Category: South Africa Government

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Climate Change Conference 2025 to take place in Namibia

Source: Government of South Africa

The Secretariat of the Climate Change and Futures in Africa Conference Series 2025 has announced that the upcoming conference will take place in Windhoek, Namibia, from 29 October to 1 November 2025. 

The conference will be convened under the theme: ‘Risk in Time and Space’, highlighting the variability of disaster risks over time and space.

According to the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), this year’s edition will place special emphasis on community-based participatory research (CBPR), an approach that empowers local communities to engage actively in risk assessment, decision-making, and the development of adaptive strategies. 

“By focusing on local knowledge and participation, CBPR offers powerful pathways for addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change and disaster risks,” the secretariat said in a statement. 

The Windhoek 2025 Conference will bring together experts in climate change, disaster risk reduction, policymakers, practitioners, and community-based participatory research from around the world to share insights, exchange knowledge, and explore innovative solutions. 

The programme will feature interactive panel discussions, workshops, and breakout sessions designed to encourage dialogue and practical solutions to the complex challenges posed by climate change and disaster risks across disciplines and regions.

Participants will engage with case studies and research findings from Southern Africa and other climate-vulnerable regions, offering critical perspectives on the real-world impacts of climate change. 

More than 100 delegates are expected to attend, representing countries including Namibia, South Africa, Canada, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Kenya, Algeria, Japan, Greece, and Germany.

The conference aims to strengthen networks and partnerships that transcend geographical and disciplinary boundaries, promoting inclusive and forward-looking approaches to disaster risk management. 

Through collaborative efforts, this year’s conference seeks to contribute to the development of resilient, adaptive communities capable of navigating the evolving landscape of global climate challenges.

Discussions will explore themes such as risk analysis fundamentals, risk assessment, disaster risk management, risk perception, communication, governance, risk mitigation in sectoral policies, monitoring and coping with real risk problems, and risk and ethics.

The event will be officially opened by the Prime Minister of Namibia, Dr Elijah Ngurare, alongside the Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Dino Ballotti.

The third edition of the Climate Change and Futures in Africa Conference Series is being organised collaboratively by the HSRC and several partners. 

These include the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology of Namibia, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the National Research Foundation, the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement, Santam South Africa, the Department of Cooperative Governance, the University of Fort Hare, Walter Sisulu University, Midlands State University, the University of the Free State, Future Earth, and the Africa Institute of South Africa, along with Zimbabwe’s National University of Science and Technology.

For more information, visit the conference webpage: https://climatefuturesafrica.hsrc.ac.za/. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa welcomes Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal

Source: Government of South Africa

By Neo Bodumela
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – President Cyril Ramaphosa has, on behalf of the South African government, welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas.

The President was speaking during a public lecture at the University of Malay at Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia where he was conferred an Honorary Doctorate in International Relations on Monday.

“We welcome the ceasefire deal brokered by President Donald Trump and supported by a number of countries in the Middle East and beyond, including the return of the hostages, the release of Palestinian prisoners and the resumption of humanitarian assistance.

“However, we are concerned that this ceasefire is being undermined by continued assaults on Gaza and the West Bank,” he said.

The President called on the international community to make “every effort to ensure that the peace deal provides a path towards Palestinian statehood and self-determination.”

“We must pursue the goal of a two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 borders, with a Palestinian state existing alongside and in peace with the State of Israel,” he stated.

President Ramaphosa noted that the people of Gaza are “facing genocide.”

“After decades of dispossession, repression and oppression, the people of Gaza are facing genocide.

“We cannot but be moved to action by the slaughter of tens of thousands of civilians, forced displacement, deliberate starvation and the destruction of homes, schools, hospitals and other essential infrastructure,” he remarked.

Much like South Africa, the Malaysian government has supported the cause of the Palestinian people and championed the cause of a two-state solution.

“We pay tribute to the principled solidarity of the peoples of Malaysia with the oppressed and suffering Palestinian people.

“We salute Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership in publicly supporting South Africa’s case against the State of Israel at the International Court of Justice and for Malaysia’s active leadership within the Hague Group.

“This is truly the spirit of Bandung: the solidarity of conscience,” the President noted.

The two nations also “stand shoulder to shoulder on the global stage in our mutual quest for social justice for people everywhere”.

“Our two nations have stood consistently for the reform of the institutions of global governance so that the needs of the Global South are reflected.

“We continue to call for reform of the United Nations Security Council so that it reflects the realities of the 21st century, and so that it may fulfil its original purpose as a guarantor of international peace and security,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Malaysian university confers Honorary Doctorate on President Ramaphosa

Source: Government of South Africa

By Neo Bodumela
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – President Cyril Ramaphosa has been conferred an Honorary Doctorate in International Relations by the University of Malay in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The honour was bestowed some 35 years after the same institution conferred an Honorary Doctorate on Former President Nelson Mandela.

Delivering a public lecture during the conferment ceremony, President Ramaphosa said while the honour is conferred in the name of an individual, it is a recognition of South Africa’s evolution from a painful history of subjugation of one on another and racial segregation and discrimination to a democratic dispensation.

“[This] honour recognises the achievements of an entire nation. It recognises the struggle of the South African people for democracy and freedom.

“It acknowledges the progress we have made in building a new society founded on the principles of equality, justice and solidarity,” President Ramaphosa said on Monday.

Solidarity 

The President reflected on the history between South Africa and Malaysia which spans back to the Southeast Asian slave trade which brought the peoples from Southeast Asian nations – including Malaysia – to the Cape as labourers for Dutch colonialists.

“Among these early arrivals were also political exiles, skilled artisans and religious scholars. Yet even amidst the degradation and dehumanisation of slavery, the arrival of these people was transformational.

“This early community carried Islam to South Africa, and the Holy Quran’s message of equality brought comfort to the dispossessed peoples of South Africa,” he said.

Malaysia also stood in solidarity with South African freedom fighters in the struggle against apartheid.

“It is a source of great pride to us that the ties between Malaysia and South Africa have endured. Since the time of the early Cape Malay community, through the anti-apartheid struggle and into our democracy, our destinies have been intertwined.

“Our shared history may not have been of our making, but it has evolved into a principled solidarity. When we were liberated from apartheid bondage, Malaysia was at our side. When President Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990, [then] Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed was one of the first foreign leaders he met with,” he said.

President Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of this shared history – touting it as a lesson on how through solidarity, “we can escape the ghosts of the past, overcome the most strident of obstacles and help reshape our common destiny”.

“As we look to the future, it is essential that we continue to strengthen the historical linkages that exist between us.

“We should celebrate the rich history that binds Malaysia and South Africa. It is important for us to honour the struggles and sacrifices made by our forebears and strive to build a future rooted in collaboration and mutual respect,” the President noted.

He called for the deepening of friendship between South Africa and Malaysia.

“I receive this honorary doctorate with gratitude from the Universiti Malaya, an institution with a rich and proud history. I accept it on behalf of your brothers and sisters in South Africa, who owe the people of Malaysia and its noble leaders a great debt. Thank you for standing with us in our quest for dignity and justice.

“As we enter a new and even greater era of South-South cooperation, we carry with us the spirit of the early Cape Malay community whose values are the bedrock of the free South Africa we have today.

“Let there be friendship. Let there be peace. Salaam Alaikum,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Public Lecture by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the occasion of the Conferment of an Honorary Doctorate in International Relations South-South Diplomacy in the 21st Century: Malaysia and South Africa, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Royal Highness, Paduka Seri Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, Chancellor of Universiti Malaya;
Your Excellencies, Pro-Chancellors of Universiti Malaya;
The Honourable Minister of Higher Education of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri DiRaja Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir;
The Honourable Chairman and Members of the Board of Directors of Universiti Malaya;
Professor Dato’ Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen;

Allow me to begin by thanking the faculty and leadership of the Universiti Malaya for this great honour, which I accept with humility.
 
While it is conferred in the name of an individual, this honour recognises the achievements of an entire nation.
 
It recognises the struggle of the South African people for democracy and freedom.
 
It acknowledges the progress we have made in building a new society founded on the principles of equality, justice and solidarity.
 
This Honorary Doctorate in International Relations is being conferred at a time of great turbulence and uncertainty in the world. The principles and values that we have sought to advance in global affairs – such as equality, justice, diversity and sustainability – are being challenged by injustice and inequity, unilateralism, protectionism, disunity, unsustainability, exploitation and environmental degradation.
 
We believe that this Honorary Doctorate is conferred as an affirmation of those values we have always lived by.
 
The conferment of this honour affirms the bonds of friendship between Malaysia and South Africa and affirms the values that we share.
 
This is an honour dedicated to our shared pursuit of knowledge and our shared desire to advance humanity through learning and understanding.
 
It is an honour that I dedicate to people struggling against discrimination, human rights abuses, poverty and inequality, wherever they may be.
 
Your Royal Highness,
 
It is an honour to stand before you to discuss “South-South Diplomacy in the 21st Century: Malaysia and South Africa”, which is a topic that resonates deeply with our shared values of unity, cooperation and mutual respect. 
 
To fully understand relations between South Africa and Malaysia, one has to delve into the historical linkages between our two countries. 
 
We need to understand how these connections established a firm foundation for our relationship today. 
 
And how they can pave the way for a bright future through south-south diplomacy.
 
The bonds that bind our two nations together are not only bonds of friendship. They are bonds of kinship.
 
They are bonds that go back several hundred years.
 
Today, we pay tribute to the rulers and peoples of the Malay-Indonesian archipelago, whose exiles, workers and scholars helped build the South African nation.
 
The earliest recorded arrivals of people from the Malay-Indonesian world at the southernmost tip of Africa were mostly enslaved people.
 
They were brought against their will and in violation of their fundamental rights to provide labour to the early Dutch colony at the Cape of Good Hope. 
 
Among these early arrivals were also political exiles, skilled artisans and religious scholars. 
 
Yet even amidst the degradation and dehumanisation of slavery, the arrival of these people was transformational. 
 
This early community carried Islam to South Africa, and the Holy Quran’s message of equality brought comfort to the dispossessed peoples of South Africa.
 
Scholars of early Cape history recall how the Dutch discouraged enslaved people from converting to Christianity. 
 
To admit them into the Christian faith would mean acknowledging their humanity and personhood.
 
In stark contrast, Islam offered a sense of belonging that did not care for race, status or position in society. 
 
At a time of bondage and racial hierarchy, the early Muslim community at the Cape practised the values of equality and dignity – values that we have sought to advance in global affairs through our G20 Presidency.
 
Beyond the sense of belonging and acceptance, the Malay community offered social services like charity, caring for the sick and elderly, orphanages, the recognition of marriages and decent burial.
 
The mosques and madrasas of the community that came to be regarded as the Cape Malays gave spiritual instruction and formal education at a time when most local churches would not let enslaved people even enter the door.
 
The Malay language had a formative influence on the development of Afrikaans, one of our twelve official languages. 
 
It is an extraordinary fact of history that the earliest written Afrikaans was actually in Arabic script, recorded in the madrasas of Cape Town in the 1830s. 
 
Today, Afrikaans is the third most widely spoken language in South Africa. 
 
Yet, the most profound legacy of the peoples of the Malay-Indonesian archipelago in South Africa has not been food, culture or language. 
 
The legacy of these early arrivals is found in the ideas of social justice and human equality brought to our shores long before our freedom was born. 
 
This is an ethos that prevails until this very day.
 
This spiritual dimension would eventually evolve into organised resistance. First against colonial rule and later against apartheid rule. 
 
We recall the contribution of political prisoners like Tuan Guru, who was imprisoned on Robben Island and later established the first masjid in South Africa.
 
We remember leaders like Sheikh Yusuf of Macassar, who, exiled to the Cape, was influential in establishing Islam in the Cape and providing a sanctuary for slaves.
 
From these beginnings, the Cape Malay community has birthed many brave leaders who stood up to challenge racial exclusion, colonialism and apartheid. 
 
Seventy years ago this year, Bandung in Indonesia became synonymous with the global resistance against oppression and colonialism. 
 
The Bandung Conference, held in 1955, was the key event that marked the beginning of the Non-Aligned Movement. 
 
It brought together leaders from 29 Asian and African countries to discuss issues of mutual interest, such as anti-colonialism, economic development and peace.
 
Among the delegates from across the world, the African National Congress was represented by Moses Kotane and Moulvi Cachalia. 
 
The Bandung Conference established the principles of respect for sovereignty, non-interference in domestic affairs and peaceful coexistence. 
 
It laid the groundwork for a broader movement that has grown to include over 120 member states, aiming to foster international cooperation, oppose colonialism and imperialism, and promote economic and cultural development independently of the Cold War superpowers.
 
In the face of empire, Bandung opened up a new era for South-South cooperation.
 
Writing about the Bandung Conference many years later, African National Congress President Oliver Tambo would describe the Afro-Asian solidarity movement as having travelled “a long and complicated, but glorious path”. 
 
He said the Afro-Asian solidarity movement “has proved itself as a steadfast friend of all peoples fighting for national and social emancipation.”
 
All these years later, the Bandung ideals of sovereignty, non-interference in domestic affairs and peaceful coexistence based on unity, dignity and strategic cooperation remain more important than ever. 
 
These are the ideals that continue to define South Africa’s relations with Malaysia. 
 
When the Bandung Conference took place, Malaya had not yet attained independence. 
 
Yet, upon independence Malaysia would go on to play a leading role in the movements of the Global South and the Non-Aligned Movement, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and much later, the G77 caucus within the United Nations.
 
We cannot speak of this history without paying tribute to the great Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. 
 
Tunku was a bridge-builder between the nations of the Global South and a true friend of the South African people. 
 
He played a leading role in forcing the withdrawal of apartheid South Africa from the Commonwealth in the early 1960s. He used his stature to condemn the racist regime at the United Nations. 
 
Under Tunku’s leadership, the young independent nation of Malaysia was determined to reflect the principles of Bandung in its foreign policy and in all its affairs. 
 
It is a source of great pride to us that the ties between Malaysia and South Africa have endured.
 
Since the time of the early Cape Malay community, through the anti-apartheid struggle and into our democracy, our destinies have been intertwined. 
 
That spiritual inheritance planted in South Africa by Tuan Guru, Sheikh Yusuf of Macassar and the other exiles and imams, would come to define the principled resistance of the Cape Malay community to apartheid.
 
Our shared history may not have been of our making, but it has evolved into a principled solidarity.
 
When we were liberated from apartheid bondage, Malaysia was at our side. 
 
When President Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed was one of the first foreign leaders he met with. 
 
As a liberation movement preparing to govern, the African National Congress sought to learn from Malaysia’s economic success story. 
 
As we crafted our own economic vision for the democratic South Africa, we were eager to glean lessons from Malaysia’s Look East Policy and the New Economic Policy, which focused on rapid industrial growth with social equity and redistribution.
 
Speaking in 1997 at the Malaysian Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations, President Nelson Mandela said: “South Africa takes particular interest in Malaysia’s success in overcoming the legacy of colonialism and poverty, and in the economic policies that made this possible.” 
 
He added that South Africa had much to learn from Malaysia’s experience as South Africa restructured its economy.
 
Since the mid-2000s South African parliamentarians and officials have taken study tours to Malaysia to learn about industrial strategy, national planning and policy design.
 
In the formative years of our democracy, Malaysia was one of the earliest and largest investors from Asia, investing in banking, telecommunications, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing and other sectors. 
 
Today, South Africa is Malaysia’s largest trading partner in Africa. 
 
Our economic relationship holds immense potential. 
 
In the course of our visit to Malaysia, we have been exploring areas of cooperation that are aligned to our respective national development imperatives.
 
On the foundation of our firm diplomatic relations, we are building ties of trade, investment and commerce.
 
Our countries have complementary resources and capabilities.
 
South Africa holds substantial reserves of critical minerals.
 
Malaysia is rapidly expanding electronics, electric vehicle and battery manufacturing industries.
 
This provides opportunities to develop integrated value chains that recognise South Africa’s ambition to develop its industrial base and add value to the minerals that it extracts.
 
The formation of the African Continental Free Trade Area offers further opportunities for partnership between South Africa and Malaysia in reaching a market of 1.4 billion people.
 
There are significant opportunities for partnership in the production of Halal products and manufactured goods in South Africa for export to the rest of the African continent. 
 
As like-minded and active non-aligned countries, Malaysia and South Africa have common views and interests.
 
As the chairs of ASEAN and G20 respectively, Malaysia and South Africa are advancing similar visions and similar agendas.
 
We cooperate in multilateral organisations such as the United Nations and its agencies, the Commonwealth, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Indian Ocean Rim Association and others. 
 
Such cooperation is essential at this time of great uncertainty, amidst an increasingly fragile international order. 
 
Conflicts and wars, contestations over trade, the energy transition and the pace of the digital revolution are reshaping the international order. 
 
In some places, they are replicating colonial-era patterns of dependency and threatening to deepen inequality.
 
At a time of global disorder, the countries of the Global South must evoke the spirit of Bandung to chart a new course for our shared future.
 
At a time when suffering, dispossession and the denial of dignity persist, our two countries are called upon to together work towards a future that is more equitable, more humane and that respects the dignity and worth of every individual.
 
Beyond our shared history, beyond our bilateral economic relationship, Malaysia and South Africa stand shoulder to shoulder on the global stage in our mutual quest for social justice for people everywhere. 
 
Our two nations have stood consistently for the reform of the institutions of global governance so that the needs of the Global South are reflected. 
 
We continue to call for reform of the United Nations Security Council so that it reflects the realities of the 21st century, and so that it may fulfil its original purpose as a guarantor of international peace and security.
 
There is a need to stand together in combating climate change, both in mitigating its effects and in pursuing a just and inclusive transition to low-carbon economies.
 
We have both a common interest and a common responsibility to ensure that those countries that are historically responsible for greenhouse gas emissions provide substantial support to those countries that are most affected by climate change.
 
We thank Malaysia for its unwavering support for our G20 Presidency, convened under the theme of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.
 
We know we can continue to count on Malaysia’s support in support of the four key priorities of our G20 Presidency. 
 
Our first priority is to strengthen disaster resilience and response.
 
We are calling for global cooperation – which includes financial institutions and the private sector – to scale up post-disaster reconstruction.
 
Our second priority is to ensure debt sustainability for developing economies.
 
We are advancing solutions for unsustainable sovereign debt level, high deficits and liquidity challenges, extending debt relief and addressing the cost of capital.
 
Our third priority is to mobilising finance for a just energy transition.
 
We need increased climate finance flows to developing economies, strengthening multilateral development banks, and leveraging private capital for initiatives like the Just Energy Transition Partnership.
 
Our fourth priority is to use critical minerals for inclusive growth: 
 
We need to have value addition near extraction sites and develop low-carbon manufacturing chains. 
 
We must harness critical minerals as engines for growth and development in Africa.
 
Through our Presidency, we are seeking to strengthen the response of the G20 countries and the broader international community to the pressing issues of our time: poverty, inequality, climate change, pandemics and rapid technological change.
 
We seek to build a more peaceful and just world.
 
We pay tribute to the principled solidarity of the peoples of Malaysia with the oppressed and suffering Palestinian people.
 
After decades of dispossession, repression and oppression, the people of Gaza are facing genocide. 
 
We cannot but be moved to action by the slaughter of tens of thousands of civilians, forced displacement, deliberate starvation and the destruction of homes, schools, hospitals and other essential infrastructure.
 
We welcome the ceasefire deal brokered by President Donald Trump and supported by a number of countries in the Middle East and beyond, including the return of the hostages, the release of Palestinian prisoners and the resumption of humanitarian assistance.
 
However, we are concerned that this ceasefire is being undermined by continued assaults on Gaza and the West Bank.
 
As an international community, we must make every effort to ensure that the peace deal provides a path towards Palestinian statehood and self-determination.
 
We must pursue the goal of a two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 borders, with a Palestinian state existing alongside and in peace with the State of Israel.
 
We salute Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership in publicly supporting South Africa’s case against the State of Israel at the International Court of Justice and for Malaysia’s active leadership within the Hague Group.
 
This is truly the spirit of Bandung: the solidarity of conscience.
 
Our shared history has taught us that through solidarity we can escape the ghosts of the past, overcome the most strident of obstacles and help reshape our common destiny.
 
 As we look to the future, it is essential that we continue to strengthen the historical linkages that exist between us. 
 
We should celebrate the rich history that binds Malaysia and South Africa. 
 
It is important for us to honour the struggles and sacrifices made by our forebears and strive to build a future rooted in collaboration and mutual respect. 
 
As members of this esteemed university community, you have an important role to foster and enhance these connections and become ambassadors of goodwill.
 
You can lead the way in strengthening the ties between our nations based on equality, freedom, democracy, justice and dignity.
 
I receive this honorary doctorate with gratitude from the Universiti Malaya, an institution with a rich and proud history.
 
I accept it on behalf of your brothers and sisters in South Africa, who owe the people of Malaysia and its noble leaders a great debt. 
 
Thank you for standing with us in our quest for dignity and justice. 
 
As we enter a new and even greater era of South-South cooperation, we carry with us the spirit of the early Cape Malay community whose values are the bedrock of the free South Africa we have today.
 
Let there be friendship.
 
Let there be peace. Salaam Alaikum.
 
I thank you.

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President Ramaphosa’s Swiss visit to strengthen trade and innovation ties

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa’s Swiss visit to strengthen trade and innovation ties

By Dikeledi Molobela

Bern, Switzerland – At the backdrop of shifting global trade and investment dynamics, President Cyril Ramaphosa is advancing South Africa’s strategy to diversify its export markets, a move aimed at reducing reliance on a few partners and promoting value-added trade that supports industrial growth and job creation.

This strategic outlook will frame President Ramaphosa’s forthcoming State Visit to Switzerland from 29–30 October 2025, at the invitation of Her Excellency President Karin Keller-Sutter of the Swiss Confederation.

The visit follows immediately after the President’s three-nation tour to Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia, underscoring his sustained drive to broaden South Africa’s economic partnerships and deepen collaboration across multiple regions.

Nestled between snow-capped Alpine peaks and serene lakes, Bern the capital city of Switzerland, will host the official engagements. Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and reputation as a diplomatic hub, Bern provides a fitting backdrop for discussions aimed at building bridges of cooperation, innovation and opportunity between the two nations.

Speaking to SAnews ahead of the visit, Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said that the State Visit to Switzerland is important, and it represents an opportunity to deepen collaboration with one of South Africa’s key European partners across strategic sectors of growth and innovation.

“The visit will serve to strengthen political, economic and social ties to advance mutually beneficial cooperation in support of inclusive growth and development in areas of trade and investment, skills development and science and innovation,” Magwenya said. 

A key focus of the visit will also be advancement of a youth cooperation framework aimed at promoting training and capacity building to equip young people with the skills required in the modern economy, Magwenya added. 

South Africa is Switzerland’s key partner in science, research and technology on the African continent. 

Switzerland’s 2022 accession to the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) deepened collaboration in space and radio astronomy, underscoring a shared commitment to global scientific advancement. 

The relationship between the two countries is long-standing, marked by strong economic ties, constructive political dialogue, and collaboration in multilateral forums. The bilateral relations are managed through the High-Level Consultations at the level of Deputy Foreign Ministers. 

These consultations include several working groups on Foreign Policy Working Group; Human Rights Working Group; Joint Economic Committee; Economic Development Cooperation and Science, Technology and Education. To date, there are 22 bilateral agreements between both countries. 

The most notable include agreements on Bilateral Air Services, Double Taxation, Development Cooperation, Science and Technology, and a Visa Agreement. Switzerland is also a host to multiple international organisations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which has played an important role in South Africa’s history. 

Switzerland remains one of South Africa’s key European trading partners. Total trade volume amounted to R18.2 billion in 2024 (Exports R5.7 billion and Imports R12.5 billion – SARS), which places Switzerland as the 30th largest export market for South Africa and Switzerland as the 35th largest source of imports. However, Swiss statistics include South Africa’s gold exports and these show that total trade had reached R159.5 billion (Exports R85.4 billion and Imports R74.1 billion). 

This has positioned Switzerland as South Africa’s sixth largest trading partner. South Africa’s primary exports to Switzerland include precious metals and stones-particularly gold, machinery and agricultural products such as wine, fruit and nuts as well as base metals. 

While major imports comprise pharmaceutical products, machinery, and medical equipment. 

The President will be accompanied by cabinet members, including Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola; Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande; Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, among others. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA entrepreneurs explore manufacturing and trade opportunities in Vietnam

Source: Government of South Africa

SA entrepreneurs explore manufacturing and trade opportunities in Vietnam

By Dikeledi Molobela

Hanoi, Vietnam – Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State Visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), led by Minister Stella Ndabeni, embarked on a practical learning and trade mission that brought South African entrepreneurs face to face with some of Vietnam’s most successful small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The Minister was joined by a delegation of 11 entrepreneurs representing a wide range of sectors – from beauty, agro-processing, medicinal herbs, fashion, fintech to agriculture and manufacturing – as part of South Africa’s broader effort to deepen economic collaboration between the two countries and empower its own small business community.

The entrepreneurs included a representative from MAXHOSA AFRICA a South African cultural luxury brand, founded in 2010 through the referencing and evolution of traditional Xhosa beadwork aesthetics. 

Learning from Vietnam’s thriving SME model

Speaking to SAnews on the ground in Hanoi, Minister Ndabeni said the visit sought to expose local entrepreneurs to Vietnam’s SME-driven economic model and open avenues for partnerships, trade, and knowledge exchange.

“We are here in Hanoi, Vietnam, because this is one of the countries where small and medium enterprises are the ones that drive the economy. The President could not have left us behind. But most importantly, it was not just about us. It’s about the work that is being done by the entrepreneurs. 

“Our entrepreneurs came here to engage with their counterparts and to look for opportunities. We are here to learn how the Vietnamese government supports SMEs, how they drive procurement, and most importantly, what we can take home to strengthen our own small business ecosystem,” the Minister said. 

The delegation’s first stop was the Anbi Hair Workshop in Bac Ninh Province, one of Vietnam’s leading hair manufacturing facilities. Here, entrepreneurs witnessed the entire production chain – from raw, freshly cut hair to finished wigs and weaves ready for export.

For Karabo Moremedi, founder of Brows by Kari, a South African beauty hub focused on hair restoration, permanent makeup, and medical aesthetics, the visit was a revelation.

“Seeing how they process and manufacture hair products from start to finish has been an eye-opener. It made me realise the gaps that exist in South Africa’s beauty industry, especially in manufacturing. I’m inspired to bring these lessons home to empower and upskill young women, and to ensure we take part in the full value chain,” she told SAnews.

Ndabeni echoed this sentiment, noting that while the beauty industry in South Africa is vibrant, it remains largely dominated by foreign nationals and imported products.

“One of the things we are big on at home is the beauty industry, but it is not dominated by South Africans. We want to change that. We brought entrepreneurs here to see how they can manufacture their own wigs, weaves, and related products locally,” she said.

Exploring trade and manufacturing partnerships

The visit also included engagements with the management of Dong Xuan Market, one of Hanoi’s busiest trading hubs, where small businesses play a vital role in sustaining the local economy. the Minister said the visit provided valuable insights into how Vietnam’s small traders thrive through collaboration and government support.

“These markets are driven by small businesses across different sectors. We came here to see how they sustain their trade, how they pay rent, attract customers, and keep the ecosystem vibrant,” she said.

The day concluded with a Round Table Meeting with Vietnamese Enterprises at the Melia Hotel, where the South African delegation explored potential collaborations in manufacturing, agriculture, and trade distribution.

Indigenous innovation and global reach

For Tebogo Tlhopane, founder of BioMuti, the visit offered a platform to explore export opportunities for his herbal and indigenous-knowledge-based health supplements.

“Vietnam has a growing supplements market worth about a billion dollars a year, with 70% being herbal products. This aligns perfectly with BioMuti, as our products are based on indigenous knowledge systems. We’re here to look for partners and explore how we can distribute our products across Southeast Asia,” he told SAnews. 

Tlhopane said the exposure reaffirmed the importance of integrating science with traditional African knowledge to create globally competitive wellness products.

Building bridges for agro-processing entrepreneurs

Agriculture entrepreneur Benedict Mhlongo, founder of Benica Farm in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, said the visit was equally valuable for agro-processing development. His cooperative, which employs 20 people, produces organic products including chili sauce, honey, jam, and mango achar.

“Vietnamese people consume a lot of condiments and spicy foods, so I believe there’s a strong market for our chili-based products. We also saw packaging innovations here that we can adapt back home. If supported by government, this could help us expand production and export,” Mhlongo said. 

Mhlongo added that through platforms like this, young farmers could gain practical insights into trade, packaging, and distribution crucial steps toward building sustainable agribusinesses in rural areas.

Strengthening South–South cooperation

Minister Ndabeni told SAnews that the engagements in Hanoi built on the outcomes of the South Africa–Vietnam Business Forum, co-led by President Ramaphosa and Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau. The forum outlined potential trade and investment areas, with both countries committing to strengthen cooperation in small business development and innovation.

“By the time the Vietnamese Prime Minister visits South Africa, we expect to have signed Memoranda of Understanding that will guide collaboration and promote entrepreneurship in both countries,” Ndabeni said.

The visit underscored the Department’s commitment to creating global exposure opportunities for South African entrepreneurs and ensuring that small businesses are not left behind in the country’s international trade agenda.

“Our entrepreneurs have seen first-hand how SMEs drive Vietnam’s economy. Now the task is to take these lessons home, localise production, and make sure South Africa’s small business sector becomes a key engine of growth, innovation, and job creation,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Private sector invited to help modernise South Africa’s rail network

Source: Government of South Africa

In a move to ensure that the country’s rail passenger trips target of 600 million by 2030 is achieved, government has released a series of Requests for Information (RFI) for ideas and investment from the private sector to modernise and grow South Africa’s rail system.

“Participation in the RFI process will assist the organisation to gather information, innovative ideas, and solutions which will guide future Requests for Proposals for private sector investment in the passenger rail sector,” Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy said on Sunday in Pretoria.

The request covers a range of different areas, including fare collection systems; depot management; utilisation and the commercialisation of the Passenger Rail Agency of South African (PRASA) fibre network to enhance digital connectivity.

It also includes operational resilience within the rail sector and beyond, as well as insights and innovative ideas for a new era of long distance regional rapid transit.

By the end of May 2025, PRASA had successfully commissioned 35 out of 40 passenger corridors and had achieved an annual audited figure of 77 million passenger journeys.

“To continue on the recovery path, PRASA requires additional investment that cannot be carried by the fiscus alone. These RFIs are not tenders — they are an invitation for the market to help us design the future of rail. Together, we can rebuild confidence in public transport, open up investment opportunities, and connect South Africans to the growth we all deserve,” the Minister said during a media briefing.

As part of efforts to modernise the passenger rail system, South Africa is moving towards a single, tap-and-go ticket that you can use across trains, buses, and even taxis.

“No more queues or paper tickets — just one account-based system that makes travel easier and helps us manage revenue transparently and efficiently. The private sector has an important role to play to make this a reality.

“We’re partnering with the private sector to modernise our major maintenance depots at Braamfontein and Wolmerton. This will mean faster train repairs, better reliability, and new investment in nearby areas — creating jobs and boosting local development. It is for this reason that the private sector participation is of paramount given the magnitude of this project,” Creecy said.

PRASA is rolling out thousands of kilometres of fibre[1] optic cable as part of its new signalling system along the railway lines.

“We’re opening this door for private partners to help us turn that network into a source of income — by offering broadband and digital services — while strengthening safety and real-time communication across the rail system.

“We’re planning a new generation of regional trains — faster, safer, and more  frequent — connecting cities like Pretoria, Johannesburg, Polokwane, Musina, Mbombela and Durban using our existing network up to 120 kilometres per hour, building new 160 to 200 kilometres per hour regional lines, and testing the water for a new 300-kilometre-per-hour high-speed railway between Johannesburg and Durban,” she said.

These lines will shorten travel times, reduce travel costs, take pressure off the roads, and stimulate new development in towns along each route. 

“These regional projects are not possible without private sector partnership. Through this RFI, we’re inviting skilled private operators to lease and manage our new and old fleet under clear performance standards — keeping them safe, reliable, and on time.

“PRASA’s new blue trains, built at the Gibela factory in Nigel, are world-class. We also have older yellow trains that can be repurposed for new uses,” the Minister said.

At the same time, government is partnering with manufacturers to position South Africa as Africa’s leading train builder — creating jobs, boosting local manufacturing, and turning the country into a regional export hub, in line with the African Union’s 2015 resolution.

“The rail and port freight RFI process is part of our broader Freight Logistics Roadmap, which seeks to restore efficiency, reliability, and competitiveness in the movement of goods across our economy.

“It also reflects the government’s commitment to implementing the National Rail Policy (2022), the National Ports Policy, and the Private Sector Participation Framework (2023), all of which recognise the critical role of partnerships with the private sector in revitalising our transport infrastructure,” Creecy said.

Both policies maintain public ownership of the rail and port network while promoting private sector investment to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

“The RFI process is a critical step in this private sector participation journey and reflects the government’s acknowledgement of the importance of considering the rail passenger and freight logistics landscape from the perspectives of all interested and affected parties to develop effective and sustainable solutions,” the Minister said.

The RFI must be completed online, and the portal will remain open from 26 October 2025 to 15 December 2025.

The portal can be accessed on the Department of Transport and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) websites or directly at www.psp-rfi.co.za.

The Passenger Rail RFI will remain open for a period of eight weeks. –SAnews.gov.za

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Eskom maintains over 98% electricity supply reliability

Source: Government of South Africa

During the current financial year, Eskom has ensured a consistent electricity supply for over 98% of the time due to the ongoing technical improvements achieved under the power utility’s Generation Recovery Plan.

As a result of this work, the power system continues to be stable, resilient and reliable with the plan yielding sustained grid stability and on-going efficiencies.

The country has gone 161 consecutive days without loadshedding, with only 26 hours recorded between 1 April and 23 October 2025.

“Generation performance has improved significantly, with the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) having reached 70% and surpassing this level more than 24 times since August 2025.

“From 1 to 23 October 2025, the Unplanned Capability Loss Factor (UCLF)—which measures the percentage of generation capacity lost due to unplanned outages—reduced to 22.85%, reflecting a 2.81% improvement compared to 25.66% during the same period last year,” Eskom said on Friday.

The Planned Capacity Loss Factor (PCLF), which accounts for planned maintenance, increased to 12.55%, up from 12.51% recorded the previous year. 

The increased planned maintenance is aligned with Eskom’s maintenance schedule and ongoing efforts to improve and maintain plant reliability and operational consistency.

During the period between 10 and 23 October 2025, Eskom recorded an average of 9 954MW in unplanned outages—an improvement from 11 155MW during the same period last year. 

“This year-on-year reduction of 1 201MW in breakdowns reflects the growing reliability and resilience of the generation fleet.

“From 1 to 23 October 2025, the EAF stood at 64.28%, an improvement from the 61.44% recorded during the same period last year. This shows an improvement of 2.84% because of reduced unplanned outages and additional generation capacity,” the power utility said.

From 1 April to 23 October 2025, diesel expenditure remained consistently below budget, reflecting reduced reliance on the country’s diesel-powered Open-Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) fleet, with the year-to-date load factor further decreasing to 6.06%. 

According to Eskom, this trend highlights ongoing efficiency improvements, a significant reduction in dependence on diesel generation, and a sustained shift toward more cost-effective primary generation sources.

To further strengthen grid stability, Eskom is planning to return a total of 1 715MW of generation capacity to service ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 27 October 2025, and throughout the coming week.

Eskom published the Summer Outlook on 5 September 2025, covering the period 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026, which forecasts no loadshedding due to the structural progress in plant performance as a result of the ongoing implementation of the Generation Recovery Plan. –SAnews.gov.za

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Qhawekazi Mazaleni crowned Miss South Africa 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, October 26, 2025

Government has congratulated Qhawekazi Mazaleni, who was crowned this year’s Miss South Africa at a prestigious ceremony held at the SunBet Arena in Menlyn, Pretoria East.

 At just 24 years old, the Eastern Cape-born beauty and youth ambassador has brought pride to the nation through her remarkable achievement.

“Government wishes Mazaleni well as she undertakes her reign and continues to inspire young women to pursue their dreams and contribute positively to society.

“Warm congratulations are also extended to Luyanda Zuma, the first runner-up, and Karabo Mareka, the second runner-up, for their remarkable performances in this year’s competition,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Sunday.

Mazaleni won the coveted title on Saturday night after competing against nine women during the finale, which showcased South African beauty, culture, and purpose-driven vision.

“Beauty pageants, such as Miss South Africa, play an important role in uplifting the youth by promoting confidence, leadership, and social responsibility, while providing a platform for young women to advocate for change and make a meaningful impact in their communities. We say Halala!” GCIS said. –SAnews.gov.za

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SARS welcomes decision to delist SA from FATF greylist

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, has welcomed the decision by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to delist South Africa from its grey list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring. 

“This is a significant moment for our country and a testament to the whole of government approach and its institutions to restore the integrity of our financial system,” the Commissioner said on Friday.

The decision to delist South Africa was taken at the conclusion of meetings of the FATF Plenary, which took place over 22-24 October 2025 in Paris, France.

“While the FATF’s initial grey-listing in February 2023 was a consequence of systemic weaknesses aggravated during the era of state capture, SARS is acutely aware that it, along with other key institutions, was impacted and must continue to play a crucial role in preventing any future regression.

“We recognise that removing the designation of grey listing is not a finish line but a milestone on a long-term journey toward building a robust and resilient financial ecosystem,” he said.

The FATF is an intergovernmental organisation and finance watchdog that was established to combat money laundering, terrorist and proliferation financing, as well as other threats to the integrity of the international financial system. 

It sets global standards for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, promotes the effective implementation of these standards, and conducts mutual evaluations of member countries to assess their compliance with the FATF Recommendations.

“This delisting is a vote of confidence in South Africa’s progress, but it is not an end to our vigilance. The fight against financial crime and corruption is a continuous one. 

“SARS remains committed to upholding the highest standards of financial integrity and, as we approach the new round of FATF review commencing in the latter part of 2026, SARS will work relentlessly to ensure that we do what is required to combat the illicit economy. 

“By doing so, we will not only maintain our standing with FATF but, more importantly, continue to build public trust and confidence in our financial system, and create a stronger, more prosperous South Africa for all,” Kieswetter said.

SARS supported the national efforts to meet the 22 action items required by the FATF. 

These efforts include the following areas: 

  • In partnership with other law enforcement agencies, SARS has strengthened its financial intelligence-gathering capabilities and increased investigations and asset preservation/recovery in relation to tax and customs crime matters involving complex money laundering and terror financing schemes.
  • SARS has introduced beneficial ownership reporting obligations for legal persons and trusts as well as collaborated closely with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and the Master of the High Court (MOHC) to improve access to accurate and up-to-date beneficial ownership information for legal persons and trust.
  • The Tax Administration Act was amended in 2023 to enable information exchange with CIPC, MOHC and the Department of Social Development (DSD) further supporting the national beneficial ownership information framework.
  • The development and piloting of a digital traveller declaration system for cash and bearer negotiable instruments (BNIs) on entry and exit at all borders. This system enables the sharing of information with the FIC and is expected to become mandatory by the end of 2025.
  • SARS provided training to its officials as well as other law enforcement officials on money laundering, beneficial ownership, legal gateways for information exchange and the application of mutual legal assistance.

SARS’s focus will now shift to embedding these improvements permanently and sustainably into its operations. This means continuing to:

  • Make it clear and easy for taxpayers to comply with their obligations to pay tax.
  • Enforce tax and customs laws decisively and fairly without fear, favour, or bias.
  • Cooperate effectively with domestic and international partners in combatting the illicit economy.
  • Utilise sophisticated data and business intelligence to understand and counter illicit financial flows. –SAnews.gov.za