Category: MIL-OSI

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Avon project brings water relief to Ga-Seakamela community

Source: Government of South Africa

Avon project brings water relief to Ga-Seakamela community

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has officially handed over the completed Avon Water Project in the Blouberg Local Municipality, within the Capricorn District Municipality in Limpopo, bringing much-needed water services to the Ga-Seakamela community.

The R22.9 million project, funded through the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG), was implemented to assist the Capricorn District Municipality in addressing longstanding water supply challenges in the village, which previously did not have a reliable source of water.

The handover ceremony held on Friday, was led by DWS Limpopo Provincial Head Lucy Kobe, alongside Capricorn District Municipality Mayor Mamedupi Teffo, Blouberg Local Municipality Mayor Maria Thamaga, and representatives from Lepelle Northern Water.

As part of the programme, the delegation conducted site visits, including to Selaelo Primary School, where boreholes have been installed to improve water access.

Kobe said the project includes two newly drilled boreholes and four refurbished ones, with a combined yield of 604.8 kilolitres per day at a 24-hour pumping cycle.

“In addition, the project includes five pump houses, a 200-kilolitre elevated steel tank, the construction of three kilometres of bulk pipeline and one kilometre of galvanised steel pipeline connecting boreholes to storage reservoirs, as well as the reticulation of 100 standpipes and palisade fencing for the infrastructure,” Kobe said.

Local government leaders welcomed the project, noting its positive impact on residents’ quality of life.

Kobe also urged communities to safeguard water infrastructure against vandalism and to use water responsibly to ensure long-term sustainability.

The handover forms part of activities marking National Water Month and contributes to the global observance of World Water Day on 22 March.

The event concluded with a community engagement session at Ditlou Sports Grounds, where residents expressed appreciation for ongoing service delivery efforts.

New water project to boost supply in Harry Gwala District

Meanwhile, the department, in partnership with the Harry Gwala District Municipality, is set to officially launch the Bhongweni Water Supply Project in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, as part of National Water Month.

The project is expected to significantly improve access to clean, safe and reliable water for underserved rural communities in the Harry Gwala District.

Located in Greater Kokstad, the Bhongweni Water Supply Project is funded by DWS and implemented by the Harry Gwala District Municipality.

Located in Greater Kokstad, the Bhongweni Water Supply Project is funded by the department and implemented by the municipality.

According to the department, the scope of work includes upgrading approximately five kilometres of secondary bulk pipeline to a 315mm diameter, running from the water treatment works to the distribution reservoir supplying the Bhongweni area.

“It also includes upgrading a service reservoir to a capacity of 2.5 megalitres, as well as the extension and upgrading of reticulation mains to accommodate both existing households and future developments,” the department said.

Once completed, the project will provide reliable water supply to 3,783 households in Bhongweni Township, with infrastructure designed to support up to 5,626 households by 2047.

“This forward-looking investment ensures long-term water security for a growing community and highlights government’s ongoing commitment to closing service delivery gaps and ensuring that no community is left behind in accessing this basic human right,” the department said.

For many households in Bhongweni and surrounding areas, the project represents a critical step toward dignity, improved health, and sustainable livelihoods. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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A Zephyr Marine Services marca uma nova era para os serviços petrolíferos da Namíbia com a entrada de Taimi Nangula Itembu na liderança

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O setor energético offshore da Namíbia, em rápida expansão, ganhou um novo facilitador fundamental com o lançamento da Zephyr Marine Services Pty Ltd — uma empresa de capital local dedicada à logística de ativos marítimos e a soluções operacionais. À frente da empresa está a cofundadora e diretora executiva Taimi Nangula Itembu, uma profissional namibiana respeitada que assume agora um papel de liderança focado no desenvolvimento da capacidade nacional para apoiar as indústrias marítimas e offshore do país.

Itembu traz para a sua nova função um sólido historial no setor público, em políticas e no envolvimento internacional. A sua carreira abrange instituições-chave, incluindo o Poder Judicial da Namíbia e o Parlamento da Namíbia, onde contribuiu para processos legislativos, supervisão da governação e reforma institucional. Posteriormente, acumulou uma vasta experiência em assuntos públicos e governamentais no setor energético, adquirindo conhecimentos sobre o envolvimento das partes interessadas, os quadros regulamentares e as prioridades estratégicas que moldam o panorama do petróleo e do gás na Namíbia.

Ocupou vários cargos na ExxonMobil, incluindo o de Diretora Adjunta para a Namíbia, antes de passar a desempenhar uma função global na Europa na área de Assuntos Públicos e Governamentais. O início da sua carreira inclui também trabalho com o Departamento de Estado dos EUA, reforçando as relações entre os EUA e a Namíbia. A nível académico, Itembu possui um Mestrado em Administração Pública pela Universidade de Harvard e uma Licenciatura em Ciências Políticas e Psicologia pela Universidade St. Francis Xavier. A sua transição para a Zephyr Marine Services reflete uma mudança deliberada no sentido de construir soluções lideradas pela Namíbia.

«Estou profundamente grata pelo tempo que passei na ExxonMobil, que me proporcionou uma plataforma excecional para o crescimento, a aprendizagem e o desenvolvimento profissional. A experiência, a orientação e a exposição que adquiri foram fundamentais para moldar a minha compreensão do panorama energético da Namíbia e da indústria global em geral. Parto com imensa gratidão pelas oportunidades que me foram dadas e levo essas lições comigo ao iniciar este novo capítulo», afirmou Itembu.

O lançamento da Zephyr Marine Services surge num momento crítico para a indústria petrolífera e do gás da Namíbia. Com a primeira produção de petróleo prevista para 2029 — liderada pelos campos Venus e Mopane, operados pela TotalEnergies —, a procura por logística robusta e impulsionada localmente, coordenação marítima e apoio operacional continua a aumentar. A TotalEnergies pretende alcançar a decisão final de investimento (FID) para o projeto Venus em 2026 e assinou recentemente um acordo com a Galp Energia — antiga operadora do campo Mopane — concedendo-lhe a operação da PEL 83. Nos termos do acordo, a Galp manterá uma participação na PEL 83, assumindo simultaneamente uma participação de 10% no projeto Venus.

Outros intervenientes estão a impulsionar atividades de exploração nas bacias offshore e onshore da Namíbia. Em 2025, foram alcançados vários marcos, incluindo a descoberta de petróleo leve pela Rhino Resources no poço Capricornus 1-X, em abril. A Chevron anunciou planos para iniciar uma campanha de perfuração em 2026/2027, enquanto a ReconAfrica concluiu a perfuração no poço Kavango West 1X (onshore). Olhando para o futuro, a ReconAfrica planeia regressar a Kavango West 1X em 2026 para realizar um teste de produção. No mar, a Shell poderá provavelmente perfurar um poço de exploração na PEL 39, a Chevron na PEL 82 e a Rhino Resources tem como alvo dois poços de avaliação em Capricornus e Volans. Prevê-se que a exploração nas bacias de Orange e Walvis continue até 2028, reforçando a posição da Namíbia como futuro centro de produção.

Neste contexto, espera-se que o lançamento da Zephyr Marine Services não só apoie as próximas campanhas de perfuração, mas também coloque a experiência namibiana no centro da próxima fase de desenvolvimento do país.

Oferecendo soluções personalizadas, eficientes e fiáveis, concebidas especificamente para o ecossistema offshore em evolução da Namíbia, a empresa representa mais do que um prestador de serviços, mas sim uma mudança mais ampla no sentido da participação local, inovação e propriedade na cadeia de valor energética do país. A Zephyr Marine Services pretende construir uma verdadeira capacidade industrial na Namíbia, assumindo serviços de entrada de alta barreira e apoiando o avanço do país rumo à primeira produção de petróleo.

«Trata-se de construir algo significativo para a Namíbia. A Zephyr Marine Services assenta na convicção de que os namibianos não devem apenas participar no futuro energético do nosso país, mas moldá-lo ativamente. Estamos a criar soluções que compreendem as realidades locais, respondem aos desafios locais e contribuem para o crescimento nacional a longo prazo», afirmou Itembu.

A missão da empresa é clara: apoiar as crescentes indústrias marítimas e offshore da Namíbia com soluções de logística marítima eficientes, fiáveis e orientadas para o contexto local. Desde a coordenação de embarcações e gestão de ativos até ao planeamento operacional, a Zephyr Marine Services está a posicionar-se como um elo fundamental entre os operadores a montante e a execução no terreno.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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Zephyr Marine Services marque le début d’une nouvelle ère pour les services pétroliers namibiens avec l’arrivée de Taimi Nangula Itembu à la tête de l’entreprise

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le secteur énergétique offshore namibien, en pleine expansion, s’est doté d’un nouvel acteur essentiel avec le lancement de Zephyr Marine Services Pty Ltd, une entreprise locale spécialisée dans la logistique des actifs maritimes et les solutions opérationnelles. À la tête de l’entreprise se trouve la cofondatrice et directrice exécutive Taimi Nangula Itembu, une professionnelle namibienne respectée qui endosse désormais un rôle de direction axé sur le renforcement des capacités nationales afin de soutenir les industries maritimes et offshore du pays.

Mme Itembu apporte à ses nouvelles fonctions une solide expérience dans le secteur public, les politiques publiques et l’engagement international. Sa carrière s’étend à des institutions clés, notamment le pouvoir judiciaire et le Parlement namibiens, où elle a contribué aux processus législatifs, à la supervision de la gouvernance et à la réforme institutionnelle. Elle a ensuite acquis une vaste expérience des affaires publiques et gouvernementales dans le secteur de l’énergie, ce qui lui a permis de mieux comprendre l’engagement des parties prenantes, les cadres réglementaires et les priorités stratégiques qui façonnent le paysage pétrolier et gazier de la Namibie.

Elle a occupé divers postes chez ExxonMobil, notamment celui de directrice nationale adjointe pour la Namibie, avant d’assumer un rôle international en Europe dans le domaine des affaires publiques et gouvernementales. Au début de sa carrière, elle a également travaillé au Département d’État américain, où elle a contribué à renforcer les relations entre les États-Unis et la Namibie. Sur le plan académique, Mme Itembu est titulaire d’un master en administration publique de l’université de Harvard et d’une licence en sciences politiques et psychologie de l’université St. Francis Xavier. Son arrivée chez Zephyr Marine Services reflète une volonté délibérée de contribuer à la mise en place de solutions menées par la Namibie.

« Je suis profondément reconnaissante pour le temps passé chez ExxonMobil, qui m’a offert une plateforme exceptionnelle de croissance, d’apprentissage et de développement professionnel. L’expérience, le mentorat et la visibilité dont j’ai bénéficié ont joué un rôle déterminant dans la formation de ma compréhension du paysage énergétique namibien et de l’industrie mondiale au sens large. Je pars avec une immense gratitude pour les opportunités qui m’ont été offertes et je mets ces leçons à profit alors que j’entame ce nouveau chapitre », a déclaré Mme Itembu.

Le lancement de Zephyr Marine Services intervient à un moment critique pour l’industrie pétrolière et gazière namibienne. Avec une première production de pétrole prévue pour 2029 – sous l’impulsion des champs Venus et Mopane exploités par TotalEnergies –, la demande en matière de logistique, de coordination maritime et de soutien opérationnel solides et pilotés localement ne cesse de croître. TotalEnergies vise à obtenir la décision finale d’investissement (FID) pour le projet Venus en 2026 et a récemment signé un accord avec Galp Energia – ancien opérateur du champ Mopane – lui conférant l’exploitation du PEL 83. Selon les termes de l’accord, Galp conservera une participation dans le PEL 83 tout en prenant une participation de 10 % dans le projet Venus.

D’autres acteurs mènent des activités d’exploration dans les bassins offshore et onshore de Namibie. En 2025, plusieurs étapes importantes ont été franchies, notamment la découverte de pétrole léger par Rhino Resources au puits Capricornus 1-X en avril. Chevron a annoncé son intention de lancer une campagne de forage en 2026/2027, tandis que ReconAfrica a achevé le forage du puits Kavango West 1X (onshore). À l’avenir, ReconAfrica prévoit de retourner à Kavango West 1X en 2026 pour effectuer un test de production. En mer, Shell pourrait forer un puits d’exploration sur le PEL 39, Chevron sur le PEL 82 et Rhino Resources vise deux puits d’évaluation à Capricornus et Volans. La poursuite de l’exploration dans les bassins d’Orange et de Walvis est prévue jusqu’en 2028, renforçant ainsi la position de la Namibie en tant que futur pôle de production.

Dans ce contexte, le lancement de Zephyr Marine Services devrait non seulement soutenir les prochaines campagnes de forage, mais aussi placer l’expertise namibienne au cœur de la prochaine phase de développement du pays.

En proposant des solutions sur mesure, efficaces et fiables, spécialement conçues pour l’écosystème offshore namibien en pleine évolution, l’entreprise représente plus qu’un simple prestataire de services : elle incarne une transition plus large vers la participation locale, l’innovation et l’appropriation de la chaîne de valeur énergétique du pays. Zephyr Marine Services vise à développer de véritables capacités industrielles en Namibie, en se chargeant de services à forte barrière à l’entrée et en soutenant le pays dans son cheminement vers la première production pétrolière.

« Il s’agit de construire quelque chose qui ait du sens pour la Namibie. Zephyr Marine Services est ancrée dans la conviction que les Namibiens ne doivent pas seulement participer à l’avenir énergétique de notre pays, mais aussi le façonner activement. Nous créons des solutions qui tiennent compte des réalités locales, répondent aux défis locaux et contribuent à la croissance nationale à long terme », a déclaré M. Itembu.

La mission de l’entreprise est claire : soutenir les industries maritimes et offshore en pleine croissance de la Namibie grâce à des solutions logistiques maritimes efficaces, fiables et ancrées localement. De la coordination des navires et de la gestion des actifs à la planification opérationnelle, Zephyr Marine Services se positionne comme un maillon essentiel entre les opérateurs en amont et l’exécution sur le terrain.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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Zephyr Marine Services Signals New Era for Namibian Oil Services as Taimi Nangula Itembu Steps into Leadership

Source: APO – Report:

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Namibia’s rapidly expanding offshore energy sector has gained a critical new enabler with the launch of Zephyr Marine Services Pty Ltd – a locally owned company dedicated to marine asset logistics and operational solutions. At the helm is co-Founder and Executive Director Taimi Nangula Itembu, a respected Namibian professional now stepping into a leadership role focused on building domestic capacity to support the country’s maritime and offshore industries.

Itembu brings a strong track record of public sector, policy and international engagement to her new role. Her career spans key institutions including the Judiciary of Namibia and the Parliament of Namibia, where she contributed to legislative processes, governance oversight and institutional reform. She later built extensive experience in public and government affairs within the energy sector, gaining insight into stakeholder engagement, regulatory frameworks and the strategic priorities shaping Namibia’s oil and gas landscape.

She has held various positions at ExxonMobil, including Deputy Country Manager for Namibia, before moving on to a global role in Europe in Public and Government Affair. Her early career also includes work with the U.S. Department of State, strengthening U.S.-Namibian relations. Academically, Itembu holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Psychology from St. Francis Xavier University. Her transition into Zephyr Marine Services reflects a deliberate move toward building Namibian-led solutions.

“I am deeply grateful for my time at ExxonMobil, which provided an exceptional platform for growth, learning and professional development. The experience, mentorship and exposure I gained have been instrumental in shaping my understanding of Namibia’s energy landscape and the broader global industry. I leave with immense appreciation for the opportunities I was given and carry those lessons forward as I take on this next chapter,” Itembu said.

The launch of Zephyr Marine Services comes at a critical time for the Namibian oil and gas industry. With first oil on the cards for 2029 – led by the TotalEnergies-operated Venus and Mopane fields -, the demand for robust, locally-driven logistics, marine coordination and operational support continues to rise. TotalEnergies aims to reach FID for the Venus project in 2026 and recently signed an agreement with Galp Energia – former operator of the Mopane field – granting it operatorship of PEL 83. Under the terms of the deal, Galp will retain a stake in PEL 83 while assuming a 10% stake in the Venus project.

Other players are driving exploration activities in Namibia’s off- and onshore basins. In 2025, several milestones were achieved, including Rhino Resources’ light oil discovery at the Capricornus 1-X well in April. Chevron announced plans to embark on a 2026/2027 drilling campaign while ReconAfrica completed drilling at the Kavango West 1X well (onshore). Looking ahead, ReconAfrica plans to return to Kavango West 1X in 2026 to conduct a production test. Offshore, Shell could likely drill an exploration well at PEL 39, Chevron at PEL 82 and Rhino Resources is targeting 2 appraisal wells at Capricornus and Volans. Continued exploration across the Orange and Walvis Basins are expected through 2028, strengthening Namibia’s position as a future production hub.

Stepping into this picture, the launch of Zephyr Marine Services is expected to not only support upcoming drilling campaigns but position Namibian expertise at the heart of the country’s next development phase. Offering tailored, efficient and reliable solutions designed specifically for Namibia’s evolving offshore ecosystem, the company represents more than a service provider, but a broader shift toward local participation, innovation and ownership in the country’s energy value chain. Zephyr Marine Services is looking at building real industrial capability in Namibia, taking on high-barrier entry services and supporting the country’s move toward first oil production.

“This is about building something meaningful for Namibia. Zephyr Marine Services is rooted in the belief that Namibians should not only participate in our country’s energy future but actively shape it. We are creating solutions that understand local realities, respond to local challenges and contribute to long-term national growth,” said Itembu.

The company’s mission is clear: to support Namibia’s growing maritime and offshore industries with efficient, reliable and locally driven marine logistics solutions. From vessel coordination and asset management to operational planning, Zephyr Marine Services is positioning itself as a critical link between upstream operators and on-the-ground execution.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Home Affairs, BMA conducts oversight visit at Beitbridge 

Source: Government of South Africa

Home Affairs, BMA conducts oversight visit at Beitbridge 

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, together with the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, are today conducting a ministerial oversight visit to the Beitbridge Port of Entry.

Monday’s visit to the border in Limpopo, forms part of the BMA’s preparations for the upcoming Easter period, one of the busiest travel seasons across South Africa’s ports of entry. 

“The oversight aims to assess operational readiness, evaluate systems and personnel deployment, and ensure that measures are in place to facilitate the efficient movement of travellers while maintaining border security,” the BMA said in a statement. 

The Minister and the Commissioner will conduct borderline patrols to test deployed equipment during the visit. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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SAPS raids properties linked to suspected criminal activities

Source: Government of South Africa

SAPS raids properties linked to suspected criminal activities

As part of ongoing efforts to combat motor vehicle theft, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Tshwane conducted targeted operations, which led to the raid of three properties linked to suspected criminal activities.

“On Thursday, members of the Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU) carried out an intelligence-driven operation following information received from a community member regarding a premises allegedly involved in the disposal of stolen vehicles,” the police said in a statement.

The information was verified through observation, after which an operation was executed at the identified premises.

“Upon arrival, police discovered multiple motor vehicle engines with tampered Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), as well as a trailer with an altered VIN. Several vehicle wiring harnesses were also recovered and linked to cases reported at various police stations in the Tshwane District.

“Further investigations led members to an additional property associated with the suspect, where 18 stripped motor vehicle bodies were found.

“These were positively linked to stolen vehicles reported within the Tshwane District and as far as Witbank, Mpumalanga,” the police said.

At a nearby premises, two vehicles were also inspected. One was confirmed stolen, while a half-ton truck was found with a tampered VIN.

In total, police confiscated four tampered motor vehicle engines, one double-axle vehicle transporter, four vehicle wiring harnesses, four stripped vehicle bodies and one stolen motor vehicle.

Investigations are ongoing, with additional vehicle parts still being examined. Efforts to trace and arrest all suspects involved continue.

The District Commissioner of Tshwane, Major-General Samuel Thine, commended the members for their dedication and commitment to dismantling vehicle theft syndicates. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Kennedy Road residents avert disaster after fire breaks out

Source: Government of South Africa

Kennedy Road residents avert disaster after fire breaks out

Dozens of lives and several homes were saved at the Kennedy Road informal settlement, west of Durban, after residents used recently acquired fire safety skills to contain a fast-spreading blaze.

Community members trained in fire safety and disaster risk reduction acted as first responders, bringing the fire under control before emergency services arrived and preventing what could have escalated into a devastating disaster in an area historically prone to destructive fires.

The blaze broke out in Ward 25, destroying four structures and partially damaging two others.

As flames threatened to engulf the homes, trained residents mobilised quickly, forming response teams, extinguishing hotspots and safely guided affected families to safety.

One of the trained residents, Linda Lloyd, described the experience as both terrifying and empowering.

“We saw the flames rising and knew we could not wait for help. The skills we learned kicked in immediately,” Lloyd said.

Lloyd noted that the team worked together to control the fire without assistance from emergency services.

“If it were not for the training, this fire could have destroyed rows of homes. Today, we have families still alive and homes still standing,” he said.

Last year, eThekwini Municipality’s Disaster Management and Fire Services units, in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Disaster Management Centre, trained 100 Kennedy Road residents in fire safety and disaster risk reduction.

Kennedy Road has historically experienced frequent fires, resulting in displacement, injuries and a loss of life. The training programme aimed to equip residents with the skills to respond swiftly during emergencies, an investment that proved invaluable during the recent incident.

Ward 25 Councillor Themba Mkhize commended the residents’ courage and unity.

“This is the first time Kennedy Road residents have acted as first responders without relying on Fire or Disaster Management Services. Their actions prevented widespread destruction and possible loss of life. This demonstrates the impact of empowering communities,” Mkhize said.

Acting Divisional Commander Zwelethu Thusi also commended the residents for effectively putting their training into action.

“Hearing that residents managed to contain the fire themselves is extremely encouraging. It shows that the skills imparted are saving lives and reducing damage,” Thusi said.

Thusi added that the municipality is currently exploring ways to expand the training to other high-risk communities to ensure safer and better prepared neighbourhoods across eThekwini. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

GabiK

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dtic lauds the implementation of the Furniture Industry Masterplan

Source: Government of South Africa

dtic lauds the implementation of the Furniture Industry Masterplan

Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Alexandra Abrahams has commended key stakeholders for the significant progress made so far in the implementation of the sector Furniture Industry Masterplan.

She was speaking at an Executive Oversight Committee meeting to review progress in the implementation of the Masterplan Committee, in Edenvale. 

This masterplan is one of eight action-oriented, sector-wide policy implementation documents targeted towards boosting local jobs and developing local value chains. 

The Deputy Minister is focused on ensuring that such instruments are implemented in a manner that is practical, time-bound and aligned with the broader objective of enhancing competitiveness and sustainable economic growth. 

Some of the key objectives of the Furniture Masterplan are the protection of the industry and the retention of existing capacity in the immediate term, sustainable economic growth with increased local supply and improving the South African furniture industry’s global competitiveness.

The masterplans are established, operated and implemented through a multi-stakeholder approach involving, government, the private sector, trade unions and other key industry formations. 

Through convening the Executive Oversight Committee, Abrahams said the meeting provided an opportunity to highlight some notable milestones since the implementation process began in 2021. 

“These include the establishment of the R400 million Furniture Challenge Fund with contributions from the department and Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).  The IDC has approved deals to the tune of R75.9 million to date through this fund, R40.6 million of has been disbursed. 

“Additionally, a R50 milllion portion was allocated to the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) for furniture industry funding. As a result, some factories that had been closed have now been re-opened saving hundreds of jobs in the sector. 

“A total of 849 jobs have therefore been created across four provinces namely, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. The City of Cape Town committed over R1.8 million to pilot the Furniture Light Manufacturing Support Programme,” she said.

She added among other key achievements, she was encouraged by the department’s funding initiatives focused on affording South African furniture manufacturers the opportunity to participate in Outward Selling Missions and other international exhibition platforms to promote their products.

Abrahams emphasised that the work now underway must translate into sustained gains for the sector. 

“The progress we have seen demonstrates what is possible when government, industry and labour act with a shared sense of purpose. 

“The task ahead is to consolidate these gains by strengthening business competitiveness, deepening local value chains, and ensuring that support measures are disciplined, targeted, and responsive to market realities.

“Our focus must remain clear: to build a furniture industry that is resilient, export-capable, and able to create meaningful, sustainable employment for South Africans,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za 

Edwin

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Deputy President Mashatile to host his Chinese counterpart for SA-China BNC

Source: President of South Africa –

The Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Mr Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, will on Thursday, 26 March 2026, host his counterpart from the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Vice President Han Zheng, at Tuynhuys, Cape Town in the Western Cape Province. 

The two leaders will co-chair the 9th South Africa-China Bi-National Commission (BNC), under the theme: “South Africa-China Relations in an Era of Global Transformation: Advancing Shared Modernisation”.

South Africa and China enjoy strong diplomatic relations, anchored in the All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era. The BNC at the Deputy Presidential level was established in 2000 as the highest-structured bilateral mechanism for consolidating diplomatic, economic, and sectoral cooperation between the two nations. 

Other Bilateral Structured Mechanisms with China to implement the 10-Year Strategic Programme on Cooperation (2020–2029), and monitor cooperation, include the Strategic Dialogue (SD) at Ministerial level DIRCO, the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETC) at Minister of Trade level, the People-to-People Exchange Mechanism (PPEM) at Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture level, and the Joint Working Group at Deputy Ministerial level DIRCO. 

Additionally, reciprocal State Visits and exchange of visits across Government Ministries, Parliament and Provinces reflect the depth of the relations and advance South Africa’s foreign policy and development priorities.

Details of the SA-China BNC are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 26 March 2026
Time: 10h00 (Media to arrive and obtain accreditation at 08h00)
Venue: Tuynhuys, Parliament, Cape Town

Members of the media wishing to cover the BNC are requested to RSVP by Tuesday, 24 March 2026.

RSVP: Bongani Majola (Presidency) on 082 339 1993 / bonganim@presidency.gov.za or Nelson Kgwete (DIRCO) on 076 431 3078 / kgweten@dirco.gov.za 

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Deputy President to attend World TB Day commemorative event

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President to attend World TB Day commemorative event

The Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Deputy President Paul Mashatile, will deliver the keynote address on Tuesday, at the national World TB Day commemorative event at Caledon Sports Grounds, Ian Toerin Way, Overberg District, Western Cape Province.

“South Africa remains one of the hardest hit countries by Tuberculosis (TB), which has remained the leading cause of death, claiming an estimated 56 000 lives a year, more than half (54%) of which are people living with HIV,” the Presidency said.

World TB Day is commemorated each year on 24 March to build public awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis and profile efforts to eliminate the disease. 

This day is also designated to highlight the devastating health, social and economic impact of TB. 

This year’s official country theme for World TB Day is ‘Yes! You and I Can End TB’ – a clarion call for leaders to champion TB efforts in their respective constituencies, as well as to encourage individual action from all South Africans to contribute to the national effort against TB. 

“The 2026 World TB Day commemoration will support the implementation of the National TB Strategic Plan, with a particular focus on amplifying the End TB Campaign, which aims to test five million people annually through expanded testing, integrated healthcare services, effective communication, community engagement, collaborative partnerships, and increased funding for prevention, treatment, and research,” the Presidency said.

Deputy President Mashatile will be joined by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi; Premier of the Western Cape Alan Winde; SANAC Civil Society Chairperson, Solly Nduku; Chairperson of the SANAC Private Sector Forum, Mpumi Zikalala; SANAC CEO, Dr Thembi Xulu, as well as representatives from development partners, including United Nations Agencies, research entities, civil society movements and the private sector. –SAnews.gov.za

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