Category: MIL-OSI

The Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, has announced the appointment and re-appointment of directors to the Board of Directors of the Land and Agricultural Development Bank (Land Bank).

The Land Bank plays a crucial role in supporting South Africa’s agricultural sector and rural development initiatives.

“The role that the Land Bank plays in supporting both commercial and emerging farmers, as well as the rural communities that rely on land for their livelihoods, is fundamental to the inclusive and sustainable economic growth at the heart of our national project,” the Minister said on Friday.

The appointments, which are effective from 3 September 2025, follows the recent Cabinet meeting held during which the Executive endorsed the appointments based on the Minister’s recommendation.

The appointments, made in terms of Section 9(1) and 9(2) of the Land and Agricultural Development Bank Act (Act No 15 of 2000), include the re-appointment of two experienced directors and the appointment of six new directors to bolster the Land Bank’s governance and strategic leadership and equip the entity for the future.

The re-appointments of the two non-executive directors who have been re-appointed for the two-year terms ending 2 September 2027 are Prof JF Kirsten and Ms E Pilla.

The six new non-executive directors that have been appointed with terms ending 2 September 2028 are as follows:

• Ms PH Maseko (3 years)
• Ms S Ford (3 years)
• Ms TF Matlala (3 years)
• Mr M Skwatsha (3 years)
• Ms X Maluleke (3 years)

MA Moloto has been appointed for a two-year term ending 2 September 2027.

All appointments remain subject to security, qualification, and other relevant checks as required.

Godongwana expressed gratitude to the outgoing Board of Directors for their strategic guidance during the Bank’s challenging period of financial restructuring, and for their work in securing a liability solution to ensure the Bank’s financial sustainability.

“The Land Bank has done well recently but it must do more and build on what the previous board has achieved by dealing with its capacity constraints, addressing its high-cost structure, and diversifying its revenue streams among other things,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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At its 30th Annual Summit, the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) reflected on three decades of social dialogue amid South Africa’s ongoing economic challenges, especially high unemployment.

The summit highlighted a stark unemployment rate of 33.2%, with women bearing a heavier burden at 35.9%.

Delivering a keynote address virtually, Deputy President Paul Mashatile stressed the continued relevance of former President Nelson Mandela’s earlier observation that democratic gains will remain “fragile and shallow“ without real improvements in people’s lives.

“When addressing the 4th Annual Summit, former President Nelson Mandela made the following observation: ‘Foremost among our challenges is job creation’… It is concerning that, 26 years later, South Africa is still grappling with the same challenges as stated by former President Mandela,” he told the delegates who are gathered in Sandton.

The Deputy President highlighted potential job losses from the 30% United States tariffs on South African exports, which could impact the agriculture, automotive, manufacturing and mining sectors.

“I am aware that this forum does not directly create jobs but rather promotes an enabling environment through measures such as sector-specific interventions, SME support, skills development programmes, and employment initiatives.”

As social partners, he believes they can alter the path and trajectory of the nation by uniting in pursuit of a collective objective, motivated by shared values.

“As a nation, we must draw lessons from one another as we work to rejuvenate our economy, decrease unemployment, and foster inclusive growth.

“Therefore, the National Dialogue, a people-centred initiative, is crucial for addressing the frustrations and needs of ordinary South Africans. It aims to unite South Africans, heal past wounds, and chart a common path forward.”

In the next few months, he said, citizens should emerge with a compact and consensus on a South Africa they want beyond 2030, aligned with the vision of the Freedom Charter, which calls to establish a South Africa that belongs to everyone, Black and White.

He emphasised that achieving solidarity, equality, and sustainability remains a challenging but possible journey, requiring dedication, courage, and a shared vision beyond personal interests.

As the country forges ahead towards planning for the future, the country’s second-in-command has called on all South Africans to play a collective role in advancing inclusive economic growth and social equity.

He said he was confident that the NEDLAC 30-Year Project, which analysed achievements from 1994-2024, would help fast-track government programmes through its proposals.

“We must concentrate our efforts on promoting equality. This should entail the dismantling of systemic barriers that sustain discrimination and exclusion, thereby establishing equal opportunities for all.”

Through NEDLAC’s dialogue and engagements, the Deputy President said it has resulted in amendments to labour law and initiatives like the Presidential Employment Stimulus and the revised Employment Equity Act.

Shifting his focus to the Group of 20 (G20), he said through the engagement groups, South Africa is strengthening ties and expanding dialogue and called for continued partnership between government, business, labour, and community organisations to address persistent socio-economic challenges.

“Through solidarity, equality, and sustainability, we can build an economy that reflects the aspirations of all South Africans,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Road users can expect increased traffic volumes on the N1 and N3 this weekend, as scores of people are travelling for religious pilgrimages and a cultural festival taking place in Limpopo and the Free State, respectively.

Traffic volumes on the N1 north are expected to increase due to pilgrims travelling to Moria for the annual Zion Christian Church pilgrimage. The N1 and roads in and around Polokwane are expected to be busy, with a high risk for pedestrian safety.

“The N1 south to Bloemfontein is expected to be busy, as revellers will be travelling to the Mangaung Cultural Festival. Traffic volumes are further expected to increase on the N3, as members of the Nazareth Baptist Church (Shembe) will be gathering in Harrismith,” RTMC said on Friday.

Motorists are advised to exercise patience and caution when travelling on the routes.

Due care must be taken, particularly on sections of the routes where maintenance is ongoing.

Extensive rehabilitation and widening works are underway on the N3 Toll Route between the Wilge Toll Plaza near Villiers and the Heidelberg South Interchange. 

Improvements and upgrades are taking place on the N1 south between Ventersburg and Kroonstad.

“Motorists should expect potential lane closures and reduced speed limits in construction zones, especially in areas with significant roadworks.

“Law enforcement officials will be on high alert as they conduct drunk driving operations on these major routes to combat unsafe driving behaviour,” the RTMC said. – SAnews.gov.za

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While South’s Africa’s economy faces constraints, the recent economic developments in the country affirm it as an attractive investment destination with a resilient economy.

These developments include the $90 million investment by West Wits Mining Ltd to open a new gold mine, Transnet opening South Africa’s rail network to Train Operating Companies (TOCs) and Standard Bank’s investment of US$10 million towards the advancement of women entrepreneurs.

Addressing a media briefing on Friday in Pretoria, Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said Cabinet welcomed these initiatives during a meeting that was held on Wednesday.

For the first time in 15 years, South Africa has attracted an investment of $90 million for the first new underground gold mine that will be built by West Wits Mining Ltd in the Witwatersrand Basin.

The Minister said the opening of the Qala Shallows project signals a renewed confidence in the potential of new gold projects.

“This is South Africa’s first new underground gold mine in 15 years. This investment signals renewed confidence in the potential of new gold projects and reaffirms South Africa as a mining investment country of choice. 

“With production scheduled to begin in 2026, the South African economy will receive a major boost in new jobs, skills development, and economic development,” Ntshavheni said.

As a significant step towards opening South Africa’s rail network to private operators and reforming the rail sector, Transnet has selected 11 new Train Operating Companies (TOCs) and allocated them with 41 routes and six corridors.

Transnet’s Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) estimates that the new TOCs will carry an additional 20 million tonnes of freight per annum from the 2026/27 financial year.   

This will supplement Transnet Freight Rail’s (TFR’s) forecasted volumes and contribute to Government’s target of increasing freight moved by rail to 250m tons per annum by 2029. 

“This major development in the Freight and Logistics Roadmap and the implementation of South Africa’s Rail Policy, marks a significant milestone in the advancement of the identified structural reforms which are key in unlocking economic development.

“The third-party access to the rail network will improve the utilisation of the network and thus increasing rail efficiency; reduce network unit costs by involving more operators; increase revenue that will contribute to investment in the maintenance and modernisation of the network; and reducing the external costs of freight logistics and improving the competitiveness of rail,” the Minister said.

She emphasised that that this development is also part of the progress Transnet is making towards becoming a more efficient and agile enterprise.

The initial allocations, on the 41 routes and six corridors, are as follows:

• North Corridor: six new entrants, 15 routes for transportation of coal and chrome.
• Iron Ore Corridor: one new entrant, one route for transportation of iron ore.
• Cape Corridor: two new entrants, two routes for transportation of manganese.
• Northeast Corridor: six new entrants, 16 routes for transportation of coal, chrome, magnetite, fuel, containers.
• Central Corridor: one new entrant, two routes for transportation of coal, containers (manganese).
• Container Corridor: four new entrants, five routes for transportation of containers, coal, sugar.

In addition, Standard Bank has committed to invest $10 million to the African Women Impact Fund (AWIF), aimed at supporting women fund managers with businesses in Africa.

The investment was possible through the strategic public-private partnership between the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD), and Standard Bank of South Africa.

“The African Women Impact Fund will support women Fund Managers with businesses in Africa with an aim of addressing US$42billion funding gap experienced by women entrepreneurs in the African continent,” the Minister said.

The AWIF is a private-public partnership that recognises women are essential to Africa’s social and economic transformation.

Through the implementation of Operation Vulindlela, a joint initiative between the Presidency and National Treasury, government is accelerating the implementation of structural reforms to enable economic growth and job creation. 

In its first phase, the reform programme focused on five area, namely energy, logistics, water, telecommunications, and the visa system as they were identified as the most important constraints on economic growth.

As a result, numerous economic bottlenecks eased, new investments were unlocked, and the growth potential of the economy was enabled.

The second phase of Operation Vulindlela is currently being implemented and is expected unleash a second wave of reform targeting new areas of growth.

These new focus areas include improving the performance of local government, addressing spatial inequality through housing policy and other reforms, and advancing digital transformation.

Policies to support economic development

Cabinet has approved the publication of the Incubation and Business Development Services (IBDS) Policy Framework for public comment.

This is led by the Department of Small Business Development to provide regulatory reform for the small enterprise ecosystem by clarifying the roles of various stakeholders and promoting coordinated efforts.

“This forms part of the broader National Integrated Small Enterprise Development Masterplan, which serves as the guiding framework for all role-players involved in accelerating Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) growth through measurable programmes, products and services,” Ntshavheni said.

Key objectives include enhancing the quality and standards of business development services, ensuring better access to support for MSMEs especially in townships and rural areas, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

“The framework places mentorship and incubation at the centre of MSME development and support for small businesses. Business incubators play a critical role in nurturing the growth of early-stage businesses by providing structured support, resources and a conducive environment to secure sustainability,” she said.

Cabinet also approved the publication of the draft Air Freight Strategy for South Africa for public comment. 

The strategy aims to address current challenges such as fragmented cargo corridors and high entry barriers and improve competition and infrastructure connections with other markets. 

Furthermore, the strategy will benefit exporters, importers and logistics companies by fostering economic growth and facilitating global trade through a more integrated air cargo network. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

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