Category: MIL-OSI

While South Africa has made significant progress in connecting citizens to the internet, Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi says more must be done to unlock the full potential of connectivity.

According to the recently released Digital Infrastructure Investment Study commissioned by the Development Bank of South Africa, the true connectivity access gap is now only 2.2% of all South African households.

“South Africa has made commendable progress in the delivery of digital infrastructure. But – there is a critical question we must ask ourselves: is access itself enough? The answer to that, fellow South Africans, is clear: no, it is not enough,” the Minister said on Tuesday in Parliament, delivering the department’s Budget Vote.

Malatsi stressed that if South Africa is to fully leverage the benefits of connectivity, access must be meaningful and not merely universal.

“To this end, low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite services also form part of South Africa’s digital future. Rather than wait a decade to develop domestic LEO capacity, we must create conditions for international operators to serve our people now, in a manner that supports national interests and regulatory compliance.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that new technologies expand inclusion rather than deepen inequality,” the Minister said.

The Minister highlighted that the digital economy is not only a standalone contributor to economic growth but also a key enabler of productivity across all sectors of the economy. 

He noted that government’s decision to remove the ad valorem excise duty on entry-level smartphones had already yielded positive results.

“Last year, government removed the ad valorem excise duty on entry-level smartphones. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies partnered with the GSMA to measure the impact of this tax break: in the nine months before the tax removal, month-on-month entry-level smartphone sales declined by 7.9% per month.

“Between April and December of 2025, this decline was reversed, and month-on-month sales in this segment grew by 3.7%, with a clear indication that people can now afford to substitute their feature phones for smartphones,” Malatsi said.

He added that the department will use the study’s findings to engage the National Treasury on additional fiscal measures to improve access to digital devices.

According to the Minister, the department’s expenditure allocation for the 2026/2027 financial year is R2.549 billion.

Of that, R1.749 billion is transferred to portfolio entities.

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) received R505million, the Film and Publications Board received R112 million, and the South African Post Office has been allocated R595 million. 

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) received R234 million.

“The SABC has, for the second consecutive year, achieved an unqualified audit opinion, a remarkable improvement after years of governance instability.

“The funding model study has been completed, and we are currently consulting with National Treasury on the most suitable model to ensure that the SABC is empowered to balance its commercial operations and public broadcasting mandate,” the Minister said.

Malatsi also revealed that eight cyber labs were launched during the 2025/26 financial year in partnership with departmental entities and private sector stakeholders to support digital skills development among young people.

A further 10 cyber labs are expected to be established during the current financial year. –SAnews.gov.za

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed an order of the Special Tribunal to freeze a KwaZulu-Natal businesswoman’s assets linked to the abuse of the Unemployment Insurance Fund Temporary Employee Relief Scheme (UIF TERS). 

The woman, Yolanda Nombuso Mgobo, allegedly received more than R18 million from the scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The SIU explained that Mgobo did not personally submit claims, however, her company received funds from other companies including Ezogu Trading (Pty) Ltd, Nakomang Trading Enterprise CC, Ezikamshalaza Trading CC, Senzisipho (Pty) Ltd, and Amakhosana Contractors (Pty) Ltd which had submitted claims.

These claims were found to be irregular, including the use of a ghost employee database to access relief funds, which constitutes a criminal offence.

“The SIU investigation uncovered that Mgobo received payments totalling R18 632 335 in both her personal and business accounts.

“The SIU’s investigation further revealed that Mgobo utilised these proceeds for personal benefit and that of her life partner, Mr Hlalanathi Hopewell Mbangi, between 2020 and 2025.

“The SIU’s investigation revealed that between 2020 and 2023, Nakomang Trading Enterprise received approximately R19.2 million from UIF, Ezikamshalaza Trading received R5.09 million, and Ezogu Trading received about R8.73 million.

“The SIU’s probe revealed that between January and October 2022, Ezogu Trading made multiple payments to Mgobo totalling approximately R1.2 million. Between 6 April 2022 and 18 May 2023, further payments were made by Ezikamshalaza Trading to Mgobo as part of the broader flow of funds, with the last payment made on 23 May 2023 being R720 000. By 2023, Ezikamshalaza Trading had paid a total of R1 698 720 to Mgobo,” the SIU said in a statement.

Assets which have been preserved are:

• A Hyundai Tucson.
• A Ford Ranger transferred from Mgobo to her partner, Mbangi.
• A Toyota Corolla.
• A property in Knightswood, Scottburgh, KwaZulu-Natal, valued at R870 000.
• A property in Uvongo, along KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast, valued at R845 000.
• Two additional properties in Scottburgh, each valued at approximately R1 million.

The Special Tribunal’s order prohibits Mgobo, Mbangi, and Yoluleko Trading from selling, transferring, hiding, or disposing of specific vehicles and properties listed in the order while the investigation and hearings are ongoing.

“This means that the assets must remain untouched until the Special Tribunal decides whether the agreement between the implicated parties and the department was unlawful.

“Although the assets are frozen, the individuals must continue to pay all associated costs related to the properties and vehicles, including levies, insurance, vehicle licensing, and any other related expenses,” the statement read.

The matter will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for a decision on criminal prosecution.

“The referral will cover charges of fraud and money laundering against Ezikamshalaza Trading, its members or directors, and all individuals or entities involved in enabling the unlawful activities.

“The SIU remains committed to recovering public funds lost through corruption and maladministration, and to holding accountable those who sought to exploit relief measures intended to support vulnerable workers and businesses during the pandemic,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Chief Executive Officer of the National Empowerment Fund, Muziwabantu Dayimani, says since the inception of the Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF), the Fund has approved 43 transactions valued at more than R510.51 million across nine provinces.

The TTF was established as a dedicated capital investment mechanism to accelerate transformation within South Africa’s tourism sector to drive more inclusive participation by black-owned enterprises, women-owned businesses, youth entrepreneurs and community-based tourism initiatives.

Dayimani was speaking during a panel discussion to promote transformation within the tourism sector at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre at the Africa Travel Indaba which commenced on Tuesday.

Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 is taking place from 11-14 May under the theme: “Unlimited Africa: Growing Africa’s Tourism Economy”.

Dayimani explained that the fund was established after it was realized that the pace of transformation within the sector had simply not moved fast enough.

“Today, the Tourism Transformation Fund continues to demonstrate the role that targeted developmental finance can play in advancing transformation within South Africa’s tourism sector,” he said.

Dayimani said the impact of the Fund continues to be visible in communities across the country. To date, the TTF has supported more than 1 485 jobs, including 751 new jobs created and 734 jobs preserved.

“These are not just statistics. Behind every number is a black entrepreneur. Behind every investment is a family, a community, a dream, and a future being rebuilt. Behind every lodge, boutique hotel, cruise operation, safari business or hospitality enterprise is a statement that economic transformation in South Africa is both possible and necessary.

“We are proud today to showcase Tourism Transformation Fund beneficiaries, who represent the next wave of transformed tourism enterprises in South Africa,” he said.

Dayimani said the businesses that received assistance represent more than tourism products — they represent transformed ownership, resilience and the future of South African tourism.

“One of the important realities we must confront are the barriers facing emerging tourism entrepreneurs, particularly black-owned enterprises, women-owned businesses, youth-owned businesses, and enterprises operating in rural and township economies.

“We understand that transformation cannot merely be discussed in policy documents and conference rooms. It must be visible in ownership patterns. It must be visible in procurement. It must be visible in infrastructure development, and it must be visible in who participates meaningfully in the tourism economy,” Dayimani  said.

Dayimani said opportunities within tourism are immense.

“South Africa possesses one of the world’s most diverse tourism offerings – from eco-tourism and heritage tourism to hospitality, conferencing, cultural tourism, marine tourism, safari tourism and destination experiences.

“But for the tourism economy to truly reflect the demographics and aspirations of our country, we need greater participation from black entrepreneurs.

“We need more black-owned lodges, more black-owned hotels, more black-owned tour operators, more youth-owned tourism technology businesses, more women-led hospitality enterprises and more community-owned tourism assets,” Dayimani said.

He encouraged entrepreneurs across the country to take advantage of the Tourism Transformation Fund during the 2026/2027 financial year.

“We urge businesses with commercially viable tourism projects to come forward and submit applications. The NEF and the Department of Tourism are committed to supporting sustainable tourism enterprises that can create jobs, stimulate local economies, and expand black participation within the sector,” he said.

The Tourism Transformation Fund is a South African initiative providing financial support to black-owned and managed tourism enterprises through grants, debt and equity financing.

The TTF aims to contribute to the transformation of the South African economy through Broad- Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) as a fundamental policy alongside imperatives such as the National Development Plan (NDP), the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) of the country, as well as the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

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

While honouring the heritage of traditional leadership in the fight against colonialism, Deputy President Paul Mashatile has underscored that traditional leadership should not be confined to preserving heritage alone, but must also play an active role in addressing pressing challenges such as service delivery failures, socio-economic development, youth empowerment, and gender equality.

“We gather here with a clear and urgent task before us: to advance land rights and socio-economic development, to strengthen traditional institutions, to invest in infrastructure and skills, to promote nation-building and unity, and to finalise the policy and legislative reforms that our people have long awaited,” the Deputy President said on Tuesday.

Mashatile was speaking at the 191st Anniversary Commemoration of Hintsa kaKhawuta, where he paid tribute to traditional leaders and warriors who died fighting for land and sovereignty during the wars of dispossession between the Xhosa Kingdom and colonial forces.

The Deputy President drew parallels between the role traditional leaders played in resisting colonial domination and their role in a democratic society today, using history to reaffirm the importance of traditional leadership in advancing social cohesion, development, and nation-building.

“As leaders of our people, mostly in rural areas, you stand at the forefront of rural renewal, advocating for investment in agriculture, infrastructure, and education.

“We cannot ignore the cry of our people when municipalities falter. When taps run dry, when roads remain broken, and when housing projects stall, these are not mere service delivery failures. They are violations of human dignity,” Mashatile said.

He called on traditional leaders to use platforms such as the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, as well as Provincial and Local Houses, to participate in shaping policies that affect rural communities.

“It is through these structures that traditional leaders have consistently raised critical issues, including land rights, socio-economic development, institutional capacity, infrastructure support, policy reforms, and social cohesion.

“These challenges do not diminish traditional leaders’ relevance. They call us instead to strengthen collaboration between Traditional Councils and Municipalities, to ensure that service delivery is not delayed, and to ensure that the dignity of our people is not denied,” he said.

The Deputy President advocated for government and traditional leaders to establish a covenant of renewal, intertwining heritage and progress, ensuring that land is managed with transparency, that communities are empowered with opportunity, and that governance is measured not by privilege but by service.

“King Hintsa’s life teaches that genuine leadership is defined by selfless service to the community, rather than privilege or corruption. In his honour, we should unite to restore integrity in governance and address the people’s needs,” the Deputy President said.

The year 2026 marks the 191st anniversary of King Hintsa’s assassination by British colonial forces on 12 May 1835 at the Nqabarha River. 

The King was a pivotal figure in the defence of his ancestral land against colonial encroachment.

“Commemorating this anniversary is significant as it honours his legacy as a unifier and courageous leader who sacrificed his life to protect amaXhosa sovereignty and land from colonial expansion.

“Furthermore, the 191st anniversary commemoration of Kumkani Hintsa holds deep significance as it honours a pivotal figure in the struggle against colonialism, aligning with the overall objectives of Africa Month,” the Deputy President said.

By celebrating Africa Month by commemorating the life of King Kumkani Hintsa, the Deputy President said the 191st anniversary reinforces the collective consciousness and shared history of resistance among Africans.

“Celebrating Traditional Leaders and warriors who passed away during the Eastern Cape Frontier Wars (1779–1879) is essential for reclaiming Indigenous history, fostering national identity, and acknowledging the profound sacrifices made in defense of land and sovereignty.

“These wars of dispossession, lasting a century between the Xhosa Kingdom and colonial forces, represent the longest military resistance against European colonialism in Africa,” he said.

In celebrating the life of the King, a memorial was unveiled near the N2 road, honouring Kumkani Hintsa for his significant role in defending his ancestral land and achieving freedom and democracy.

“His epitaph reflects his qualities of selflessness, courage, and devotion to his people, emphasising that his life and death were focused on upholding the dignity, land, and future of the Xhosa nation rather than personal gain or glory.

“Erecting memorials for local heroes is crucial in reshaping the post-apartheid landscape, fostering national reconciliation, and reclaiming history for the marginalised. 

“These memorials serve to honour those lost in conflict, enhance social cohesion, and fulfil educational roles, ultimately contributing to a shared identity among diverse communities,” the Deputy President said. –SAnews.gov.za

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, has arrived in New Delhi, India, for the Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations.

Lamola expressed confidence that the high-level deliberations will strengthen cooperation among BRICS member states, BRICS partner countries and international partners.

“Our presence here represents a concerted effort to shape a global architecture that is as sustainable as it is equitable. Through principled engagement and collaborative resolve, we seek to secure a future that honours the aspirations of all nations,” Minister Lamola stated. 

The meeting, hosted under India’s BRICS Chairship, will take place on Thursday and Friday (14 and 15 May 2026).

According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the meeting is convened under the theme: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability (BRICS).

“The 2026 agenda is characterised by a profound commitment to a humanity-first orientation, signalling an approach to strengthen multilateralism and fostering inclusive development during this pivotal era of global transformation,” the department said.

BRICS Foreign Ministers are also expected to deliberate on conflicts in different parts of the world, including the Middle East, and call for enhanced efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote peaceful resolutions.

Occupying a unique position as a foundational pillar of the bloc, DIRCO said South Africa continues to serve as the vital nexus between the African continent’s developmental objectives and the vanguard of global innovation.

South Africa’s participation at the session is anchored in a long-standing tradition of principled advocacy, focusing on three core imperatives:
•    Equity and Inclusivity: Promoting a balanced international order that upholds the sovereign interests of all states, fostering a more just global community.
•    ⁠The Modernisation of Global Governance: Championing the reform of international political and financial institutions to ensure that they remain representative of the contemporary geopolitical landscape.
•    The Synthesis of African and Global Progress: Ensuring that the priorities of the African continent are seamlessly integrated into the BRICS framework, under the guiding philosophy of “Better Africa, Better World.”

“South Africa remains committed to bridging the gap between the developmental priorities of the Global South and emerging frontiers in technological, economic, and social innovation, with a view to ensuring that BRICS cooperation delivers tangible, inclusive, and sustainable socio-economic benefits for all,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, has welcomed the announcement by the Government of the People’s Republic of China that introduces a temporary zero-tariff preference scheme for 20 non-least developed African countries, including South Africa.

The measure follows an announcement by Chinese President Xi Jinping on 14 February 2026 that China would implement zero-tariff treatment for African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. 

Least developed countries are already benefiting from duty-free access to the Chinese market following commitments made at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

Under the scheme, qualifying South African goods exported to China between 1 May 2026 and 30 April 2028 will benefit from zero customs duties, provided exporters comply with the applicable tariff schedules and rules of origin.

Exporters have been advised that access to the preference scheme is conditional on meeting prescribed rules of origin requirements, including product-specific conditions, and submitting a valid Certificate of Origin for customs clearance in China.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) said it is working with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) on customs procedures and legislative amendments required for implementation, including processes relating to the issuing of certificates of origin.

The department added that for products already in transit, where a certificate of origin has not been issued before or at the time of shipment, importers will be required to pay a deposit. 

The deposit may be refunded once the requested documentation has been submitted. 

In such cases, the certificate of origin must be marked “issued retrospectively” and will remain valid for one year from the shipment date.

While the scheme applies to a broad range of products, certain goods may still be subject to specific conditions, including tariff rate quotas. 

Exporters are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the detailed tariff schedules and rules of origin documentation to ensure compliance and maximise the benefits of the preferences.

According to the dtic, the preferential market access framework presents a strategic opportunity for South Africa to strengthen export competitiveness, diversify into higher value-added products, and expand market access for agricultural, industrial and beneficiated goods.

The department said the initiative also supports broader national objectives, including industrial development, employment creation and export-led economic growth.

The dtic, together with relevant government departments and stakeholders, has initiated processes to facilitate implementation of the preference scheme.

An Export Help Desk within the dtic will serve as a central point of contact for guidance, queries and assistance relating to compliance and market access processes. Exporters can contact the help desk at exports@thedtic.gov.za.

The dtic also announced that a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions document for exporters will be published on its website.

Minister Tau said the zero-tariff treatment preference scheme reflects the strong relationship between China and the African continent and represents a significant outcome of FOCAC 2024.

He added that the scheme offers South African exporters an opportunity to expand into one of the world’s largest and most dynamic consumer markets, while complementing the dtic’s diversification strategy aimed at strengthening the resilience of the South African economy. – SAnews.gov.za