Category: MIL-OSI

Government is committed to continue improving productivity across the manufacturing value chain and positioning South African manufacturers to access new regional and global markets, says the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Alexandra Abrahams.

The Deputy Minister said this while delivering the keynote address at the KwaZulu-Natal Clothing and Textile Cluster’s (KZNCTC) 20th Anniversary Annual General Meeting held at the Toyota Wessels Institute of Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS) in Kloof, Durban.

The KZNCTC is an industry-led public-private partnership focused on improving the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of the clothing, textile, footwear and leather manufacturing sector in KwaZulu-Natal.

Abrahams emphasised that the future of South African manufacturing depends on a clear policy direction.

“We must move decisively away from approaches that rely excessively on protectionist policy instruments. The long-term success of domestic industry will depend on our ability to build businesses that are productive, innovative and capable of competing globally. Our objective must be simple: We must create conditions where South African manufacturers succeed because they are competitive, efficient and world-class.

“That is how we build sustainable industrial growth. That is how we create lasting jobs,” the Deputy Minister said on Thursday.

The engagement formed part ongoing commitment to supporting economic growth, investment and job creation through a stronger and more competitive manufacturing sector.

It also reflected government’s focus on working in partnership with industry to unlock opportunities for local businesses, strengthen value chains and expand employment opportunities.

Deputy Minister Abrahams addressed the growing concern around illegal and non-compliant manufacturing practices within parts of the clothing and textile sector.

“Reports of labour exploitation, unsafe working conditions, immigration violations and non-compliance with bargaining council agreements raise serious concerns for the future integrity of this industry.  

“Businesses that follow the law should never be forced to compete against businesses that ignore the law.  When illegal manufacturing practices are allowed to continue unchecked, the damage extends across the entire value chain. Workers are exploited. Ethical manufacturers are undercut. Retailers face reputational risk. Consumer confidence is weakened. And compliant businesses face commercial pressure that ultimately threatens jobs and livelihoods,” Abrahams said.

She gave assurances that the dtic, is working closely with the Department of Employment and Labour, South African Revenue Service, Home Affairs, bargaining councils and law enforcement agencies to strengthen enforcement action. – SAnews.gov.za 

Nelson Mandela Bay has strengthened its position as one of South Africa’s leading tourism destinations with the deployment of a new cohort of Tourism Safety Officers across key tourism precincts and the city’s internationally acclaimed beachfront.

The initiative forms part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Coastal Tourism Policing Initiative, a strategic partnership between the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA), the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), the South African Police Service (SAPS), Metro Police, and tourism stakeholders.

The deployment represents a significant investment in visitor safety and destination competitiveness, aligning with the Department of Tourism’s Tourism Sector Master Plan, which identifies safety, destination management, job creation, and tourism growth as key priorities for growing the national tourism economy.

The newly trained officers will provide visible patrols, visitor assistance, incident response and law enforcement support in tourism hotspots, helping to create a safer and more welcoming environment for both residents and visitors.

Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, said the initiative demonstrates the city’s commitment to becoming the destination of choice for domestic and international travellers.

“Tourism remains one of the most important drivers of economic growth, job creation and investment in our city. Every visitor who chooses Nelson Mandela Bay supports local businesses, creates employment opportunities and contributes to the growth of our local economy,” Lobishe said.

She said the deployment of Tourism Safety Officers is a direct investment in visitor confidence and destination excellence.

“It also sends a strong message that Nelson Mandela Bay is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and memorable experience for all who visit our city. As we continue to position Nelson Mandela Bay as South Africa’s premier coastal destination and gateway to the Eastern Cape, partnerships such as these play a critical role in enhancing our competitiveness and unlocking new opportunities for tourism growth,” the mayor said.

Tourism Business Council of South Africa Chief Executive Officer Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa said the initiative highlights the value of industry-led investment in tourism safety.

“Through the Tourism Marketing South Africa (TOMSA) Collaborative Fund, Tshivhengwa said tourism businesses are investing directly in initiatives that make destinations safer and more competitive.

“These officers are a tangible example of that investment at work. Safety is not only a public-sector responsibility; it is tourism imperative. This partnership reflects the industry’s commitment to creating environments where visitors can explore with confidence and local tourism businesses can thrive,” Tshivhengwa said.

Funded through a partnership between the TOMSA Collaborative Fund and the MBDA, the programme equips officers with specialised training, vehicles, communication equipment and operational support structures designed to enhance coordination between tourism stakeholders and law enforcement agencies.

Tourism remains a strategic economic sector for both Nelson Mandela Bay and South Africa, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to local economic development.

The municipality said the deployment forms part of the city’s broader Tourism Safety Plan, which seeks to improve visitor experiences, strengthen destination competitiveness and attract increased tourism investment.

“The initiative further reinforces Nelson Mandela Bay’s commitment to building a safe, vibrant and globally competitive destination capable of attracting visitors, events and investment while showcasing the best of the Eastern Cape and South Africa,” the municipality said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

As South Africa marks the 50^th anniversary of the June 1976 Youth Uprising in Soweto, Deputy President Paul Mashatile has encouraged young people to register to vote in the upcoming local elections.

The Electoral Commission will open 23 706 voting stations across the country this weekend, 20 and 21 June 2026, with registration stations operating from 08h00 to 17h00.

“I want to encourage young people to go out in their numbers to check their status and register to vote during this Voter Registration Weekend,” the Deputy President said on Thursday in Cape Town.

The Voter Registration Weekend offers an opportunity for eligible voters to ensure that their details are accurately captured and updated.

Mashatile made the remarks in Cape Town on Thursday while paying tribute to the youth of 1976 during a National Council of Provinces (NCOP) session in which he responded to oral questions.

 “Allow me to salute the heroic actions of the youth of 1976. Their courage continues to inspire us as we strive to build a non‑racial, non‑sexist, democratic, united, and prosperous society,” the Deputy President said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Home Affairs has announced that it will extend office hours across the country this weekend to support the Voter Registration Weekend.

Home Affairs offices will be open nationwide on Saturday and Sunday to make it easier for citizens to obtain the Smart ID Cards they need to register and participate in the 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE), scheduled for 4 November 2026.

More than 370 000 Smart ID Cards are currently awaiting collection at Home Affairs offices nationwide.

Citizens are encouraged to visit their nearest Home Affairs office to apply for a Smart ID Card or collect one that is ready for collection. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy Minister of Tourism Makhotso Sotyu has called on the tourism sector to increase investment in initiatives that connect young people to employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Speaking at the #YouthInTourism engagement held in the Free State, Sotyu said young South Africans possess the creativity, energy and innovation needed to help drive the country’s economic development. 

She urged both government and industry stakeholders to work together to ensure that young people are equipped with the skills and support necessary to participate meaningfully in the tourism economy.

“The youth in our country are vibrant, innovative and they have the ability to actively participate in building South Africa’s future. Tourism is uniquely positioned to support their efforts.”

The engagement, held under the theme: “Reset@50 – A Future in Tourism Calls”, formed part of Youth Month commemorations marking the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Youth Uprising. 

The event brought together government representatives, tourism stakeholders, chefs, entrepreneurs and aspiring young professionals to explore opportunities within the tourism value chain.

Sotyu described tourism as a people-centred industry that relies on human talent, skills and innovation. 

She stressed that young people must be given greater access to opportunities that will allow them to contribute to economic growth while building sustainable careers.

“Tourism is built by people, powered by people and sustained by people. As policymakers and drivers of this economy, we must ensure that young South Africans are equipped with the skills, support and opportunities to participate meaningfully in the economy and contribute to our country’s development.”

The event featured a variety of activities, including a culinary showcase celebrating South African cuisine, presentations from industry stakeholders, mentorship sessions and networking opportunities between emerging chefs and established professionals. 

Organisers said the programme was designed to demonstrate tourism’s ability to create economic opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities.

Highlighting the sector’s importance, Sotyu noted that tourism contributed 4.9% to South Africa’s gross domestic product and sustained 954 000 direct jobs in 2024. 

She said domestic tourism remains a key driver of the industry’s success and continues to create pathways into the economy through small businesses and community-based enterprises.

“Tourism creates pathways and opportunities into the economy for young people,” she said. 

“Government remains committed to implementing programmes focused on skills development, entrepreneurship support and capacity building. With continued support from stakeholders, we can empower more young people to enter the sector equipped with the skills needed for future success.”

The Deputy Minister’s call for investment was echoed by Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, who described investment as a catalyst for industrialisation, job creation, skills development and enterprise growth.

The Premier revealed that the Free State government recently secured investment commitments worth approximately R400 billion during an investment mission to China. She said the investment would create significant opportunities for residents, particularly young people and women.

“This is a clear vote of confidence in our province, our people and our vision for economic transformation,” Letsoha-Mathae said. – SAnews.gov.za

There is no meaningful economic growth or significant job creation that can be achieved without a value-adding industrialisation pathway, Acting Chief Director for Innovation and Technology at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), Nontombi Maseko said.

Speaking at a  panel discussion on “Innovation as a driver of Industrialisation” at a Policy Dialogue on Industrialisation Through Innovation,  Maseko said innovation is a central lever to re-industrialisation by improving productivity, supporting diversification, and enabling participation in high-value global markets.

“Furthermore, it raises productivity, deepens skills and strengthens export competitiveness and must be supported from idea to market entry and scale,” she said on Thursday.

Maseko added that the department plays a catalytic role through incentives, procurement, and sectoral interventions. The dtic and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation she said, co-developed the National Technology Commercialisation Strategy to accelerate the commercialisation of locally developed technologies for domestic and international markets.

“The industrialisation imperative is clear, if South Africa does not build local manufacturing capability for components such as electrolysers and fuel cells, the green hydrogen economy will generate export revenue without generating industrial jobs or building domestic capability.”

In addition, Maseko added that the dtic  does not regard innovation as a separate policy domain.

“Instead, innovation is embedded across every instrument we deploy. Procurement designations create markets, incentives support investment, Special Economic Zones provide the necessary infrastructure and space, while programmes such as the Support Programme for Industrial Innovation (SPII) and The Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP) fund technology development and sector Master plans help to coordinate the social compact required to drive industrialisation.

“Over the past five years, R49 million and R157 million was disbursed for SPII and THRIP respectively. Together, these interventions ensure that innovation remains at the centre of South Africa’s industrial development agenda.

“Localisation strengthens capability, capability fuels innovation, and innovation drives industrialisation,” explained Maseko.

The dialogue which got underway on Thursday, is hosted by the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI), in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and the OR Tambo Special Economic Zone.

READ | Dialogue to place innovation under the spotlight

Held  at the Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre, OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, the gathering is set to conclude on Friday, 19 June. – SAnews.gov.za

As South Africa marks Youth Month, the Electoral Commission is making a direct appeal to young people to register to vote ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

The call comes as the IEC declared itself fully prepared for the nationwide voter registration weekend taking place on Saturday and Sunday, with all 23 706 voting stations set to open from 8am to 5pm.

The registration drive is particularly significant for first-time voters, many of whom will have their first opportunity to participate in a Local Government Election.

According to the IEC, young South Africans remain one of the most underrepresented groups on the voters’ roll despite targeted efforts to increase youth participation.

“Given that youth in the age category 18-19 years have not had multiple opportunities to enlist on the voters’ roll and since they have just become age eligible, over 70% in this age cohort are still to register,” the Commission said.

The Commission’s Tertiary Institutions Campaign has already reached more than 269 000 students nationwide, resulting in over 158 000 new registrations. 

Building on that success, the Commission plans to expand its outreach to universities and colleges in the coming months.

Youth participation has also been a key feature of the Commission’s broader voter education campaign. 

Partnerships with the SABC have seen voter education integrated into popular programmes such as Skeem Saam, while youth-focused productions including Beats for My Peeps are being used to encourage democratic participation.

The Commission said registering to vote was particularly important because voters can only cast ballots in the voting district where they are registered. Unlike national and provincial elections, there is no provision for voting outside one’s registered voting district.

The registration weekend will also provide an opportunity for existing voters to update their addresses and personal details to ensure they are assigned to the correct ward.

The voters’ roll currently stands at approximately 28 million registered voters, an increase from the 27.7 million voters registered for the 2024 general elections.

Beyond voter participation, the registration process is also creating opportunities for young South Africans. Of the 48 212 registration staff appointed for the weekend, nearly half are under the age of 35, while more than 34 000 are unemployed but qualified individuals gaining temporary employment and valuable experience.

The IEC has urged all eligible South Africans, especially young people and first-time voters, to use the weekend to register, verify their details or update their information.

To register, citizens need a South African ID card, green barcoded ID book or a valid Temporary Identity Certificate. – SAnews.gov.za