Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

In a bold move towards transforming the commuter experience, eThekwini Municipality has officially launched its Public Transport Information Centre. 

The centre is housed within the City’s Traffic Management Centre in the Durban Central Business District.

The centre launch coincides with national Transport Month and is designed to provide commuters with reliable and accessible information about Durban’s public transport system.

Speaking at the launch on Monday, eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cyril Xaba, highlighted the significance of the centre being people focused.

“Public transport is not only about buses, taxis, and trains. At its heart, it is about people, connecting them to work, schools, healthcare, family, and recreation. Reliable information is a necessity, and this centre will ensure that commuters are informed, empowered, and able to travel with confidence,” he said.

The Public Transport Information Centre will provide updates on the city’s public transport bus services, incidents affecting travel on the city’s roads, and respond to queries about the city’s cashless payment system, MUVO, through its easy-to-use communication channels, including a toll-free number and a public transport email helpdesk.

Mayor Xaba explained how the system will operate.

“By integrating data from the Metro Police, the city’s public transport bus operators, and the Transport Management Centre, our centre can deliver timely, accurate updates that commuters can trust. This is about efficiency, transparency and dignity for every person who relies on public transport in Durban,” Xaba said.

The initiative is built on collaboration across the city’s transport ecosystem, with metro police providing incident data, operators sharing service information, and the Traffic Management Centre offering real-time monitoring.

Xaba emphasised that the launch reflects eThekwini Municipality’s broader commitment to building a modern, inclusive and commuter-centred transport system. 

“During Transport Month, we celebrate the innovation and the partnerships that are shaping the future of transport in the city. The Information Centre is an example of how technology and collaboration can directly benefit residents,” he said.

The Public Transport Information Centre can be contacted on toll free number: 087 121 9446, or email at Info@godurban.co.za – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has confirmed that South African citizens who were detained in Israel have safely arrived in Jordan. 

According to the department, South Africa‘s Ambassador to Jordan, Tselane Mokuena, was present to receive the delegation on behalf of the country. 

On Monday, the department announced that these Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) activists would be released and repatriated, departing for Jordan on Tuesday morning.

“The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has been formally notified by the Israeli authorities regarding the status of the South African citizens who participated in the recent Global Flotilla initiative,” the statement read. 

South Africans who were on board the flotilla include Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, Zukiswa Wanner, Reaaz Moolla, Zaheera Soomar, Fatima Hendricks and Carrie Shelver.

The GSF set sail from Barcelona, Spain, in early September and was intercepted by the Israeli navy in international waters as it approached Gaza. 

Reports indicate that Israeli police arrested over 470 people who were on board the flotilla boats.

Minister Ronald Lamola has expressed gratitude to all parties, both domestically and internationally, for their cooperation in ensuring the safe return of South African citizens.

“The South African government remains committed to the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad,” the department said. 

The GSF is an international initiative led by civil society, launched in June of this year.

The movement aims to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, raise awareness about the urgent needs of the Palestinian people, and emphasise the necessity of ending the conflict in Gaza.

Yesterday, the Israeli Foreign Ministry announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that 171 activists from the flotilla, including the Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, were deported from Israel to Greece and Slovakia.

The deportees are citizens of Greece, Italy, France, Ireland, Sweden, Poland, Germany, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Austria, Luxembourg, Finland, Denmark, Slovakia, Switzerland, Norway, the United Kingdom, Serbia, and the United States. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

The South Africa Abalone Export Council has set its sights on the European market as part of its market diversification strategy. 

The Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Rhomona Gounden, is currently representing the sector at the prestigious Anuga Food and Beverage Trade Fair in Cologne, Germany, together with 30 other South African companies. 

The world’s largest global food and beverage trade show started on Saturday, 4 October, and will end on Wednesday, 8 October 2025.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has set up a national pavilion where South African agro-processing companies are showcasing their proudly South African products. 

This is part of the department’s efforts to assist companies seek markets in various parts of the world, as part of the country’s export diversification initiatives.

Gounden describes her presence at Anuga as both a strategic mission and a brand awareness drive for South African abalone, a premium seafood delicacy prized across Asia but still relatively unknown in Europe. 

Her booth has attracted some strange attention from the trade show visitors.

She said the next step lies in educating the European market and building consumer awareness and appreciation for South African abalone. She admits that the council has its work cut out for it in an attempt to market the product in Europe.

“Not many people know about abalone here in Europe. That is exactly the reason why we had to participate in this popular and big trade fair with the assistance of the dtic. We have a lot of work to do. We are making all efforts to explore Europe as a potential market, in order to diversify our export markets into the European Union. 

“We are on a mission to seek export opportunities in Europe and are confident that we will gradually penetrate this market with France being our potential gateway, as they are fond of exotic foods.

“We are not just selling a premium product but rather building a premium brand for South African abalone in Europe. This journey is about creating awareness, fostering curiosity, and ultimately developing an alternate market for farmed abalone,” explains Gounden.

The South African Abalone Export Council was established in 2006. It represents six member companies, namely Aqunion, HIK, I&J, Sea Harvest, West Coast Abalone, and Wild Coast Abalone), representing twelve farms, primarily in the Western Cape and one in the Eastern Cape.

The industry produces around 3 000 tonnes of abalone annually. 99% of all farmed abalone is exported to traditional markets, such as China, Japan, Canada and Singapore. It is a labour-intensive industry that employs 2 500 people. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, October 6, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

With the official opening of Extrupet’s new food-grade Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic recycling plant in Cape Town, government has encouraged the waste sector to invest in building a circular economy that works for all.

This plant adds 15 000 tonnes of recycled PET per year, taking Extrupet’s total output from 30 000 to 45 000 tonnes. With phase two planned, national capacity will reach 60 000 tonnes next year.

“Allow me to commend Extrupet, Propet and PETCO for your investment and commitment. This is the leadership we expect from industry, a step that shows South Africa’s waste sector can be a cornerstone of the circular economy,” Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George said.

Addressing the opening of the facility in Cape Town, on Monday, the Minister said the investment in the plant also supports competitiveness. 

New European Union rules require plastic beverage bottles to contain at least 25% certified recycled PET. 

“With local food-grade recycled polyethylene terephthalate available at scale, Western Cape producers are better placed to meet these standards and to protect export markets. This facility is more than bricks and machinery; it is a symbol of how South Africa can turn a crisis into an opportunity.

“It shows that with clear policy, vision and partnership, plastic waste can be transformed from a burden on our environment into a driver of jobs, innovation and inclusive growth. Government’s role is to create the enabling environment,” George said.

The National Development Plan, the National Waste Management Strategy and the Extended Producer Responsibility regulations set the framework.

“Industry makes it real through investment and delivery. When business and government pull in the same direction, we achieve growth and sustainability together,” George said.

The Minister stressed that PET plastics are among the most visible materials in the waste stream, and they are among the most valuable when properly collected. 

“Waste pickers know this value. For many, PET is not waste, it is income and dignity. If we collect PET properly, it supports livelihoods and builds enterprises. If we do not, it ends up in landfills, rivers and oceans. That is the choice before us, and this facility tilts the balance towards opportunity.

“Supply must meet demand. Waste pickers and Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are central to that supply. They are not on the margins of this story; they are at its heart. Our work with municipalities to integrate waste pickers into formal systems will strengthen this value chain,” he said.

Government’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations require producers to meet clear targets for collection and recycling, including for different grades of PET. 

PETCO plays a critical role as the Producer Responsibility Organisation that supports compliance and builds the system. 

“Because of this collaboration, more than 70% of PET beverage bottles placed on the market by PETCO members are collected and recycled. This is how regulations become reality. Facilities like this expand capacity. Waste pickers collect and sort the material. Companies invest in infrastructure, skills and awareness,” George said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, October 6, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

CGE welcomes ruling on parental leave equality

GabiK
Mon, 10/06/2025 – 09:56

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African companies participating in the Anuga Food and Beverage Trade Fair in Germany are confident that they will not only fly the country’s flag high but also return home with good trade leads and deals to enable them to export their products to Europe.

The participation of South African exhibitors at Anuga 2025, which kicks off in Cologne from 4 to 8 October 2025, was made possible by the support provided by Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic). 

The initiative forms part of the department’s market diversification strategy, aimed at assisting local manufacturers establish markets in various parts of the world, in order to stimulate export-led industrialisation.

Zazi Productions Managing Director, Thobeka Ndabula, said she is looking forward to exposing her products to international importers that are expected to descend on the popular trade fair. Zazi is based in Johannesburg where they are manufacturing 100% ready-to-drink juice and dried fruits.

“We are confident that we will return home with several trade leads and at least one or two concrete trade deals that will result in us making a breakthrough into the export market. We are ready to produce products for an export market after expanding our business and installing the necessary production facilities,” Ndabula said.

Kaukou Managing Director, Theo Adams, whose company produces honeybush tea in the Western Cape’s Garden Route, said Anuga provides an opportunity for his company to increase its international client base.

“We are looking forward to increasing our export sales by securing new clients for our products. We are currently exporting to Europe on a limited scale, and we plan to make use our participation here in Anuga to expand our footprint and penetrate Europe and other markets,” Adams said.

Bloemfontein-based Buttercup Farmhouse Chief Executive Officer, Chantelle De Bruyn-Motshabi also expressed excitement about the prospects of entering an export market.

“We are delighted for the opportunity presented to us by the dtic to showcase our unique, niche coffee product made from vegetables,

“We are looking forward to establishing niche contacts and open to building long-term relationships in the retail sector with international buyers and importers,” De Bruyn-Motshabi said.

Anuga is a biennial event that is regarded as the world’s largest and most important food and beverage fair. It attracts distributors, retailers, importers and wholesalers of food and beverages from all continents.

In the 36th edition of Anuga in 2023, more than 7 900 companies from 118 countries exhibited, and more than 140 000 trade visitors from 200 countries flocked to the event. – SAnews.gov.za