Category: MIL-OSI

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Exclusive masterclasses addressing energy efficiency and carbon competitiveness at C&I Energy + Storage Summit

Source: APO

The highly anticipated C&I Energy + Storage Summit 2025 (https://Energy-StorageSummit.com/) will return to The Maslow Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg on 4–5 November 2025, bringing together leading energy experts, financiers, regulators and corporate leaders. Among the standout features of this year’s programme are the exclusive Masterclasses, designed to equip delegates with practical tools, strategies and insights to thrive in South Africa’s rapidly transforming energy market.

These hands-on masterclasses complement the Summit’s broader agenda of keynotes, project showcases and panel debates, equipping delegates with actionable strategies to shape their organisations’ energy future.

Day 1: Financing and flexibility

  • Building Bankable PPA Portfolios: Hosted by Standard Bank, with a strong focus on understanding financing models and client risk management.
  • Wheeling, Flexibility & Financing: Unpacking how to structure projects that meet both corporate and lender needs.

Download the Summit programme (https://apo-opa.co/3W0gmeu)

Day 2: Energy efficiency, storage & carbon markets

  • Batteries in Action:  lifecycle and performance optimisation for C&I users.
  • Carbon Markets & CBAM: strategies for exporters navigating EU carbon regulations.
  • Energy Efficiency as a First Fuel: efficiency before investment.

Be part of the C&I Energy + Storage Summit in Johannesburg

Book your pass or apply as a hosted buyer (https://apo-opa.co/3VXxMID) to be part of South Africa’s premier platform for C&I energy innovation, finance and storage solutions: https://apo-opa.co/4h6QCqy.

Practical insights

C&I Energy + Storage Summit and Jaltech invite you to an upcoming webinar where Jonty Sacks from Jaltech, a leading solar funder, and Theo Potgieter from AFGRI, a leading agricultural services company, will unpack the simplest and most effective way to approach solar funding, as well as a deep dive into how the agricultural market is quickly adopting solar.

Webinar title: Solar funding for dummies – Approaches and speedy options
Date: Tuesday, 28 October 2025
Time: 12:00 – 13:00  SAST
Register here: https://apo-opa.co/4n0apcH

This session is tailored for solar installers/developers, commercial and industrial energy users, and landlords who want to:

  • Lower electricity costs with no upfront investment.
  • Access long-term price certainty in an environment of rising tariffs.
  • Understand how solar funding can strengthen operations and energy security.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group connects people and organisations to information and each other, across Africa’s energy, mining, infrastructure, mobility, green economy and technology sectors through innovative events, content, and strategic networking. By integrating industry introductions, curated events, and digital engagement, the group empowers businesses to navigate complex markets, forge valuable connections, and drive sustainable success.

Venture partners to The Global Trust Project, Founders of WomenIN empowerment platform and leaders of NPO, Go Green Africa. The VUKA Group’s diverse portfolio acts to contribute to its purpose of ‘Connecting Africa to the World’s Best, to Influence Sustainable Progress’

Discover more at https://WeAreVUKA.com/

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LemFi Launches Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Powered “Send Now, Pay Later” Service, Combining Credit and Remittances for United Kingdom (UK) Immigrants

Source: APO

  • International payments platform LemFi allows over 2 million immigrants to easily send money across the globe 
  • LemFi uses AI within its robust credit service to enable ‘send now, pay later’ remittance, so people can ensure their families are supported when they need it most 
  • New product will help streamline nearly £10 billion worth of payments

LemFi (https://LemFi.com), the leading AI-powered international payments platform dedicated to building financial products and services for immigrant communities, today announced the launch of Send Now, Pay Later (SNPL), a credit-powered remittance product that allows its UK customers to use their LemFi credit line to send money home to their families when they need it most.

For the millions of immigrants in the UK who send nearly £10 billion back home annually (https://apo-opa.co/4ohJsCl), there is often a timing mismatch between unexpected expenses and local earning cycles. This can force them to delay pivotal transfers home or turn to unregulated, expensive credit solutions. Since traditional remittance providers typically require immediate payment, Send Now, Pay Later aims to address this critical pain point and provide vital service to customers who are new to the country and have a limited UK credit history. 

Powering SNPL is LemFi’s Ensemble AI model, which combines multiple data sources to inform credit decisions, including national credit bureaus, open banking data, and the company’s own remittance data, to help determine credit limits and repayment structures. This intelligent system also automatically adjusts depending on the individual customer’s journey and available data points, determining the required data points based on the customer’s circumstances and then offering risk-adjusted credit based on the available data. 

Ridwan Olalere, co-founder and CEO of LemFi, said: “The rise of Buy Now, Pay Later means people across the world can buy products and stagger the payments depending on their cash flow. But this has never been possible before with remittance, despite it being such a core part of the immigrant financial experience. With Send Now, Pay Later, we’re integrating credit directly into the remittance experience, ensuring financial support is never delayed by cash flow timing. It’s also a testament to our commitment to building a full-stack, AI-enabled financial ecosystem that understands and serves the unique challenges faced by global citizens.”

How Send Now, Pay Later Works

To access SNPL, LemFi customers are onboarded to LemFi Credit, which gives users access to credit lines ranging from £300 to £1,000, depending on their credit profile and assessment, which is enabled by leveraging open banking technology to evaluate eligibility. This makes it accessible even to recent immigrants who often lack extensive UK credit histories and are excluded from traditional finance services. In addition, LemFi’s platform can recognise international credit histories and employs alternative credit assessment methods that look beyond traditional UK financial records. This allows users to start with smaller credit limits and build their UK credit profile over time while accessing essential financial services.

This is done through the company’s AI-driven decisioning engine that analyses a wide spectrum of data points, including open banking insights, bureau files, remittance history and patterns within LemFi, as well as international credit footprints. By training models across these diverse datasets, LemFi can predict affordability and repayment likelihood with greater accuracy than traditional scoring approaches while reducing bias that often excludes immigrants from mainstream credit, helping to solve the issue of “credit invisibility” through the application of artificial intelligence. 

Once onboarded, customers can access their credit limit to send money to any of the 30+ LemFi-supported destination countries. When choosing the SNPL option, LemFi immediately processes the transfer to the recipient while creating a deferred payment obligation for the sender.

Bridging the Credit Divide

Currently, immigrants face significant and widespread issues when it comes to trying to access credit and banking services more broadly. Approximately five million individuals in the UK are considered “credit invisible”, with immigrants from emerging countries disproportionately affected. Research indicates (https://apo-opa.co/3VT1bUt) that nine in 10 immigrants report that accessing credit has become more difficult in recent years, while 13% of migrants are excluded from banking services compared to just 3% of the general UK population. This exclusion creates a cascade of financial challenges that extend beyond simple access to credit.

LemFi’s approach to credit assessment specifically addresses these challenges. As well, SNPL will tackle friction points around timing and bank transfers. Its real-time / same-day transfers reduce the time taken by traditional banks by a third and provide a means for its users to support their community despite their cash flow. 

Global Expansion and Market Opportunities

Following the UK launch, LemFi plans to expand the SNPL service to its other markets in the United States, Canada, and Europe. It currently supports over 2 million customers, enabling them to send money to over 30 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.

Since its founding, LemFi has supported over 2 million customers in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Europe. In January 2025, LemFi secured $53 million in Series B funding, bringing its total funding to over $86M. Investors include Highland Europe, LeftLane Capital, Endeavor Capital, and Y-Combinator.

For more information, visit https://LemFi.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of LemFi.

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Minister Manamela calls for calm amid Fort Hare unrest

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister Manamela calls for calm amid Fort Hare unrest

The Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela has implored all students and stakeholders to refrain from violence, intimidation and damage to property, following the escalating unrest at the University of Fort Hare, on Wednesday evening. 

In a statement on Wednesday evening, the Minister said that he has been in contact with the MEC for Community Safety, to ensure that law enforcement acts proportionately, and that criminal elements do not exploit the situation.  

“I implore all students and stakeholders to refrain from violence, intimidation, and damage to property. Let us protect the University of Fort Hare’s proud legacy through dialogue, discipline, and collective responsibility. 

Minister Manamela said the escalating unrest at the University of Fort Hare is deeply concerning. 

Last night, he had a discussion with student representatives and implored on them to de-escalate the situation at the university and ensure that all protest action is peaceful and provide leadership that protects both lives and university property. 

The Minister said he also conveyed a message to the University Council through the Chair and requested a detailed de-escalation plan, including taking the necessary measures to protect lives and campus infrastructure. 

“A Ministerial and Departmental team, led by Professor Ahmed Bawa, is already on the ground engaging management, student leaders, unions, and the Institutional Forums to help stabilise the situation and facilitate dialogue. 

“We remain concerned about the destruction of property and acts of violence and condemn in the strongest terms actions that rob future generations of learning opportunities and divert scarce resources from improving the quality of education in our country,” the Minister said. 

He also welcomed the initiative of the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane, to deploy a group of respected community and church leaders, including Reverand Finca, Hartland, Mbethe, Nopece, Ntlali, Nyobole, and Vika, to complement these efforts and help calm tensions. – SAnews.gov.za 

DikelediM

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Public Works on the right track, annual report shows

Source: Government of South Africa

Public Works on the right track, annual report shows

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) says its annual performance report shows an improvement in its fiscal resources, and that it has delivered meaningful services its clients and the public.

DPWI Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala and Director-General Sifiso Mdakane presented the report on operational and financial performance by the department on Wednesday before members of the Public Works and Infrastructure Portfolio Committee.

“The report reflects a year of strong stewardship and leadership since the start of the 7th Administration under the leadership of Minister Dean Macpherson and Deputy Minister Zikalala.

“The report also shows an improvement in the fiscal resources and meaningful service delivery to the clients of the department and the public.

“The report highlights notable achievements, and a clear path towards meeting of the key priorities of ‘Turning South Africa into a Construction Site‘, using public assets for public good, and creating more work opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme,” the department said. 

The annual report is a key tool of accountability by the department to Parliament and the citizens of the country on its performance. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Export diversification to take centre stage at export symposium

Source: Government of South Africa

Export diversification to take centre stage at export symposium

Recent developments in the global trade, which include tariff hikes, have underscored the urgent need for South Africa to diversify its markets.

This also includes deepened value addition and expanded participation of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), and historically disadvantaged enterprises in global and regional value chains. 

Against this backdrop, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) will host a three-day Export Symposium and Expo at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, from 14-16 October 2025.

The Export Symposium and Expo seek to address these challenges and position South Africa for sustainable export-led growth. 

It will bring together key stakeholders, including government officials, private sector representatives, export-focused businesses, and international trade experts, to explore strategies for growing and diversifying exports. 

Increasing trade with Africa, utilising international trade agreements, expanding value-added trade in goods and services, and addressing key challenges, such as access to finance and market identification will be high on the agenda.

One hundred exhibitors from various sectors, including the aerospace and defence, agro processing, manufacturing, medical and pharma, rail services and crafts, automotive and components, boat building, chemicals, clothing and textiles, footwear and leather, film, furniture and decor, are expected to showcase their products and services at the event. 

The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, said they anticipate the businesspeople to generate business leads, secure distribution deals, and exports sales from the expected buyers from various regions.

“We are committed to the promotion of value-added trade with both traditional and emerging markets and fostering collaboration between government, business, and labour to sustain export-led growth,” said Godlimpi. 

“With this symposium, we want to provide a platform for dialogue on strategies to enhance South Africa’s export competitiveness, export capacity and market reach,” he said. 

Godlimpi said with combined minds from government officials, organised business, and international trade experts, actionable strategies for improving access to finance for exporters, will be developed.

The event will also highlight South African exporters in key sectors through an exhibition, business-to-business engagements between the South African companies and international buyers to unlock export opportunities. 

Export opportunities under regional groupings such as BRICS+ (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and United Arab Emirates), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Gulf will be explored to increase market access. 

Trade agreements such as African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) will also be explored to discover export opportunities. 

The European Union, Southern African Development Community-Economic Partnership Agreement (SADC EU EPA) and the European Free Trade Association, Southern African Customs Union (EFTA SACU) will also be discussed to explore export markets. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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LemFi lance le service « Transférez maintenant, réglez plus tard » propulsé par l’IA, alliant crédit et transferts pour les immigrés au Royaume-Uni

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

  • La plateforme internationale de paiements LemFi permet déjà à plus de 2 millions d’immigrés d’envoyer de l’argent facilement partout dans le monde.
  • Grâce à son service de crédit renforcé par l’intelligence artificielle, LemFi introduit une nouvelle option : « Transférez maintenant, réglez plus tard». Objectif : garantir que les familles reçoivent un soutien quand elles en ont le plus besoin.
  • Ce produit inédit permettra de fluidifier près de 10 milliards £ de transferts annuels.

LemFi (https://LemFi.com), leader des paiements internationaux alimentés par l’IA et spécialiste des services financiers pour les communautés immigrées, annonce aujourd’hui le lancement de « Transfert instantané, règlement différé » (SNPL), une solution de transfert basée sur le crédit. Ce service permet aux clients du Royaume-Uni d’utiliser leur ligne de crédit LemFi pour envoyer de l’argent à leurs proches immédiatement, même lorsque leurs liquidités sont limitées.

Chaque année, les immigrés au Royaume-Uni envoient près de 10 milliards £ vers leur pays d’origine. Or, un décalage fréquent entre imprévus financiers et cycles de revenus locaux les contraint parfois à retarder des transferts essentiels ou à recourir à des solutions de crédit coûteuses et non régulées. Là où les prestataires classiques exigent un paiement immédiat, LemFi apporte une réponse concrète avec « Transférez maintenant, réglez plus tard », conçu spécialement pour ceux qui disposent d’un historique de crédit limité au Royaume-Uni.

Une innovation portée par l’intelligence artificielle

Ce nouveau service repose sur Ensemble AI, le modèle propriétaire de LemFi qui combine plusieurs sources de données (bureaux de crédit, open banking, historique de transferts LemFi). Objectif : définir des plafonds de crédit et des conditions de remboursement adaptées, ajustées automatiquement en fonction du parcours et de la situation de chaque client.

Ridwan Olalere, cofondateur et CEO de LemFi, explique :

« Le modèle “Buy Now, Pay Later” a permis aux consommateurs d’acheter et de payer en plusieurs fois selon leur trésorerie.

Pourtant, rien de tel n’existait pour les transferts, alors qu’ils sont essentiels dans l’expérience financière des immigrés. Avec Transférez maintenant, réglez plus tard, nous intégrons directement le crédit au cœur de l’expérience de transfert. Les familles peuvent ainsi être soutenues sans attendre, indépendamment des contraintes de trésorerie. C’est une nouvelle preuve de notre engagement à bâtir un écosystème financier complet, intelligent et adapté aux réalités des citoyens du monde. »

Comment ça marche ?

Pour accéder à ce service, les clients s’inscrivent à LemFi Credit, qui ouvre une ligne de crédit comprise entre 300 £ et 1 000 £, selon leur profil. Grâce à l’open banking et à des méthodes alternatives d’évaluation, même les nouveaux arrivants sans historique de crédit britannique peuvent y accéder. La plateforme de LemFi prend en compte les empreintes de crédit

internationales et permet ainsi aux utilisateurs de commencer avec des plafonds modestes, tout en construisant leur profil de crédit local.

L’IA de LemFi analyse un large éventail de données (open banking, fichiers de crédit, historiques de transferts, empreintes internationales) pour prédire la capacité de remboursement avec une précision supérieure aux méthodes traditionnelles. Cette approche réduit aussi les biais qui excluent souvent les immigrés du crédit classique.

Une fois approuvé, le client peut envoyer de l’argent vers plus de 30 pays. Le bénéficiaire reçoit immédiatement le transfert, tandis que l’expéditeur dispose d’un règlement différé.

Réduire la fracture du crédit

Près de 5 millions de personnes au Royaume-Uni sont considérées comme « invisibles au crédit », dont une grande part d’immigrés. Des études montrent que 9 sur 10 estiment que l’accès au crédit s’est durci ces dernières années, et 13 %sont exclus des services bancaires (contre 3 % pour la population générale).

En ciblant ces défis, LemFi veut combler une fracture réelle. Les transferts instantanés réduisent aussi d’un tiers les délais habituels des banques, apportant aux utilisateurs un moyen fiable de soutenir leurs proches, même en cas de trésorerie serrée.

Expansion mondiale

Après le Royaume-Uni, LemFi prévoit d’étendre ce service aux États-Unis, au Canada et en Europe.

La société compte déjà plus de 2 millions de clients envoyant de l’argent vers plus de 30 pays d’Asie, d’Afrique, d’Europe et d’Amérique latine.

En janvier 2025, LemFi a levé 53 millions $ en Série B, portant son financement total à plus de 86 millions $, auprès notamment de Highland Europe, LeftLane Capital, Endeavor Capital et Y-Combinator.

Plus d’informations sur https://LemFi.com.

Distribué par APO Group pour LemFi.

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Aksaya Estates Limited Signs Agreement with Marriott International to Bring Courtyard by Marriott to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Source: APO

Aksaya Estates Limited has signed an agreement with Marriott International (http://www.Marriott.com) to bring Courtyard by Marriott to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Slated to open in 2027, the Courtyard by Marriott Nairobi Airport will enhance the hospitality offerings at Kenya’s key international gateway, providing guests with an elevated experience to optimise work, relax and make the most of their stay.

The Courtyard by Marriott Nairobi Airport, which has commenced construction, will feature approximately 180 well-appointed rooms and suites, all thoughtfully designed with an emphasis on flexibility and a smart layout tailored to the needs of modern leisure and business. The hotel will include two restaurants and bars, an expansive landscaped courtyard featuring a fire pit, a rooftop fitness centre and 18 metre swimming pool, as well as versatile indoor and outdoor event space.

The property has secured Preliminary EDGE Advanced Certification, IFC’s sustainable building certification.

The property will be the second Marriott-branded hotel owned and operated by Aksaya Estates in Kenya, following the successful operation of the Sankara Nairobi, Autograph Collection in Westlands, Nairobi.

Marriott International encompasses a portfolio of over 9,600 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 143 countries and territories. Courtyard by Marriott participates in Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s global travel programme.  

Aksaya Estates Limited is real estate investment firm that invests, with a long-term perspective, in commercial real estate.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Marriott International, Inc..

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CS OILFIELD Delivers End-to-End Chemical Solutions, Boosting Industry Trust at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

Source: APO

CS OILFIELD (https://CS-OILFIELD.com/), a specialty oilfield chemicals and technical services company headquartered in Turkey, recently reinforced its commitment to quality, safety, and operational excellence as a Silver Sponsor at Africa Energy Week (AEW) 2025, held in Cape Town from 29 September to 3 October. With a growing footprint across eight African countries, including Nigeria, Angola, Gabon, and Congo, CS OILFIELD is advancing performance-driven chemical solutions that support procurement efficiency, operational reliability, and sustainable growth across the continent.

Africa’s oil and gas sector faces mounting pressure to strike a balance between cost control and operational integrity. Substandard chemical use contributes to an estimated $75–100 billion in avoidable global costs annually, according to the International Energy Agency. These costs arise from equipment failures, environmental non-compliance, non-productive time, and reputational damage—all of which can be mitigated through high-quality chemical solutions.

“Every decision in oil and gas operations, even one as seemingly minor as a chemical selection, can make or break a project worth millions of dollars,” said Hasan Mutlu, Co-founder of CS OILFIELD. “Our mission is to break the cycle where chemicals are blamed for operational challenges by ensuring that high-quality, technically supported solutions are delivered reliably and efficiently.”

Chemicals in oil and gas are often overlooked until something goes wrong, resulting in wasted resources, costly downtime, and long-term equipment damage. With up to 15% of non-productive time linked to poor chemical performance, substandard materials can drain billions across the industry.

 CS OILFIELD addresses this hidden cost by delivering high-quality, technically supported solutions that safeguard wellbore integrity, reduce waste, protect the environment, and preserve profitability. Supported by advanced R&D hubs, efficient logistics, and a commitment to operational reliability, the company ensures operators meet design performance without overruns or reputational risk.

At Africa Energy Week 2025, CS OILFIELD showcased its integrated approach to chemical engineering, manufacturing, and field support. The company also stressed its role in maintaining consistent production efficiency while meeting international standards.

CS OILFIELD’s “Building Together” strategy emphasises local sourcing, technical knowledge transfer, and resilient supply chains. By partnering with African companies and investing in community impact, the company contributes to skills development, job creation, and sustainable project delivery.

“CS OILFIELD isn’t just a supplier; we’re a strategic partner,” Mutlu added. “We take the time to understand each project’s unique challenges and goals, ensuring our solutions deliver measurable value today and into the future.”

For more information about CS OILFIELD and its services, visit https://CS-OILFIELD.com/.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CS OILFIELD.

About CS OILFIELD:
Founded by industry professionals in 2017, CS OILFIELD is a service company built on engineering precision, manufacturing expertise, and logistics agility. The company operates with a clear focus: supporting oilfield operations with chemical systems that are developed in the lab but proven in the field. Its portfolio spans both drilling fluid systems and production chemical treatments, enabling contributions across the full lifecycle of the well — from drilling performance to long-term asset protection. Based in Istanbul, CS OILFIELD’s operations extend across Türkiye, West Africa, and the Caspian region, with a local presence in Nigeria, Angola, Ghana, and Baku. From early engagement to field application, the company remains close to the operation and takes ownership of every challenge it undertakes.

https://CS-OILFIELD.com/

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Deputy President Mashatile pays a courtesy call on Mama Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior of South Sudan

Source: President of South Africa –

His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Paul Mashatile, has today, 09 October 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Mother of the Nation and Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan, Her Excellency Cdr. Mama Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior, at the Official Residence in Juba, South Sudan.

Mama Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior is wife of the late founding father of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the first democratic Republic of South Sudan, Dr. John Garang de Mabior.

The Deputy President is on a two-day Working Visit to South Sudan in his capacity as Presidential Special Envoy, to consolidate  political efforts and contribute to deepening the implementation of the peace process, in line with the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (RARCRSS), with the aim of ensuring a peaceful and democratic end to the transitional period. 

Mama Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior has expressed her appreciation to the important role played by South Africa in supporting the peace process. She has further urged South Africa to remain seized with developments in the country.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Children’s welfare remains at the heart of our work, Tolashe

Source: Government of South Africa

Protecting and uplifting children remains at the heart of the Department of Social Development’s mandate, Minister Sisisi Tolashe told the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, in Parliament, on Wednesday. 

The department presented its 2024/25 Annual Report, following a session that also included a briefing by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) on audit outcomes for the department and its entities, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the National Development Agency (NDA).

This engagement formed part of Parliament’s oversight process to assess performance, governance, and financial accountability across the social development portfolio.

Minister Tolashe said the department’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and sound financial management in advancing its mandate of providing social protection services to South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens.

She reaffirmed the department’s unwavering commitment to improving the protection, inclusion, and dignity of vulnerable groups, from children and older persons to persons with disabilities, while ensuring that public resources are used responsibly and effectively.

“For the period under review, we focused on improving the sector’s capacity for the implementation of the Children’s Act. We welcome the promulgation of the Children’s Amendment Act No. 17 of 2022 together with its supporting regulations, which will go a long way to strengthening child protection safety nets and ensuring better protection of our children,” Minister Tolashe said.

Strengthening social protection and service delivery

Reflecting on the department’s performance, the Minister noted that the 2024/25 financial year marked an important period of transition and progress, coinciding with the establishment of the Government of National Unity and the adoption of the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2025–2029.

She commended the dedication of the department’s staff and leadership for ensuring stability and continuity of services amid this national transition.

“Since my deployment to this portfolio, my priority has been, and continues to be, stabilising the department and its public entities to deliver on our core mandate. 

“We have made great strides by filling critical posts that had been vacant for extended periods, including that of the Director-General, the Deputy Director-General: Welfare Services, and the Chief Financial Officer,” she said. 

Expanding social assistance

Minister Tolashe highlighted the significant expansion of the social assistance programme, which reached over 28 million eligible individuals during the year under review. This includes more than 13.1 million children benefiting from the Child Support Grant and about 4.1 million older persons receiving the Old Age Grant.

“Realising the pledge to ensure that no one is left behind demands that we remain focused on tackling child and adult poverty now and in the future,” she emphasised.

Audit outcomes and governance improvements

The overall audit outcome of the Department of Social Development for 2024/25 is a qualified audit opinion with findings, while SASSA received an unqualified audit opinion.

Minister Tolashe commended this progress but urged the agency to strive for excellence.

“I will be more pleased to see SASSA moving towards a clean audit in the next financial year. I have directed the CEO to meticulously deal with all findings of the Auditor-General and to provide progress reports to my office regularly,” she said.

She also addressed ongoing matters concerning the Postbank and SASSA that have drawn public attention, noting that the President has referred the issue to an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) for resolution.

“We will inform this committee of the IMC’s deliberations and decision in due course,” the Minister said.

She further emphasised that the termination of the Master Service Agreement between SASSA and the Postbank does not affect beneficiaries’ entitlement to access their grants and that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure compliance with legislative and financial governance requirements. 

Advancing gender and disability programmes

The Minister also reported progress in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) through the tabling of the Victim Support Services Bill to Cabinet. The Bill addresses existing legislative gaps and strengthens the provision of sheltering and victim support services.

“We have turned around the operational efficiency of the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre and continue to strengthen oversight and monitoring of services in provinces,” she said, adding that the department continues to monitor the implementation of the Universal Treatment Curriculum in treatment centres across the country.

Minister Tolashe commended the Portfolio Committee on Social Development for its continuous oversight role, ensuring that the department’s work translates into tangible impact in people’s lives.

“The significant progress we have made for the year under review would not have been possible without the commitment of our dedicated staff and the support of this committee. I commit my leadership to the task at hand to ensure that we achieve our goals and advance the department’s mandate,” she said.

She extended appreciation to Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks, Director-General Peter Netshipale, and the leadership of SASSA and the National Development Agency for their collaboration in driving the social development agenda.

“There is more to do, but the 2024/25 Annual Report clearly shows that we are off to a good start,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za