Category: MIL-OSI

South Africa and China have agreed on a set of key measures to deepen cooperation in digital education, technical skills development and student mobility.

The agreement follows bilateral talks between Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela and China’s Vice Minister of Education Xu Qingsen, held on the sidelines of the World Digital Education Conference in Hangzhou on Tuesday, 12 May 2026.

The meeting produced a framework aimed at strengthening collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), vocational training and industry-linked education pathways.

Among the agreed outcomes are the establishment of a structured cooperation framework on AI in education and digital transformation, and the creation of a Joint Technical Working Group to oversee the rollout of China–South Africa Vocational and Technical Centres across all nine provinces.

The two countries also committed to expanding technical and vocational education and training (TVET) cooperation, aligning programmes with key industrial sectors including AI, robotics, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.

Manamela said the partnership is moving beyond isolated projects towards a more coordinated system of cooperation that directly supports industrialisation, employment, and youth development.
“This engagement is about translating political commitments into practical outcomes that deliver at scale,” he said.

The bilateral meeting also resolved to strengthen scholarship programmes, with a shift towards aligning funding with South Africa’s industrial priorities.

These include AI, engineering, green energy, advanced manufacturing and the development of TVET lecturers.

Currently, South Africa and China are jointly administering multiple scholarship programmes, including initiatives targeting young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), as well as sector-specific training supported by Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).

Both countries agreed to expand postgraduate study opportunities and joint research initiatives as part of the next phase of cooperation.

A major focus of the discussions was strengthening education-to-employment pathways, building on existing cooperation between South Africa and Chinese institutions.

Among this include is the partnership with Beijing Polytechnic College, where a cohort of South African TVET students has completed specialised training in new energy vehicle and hybrid technologies, with Chinese automaker BYD committing to provide internships and employment opportunities.

Another key outcome is the improved alignment of short-term training programmes with South Africa’s developmental priorities.

Future programmes will focus on areas such as AI governance, digital learning systems, industrial policy and digital public infrastructure, with the aim of strengthening institutional capacity across government and the post-school education sector.

Toward a strategic partnership

The bilateral engagement builds on commitments made during the 9th Session of the South Africa–China Bi-National Commission earlier this year, where both countries agreed to deepen cooperation across sectors.

Manamela said South Africa sees the partnership as part of a broader strategy, positioning the country as a gateway for China–Africa collaboration in education and skills development.

“We are ready to move from a relationship defined by individual projects to one characterised by coordinated systems cooperation,” he said.

“South Africa is ready to move from a relationship characterised by individual projects to one defined by coordinated systems cooperation, cooperation that contributes directly to industrialisation, employment, youth development, and the building of capable institutions on both sides,” Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

5

The Africa Travel Indaba not only focuses on big businesses and international cooperations. Small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) also benefit by making business deals and forging partnerships with both local and international companies.

Here at home, the South African National Parks (SANParks) has taken some small tourism businesses under its wing providing, among other things, support and training.

One of the small businesses benefiting from the guidance of SANParks is Awelani Lodge situated in Limpopo on the R521 next to the Kruger National Park’s Pafuri Gate. The lodge offers chalets, bungalows, tents, backpacker rooms and camping sites. 

SAnews spoke to Maanda Mpfunzeni, who is the General Manager at Awelani Lodge. Mpfunzeni explained how the business started as a vision in 2001.

Mpfunzeni explained that for the business to take of, he went to the Vhembe local municipal and shared his vision. He was advised to submit a business plan and that was when the business started to take shape.

“We got funding in 2008 for development and SANParks came on board and gave advisors,” Mpfunzeni said.

Mpfunzeni told SAnews that the business has employed 26 permanent staff, who come from four nearby villages including Tshikuyu, Duluthulu, Bileni and Mutele B.

“We are here to grow the business by establishing partnerships with other local and international businesses. We have already established partnerships with various stakeholders in the tourism sector,” Mpfunzeni said, adding that most people they made contact with at the Indaba have shown interest in forging a partnership with them.

SAnews also spoke to Tshepo Lesholu, Business Coordinator at Mehloding Adventure Trail, situated in Matatiele during the Indaba.

“Since Monday, we have been talking to different people who have shown interest in what we are doing.” 

Lesholu said his enterprise has participated in the Africa Travel Indaba for the past five years, where they managed to forge partnerships with other business operators.

“Our business is growing because of the Indaba and we hope that this year, we will secure more deals and partnerships,” he said.

The Mehloding Adventure Trail, managed by the Mehloding Community Tourism Trust, is a 4-day linear trail classed as a moderate hike with some difficult sections, with altitudes ranging between 1 400 – 2 000m above sea level. It is located at the border of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho.

“The business is going very well with the help and support of SANParks,” Lesholu said.

Another business which stands to benefit from the Indaba through its partnership with SANParks is the Golden Gate Zipline, which is going to be launched this weekend.

Jerry Thabane, the business manager, told SAnews that they hope to forge partnerships with various stakeholders in the tourism sector.

“Our staff is highly trained, and we hope we will be able to create awareness about our new business,” Thabane said.

In his address at the opening of the Indaba on Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said tourism is more than a sector of the economy. He described it as a “living expression of the people”.

“We take pride in the partnerships that have carried us through some of the most challenging years the global tourism industry has faced,” he said.

The President  said the Africa’s Travel Indaba has become one of the most powerful platforms for tourism growth on the continent.

“The benefits are felt not only in boardrooms but also in small businesses, township enterprises and the homes of ordinary South Africans. The benefits of this Indaba are felt across our country and across the continent as new destinations are discovered and new linkages are formed,” the President said.

According to Statistics South Africa, the tourism sector now accounts for nearly one million direct jobs in the country, meaning around one in every 18 workers is directly employed in tourism.

Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 started on Tuesday and ends on Thursday. It is being held under the theme: “Unlimited Africa: Growing Africa’s Tourism Economy”.

Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 takes place as the continent commemorates Africa Month, providing an important platform to strengthen partnerships, and shape a more inclusive tourism future that benefits communities, entrepreneurs and nations. – SAnews.gov.za

4

Deputy Minister of Finance David Masondo has called on the private sector to play a far greater role in financing South Africa’s next phase of infrastructure development, warning that public resources alone will not be enough to meet the country’s massive infrastructure needs.

His remarks follow a joint study by the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the World Bank, titled Beyond the Gap, which estimates South Africa’s infrastructure financing shortfall at approximately R13 trillion.

Speaking at the Infrastructure Investment Summit hosted by BlackRock in Cape Town on Wednesday, Masondo said government plans to spend around R1.07 trillion on infrastructure over the next three years, with much of the investment to be implemented through state-owned companies and public entities. 

“This means public resources alone will not be sufficient. Private capital must play a far larger role in financing South Africa’s next phase of infrastructure development,” Masondo said.

He highlighted energy infrastructure as one of the country’s biggest investment opportunities, noting that South Africa plans to build about 14 000 kilometres of transmission lines at an estimated cost of R450 billion.

“This is one of the largest infrastructure opportunities currently available in emerging markets,” the Deputy Minister said.

To attract private investment, government has developed a Credit Guarantee Vehicle aimed at reducing investor risk in transmission infrastructure projects. 

The initial goal is to mobilise R10 billion from development finance partners, with National Treasury providing first-loss capital support of 20%, starting with an initial US$100 million commitment.

“The National Treasury will provide first-loss capital support of 20 per cent, beginning with an initial US$100 million commitment.

 “The Credit Guarantee Vehicle is expected to become operational by July 2026, aligned with the first phase of transmission expansion projects. Over time, this vehicle may be expanded beyond transmission infrastructure into logistics and water infrastructure,” Masondo said.

The Deputy Minister stressed that infrastructure development should support industrialisation and economic production rather than exist as an end in itself.

“Too often across the developing world, we have seen roads built without industrial corridors, ports expanded without manufacturing zones, and energy infrastructure developed without alignment to industrial demand.

“The result is infrastructure that is underutilised, economically inefficient, and unable to generate the growth required to sustain long-term returns,” Masondo said.

Masondo said infrastructure delivers the greatest economic impact when it supports production, trade, manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and exports.

“If we begin there, infrastructure becomes more targeted, more bankable, more growth-enhancing, and ultimately more investable,” the Deputy Minister said.

He added that South Africa has recently strengthened its macroeconomic position, helping government raise capital at increasingly favourable rates. 

The country has achieved a primary budget surplus for three consecutive years and exited the Financial Action Task Force grey list.

During the 2026/27 budget, government also revised Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth projections upward for the first time in many years.

“These developments matter to investors because capital prices are risky. Banks, pension funds, insurers, and asset managers allocate capital based on their assessment of stability, liability profiles, predictability, and returns.

 “When risk declines, the cost of capital falls. Lower inflation, stronger public finances, and improved growth prospects reduce financing costs not only for government, but across the entire economy,” the Deputy Minister said.

He further noted that South Africa faces an estimated R36 billion annual municipal infrastructure maintenance gap. 

To help address this, government has introduced the Metro Trading Services Reform, which aims to ring-fence revenue generated from water, electricity, and waste services and ensure it is reinvested directly into infrastructure and operations.

“The reforms are designed to improve financial transparency, strengthen operational accountability, and create clearer revenue visibility for investors and lenders.

 “Government has already mobilised R54 billion in performance-linked incentives to support these reforms. Importantly, this programme is expected to unlock more than R100 billion in infrastructure investment opportunities across metropolitan municipalities,” the Deputy Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

4

No nation can claim freedom while its women remain unsafe, unpaid, unseen, or excluded from the economy.

These remarks, made by Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, set the tone for government’s 2026/27 priorities, placing the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) at the centre of South Africa’s development agenda.

Presenting the department’s Budget Vote in Parliament on Wednesday, Chikunga said government is intensifying efforts to strengthen a coordinated and multisectoral response to GBVF, anchored in the principle that women’s safety, dignity and economic empowerment are inseparable.

National council to lead GBVF response
Since the adoption of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, Chikunga highlighted that government has worked to strengthen a coordinated and multisectoral response to GBVF.

She said that in the 2026/27 financial year, this work will be accelerated following the classification of GBVF as a national disaster and the adoption of a Cabinet-approved action plan.

READ | Violence against women a national disaster that demands national action – President

A key priority will be supporting the establishment of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which will lead and coordinate the country’s response to GBVF.

The Minister said the department will continue to strengthen the monitoring of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) 2020-2030 across government, Cabinet clusters and sectors.

“We will deepen prevention work through the Comprehensive National Prevention Strategy, particularly our flagship project – positive masculinity focused on boys; young men and older men, including targeted interventions in schools, communities and stakeholders.

“We will continue to strengthen GBVF Rapid Response Teams and support the 100-Day Challenge model, to resolve practical blockages in the justice and support systems. We will continue to advance women’s economic empowerment through programmes that open access to markets, finance, procurement and strategic value chains,” the Minister said.

Linking safety to economic empowerment

Chikunga emphasised that tackling GBVF cannot be separated from advancing women’s economic participation.

“We cannot speak of freedom if women remain excluded from the economy.”

She said the department will continue to roll out programmes that improve women’s access to markets, finance and procurement opportunities, including initiatives such as Women Economic Assembly (WECONA), Women in Trade, and the Women’s Cooperative Financial Institution.

Efforts will also focus on integrating women into key sectors of the economy, including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, oceans and the green economy.

“We will work with public and private sector partners to ensure that all women, irrespective of age, are not merely beneficiaries of development, but owners, producers, traders and leaders in the economy. This will include leveraging the critical Mineral strategy to place women and youth at the centre of South Africa’s mining expansion and industrial plans,” Chikunga said.

She also urged sectors to submit inputs on the Public Procurement Regulations published by the National Treasury for public comment.

READ | Have your say on draft procurement regulations

Expanding youth development programmes
 

As South Africa marks 50 years since the 1976 youth uprisings under the theme “Reset@50 – The Future Calls”, Chikunga said the department is scaling up interventions to address youth unemployment.

Through the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), which has been allocated R1.8 billion, she said government aims to significantly expand youth development programmes.

Key targets for the year include funding at least 2 600 youth-owned small businesses, expanding paid service opportunities under the National Youth Service and Presidential Youth Employment Intervention from 40 000 to 100 000 young people, providing business development support to 23 500 youth, and supporting employment and job placement for more than 26 000 young people.

The Department will also develop a National Youth Fund Strategy to increase access to funding for youth-owned enterprises, particularly for young women; persons with disabilities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) youth; and other marginalised young people.

Chikunga stressed the need to address barriers facing graduates, calling for greater opportunities for young people to gain work experience.

“As we fight to have all public service and private sector posts filled, no young person should be overlooked because of the so-called overqualification with no experience. Young people with qualifications must be given an opportunity to work and gain experience. Moreover, we wish to stress that, our call extends for those above the age of 35 years,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

3

The Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has announced 11 Train Operating Companies (TOCs) that were allocated slots to operate routes on Transnet’s rail network, marking a major milestone in South Africa’s rail reform journey. 

As part of efforts to reform the rail sector, government opened South Africa’s rail network to private operators to increase Transnet rail volumes and assist producers in ensuring more minerals, vehicles and agricultural produce reach international markets.

This achievement increases the number of active operators on the national rail network from one to 12, spanning five strategic corridors. 

The allocations are expected to introduce an additional 24  million tonnes (Mt) of freight capacity to the network, with the potential to scale to 52mt over the next five years, supporting the national objective of increasing rail volumes from approximately 180mt to 250mt by 2030.

“This milestone represents more than slot allocation; it signals the creation of a functional and competitive rail marketplace. We have moved from policy design to practical implementation, enabling real private-sector participation and investment in rail,” said TRIM Chief Executive Moshe Motlohi. 

The new TOCs are: ARC South Africa (ARC), The Railway Corporation, MSC, TLD Marine, MENAR, Sharp Logistics, Barberry, Grindrod, Minrail, IRACEMA, Motheo Logistics, and Interlinks, spanning key sectors such as coal, manganese, containers, fuel, and general freight, collectively driving diversification and competitiveness across the network.

In December 2025, TRIM introduced the Ad Hoc Slot application process, an innovative, rules-based mechanism that enables rapid allocation of rail capacity outside the annual cycle.

This process has already unlocked new opportunities, including a proposed short-haul service between Cato Ridge and Durban aimed at reducing road congestion in the port precinct. 

The service is targeted to commence operations in May 2026.

“The Ad Hoc Slot process is a game-changer. It allows operators to respond to real-time demand while maintaining the highest standards of safety, transparency, and efficiency,” Motlohi said.

Engagements are currently underway to onboard and assist the new TOCs with operational readiness.

Some TOCs are targeting to commence operations before the end of 2026, while the remaining operators are expected to be operational during the course of 2027.

“This collaborative process has also enhanced the bankability of rail projects by incorporating feedback from both operators and financial institutions. The insights gathered are informing ongoing improvements to Network Statement Version 4, which is currently at an advanced stage of finalisation.

“As TRIM continues to refine its access framework through Network Statement Version 4, the focus remains on scaling participation, enhancing operational efficiency, and unlocking further investment into the rail sector – building a modern rail ecosystem that is competitive, accessible, and aligned with South Africa’s economic growth ambitions,” Transnet said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

0

Suspended National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court in a case linked to the alleged irregular awarding of a contract valued at approximately R228 million to Medicare 24, a business linked to alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Masemola joined at least 16 other co-accused in the dock, including Matlala.

The Commissioner faces four charges of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PMFA), while the other accused are answering to charges of corruption, fraud and money laundering.

“Consultations with Matlala have been concluded, however, new information has emerged from these consultations compelling further investigation by the state. The state committed to disclose the docket to the accused by 26 June 2026 and to amend the charge sheet following the inclusion of General Masemola in the matter.

“A request by Matlala’s attorney to have him kept at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility for the second phase of consultations to unfold and be completed timeously was granted,” Investigating Directorate Against Corruption spokesperson Henry Mamothame explained.

The case has been postponed for further investigations and to disclose the docket to the accused. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

0

The South African government has outlined an ambitious programme of action for the 2026/27 financial year, placing women, youth and persons with disabilities at the centre of national development efforts.

Presenting her department Budget Vote in Parliament on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, said the department’s priorities are aimed at driving inclusive growth, tackling inequality and strengthening social justice.

The budget is tabled during a year of profound historical and constitutional significance for South Africa, including the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March, 50 years since the 1976 youth uprisings, and 30 years of South Africa’s democratic Constitution.

“We have come a long way and yet we remain far from where we want to be. But the work of freedom continues. The struggle continues,” Chikunga said.

Focus on inclusion and economic participation

Central to the department’s strategy is ensuring that women, youth and persons with disabilities are no longer treated as peripheral groups, but as key drivers of development.

The 2026/27 priorities are aligned with government’s Medium-Term Development Plan, which focuses on driving inclusive growth and job creation; reducing poverty and the high cost of living; and building a capable, ethical and developmental state.

“For our department, these priorities require that all women, young people and persons with disabilities are not treated as an afterthought, but are placed at the centre of government planning, budgeting, implementation and accountability,” the Minister said.

Within this framework, she said the department has identified five key focus areas:

• Accelerating women’s empowerment and strengthening prevention and response to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF); 
• Confront youth unemployment and vulnerability, among those not in education, employment or training (NEET); 
• Deepening inclusion of persons with disabilities; 
• Institutionalising responsive planning, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation and auditing, and 
• Strengthening coordinated State and societal action from fragmented interventions to achieve measurable impact.

R2.2 billion to drive implementation

To support these priorities, the department has been allocated R2.2 billion for the 2026/27 financial year, with a significant budget of R1.8 billion allocated to the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) to expand programmes focused on youth entrepreneurship, employment pathways, skills development and paid service opportunities.

Additional allocations include R241 million for the department’s operational work, R111 million for the Commission for Gender Equality, and R46.5 million for the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

Chikunga said these resources will be used to drive policy implementation, legislation, advocacy, mainstreaming, monitoring, evaluation, research, coordination, and partnerships across government and society.

“This is how we give meaning to the struggles we commemorate this year: by moving from memory to measurable impact,” she said.

Legislative and policy priorities

The department will also prioritise key legislation in the coming financial year.

Among the major policy initiatives include the Promotion of Women’s Rights, Empowerment and Gender Equality Bill, which is being prepared for Cabinet; the South African Youth Development Bill, which will be submitted to Cabinet as a discussion document, gazetted for public comment, and released for public consultation across all provinces; and the Disability Rights Bill, being developed in collaboration with the South African Law Reform Commission.

In addition, the department will work on a National Strategy against Teenage Pregnancies and conduct research to inform the development of the national strategy on the care work, aimed at addressing the unequal burden of paid and unpaid care work, and inequality carried by women.

“Our task is to move from policy commitments to measurable accountability,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

0