Blended finance proves game-changer for WC farmers

Source: Government of South Africa

Blended finance proves game-changer for WC farmers

The Western Cape Government’s MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, has hailed the blended finance catalyst for agriculture as a “game-changer” for emerging and smallholder farmers.

Spearheaded by the national Department of Agriculture in partnership with financial institutions including Land Bank and ABSA, the Blended Finance Scheme is designed to reduce financial risk while increasing access to capital.

It targets historically disadvantaged individuals, particularly women, youth and people with disabilities, and supports investments in infrastructure, mechanisation, and value-adding enterprises.

“This model is about unlocking opportunity. It combines the strength of government grants with the discipline of private sector finance to empower our farmers to grow, compete, and thrive,” Meyer said. 

The MEC was addressing over 250 farmers and stakeholders at the national Department of Agriculture’s Blended Finance Roadshow, held in Paarl in the Drakenstein Municipality. 

The event, held on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, marked a significant milestone in the Western Cape Government’s ongoing efforts to support the commercialisation of Black producers and transform the agricultural sector.

Meyer emphasised the Western Cape’s commitment to agricultural transformation, food security, and rural development. 

“We are not just investing in farms; we are investing in people, in communities, and in the future of our province.”

The roadshow brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including 122 farmers from across the province’s eight districts, commodity organisations, extension practitioners, and representatives from the private sector. 

The event also featured a welcome address by Drakenstein Executive Mayor, Stephen Korabie, and showcased the province’s key agricultural commodities aligned with the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP), including deciduous fruit, wine grapes, citrus, grains, poultry, and red meat.

Meyer concluded by encouraging farmers to seize the opportunity presented by the scheme. 

“This is your time. Let us walk this journey together – government, financiers, and farmers – to build a more inclusive, competitive, and sustainable agricultural sector.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile

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Changing gear: Eskom introduces first electric vehicle fleet

Source: Government of South Africa

Changing gear: Eskom introduces first electric vehicle fleet

In a move that marries its energy mandate with a vision for a sustainable future, state-owned power utility Eskom has officially plugged into the future of transport with the introduction of its inaugural fleet of electric vehicles.

The initiative is supported by the installation of some 10 charging stations on five sites aimed at supporting the adaptation of electric transportation.

The state-owned power utility described the move as “a major milestone” on the journey toward “sustainable transport and a cleaner energy future for all South Africans”.

“Eskom is driving South Africa’s shift to a cleaner, low-carbon future. Through e-mobility, we are cutting emissions, boosting innovation, and showing how sustainable energy solutions can create real benefits for communities and the economy. 

“We see ourselves as more than just an electricity provider – we are enablers of progress,” Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane said.

The power utility’s Group Executive for Distribution, Agnes Mlambo, described the move as transformational.

“Eskom is taking steps to transform how South Africans move in a world where climate change is no longer a distant threat but an urgent reality. 

“The launch of these vehicles is not only about mobility; it is about reimagining the energy landscape, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring every community benefits from the transition to sustainable transport,” Mlambo said.

To date, the power utility has taken delivery of some 20 electric vehicles.

These vehicles range from light delivery vehicles to light trucks with another 100 planned for the near future. 

“These vehicles will be deployed primarily in the Distribution and Generation Divisions, supporting operations while demonstrating the practicality and benefits of e-mobility in South Africa.

“Eskom’s vision for e-mobility extends beyond vehicles. The organisation has committed to gradually transitioning its entire fleet to EVs, with the Distribution Division, which has the largest vehicle footprint, targeting full electrification by 2035.

“To enable this shift, Eskom will expand charging infrastructure across its sites and roll out 55 public EV charging stations over the next two years, creating opportunities for broader adoption,” the power utility said.

Furthermore, Eskom is also “prioritising grid readiness for e-mobility”.

EV load forecasting is integrated into long-term planning to ensure that increased electricity demand is managed effectively. 

Smart charging systems and time-of-use tariffs are being developed to optimise energy use, making EV ownership more affordable and sustainable for the public.

“Since 2021, Eskom has engaged with government, automotive manufacturers, petroleum companies, and research institutions to build a strong and integrated e-mobility framework for South Africa.

“Through e-mobility. Eskom is not only reducing emissions but also driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to a cleaner, healthier future for all South Africans. By embracing electric mobility, we are delivering tangible benefits to communities and the economy, while also pivoting into new revenue streams by this offering for our customers,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Construction company ordered to pay back R68.8m after unlawful tender

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

The Special Tribunal has ordered a construction company to pay back some R68.8 million that it has earned through an unlawful tender awarded by the Mogalakwena Local Municipality.

The company, Easyway Tarmac Pave and Projects CC, was contracted by the municipality for the supply, delivery, installation, and/or construction of borehole development, storage reservoirs and bulk gravity supply pipelines in a mammoth R167.9 million contract.

The contract was declared unconstitutional, unlawful and invalid by the tribunal, following an application by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

The corruption busting unit contended that the company “fraudulently misrepresented its grades and projects undertaken, thereby inducing the municipality to award the tender to it”.

“The Tribunal upheld the SIU’s evidence that Easyway deliberately lied in its bid documents. The company claimed to have completed three projects, each valued at over R50 million, for various municipalities. 

“The SIU investigation, supported by affidavits from municipal managers, proved these claims were false. In one instance, Easyway inflated the value of an actual project from R6.1 million to over R50.8 million. In another, Easyway claimed a project that never existed.

“The SIU’s investigation found that Easyway would not have scored the minimum points required to qualify for the tender had it not made false claims,” the SIU said in a statement.

The company’s contractor grading also “legally disqualified from undertaking a contract of this value”.

Furthermore, the municipality’s own evaluation process was also found to be subpar.

“The evaluation process by the municipality’s Bid Evaluation Committee was found to be unfair and non-transparent, as it failed to score bids according to its own specifications properly and could not justify why a higher-scoring bidder was overlooked,” the SIU said.

In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action. – SAnews.gov.za

Hlabisa reaffirms commitment to fix Ditsobotla Local Municipality

Source: Government of South Africa

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, has reaffirmed his department’s commitment to restoring stability, effective governance, and reliable service delivery in the Ditsobotla Local Municipality in the North West.

“We will ensure that the financial recovery plan is implemented effectively to benefit residents and rebuild public trust. Our stance is clear: ‘Every Municipality Must Work’. The people of Ditsobotla deserve reliable services, ethical leadership, and a municipality that is financially sound and responsive to their needs,” the Minister said.

This as he visited the municipality on Tuesday and chaired the first engagement as part of the Cabinet-led intervention to stabilise the municipality.

This follows Cabinet’s approval to invoke Section 139(7) of the Constitution, placing the municipality under national intervention due to ongoing governance failures, financial mismanagement, and the collapse of service delivery.

READ | Cabinet approves placement of Ditsobotla Municipality under administration

“Since its dissolution in September 2022 and reconstitution in December 2022, Ditsobotla has continued to face political instability, administrative dysfunction, and financial decline,” the department noted.

The municipality has adopted unfunded budgets for five consecutive years, accumulated over R1.6 billion in unpaid creditors, defaulted on salary and Eskom payments, and failed to implement court-ordered recovery measures. 

Its low revenue collection undermines its operational capability, with services stalling, including unreliable water and electricity supply, non-compliance in waste management, and halted infrastructure projects.

Previous intervention by the North West Provincial Executive Council under Section 139(5) of the Constitution failed to restore stability or full functionality. 

Meanwhile, varied CoGTA court actions, including those prompted by civil and business organisations, have highlighted the urgent need for decisive action.

Addressing councillors, officials, and community members, Hlabisa emphasised the intervention is “not merely about taking power away, but about restoring credibility, functionality, and trust in this municipality.”

Support

National and provincial governments have already initiated several support mechanisms. 

These include ongoing technical and oversight aid from CoGTA, the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent, the province, and sector departments such as the Department of Electricity and Energy. 

A multidisciplinary Provincial Executive Representative (PER) team is being deployed to provide technical, financial, and governance expertise to both staff and councillors. 

Meanwhile, a skills audit and employee verification process is underway.

Going forward, the National Executive will take on the functions and powers of the provincial executive to implement the mandated financial recovery plan. 

National Cabinet Representative (NCR) Kopung Ralikontsane and a multidisciplinary team of governance and service delivery experts have been appointed to the municipality.

This group, led by the NCR, will implement the financial recovery plan with the National Treasury and deploy technical and governance support via the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency (MISA) and other national partners. 

They plan to establish a Joint Operations Task Team with the South African Police Service, State Security Agency, Department of Justice, and the National Prosecuting Authority to investigate corruption, maladministration, and irregular appointments.

The team will also focus on institutional reforms, addressing political instability, irregular staff appointments, governance failures, and the enforcement of strict financial controls, with the NCR overseeing all municipal accounts and procurement processes.

Hlabisa stressed that these interventions are not simply quick fixes, but form part of a long-term transformation strategy aimed at restoring public trust. – SAnews.gov.za

National dialogue outcomes to be determined by citizens: President Ramaphosa

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the outcomes of the National Dialogue will not be dictated by government but shaped by the people of South Africa themselves.

“The outcomes of the National Dialogue will be determined by the citizens of this country,” the President told Members of Parliament on Tuesday. 

He was responding to a question from George Michalakis of the Democratic Alliance, who asked whether the National Dialogue was intended to support government priorities, such as economic growth, poverty reduction, job creation, lowering the cost of living, and building a capable state.

The President said the National Dialogue should be understood as a structured process that brings together citizens, political actors, civil society, and other stakeholders to deliberate on the future of the country. 

“The National Dialogue is aimed at giving ordinary South Africans a voice to articulate precisely the South Africa they want and how they can participate in crafting the solutions of our country,” he said.

The President highlighted that the first National Convention, held in August at UNISA in Tshwane, brought together more than 1 000 delegates from over 200 organisations spanning around 30 sectors of society. 

These included business, labour, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, women, youth, students, academics, military veterans, persons with disabilities, unemployed persons, as well as organisations in media, sport, culture, democracy and human rights.

The convention endorsed the need for a National Dialogue and identified nine broad themes, including building an inclusive economy, tackling crime and corruption, strengthening education and health, fixing the state, advancing gender equality, ending gender-based violence, addressing intergenerational trauma, promoting environmental justice, and advancing land and mineral rights.

Delegates also supported the establishment of a representative Steering Committee to drive the process, which will work with the Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by the Deputy President and under the guidance of an Eminent Persons Group.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that the process would be “citizen-led” while government would act as a facilitator.

“Let us be clear. The Steering Committee will be led by the citizens of our country, giving credence to our intention that this must be a citizen-led process, while government’s role is that of a facilitator,” he said. 

The President added that for the government, the dialogue will be “hands off” except for financial injection, where it is necessary. 

“Let me make it very clear, it will be South Africans who will be talking to each other, meeting at ward level where even our voters, the people who voted for us, are represented. So they will be talking and they will not even be cajoled not to talk. They will opt to go to those meetings and participate. So it is to the detriment of us who are sitting here to say no, we are not going to participate,” the President said. 

The President said the dialogue is expected to culminate in a social compact that defines the roles and responsibilities of all sectors in addressing the country’s challenges and building the South African nation.

While citizens will have the final say, the President said the process is anticipated to make a a significant contribution to economic growth, poverty reduction, job creation, lowering the cost of living and building a capable State. 

“Citizens feel ownership over national decisions when they are directly involved in shaping them, complementing the important role that is played by elected representatives. Involving the people directly enhances the process of developing a shared vision for the future of our country,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Tourism Minister calls for innovation to drive job creation

Source: Government of South Africa

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has called on investors and all involved in the tourism sector to bring forward ideas, models and innovations to build tourism infrastructure that not only attracts visitors, but uplifts communities and creates jobs.

“The ground is fertile for shovel-ready infrastructure projects,” De Lille said.

In her opening remarks at the G20 Tourism Investment Summit, currently underway in the Western Cape, De Lille said tourism is not just about business, but livelihoods.

“This is about reshaping South Africa and positioning Africa as a global tourism powerhouse,” De Lille said.

De Lille said through the Government of National Unity, government has demonstrated that policy shifts unlock growth.

“As of 1 June 2025, the Amended National Treasury Regulation 16 for Public-Private Partnerships came into effect. These changes allow us to embrace models from Design-Build Operate (DBO) partnerships to blended finance and even crowdfunding.

“And while PPPs [Public-Private Partnerships] are one option, the amendments introduced by treasury allow investors to provide us with innovative financing models. With the right mix, we can build infrastructure, create jobs and uplift communities all at once,” the Minister said.

The Minister also highlighted that tourism contributes at least 8.5% to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product.

“In July alone, South Africa welcomed over 880 000 visitors, which is a 26% increase compared to last year. Behind these numbers are livelihoods, families and communities.

“According to UN Tourism, South African startups attracted over $39 million in venture capital between 2019 and 2024. This is more than half of the continent’s total in tourism solutions,” De Lille said.

De Lille said the UN Tourism will announce 100 scholarships aligned with demand-led skills development in the country.

“For tourism to thrive, our young people must have the skills the sector needs. Again, investors guide us on what the demand-led skills of the future are. What will be the skills that we need in the next 5 to 10 years. South Africa’s human capital is one of its strongest assets,” De Lille said.

De Lille said with 56% of the population under the age of 30 and an adult literacy rate of 95%, the country provides a broad and adaptable labour base.

“Supported by advanced universities and national skills development efforts such as those led by the Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority [CATHSSETA], the tourism workforce is prepared for inclusive, service-oriented growth,” the Minister said.

De Lille said government is also unlocking access for more travellers to visit South Africa. 

“Following the launch of the Trusted Tour Operators Scheme in India and China, our Department of Home Affairs will soon, before the end of September, roll out the Electronic Travel Authorisation system. 

“This will digitalise and automate all short-stay visas, enabling secure and seamless travel for tourists across the globe. We are also broadening our offerings through sports tourism,” the Minister said.

South Africa’s tourism sector is a key pillar of economic growth, contributing significantly to GDP, employment and foreign direct investment.

The G20 Tourism Investment Summit is attended by global leaders, policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders to drive investment and develop a robust investment pipeline for South Africa’s tourism industry. – SAnews.gov.za

  

 

Government welcomes Walmart’s investment

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Government has welcomed plans by Walmart to open its first branded stores in South Africa later this year.

“Government welcomes Walmart’s investment in South Africa as an expression of confidence in the country. The investment underscores a strong belief in the country’s economic trajectory and confirmation that South Africa remains a reliable investment destination,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said.

This announcement comes in the footsteps of Walmart’s first growth summit that was held in South Africa and resulted in the company recruiting small and medium-sized suppliers from South Africa and the rest of the African continent. 

“Walmart’s commitment to sourcing locally produced products will contribute to the growth of the economy and job creation, which are apex priorities of the government’s medium term development plan (MTDP),” GCIS said.

Walmart International President and CEO Kath McLay expressed that the company was thrilled to begin the journey of introducing the iconic Walmart brand to South African associates, customers and communities.

“By listening and working together, we aim to build lasting relationships and deliver a delightful shopping experience that reflects the needs and aspirations of South Africans,” McLay said.

Walmart’s South African stores will offer a wide range of merchandise, including fresh groceries, household essentials, apparel and technology. 

Walmart will also offer a variety of locally sourced products. 

“By partnering with South African suppliers and entrepreneurs, Walmart will bring its signature Every Day Low Prices and global standards to the market, while celebrating the country’s rich culture.

“With sites already in development, these new stores are set to open before the end of the year, with official opening dates to be announced in October. The company will share further details about store locations, hiring and community initiatives in the coming months,” McLay said. –SAnews.gov.za

Postbank not yet ready for full banking licence, says President Ramaphosa

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa says Postbank is not yet in a position to be granted a licence to operate as a fully-fledged State-owned bank.

Responding to questions in the National Assembly on Tuesday, the President stressed that while financial inclusion remains a national priority, Postbank still has work to do before it can qualify for a commercial banking licence.

ANC Member of Parliament, Mdumiseni Ntuli, asked what measures government is taking to support the Postbank in obtaining its commercial banking licence and whether government has established the need to capitalise the institution. 

“According to the Minister, Postbank has not yet fully met the conditions for a banking licence, particularly around its card key management processes and compliance with prudential standards.

“Its immediate challenge is to strengthen its governance, ensure compliance with prudential standards and stabilise its finances,” President Ramaphosa said.

Government remains committed to supporting the Postbank to obtain its licence, as it is meant to play a critical role in extending affordable banking services to underserved communities, small businesses, and youth- and women-owned enterprises.

“When more South Africans, especially those in rural and underserved communities, are able to access affordable banking and credit, we unlock entrepreneurship, support job creation and stimulate growth in local economies.

“Financial inclusion also empowers youth- and women-owned enterprises, narrows inequality and builds resilience in households and communities,” he said.

The President explained that South Africa has a well-developed and competitive financial services sector and its commercial banks, development finance institutions, co-operative banks and new digital entrants, all provide a range of financial products and services to small businesses and individuals. 

“The Postbank Amendment Act was enacted to strengthen the diversity of our financial sector and ensure a dedicated focus on underserved communities.

“The Act was meant to establish Postbank as a developmental State-owned commercial bank, offering accessible financial services to all South Africans,” he said. 

The President further explained that while capitalisation will be considered, it will only take place after Postbank has been granted authorisation to establish a bank. Once authorisation is secured, the institution will have 12 months to raise the necessary funding to be registered as a bank.

He said that this will be determined by its business case, for which the Postbank board is responsible, and submitting that business case to government via the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies.

“These steps are essential to ensure that Postbank obtains its banking licence and is able to fulfil the vital mandate that it bears to promote financial inclusion for all,” President Ramaphosa said.

In answering further supplementary questions on the matter, President Ramaphosa indicated that government will not rule out the possibility of bringing together African Bank and Postbank as part of establishing a state bank. 

He told Parliament that all available assets may need to be leveraged to extend banking services to South Africa’s unbanked population.

“There is a general agreement that we need a state bank. The key question is how we move forward to put a bank together, and how we put all key elements together – whether it resides in Postbank or whether African Bank could be part of it.

“We must remind ourselves that African Bank has other shareholders who aren’t state entities. All those entities need to be synchronised to create a state bank,” the President told MPs. – SAnews.gov.za

Acting Police Minister engages WC communities on gang violence

Source: Government of South Africa

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia on Tuesday held an engagement with community stakeholders in Mitchells Plain and Mfuleni in an effort to curb violence linked to gang activity in the Western Cape.

The Minister’s visit forms part of a broader Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster effort aim to implement practical, community-driven interventions against gang violence and foster safety.

Among the stakeholders attended the engagements included representatives from civic groups, religious leaders and Community Policing Forums (CPFs). 

Cachalia said gang violence in the province are as a result of organised transnational crime, stressing the need for a coordinated response. 

Cachalia said he requested a briefing from National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola on what the South African Police Service (SAPS) is doing to curb the violence, including the effectiveness of anti-gang units that has been established.

“I am aware of course that some time ago anti-gang units were put in place. There’s been some question about their effectiveness, and I intend to look into that,” he said.

Gang violence in areas like Mitchells Plain and Mfuleni has been going on for some time, with communities experiencing high levels of extortion, shootings and drug-related crimes. 

The Cape Flats, including some suburbs, sees frequent clashes between rival gangs such as the Americans and Mongrels, leading to crossfire that endangers innocent residents.

Mitchells Plain residents told Cachalia that they need increased police presence to protect them from gangsters’ violence.

Cachalia pledged to do everything in his power to improve policing and reducing crime in the country. 

Cachalia said the provincial commissioner and the head of crime intelligence presented him with a strategy to fight crime in the affected areas.

“They must still implement that plan. They must still resource that plan, that plan is needed. So we need a stabilisation plan.

“We need to go on the offensive against the drug lords, stabilise our communities, make sure that we are in charge, not the criminals,” he said.

Cachalia said that they might have to put in place special measures to get rid of gangsterism.

A number of people have died in gang-related violence. 

The acting Minister and his delegation are expected to meet with the Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, on Thursday. – SAnews.gov.za

Gold ribbons place the spotlight on childhood cancer

Source: Government of South Africa

Gold ribbons place the spotlight on childhood cancer

The Department of Health, in collaboration with several stakeholders, is calling on South Africans to unite in support of children, adolescents, and their families affected by childhood cancer.

This call to action comes as part of International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September.

The department is working closely with the South African Association of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (SAAPHO), the National Cancer Registry (NCR), the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC), and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to raise awareness of childhood cancer.

Childhood cancer, while often seen as rare, is a major health issue and one of the top causes of disease-related deaths among children worldwide. 

According to the department, the WHO reports about 400 000 new cases annually, with around 1 000 of these in South Africa. 

Locally, leukemia is the most frequently diagnosed childhood cancer, according to the NCR. 

September, globally recognised as Gold September, is focused on raising awareness of childhood cancer.

 “The gold ribbon has become an international symbol of strength, resilience, and hope. Behind each ribbon lies a personal story of a child, a teenager, a family, a survivor, or a health worker. 

“As this year’s campaign reminds us, every ribbon holds a name. Every name holds a story. ‘Who are you wearing your ribbon for this September?” the department and its partners asked.

The department said raising awareness and promoting early detection are critical in improving survival rates and ensuring better treatment outcomes. 

“Too many children and teenagers are either not diagnosed or are diagnosed too late.”

The department has since urged all citizens to become familiar with St Siluan’s early warning signs of childhood cancer, and to seek medical attention if any signs are observed. 

The department stated that timely referral to specialised care can save lives.

Survival rate

As part of its ongoing commitment, South Africa supports the WHO’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC), which aims to raise survival rates by 2030.

“Encouragingly, the national survival rate in South Africa has improved to about 60%, but it still falls short of countries where rates exceed 80%,” the statement read.

Effect on families

Families affected by childhood cancer face immense psychological, emotional, financial, and logistical challenges.

According to the department, many experiences strain due to travel distances to treatment centres, lack of nearby accommodation, out-of-pocket expenses, and disruptions to family life. 

“The burden is shared not only by patients, but also by parents, siblings, and caregivers. As reflected in the global campaign #WeAllLiveIt, when a child is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family embarks on the journey together.” 

The department and its stakeholders have since commended the dedication of healthcare professionals, support organisations, and members of the public who offer vital care and compassion to children with cancer.

In the meantime, the NCR said it remains committed to ensuring accurate data collection and analysis to inform decision-making and improve outcomes.

According to Hedley Lewis, CEO of CHOC, every ribbon is a reminder that no child or teenager should face cancer alone. 

Professor Gita Naidu, Chair of SAAPHO and Head of Paediatric Oncology at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, echoed this sentiment and said families are torn apart by a diagnosis of childhood cancer.

“The emotional toll, financial hardship, and psychological strain can be overwhelming. We urge all sectors of society to rally behind these families with ongoing support.”

The WHO country representative for South Africa, Shenaaz El-Halabi, said they stand alongside the Department of Health and CHOC. 

In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, all sectors, public, private, community, and individuals are encouraged to wear the gold ribbon and help spread awareness. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile

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