Category: MIL-OSI

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Smooth start to NSC exams in Gauteng 

Source: Government of South Africa

The first day of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations in Gauteng proceeded smoothly, said Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane.

“We are encouraged by the level of preparedness and commitment displayed across our examination centres on the first day of the NSC exams. Our teams acted swiftly where challenges arose, ensuring that every learner was able to write under fair and conducive conditions. 

“We are satisfied that these minor incidents did not compromise the integrity of the examination. The Department will continue to monitor all centres across Gauteng closely to ensure the smooth administration of this crucial assessment,” said MEC Chiloane.

In a statement on Tuesday, the provincial government said that all districts commenced their examinations as scheduled, without any disruptions or irregularities. 

“A total of 16 968 candidates sat for the 3-hour Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1 practical examination at 09:00 in the morning session. Only four centres recorded minor incidents, all of which were reported before any examination was in session and were promptly managed to ensure that no candidate was disadvantaged.”

According to the department, the Letsibogo Maths, Science and ICT School of Specialisation in Meadowlands, Soweto, reported a power outage in the area since Monday afternoon. 

The school swiftly implemented contingency measures by using a generator, allowing examinations to proceed without interruption. Accordingly, PJ Simelane Secondary School, also in Soweto, utilised a generator to mitigate similar power supply challenges in the area. Examinations proceeded smoothly at the centre as well.

At Liberty Community School in Bramley, a brief power delay made examinations to start slightly later than scheduled. However, the centre swiftly switched to solar backup, and all candidates completed their practicals successfully. 

At the Falcon Educational Centre in Dawn Park, 21 candidates were safely transported to a neighbouring examination centre to complete their practicals. This precautionary measure was implemented after a technical server challenge was detected before the start of the session.

The department further recorded minor absenteeism from both full-time and part-time candidates; however, the figures are not significant and do not detract from the overall successful start of the examination period in Gauteng. 

READ | Gauteng MEC calls for honesty ahead of start of NSC exams
–SAnews.gov.za 

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R147m waterfront project to boost East London tourism, jobs

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has officially broken ground on the R147 million Latimer’s Landing redevelopment at the Port of East London — a flagship project set to revitalise the city’s waterfront and inject fresh energy into the Eastern Cape’s tourism and economic landscape.

The redevelopment marks a major milestone in the long-anticipated transformation of Latimer’s Landing into a vibrant mixed-use precinct. Once a purely operational marine quay, the site has evolved into a key recreational hub, and the new quay structure is expected to unlock further business, tourism and leisure opportunities.

TNPA Acting Chief Executive Phyllis Difeto said the investment forms part of Transnet’s broader Reinvent for Growth Strategy, aimed at stabilising the business while driving regional economic growth.

“This development charts a new course for the Eastern Cape economy by supporting value-adding industries. It aligns with our strategic goal of positioning the port within the tourism sector by integrating port operations with the leisure market.”

The upgraded facility will pave the way for new commercial ventures, including restaurants, leisure outlets and tourism centres designed to attract consistent visitor traffic to the area.

Beyond infrastructure, the project is already generating tangible community benefits. As of October 2025, 44 local jobs have been created, with approximately 55 total employment opportunities expected over the 24-month construction period, which concludes in April 2027.

Main contractor Stefanutti Stocks has also committed to partnering with local Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) to create further business opportunities and drive inclusive growth within the region.

TNPA said the project reinforces its strategy to optimise its real estate assets, attract private sector investment and position the Port of East London as a catalyst for sustainable economic development. – SAnews.gov.za

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Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento e Angola lançam iniciativa de 125 milhões de dólares para impulsionar o empreendedorismo juvenil

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (https://AfDB.org), em parceria com o Governo de Angola e a União Europeia, lançou um Projeto de Emprego Juvenil (Projeto Crescer) no valor de 125 milhões de dólares para estimular o empreendedorismo e a criação de empregos entre os jovens angolanos.

O projeto irá criar mais de 112 mil empregos indiretos, apoiar o crescimento de mais de 10 mil micro, pequenas e médias empresas (MPME) e startups, e expandir o desenvolvimento de competências em setores-chave, incluindo agricultura, aquicultura, transportes e energias renováveis.

O ministro do Planeamento, Victor Hugo Guilherme, sublinhou o alinhamento estratégico do projeto com a Visão Angola 2050 e o PDN 2023-2027, que contribui para a concretização dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS).

Ao discursar no lançamento, o Diretor Executivo do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento para Angola, Moçambique, Namíbia e Zimbábue, Eugénio Maria Paulo, elogiou o compromisso do governo com o empoderamento dos jovens.

“Elogiamos o governo angolano por dar um passo tão decisivo no sentido de investir nos jovens. Ao colocar a juventude no centro do desenvolvimento nacional, o governo envia uma mensagem poderosa: que os jovens construirão o futuro de Angola”, afirmou, acrescentando que o apoio às MPME e startups lideradas por jovens ao longo do Corredor do Lobito estimula as economias locais e reduz a pressão da migração das áreas rurais para os centros urbanos.

O projeto será cofinanciado pelo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (79,08 milhões de dólares em crédito soberano), pelo Governo angolano (29,06 milhões de dólares) e pela União Europeia (16,08 milhões de dólares).

O Projeto Crescer irá reforçar o sistema nacional de planeamento, as parcerias público-privadas e o investimento público, fatores-chave para o crescimento económico.

O projeto baseia-se nos progressos alcançados no âmbito dos programas emblemáticos do governo para apoiar o empreendedorismo e a formalização da economia, nomeadamente o Programa de Apoio à Produção, Diversificação das Exportações e Substituição das Importações.

Criará 149.720 postos de trabalho (37.430 diretos e aproximadamente 112.290 indiretos); formará 97.569 jovens (em tecnologias digitais, agricultura climaticamente inteligente e transportes); expandirá e acelerará o crescimento de 10.400 MPME; prestará serviços de desenvolvimento empresarial a 385 MPME e 97 startups; reforçará a capacidade de 40 organizações de apoio às empresas; e injetará até 15 milhões de dólares para aumentar o acesso ao financiamento. Pelo menos 50% dos beneficiários serão mulheres.

O Projeto Crescer compreende três componentes principais: desenvolvimento de competências orientadas para a procura, aceleração empresarial e melhoria do acesso ao financiamento, juntamente com um ambiente propício e capacitação institucional. Estes componentes reforçam o ambiente operacional e desenvolvem a capacidade das instituições relevantes para prestar serviços eficientes.

Esta intervenção complementa o projeto em curso do Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, desenvolvido através de uma parceria entre o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento e o Governo de Angola, cujo objetivo é contribuir para a diversificação económica do país, através da inovação científica e tecnológica, com a construção do Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia (com conclusão prevista para novembro de 2025) e o financiamento de bolsas de estudo em disciplinas científicas e tecnológicas, desde o ensino superior até ao doutoramento, para jovens angolanos.

Este esforço reforça também o compromisso do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento e do Governo de Angola de impulsionar a diversificação económica do país através de investimentos estratégicos na juventude, empregabilidade e empreendedorismo.

O Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento tem uma carteira de 16 operações em curso em Angola, com um compromisso total de 1,45 mil milhões de dólares, abrangendo os seguintes setores: energia (36,4%); água e saneamento (17,08%); transportes (0,17%), agricultura (14,1%), finanças (20,15%), social (11,63%) e ambiente (0,3%).

Desde o início das suas operações em Angola, em 1980, o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento aprovou compromissos acumulados de empréstimos e subvenções no valor total de 3,36 mil milhões de dólares.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacto para os media:
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

About O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros. Mais informações em www.AfDB.org/pt

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African Development Bank and Angola launch $125 million drive to boost youth entrepreneurship

Source: APO

The African Development Bank Group (https://AfDB.org), in partnership with the Government of Angola and the European Union, has launched a $125 million Youth Employment Project (Crescer Project) to spur entrepreneurship and job creation among young Angolans.

The project will create more than 112,000 indirect jobs, support the growth of over 10,000 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and startups, and expand skills development in key sectors, including agriculture, aquaculture, transport, and renewable energy.

Minister of Planning Victor Hugo Guilherme underscored the strategic alignment of the project with the “Angola Vision 2050” and the “PDN 2023-2027” which contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Speaking at the launch, the African Development Bank’s Executive Director for Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, Eugénio Maria Paulo, praised the government’s commitment to youth empowerment.

“We commend the Angolan government for taking such a decisive step toward investing in young people. By placing youth at the center of national development, the government sends a powerful message: that young people will build Angola’s future,” he said, adding that supporting MSMEs and startups led by young people along the Lobito Corridor stimulates local economies and reduces the pressure of rural-urban migration.

The project will be co-financed by the African Development Bank ($79.08 million in sovereign credit), the Angolan Government ($29.06 million), and the European Union ($16.08 million).

The Crescer Project will strengthen the national planning system, public-private partnerships, and public investment, all of which are key drivers of economic growth.

The Project builds on the progress achieved under the government’s flagship programs to support entrepreneurship and the formalization of the economy, namely the Program to Support Production, Diversification of Exports, and Substitution of Imports.

It will create 149,720 jobs (37,430 direct and approximately 112,290 indirect); train 97,569 young people (in digital technologies, climate-smart agriculture, and transportation); expand and accelerate the growth of 10,400 MSMEs; provide Business Development Services to 385 MSMEs and 97 startups; strengthen the capacity of 40 business support organizations; and inject up to $15 million to increase access to finance. At least 50 percent of the beneficiaries will be women.

The Crescer Project comprises three key components: demand-driven skills development, business acceleration, and enhanced access to finance, along with an enabling environment and institutional capacity. These components strengthen the operational environment and develop the capacity of relevant institutions to deliver efficient services.

This intervention complements the ongoing Science and Technology Park project, developed through a partnership between the African Development Bank and the Government of Angola, the objective of which is to contribute to the country’s economic diversification, through scientific and technological innovation, with the construction of the Science and Technology Park (with completion scheduled for November 2025) and the financing of scholarships in scientific and technological subjects from higher education up to doctorate for young Angolans.

This effort reinforces the commitment of the African Development Bank and the Government of Angola to boost the country’s economic diversification through strategic investments in youth, employability, and entrepreneurship.

The African Development Bank has a portfolio of 16 ongoing operations in Angola, with a total commitment of $1.45 billion, covering the following sectors: energy (36.4 percent); water and sanitation (17.08 percent); transportation (0.17 percent), agriculture (14.1 percent), finance (20.15 percent), social (11.63 percent), and environment (0.3 percent).

Since beginning its operations in Angola in 1980, the African Development Bank has approved cumulative loan and grant commitments totaling $3.36 billion.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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South Africa: Select Committee on Trade Calls for More Jobs and Increased Investment Delivery at COEGA Special Economic Zone (SEZ)

Source: APO


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The Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade has called for an urgent conversion of long-standing investment commitments into tangible jobs, exports and industrial output at Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

The committee is currently conducting a weeklong oversight visit in the Gqeberha area to assess infrastructure networks around the Coega SEZ and the Markman Industrial Park.

The committee Chairperson, Ms Sonja Boshoff, said a key focus of the visit was the progress of large-scale strategic projects, including the green hydrogen and green ammonia initiative. “These projects have attracted strong international interest and have advanced to the engineering and planning phase. The committee has requested firm timelines for construction, local beneficiation and industrial participation. We cannot have a situation where such infrastructure projects are perpetually kept in plans and reports. We want urgent implementation.”

Ms Boshoff emphasised that announcements and ribbon-cuttings are no longer sufficient, stating: “Government has invested heavily to create the enabling environment. The private sector has made commitments. The time has now come to see operational results, with real jobs, local procurement opportunities and improved export performance. Coega must be more than a strategic asset on paper; it must be a driver of inclusive growth in reality.”

Coega is South Africa’s largest SEZ and has received R4.2 billion in funding from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, of which R2.5 billion has already been disbursed. This makes it one of the largest public investments in industrial infrastructure in the country.

This state funding has enabled Coega to attract R12.5 billion in private-sector investment from both domestic and international companies, positioning the SEZ as one of the most significant public-private partnerships in South Africa’s industrialisation programme. The committee made it clear that these partnerships must now translate into measurable outcomes – factories in operation, products being exported and South Africans being employed at scale.

“Similarly, the Coega Pharmaceutical and Vaccine Manufacturing Precinct, supported by Aspen Pharmacare, has been identified as a key driver of Africa’s health sovereignty. While Aspen’s existing facility in Gqeberha is operational, the broader pharmaceutical precinct within Coega remains in early development. We have requested clarity on investor readiness, infrastructure timelines and projected job creation,” Ms Boshoff said.

She also noted that the visit comes at a time when the Eastern Cape faces one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, exceeding 40%, and is confronting additional economic strain from recent retrenchments in the automotive sector, including the closure of the Goodyear plant in Kariega.

Ms Boshoff stressed that the Coega SEZ must be actively positioned to absorb economic shocks and drive resilience. “This SEZ cannot exist in isolation. It must be the engine room that drives industrial diversification, attracts new investment and safeguards South African jobs in the face of global economic uncertainty,” she said.

In addition to monitoring the national department’s investment, the committee engaged with the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism and the Eastern Cape Economic Development Agency to assess their contribution to investment attraction, provincial competitiveness and integration of township and rural economies into SEZ value chains.

The committee also called for a proactive response to global trade disruptions, including the recent announcement by the US administration of a proposed 30% export tax, which could affect South African manufactured exports. “Detailed mitigation strategies will be required to assure investors and protect South African jobs,” the Chairperson said.

Chairperson Boshoff concluded: “Coega is a test case for South Africa’s ability to compete globally. With strong public investment, growing private participation and strategic sector opportunities in green energy and pharmaceuticals, this SEZ has every ingredient for success. What we expect now is delivery, delivery in jobs, delivery in exports, delivery in industrial capacity, and delivery for the people of South Africa.”

The committee will be in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality until Thursday.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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Uganda: Representation of special interest groups approved ahead of 2026 elections

Source: APO

Parliament has endorsed the composition of special interest groups in ahead of the 2026 electoral cycle.

The approval follows a review of the representation of the special interest groups, in accordance with the Constitution and the Parliamentary Elections Act.

In the plenary sitting held on Monday, 20 October 2025, the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Nobert Mao said that special interest groups were previously denied participation in the governance of Uganda and thus could not participate on an equal footing with others.

He added that their inclusion in the composition of Parliament is a guarantee by the Constitution, of minimum participation in the democratic process of government.
“Their representation is one form of affirmative action which the state is required to take under Article 32 of the Constitution, in favour of groups marginalised on the basis of gender, age, disability or any other reason created by history, tradition or custom,” Mao said.

The minister observed that the review process which is carried out every five years ahead of a new election cycle seeks to ensure the retention of the representation of the special interest groups in Parliament.

Ahead of the 2021 general elections, the review process added the category of older persons’ representatives in Parliament.
“Parliament is required under Article 78(2) of the Constitution to review this representation every five years after the first review. The review is now due since the article was last reviewed in October 2020,” Mao added.

The legal provisions define representation of district or city women representatives, where there shall be one woman representative in Parliament for every district and city.

They also provide for special interest groups where the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has 10 representatives in Parliament, at least two of whom shall be women and five workers’ representatives at least one of whom shall be a woman.

There is also provision of  youth and persons with disabilities. 
Legislators urged government to ensure proper representation of special interest groups in other national leadership positions.

Hon. Sarah Opendi (NRM, Tororo District Woman Representative) said that the National Identification Registration Authority (NIRA) does not have sufficient women representation on its board of directors.
“Section 9 of the NIRA board requires the Minister for ICT and National Guidance to ensure that in constituting the board, at least one third should be women but as we speak, only one woman is on the board and all the others are men,” Opendi said.

She urged the Attorney General to always advise executives of agencies to ensure equitable representation of women on their boards.

Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa tasked the Attorney General to address the representation on the NIRA board and report to the House.

Hon. Alex Ndeezi (NRM, PWD Representative) appealed to the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the Attorney General to undertake an audit on the representation of persons with disabilities on different boards of Uganda’s agencies.
“There are many boards where persons with disabilities are not represented. Once the audit is accomplished, we shall know what actions can be taken to implement the provisions of the Constitution that caters for among others, fair representation,” Ndeezi said.

Erute County South MP, Hon. Jonathan Odur urged government to consider increasing the number of female representatives of the UPDF by adopting the one-third strategy and also called for regional representation of Workers’ MPs.
“We also need to track the progress of legislators who come Parliament on the affirmative action ticket, to see if they have moved further ahead in their political journey,” Odur added.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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Gondwe concludes participation in Africa Skills Week

Source: Government of South Africa

Gondwe concludes participation in Africa Skills Week

Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, has concluded her working visit to the Africa Skills Week which was held in in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Deputy Minister Gondwe led the Department of Higher Education and Training Department (DHET) during the week-long programme held from 13 to 17 October 2025.

Hosted by the African Union (AU), the weeklong programme served as a continent-wide platform to promote Africa’s youth skills development.

“The five-day Africa Skills Week brought together over 850 participants from AU member states, regional economic organisations, TVET [ Technical and Vocational Education and Training] leaders, academics, youth, and other groups. 

“It promoted learning, dialogue, and collaboration, and I am pleased to state that South Africa remains committed to knowledge sharing, research, and implementation, ensuring that no African youth is excluded from the skills revolution that will define the Africa we want and need,” the Deputy Minister said in a statement on Monday.

Gondwe participated in a high-level ministerial panel on skills development as well as various other sessions.

She also held significant engagements and meetings on the sidelines of Africa Skills Week. Notably, the Deputy Minister met with Ethiopia’s Minister of Labour and Skills, Muferihat Kamil Ahmed, where they shared best practices on youth skills development. The meeting included discussions on using artificial intelligence to link unemployed youth with employment opportunities. 

Another significant engagement was a meeting with the AU Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitisation, Lerato Mataboge. During the meeting, the parties discussed potential collaboration opportunities between the DHET and the AU, especially in university research and the TVET sector. 

Deputy Minister Gondwe was accompanied by South Africa’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU,  Nonceba Losi, during all sideline engagements.

READ | Building Africa’s industrial future through skills and innovation

A key highlight of Africa Skills Week is the launch of the Continental TVET Strategy 2025–2034, a vital framework from the African Union focused on promoting the skills revolution envisioned in Agenda 2063. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Govt’s e-waste disposal project finds its first home in Alex

Source: Government of South Africa

With the ever increasing use of electronic devices and the need to sustainably manage their disposal, government has launched an e-Waste Recycling Pilot Project in the City of Johannesburg’s Alexandra township.

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, said the improper disposal of e-waste has become a growing concern.

“The increasing number of electronic devices being used without a proper system for disposal has led to the accumulation of waste that harms our environment and contaminates water and soil. Today’s launch of the e-Waste Recycling Pilot Project is our response to this growing crisis,” Swarts said on Tuesday.

The goal of this pilot project is to test and implement a sustainable system for recycling of e-waste in the City of Johannesburg. 

“The success of this project relies heavily on the participation of the local community. By providing households with easy access to collection or drop off points, recycling facilities, and offering guidance on how to properly separate and dispose of their old electronic devices, we aim to change the way residents think about their waste. 

“The Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) working together with local Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) will ensure availability of drop-off points and collection bins/receptacles to ensure ease of access and safe disposal of e-waste,” the Deputy Minister said.

This initiative was launched by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), in partnership with the City of Johannesburg, Gauteng Department of Environment and PROs. 

“Through this collaboration, we aim to not only manage and dispose of e-waste responsibly but also raise awareness among communities about the importance of recycling and the dangers of improper e-waste disposal.

“Furthermore, this project is about more than just waste management; it is about creating jobs and stimulating local economic development,” Swarts said.

Through this initiative, government will be able to engage the PROs that are committed to facilitating the proper recycling of e-waste. 

These organisations play a crucial role in managing the end-of-life phase of electronic products and are an important part of the national effort to promote a circular economy, where materials are reused and recycled, rather than discarded. 

“Through collaboration between the City of Johannesburg and the PROs, we can ensure that this pilot project is sustainable and scalable, with the potential to expand across other regions in the future.

“Not only will it help the City of Johannesburg and the residents of Alexandra to manage its e-waste more effectively, it will also contribute to our country’s broader environmental goals,” she said.

As part of the National Waste Management Strategy 2020, South Africa has committed to reducing waste sent to landfills, increasing recycling rates, and promoting a circular economy. 

The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, which place responsibility for end-of-life products on producers, are key to this vision. 

“By encouraging industry involvement in waste management, we are ensuring that those who create waste are also part of the solution.

“As many of us are aware, e-waste is growing at an alarming rate. It is now considered the fastest-growing waste stream worldwide,” the Deputy Minister said.

The proliferation of technology and the consumer-driven nature of  society have led to millions of tons of electronic devices being discarded each year. 

These devices – from old cell phones, computers, laptops to televisions and household appliances (such as fridges, stoves, kettles and anything that uses electricity) – contain harmful materials such as lead, mercury, and many other toxic chemicals, which can have devastating effects on the environment and health, if not properly managed. 

“In South Africa, we generate over 360 000 tons of e-waste annually, and it is estimated that at least 50% of this waste is generated in Gauteng. 

“Only a small fraction of approximately 10% of this is properly managed. The rest ends up in landfills, or worse, is illegally dumped, posing serious risks to our ecosystems. 

“Our waste laws do not allow the disposal of e-waste to landfills. This is done with the intention of diverting this waste stream from landfill for recycling purposes,” she said.

In November 2021, South Africa has implemented the EPR legislation for Electrical and Electronic Equipment, which compels the producers of electronic products to take-back and ensure proper recycling thereof. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA, Indonesia to deepen historical ties during Official State Visit

Source: Government of South Africa

By Neo Bodumela

Jakarta, Indonesia – Against a backdrop of historic solidarity and shared vision for a better world, South Africa will move to deepen bilateral relations with Indonesia during an official State Visit to the Southeast Asian country by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday.

This according to Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, who spoke to SAnews ahead of the State Visit in Jakarta.

“It’s a high level exchange and an opportunity to recognise mutual cooperation, to respect the benefits of our bilateral relationship and to deepen multilateralism between our two countries, as it relates to our participation in global governance institutions.

“The fact that Indonesia has been accepted as a member of the BRICS+ family bodes quite well for our bilateral relationship,” Botes said on Tuesday.

The history between the two countries dates to the 1600s with the arrival of the first people of Indonesian descent in South Africa. In 1694, celebrated religious leader of noble descent, Sheikh Yusuf Al Makassari, was exiled from Jakarta (known then as Batavia) to Cape Town, where he became one of the first to preach and spread the teachings of Islam in the Cape.

A shrine was erected in Cape Town in his honour, where his legacy is celebrated by the Islamic community.

In the 1990s, former President Nelson Mandela visited that country and developed a deep appreciation for the Indonesian Batik shirt – known in South Africa as the Madiba shirt. 

Relations between the two countries were formalised in 1994, with several Memoranda of Understanding and agreements signed since that time.

“We have a structured bilateral mechanism between South Africa and Indonesia that guides the relationship between the two nations. [The] high level visitation is really an expression – in the form of a State Visit – of the nature of the relationship and its propensity.

“Indonesia has been a key pen holder, multilaterally, to bring about Afro-Asian solidarity through convening the 1955 Bandung Conference 70 years ago, which still holds the principles that South Africa stands firmly for: non-alignment, respect for sovereign integrity of nation States and mutual respect,” Botes explained.

He highlighted that some of Indonesia’s actions on the global stage are in line with South Africa’s own policies.

“The role that Indonesia has played, for example, as a key interlocutor in peace diplomacy, on behalf of the Palestinian people, is significant.

“Much of the work that Indonesia has done, geopolitically, is reconcilable with South Africa’s foreign policy…in particular over the past year,” he told SAnews.

Trade relations have also strengthened, with South African exports to Indonesia standing at R10.5 billion and Indonesian imports amounting to R16.9 billion.

In this regard, the Deputy Minister remarked during the SA-Indonesia Business Forum that the two countries’ longstanding trade relationship can be transformed into a powerful economic partnership for the modern era.

“Our priority investment sectors include mining, manufacturing, services, infrastructure, and the green economy – with particular potential in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and green hydrogen, as well as the oil and gas sector.

“Indonesia’s leadership in the global nickel industry positions it as a natural partner for South Africa, whose reserves of manganese and platinum group metals are vital for battery and fuel cell technologies. 

“By integrating our strengths, we can create a sustainable electric-mobility value chain – from upstream mineral extraction, to downstream manufacturing and recycling. South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, valued at over R1.5 trillion, sets out a pathway for investment in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and hydrogen technologies,” the Deputy Minister said.

Following the business forum, Botes told SAnews that at least two areas were highlighted for pursuit.

“A key ambition from the business forum is the establishment of a working group that will ultimately lead to the launching of the South Africa-Indonesia Business Council. 

“The second… was on a possible partnership on the managing of Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Indonesia has 19 SEZs – most with particular mandates. We think there are areas for collaboration in terms of SEZ governance and the digitisation thereof, so we will be pursuing some interesting discussions, which – hopefully – will ultimately lead to an establishment of a MoU,” Botes said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State Visit will commence at 6am South African time on Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za

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IEC scoops gold at PRISM Awards

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has bagged a Gold PRISM Award for the “2024 Elections Reputation Management and Public Relations Strategies in the Public Sector”.

The coveted award, presented at the prestigious 25th PRISM Awards ceremony over the past weekend, recognises the Commission’s continued efforts to strengthen public trust and uphold its reputation as an independent and credible election management body.

“This recognition is a testament to the impactful communication work undertaken to promote transparency, integrity and confidence in the electoral process,” said Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo.

The winning entry was submitted by Magna Carta, the Commission’s communications partner.

The Commission has extended its appreciation to all teams and partners, whose dedication and professionalism contributed to the enhancement of its public image in the country and abroad.

The annual awards, hosted by the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa, celebrate exceptional public relations and communication campaigns. – SAnews.gov.za