Category: English

El-Alamein, Egypt -South Africa has called for stronger regional cooperation, increased investment and deeper industrial integration to build a competitive African automotive industry capable of creating jobs, expanding trade and strengthening the continent’s position in global markets.

Delivering an address at the Africa Automotive Investment Forum hosted by Afreximbank at the Rixos Hotel Alamein in Egypt, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau emphasised the importance of translating Africa’s automotive ambitions into practical investment projects, manufacturing capacity and sustainable economic opportunities.

The forum was held on the margins of the inaugural Alamein Africa Forum.

Headquartered in Egypt, Afreximbank is a multilateral financial institution established to facilitate, promote and expand both intra-African and extra-African trade.

In his address on Friday, the Minister highlighted the need for governments, financiers, vehicle manufacturers, suppliers and investors to work together to develop bankable projects, strengthen regional value chains and increase investment in automotive manufacturing.

He also stressed the importance of using the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand intra-African trade and support industrial development.

Africa has produced approximately 1.23 million vehicles overall, representing about 1.3% of global production. South Africa produced approximately 618,077 vehicles in 2025, while Morocco reported reaching one million vehicles in production in December 2025. Together, the two countries accounted for more than 91% of Africa’s vehicle production.

“Africa still accounts for a small share of global automotive production, but the continent has strong foundations to build on,” he said.

To expand the continent’s manufacturing capacity, the AfCFTA Automotive Fund, supported by Afreximbank’s US$1 billion facility for local content development, is expected to contribute to efforts to strengthen local production and supplier networks.

Longer-term continental ambitions include increasing Africa’s vehicle production to between four million and five million vehicles by 2035, including new energy vehicles and related components.

The AfCFTA Automotive Fund, supported by Afreximbank’s US$1 billion facility for local content development, gives practical expression to this ambition, while continental automotive work points to a longer-term objective of producing 4–5 million vehicles in Africa by 2035, including new energy vehicles and related components.

Automotive Pact

The Minister also spoke about the proposal for an Automotive Pact Between SACU (Southern African Customs Union) and Egypt – A SACU-Egypt Auto Pact.

“The concept of automotive pacts within Africa has been under consideration for some time, including the work undertaken by the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM).”

He further added that industry has long argued for Africa to build a viable and competitive automotive manufacturing sector. He added that leading automotive economies on the continent will need to cooperate in a more structured way through industrial and trade arrangements that promote complementarities rather than fragmentation.

Within SACU, this thinking has informed consideration of possible automotive pacts with key African partners, including Egypt and Algeria.

“The proposal for these Industrial Participation Agreements (IPAs) was presented to SACU structures as part of broader discussions on regional industrialisation, value chain development, and strategic responses to changes in the global trading environment.

SACU has noted the increasing importance of developing resilient African production systems in light of heightened protectionism, supply chain vulnerabilities, and the growing market access uncertainty in traditional markets.

“Against this backdrop, SACU sees value in exploring structured partnerships with major African economies such as Egypt to strengthen developmental integration and expand intra-African trade,” he explained.

A  SACU-Egypt Automotive Pact presents the following opportunities:
–    Support economies of scale in production and trade.
–    Encourage complementary production patterns rather than duplication of small-scale production of similar competing models in separate markets.
–    Increase intra-Africa trade in new vehicles and components.
–    Facilitate trade diversion towards African suppliers, where commercially viable.
–    Create a viable basis for supplier development and feeder industry growth.

The Minister added that through the South African Automotive Master Plan 2035, government and industry are working together to expand production, deepen local content, increase participation by black-owned and women-owned firms, strengthen supplier capability and use regional markets as a springboard for sustained industrial growth.

He said the country is also seeking investment across the full automotive value chain. This includes vehicle assembly for passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles, buses and trucks.

Investment
In addition, he said South African firms are ready to invest outward into African markets in assembly, components, dealerships, after-sales services, logistics, charging infrastructure, battery value chains, industrial park development and supplier partnerships. 

He further added that Egypt is a particularly important partner for several reasons. This is because it is one of the continent’s largest and most diversified economies, with substantial industrial capacity, a large domestic market, and a strong geographic position linking Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. 

Minister Tau is part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s delegation to the 8th African Union (AU) Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (MYCM) on Sunday.

READ | President Ramaphosa to lead SADC Participation at the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting

President Ramaphosa is set to lead the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) participation at the meeting.
–SAnews.gov.za

 

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The National Department of Traditional Affairs and the North West Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department recently embarked on an awareness campaign to reinforce lawful traditional practices under the Customary Initiation Act of 2021.

According to Section 26 (02) of the Customary Act, registering an initiation school is mandatory. It must also be done at least three months before the commencement of the initiation season.

The programme was coordinated in preparation for the 2026 Summer Initiation Season, which commences on 6 November and 10 December for non-schooling and school-going initiates, respectively, with all initiation pass-out activities set to be concluded on or before 08 January 2027.

The campaign drew together various stakeholders in Mahikeng, including government departments, initiation practitioners, caregivers, parents and prospective initiates as part of efforts to achieve zero deaths and zero illegal initiation schools while strengthening awareness and promoting public participation.

North West Provincial Initiation Coordination Committee (PICC) Deputy Chairperson, Andries Stemmer, highlighted key provisions of the Customary Initiation Act that guide how customary initiation schools ought to function. These include the legal and health requirements, reporting of non-compliance, and responsibilities of all role players.

“The law provides for standardised processes from the application for permits through the PICC (Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee), until the last phase when initiates return from the schools. This is done to deal with illegal and unregistered schools, and other unlawful activities that are key contributors to deaths, injuries and negligence in many instances,” Stemmer explained.

While applications are required by law to be signed by traditional authorities, Stemmer said registration is done through PICC structures only.
“This enables us to monitor the schools and ensure that all processes are above board.”

Mahikeng has been identified as one of the hotspots of illegal initiation school operations, with cases of lawlessness including the kidnapping of children, fronting, and gangsterism.

The engagement session resolved to ensure active citizenry and a shared responsibility amongst all role players to uphold safer customary practices.

Speaking on behalf of the Mahikeng Initiation School Committee, Mamelani Tshabalala advocated for increased community involvement, particularly when addressing challenges in schools.

Tshabalala said the committee has identified bullying tendencies among learners who have undergone initiation towards those who have not.

“We therefore make a call to parents to assist the Department of Education in instilling high-level discipline at home and to become involved in the affairs of their children. We cannot build a future generation of leaders on a baseline of lawlessness and violence,” Tshabalala said.

The National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders (NHTKL) Secretary, Abram Sithole, said local traditional leaders have a responsibility to ensure the preservation of culture and customs, placing much emphasis on intergenerational dialogue.

” Let us transfer indigenous knowledge through intergenerational engagements to share wisdom and ideas; this is how we can find each other. It is important to openly address critical issues such as gender-based violence and femicide and substance abuse that fuel problematic societal behaviour,” Sithole said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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President Ramaphosa will visit the Redlands Dairy Farm in Stutterheim, in the Eastern Cape on Thursday, 8 October 2026.

“The visit by the President will provide an opportunity for Government to review the operations of the Land Bank-supported agricultural enterprise,” the Presidency said in a statement.

Located in the Amahlathi Local Municipality, Amathole District, Redlands Dairy Farm is a black-owned and youth-owned commercial farming enterprise that has benefited from funding support through the Blended Finance Scheme (BFS), implemented by Land Bank in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture.

The visit will provide the President with first-hand exposure to the developmental impact of the BFS through engagement with the beneficiary farmer and an assessment of the farm’s contribution to inclusive agricultural development, job creation and rural economic growth.

“Through its collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Land Bank administers and manages a range of funding instruments aimed at supporting commercial and emerging farmers, including the Blended Finance Scheme, Agri-BEE Fund and Agro-Energy Fund.”

In the previous financial year, the Land Bank disbursed more than R1.7 billion in funding, including approximately R700 million through the Blended Finance Scheme, supporting commercial and emerging farmers.

The President’s programme will include engagements focused on the operations of Redlands Dairy Farm, the impact of Land Bank’s funding support, and the contribution of the agricultural enterprise to job creation, rural development and inclusive participation in the commercial agricultural sector. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Preliminary observations of the Promotion Mission undertaken by the African Union’s (AU) African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) has found that South Africa has a comprehensive framework for the protection of human rights.

This was revealed by ACHPR mission delegate and Commissioner Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Republic of South Africa and Chairperson of the Working Group on Extractive Industries, Environment and Human Rights Violations in Africa, Dr Solomon Ayele Dersso, during a media briefing held on Friday.

The delegation arrived in the country on Sunday, 27 September 2026 and ended the Promotion Mission on Friday, 2 October 2026.

“It is the finding that South Africa has a very robust and comprehensive framework for the protection of human and people’s rights in South Africa. [This is] not only the rights of South African citizens but also the rights of non-nationals are legally provided with protection (sic).

“It is with deep appreciation that we recognise, for example, the fact that South Africa has a robust protection regime for refugees and asylum seekers who come to South Africa in search of protection from persecution that they are running from.

“This is something that sets an example for others on the continent. Particularly in terms of the fact that South Africa doesn’t actually confine asylum seekers and refugees to a refugee camp somewhere outside of society. South Africa allows [them] to live in and as part of society. This is something we acknowledge with appreciation,” Dersso said at the briefing held in Pretoria.

Furthermore, the mission acknowledged South Africa’s “very robust” institutions.

“The independence of the judiciary, whose jurisprudence has enhanced the protection that is availed through the Constitution and other legislation that gives effect to the rights and freedoms in the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, including the protection of refugees and asylum seekers [and] including as it relates to certain social benefits like social grants, for example.

“We recognise…Chapter 9 institutions that give richness to the democratic and Constitutional strength of South Africa. We consider the [Commission for ] Gender Commission, the Human Rights Commission, the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights Commission as important aspects of the protection regime of South Africa.

“We also recognise the role the Public Protector plays in holding government officials accountable in terms of ethical standards, [and] abuse of power which directly affect the access of citizens to their rights including to the delivery of services,” he explained.

Dersso noted that the mission’s work was not only confined to South Africa’s treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.

“It also covered all the other areas of human rights. Whether that relates to indigenous peoples, the rights of women and girls, the rights of older persons, or human rights in the extractive industries or freedom of expression, access to information and rights in prison conditions.

“These are the wide range of rights. Of course, we have also covered economic, social and cultural rights which are critical for the majority of South Africans on account of the history of the country,” the Commissioner said.

Challenges
He added, however, that the mission observed “some issues” in South Africa, adding that the Commission appreciates the socio-economic context in which the challenges exist.

“These include the nearly 40% unemployment rate that affects so prominently the youth in particular. This creates social implications for social cohesion and also for the enjoyment of a life of dignity.
He also pointed to the poverty in the country.

“These conditions are a result of, in significant ways, the apartheid history of South Africa. This requires robust intervention from South Africa, including taking positive measures for removing the conditions that keep people from having access to equality, access to opportunities.

“Interventions need to be strengthened. These are not the kinds of things South Africa needs to relent on; it should actually persist in order to achieve equality and a better standard of living particularly for the historically marginalised population,” Dersso said.

He acknowledged that the country has “come a long way but [that] there is a long way yet to go”.
“Not just the incidents relating to foreign nationals but incidents…including gender-based violence and femicide. The incidents of crime and its impact on the lives, opportunities and economic conditions of people.

“These and recent incidents of mass killing highlight the gravity of what South Africans have to deal with in terms of their protection from violence.

“We…take note of the efforts that are being deployed. But…it is our appeal that there is a need for a more robust response to crime. Not just to individuals…but also to the system that makes crime possible,” the Commissioner said.

A full report of the mission’s observation is expected to be released soon. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The City of Johannesburg has launched the Pensioners Legacy and Relief Campaign aimed at helping senior citizens access property-rates relief while also supporting families to protect their homes and manage municipal affairs responsibly.

The campaign coincided with International Day of Older Persons (1 October), placing the needs of South Africa’s senior citizens firmly in focus.

“The initiative brings together two important areas of support: practical information on property-rates rebates available to qualifying pensioners, and guidance for families on keeping municipal records up to date and managing municipal accounts when a property owner passes away,” the City’s Group Finance Department noted in a statement.

In a bid to reduce the administrative burden on older citizens, the City has automatically extended its property-rates rebates for existing approved pensioner beneficiaries until the end of June next year.
“This means pensioners whose rebates have already been approved do not need to re-apply to retain their benefits for the remainder of the current General Valuation Roll cycle, subject to the applicable policy requirements. 

“During the 2025/26 financial year, the City provided approximately R329.8 million in property-rates rebates to 38 308 pensioner beneficiaries. 

“The automatic extension will help ensure continuity of this important support while reducing unnecessary paperwork and visits to City offices for existing approved beneficiaries,” the statement read.
The City also provides various other forms of relief for pensioners.

These can be applied as follows for qualifying pensioners aged 60 to 69:
–    Gross monthly household income below R13 519: a 100% rates rebate on qualifying properties valued up to R1.5 million.
–    Gross monthly household income between R13 519 and R23 172: a 50% rates rebate on qualifying properties valued up to R1.5 million.
–    Recipients of a qualifying social grant may also qualify for 100% relief, subject to the applicable policy requirements.

Meanwhile, qualifying pensioners aged 70 and older may receive a 100% rates rebate on properties valued up to R2 million, regardless of monthly income, subject to the applicable policy requirements. 

“Existing approved pensioner beneficiaries covered by the automatic extension do not need to submit new applications. 

“However, residents who have recently turned 60, have newly become eligible, or have never previously applied must submit an application for consideration. 

“Applicants must be the registered owners of the property and ordinarily reside at the property as their primary residence. The pensioner rebate applies to one qualifying property per applicant, in accordance with the City’s Rates Policy,” the statement explained.

New applicants are encouraged to avoid delays or rejections.

Applicants should ensure that: 
–    Gross monthly income is clearly stated on the application form. Supporting documents such as bank statements or South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) documentation do not replace the requirement to declare the income amount on the form. City officials cannot complete this declaration on behalf of an applicant. 
–    The application form is signed by the registered property owner. 
–    A certified copy of the applicant’s South African identity document is attached, with the certification not older than three months. 
–    Where a property is jointly owned, the required supporting income documentation and declarations for all relevant co-owners are provided. 
–    The municipal account complies with the applicable requirements relating to account status, payment arrangements or formally lodged billing disputes. 

For assistance with applications, use the following official City channels: 
–    Email: Request or submit pensioner rebate application forms via ratescomments@joburg.org.za 
–    In person: Visit a City of Johannesburg Customer Service Centre (CSC) for general municipal-account assistance. 
–    Online: Pensioner rebate information and application forms are available on the City of Johannesburg website under the Property Rates and Rebates section. 
–    Deceased estates: For guidance on deceased estate matters, families can visit the Legal Department, 1st Floor at Thuso House, 61 Jorissen Street, Braamfontein. 

Protecting a legacy
Director of Communications within the City’s Group Finance Department, Kgamanyane Maphologela, noted that the campaign also focuses on assisting families in understanding what happens to property when an account owner passes.

“A family home often represents decades of sacrifice and is an important part of the legacy parents leave to their children. But when a property owner passes away, uncertainty about the administrative and legal processes can create serious complications for families.

“The deceased estate must be administered through the appropriate legal process involving the Master of the High Court. The City does not determine inheritance or ownership, but our responsibility is to help families understand how the municipal account should be managed while the estate process is being finalised,” Maphologela said.

Families are encouraged to ensure that municipal bills are kept up to date in the event of a loved one passing to prevent mounting debt and complications when the property is transferred.

“Our message to senior citizens is simple: you have contributed to Johannesburg for many years, and we want to make it easier for you to access the municipal relief available to you.

“At the same time, we encourage families to have the necessary conversations and put their property affairs in order so that the family home remains an asset rather than becoming an administrative burden for the next generation,” Maphologela said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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