Category: South Africa Government

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Multi-planting season to promote KZN sustainable agriculture

Source: Government of South Africa

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has reaffirmed the province’s focus on self-sufficiency, rural revitalisation, and long-term food security.

Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli unveiled the 2025 Provincial Multi-Planting Season, a flagship provincial initiative aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture, strengthening food security, and revitalising rural economies.

The Multi-Planting Season was launched on Friday at eNhlanhleni Mission in Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Local Municipality, under the Harry Gwala District, setting the tone for a productive agricultural season ahead.

The programme, led by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, also underscores the province’s commitment to empowering local farmers and communities to produce more food, reduce hunger, and contribute to KwaZulu-Natal’s economic resilience.

Delivering his keynote address at the event, Ntuli noted the recent studies, which revealed that 15% of people in KwaZulu-Natal still experience food shortages, especially in rural areas.

These challenges have been worsened by recurring natural disasters, such as droughts and floods, and the lingering socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Premier emphasised that the Provincial Government’s Multi-Planting Season Programme was a key response to these challenges, designed to boost local food production, improve livelihoods, and stimulate agricultural productivity across districts.

“Agriculture must be seen as a weapon to defeat hunger and grow our economy. We must work together to ensure that every piece of arable land is used productively to feed our people and strengthen our communities,” the Premier said.

He urged young people to see agriculture as a viable career path and a driver of socio-economic transformation.

The Premier also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting smallholder farmers through access to inputs, training, and infrastructure, as part of a broader effort to build a resilient and inclusive agricultural economy.

He emphasised that the success of the Multi-Planting Season relies on strong partnerships between government, farmers, private sector stakeholders, and communities.

“This collaborative approach is vital to ensuring that food production efforts translate into sustainable growth and improved quality of life in rural areas,” he said.

Ntuli was accompanied by MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Thembeni KaMadlopha Mthethwa, Harry Gwala District Speaker, Sibongiseni Mdunge, Deputy Mayor of Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Local Municipality, Kholeka Hadebe, and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za

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R230bn EU investment package will support growth

Source: Government of South Africa

The European Union’s €11.5 billion (R230 billion) investment package into South Africa is a springboard that will support the country on its march towards inclusive and sustainable growth.

This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who addressed the nation through the weekly newsletter.

The package was announced last week by the EU at the Global Gateway Forum at held in Brussels, Belgium.

READ | President Ramaphosa welcomes €11.5 billion EU investment in South Africa

“This innovative partnership focuses on priorities that South Africa has set for itself as it strives to improve the lives of its people. These priorities include investment, the clean energy transition, skills and technology, connectivity and developing strategic industries. Importantly, the partnership will contribute to the work being done to create jobs.

“The investment package covers areas such as critical minerals, e-battery development, green hydrogen, renewable energy and vaccines. This will lead to the creation of a number of jobs, skills development and transfer of technology.

“As we said in Brussels, these investments will support our effort to build the economy of the future in the South Africa of the present. They will help to accelerate South Africa’s ambitious transition to a low-carbon economy that is just and inclusive,” President Ramaphosa said.

He explained that the package is aimed at mobilising finance to “invest in local processing and refining of minerals that are critical to the energy transition”, including investments in green hydrogen and the acceleration of large-scale solar and wind power projects, while boosting energy efficiency.

“As a country, we have always insisted that our energy transition must be just and inclusive, and that we must take deliberate measures to protect workers, communities and businesses that would be affected.

“That is why part of the investment package is dedicated to re-skill, train and provide entrepreneurship opportunities. It will also be used to expand access to clean water, waste management and energy efficient public services,” the President said.

Furthermore, the package will also support developing South Africa’s rail, road and ports infrastructure, logistics and digital connectivity

“These investments will also support the local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals through partnerships with regulatory authorities, as well as innovative research projects, training and capacity building on biotechnology and pharmaceutical infrastructure.

“As a country, we have made immense progress in overcoming our energy supply constraints through the improved performance by Eskom and a massive investment in renewable energy generation. We are improving efficiencies at our ports and opening our freight rail lines to private operators. We are undertaking a massive investment in infrastructure and streamlining regulations to improve the environment for investors.

“The progress we are making with our reforms is recognised and it’s making our country an investment destination. We are seen as the gateway into the African continent,” the President said.

He noted that the investment takes place at a time of a “more volatile global environment”.

“There is a significant realignment of trade and investment between countries. In addition, rapid advances in technology and the escalating climate crisis are contributing to greater uncertainty.

“That is why South Africa is forging ahead with the work of building a resilient and sustainable economy that address the needs of the present while positioning itself for the needs and challenges of the future,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA, Ireland strengthen cooperation in education and innovation

Source: Government of South Africa

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has described his recent visit to Ireland as an important step in aligning the education and innovation ecosystems of South Africa and Ireland toward shared global development goals.

Manamela returned to South Africa following an official visit to Ireland last Wednesday, as part of the delegation accompanying President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The official visit consolidated the long-standing and strong relationship between South Africa and Ireland, particularly in science and innovation, higher education and skills development, and trade and investment.
On the eve of the official visit, Manamela and International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, visited Dogpatch Labs, one of Ireland’s leading innovation and start-up hubs.

The visit highlighted the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa, a partnership initiative driven by the Embassy of Ireland that identifies and supports high-potential South African tech entrepreneurs whose work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“This initiative demonstrates how collaboration in technology and innovation can empower young African innovators and advance our shared commitment to inclusive development,” Manamela said.

Manamela also held a bilateral meeting with Ireland’s Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Niall Lawless, focusing on expanding cooperation in:
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) teaching and research,
• Lecturer development and exchange programmes,
• Joint academic initiatives on Ireland’s role during the anti-apartheid movement, and
• The development of a Memorandum of Intent to formalise cooperation in higher education, innovation, and research.

The two Ministers also discussed Ireland’s participation in the upcoming G20 Education Working Group, which South Africa will host in Mpumalanga next week.
As part of the broader engagement with the President’s business roundtable, Manamela explored opportunities for Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) and skills-to-work transition programmes with Irish companies based in South Africa, particularly in manufacturing, agro-processing, and high-technology sectors.

Academic collaboration 

The Minister also met with a group of over 20 academics and researchers at Trinity College Dublin, where Professor Kader Asmal once taught law before returning to South Africa to serve as Minister of Education.

Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Trinity College and South African universities, including the University of Johannesburg, Wits University, the University of the Western Cape, and Sefako Makgatho University, in fields such as immunology, creative arts, economics, and history.

Both sides agreed to build on existing collaborations and design joint research and postgraduate supervision programmes that reflect the enduring intellectual and moral ties between the two nations.

The visit also included discussions on expanding the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme, which has supported over 130 South African graduates to pursue postgraduate studies in Ireland since its establishment in 2013.

“This partnership goes beyond symbolism. It embodies the spirit of solidarity that Ireland extended during the anti-apartheid struggle, now renewed through shared investment in science, technology, and education.

“We are building a bridge between our histories of solidarity and our futures of shared innovation. The work ahead, through the proposed Memorandum of Intent will deepen cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and human development for the mutual benefit of both our nations,” Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA launches early warning roadmap

Source: Government of South Africa

SA launches early warning roadmap

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has officially launched South Africa’s Early Warnings for All (EW4All) Roadmap, to enhance the country’s disaster risk reduction efforts.

The launch took place during the Group of 20 (G20) Disaster Risk Reduction Ministerial Meeting, held in Cape Town on Sunday. 

The EW4All initiative is an effort aimed at ensuring that every person in South Africa and across the African continent has access to life-saving early warning systems by 2027.

Addressing the delegates, Hlabisa said the roadmap demonstrates a strong national commitment to enhancing disaster risk reduction and climate resilience by leveraging innovation, technology, and data-driven solutions.

Hlabisa emphasised that this move is not merely a technical achievement, but a symbol of national resolve.

“Through this roadmap, South Africa demonstrates its readiness to innovate by using advanced technologies and data analytics to enable proactive responses to environmental risks and natural disasters.

“It reflects our determination to build a future where early warning systems are seamlessly integrated into disaster management practices, ultimately contributing to a safer and more resilient world for all,” he said.

Reflecting on the G20 Presidency principles of solidarity, equality, and sustainability, the Minister noted that disasters do not respect borders, and collaboration and inclusivity are imperative.

“Solidarity calls for international cooperation and shared knowledge. Equality demands that we confront structural disparities that make some communities more vulnerable than others. Sustainability reminds us that resilience is not only about surviving the next disaster but about safeguarding future generations. No community, urban or rural, formal or informal, should be left behind.”

Hlabisa also acknowledged significant progress under previous G20 Presidencies, including India’s leadership in establishing the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRR WG), and Brazil’s current emphasis on climate justice, inclusivity, and equitable financing.

South Africa, he said, will build on this foundation by ensuring that the unique voices and challenges of Africa are effectively represented within the G20 framework.

The Minister believes that South Africa’s own experiences highlight the urgency of early warning systems.

“The floods in KwaZulu-Natal in April 2022, which claimed over 500 lives, and the Eastern Cape floods two months later, which claimed more than 100 lives, are painful reminders of why this initiative matters.

“The launch of the EW4All Roadmap today is our coordinated response to such tragedies, a commitment to achieving universal early warning coverage by 2027,” he said.

Hlabisa also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to fellow G20 Ministers; members of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, led by Chairperson Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo; the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Narend Singh, as well as development partners, knowledge institutions, and delegates from around the world who gathered to witness this milestone.

“Together, we aspire to foster sustainable development and create pathways for shared prosperity,” he added.

The Minister concluded by outlining a clear roadmap for the next 12 months, including:
•    Establishing the G20 DRR WG Continuity Taskforce, co-chaired by South Africa, India and Brazil, with the United Nations (UN) Disaster Risk Reduction acting as the Secretariat.
•    Hosting the G20 Resilience Financing Dialogue in Durban in the first quarter of 2026.
•    Developing the local resilience toolkit, in partnership with Singapore, Norway and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
•    Piloting the Recovery Readiness Framework in three South African municipalities.
•    Convening the G20 Resilience Innovation Forum alongside the G20 Summit in Johannesburg.
•    Monitoring and reporting on the implementation of EW4All quarterly, with the support of the South African Weather Service (SAWS) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which is responsible for many aspects related to information and communication technologies under the UN. 
 

The Minister further called on all partners to continue working in unity and purpose.

“The journey before us is not without challenges, but it is filled with opportunities for progress and transformation. Together, let us uphold the spirit of solidarity, equality, and sustainability, building a resilient Africa and a safer world for all. Filled with immense pride and responsibility, I am honoured to launch South Africa’s Early Warnings for All Roadmap officially,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile

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Madlanga Commission hearings resume today

Source: Government of South Africa

Madlanga Commission hearings resume today

The Madlanga Commission will resume its hearings at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Tshwane this morning.

“In view of the nature of the evidence to be presented when the hearings resume, the evidence leaders will apply for the hearings to be conducted in camera, in a closed session at which the media and members of the public will not be allowed. 

“If the Commission grants the application, the hearings will then proceed in camera until further notice,” commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said.

South African Police Service (SAPS) Divisional Commissioner for Crime Intelligence, Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, who was giving evidence before the commission’s break, will not be testifying.

“The Commission remains committed to the principles of transparency and accountability.

“Should circumstances permit a change in the mode of hearing, the media and the public will be informed accordingly,” Michaels said.

The Commission – which is officially known as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System – has already heard the evidence of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, followed by that of South African Police Service (SAPS) National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola.

Other witnesses to have given testimony are KZN Director of Public Prosecutions at the National Prosecuting Authority, Elaine Harrison and SAPS Head of Governance, Legislation and Policy at the Legal Services Division, Major General Petronella van Rooyen. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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President Ramaphosa mourns high death toll in Limpopo bus crash

Source: President of South Africa –

On behalf of the government and people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the nations of Zimbabwe and Malawi who have lost compatriots in a bus crash which took place near Makhado, Limpopo, on Sunday, 12 October 2025.

A reported 42 travellers died in the incident on the N1 on Sunday afternoon while they were en route to their home countries from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.

President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased while he wishes the dozens of injured persons a full and speedy recovery.

President Ramaphosa said: “This incident is a tragedy for South Africa and our sister states of Zimbabwe and Malawi alike.

“This sadness is compounded by the fact that this incident has taken place during our annual Transport Month, where we place a special focus on the importance of safety on our roads.

“Our roads are also economic networks that bring the people of our region together across our national borders.

“We must do everything we can as road users, as transport operators, drivers and passengers to ensure that we stay safe and that we share our roads responsibly and with care for one another.”

 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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SA to sign MoU on infrastructure collaboration

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, October 13, 2025

The Governments of the Republic of South Africa and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will today sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on infrastructure collaboration.

“This landmark MoU establishes a strategic framework to accelerate infrastructure delivery and optimise the use of public assets in South Africa, fostering sustainable economic growth and development,” the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said in a statement on Sunday.

Monday’s MoU signing will take place in London. The agreement will be signed by Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson and Sir Chris Bryant (MP), Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade in the UK.

The department explained that the key objectives of the collaboration include the acceleration of the delivery of high-impact infrastructure programmes and projects in South Africa, optimising the use of South African State-owned assets for public benefit, and enhancing local delivery capabilities through the sharing of world-class international expertise. It also includes technical assistance, as well as strengthening infrastructure planning and implementation at the municipal level in selected focus areas. – SAnews.gov.za

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SARS seizes R65 million narcotics at Durban Harbour

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, October 13, 2025

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has made a narcotics bust worth an estimated R65 million during a collaborative intelligence operation led at the Durban Harbour on Sunday morning.

Thirty bricks of suspected narcotics were seized during the operation that were stashed in the reefer refrigeration unit of a vessel.

“On [Sunday morning] Durban Customs Enforcement Team Launched the Customs Marine Unit Patrol Vessel – Striker to go and intercept the Motor Vessel near the Fairway Bouy at Outer Anchorage about 4 Nautical Miles of the East Coast of the Durban.

“The enforcement team intercepted the vessel as it was entering the port and escorted the vessel to its berth. The enforcement team boarded the vessel, interviewed the Master of the Vessel, and examined documentation to identify the location of a profiled container.

“The vessel was rummaged by the enforcement team, and the container was located on the vessel where the refrigeration unit was examined. This resulted in one positive detection of bricks of suspected narcotics,” SARS said in a statement.

SARS Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, commended the teams for the successful bust.

“Customs demonstrated its gallantry by working so hard and focussed at the death of the night to intercept this vessel. 

“This speaks to an unwavering commitment by SARS to protect our borders and keep at bay all criminals that are bent on shipping harmful substance that cause unmitigated suffering for our inhabitants,” Kieswetter said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Transnet gets greenlight to continue with plans to upgrade DCT Pier 2

Source: Government of South Africa

The KwaZulu-Natal High Court dismissal of the application to set aside the selection of an equity partner for the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2, paves the way for Transnet proceed with plans to modernise and expand the terminal.

“This ruling confirms the integrity and transparency of Transnet’s procurement processes and governance structures. It removes a major hurdle to the implementation of the transaction. We can now focus all our energy on executing our plan to modernise and expand DCT Pier 2,” Transnet Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips said on Friday.

In July 2023, Transnet selected International Container Terminal Services, Inc (ICTSI) as the preferred bidder for a 25-year joint venture with Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) to develop and upgrade the terminal, with due diligence confirming the entity’s financial viability.

Pier 2 is the largest single container terminal at Transnet and handles 72% of the Port of Durban’s throughput and 46% of South Africa’s container volumes, making it a critical gateway of trade.

Transnet has always maintained that a rigorous procurement process was followed to select the preferred bidder. 

Furthermore, a due diligence process was concluded to determine ICTSI’s financial soundness. The financial soundness report confirmed that ICTSI has the financial resources to conclude the transaction. 

According to Transnet, the procurement of a private sector partner is set to improve DCT Pier 2 terminal productivity and increase terminal throughput. 

The partnership will have a positive impact on Transnet, container supply chains and on the competitiveness of South Africa’s economy. 

The Port of Durban is South Africa’s main cargo and container port due to its strategic location along international shipping routes.

“[The ruling] paves the way for us to move expeditiously to finalise the implementation of this transaction without undue delay. We remain committed to transforming our ports into world-class hubs that unlock new trade opportunities through the deployment of state-of-the-art equipment.

“It is unfortunate that our endeavours to stimulate investments at DCT have been delayed. We hope that this unwanted delay is an isolated incident that will not set a precedent for future obstacles, particularly as we move forward with vital private sector participation (PSP) transactions,” Phillips said.

Transnet said the transaction is a major step in Transnet’s programme to crowd-in the private sector to bring in global expertise and capital and to improve efficiencies across the organisation’s terminals.

“Transnet wishes to reiterate that the tender process run by Transnet was both fair and transparent and the evaluation process concluded in an appropriate and objective manner consistent with the public procurement rules in South Africa.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Operation Shanela nabs over 700 suspects 

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, October 13, 2025

Operation Shanela 2 efforts have led to the arrest of 777 suspects across various parts of Gauteng, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.

Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner responsible for Crime Detection (also acting as Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing), Major General Mbuso Khumalo, led law enforcement agencies as they embarked on the weekend’s operations.

“These suspects were arrested for serious and violent crimes that include murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, robbery, rape and sexual assault,” Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said.

Operation Shanela 2 was conducted across all five districts in the province from 10 – 12 October 2025, where 255 wanted suspects were arrested in the Tshwane District and 196 suspects were arrested in the Johannesburg District.

Ekurhuleni saw 137 wanted suspects being arrested, while 186 suspects were arrested in Sedibeng and West Rand Districts. A further 265 suspects were arrested as police embarked on roadblocks, stop-and-searches, as well as compliance checks on liquor outlets.

“The arrested suspects will appear before different magistrate courts in Gauteng in due course,” said the police. – SAnews.gov.za