Category: South Africa Government

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) says it is continuing to investigate the recent sardine mortality event, although no new mass-mortality incidents have been reported since Sunday, 16 August 2026.

The department said the absence of further large-scale incidents suggests that the acute phase of the event may have eased, but monitoring and testing are continuing.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the department reported that approximately 75 sardines have been included in the pilchard herpesvirus (PHV) testing programme to date.

Initial testing by the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity and Rhodes University detected PHV genetic material in 15 fish examined.

“Of these, 10 fish collected from the mortality event showed consistently high viral levels. Viral levels varied among the five fish that were caught alive and appeared healthy at the time of collection,” the department said.

The viral sequence showed a 99.7% match to an Australian PHV gene.

DFFE has also processed approximately 60 additional samples for PHV screening, with preliminary results available for about half of these samples indicate high PHV levels.

The department said confirmatory testing is continuing, while pathological examinations of a further 40 samples are under way to determine whether the fish show the characteristic gill inflammation and damage associated with active PHV disease.

Investigations into other possible causes have not found evidence that harmful algae were the primary cause.

“Paralytic shellfish toxins were not detected, while domoic acid and yessotoxin occurred only at low levels, with the highest concentrations in an apparently healthy comparison sample. Examination of stomach contents and material rinsed from the gills also found no harmful algae at densities likely to have caused the mortality,” the department said.

Unusually cold water and low-oxygen conditions were observed along parts of the West Coast. However, the department said these conditions were broadly similar to those recorded during the recent pelagic recruitment survey prior to the event, when no dead or dying sardines were observed.

The department noted that low oxygen also occurs periodically on the West Coast without previously causing sardine mortality on this scale.

“The apparent restriction of the mortality to sardines makes a general environmental cause less likely, although environmental conditions cannot yet be excluded as contributing stressors.

“Taken together, the evidence increasingly points to PHV as the leading explanation, but its causal role will only be confirmed once the pathological and wider surveillance results are available,” the department said.

The department reiterated that PHV is a fish virus and poses no known risk to human health.

“There is no evidence that it can infect or cause disease in people. Its detection does not, by itself, mean that healthy sardines caught commercially or canned sardine products are unsafe to eat.”

Coordinated response plan

Meanwhile, a high-level task team comprising DFFE, affected municipalities, management authorities, the fishing industry and other relevant stakeholders has held its first meeting and agreed on a coordinated response plan.

The plan includes expanded surveillance and testing, clearer guidance on the disposal of dead fish, public-health communication, and an assessment of the possible impact on the sardine resource.

The public has been urged not to collect, consume or feed dead or dying sardines to pets.

The department will provide further updates as confirmed results become available. – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has called for stronger cooperation among BRICS countries to equip young people with the skills, opportunities and support needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.

Addressing the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Youth Ministerial Meeting in Visakhapatnam, India, on Saturday, Chikunga said young people across the world continue to face unemployment, poverty, inequality, skills mismatches, and uneven effects of technological and economic change.

She said these challenges require deeper cooperation among BRICS nations in areas such as skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation, digital transformation, education, and youth leadership.

“By investing in youth today, we invest in the resilience, prosperity and sustainability of our nations tomorrow,” Chikunga said.

The Minister held a bilateral meeting with United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Dr Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, aimed at strengthening South Africa–UAE cooperation in youth empowerment, and skills development.

Chikunga said the meeting reflected the shared commitment of BRICS nations to place young people at the centre of global development.

Prevailing global context

Turning to the global context, Chikunga noted that young people continue to face the challenges of unemployment, poverty, inequality, skills mismatches, and uneven impacts of technological and economic change.

She said these realities demand stronger cooperation among countries to ensure that youth are equipped with the skills, opportunities and support.

“With only 12% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets on track to be met by 2030, the current global reality is untenable, undesirable and unsustainable. All of this makes our meeting particularly significant,” Chikunga said.

Chikunga highlighted South Africa’s investments in youth development through the National Youth Development Agency and the National Youth Service Programme, which have expanded opportunities for volunteerism, civic participation, entrepreneurship and employment support.

She said volunteerism remains an important instrument for promoting social cohesion, active citizenship and people-to-people cooperation among BRICS countries.

The Minister also noted President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of the implementation of paid voluntary work targeting 100 000 young people in 2026.

Investment in basic and higher education

On education, the Minister highlighted government investment over the past three decades, with expanded access to basic and higher education, and improved opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“At basic education level, in 1994, the matric pass rate stood at around 58%. Three decades later, the Class of 2025 achieved a record breaking National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass rate of 88%. This is the result of three decades of making education an apex priority of government.

“In higher education and training, we have also honoured the call for the doors of learning and culture to be opened, through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

“From its humble beginnings in the early 1990s, NSFAS has grown from a budget of R33 million in 1991, serving only 7 240 students, to a budget well over R50 billion in 2026, funding over 1.1 million students at universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges,” Chikunga said.

The Minister also highlighted the role of South Africa’s social protection programmes, saying they continue to cushion vulnerable young people and their families against poverty and support access to education and economic participation.

Chikunga said the inclusion of young persons with disabilities should also remain a key priority within the BRICS Youth Track.

“We must ensure that young persons with disabilities have equal access to education, skills development, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship support, digital technologies and leadership platforms,” the Minister said.

The Minister emphasised that an inclusive BRICS youth agenda should recognise the contributions of all young people, including women, rural youth, and persons with disabilities.

She reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to peace, stability, and development as essential conditions for young people to realise their full potential.

The Minister welcomed the adoption of the Joint Statement of the BRICS Youth Ministers’ Meeting and the BRICS Youth Cooperation Framework.

“These instruments provide an important basis for continuity, structured cooperation and practical initiatives that will strengthen the BRICS Youth Track and enhance opportunities for our young people. As BRICS continues to evolve, let us ensure that the voices, aspirations, and innovations of young people remain at the heart of our collective agenda,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South African and Zimbabwean businesses to move beyond trading across borders and instead build joint industries, invest in infrastructure and unlock value from the two countries’ natural resources.

Addressing the South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission Business Forum in Midrand on Friday, President Ramaphosa said stronger economic integration between the neighbouring countries should translate into investment, industrial development and jobs, particularly for women and young people.

“Today, solidarity means jobs, investment and a trading relationship that benefits both our peoples,” the President said.

He said bilateral trade had grown significantly, reaching R81 billion in 2025, nearly double its 2021 level.

Zimbabwe is South Africa’s second-largest export destination on the African continent, while South Africa is Zimbabwe’s largest single source of imports from the rest of the world.

However, President Ramaphosa said the trade relationship remained heavily imbalanced, with the value of South African exports to Zimbabwe roughly eight times higher than imports from Zimbabwe.

“Much of what South Africa sends over the Limpopo are finished goods: vehicles, earthmoving equipment, industrial cleaning and mining products.

“Zimbabwe sends raw and semi-processed material south: coal and coke products, chromium ore, gold, semi-finished steel and raw tobacco,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said the two countries needed to change this pattern by using the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to strengthen industrialisation, expand intra-African trade and create employment.

“Through the African Continental Free Trade Area we can expand trade between African countries. We can put our natural resources to better use. We can develop our industries and create more jobs for our people,” he said.

Business key to turning agreements into jobs

The President stressed that while governments create the policy environment and sign agreements, businesses are responsible for turning those commitments into investment and economic activity.

“Governments can determine policy, sign agreements and ratify protocols, but it is business that turns a signed agreement into a shipment, a factory or a job.

“Governments can align customs procedures and standardise regulations, but it is business that produces the goods and carries them across borders,” the President said.

He said South Africa viewed Zimbabwe as a key regional market and remained optimistic about the Zimbabwean economy, citing strong growth in 2025 driven by mining and agriculture.

President Ramaphosa said greater economic stability would also provide the predictability needed by South African exporters and investors to commit capital at scale.

Beitbridge and regional corridors

Infrastructure development was another key focus of the President’s address, particularly efforts to improve the movement of goods between the two countries.

He highlighted progress at the Beitbridge Border Post, the main commercial border between South Africa and Zimbabwe, where modernisation through public-private partnerships and dedicated traffic lanes has helped reduce average truck crossing times to roughly 14 hours.

“The One-Stop Border Post is under development. Customs processes are being aligned,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said these improvements formed part of a much broader vision for regional trade corridors linking the Port of Durban with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“These advances are not confined to the bridge that crosses the Limpopo River. They are part of a far broader vision of a corridor that links the Port of Durban in the south to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the north,” he said.

He said the region should develop corridors that serve not only as routes for traded goods, but as platforms for industrialisation, commerce and employment. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) will be hosting the 5th iteration of the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) from today, bringing together a broad spectrum of stakeholders including investors, financial institutions, policymakers, thought leaders and other critical partners, to drive South Africa’s infrastructure investment mandate.

This year the Symposium themed: “Shaping the future of municipal infrastructure”, will focus on strengthening government’s capacity to build future-ready, resilient and sustainable municipal infrastructure.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is the convener of the event, which will see Ministers, large asset owners, leading private investors, fund managers, developers, technology innovators, key advisors and others gathering under one roof.

SIDSSA is the annual flagship event organised by the Investment and Infrastructure Office (IIO) within The Presidency.

The symposium is expected to commence with a site visit this morning to the Cape Flats Recharge Project conducted by Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson joined by Ministers and Mayors from the continent.

The Cape Flats Aquifer Recharge Project is an award-winning municipal water project.

Following the site visit, Macpherson and Head of Infrastructure South Africa Mameetse Masemola are expected to brief the media on the progress of Strategic Integrated Projects, Status of the Project Preparation Pipeline and important milestones of the Adopt-A-Municipality Pilot Programme.

Since its inception in 2020, the symposium has played a pivotal role in strengthening the national infrastructure pipeline, mobilising funding and addressing systemic delivery challenges.

SIDSSA 2026 will showcase progress across Strategic Integrated Projects, Project Preparation Funding initiatives and the Infrastructure Fund pipeline, while advancing international partnerships and expanding investment opportunities across key sectors including energy, water and sanitation, transport and logistics, digital infrastructure, agriculture and human settlements.

The 2026 edition will further emphasise ISA’s continued support to provinces and municipalities, reinforcing infrastructure as a driver of sustainable economic growth. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Innovative and environmentally conscious Limpopo businesswoman, Lufuno Nemakonde, the Managing Director of Limpopo-based Funocurls Green Beauty, is set to change the South African hair industry with an innovative development using banana pseudostem fibre to produce hairpieces, that she has aptly named EcoCurls. 

“EcoCurls are plant-based and potentially more sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic hairpieces. The innovation is in the development and validation stage. We are happy that the project is currently progressing towards commercialisation. 

“The EcoCurls hairpiece has been submitted to the South African Bureau of Standards for independent testing,” said Nemakonde. 

Her innovative idea has also received a nod from the innovation and technology section of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic).
 
To this end, she has been approved for funding through the Grassroots Innovation Facilitation Scheme that assists in commercialisation of innovations from rural and township areas. 

Although the formal testing and validation process is still underway, Nemakonde is so confident about the potential success of her innovation that she has already acquired factory space where her processing plant will be located. 

She cannot wait for the delivery of the specialised machinery which is being developed specifically to support the processing requirements of the banana pseudostem fibre. She reckons that the Punda Maria-Makhuvha village, where her business is located, will never be the same again.

“I had to sit down with the engineers and painstakingly explain the types of machines that will make my dream come true. 

“I am confident that they will come up with something that will turn this place into a successful production plant manufacturing environmentally friendly hairpieces from the banana plants that are in abundance in our area, creating job opportunities in the process,” said Nemakonde. 

Using her background as a Medical Technologist, Nemakonde decided to combine the indigenous knowledge she learnt from her grandmother about herbs and the scientific information she acquired from her academic field and started a cosmetics business. 

“That is how Funocurls Green Beauty was born. Our company manufactures plant-based hair, skin and body-care products using indigenous botanicals such as moringa, marula, baobab and Kalahari melon.  Our products are sold to locals, beauty parlours and hair salons. We also provide contract and private-label manufacturing services,” she said.

She has also been part of the international trade exhibitions in Egypt, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia with the assistance of the dtic. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Affectionately known in the Mount Fletcher community as the “Mother of Broken Cars”, Nosipho Kholutsoane has turned her passion for restoring neglected vehicles into a growing business.

Kholutsoane graduated as a motor mechanic from the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) TVET College in Mthatha on 17 July 2026, alongside 69 other graduates who completed the Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) Programme.

The programme was funded through a project of the Eastern Cape Office of the Premier and implemented by the Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape (AIDC-EC) in partnership with KSD TVET College.

Kholutsoane was one of only two women among the 70 graduates, making her achievement a significant milestone for women pursuing careers in the traditionally male-dominated automotive sector.

Her journey from repairing broken and neglected vehicles to becoming a qualified artisan is one of resilience, determination, and the transformative impact of skills development.

Through her business, Lereku Trading, Kholutsoane has dedicated herself to restoring vintage and unique vehicles. Her work includes vehicle body building, motor body repairs, spray painting, and the restoration of classic cars.

What began as a passion has developed into a business that has attracted attention beyond her community.

Deutsche Welle, a German TV news network, has featured some of her work, while her restored vehicles have been hired for weddings, matric dances, shows, and other events.

However, her journey has not been without challenges.

Kholutsoane has faced scepticism from members of her community who questioned her decision to invest time and resources in restoring vehicles.

She has also encountered challenges common to small businesses in the automotive aftermarket, including limited access to specialised equipment, financial management constraints and difficulties accessing funding for machinery and imported parts needed to restore classic vehicles.

After responding to a call for interest to participate in the Automotive Aftermarket Support Programme in 2023, Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape (AIDC-EC) identified areas where intervention could support the growth and sustainability of her business.

Lereku Trading subsequently received R474 747.30 worth of tools and equipment in 2025 through the AIDC-EC Tools, Machinery and Equipment Support Programme.

While Kholutsoane had developed valuable practical skills through years of hands-on experience, she said obtaining formal recognition is not a mere certificate, but a formal recognition of the skills she has worked hard to develop over the years.

“The qualification formally recognises the expertise I have developed over the years and could help strengthen my credibility, unlock new opportunities and position my business for further growth,” Kholutsoane said.

Breaking barriers

As South Africa commemorates the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March, Kholutsoane’s story provides an example of women breaking barriers and succeeding in traditionally male-dominated fields.

By investing in women’s skills, recognising their expertise, and creating opportunities for them to thrive in traditionally male-dominated industries, programmes such as the ARPL initiative are helping women unlock their full potential, strengthen their businesses, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic growth.

For AIDC-EC, Kholutsoane’s achievement also demonstrates the impact of investing in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and supporting the development of the Eastern Cape’s automotive aftermarket sector.

Her graduation marks not only the culmination of years of practical experience and training, but the beginning of a new chapter as a qualified artisan and entrepreneur.

Kholutsoane’s journey stands as an example of resilience, determination and a woman breaking barriers while helping build a stronger and more inclusive automotive industry. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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South Africa and Zimbabwe have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, with the signing of several agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening collaboration in key areas ranging from agriculture and gender equality to correctional services, diplomacy, arts and culture.

The agreements were signed on Friday at the conclusion of the Fourth Session of the South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC), co-chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Pretoria.

The signing of the legal instruments formed part of efforts by the two neighbouring countries to translate the longstanding political and historical ties into practical programmes that contribute to economic growth, development and shared prosperity.

The agreements include an MoU on collaboration between the Zimbabwe Foreign Service Institute and the Diplomatic Academy of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa. The MoU was signed by Minister Ronald Lamola and his counterpart, Minister Professor Amon Murwira, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

An agreement on correctional services was also signed, while the two countries concluded an MoU on women’s empowerment and gender equality.

Further agreements covered cooperation in agriculture, as well as arts, culture and heritage.

Closing the Fourth Session of the BNC, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the agreements represented concrete plans to deepen cooperation between the two countries.

“The agreements and Memoranda of Understanding signed in our presence today, together with the decisions reached, reflect our concrete plans to deepen cooperation. These instruments must now be implemented so that our countries and people benefit,” he said. 

Strategic partnership

The President said South Africa regarded Zimbabwe as a strategic partner and one of its largest trading partners, adding that the two countries had committed to expanding investment and trade.

“For South Africa, Zimbabwe remains a strategic partner. It remains one of our largest trading partners. We have undertaken here to redouble efforts to expand investment and trade,” the President said. 

He added that inclusive economic growth is critical to improving the lives of citizens by widening access to basic services and creating employment opportunities.

“Inclusive economic growth will give us the means to widen access to food, shelter, health, education, water and sanitation. It will give us the means to create employment and economic opportunities, especially for women and for the young,” he said.

Focus on investment and trade

The President identified a wide range of sectors in which he believes there are significant opportunities for closer cooperation and investment.

“We see great opportunities in agriculture and agro-processing, energy, mining, transport, medicines and vaccines, water, tourism, finance and digital technology,” he said.

He said the political commitment demonstrated at the BNC should encourage companies in both countries to invest in infrastructure and industrialisation initiatives.

The movement of people and goods between the two countries also featured prominently in the discussions, with President Ramaphosa stressing the importance of efficient border management.

“We are committed to moving people and goods seamlessly and securely across our border in a well-managed and coordinated manner,” he said.

He said Ministers and senior officials would follow up on the implementation of the priority projects identified during the BNC.

The two countries also committed to strengthening cooperation in addressing cross-border and transnational organised crime, while deepening people-to-people and cultural relations.

South Africa and Zimbabwe would also continue working with other SADC countries to advance regional integration and industrialisation.

“Our common history and geography are the foundations of our shared future. The realisation of that shared future depends on effective and sustained collaboration,” he said.

He urged both countries to ensure that the decisions taken at the BNC translate into tangible improvements in the lives of their people.

“As we prepare for the Fifth Session of our Bi-National Commission, let us turn our decisions into actions. Let us turn our people’s expectations into reality,” he said.

Zimbabwe seeks stronger economic integration

 President Mnangagwa welcomed the outcomes of the BNC, describing the session as highly productive and one which had set key priorities and the strategic direction for the bilateral relationship.

He said the relationship between South Africa and Zimbabwe was rooted in shared history, solidarity and common values, adding that the prosperity of one country is closely linked to that of the other.

“When South Africa thrives, Zimbabwe thrives too, and vice versa,” President Mnangagwa said.

He said the two countries had agreed to reduce their over-reliance on distant markets.

“We agreed to reduce over-reliance on distant markets as a way to build resilience from external shocks,” he said.

President Mnangagwa identified cross-border manufacturing value chains, infrastructure development, agriculture and mineral beneficiation among the High Impact Priority Projects that should now be implemented.

“We should implement the identified High Impact Priority Projects, which include cross-border manufacturing value chains, infrastructure development projects and agriculture, as well as mineral beneficiation, among other strategic and transformational economic projects,” he said.

He also placed particular emphasis on infrastructure that would improve the movement of people, goods and services.

“The construction of the Third Limpopo Bridge and operationalisation of the One Stop Border Post are priorities that are vital in facilitating seamless movement of goods, services and people across our borders,” he said.

In this regard, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe was committed to removing barriers to trade and addressing challenges experienced by South African businesses operating in Zimbabwe.

“In this respect, Zimbabwe is committed to removing all the tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade. We are also ready to resolve the challenges faced by South African entities operating in Zimbabwe,” he said. 

He reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s drive to improve the business environment and attract cross-border investment.

Shared heritage

Beyond economic cooperation, the BNC also placed emphasis on preserving the shared liberation history of the two countries.

President Mnangagwa called on South Africa to develop land allocated to it at the Museum of African Liberation in Zimbabwe, saying the initiative would help preserve the history of the struggle against apartheid and inspire future generations.

“Your Excellency, Zimbabwe looks forward to South Africa taking steps to develop land allocated to it at the Museum of African Liberation.

“The Museum provides a unique platform to showcase the country’s heroic anti-apartheid struggle, and its significant contribution to the liberation of the African countries,” he said.

The President also expressed appreciation for South Africa’s support for Zimbabwe’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and for its advocacy for the removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.

Implementation

Looking ahead, President Mnangagwa said the signing of the agreements was only the beginning, and that the two governments now needed to ensure that commitments were implemented.

“Today, we have adopted important decisions and witnessed the signing of several legal instruments in various fields of cooperation.

“We must now translate these commitments into tangible outcomes through concrete actions that deliver meaningful benefits for our countries and people,” he said.

He called for the full use of the Decision Management System to monitor implementation and identify areas requiring corrective action.

President Mnangagwa said he was confident that the outcomes of the Fourth BNC would contribute to the development objectives shared by the two countries.

“I am confident that the win-win outcomes of this BNC will contribute significantly to our shared developmental agenda,” he said.

The Fourth Session of the BNC has therefore set out an expanded programme of cooperation between South Africa and Zimbabwe, with both governments now expected to focus on implementation, particularly in trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, mining, border management and people-to-people relations.

The two Presidents agreed that the strength of the bilateral relationship would ultimately be measured not only by the agreements signed, but by the extent to which those commitments translate into economic opportunities and tangible benefits for the people of both countries. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will investigate allegations of serious maladministration, corruption, irregular expenditure and unlawful or improper loss of public funds at the Western Cape-based Theewaterskloof Local Municipality.

This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation authorising the unit to probe the municipality and recover any possible financial losses incurred.

“The SIU will investigate the procurement of, or contracting for, goods, works, services, or leases by or on behalf of the municipality for the supply, delivery and installation of 14 backup electricity generators for boreholes and water pump stations during the 2022/23 financial year.

“The investigation will cover boreholes and water pump stations in Grabouw, Greyton, Caledon, Villiersdorp, Botrivier, Genadendal, Tesselaarsdal and Riviersonderend.

“The SIU will also investigate payments made in respect of the generators, where such procurement and payments may not have been fair, competitive, transparent, equitable or cost-effective, or may have been contrary to applicable legislation, manuals, guidelines, practice notes, circulars or instructions issued by National Treasury or the relevant Provincial Treasury,” the unit stated.

Furthermore, the corruption-busting unit will also probe any improper or unlawful conduct by “officials or employees of the municipality, the service providers concerned, or any other person or entity, in relation to the allegations occurring between 1 October 2022 and 21 August 2026”.

“Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption, and fraud, the SIU will identify systemic failures and recommend measures to prevent future losses.

“In terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No. 74 of 1996), the SIU is empowered to investigate the allegations, institute civil proceedings in the Special Tribunal, and take steps to recover any financial losses suffered by the State,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Springboks will face New Zealand’s All Blacks in the opening Test of the inaugural Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday.

According to the Springboks website, coach Rassie Erasmus said the squad selected to face the All Blacks is well balanced, combining players who remained in South Africa to prepare for the series with others who featured against Argentina.

“The All Blacks are a quality team, and we selected combinations we think would be best suited for the challenge this weekend. It certainly helped to have some players return from injury last week and get back into top-flight Test rugby, while some of the others who had a heavy workload in the Nations Championship had sufficient time to recover from the physical toll on them,” Erasmus said on the Springboks website. 

He said the whole group had now been together for more than a week and was aligned on the way the team wants to play this weekend.

“We are preparing for an 80-minute grind. They have a well-rounded squad with physical forwards and an exciting backline, so we have to be sharp and accurate in our execution from the outset.

“Many of the matches between the sides have come down to the wire, so it is important that we use the chances we create and ensure that our discipline is on point. It is going to be a big battle, but the entire squad is excited about the match and looking forward to it,” Erasmus said on the Springboks website.

The match kicks off at 5:10 pm.  –SAnews.gov.za

 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for stronger economic cooperation between South Africa and Zimbabwe, with a particular focus on balancing trade, expanding infrastructure investment and turning the two countries’ abundant natural resources into jobs and greater prosperity.

Addressing the Fourth Session of the South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Pretoria on Friday, President Ramaphosa said the two countries must use existing bilateral mechanisms and opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to increase trade and address the significant imbalance between the neighbours.

“Zimbabwe is one of our largest trading partners. Over the last four years, the value of our bilateral trade has almost doubled.

“However, there is a significant imbalance in trade between our two countries. South Africa exports much more to Zimbabwe than it imports,” the President said. 

He said the two countries should work together to narrow the trade deficit and expand the production and export of goods manufactured from their natural resources.

“We must use the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area to increase the volume and balance the composition of trade between our two countries,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said the Ministerial report before the BNC would assess progress and identify further opportunities in mining, energy, agriculture, transport, logistics and water management.

He also emphasised the importance of infrastructure investment in supporting economic growth and expanding trade between the two countries.

“We should be working together to build the bridges, roads, dams, airports, health facilities and schools that will drive our economies into the future,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said institutions such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the Industrial Development Corporation were ready to invest in high-impact projects in Zimbabwe.

“These are projects that connect factories and farms to markets. Projects that connect power stations to businesses and homes. That connect dams to taps. That connect countries to their neighbours,” he said. 

Mineral beneficiation and energy cooperation
The President said South Africa and Zimbabwe should deepen cooperation in mining and ensure that their mineral wealth contributes more directly to economic development and job creation.

“Working together, we must convert our abundant mineral resources into jobs, opportunity and prosperity for our people,” he said.

He noted Zimbabwe’s growing production of gold, platinum and critical minerals such as lithium, saying the country was “fast emerging as a global participant”.

President Ramaphosa said South Africa was also increasing investment in exploration and beneficiation.

“We have said for many years that our minerals should be processed at home, that we should export finished products. Together, we need to put that aspiration into practice,” he said. 

The President also called for closer cooperation in energy, highlighting the potential of the Southern African Power Pool to support the development of clean, affordable and reliable energy across the region.

Water and food security
President Ramaphosa said there was significant potential for cooperation on water, pointing to the agreement to supply water from Zimbabwe’s Beitbridge Water Works to Musina as an example of how the two countries can work together to meet basic needs and strengthen resilience to climate change.

He also urged greater cooperation on food security and agricultural production.
“We must work together to ensure that all our people have enough food. Let us use our vast arable land for intensified production and support our communal and commercial farmers,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa said agricultural cooperation was particularly important as the region contends with accelerating climate change and droughts that are putting pressure on water sources and grazing land.

Strengthening border management and security
The President also called for closer cooperation on migration, border management and the fight against trans-border crime.

“As neighbours that have so much to offer each other, it is critical that we continue our cooperation on migration and border management. To ease the movement of people and goods, we must modernise our facilities and systems,” he said. 

He said the two countries must also strengthen their joint efforts to combat trans-border crime.

Beyond bilateral matters, President Ramaphosa said peace and stability remained essential for development in Southern Africa and the continent.

He expressed concern over ongoing conflict and instability in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cabo Delgado in Mozambique and Madagascar, while also highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, instability in South Sudan and armed insurgency in the Sahel.

“In a geopolitical environment that has become unpredictable and fractured, there is now even a greater need for the peaceful resolution of conflict, mediation and dialogue,” he said.

President Ramaphosa congratulated Zimbabwe on its election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.
He said South Africa expected Zimbabwe to use its position to focus international attention on conflicts that are holding back Africa’s development and to support African-led efforts to resolve them.

Historic ties
At the opening of the BNC, President Ramaphosa also reflected on the deep historical ties between the two countries.

“We are one people. Our spirits are inseparable. Our past has been shaped by shared culture, history and language. Our future will be shaped by shared aspirations,” he said. 
He recalled Zimbabwe’s support for South Africa during the struggle against colonialism, white minority rule and apartheid.

“As South Africa, we will forever remember that the people of Zimbabwe gave us shelter, protection and support in the darkest times of our struggle,” the President said.

Lake Kariba tragedy
The remarks came as the two countries mourned the loss of life in the Lake Kariba ferry tragedy.

President Ramaphosa conveyed his condolences to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the people of Zimbabwe and the bereaved families following the tragedy, which claimed close to 100 lives.

Reviewing progress
The Fourth Session of the BNC provides an opportunity for the two Heads of State to review progress in implementing existing bilateral commitments and identify opportunities to further strengthen cooperation.

Established in April 2015, the BNC is the central mechanism for managing and advancing the strategic partnership between South Africa and Zimbabwe. More than 33 agreements and memoranda of understanding have been concluded between the two countries across various areas of cooperation.

The session culminated in the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation in strategic areas.

President Ramaphosa said the people of both countries expected the BNC to deliver tangible outcomes.

“Our people expect that this Bi-National Commission will deliver concrete results. South Africa and Zimbabwe stand together. We are two countries with a common history and a common destiny,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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