Category: English

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on member states of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) to transform the regional bloc from a traditional customs arrangement into a dynamic industrial hub capable of shielding the region from global economic shocks.

The President delivered the keynote address at the opening of the 9^th Summit of the SACU Heads of State and Government held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Friday.

He highlighted that as global uncertainties grow, no single African country can prosper in isolation.

“We gather today at a moment when the global economy is being reshaped before our eyes. Trade patterns are changing. New technologies are redrawing industrial competitiveness. Supply chains are being reconfigured. Around the world, nations are reorganising themselves for a far more uncertain future.

“It is at this moment when a re-imagined SACU Agenda matters,” President Ramaphosa said.

Despite an increasingly unstable global environment, countries within the SACU region are showing economic resilience, with overall economic growth within the bloc projected to reach some 2.64% in 2026 and 2.1% in 2027.

To sustain this momentum, President Ramaphosa noted that the 116-year-old institution – the oldest customs union in the world – must adapt to changing global dynamics.

“Our Union has the potential to be more than a fiscal instrument. It must be a catalyst for development.

“It is time to move away from the traditional role of SACU as a customs arrangement and towards being the premier platform for regional economic resilience and self-reliance. This is essential because institutions that fail to adapt to changing realities ultimately become custodians of the past rather than architects of the future.

“Commendable progress has been made in a number of areas. Our ambition must be nothing less than building Southern Africa into one of the world’s most competitive regional production hubs,” he said.

The President called for collaboration between countries to build a robust industrial ecosystem capable of competing globally.

Specific national competitive advantages that can be harnessed include:

• Eswatini’s manufacturing base;
• Lesotho’s textile sector;
• Namibia’s green hydrogen and uranium processing potential;
• Botswana’s diamond beneficiation experience, and
• South Africa’s automotive and steel capacity. 

“Industrialisation is the only durable path from commodity dependence to an economy capable of sustaining our growing populations.

“The next chapter in SACU’s history must be written not in customs schedules alone, but in factories that produce, laboratories that innovate, railways that connect our economies and young people whose talents are fully realised,” he insisted.

African endowment

President Ramaphosa noted that the African continent has about 30% of the world’s mineral reserves.

He said SACU must “leverage the growing global demand for critical minerals to support our own regional value chains and to fast-track the beneficiation of our raw materials”.

To clinch these opportunities, the region must continue to invest in infrastructure, including railways, roads, ports and energy grids.

“The Trans-Kalahari Railway, which Botswana and Namibia have been advancing, is precisely the kind of transformative infrastructure that the region needs.

“The Lesotho Highlands Water Project is a model of shared infrastructure that has served both Lesotho and South Africa for decades. Eswatini’s energy interconnections with South Africa and Mozambique demonstrate the same value.

“We are also launching cross-border special economic zones that will serve as nodal points for regional industrialisation,” President Ramaphosa said.

He emphasised that the continent possesses “everything the world needs for the next century of human development”.

“The question is whether we will be the architects of that development or merely suppliers of raw materials. This is the challenge we must address at this Summit.

“In the end, let history record that this generation of African leaders transformed the world’s oldest customs union into one of its most dynamic engines of regional development,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

3

By Prof Nicholas Crisp
Lenacapavir is a gamechanger in the field of global health, signifying a shift from HIV prevention that requires a daily routine to a long-acting and highly effective form of protection. Lenacapavir is expected to support government’s efforts to reduce and ultimately prevent new HIV infections in South Africa, advancing the country’s goal of achieving zero new HIV infections and ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

Figures from 2025 show that 8.15 million people in South Africa are living with HIV, accounting for approximately 12.9% of the total population. The most affected group is adults aged 15 to 49, and in this cohort, HIV prevalence is about 18.1%, and it remains worrying that young people aged 15 to 24, continue to face heightened vulnerability to HIV.

Recognising the need for further efforts to tackle this challenge, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in his 2026 State of the Nation Address that government is committed to strengthening the country’s HIV treatment programme through the rollout of Lenacapavir.

Lenacapavir is a revolutionary HIV prevention medication administered through an injection only twice a year. Less than four months after announcing government’s intention to introduce this groundbreaking innovation, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered on that commitment by officially launching the rollout of Lenacapavir in Secunda, Mpumalanga, on 5 June 2026. The launch marked a significant milestone in South Africa’s HIV response, bringing the country one step closer to expanding access to cutting-edge prevention tools and reducing new HIV infections.

This rollout represents important development in South Africa’s ongoing efforts in reducing new infections while improving the public health response to HIV and AIDS.

The first phase of Lenacapavir is being rolled out to approximately 360 public clinics and health facilities located in high-burdened districts across six of South Africa’s provinces. Government’s immediate target is to reach one million people by the end of 2027 and three million in three years.

The introduction of this long-acting HIV prevention medicine aligns with South Africa’s commitment to strengthening prevention as a key pillar of the national HIV response. While significant progress has been made in expanding access to antiretroviral treatment, reducing the number of new infections remains critical to achieving long-term epidemic control.

The availability of Lenacapavir provides an opportunity to reach individuals and communities who may face challenges in consistently accessing or using existing prevention methods. By offering protection through a twice-yearly injection, it has the potential to improve uptake and continuity of HIV prevention services, particularly among populations that remain disproportionately affected by new infections. This could contribute to reducing transmission rates, lowering the future burden on the healthcare system, and improving health outcomes across communities.

Furthermore, the introduction of Lenacapavir reinforces government’s broader public health objective of shifting from a predominantly treatment-focused approach towards a more balanced model that prioritises early intervention and long-term sustainability.

Every new HIV infection prevented reduces the need for lifelong treatment and associated healthcare costs, enabling resources to be directed towards other pressing health and development priorities. In this regard, Lenacapavir represents not only a medical breakthrough, but also a strategic policy tool that can help accelerate South Africa’s progress towards a healthier, more equitable and HIV-free future.

Although Lenacapavir is developed by the United States pharmaceutical company, Gilead Sciences, South Africa has applied for inclusion among the African countries to be granted the rights to manufacture the medicine.
This development will not only strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to HIV, but also position South Africa as an important contributor to expanding access to life-saving health innovations across the continent.

For South Africa, this moment carries profound significance. It stands as a testament to the remarkable progress the country has made since the darkest days of the HIV epidemic, when communities were devastated by the height of this illness and loss of loved ones. Over the years, the country has improved its response towards HIV and AIDS, such as through the roll-out of antiretroviral medicines and awareness campaigns driven to minimise the spread of the disease while working towards the goal to eliminate it.

The manufacturing of Lenacapavir builds on the decades of South Africa’s fight against this epidemic, representing a significant step forward in the country’s ongoing efforts to prevent new infections and improve public health outcomes.

Moreover, through the innovation of this medicine, the country is no longer only a recipient of medical innovation but is increasingly becoming a participant in shaping it. The opportunity that will be given if a company is found with adequate capacity to manufacture Lenacapavir reflects growing confidence in South Africa’s capabilities and offers renewed hope that future generations may live in a country where HIV is no longer a defining public health challenge.

It is a milestone that speaks not only to scientific advancement, but also to the resilience, determination and collective efforts of all those who have contributed to the fight against HIV over the past decades. It is now in our hands to prevent new HIV infections in South Africa. Protect yourself, protect your future!

*Crisp is the Acting Director-General for the National Department of Health, and the Deputy Director-General for National Health Insurance in the Department of Health. 

5

The Chairperson of the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) Board, Dr David Masondo, visited HyPlat in Cape Town on Wednesday as part of the corporation’s oversight programme to assess investments aimed at supporting South Africa’s long-term economic development.

HyPlat is a subsidiary of Bambili Energy, a South African hydrogen technology company in which the PIC acquired a 15% shareholding in October 2023 through investment mandates from the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).

The company manufactures membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), a key component used in hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysers.

Developed through South Africa’s Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) programme and run out of the University of Cape Town, HyPlat is the country’s first manufacturer and exporter of MEAs to European customers.

The PIC said its investment was intended to support Bambili Energy’s transition from research and development to commercialisation. The company has since completed a bankable feasibility study, positioning it to raise capital for a planned large-scale manufacturing facility.

Speaking during the visit, Masondo said the oversight programme allows the PIC Board to assess the impact of its investments.

“Investments such as Bambili Energy demonstrate how patient capital is driving industrialisation, adding value to our minerals, such as platinum, while enhancing energy security and supporting decarbonisation through hydrogen energy,” he said.

Bambili Energy operates across the hydrogen manufacturing value chain, producing membrane electrode assemblies, platinum-based catalysts and fuel cell systems.

The PIC said the investment supports South Africa’s objective of mineral beneficiation by converting locally sourced platinum group metals into higher-value manufactured products instead of exporting raw materials.

According to the completed feasibility study, the planned manufacturing facility is expected to create approximately 440 direct jobs during construction and around 1 200 direct jobs once it reaches full production.

The project is expected to develop specialised technical skills, expand exports of locally manufactured technology and strengthen South Africa’s position in global clean energy value chains.

The facility is planned to be located near research institutions, logistics infrastructure and South Africa’s platinum mining ecosystem to support localisation, industrialisation and export-led growth.

Bambili Energy has also partnered with the University of Pretoria to develop specialised fuel cell skills. The partnership has already produced 30 qualified fuel cell technicians, while the company’s training programme has received approval from the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).

The PIC said the oversight visit enabled its Board to review the company’s progress against the original investment case, assess commercial milestones achieved since the investment and engage management on future growth plans as the business moves towards full-scale manufacturing.

The visit forms part of the PIC Board’s broader oversight programme aimed at strengthening governance, accountability and transparency through direct engagement with companies in which it has invested.

The PIC manages approximately R3 trillion in assets on behalf of its clients and says it remains committed to investing responsibly while supporting sustainable economic development, industrial expansion and long-term value creation. – SAnews.gov.za

 

6

The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, held a national consultative meeting with participants in the Working on Fire (WOF) Programme to discuss concerns about working conditions.

The concerns raised by participants included the cost-of-living wage adjustment, the temporary nature of their employment, the quality of skills development in relation to their capabilities, occupational health and safety, among others.

WOF is an initiative of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment that trains men and women as veld and forest firefighters and stations them throughout South Africa.

The Deputy Minister committed to resolving matters, including Project Progress Compliance and Personal Protective Equipment requirements, the timely issuing of payslips, tax matters, follow-ups on Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act claims, and non-accredited training.

“The department values this programme immensely. The work undertaken by Working on Fire Programme participants is critical in protecting lives, property, infrastructure, and the environment from the devastating impact of wildfires,” she said.

Swarts said participants’ commitment to the Working on Fire Programme remains critical, as wildfires continue to pose an ongoing challenge exacerbated by climate change.

However, she reminded them that the Working on Fire Programme provides temporary employment and does not offer permanent jobs.

“This is why we place significant emphasis on training within the programme. The intention is that participants acquire valuable skills and qualifications that can assist them in securing employment or pursuing other opportunities once they exit the programme,” the Deputy Minister said.

She encouraged them to proactively explore exit opportunities provided by the government through various programmes that support youth entrepreneurship. –SAnews.gov.za

1

Government is intensifying efforts to build State capacity and strengthen infrastructure delivery by expanding South Africa’s pool of skilled artisans through strategic partnerships with tertiary institutions and industry.

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) is working to grow the country’s pipeline of professional artisans as part of a broader drive to improve the State’s ability to plan, build and maintain critical infrastructure.

Central to this effort is the department’s plan to rapidly roll out artisans by re-establishing departmental workshops across the country.

Speaking at the 4th Annual Construction Business and Project Management (CBPM) Conference in Cape Town, DPWI Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala said collaboration between government, academia and industry remains critical to achieving this goal.

He confirmed that the department will launch a new Centre of Excellence at the University of Cape Town.

Similar Centres of Excellence have already been established at the University of Johannesburg, the University of the Witwatersrand and Walter Sisulu University.

“The work that the institutions are doing is useful in ensuring that there is a coordinated approach and a seamless contribution to the body of knowledge which finds expression in practical implementation.

“We need greater collaboration between government, industry and other partners to accelerate delivery and scale of innovation,” Zikalala said.

The Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of coordination among stakeholders in addressing challenges related to infrastructure delivery, housing provision, procurement, sustainability and technological advancement.

He said that by fostering collaboration, driving innovation and promoting the exchange of insights, Centres of Excellence can play a transformative role in reshaping the built environment.

Zikalala also reminded delegates that government has set itself a target of developing 30 000 artisans per year, as announced by the President during the 2023 State of the Nation Address.

To support this target, the department has already launched the Artisan Development Programme, which focuses on developing critical construction trades including bricklaying, welding, carpentry, painting, mechanical, fitter and turner, electrical work, plumbing and boilermaking.

The programme is aimed at addressing South Africa’s skills shortage while ensuring the State has the technical expertise needed to deliver infrastructure projects efficiently and sustainably.

The Deputy Minister called on the private sector, academia and Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) to play a greater role in helping South Africa train enough artisans, noting that current throughput remains insufficient at only 15 000 graduates per year from technical colleges.

“Let us construct beyond buildings and roads, but hope, opportunity and lasting progress for generations to come,” Zikalala said. – SAnews.gov.za

1

Government is deepening its efforts to build State capacity and unlock development finance to drive industrialisation after securing access to a US$14 billion funding programme through Afreximbank.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that unlocks access to a massive US$14 billion Country Programme.

Dtic Minister Parks Tau recently concluded a working visit to Egypt where the agreement was signed, marking a significant milestone following South Africa’s decision in April this year to join Afreximbank as a full sovereign Class A shareholder.

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

The newly announced Country Programme will provide South African businesses, State-owned enterprises and financial institutions with access to trade and industrial finance, transformation funding, risk mitigation instruments and project finance.

The funding is also expected to support South African companies seeking to expand into continental markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Tau led a delegation of senior officials from the dtic and its entities to strategic engagements with Afreximbank representatives in Al Alamein, Egypt, led by the bank’s President, culminating in the signing of the MoU.

He said the partnership will strengthen South Africa’s ability to support exports, attract investment and advance economic transformation by improving access to critical funding.

“The proposed Country Programme is designed to support South Africa’s objectives linked to structural economic transformation, industrialisation, export development and regional economic integration.

“Under the proposed multi-year programme, Afreximbank will deploy a coordinated package of financing, risk mitigation, advisory and catalytic interventions targeting priority industrial sectors such as manufacturing, mineral beneficiation, energy and infrastructure, Special Economic Zones and industrial parks, as well as the development of intra-African trade and participation in the AfCFTA,” Tau said.

He emphasised that the programme represents far more than a financing package.

“It is a strategic trade and industrial partnership that will support South Africa’s key economic transformation goals, including positioning the country as a global leader in green hydrogen and critical minerals.

“It will also support efforts to redistribute economic power through inclusive industrialisation, strengthen African value chains and deepen AfCFTA integration, helping build lasting trade infrastructure across the continent,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

0

The Gauteng Department of e-Government has been allocated R1.9 billion for the 2026/27 financial year to advance the province’s digital transformation agenda and improve government service delivery.

The funding will be used to modernise information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, expand digital government services, strengthen cybersecurity, improve digital resilience, support ICT skills development, enhance e-waste management and establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Office.

As part of the programme, the department plans to build and connect 300 Gauteng Provincial Network (GPN) sites, extending broadband connectivity to schools, healthcare facilities, libraries and community centres, particularly in townships, informal settlements and hostels.

The department said it will continue developing the Gauteng Digital Platform as a single access point for government services while enhancing digital platforms including the e-Recruitment System and the Gauteng Matric App.

Implementation of the e-Indigent Register System has already been completed in Mogale City, Rand West City Local Municipality and Merafong City Local Municipality. Development in Midvaal, Lesedi and Emfuleni local municipalities is nearing completion.

The department now plans to expand the system to metropolitan municipalities, including the City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane and City of Ekurhuleni, following consultations and system gap analyses.

To encourage greater use of digital government services, the department will appoint 75 e-Ambassadors to help residents access online platforms and government services.

Technology will also continue to support the province’s e-Policing Programme.

According to the department, 960 CCTV cameras have been installed across Gauteng, while more than 184 000 e-Panic Buttons have been distributed to strengthen emergency response and improve community safety.

The budget also includes several initiatives aimed at developing digital skills.

The department plans to train 5 500 government officials, award 70 ICT bursaries, provide experiential learning opportunities for 100 young people, support 12 000 youth through the Action Lab Programme and assist 200 township-based ICT entrepreneurs with skills development, mentorship and innovation support.

Young innovators across Gauteng’s five regions will also participate in the Youth Tech Expo G13 Hackathon Series, where they will develop digital solutions to address challenges including crime, unemployment, education, healthcare and service delivery.

The department said it will continue implementing its e-waste management programme to promote the safe disposal, recycling and repurposing of electronic equipment in support of job creation and the green economy.

Cybersecurity and digital resilience remain key priorities, with ongoing efforts to strengthen governance frameworks, security systems and monitoring capabilities to protect government data and secure digital services.

The department said it will also establish an Artificial Intelligence Office to coordinate the adoption of AI across government.

The office is expected to support service delivery, modernise government operations, enhance public safety and expand access to digital services while promoting the ethical and secure use of artificial intelligence. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

0

South Africa, as Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), has called on member states to accelerate efforts to achieve gender equality, warning that less than five years remain to meet the targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Opening the Ordinary Meeting of SADC Ministers Responsible for Gender and Women’s Affairs on Friday, Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga urged Ministers to assess progress in implementing regional gender commitments while addressing the challenges that continue to hamper development.

Chikunga said SADC’s gender agenda – rooted in the 1997 SADC Declaration on Gender and Development and strengthened by the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development – provides clear obligations for member states to eliminate discrimination, combat gender-based violence (GBV) and ensure equal access to justice.

She called on Ministers to evaluate implementation of regional gender instruments and develop strategic interventions to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

Referring to decisions taken in Harare in 2025, Chikunga urged member states to mobilise resources to implement the Revised Strategy on Gender-Based Violence and the Framework for Achieving Gender Parity in Political and Decision-Making Positions, saying the region was “not faring well” in these areas.

Governments should strengthen accountability, provide adequate funding for gender equality initiatives, remove structural barriers preventing women and girls from accessing justice, and bridge the gap between policy and the lived experiences of women and girls.

Chikunga said gender equality was fundamental to development, saying stronger protection of women’s rights improves food security, health outcomes and broader economic development.

She identified three priorities for the region: protecting the full enjoyment of women’s human rights, increasing women’s representation at all levels of decision-making, and ensuring sufficient financing for gender-responsive programmes.

Calling for greater representation of women in politics, corporate leadership, trade negotiations and peace processes, Chikunga encouraged governments to adopt quotas and special measures to improve gender parity.

She also stressed the importance of gender-responsive budgeting and recognising unpaid care work within social protection and economic planning.

Women’s economic empowerment should be central to development planning because of its potential to drive inclusive growth, job creation and sustainable development across SADC.

Highlighting South Africa’s role as SADC Chair, she outlined the region’s participation in international gender platforms, including the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), where SADC reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender equality, strengthening access to justice and eliminating discriminatory laws and practices.

She also highlighted SADC’s sponsorship of Resolution 68/1 on Women, the Girl Child and HIV and AIDS, saying it seeks to eliminate gender inequalities, address gender-based violence and strengthen efforts to reduce HIV infections among women and girls. – SAnews.gov.za

2

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on Chinese medical device and healthcare technology manufacturer Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics to consider expanding its footprint in South Africa through manufacturing, assembly and localisation opportunities.

“We would also welcome discussions around expanding local operations, developing regional service and training centres, and exploring opportunities for medical technology manufacturing, assembly and localisation in South Africa,” Mashatile said on Thursday.

Mashatile made these remarks on Thursday during his Working Visit to the People’s Republic of China, where he undertook a guided tour of Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics. 

The company showcased a range of cutting-edge technologies and Artificial intelligence (AI) solutions deployed in primary healthcare services.

The engagement formed part of efforts to deepen cooperation between South Africa and China in strategic sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, digital technologies, skills development and innovation.

“Through this visit, we are seeking to deepen cooperation in strategic sectors that are critical to South Africa’s growth and development objectives, including manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, digital technologies, healthcare, skills development and innovation.

“Our objective is not merely to attract investment, but to establish long-term partnerships that contribute to industrialisation, technology transfer, localisation, skills development and sustainable job creation,” Mashatile said.

He emphasised that his visit reflects the importance that South Africa attaches to its strategic partnership with China and shared commitment to strengthening trade, investment, industrial cooperation and people-to-people relations.

China remains South Africa’s largest trading partner and one of its most important sources of investment, technology and industrial collaboration. 

“As South Africa continues to strengthen its position as a gateway to the African continent, we believe there are significant opportunities for Mindray to utilise South Africa as a strategic base for serving healthcare markets across Africa.

“Through the African Continental Free Trade Area, companies investing in South Africa have access to one of the world’s fastest-growing markets, creating opportunities for regional expansion and long-term growth,” Mashatile said.

He encouraged Mindray to participate in South Africa’s Investment Conference and explore the extensive opportunities available through the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The Deputy President added that the company can work closely with InvestSA and utilise the One Stop Shop facility, which supports investors with the administrative processes involved in establishing a business in the country.

The One Stop Shop serves as a focal point of contact in government for all investors to coordinate and facilitate the relevant government departments involved in regulatory matters, registration, permits and licensing.

“We look forward to deepening our partnership with Mindray and working together to improve healthcare outcomes, drive innovation and create lasting value for both our countries.

“Mindray’s proposal to support digital health transformation and healthcare skills development aligns strongly with South Africa’s priorities.

“We are particularly interested in exploring opportunities to establish centres of excellence, training facilities and partnerships with South African universities, hospitals and research institutions to strengthen healthcare capabilities and promote knowledge exchange,” Mashatile said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

7