Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of South Africa

By Nosihle Shelembe
With a road infrastructure network stretching 27 478 kilometres, South Africa’s national roads are an important lifeline of the economy.

A safe, efficient and reliable road network is vital to the health of the nation’s economy, much like the arteries in the human body, that keep the body moving.  The failure of these arteries, have serious and far-reaching consequences.

“In this country, over 70% of the freight that moves on the surface, moves on the national road network, not on rail. The road network is a very critical component of our economic life.

“We have cargo coming in and leaving the country through our ports. For those goods to reach their destination, you need a reliable road network,” South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) General Manager for Marketing and Communications, Vusi Mona, said in an interview with SAnews.

An entity of the Department of Transport, SANRAL is strengthening South Africa’s economic backbone while laying the groundwork for inclusive growth by building and maintaining better roads.
Beyond facilitating trade and commerce, this extensive network connects people, communities and opportunities. 

Through continuous maintenance, upgrades and improved safety measures, SANRAL ensures that South Africa’s national roads remain a driver of development and prosperity.

As a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the country’s extensive road network also plays a vital role in facilitating cross-border trade.

“The road network must contribute not only to South Africa’s development, but to the region’s development. The road network we build and maintain connects us to neighbouring countries so that we can facilitate the movement of people, facilitate the movement of trade and the movement of goods,” Mona said as the country commemorates Transport Month. 

Commemorated annually in October, Transport Month aims to raise awareness of the important role of transport in the economy and investments in the transport sector aimed at stimulating development and creating jobs.

With projects to build and upgrade the road network amounting to R18.526 billion in the 2024/25 financial year and the appointment of 2 012 Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) for the provision of services, the roads agency continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting the growth of the economy.

The work that is being undertaken by the roads agency aligns with the objectives of the Group of Twenty (G20) nations. These are countries with the largest economies in the world, who come together to tackle global economic challenges. 

The G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation, and it plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues.
The member states meet annually to discuss economic, political and social initiatives. As President of the G20 in 2025, South Africa has the privilege of hosting the Leaders’ Summit in Gauteng next month.

The G20 also emphasises the importance of infrastructure through the Infrastructure Working Group (IWG) which is one of the seven technical groups in the in the G20 Finance Track. The IWG discusses various aspects of infrastructure financing such as identifying and suggesting innovative instruments for securing financial investment resources. 

While all roads will lead to the Sandton Convention Centre for the two day-day summit that will conclude on 23 November 2025, the country has been planning and thinking of the future of its roads.

Charting the way forward

The roads agency plans to construct a new toll route on the portion of the N1 at the Beit Bridge International Border Post in Limpopo.

Approximately 1.1km of the road has been declared to be on the South African side.
“In the past, all tolls collected at Beit Bridge went to Zimbabwe. Going forward, we will collect tolls from inward-bound traffic so that the revenue can be used to improve and maintain our infrastructure. We are hoping to build a second border post through the collection of these tolls,” Mona said. 

Beitbridge is the busiest border post in Southern Africa, connecting South Africa to Zimbabwe, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and other SADC member states.
Moreover, the rehabilitation of the N4, between Pretoria and Maputo, is underway to ensure that it remains safe, efficient, and well-maintained.

The work includes routine pavement rehabilitation and strengthening, as well as major upgrades such as road widening, interchange construction, and new bridges. 
“We are involved through one of our concessionaires, Trans African Concessions (TRAC), which manages the N4 from just outside Pretoria to the Lebombo Border Post. 

“Beyond the border, we have assisted Mozambique in managing their national road network from Lebombo right through to the harbour. This ensures that trade and freight moving through the harbour can flow smoothly,” the road agency’s Mona, said.

With a price tag of R28 billion, SANRAL has undertaken one of South Africa’s most ambitious road infrastructure development – the N2 Wild Coast project.

The N2 connects four provinces namely the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. The route also traverses the cities and towns of Cape Town, George, Knysna, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), East London, Mthatha, Durban and Ermelo. 

It further connects Mpumalanga to Mozambique.
The project includes two mega-bridges: the Msikaba Bridge, which spans the Msikaba Gorge near Lusikisiki, and the Mtentu Bridge near Lundini.

At a budget of R11.5 billion, the state entity is also upgrading the R573 Moloto Road, which traverses Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo.

“We would like to highlight the infamous Moloto Road. It used to be known as the road of death. It is now going to be famously known as just Moloto Road. We’ve taken over that piece of road. It used to belong to three provinces, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng,” he said.

Job creation

During its upgrade, nearly 400 local labourers received temporary jobs on the portion of the project.

“We are very big on job creation as we invest billions of rands to enhance the national network. It would be a travesty if the taxpayers were giving us this money and not seeing any value in terms of job creation,” he said.

Through these and many other projects, SANRAL continues to connect South Africa with world-class road infrastructure that supports inclusive economic growth.

SANRAL’s efforts will help the country pave the way to a better future, one less pothole at a time. Afterall, Rome was not built in a day. –SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

By Neo Bodumela

Jakarta, Indonesia – South Africa and Indonesia have affirmed a shared commitment on the need to bolster trade between the two countries in order to drive mutual inclusive economic growth. 

This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who addressed media at a joint press briefing following bilateral talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during his State Visit to Indonesia.

Indonesia is South Africa’s third largest trading partner in the Southeast Asia region, with South African exports to that country standing at R10.5 billion and Indonesian imports amounting to R16.9 billion.

“During our discussions, we affirmed the importance of expanding and deepening bilateral relations on both political and economic fronts through existing bilateral mechanisms.

“We agreed on the need to increase trade between our two countries as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth. We spoke of the importance of building more resilient and diversified economies for the benefit of the peoples of both countries, as we face similar geopolitical headwinds,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa was accompanied by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga; Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau; Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes.

A South African business delegation was also in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, and took part in the South Africa-Indonesia Business Forum “with a view to building new commercial partnerships between our two countries”. 

READ | SA, Indonesia to deepen historical ties during Official State Visit

World stage

Discussions also turned to global issues, as both countries are part of organisations including BRICS, the G20 and the Non-Aligned Movement.

“We affirmed the need to strengthen the multilateral system and the peaceful resolution of conflict through dialogue.

“We exchanged views on efforts to end the conflict in Gaza and to secure a just and lasting peace that realises the aspirations of the Palestinian people for self-determination,” he said.

President Ramaphosa noted that South Africa – as President of the G20 – is “looking forward” to hosting President Subianto during the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit to be held in Johannesburg in November.

“Through our G20 Presidency, we have focused on the measures we should all take together to create an environment of inclusive growth, reduced inequality and sustainable development, especially in the Global South and on the African continent,” he noted.

Furthermore, an invitation has been extended for the Indonesian leader to embark on a State Visit to South Africa at a “mutually agreed date”.

“Indonesia and South Africa share bonds of great historical significance.

“It is clear from our engagements today that we also share a common future, of progress, development and prosperity for all,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

By Neo Bodumela

Jakarta, Indonesia – President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the Republic of Indonesia for its longstanding solidarity with South Africa and acknowledged the role that the Asian country played as an ally during the struggle against apartheid.

The President was delivering opening remarks during bilateral talks as part of his State Visit to Indonesia on Wednesday.

The Southeast Asian country was also the scene of the first Asia-Africa Conference – called the Bandung Conference – some 70 years ago which was attended by newly independent states and representatives of the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.

“The Bandung Conference of 1955 was a great inspiration and a source of encouragement to the leaders of our liberation struggle who were present there.

“For all these years, the people of South Africa found a steadfast ally in Indonesia which consistently supported the struggle against apartheid. We will forever remain grateful for the support and the solidarity of the people of Indonesia,” President Ramaphosa said.

Now, the two countries form part of the world’s intergovernmental organisations such as the BRICS+ group of countries.

“We look forward to working closely with Indonesia and all other BRICS countries and partner countries on shared priorities such as driving much needed global reforms. 

“The BRICS economic partnership also provides a great potential to support development and transformation in our countries, and we encourage the deepening of Indonesia’s participation in all BRICS structures – particularly in the BRICS economic partnership.

“This could also be the catalyst for the growth of bilateral economic relations between our two countries which we look forward to,” the President said.

The two countries are also part of the G20 Forum which South Africa currently holds the Presidency for.

“We appreciate Indonesia’s representation and contribution to the G20. We are especially pleased that Your Excellency will participate in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, later this coming month. 

“We must say that Indonesia’s presence at the G20 is so key and important as it lifts the stature of the G20. Particularly when countries like your country and South Africa – key countries in the global South – participate in such fora,” he said.

Enhancing trade

President Ramaphosa is accompanied on the State Visit by Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Parks Tau, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes.

This, he emphasised, is a “clear demonstration of our shared commitment to deepening cooperation between the two countries” including on trade.

President Ramaphosa described South Africa as a “gateway to the continent…well positioned to serve as a strategic base for Indonesian investment and trade expansion into Africa”. 

“In light of recent global trade tensions, including the imposition of tariffs by major economies, it is increasingly important for countries like ours to strengthen South–South trade and economic cooperation.

“Enhancing bilateral trade ties and expanding market access between South Africa and Indonesia is both a strategic imperative and a practical response to shifting global dynamics.

“Our partnership can help build more resilient and diversified economies and unlock new opportunities for inclusive growth,” he added.

The two countries have enjoyed cordial relations for decades and South Africa “remains committed to working closely with Indonesia to further expand and deepen our political, economic and sectoral cooperation”. 

“We would like to see our two countries finalise and implement existing agreements. This will elevate bilateral relations between South Africa and Indonesia, based on mutual political trust and partnership.

“This instrument will serve as a foundation for deepening our cooperation and delivering tangible benefits to our peoples.

“Let us use this moment to reaffirm our shared values, strengthen our strategic alignment and build a partnership that contributes meaningfully to peace, prosperity and sustainable development,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Agriculture Minister John Steenhusien has expressed concern over fluctuating and inconsistent payments by the Matlosana Local Municipality to the local fresh produce market.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Minister said that the inconsistent payments by the municipality have destabilised operations at the Matlosana Fresh Produce Market where at one point, arrears owed to market agents had climbed to R7 million in August 2025.

“The Minister… expressed his grave concern over the growing crisis at the Matlosana Fresh Produce Market, which is the result of the City of Matlosana Local Municipality’s ongoing non-compliance with a high court order issued over four years ago,” said the Department of Agriculture.

Matlosana is located in the North West province.

Issued in March 2021, the court order mandates that 95% of daily produce sales revenue be transferred to registered fresh produce market agents within 48 hours. The department added that owing to the continued failures, market agents are being forced to pay the municipality’s debt in advance to producers from their own trust accounts. 

Market agents also risk being in breach of the Agricultural Produce Agents Act, 1992 (Act No. 12 of 1992) as they cannot meet their statutory obligation to pay producers within five business days. Additionally, major suppliers have already withdrawn produce worth millions, threatening the market’s viability and food security.

“We require immediate, decisive action from the regulatory body to protect our producers and agents,” said the Minister.

This as the Minister has escalated the issue to the national regulatory body, the Agricultural Produce Agents Council (APAC), requesting an urgent and comprehensive regulatory response, including the following:
•    An assessment of the municipality’s continued role in administering trust monies given its repeated breaches
•    Consideration of measures to protect agents and producers from further prejudice, including whether interim controls or oversight over the Freshmark system should be instituted
•    Advice on potential amendments or enforcement actions required under the Agricultural Produce Agents Act, 1992 (Act No. 12 of 1992) to prevent recurrence of such failures

APAC indicated that it would respond soon to indicate the proposed way forward.

As part of efforts to resolve the matter, Steenhuisen wrote to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, and the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, alerting them to the City of Matlosana Local Municipality’s failure to comply with the court order.|

“Minister Hlabisa has indicated that the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs’s Directorate: Local Government Operations and Support (LGOS) held a meeting with the Matlosana Fresh Produce Market on 29 September 2025, and he is expecting to receive a report from LGOS by the end of the week,” said the Department of Agriculture.

This as Steenhuisen stressed that the collapse of a regulated market system such as Matlosana would not only harm producers and consumers in the region but also erode confidence in the broader national fresh produce market framework.-SAnews.gov.za 
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Government has reaffirmed that Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) remains a key policy instrument of the State. 

“The policy remains central to South Africa’s economic transformation and forms part of South Africa’s long-term strategy to redress historic injustices, broaden economic participation, and build a truly inclusive economy,” said Acting Government spokesperson Sandile Nene on Tuesday. 

Nene explained that the B-BBEE Act followed all the prescribed requirements – from the drafting by the Department of Trade and Industry, through to parliamentary procedures, public consultations, presidential assent, and publication. 

“This Act is, therefore, a product of democratic processes. If any person requires a change of policy or law, then the appropriate channels and processes should be followed,” he said. 

Nene said as part of the Government of National Unity (GNU), all parties within this collective administration share a responsibility to advance policies that contribute to economic transformation and sustainable development. 

“B-BBEE, therefore, is not prejudiced. Rather, it is a constitutional and moral imperative rooted in South Africa’s commitment to equality, fairness and redress of the imbalances of the past. 

“Despite the progress made over the past three decades, the disparities in ownership, management, and income distribution remain stark,” Nene said. 

The policy, Nene said, continues to serve as a mechanism through which government works to level the playing field, ensuring that the previously disadvantaged and discriminated South Africans, especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities, are meaningfully included in the mainstream economy. 

“Importantly, the ongoing refinement of empowerment policies is part of government’s effort to ensure that implementation is effective, transparent, and aligned with national development priorities. 

“The success of any economy rests with wider inclusion and participation of the masses of the population. Government remains steadfast in advancing an inclusive economy that works for all South Africans. 

“The B-BBEE framework continues to be a central pillar in achieving this goal, addressing the inequalities of the past, while unlocking the potential of every citizen to contribute to South Africa’s growth and prosperity,” Nene said.

The country’s empowerment laws, particularly the B-BBEE legal framework, have come under public and media debate over the past few months.

In his weekly newsletter released in June this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that empowerment laws are practical, feasible and responsive to “economic conditions, without deviating from the objective of redressing the economic injustices” of the past, when Africans and other people of colour were excluded from meaningful economic participation during apartheid.

The President explained that South African empowerment laws earn distinction in that the measures are “practical and innovative”. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has extended the deadline for written submissions and supporting evidence on the impact of Fixed Charges, the Generation Capacity Charge (GCC), and other related charges levied by electricity distributors, including Eskom and municipalities.

This market-wide inquiry responds to widespread concerns from customers and stakeholders about the impact of these charges, as well as the level of the increase imposed, and the structure and justification of these charges.

The market inquiry, launched following the publication of the Terms of Reference (TORs) on 25 September 2025, is being undertaken in terms of section 4(b)(ii) of the Electricity Regulation Act, 2006 (Act No. 4 of 2006), as amended, read with sections 2(b) and 4(a)(viii). 

It seeks to assess the formulation, application, and impact of fixed and capacity-based charges across the electricity distribution sector, particularly where these have resulted in increases exceeding the approved 12.74% tariff adjustment for Eskom.

“While NERSA appreciates the importance of this matter and the diligence required to provide meaningful inputs, it is equally mindful of the urgency with which the inquiry must be concluded. 

“The extension is therefore granted on the understanding that it will not compromise the quality or thoroughness of stakeholder submissions, while ensuring that the process remains on schedule for the timely delivery of findings and recommendations,” Regulator Member responsible for Electricity Regulation, Nomfundo Maseti, said on Tuesday.

Following the publication of the TOR, stakeholders were initially given until 25 October 2025 to submit their inputs. 

However, in response to numerous requests for more time to prepare comprehensive, evidence-based submissions, NERSA has extended the submission deadline to 8 November 2025.

“This extension recognises the complexity and significance of the issues under review and the need to ensure that all affected parties, including Eskom, municipalities, industry associations, and customers, can make meaningful contributions. 

“All requirements and submission procedures outlined in the original notice remain applicable,” NERSA said.

The TOR document is available on request from electricity.marketinquiry@nersa.org.za or on the NERSA website at www.nersa.org.za under ‘Select Industry > Electricity > Consultation > Documents’.

The public hearing to enable oral representations will proceed as originally scheduled on 17 November 2025, virtually via MS Teams and livestream on X and YouTube.

Through this inquiry, NERSA aims to reinforce regulatory stewardship, advance transparency, and support a sustainable, efficient electricity supply industry. –SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Registration is currently open for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other civil society groups to participate in the Group of 20 (G20) Social Summit. 

This event is scheduled to take place from 18 – 20 November 2025 in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.

The Social Summit, convened under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, aims to provide an inclusive platform that amplifies the voices of civil society, grassroots organisations, and communities.

The Social Summit, aligned with the G20 Presidency theme of ‘Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability’, will gather both formal and informal networks. These include youth groups, women’s organisations, individuals with disabilities, faith-based organisations, community forums, and other grassroots structures. 

The gathering will provide a platform for these groups to engage directly on global issues that impact daily life.

“Government calls on informal groups and community movements across South Africa, the African continent and globally to register and take part in this historic people’s summit,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said. 

“It is vital that global commitments are grounded in the lived experiences of communities.” 

The summit’s goal is to promote global solidarity, advance inclusive development, and produce a Leaders’ Declaration that reflects the aspirations and experiences of all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable among them.

Building on Brazil’s 2024 innovation of institutionalising civil society input into the G20, President Cyril Ramaphosa committed that South Africa would not only continue but also expand the Social Summit. 

Conceived as a people-centred platform, the summit will elevate issues of social development, equity, and inclusion to the same level of urgency as macroeconomic and financial concerns.

Interested participants are invited to register on the official G20 website at https://forms.office.com/r/tjdH1jBhxp by October 24, 2025. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, October 22, 2025