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KZN Premier calls for thorough investigation into Imbali scholar transport tragedies

Source: Government of South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has called for a thorough investigation into two scholar transport accidents in Pietermaritzburg’s Imbali Township last week.

On Thursday, a minibus taxi lost control and crashed into Senzokuhle Crèche and Pre-School in Imbali Unit 18, claiming the lives of five children aged between nine and eleven, and leaving several others injured.

On Friday, another scholar transport vehicle was involved in a crash along the same road. All children survived the second incident.

Ntuli has called for an urgent investigation into both accidents to establish their root causes and ensure accountability.

“We need to understand fully what went wrong. Only then can we implement decisive measures to prevent similar tragedies. No family should endure the pain of burying a child because of preventable mistakes on our roads,” Ntuli said.

He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, classmates, educators, and the entire community of Imbali.

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy that has robbed our province of young lives who had bright futures ahead of them. We mourn with you and stand in solidarity during this time of deep sorrow,” Ntuli said.

Ntuli said the incidents underscored the urgent need for vigilance and safety on the roads.

“Government cannot remain passive in the face of repeated tragedies — we must respond with decisive action,” he said.

Ntuli has directed law enforcement and traffic officers to intensify visibility and conduct multidisciplinary roadblocks across KwaZulu-Natal.

“Traffic authorities must be more present and proactive, especially in areas where public transport is heavily used by learners and workers. Roadworthiness checks, driver compliance, and strict enforcement must become part of our daily operations,” he instructed.

Ntuli further urged commuters and communities to take shared responsibility for road safety by reporting reckless driving, speeding, and overloading.

“Do not remain silent until it is too late. Together, we can build a culture of responsibility and safety on our roads. Saving lives requires a united effort — government will do its part through enforcement and awareness, but communities must remain vigilant. If we act together, we will reduce these tragedies,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Work towards fiscal sustainability continues 

Source: Government of South Africa

As part of ongoing efforts to achieve fiscal sustainability, government is implementing reforms that will unlock economic growth and is roping in the private sector to invest in infrastructure development, says the Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr David Masondo.

“South Africa’s fiscal path is not without challenges. But we are taking deliberate steps, restoring expenditure discipline, stabilising debt, advancing structural reforms, and strengthening institutions,” the Deputy Minister said on Monday.

Addressing investors, policymakers, and thought leaders at the RMB Morgan Stanley 2025 Investor Conference, Masondo emphasised that government is serious about fiscal sustainability.

Fiscal sustainability is about how government manages expenditure, taxation, and debt in a way that allows it to meet current and future obligations without creating long-term instability.

“The task is to balance caution with opportunity, ensuring that we honour our obligations while creating the space for growth and investment. Together, government and financial markets can help place South Africa’s economy on a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable footing,” he said.

Metro Trading Services Reform

Through Operation Vulindlela Phase II, a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury, government is implementing structural reforms at local government to improve service delivery.

“Our metros are the engines of the economy, hosting the bulk of our population, businesses, and jobs. Yet years of underinvestment, weak management, and service unreliability in electricity, water, sanitation, and waste services have constrained growth.

“The Metro Trading Services Reform is our response. It aims to create financially ring-fenced, professionally managed utilities within metros, restoring credibility and sustainability to essential services,” the Deputy Minister said.

The initiative offers access to a new R54 billion performance-linked incentive grant that will be strictly conditional on council-approved turnaround plans and adherence to clear accountability standards.
“This is not money for promises, it is money for performance. Only metros that demonstrate measurable improvements in service delivery, financial performance, and governance will qualify. 

“The intention is to crowd in investment. For every rand of incentive funding, metros are expected to leverage at least another rand, mobilising an additional R108 billion into infrastructure,” the Deputy Minister said.

Masondo said the impact of the Metro Trading Services Reform will be significant as reliable trading services will strengthen municipal finances, attract investment, and boost urban growth. 

“For financial institutions and investors, this reform creates a new opportunity. Lower risk, greater transparency, and stronger governance will open the door for financing water, sanitation, energy, and waste infrastructure, projects that improve lives and generate sustainable returns.

“My message is simple: we invite you to partner with us in this reform. Support our metros, finance the infrastructure that will keep our cities running, and share in the long-term benefits of a stronger urban economy,” he said.

Debt burden 

For the past three years, South Africa has maintained a primary budget surplus, which is revenue exceeding non-interest spending. 

“This outcome is critical because it reduces the debt burden and lowers debt-service costs, which in turn lowers the sovereign risk premium. As debt-service costs decline, savings can be directed towards fiscal buffers and productive infrastructure, reducing the cost of doing business and supporting growth,” the Deputy Minister said.

South Africa’s gross borrowing requirement is projected to decline to R434 billion in 2026/27 before increasing to R588 billion in 2027/28. 

“Over the medium term, we expect to raise US$14.6 billion to meet foreign exchange commitments. We will continue to use a balanced mix of domestic and foreign borrowing, with predictability and confidence as guiding principles. While fixed-rate bonds remain our mainstay, we are expanding our toolkit to include floating-rate notes, Treasury bills, and innovative instruments such as green bonds, sustainable financing, and sukuk,” he said.

These instruments not only diversify government’s funding but also align with investor appetite and long-term sustainability.  –SAnews.gov.za

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"War room" for 2026 academic year

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Higher Education and Training is set to establish a War Room for the 2026 academic year in a bid to strengthen stability and responsiveness across the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system.

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela said the War Room will bring together the department’s leadership, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and Community Education and Training (CET) colleges, student formations, and quality councils. The forum will meet weekly to address challenges as they arise.

Manamela said that the initiative is not about “holding more meetings”, but rapid decision-making, problem-solving, and clear communication with stakeholders.

“Through the War Room, we will tackle outstanding issues head-on: from the timely payment of NSFAS allowances, to the accreditation of student accommodation, the finalisation of examination certificates, and the resolution of disputes that can otherwise disrupt teaching and learning.  It will also function as an early-warning system, so that potential triggers of protest or disruption are identified and addressed before they escalate,” Manamela said during a media briefing on Monday.

Manamela described the War Room as a symbol of “a new approach to governance: agile, collaborative, and transparent”.

“It ensures that when problems emerge, no student, no parent and no institution is left without answers. It is one of the ways in which we are demonstrating that readiness is not a once-off announcement, but a continuous commitment to keeping the doors of learning and culture open,” the Minister said.

The Minister acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge, noting that the state of post-school education and training (PSET) is closely tied to the state of the country’s economy, health, democracy, and every other measure of national development.

“But we also know that we can and shall deliver on this dream, not as government alone, but together with the people. As the Freedom Charter proclaimed, and as our democracy demands, the doors of learning and culture shall be opened – not only in 2026, but for generations to come,” the Minister said.

Repositioning SETAs for work transition

The Minister also announced reforms within the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), describing them as a critical bridge between education and the labour market.

“By the end of this week, all SETAs will have fully constituted Accounting Authorities in place, and the process for the appointment of chairpersons will be at an advanced stage of finalisation. This is part of a broader stabilisation effort, ensuring that SETAs can perform their critical mandate without governance paralysis,” the Minister said.

The Minister is scheduled to brief Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education later this week to account on the changes effected in SETAs and present an overall plan for reforms that will ensure a more efficient, transparent and impactful system.

He emphasised that SETAs play a vital role in creating opportunities for matriculants, unemployed youth, and workers seeking to reskill or upskill.

“Through learnerships, apprenticeships, bursaries and workplace training programmes, SETAs open opportunities in sectors ranging from engineering and construction to ICT, hospitality, health and agriculture,” Manamela said.

He encouraged young people to register on SETA databases, approach accredited training providers, or apply directly for learnerships and bursaries, adding that these opportunities complement NSFAS and institutional funding to ensure that no one is left without a chance to learn, to skill, and to work. – SAnews.gov.za

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Cybersecurity, gamified: Can fun actually build better habits and protect users?

Source: APO – Report:

Traditional cybersecurity and compliance training can be dull as dishwater, which can lead to poor engagement and low retention among employees. Gamification, if done well, offers a refreshing alternative, transforming boring modules into interactive experiences that foster real behavioural change and strengthen your organisation’s overall security posture, argues KnowBe4 Africa’s Anna Collard (www.KnowBe4.com).

“Traditional training often feels like a drag, too theoretical, irrelevant or disconnected from daily work where people already feel overwhelmed and overloaded,” asserts Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 Africa. She says presenting one-size-fits-all content to employees that has little real-world application often fails to engage their attention or change their behaviour. “People forget information they don’t emotionally engage with or see relevance in,” she comments. “Worse still, it does little to instil a true security mindset, the kind that turns passive participants into proactive defenders.”

Enter gamification

By contrast, applying game-design elements, such as points, badges, leaderboards and rewards, to cybersecurity training taps into our natural desire for achievement, competition and progress. “When learning feels like an exciting challenge rather than a chore, retention and engagement improves,” Collard explains. “It helps shift cybersecurity from a compliance burden to a personal skill to be proud of” (http://apo-opa.co/3VdUw6Z).

Collard explains that there are sound behavioural and cognitive psychological principles that make gamification so effective. “When we achieve a goal, the brain releases dopamine, activating its reward centres,” she says. “That’s what makes gamified learning so engaging – it literally feels good to make progress.”

Similarly, setting goals has multiple benefits. “When you introduce clear, incremental goals, it increases motivation,” Collard maintains. Social comparison is another psychological phenomenon which can be leveraged. “Leaderboards and peer benchmarking appeal to our natural tendency for social comparison,” she states. “When employees see how they stack up, they often push themselves further.”

However, Collard believes the ultimate form of motivation is not rewards. “The best gamified security programmes go beyond badges and points,” she says. “They tap into intrinsic motivators like autonomy, mastery and purpose, which drive lasting behavioural change.”

From fitness to language apps

Other industries have successfully harnessed the power of gamification – from fitness reward programmes to educational apps. “By giving away free smoothies and coffees, Virgin Active and Discovery Vitality are actually encouraging their members to stay fit and healthy,” comments Collard. “Likewise, language apps like Duolingo help learners keep track of their progress through streaks, leaderboards and daily goals.” It’s examples like these that have inspired cybersecurity training firms to follow suit.

“One of our most popular security games is Spot the Phish (http://apo-opa.co/48ifYzg) which we developed with Sanlam many years ago,” she explains. “It’s easy and fun to play, while teaching users what to look out for.” By swiping left or right, players are introduced to multiple phishing scenarios where they could be scammed. “I think its simplicity is what made it so successful.” Another effective game she uses is a story-driven simulation where employees assume roles, such as a cybercriminal or a detective, and make choices that lead to different outcomes. “This kind of narrative immersion helps them grasp the real-world consequences of their actions,” Collard explains.

Turning passive employees into proactive defenders

But how do organisations move from compliance fatigue to security enthusiasm? Collard suggests starting small, such as a leaderboard for fastest reporting of simulated phishing emails or incorporating storytelling in games. Another recommendation is for organisations to track engagement among employees. “This identifies knowledge gaps and content can then be adapted accordingly,” she says. This is crucial, as the KnowBe4 Africa Human Risk Management Report 2025 (http://apo-opa.co/3IjZNqw) revealed that over 41% of responding organisations say their biggest challenge is measuring whether security awareness training (SAT) actually works (http://apo-opa.co/4mlPL6q). This “confidence gap” highlights a disconnect between perceived awareness and actual readiness, meaning a workforce appearing trained on paper might be vulnerable in reality.

The report further highlights that traditional training frequency is often insufficient, with 29% of organisations conducting training annually and 39% biannually. This low frequency contributes to the “prevalence effect,” where infrequent exposure to even simulated threats makes employees less likely to detect real attacks (http://apo-opa.co/3K1sVDC). To counter this, gamified phishing simulations, when conducted more frequently, have been shown to directly correlate with measurable improvements in security behaviour. KnowBe4’s research from over 60 000 individual organisations worldwide, comprising over 32 million individual users, confirms this – increased simulation frequency leads to better security habits (http://apo-opa.co/4pmqkEf).

Lastly, by involving employees and rewarding their progress, meaningful behavioural change can occur. “Let your employees come up with their own team names because ownership increases participation,” she urges. “In terms of rewards, offer them incentives or recognition for their achievements.” Incorporating these principles into your organisation’s cybersecurity training will not only up the fun levels at work, it will also have lasting benefits.

“The right application of gamification will increase participation and improve knowledge retention among your employees, resulting in a stronger security posture and a more positive security culture,” Collard concludes. This is especially important given that the KnowBe4 Africa Human Risk Management Report 2025 (http://apo-opa.co/3IjZNqw) also found that only 10% of decision-makers are fully confident their teams would report a suspicious email or threat. Gamification offers a tangible solution to bridge this gap, translating awareness into actionable, consistent security behaviours.

– on behalf of KnowBe4.

Contact details:
KnowBe4:
Anne Dolinschek  
anned@knowbe4.com

Red Ribbon:
TJ Coenraad
tayla@redribboncommunications.co.za

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Matriculants urged to explore multiple career pathways

Source: Government of South Africa

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has urged matriculants to explore a range of post-school opportunities, as spaces at universities remain limited.

Speaking at a media briefing on the state of readiness for the 2026 academic year, on Monday, Manamela said the department is projecting about 235 000 first-year university spaces.

“That is a large number, but it cannot absorb every qualifying learner, [and] this is why we stress that learners must apply on time and must explore multiple options. Learners must recognise that SETA’s (Sector Education and Training Authority), TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges and CET (Community Education and Training) colleges are equally important pathways into work, skills, and further study,” the Minister said.

Manamela noted that while access to higher education has improved over the years, dropout rates, especially in the first year, remain high.

He said the department is currently in discussions with institutions to make student success rates more transparent, similar to how Grade 12 results are reported, so that “society can track not only how many enter the system, but also how many succeed.”

Currently, the Minister said the country’s universities accommodate around 1.1 million students, TVET colleges about 527 000, and CET colleges about 130 000 learners.

Through NSFAS, 900 000 students receive bursaries and loans annually, while SETAs provide thousands of learnerships, apprenticeships, and skills programmes every year, to the unemployed, those already in work, and those classified as not in employment, education or training.

“This mix is deliberate – to ensure that the post-school system serves not only the academic elite, but also those who seek practical skills, second chances, or pathways into the labour market,” the Minister said.

Funding mechanisms

On student funding, Manamela announced that the department has developed a mechanism to address the substantial shortfall experienced in the 2025 academic year. 

By reprioritising R13.3 billion within existing resources, the department will support 34 000 students with blocked registrations and 15 000 students with second semester registrations.

This follows commitments made in August to stabilise the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and set in motion a sustainable funding model.

NSFAS will issue a circular on Monday, 15 September 2025, to open its registration portal.

Manamela also assured student accommodation providers affected by delayed or non-payments that they will now receive funds owed for services rendered.

“This marks a significant moment in the stabilisation of NSFAS for the 2025 academic year,” he said.

However, Manamela warned that the scheme remains financially strained due to an increasing number of students qualifying for post-school education and training funding; escalating cost of living, which has expanded the eligibility criteria; and declining state resources in real terms.

“We will later in the year announce steps towards the sustainable funding reforms for NSFAS,” he said.

The Minister is expected to officially launch the 2026 NSFAS application process on Tuesday, 16 September, at the University of Pretoria. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Over 200 suspects arrested in Ekurhuleni weekend crackdown

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 15, 2025

Police in Ekurhuleni arrested 206 suspects and shut down five illegal liquor outlets during a weekend crime crackdown across the district.

The arrests, carried out between Friday, 12 September, and Sunday morning, 14 September 2025, formed part of various operations targeting serious and violent crime, illegal mining, and unlicensed liquor outlets.

In one incident in Germiston, police arrested a suspect found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and live ammunition during a stop-and-search operation on Delville Power Road. The man was detained at Germiston Police Station.

Detectives arrested 105 suspects during tracing operations under Operation Shanela II on Saturday. Offences included 48 for contact crimes, 13 for contact-related crimes, 13 for property crimes, 12 for other serious offences, and 33 linked to gender-based violence.

In Brakpan, seven undocumented migrants were arrested during an operation targeting illegal mining. Police also seized equipment suspected to have been used in illicit mining activities.

Other arrests were linked to possession of drugs, drunk driving, solicitation, and contraventions of the Immigration Act.

Ekurhuleni District Commissioner, Major General Anna Sithole, commended law enforcement agencies and partners for the successful operations, saying their efforts contributed to improving community safety. – SAnews.gov.za

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TNPA Newark Road upgrades almost complete

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 15, 2025

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has reported major progress in the upgrade of Newark Road, one of the Port of Richards Bay’s most critical access routes, with 75% of works completed. 

Valued at approximately R20 million and scheduled for completion in December 2025, this capital project forms part of TNPA’s ongoing drive to modernise port infrastructure to enhance the safety and efficiency of cargo movement for port users.

Since project commencement in May 2025, approximately one kilometer of Newark Road has been successfully upgraded. 

The road has been temporarily closed to maintain safe port operations supported by the ports authority’s implementation of a comprehensive traffic management plan for alternative access routes. 

The road carries an estimated 67 289 light motor vehicles and 35 000 heavy vehicles per month, highlighting its importance to efficient cargo flow and port logistics.

“This strategic investment will ensure that the Port of Richards Bay continues to operate as a world-class logistics hub. 

“We will continue to engage with port users on these project developments to ensure smooth transition both now and when the road upgrades are completed this festive season,” said Port Manager, Captain Dennis Mqadi.

During the repairs, the Bayvue port entrance remains closed with light motor vehicles diverted to enter the port through Urania Road near the Pioneer Centre and exit through the San Thom Road Gate. 

Heavy vehicles can access the port through West Gate on Urania Road, proceed to port terminals via Clinker Road and exit through East Gate on Newark Road.

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is responsible for the safe, effective, and efficient economic functioning of the national port 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. 

It operates within a legislative and regulatory environment and is governed by the National Ports Act (Act No. 12 of 2005). – SAnews.gov.za

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DIRCO, UNISA to host G20 town hall meeting in Cape Town

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 15, 2025

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), in collaboration with the University of South Africa (UNISA), will host a Group of 20 (G20) Town Hall Outreach on Tuesday, 16 September 2025, in Cape Town.

The event will be held under the theme: “Financial Inclusion for Economic Development: Creating Access to Benefit Grassroots Economies”.

This G20 Town Hall Outreach aims to engage South Africans on the significance, objectives, and benefits of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, as well as to solicit input from non-state actors and civil society.

According to the department, South Africa’s G20 Presidency stands as a vital moment to shape global dialogues and promote economic development. 

“It represents a strategic opportunity to advance change in global governance while working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” the advisory read. 

Meanwhile, the engagement will also touch on financial inclusion, which according to the department is increasingly recognised as a critical element of the global economic system, particularly in relation to poverty eradication, equitable growth and social stability. 

“In a globalised economy, financial inclusion has the potential to reduce inequality, foster resilience and promote sustainable development.”

The inaugural DIRCO-UNISA G20 Town Hall Outreach was held on 14 May 2025 in Pretoria, Gauteng.

The second edition followed on 8 August 2025 in Mbombela, Mpumalanga.

Tomorrow’s engagement is scheduled to take place at the Imbizo Media Centre at Parliament in Cape Town, from 9am to 12pm. – SAnews.gov.za

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Canon Miraisha expands legacy in Kenya with Maono Africa to empower youth in Dandora

Source: APO

  • Canon Miraisha programme partners with Maono Africa to train youth in photography and filmmaking in Dandora, Nairobi. 
  • The initiative has empowered over 7,000 creatives across 11 African countries, with a goal to train 10,000 by 2030. 

A decade ago, Canon (www.Canon-CNA.com) took a bold step toward creating sustainable, creative livelihoods across Africa. It began in Kenya, where the very first Miraisha programme was launched, laying the foundation for what has now become a continent-wide initiative blending opportunity, skill, and storytelling. 

Today, Canon Central and North Africa proudly announces a new chapter in this journey. Under the Canon Miraisha programme, the brand is partnering with a grassroot organization in Dandora, Nairobi- Maono Africa, to provide essential training in photography and filmmaking to underserved youth and young mothers. 

The Miraisha programme, named from a fusion of Japanese and Swahili words to reflect both Canon’s heritage and its commitment to Africa, has become a symbol of transformation. Since its inception in 2014, Miraisha has trained over 7,000 aspiring creators across 11 African countries, with over 650 participants earning paid commissions, and more than 450 having their work published, screened, or exhibited. The program aims to impact 10,000 participants by 2030, not just with skills, but with tangible career pathways in the creative industry. 

“Kenya is where Miraisha first came to life, and it continues to hold a special place in our hearts,” said Somesh Adukia, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa. “Our new partnership with Maono Africa is deeply aligned with the Miraisha vision- of not only teaching skills but creating real, lasting impact in communities. These organizations are doing extraordinary work, and together we aim to inspire, train, and uplift the next generation of storytellers in Dandora and beyond.” 

Through this partnership, Canon and its community collaborators will offer specialized training in visual storytelling, tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of each group. 

Maono Africa, whose work spans sport and arts, education and skills development, health and Advocacy, will collaborate on the same modules while engaging a broader youth demographic through the lens of purpose-driven storytelling. 

“At Maono Africa, our mission has always been to give young people the tools to reimagine their future. Storytelling through photography and film is one of the most powerful ways to do that. This partnership with Canon Miraisha allows us to not only train but also empower youth in Dandora to create stories that reflect their reality, resilience, and aspirations,” said Kenneth Owili, Founder of Maono Africa. 

The ongoing photography and filmmaking workshops, scheduled between August and October 2025, will combine in-person training sessions with virtual webinars. Participants will explore a wide range of modules covering the fundamentals of visual storytelling- spanning photography techniques, exposure, composition, as well as key aspects of filmmaking such as shooting, screen direction, and practical assessments.  

With over 33 successful partnerships across the region and 25 locally trained Canon instructors, Miraisha has always been about more than just teaching- it’s about creating futures. As Canon Miraisha steps into its second decade, partnerships like this reaffirm the brand’s belief: the future of Africa’s creative industry lies not in foreign investment alone, but in the power of local voices, visions, and stories- ready to be told, captured, and celebrated. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa 
Mai Youssef 
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com 

APO Group – PR Agency 
Rania ElRafie 
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com 

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market. 

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.  

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/3KlXkMU)– ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better. 

For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com

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RS South Africa Shines Spotlight on Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) Procurement Challenges in Key Economic Sectors

Source: APO

RS South Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4gljCdG), a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), a global provider of product and service solutions, has highlighted the growing pressures faced by procurement professionals responsible for maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) supplies across the country’s vital economic sectors. This follows the release of the 2025 Indirect Procurement Report: Tackling the Cost of Business, produced in association with the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS).

The report, now in its eighth year, provides insights into the priorities and challenges of procurement professionals working in manufacturing, energy, public services, and facilities management. Findings reveal that inflationary pressures, supply chain risks, and skills shortages continue to dominate the agenda, while environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations are rapidly becoming a business imperative.

Key concerns for MRO buyers include ensuring cost savings, maintaining ageing assets, contract compliance with preferred suppliers, and managing multiple stakeholder expectations across dispersed sites. In South Africa, where industries such as mining, energy, and manufacturing rely heavily on operational uptime, the resilience of supply chains and the ability to secure trusted, high-quality components are critical.

Commenting on the report’s relevance for the local market, Erick Wessels, Sales Director at RS South Africa, says: “Procurement professionals in the Sub-Saharan African region are operating in an environment shaped not only by global inflation and supply-chain pressures, but also by unique local challenges such as energy instability, infrastructure constraints, and the need to maintain older assets well beyond their original life cycles.”

Wessels adds: “At the same time, procurement leaders are being asked to deliver on ambitious sustainability goals while ensuring uninterrupted operations in sectors that underpin our economy. This makes strong supplier partnerships, risk mitigation strategies, and the adoption of best-practice procurement models more important than ever.”

The report also shows a sharp increase in initiatives around sustainable and ethical procurement, with nearly two-thirds of respondents globally identifying ESG as central to corporate strategy. Yet, cost pressures remain a barrier, with more than a third of professionals reluctant to pay a premium for sustainable products.

“For African organisations, the balancing act between cost control and sustainability is particularly complex. Working with trusted distributors who provide not just products, but also technical expertise, supplier vetting, and inventory management solutions, will be essential in building both resilience and efficiency into procurement strategies,” concludes Wessels.

The full 2025 Indirect Procurement report can be found here (https://apo-opa.co/4n7gswO).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RS South Africa.

Links to additional content:
Exports link: https://Africa.RSDelivers.com
MRO Campaign link: https://apo-opa.co/46fuFSx

PR contact details:
PR Contact Person – RS South Africa:
Princess Tlou
Communications & Content Specialist
RS South Africa
Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com
+27 11 691 9366

Media Contact Person – NGAGE Agency:
Thobile Ndlovu
Senior PR Account Executive
thobile@ngage.co.za
+27 11 867 7763

Further information is available via these links:
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3VhVOhb
X: https://apo-opa.co/463xMwC
RS South Africa (https://za.RS-Online.com/web)
RS Africa Exports (https://Africa.RSDelivers.com)
DesignSpark (https://apo-opa.co/467Z9pu)
RS Group plc (https://www.RSGroup.com)

About RS:
RS is a global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, enabling them to operate efficiently and sustainably.

We operate in 36 markets, stock over 800,000 industrial and specialist products and list an additional five million relevant for our industrial customers, sourced from over 2,500 suppliers. This extensive range supports our customers across the industrial lifecycle of designing, building, and maintaining equipment and operations.

We enhance their experience through a tailored service model, leveraging our efficient physical, digital and process infrastructure sustainably. We combine a technically led and digitally enabled approach with an exceptional team of experts; ultimately, it’s our people that make the difference.

Our purpose, making amazing happen for a better world, reflects our focus on delivering results for people planet and profit.

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2024 reported revenue of £2,942 million.

For more information, please visit: www.RSOnline.co.za

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