Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

Government, TikTok talks collaboration

Edwin
Fri, 10/10/2025 – 10:29

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has conveyed the nation’s collective grief following the passing of South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, who said he left a legacy of dedication and service to the country. 

Lamola conveyed his condolences during an emotional official memorial service on Friday, attended by family representatives, diplomats, and colleagues which served as a reminder of the profound impact Ambassador Mthethwa had on South Africa’s diplomatic landscape.

“Our gathering here is a sombre reminder that Ambassador Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa is no more.

“More than a week ago, our nation received the harrowing news of Ambassador Mthethwa’s passing. We have indeed suffered a monumental loss,” Lamola said.

The late Ambassador passed away in the French capital on 30 September 2025, at the age of 58. 

“He was faithful to the cause, the people and their hopes of a better tomorrow. He had a remarkable appreciation for the intersecting struggles of youth, workers and the people as a whole. A recurring theme in his lifelong service is unwavering dedication and loyalty to the people and our nation.“

At the time of his death, Ambassador Mthethwa served as South Africa’s highest-ranking diplomat in France, where his efforts significantly strengthened the bilateral relations between South Africa and France. 

Lamola highlighted Mthethwa’s achievements since he assumed his role in 2023, emphasising the Ambassador’s commitment to enhancing ties and transforming global power relations.

“The news of his passing shook us profoundly, reminding us of the fragility of life and the fleeting nature of time,” Lamola said, as he reflected on the Ambassador’s contributions to both countries. 

The Minister noted that Ambassador Mthethwa was honoured by French officials, including his counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France. 

Barrot referred to Mthethwa as “a friend of France” and emphasised his contributions to strengthening the relationship between the two nations.

The longstanding partnership between South Africa and France has seen immense growth since the normalisation of relations in 1994. 

Lamola noted that South Africa has become a key destination for French exports to sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 16% of the total, with trade relations bolstered by significant investments since the pandemic.

“Trade between our countries has grown steadily since the pandemic… These exchanges reflect more than figures. They tell a story of partnership, respect and shared progress,” Lamola told mourners. 

He underscored the importance of Ambassador Mthethwa’s role in facilitating these interactions through initiatives like the South Africa Investment Conference in Paris.

The Minister also recalled Ambassador Mthethwa’s firm stance on international issues, such as Western Sahara, where he reiterated South Africa’s support for the self-determination of the Western Sahara people. 

“For his service and devotion, we owe him a great debt of gratitude,” Lamola stated, recognising the Ambassador’s dedication to critical global human rights discussions.

He said his journey was characterised by unwavering loyalty to the people of South Africa, having been a prominent activist during the anti-apartheid struggle. 

He played a crucial role as a member of the South African Youth Congress and the African National Congress Youth League, contributing to the dismantling of apartheid and promoting democracy in South Africa.

“As an activist in the wave of youth resistance in the 1980s. Ambassador Mthethwa can be rightly counted as part of a generation that struck the final blow to apartheid,” Lamola said. 

Lamola took the time to celebrate the Ambassador’s vital role in South Africa’s transition to democracy. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed a new investment package from the European Union (EU) valued at €11.5 billion (R230 billion), describing it as a significant step towards building South Africa’s economy of the future while deepening long-standing ties with Europe.

Speaking during a media briefing on Thursday, President Ramaphosa said the initiative opens “new possibilities for trade and investment” and marks the beginning of “a new era of partnership and cooperation” between South Africa and the EU.

The President along with President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission, jointly addressed the media following the announcement of the European Union’s investment package. The announcement took place on the margins of the Global Gateway Forum at the headquarters of the European Commission, The Berlaymont, in Brussels, Belgium. 

The President said the investment package will drive growth in critical sectors, such as green hydrogen, renewable energy, critical minerals, e-battery development, and vaccine production, while also supporting infrastructure development across rail, road, ports, logistics, and digital connectivity.

“These investments will help to build the economy of the future in the South Africa of the present. We welcome the special focus on skills, small business development, and research and development. This is vital for the development of our people, our most valuable resource,” the President said. 

The EU remains South Africa’s largest trading partner and one of its most significant sources of foreign direct investment, accounting for 41% of total FDI into the country. More than 2,000 EU companies currently operate in South Africa, creating over half a million direct and indirect jobs.

President Ramaphosa said the new investment package would advance the goals of the Clean Trade and Investment Partnership, agreed upon at the South Africa–European Union Summit held in Cape Town in March 2024. 

The partnership is aimed at promoting clean energy transition, technology transfer, skills development, and strategic industrial growth along value chains across Africa.

The President expressed confidence that the partnership will not only accelerate South Africa’s just transition to a low-carbon economy but also position Africa as “the next frontier of clean global production.”

“We applaud the leadership of President von der Leyen and President Costa in giving form to this vision of a global gateway…We are grateful to the European Union for the strong support it has given to South Africa’s G20 Presidency, and our agenda of solidarity, equality and sustainability,” the President said. 

He added that he looks forward to hosting EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg next month, which will provide an opportunity to further advance “a peaceful, just and inclusive world order.” – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, October 10, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will undertake a working visit to Türkiye to co-chair the inaugural Bi-National Commission (BNC) between the two countries on Wednesday, 15 October 2025. 

The BNC will be convened according to the 2012 agreement, which established the commission to be co-chaired at the Deputy President and Vice-President levels, respectively.

Deputy President Mashatile will co-chair the inaugural South Africa-Türkiye BNC with his counterpart, the Türkiye Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz. 

According to the Presidency, the purpose of the BNC is to serve as a structured platform for enhancing and coordinating political, economic and social cooperation between South Africa and Türkiye. 

Through consistent high-level discussions and collaborative decision-making, the BNC will enable both countries to finalise long-pending draft agreements, reassess existing agreements, and identify new areas for cooperation in political, economic, social, justice, and security sectors. 

The Deputy President is expected to sign several cooperation agreements.

Through consistent high-level discussions and collaborative decision-making, the BNC will enable both countries to finalise long-pending draft agreements, reassess existing agreements, and identify new areas for cooperation in political, economic, social, justice, and security sectors. 

The Deputy President is expected to sign cooperation agreements.

The country’s second-in-command will also travel to Istanbul for economic diplomacy engagements, including addressing the 5th biennial Türkiye-Africa Business Forum (TABEF) occurring on 16-17 October 2025.

According to the advisory, South Africa’s participation in the TABEF and bilateral meetings with key stakeholders is expected to enhance trade relations with Türkiye. 

This will further solidify South Africa’s status as Türkiye’s largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa and establish it as a key partner within Africa and the Global South.

While in Istanbul, the Deputy President will also participate in the South Africa-Türkiye Business Council and engage with Turkish investors with an interest in the South African market. 

The Deputy President will also address the closing ceremony of the Türkiye Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF) on 17 October 2025.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola; Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau; and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Blade Nzimande. 

He will also be joined by Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille; Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe; Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, and Deputy Minister of Agriculture Zoleka Capa. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Government is working towards re-establishing rail as the backbone of transport while ensuring that strategic infrastructure such as rail lines and ports remain in public ownership, says Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy.

“By ensuring the prompt execution of reforms in the logistics sector we can reduce the risks present in both our global and domestic environments,” the Minister said on Thursday in Johannesburg.

As part of ongoing efforts to revitalise the transport and logistics sector, government is bringing the private sector on board to fund infrastructure development.

“The limited availability of state resources to fund infrastructure development makes private sector investment critical. To guide private sector investment in our five-priority rail and port corridors, we have just concluded a Request for Information process,” the Minister said.

The Minister made the remarks at the National Press Club Roundtable on Transport Economy, held to launch the October Transport Month Campaign under the theme: “Implementing an integrated, sustainable and safe transport system that promotes inclusive economic growth, job creation and social development.” 

Government’s work on reforming the freight rail programme is informed by the White Paper on the National Rail Policy of 2022 and complemented by the National Freight Logistics Roadmap of 2023.

“We are currently processing the 163 submissions we received from private sector players and intend to release the first request of proposal or RFP by December this year.

“In line with the Private Sector Participation envisioned in the White Paper on the National Rail Policy, we announced the first 11 private rail operators in August this year,” the Minister said.

Significant progress has been made in improving operational and capacity-related challenges that have plagued the country’s ports.

“As a result of the hard work by the Transnet War room, rail tonnage increased by 9 million tons to 161 million tons last year; and containers handled in our ports increased by 48 000 Units (TEUs), 54% up from last year. 

“Since July this year we have been reaching or exceeding our weekly TEU target and I am pleased to report that there are no longer queues at our port terminals,” Creecy said.

Air freight

According to Airports Company South Africa SOC Ltd (ACSA), 489 000 tons of air freight moved through out airports last year and 18.97 million passengers indicating that government is on track to achieving its 2029 targets.

ACSA has been allocated R21. 7 billion for infrastructure development. 

This will improve facilities for passenger safety and comfort, over the medium-term period, and build a new freight terminal at OR Tambo International Airport.

Recently Oxford Economics Africa confirmed that South African Airways (SAA) contributed R9.1 billion to South Africa’s GDP in 2023/24, a figure projected to more than triple to R32.6 billion by 2029/30. 

“Over the same period, the airline’s operations are expected to support 86,700 jobs, up from the current 25,000, demonstrating their growing role as a national employer and economic catalyst.

“SAA is pursuing a bold route expansion to strengthen its regional and global footprint. New regional routes from Johannesburg and Cape Town aim to boost intra-African connectivity, supporting tourism and trade. 

“The airline has begun a measured fleet expansion to meet growing demand, reinforcing its role as a connector of economies across the continent and beyond,” the Minister said.

By end of May 2025, The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) successfully revived 35 out of 40 service lines. 

It has also achieved an unaudited figure of 77 million passenger journeys for the last financial year and 116 million passenger journeys for the 25/26 financial year. –SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

In a rousing call to action, Electricity and Energy Minister, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has called for G20 countries to ensure that the Energy Transitions Working Group and Ministerial meetings serve as a beacon of hope for those living on the margins of society. 

The Minister delivered the opening address at the G20 Energy Transitions Ministerial Meeting held in Ballito, north of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on Friday.

“May this gathering stand as a beacon of hope, as testament strengthen our unity, compassion and collective resolve.

“This moment should not be defined by contests of economic power or political will, but by our shared duty to the people we serve individually and together,” Ramokgopa said.

The Minister implored the gathering to bear in mind the plight of those they serve.

“We must place at the forefront the real, lived experiences of women and men, of young people and children striving to make ends meet, trapped in cycles of poverty and exposed to the persistent challenges that weigh upon our communities.

“We cannot turn away from those who live on the margins of society, denied electricity, clean water, sanitation and healthcare. Nor can we ignore millions of children growing up in deprivation, deprived of education and opportunity, and of the simple right to dream without limits. Their reality must be the heartbeat of our deliberations,” he said.

Ramokgopa emphasised that the gathering calls upon the leaders to “chart a different path one that values people above profit”.

“Let this be a moment where we realise a world that is just, equitable [and] humane. A world where every person in every nation is given the chance not merely to survive, but to thrive.

“As we open this fourth Ministerial Meeting, we are reminded that our work here is both a conclusion and a beginning. It concludes a Presidency that has sought to balance ambition with inclusivity and it begins a new phase where future presidencies will take forward these outcomes, as we chart a new G20-led revolution to reaffirm Africa’s centrality in ensuring that we power our respective countries and especially those of developing economies,” he said.

The Minister reflected on South Africa’s leadership of the G20 over the past year.

“South Africa stands proud to have steered this process. Not for us alone but for Africa, for the global south and the world. 

“Let us ensure that Durban is remembered as the moment where we reaffirmed our shared commitment to secure affordable, reliable and accessible energy, to balance just and sovereign energy transitions and to a future where industrialisation and sustainability walk hand in hand,” Ramokgopa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has welcomed a criminal investigation into allegations of bribery and fraud related to the issuing of licences at the Midrand Driver Licensing Testing Centre (DLTC). 

“During our visit, we identified the presence of so-called ‘runners,’ including an undocumented foreign national who was facilitating services for other undocumented individuals. This raises serious concerns about the possible sale of licences to people who are not legally in the country,” MEC Diale-Tlabela said on Thursday.

The MEC conducted an unannounced visit as part of the Department of Roads and Transport’s broader efforts to ensure that all licensing and testing centres operate with integrity, efficiency, and in full compliance with the law.

She was accompanied by the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport and Logistics, Greg Schneemann, and the Head of Department, Dr Thulani Mdadane, during which several disturbing irregularities were uncovered.

The MEC emphasised that the visit marks the beginning of a province-wide crackdown on fraud and maladministration within licensing centres.

“We will intensify our oversight across all Driver Licensing Testing Centres,  to ensure full compliance and root out corruption. Our officials must remember that they serve the people of South Africa and should do so with dignity, integrity, and respect,” she said.

Diale-Tlabela urged all public servants to honour their oath of service and uphold the values of clean and accountable governance.

“The continued corruption and fraud at some of our DLTCs is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” she stressed.

Schneemann also expressed deep concern over the state of affairs at the facility.

“What we witnessed is deeply troubling. If staff can disrespect government officials, one can only imagine how they treat ordinary citizens.

“Even more troubling, we confirmed reports of bribery and fraudulent activity, including the use of a fake passport. These are not rumours, they were verified on site. We fully support the MEC, the city, and law enforcement agencies in investigating and taking firm action against any officials implicated in corruption,” he said.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) Anti-Fraud Unit and the Department of Home Affairs Anti-Fraud Unit have confirmed that criminal investigations are underway.

The facility is managed by the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. The MEC will be meeting with the City’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) to discuss the future of the centre. –SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has successfully wrapped up a two-day working visit to South Sudan, which began on Wednesday. 

The purpose of the visit was to assess the progress of implementing the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

South Sudan is actively implementing a peace process under the framework of the R-ARCRSS, which was signed in September 2018.

Key provisions of the R-ARCRSS include, among other things, drafting a new constitution, establishing transitional security arrangements, and preparing for elections scheduled for December 2026.

According to the statement issued by the Presidency on Thursday, the country’s second-in-command held engagements with South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Vice-President Benjamin Boi Mel and other signatory Parties to the Revitalised Agreement.  

“All parties are committed to doing everything possible to avoid worsening political tensions, which could lead to increased insecurity. 

“Furthermore, the parties expressed confidence in the Revitalised Agreement as the only existing instrument to facilitate the transition to a peaceful, stable and prosperous future. Accordingly, the parties underscored the need to work together in creating a conducive environment for the holding of credible elections, scheduled to take place in December 2026,” the statement read.  

Deputy President Mashatile visited the mother of the nation, South Sudan Vice President Mama Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior, at her official residence in Juba.

“Mama Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior is the wife of the late Dr John Garang de Mabior, leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement and the first President of South Sudan. She urged South Africa to remain seized with the process,” the statement read. 

Concluding his visit, Deputy President Mashatile underscored the importance of strengthening political and economic bilateral relations between South Africa and South Sudan. – SAnews.gov.za