Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

By Neo Bodumela

Jakarta, Indonesia – Against a backdrop of historic solidarity and shared vision for a better world, South Africa will move to deepen bilateral relations with Indonesia during an official State Visit to the Southeast Asian country by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday.

This according to Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, who spoke to SAnews ahead of the State Visit in Jakarta.

“It’s a high level exchange and an opportunity to recognise mutual cooperation, to respect the benefits of our bilateral relationship and to deepen multilateralism between our two countries, as it relates to our participation in global governance institutions.

“The fact that Indonesia has been accepted as a member of the BRICS+ family bodes quite well for our bilateral relationship,” Botes said on Tuesday.

The history between the two countries dates to the 1600s with the arrival of the first people of Indonesian descent in South Africa. In 1694, celebrated religious leader of noble descent, Sheikh Yusuf Al Makassari, was exiled from Jakarta (known then as Batavia) to Cape Town, where he became one of the first to preach and spread the teachings of Islam in the Cape.

A shrine was erected in Cape Town in his honour, where his legacy is celebrated by the Islamic community.

In the 1990s, former President Nelson Mandela visited that country and developed a deep appreciation for the Indonesian Batik shirt – known in South Africa as the Madiba shirt. 

Relations between the two countries were formalised in 1994, with several Memoranda of Understanding and agreements signed since that time.

“We have a structured bilateral mechanism between South Africa and Indonesia that guides the relationship between the two nations. [The] high level visitation is really an expression – in the form of a State Visit – of the nature of the relationship and its propensity.

“Indonesia has been a key pen holder, multilaterally, to bring about Afro-Asian solidarity through convening the 1955 Bandung Conference 70 years ago, which still holds the principles that South Africa stands firmly for: non-alignment, respect for sovereign integrity of nation States and mutual respect,” Botes explained.

He highlighted that some of Indonesia’s actions on the global stage are in line with South Africa’s own policies.

“The role that Indonesia has played, for example, as a key interlocutor in peace diplomacy, on behalf of the Palestinian people, is significant.

“Much of the work that Indonesia has done, geopolitically, is reconcilable with South Africa’s foreign policy…in particular over the past year,” he told SAnews.

Trade relations have also strengthened, with South African exports to Indonesia standing at R10.5 billion and Indonesian imports amounting to R16.9 billion.

In this regard, the Deputy Minister remarked during the SA-Indonesia Business Forum that the two countries’ longstanding trade relationship can be transformed into a powerful economic partnership for the modern era.

“Our priority investment sectors include mining, manufacturing, services, infrastructure, and the green economy – with particular potential in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and green hydrogen, as well as the oil and gas sector.

“Indonesia’s leadership in the global nickel industry positions it as a natural partner for South Africa, whose reserves of manganese and platinum group metals are vital for battery and fuel cell technologies. 

“By integrating our strengths, we can create a sustainable electric-mobility value chain – from upstream mineral extraction, to downstream manufacturing and recycling. South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, valued at over R1.5 trillion, sets out a pathway for investment in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and hydrogen technologies,” the Deputy Minister said.

Following the business forum, Botes told SAnews that at least two areas were highlighted for pursuit.

“A key ambition from the business forum is the establishment of a working group that will ultimately lead to the launching of the South Africa-Indonesia Business Council. 

“The second… was on a possible partnership on the managing of Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Indonesia has 19 SEZs – most with particular mandates. We think there are areas for collaboration in terms of SEZ governance and the digitisation thereof, so we will be pursuing some interesting discussions, which – hopefully – will ultimately lead to an establishment of a MoU,” Botes said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State Visit will commence at 6am South African time on Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

By Neo Bodumela

Jakarta, Indonesia – Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, believes that stronger collaboration and partnership is key to reducing the trade deficit between South Africa and Indonesia.

The Deputy Minister was addressing the South Africa-Indonesia Business Forum held in Jakarta ahead of the Official State Visit of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“Our meeting today provides an opportunity to explore tangible areas of cooperation: how our businesses can partner in manufacturing, green technologies, logistics, and value-added critical mineral production. 

“According to the latest data… our exports to Indonesia stand at approximately R10.5 billion, while imports amount to R16.9 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of R6.4 billion. This presents a clear opportunity for us to work toward a more balanced relationship through value-added exports and technology partnerships,” Botes said on Tuesday.

South Africa’s key exports to Indonesia include chromium and manganese ore, with imports from Indonesia, in the main, including palm oil and leather goods.

“Our priority investment sectors include mining, manufacturing, services, infrastructure, and the green economy – with particular potential in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and green hydrogen, as well as the oil and gas sector.

“Indonesia’s leadership in the global nickel industry positions it as a natural partner for South Africa, whose reserves of manganese and platinum group metals are vital for battery and fuel-cell technologies. 

“By integrating our strengths, we can create a sustainable electric-mobility value chain – from upstream mineral extraction to downstream manufacturing and recycling. South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, valued at over R1.5 trillion, sets out a pathway for investment in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and hydrogen technologies,” the Deputy Minister said.

Collaborations on Special Economic Zones management, and e-commerce and digital innovation are also proffered.

“Our shared emphasis on industrialisation and beneficiation of critical minerals can drive new industries that supply global clean energy and technology markets.

“Enhanced policy certainty and investment protection frameworks in South Africa are designed to make such ventures both secure and profitable,” he said.

The Deputy Minister reflected on the history between the two countries – from Sheik Yusuf and Tuan Guru’s exile in the Cape, to President Nelson Mandela’s adoption of the iconic ‘Madiba Shirt’.

“[Our] connection has always combined cultural respect with shared purpose. As we commemorate Bandung@70 [the first large scale Asian–African Conference] and O.R. Tambo Month, we are reminded that our nations have long believed in a world where cooperation triumphs over competition, and where prosperity is built through partnership, not dominance.

“Today, we have the opportunity to deepen that partnership, to turn historical goodwill into practical outcomes that create jobs, build industries, and advance the development goals of both our nations.

“I am confident that this business forum will generate ideas and partnerships that strengthen trade, enhance investment, and build a sustainable bridge between our economies,” Botes said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom has welcomed the launch of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025, which seeks to balance energy security, affordability, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic considerations in South Africa’s transition from high-carbon to low-carbon energy sources.

In a statement on Monday, the power utility said the IRP provides a clear investment framework for the supply of electricity needed to accelerate economic growth and inclusion in a context where overall unemployment stands at 30% and youth unemployment exceeds 50%.

“The IRP 2025 is not merely a policy update it is a clear investment roadmap, informed by the input of over 4000 interested parties at the public consultation stage. It signals to investors, regulators, and our citizens that South Africa has a focussed pathway to reach NetZero inclusively and provides the opportunity for Eskom to play its role fairly and compete in a reformed electricity supply industry.

“The IRP 2025 requires significant investment to be attracted quickly, that will only come from rules-based regulatory reform anchored in law to enable investors to deploy capital in South Africa with confidence and certainty,” Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane said.

This as the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa announced the plan at a media briefing on Sunday. At the briefing, the Minister said that government plans to invest R2.2 trillion, which is about 30% of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), in a comprehensive energy transformation strategy.

READ | Ramokgopa unveils massive R2.2 trillion electricity plan to revive economy

Morokane said the power utility will conduct a thorough review of the IRP 2025 and subsequently publish a comprehensive response along with an updated strategic plan.

“We have been preparing to accelerate the delivery of Eskom’s contribution to the IRP 2025 through the implementation of our turnaround strategy. With load shedding largely behind us the country again has a continuous 24/7 electricity supply – commonly referred to as baseload capacity, that forms the backbone for renewable energy growth.

“Renewables are variable in nature and need reliable, continuous baseload to maintain grid stability and supply.  Our return to profitably for the first time in eight years reflects long-term structural operational improvements and combined with our skilled workforce will lead to increasing investor confidence to deliver the IRP 2025 with partners,” Marokane explained.

He added that Eskom remains firmly committed to executing the Generation Recovery Plan, enhancing governance structures, and mitigating financial and operational risks. These efforts are aligned with Eskom’s broader objective of ensuring long-term sustainability, securing energy supply, and contributing meaningfully to South Africa’s economy and the wider region. –SAnews.gov.za 

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa is set to host the 2025 Africa Kaizen Annual Conference (AKAC) — a major continental gathering aimed at driving industrial competitiveness and value chain development.

The conference will be held under the theme: ‘African Industrialisation through Fostering Competitive Firms and Value Chains on the Continent’, and will take place from 27 – 28 October in Boksburg, Gauteng. It will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, academics and productivity experts to explore strategies for strengthening Africa’s manufacturing and production sectors.

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, said the event forms part of South Africa’s ongoing partnership with Japan to enhance productivity and quality management across industries. The partnership, established through a Joint Technical Cooperation Agreement in 2011, is being implemented through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

“Kaizen is not just a philosophy; it is a practical approach to improving productivity, competitiveness, and inclusion across the value chain. One of its key objectives is to strengthen supplier competitiveness, while advancing transformation and ensuring the participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in the automotive sector,” said Tau. 

Kaizen is a Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement that involves making continuous small changes to increase efficiency and quality. The term is a portmanteau of the Japanese words “kai” (change) and “zen” (good). The philosophy forms an integral part of lean manufacturing and is based on the idea that every employee has a role to play in making manufacturing processes more efficient. 

The Africa Kaizen Annual Conference (AKAC) is a platform to accelerate Quality and Productivity Improvement (QPI)/Kaizen activities through mutual learning and combining African wisdom to improve industry capabilities and competitiveness.

The Africa Kaizen Annual Conference was first launched in 2017 by the African Union Development Agency and JICA under the Africa Kaizen Initiative (AKI). This year’s gathering is expected to build on the growing momentum of the QPI movement, which now spans more than 10 African countries.

Driving up productivity

Tau said through the QPI Project, South Africa has already seen significant gains. Between 2023 and 2025, the Basic Kaizen training programme improved productivity indicators at 66 companies by an average of 53.5%. 

The Digital Kaizen initiative is also enabling small and medium enterprises to leverage data-driven tools to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.

Partners in the National Quality and Productivity Network — including Productivity SA, the Automotive Industry Development Centres (Gauteng and Eastern Cape), the Automotive Supply Chain Competitiveness Initiative, Plastics SA, the Production Technologies Association of South Africa, and the Automotive Industry Transformation Fund — will take part in the conference.

“The Kaizen approach is helping build the productive capacity and innovation base needed for Africa’s industrialisation. It supports our broader goal of realising the aspirations of Agenda 2063 — a transformed, inclusive and sustainable African economy,” said Tau. 

AKAC will conclude with the Africa Kaizen and South African National Productivity Awards hosted by Productivity SA, celebrating the organisations that exemplify the spirit of continuous improvement and competitiveness. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

The nation is rallying behind the Class of 2025 as the National Senior Certificate (NSC) Examinations kick off today across the country.

This year, 903 561 candidates have registered to write the NSC examinations, comprising of 766 543 full-time candidates and 137 018 part-time candidates.

According to the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, this is the highest number of learners sitting for the examination since the public examinations began in 1996.

“This year’s exams represent the culmination of 12 years of effort, resilience and collaboration between learners, teachers, parents and communities. Education remains the heartbeat of South Africa’s future,” Gwarube said on Monday in Mpumalanga.

The Minister made these remarks during a media briefing on the state of readiness for the 2025 NSC in Skukuza.

Encouragingly, the number of learners taking Mathematics has risen to over 259000 in 2025, marking a reversal of the recent downward trend.

“This is a positive development, and we must build on this momentum,” Gwarube said.

A total of 162 question papers have been set and moderated by expert panels and quality-assured by Umalusi.

To ensure fairness, papers have been adapted into Braille, large print, and South African Sign Language for learners with disabilities.

“All question papers have been printed and securely distributed. Every truck transporting exam papers is GPS-tracked, every stop authorised, and every stage monitored. Integrity is non-negotiable it is the cornerstone of public trust in our education system,” the Minister said.

To ensure learner readiness, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) implemented a comprehensive support campaign under four pillars: learner support, teacher support, curriculum enrichment and school readiness.

Over 130 000 learners participated in Autumn, Winter and Spring Camps across 75 districts, focusing on gateway subjects like Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences.

Furthermore, teachers in underperforming subjects and districts received training and support from the 2024 results analysis.

Learners benefited from resources such as Mind the Gap booklets, digital study materials, and online and social media tutorials.

The Examination Fitness Initiative equipped learners with study timetables, question strategies and skills to approach different question types.

“Our learners are ready. Our teachers have gone beyond the call of duty. The entire system, from registration to marking, has been governed by strict standards and rigorous audits,” Gwarube said.

All nine Provincial Education Departments have confirmed their readiness.

Comprehensive risk management measures have been implemented, including secured and alarmed printing sites, access control, and GPS-tracked distribution vehicles.

Each province has developed contingency plans to mitigate risks such as load shedding, severe weather and protest action. 

Alternative venues and generator capacity have been arranged to ensure no learner is disadvantaged.

The department is also advancing modernisation through its e-marking pilot in Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy and Accounting to enhance accuracy and efficiency in marking. –SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Lydia Chikunga, has addressed a dialogue where she emphasised the right to equality of each individual and the need to dismantle it across society. 

“We are not only discussing policy; we are renewing a moral covenant — that no woman, no girl, no person should ever have to negotiate their safety, their dignity, or their worth. This is the generation that must make equality irreversible,” she said.

The Minister was addressing the Intergenerational Dialogue on Building Positive Masculinities for a South Africa Free from Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

Monday’s dialogue was an official side event of the G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group (EWWG) and comes ahead of next week’s Ministerial Meeting.

Bringing together voices such as Advocate Joyce Maluleke, Director-General of the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) to advance conversations on building positive masculinities for a South Africa free from gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

“We are gathered to confront a deeply entrenched truth: which is, inequality is sustained at the intersection of belief, custom and power. I am of the view that, the challenge is not faith or culture themselves, but rather how they are sometimes interpreted and practised in ways that legitimise male dominance, silence women and girls, and normalise violence and exclusion,” she said.

The Minister also spoke about the Positive Masculinity Initiative, a partnership between the department and the GBVF Response Fund, United Nations Resident Office and related UN Offices.

The initiative focuses on redefining manhood and transforming social norms engaging men and boys through schools, faith spaces, initiation forums, sports and workplaces and supporting communities to adopt local charters on positive masculinity among others.

“Later this month we will convene the Positive Masculinity Conference to consolidate this national framework and align it with the broader G20 effort,” she said.

She added that across the African continent, patriarchal norms remain deeply embedded in faith and cultural systems and that studies by UN Women and Afrobarometer show that even where women’s equality is recognised in principle, it is often undermined in practice by male-dominated religious and customary leadership structures.

“In South Africa, these dynamics take on painful, visible forms. We have seen girls married off to older men under the cover of religion, from KwaZulu-Natal to the Eastern Cape; we have seen ukuthwala — the abduction of young girls for marriage — misused to justify coercion; and ukungenwa, a custom exercised on widows, which still continue in some communities. Each of these violates the law and the moral core of our traditions. So, let us be clear, under-age and coerced unions are crimes, not culture or faith,” she said.

She added that inequality begins not in policy or legislation but in the household.

“So, distinguished guests, our task today is therefore not theoretical. It is to dismantle the architecture of inequality — in pulpits and in parliaments, in cultural councils and in households— and to replace it with a culture of care, equality, and accountability that gives practical expression to our Constitution’s promise of dignity and freedom for all,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za