Category: MIL-OSI

Government’s efforts to grow the tourism economy in collaboration with the private sector have received international recognition from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

The Global Champion Award was presented to Tourism Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille at the WTTC Global Summit in Malta, acknowledging her leadership in advancing tourism growth by strengthening collaboration between government and the private sector.

The minister dedicated the recognition to the South African tourism industry and in particular, the workers who keep the 24-hour industry operating.

 “I am deeply honoured by this recognition, but this award belongs to the entire South African tourism sector, especially the workers who keep our industry running day and night.

“I have consistently said that our record-breaking 10.5 million international arrivals in 2025 were not a coincidence. They are the result of deliberate collaboration between government and the private sector through our Tourism Growth Partnership Plan. 

“This recognition once again affirms what we have always said: Tourism Policy is Economic Policy,” the minister said.

The global recognition affirms Cabinet’s endorsement of the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan (TGPP) and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to include tourism as a strategic economic growth sector under Phase Three of the Government-Business Partnership.

The award follows on the heels of the conclusion of the second Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit.

At the summit, a pipeline of bankable tourism projects from both the public and private sectors, grew from eight in 2025 to 15 projects worth R3.5 billion investable opportunities.

“Minister de Lille has been a strong champion of engagement with the private sector, recognising that sustainable tourism growth is only possible when governments and businesses work together towards common goals. 

“Her leadership and commitment to collaboration have helped strengthen South Africa’s Travel & Tourism sector and unlock opportunities for investment, job creation and long-term growth,” said WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara.

According to the WTTC, South Africa’s travel and tourism sector was forecast to support 1.9 million direct and indirect jobs in 2025, representing 11.3% of national employment, while contributing an estimated R659.8 billion to the economy. 

By 2035, the sector could support more than 620 000 additional jobs and contribute R911.7 billion to the economy. – SAnews.gov.za

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Extensive maintenance and renewal work is underway along the 861km Iron Ore Export Line stretching from Sishen in the Northern Cape to the Port of Saldanha in the Western Cape, as Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) strengthens one of South Africa’s most strategic freight rail corridors.

On Monday, Transnet Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips and Group Chief Operating Officer Solly Letsoalo accompanied Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy on a detailed inspection of technical maintenance activities taking place during the annual Iron Ore Line shutdown. 

The programme, led by TRIM, is aimed at ensuring the long-term reliability, safety and efficiency of the corridor while positioning it to support South Africa’s rail reform agenda. 

The annual maintenance shutdown, taking place from 6 to 16 October 2026, provides a dedicated window for intensive infrastructure interventions that cannot be undertaken while trains are operating. 

The Iron Ore Line is a critical export corridor that supports mineral exports, economic activity, and thousands of jobs across the logistics value chain.

“Maintenance activities currently underway include rail and sleeper replacement, ballast screening, turnout renewal and maintenance, formation rehabilitation, culvert installation, as well as electrical and signalling upgrades. 

“These interventions are designed to improve operational reliability, enhance safety and increase the corridor’s capacity to accommodate future freight demand. Reliable rail infrastructure is fundamental to the success of South Africa’s rail reform programme,” TRIM said.

As government advances third-party access to the freight rail network, TRIM’s role in maintaining and modernising rail infrastructure becomes increasingly important in creating a safe, efficient and predictable operating environment for all rail users

“The introduction of additional Train Operating Companies (TOCs) onto the network marks a significant milestone in the transformation of South Africa’s freight rail sector. 

“While TRIM will continue to own, manage and maintain the rail infrastructure, approved TOCs will be able to access the network to move freight for customers, bringing greater competition, investment and capacity to the sector,” TRIM said.

TRIM said this evolving environment requires infrastructure that is reliable, resilient and capable of supporting multiple operators while maintaining safe and efficient network performance. 

Through sustained maintenance and targeted infrastructure investment, TRIM is helping create the conditions necessary for increased private sector participation, improved customer service and higher freight volumes across the national rail network.

As the infrastructure manager, TRIM remains central to this transition by ensuring fair and transparent network access while safeguarding the integrity and performance of South Africa’s rail assets.

“Beyond its operational benefits, the shutdown is also delivering meaningful socio-economic impact. Approximately 1,300 fixed-term employment opportunities have been created for the October maintenance programme, with a further 600 indirect opportunities expected through associated economic activity. 

“Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises are participating through the provision of civil works, logistics, transportation, equipment support, accommodation and other services,” TRIM said.

The maintenance programme supports the objectives of October Transport Month. 

It contributes to the government’s ambition of increasing rail freight volumes to 250 million tonnes per annum by 2030, helping position rail as the backbone of a more competitive, efficient and integrated logistics system. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

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The 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations begin today, with Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli expressing confidence that this year’s matriculants will surpass the performance of the Class of 2025.

The examinations, which will run until 26 November, mark the culmination of years of schooling for Grade 12 learners across the country.

“We wish the class of 2026 well as they prepare to sit for the final matric exams. We have no doubt that they will surpass the class of 2025, which did considerably well; we look forward to a pass rate that is in the 90s,” Mhlauli said.

The Deputy Minister acknowledged the pressure that comes with the final examinations, urging learners to remain calm, trust their preparation and approach the examination period with confidence.

“We have no doubt that the work that they put in since the beginning of the year will be demonstrated when they do sit their final matric exams, and we really just want to remind them that they’ve got this. 

“They know what they’re supposed to be writing. The nerves should not make them start having anxiety. It’s a very stressful period in their lives, but our message to them is that keep calm, you’ve got this, and we know that you’ll do considerably well,” Mhlauli said. 

The 2025 NSC examinations recorded a national pass rate of 88%, setting a benchmark for this year’s candidates.

The start of the examinations on Tuesday, 13 October, follow nationwide NSC pledge-signing ceremonies held on Friday, during which matriculants committed themselves to honesty, discipline and integrity throughout the examination period.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, in a message to Free State matriculants at the provincial ceremony in Qwaqwa, urged learners not to allow a momentary lapse in judgement to jeopardise years of hard work and sacrifice.

“Believe in yourselves, for we believe in you,” the President said.

Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube has also cautioned learners against examination irregularities, including bringing cellphones or crib notes into examination rooms.

“There are no shortcuts to success. A cellphone hidden in a pocket is not preparation. A leaked question paper is not intelligence. Copying another learner’s work is not achievement,” the Minister said.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has urged learners to consult the official examination timetable to confirm their examination dates, times and subjects.

The first session on Tuesday includes the Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1 practical examination, while the second session includes Hindi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu Home Language (HL), First Additional Language (FAL) and Second Additional Language (SAL) Paper 1, as well as Hebrew SAL and German HL, FAL and SAL Paper 1.

As the Class of 2026 begins this important milestone, learners are encouraged to remain focused, manage examination pressure and demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their schooling.

At a media briefing on Sunday, the DBE declared itself ready for the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, with a record 962 832 candidates registered to sit the October/November examinations.
– SAnews.gov.za

 

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Traffic is flowing again along sections of the N2 in the Eastern Cape after a series of protests brought traffic to a standstill in EmaXesibeni, KwaBhaca and Qumbu.

The R61 in Port St Johns was also affected by the protests that took place on Monday. The protests reportedly stem from demands by mini-truck owners to mine sand in their areas without restrictions or permits.

The Eastern Cape Department of Transport said the matter is receiving attention from the relevant environmental authorities, while law enforcement officials continue to monitor the situation and work to prevent further unrest and road closures.

Although traffic has resumed, motorists are urged to exercise caution as tensions remain high in some areas.

Eastern Cape Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha has called for calm, urging protesters to consider the wider consequences of their actions and the impact on innocent members of the public, including commuters, businesses and other road users.

The department has also appealed to all parties to raise their concerns through lawful and constructive engagement without disrupting the movement of people and goods or compromising road safety. –SAnews.gov.za

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International partnerships between Africa and Europe must move beyond shared ambitions to practical cooperation that supports economic transformation, industrialisation and prosperity for both continents. 

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola said this while addressing a conference on the future of Europe-Africa relations in Pretoria on Monday. 

Lamola called for a genuine partnership based on mutual respect, accountability and shared responsibility, with Africa taking greater control of its economic destiny. 

“We are not asking for old-style paternalism; we seek genuine partnership – a compact – based on mutual responsibility and mutual accountability,” he said. 

Lamola said the relationship must be shaped by the realities of a changing global order, characterised by geopolitical rivalry, growing inequality, weakening multilateralism and increasingly transactional international relations. 

He said Africa has historically supplied raw materials that have generated prosperity elsewhere, while many of its people continue to experience deprivation.

The continent now needs partnerships that will end its economic marginalisation and support structural transformation, including investment in mineral beneficiation, domestic processing and manufacturing.

“There is a meeting place between Europe’s pursuit of resilient supply chains and Africa’s ambition to attract investment into mineral exploration, domestic processing and manufacturing industries,” Lamola said. 

He said Europe could contribute technology and capital to support beneficiation at source, enabling African countries to derive greater economic value from their natural resources.

Addressing Africa’s development challenges

Lamola identified debt, infrastructure financing, regional integration and Africa’s limited representation in global decision-making as key challenges requiring stronger cooperation.

He said 25 African countries have, in recent years, spent more on debt servicing than on health and education, while African and other developing countries face borrowing costs estimated to be three to six percentage points higher than those of non-African States.

He called on longstanding partners to support efforts to reform the international financial architecture, including initiatives such as the newly launched African Credit Rating Agency and proposals for a borrowers’ club.

Lamola also highlighted Africa’s annual infrastructure financing gap of approximately US$170 billion, saying rising borrowing costs and pressure on public finances continue to constrain development.

He said the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative presented an opportunity to invest in transport corridors, modern ports and infrastructure connecting African markets.

Such investments, he added, should support the continent’s integration priorities and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Lamola contrasted intra-European trade, which exceeds 60%, with trade between African countries, which stands at just over 14%, highlighting the need for greater cooperation among African States.

He said Africa also needs a stronger voice in institutions governing international peace and security, trade and finance, including the United Nations Security Council.

“It is not rational that peace on the continent does not receive financial support from the UN Security Council,” he said.

Migration, security and global tensions

Cooperation, Lamola said, should also extend to migration and mobility, border management and the fight against drug trafficking and transnational organised crime.

He pointed to the call by the 2025 African Union-European Union Summit in Luanda, Angola, for “an enhanced and reciprocal partnership for migration and mobility”.

He said African countries could benefit from European support for specialised training in financial crime, cybercrime, counter-terrorism, digital forensics and asset recovery. 

However, Lamola warned that global competition for critical minerals risked reproducing historical patterns of exploitation.

“If we do not treat the rare minerals issue with respect and prudence, it runs the risk of becoming another ‘scramble for Africa’, with serious negative ramifications for Africa,” he said.

He also raised concerns about the European Union’s carbon tax on imports, warning of its potential consequences for African industries, employment and economic growth.

The EU is a significant market for African exports, including fertiliser, iron and steel, aluminium and cement. Lamola said some forecasts suggest the carbon tax could cost Africa as much as US$25 billion in gross domestic product. 

He called for Europe to balance its low-carbon ambitions with the industrialisation needs of developing economies.

The Minister further cited the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine access restrictions and travel bans that disproportionately affected African countries as examples of tensions that had raised questions about the strength of the partnership. 

Partnership without exclusivity

Despite these differences, Lamola said disagreements should not undermine cooperation between the two regions.

He stressed that Africa must retain the freedom to pursue partnerships with different countries and regions, in line with its development interests.

“The partnership between Africa and Europe cannot demand allegiance to one bloc or exclusivity. Africa must retain the space to cultivate partnerships with different countries and regions in pursuit of its own interests and development aspirations,” he said.

Lamola also warned that democratic backsliding, disinformation and growing disillusionment with democratic institutions posed challenges to both continents.

He said cooperation was increasingly necessary as global power competition intensified and public trust in institutions weakened.

“Africa, in turn, brings its own share of prospects. We have a growing population, overwhelmingly young and pulsating with energy, talent and creativity,” he said, adding that the continent wants to create pathways to employment and entrepreneurship, rather than remain a supplier of labour and raw materials.

Lamola concluded by calling for evidence-based discussions that confront difficult questions about the future of Africa-Europe relations.

He quoted the concluding words of Jakkie Cilliers’ book, Africa’s Road to Prosperity, which emphasise the importance of resilience and patience in navigating global shocks.

“These words apply to Africa’s future as much as it does to how our continent relates to Europe and the world,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za  

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The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has urged matric learners and their families to prioritise mental health and wellbeing throughout the National Senior Certificate exam period. 

Today, nearly a million matriculants will sit down for the first exams of the year-end exams for 2026.

“Exam-related stress is normal, as learners face expectations from parents, teachers and themselves. However, excessive pressure, prolonged study hours, inadequate sleep and last-minute cramming can affect concentration, memory and overall wellbeing.

“Learners are encouraged to develop realistic study schedules, divide their revision into manageable sections and take regular breaks. Maintaining a healthy routine and allowing sufficient time for rest can help them prepare effectively and manage the pressure associated with examinations,” the GDoH said.

Learners are cautioned against the dangers of “sacrificing sleep, meals and physical activity” in the hope of studying more.

“Neglecting these basic needs can contribute to exhaustion and burnout.

“They should also avoid excessive caffeine and energy drinks, unhealthy study routines and comparing their progress with that of others,” the department warned.

While examination results are a pivotal milestone, the department said results do not determine any learner’s future.

“While matric examinations are an important academic milestone, results do not define a learner’s intelligence, personal worth or entire future. Performance can be influenced by psychological, social, economic, environmental and physical circumstances.

“Personal growth, perseverance, dedication and motivation extend beyond marks obtained in an examination,” the GDoH assured.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to look out for warning signs that a learner may be struggling emotionally.

These include:

• Persistent sadness or irritability;
• Withdrawing from family and friends;
• Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities;
• Changes in sleep or appetite;
• Poor self-care; and
• Low energy and feelings of hopelessness.

“Although some stress is expected during examinations, prolonged emotional distress should not be dismissed as ordinary exam pressure. Any mention of suicide or a desire to die must be taken seriously and requires urgent professional assessment.

“Learners experiencing emotional difficulties, as well as their caregivers and parents, can seek support through nearby public healthcare facilities, school support teams and social workers,” the GDoH stated.

Families and communities are urged not to put intense pressure on learners.

“The pressure can be particularly intense for learners who feel responsible for fulfilling their families’ sacrifices and expectations. Open and supportive conversations between parents, caregivers and learners can help manage these expectations.

“Parents and caregivers are also encouraged to create supportive home environments by providing nutritious meals, ensuring learners have the necessary examination materials, encouraging rest and offering reassurance. They should avoid threats, punishment or blame over academic performance,” the department added.

Additional support is available through organisations such as the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) 24-hour toll-free line on 0800 567 567, Childline South Africa 24-hour toll-free line on 116 and Lifeline South Africa between 08:00 and 17:00, Monday to Friday on 011 715 2000.

“Learners and families are encouraged to seek assistance early rather than wait until the situation becomes overwhelming.

“As the Class of 2026 begins this important academic milestone, we encourage them to prepare diligently, believe in their abilities and remember that asking for help is a sign of strength.

“The GDoH wishes all matriculants strength, confidence and success in their examinations,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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