu-Sisilana began her maritime career in 2008 through a Transnet bursary and has recorded a major milestone in her career through this docking. 

TNPA is gearing towards receiving more vessel call-ins of this calibre. The vessel is scheduled to depart on 5 July 2025, following the completion of the cargo operation at the container terminal.

TNPA is responsible for the safe, effective and efficient economic functioning of the national ports system, which it manages in a landlord capacity. 

It provides port infrastructure and marine services at the eight commercial seaports in South Africa — Richards Bay, Durban, Saldanha, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Mossel Bay and Ngqura. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Tourism Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu has engaged with communities in the Northern Cape on the G20 Tourism Priorities and their potential to advance tourism growth and sustainability.

The Tourism G20 Community Outreach in the Northern Cape was the first in a number of planned events that will bring the G20 agenda closer to tourism communities in the country. 

In the quest for global sustainable development, the Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of balancing the need for economic growth with social inclusion to meet present and future needs.

“Bringing the G20 agenda closer to our communities is critical to enable us to chart a path for inclusive global sustainable development. The G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) has been hard at work, meeting with senior officials, authorities and experts to recommend decisions in line with the agenda and priorities identified by the G20 Presidency,” Sotyu said.

These recommendations will play a critical part in the overall goal of addressing the global socioeconomic challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

“It is therefore imperative that we engage the communities we serve to align our proposed recommendations with their present and future needs,” Sotyu said.

The Northern Cape province is South Africa’s largest province and the most sparsely populated. Renowned for its red dunes and black-maned lions, the province is a popular tourism destination, and a haven for nature and adventure enthusiasts who enjoy exploring its diverse attractions within its national parks. 

The province’s rich Khoi-San heritage is evident in ancient rock art sites scattered across the region. Its natural wonders, historical landmarks or the warm hospitality of its people makes the Northern Cape a must-see destination for all visitors.

The Tourism G20 Community Outreach was held in partnership with the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism. 

The community engagement featured presentations on skills and empowerment programmes and tourism incentive initiatives from the Department of Tourism. 

Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) from the local communities were afforded an opportunity to showcase and sell their crafts and products at the event.

The communities in the Northern Cape were introduced to the four G20 Tourism Priorities that will inform the 2025 G20 Action Plan on Tourism Development, namely:

• A People-Centered Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Innovation to enhance Travel and Tourism Start-Ups and SMMEs;

• Tourism Financing and Investment to Enhance Equality and Promote Sustainable Development;

• Air Connectivity for Seamless Travel, and

• Enhanced Resilience for Inclusive, Sustainable Tourism Development.

The G20 Tourism Priorities facilitated robust discussion with the community on the need for greater consultation and collaboration between government and communities. 

Frequent and continuous engagement will serve to better align the socio-economic needs of tourism communities to domestic and international developmental policies.

Echoing the community’s sentiments, Sotyu affirmed government’s national development plans that reinforce increased partnerships with communities to build sustainable societies. 

“Frequent and continuous engagement with our communities will enable us to work towards a people-centred, progressive, and solution-driven policies that find solutions to our domestic and global challenges, whilst accelerating global cooperation and multilateralism.

“The G20 provides a significant opportunity for our provinces, cities and communities to work together to promote our culture, heritage, tourism and industrial and commercial advances.

“I also encourage our communities to actively participate in the empowerment programmes that are offered by the three spheres of our government and help us build a nation that works for all,” Sotyu said. – SAnews.gov.za