Category: South Africa Government

Government has clarified that South Africa will host the World Economic Forum’s Special Davos Meeting in 2027, and not the World Economic Forum Africa Summit, as previously communicated.

“Government expresses its appreciation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) for selecting South Africa as the host of this gathering. South Africa stands ready and fully prepared to host a successful meeting in 2027 and to welcome delegates from across the world,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Monday.

 This will be the first time that the WEF Spring Davos is hosted in South Africa.

These meetings are part of the WEF’s efforts to extend its global presence beyond Davos (Switzerland) and to provide high-level platforms for dialogue on economic development, sustainability and collaboration.

“Following the successful hosting of the recent Group of Twenty (G20) Summit, the decision affirms South Africa’s proven ability to convene high-level international engagements and manage complex global events in a safe, efficient and professional manner.

“The selection reflects growing confidence in South Africa’s institutional capacity, infrastructure readiness and commitment to constructive multilateral dialogue,” the GCIS said.

Hosting the WEF Spring Davos meeting is expected to support activity in the tourism and services sectors, including hospitality, transport, logistics and related services, while reinforcing South Africa’s position as a destination for high-level international engagement and business travel.

The meeting will also strengthen South Africa’s international profile as a platform for global investment, trade and economic cooperation.

“As a premier global platform that brings together Heads of State, business leaders, civil society and thought leaders, the Spring Davos Special Meeting will provide South Africa with a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to global economic discussions, while advancing priorities of inclusive growth, sustainable development and international cooperation,” the GCIS said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has formalised a strategic partnership with the Beier Group aimed at advancing academic excellence and strengthening skills development across the province.

In a statement on Monday, the department said it convened a strategic engagement with the Beier Group on 23 January 2026 in Pinetown, led by the Head of Department, Nkosinathi Ngcobo. The engagement culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant milestone in public–private collaboration.

In terms of the agreement, the Beier Group will sponsor an all-expenses-paid engineering bursary for one of the department’s top achievers. The initiative reinforces a shared commitment to nurturing scarce skills and building a future-ready workforce in KwaZulu-Natal.

The department welcomed the partnership, noting that it underscores the critical role of collaboration between government and industry in expanding access to higher education opportunities and empowering high-performing learners from the province.

Speaking during the engagement, Ngcobo emphasised the importance of leveraging private sector partnerships to unlock opportunities for deserving learners, particularly in priority fields such as engineering, which are central to economic growth and development.

“The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education remains committed to strengthening strategic partnerships that support learner success, promote excellence, and contribute meaningfully to human capital development in the province,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for renewed focus on investment and infrastructure development to ensure that South Africa’s recent economic gains translate into sustained and inclusive growth. 

In his weekly newsletter to the nation, the President said the country entered the new year with growing momentum in its economic recovery, supported by several positive indicators recorded toward the end of 2025.

The economy has recorded four consecutive quarters of growth, while unemployment levels have continued to decline. Recent data released by Statistics South Africa also show a notable reduction in poverty and inequality.

“Confidence in our economy is rising. The stock exchange has been performing well and the average inflation rate is the lowest in two decades,” he said. 

According to the President, South Africa’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list late last year marked a significant improvement in institutional credibility and sent a positive signal to investors. This progress was further reinforced by a recent sovereign credit ratings upgrade, reflecting strengthened fiscal credibility.

While welcoming these developments, President Ramaphosa cautioned against complacency, stressing that sustained economic growth depends on expanding investment.

“While these signs of progress are encouraging, there is no time to rest. The difference between a temporary lift in growth and sustained shift in our economic trajectory lies in expanding investment. 

“With a strengthening currency and rising commodity prices, we have wind in our sails. Now we must steer our ship towards greater prosperity for all South Africans,” he said.

The President said the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), at its first meeting of the year, had outlined key proposals to convert recent gains into long-term growth. The council recommended a simultaneous increase in public infrastructure investment and a reduction in the cost of doing business.

He emphasised that infrastructure investment must focus on well-executed projects that unlock growth, lower business costs and create jobs, rather than increased spending alone.

Strong support was also expressed for ongoing structural reforms in critical sectors such as electricity, logistics and water. These reforms have contributed to the end of load shedding and improvements in rail and port performance, while promoting competition, efficiency and lower costs across the economy.

The President highlighted electricity reforms as central to inclusive growth, noting that a competitive electricity market is essential to lowering energy costs. Improvements in rail, ports and freight corridors were also identified as vital to boosting exports, industrialisation and job creation.

He said government has already laid a strong foundation for increased infrastructure investment by streamlining regulations, facilitating public-private partnerships and strengthening institutions such as Infrastructure South Africa and the Infrastructure Fund. More than R1 trillion has been committed to public infrastructure projects over the next three years.

“We need to build on this foundation by strengthening our State-owned enterprises and enabling them to invest at much higher levels. 

“We must do all of this at a time when the international environment is increasingly volatile and uncertain. Global growth is expected to remain subdued over the medium term and many countries are facing heightened trade and geopolitical tensions,” the President said. 

He underscored the need for South Africa to improve competitiveness and expand markets, particularly within the African continent. 

“We must capitalise on the positive momentum of recent months by building strong partnerships, strengthening delivery, and closing the gap between policy intent and implementation. Only if our own institutions are strong can we compete and remain responsive in a rapidly changing world,” he said.

Looking ahead, President Ramaphosa said government would intensify efforts to grow investment and create jobs, building on the gains achieved so far.

He said Cabinet’s upcoming annual Lekgotla would outline coordinated actions across government and with social partners to ensure that economic progress delivers tangible improvements in the lives of South Africans.

“Through these actions, by working together, we will ensure that the progress we’ve seen in the last year will have an impact on the lives of South Africans this year,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has led a welcoming ceremony for 36 South African graduates at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria following their successful completion of a specialised training programme at Beijing Polytechnic College in China.

The graduates form part of the first cohort to benefit from a collaboration between Beijing Polytechnic College and nine South African Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, under the Joint Declaration of Cooperation (JDC) signed in 2024.

The initiative enabled the students to participate in an intensive 18-week programme at the School of Mechanical Engineering in Beijing.

The programme is embedded within the longstanding and growing cooperation between the Republic of South Africa and the People’s Republic of China in the fields of higher education and skills development.

“This partnership continues to play a significant role in strengthening South Africa’s technical capacity and advancing the country’s knowledge economy,” Dube-Ncube said during the ceremony on Friday.

As the coordinator of the People-to-People Exchange Mechanism (PPEM), the Deputy Minister highlighted the mutually beneficial nature of the cooperation between the two countries, noting with enthusiasm the expanding scope for future opportunities in education, training and industrial skills development.

Addressing the graduates and stakeholders, the Deputy Minister encouraged South African youth to adopt a broader and more strategic outlook when considering study opportunities in China.

She emphasised the importance of aligning international learning experiences with long-term national priorities, particularly those outlined in South Africa’s National Development Plan.

Dube-Ncube also expressed sincere appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Wu Peng, and the diplomatic staff at the Chinese Embassy for their continued support in ensuring the smooth implementation of exchange programmes.

She also acknowledged the presence of Chinese businesses operating in South Africa, thanking them for their contributions and encouraging continued support for South African students in acquiring critical technical and vocational skills.

“The ceremony reaffirms the commitment of both countries to deepening educational cooperation and empowering young people with skills that support sustainable development and economic growth,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Head of the Specialist Unit: Dam Safety, Wally Ramokopa, will today join a team of engineers and the Appointed Professional Person (APP) to continue the ongoing assessment and monitoring of Senteeko Dam.

Senteeko Dam, officially registered as My Own Dam and commonly known as Senteeko Dam, is classified by the department’s Dam Safety Office as a medium-sized dam. It is 26 metres high, with a storage capacity of 1.8 million cubic metres.

The dam is owned by the Shamile Communal Property Association (CPA) and is primarily used for irrigation purposes.

The department has warned that the dam, located near Barberton in Mpumalanga is at high risk of failure following recent heavy rainfall in the region.

Department spokesperson Wisane Mavasa confirmed that an emergency safety assessment conducted by the Dam Safety Office found that the dam’s spillway structure has sustained severe and irreversible damage. This includes advanced erosion and undercutting, which have resulted in significant structural instability.

Mavasa warned that failure of the dam is imminent and could occur without further warning.

To mitigate the risk, an excavator was mobilised on Saturday morning to widen the emergency side-channel spillway in order to further lower the water level in the dam.

“Excavations have been done and a side channel spillway has been created to release the water and reduce the pressure on the dam wall. Overnight, the water level had dropped by 25mm,” Mavasa said in a statement on Sunday.

The department has further reassured the public that in the event of dam failure, neither the Republic of Mozambique nor the Kingdom of Eswatini would be affected, as the distance from the dam’s spillway to the nearest international border along the flood path exceeds 160 kilometres.

Dam safety and the protection of life remain the Department of Water and Sanitation’s highest priority. – SAnews.gov.za

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Eskom has entered 2026 with a markedly stronger and more stable power system than in the previous five years, supporting the country’s return to work and continued economic activity.

“This recovery reflects the sustained impact of Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan, which continues to strengthen operations and reinforce long‑term energy security. Eskom’s power system remains stable, strengthened by increasing plant availability and sustained reduction in unplanned outages,” the power utility said.

Eskom said after the clearance of the 132kV line fault on Tuesday, which necessitated both Koeberg Nuclear Power Station units to operate at reduced capacity, the units have been ramped up to full capacity, producing maximum official capacity of 941MW and 950MW for Unit 1 and Unit 2 respectively. 

“Eskom reassures the public that operations remain safe, secure, and fully compliant with nuclear safety standards, ensuring a reliable electricity supply.

“The Energy Availability Factor (EAF) further increased to 64.79% year to date, underscoring the progress made in restoring reliability and enhancing system stability. The fleet has now achieved or exceeded the 70% EAF mark on 55 occasions (un-audited figures).

“The improvements in EAF demonstrate both recovery and sustained improvement in EAF performance, reinforcing energy security and grid stability. This performance confirms sustained recovery and reinforces confidence in the stability and security of the national electricity supply,” Eskom said.

Between 16 and 22 January 2026, average unplanned outages decreased to 8 067MW from last year’s level at this time of 13 390MW. 

This represents a significant improvement of 5 323MW.

“Over the same period, the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) reduced to 16.63%, a significant improvement of 11.26% compared to 27.89% recorded during the same period last year.

“During the same period, Eskom’s Planned Capacity Loss Factor (PCLF)—essentially planned maintenance—averaged 12.64%, compared to 13.16% in the previous financial year,” Eskom said.

This reduction is consistent with Eskom’s maintenance schedule and reflects its strategy to enhance plant reliability, strengthen operational stability, and support long‑term fleet performance.

“The reduced maintenance requirements are the result of the intensive maintenance programme implemented last year, which exceeded historical levels over the past three years and focused on restoring fleet reliability.

“The benefits of this approach are already evident in the continued decline of unplanned outages. The ongoing improvement in EAF has greatly reduced Eskom’s reliance on expensive diesel generation, enabling a stronger focus on more cost‑effective primary energy sources,” Eskom said.

In addition, 9 041MW is currently in cold reserve due to excess capacity.

For a fifth consecutive week, no diesel was used, resulting in zero expenditure over the past four weeks. 

“Diesel spending is now R3.63 billion lower than the same time last year. This continued reduction demonstrates both the cost savings and the operational improvements achieved through Eskom’s ongoing turnaround efforts. Overall, this positive trend highlights the growing stability and efficiency of the power system.

“Year-to-date, diesel expenditure remains consistently below budget. South Africa has now experienced 252 consecutive days without an interrupted supply, with only 26 hours of load shedding recorded in April and May 2025 during this financial year,” Eskom said.

To further ensure a stable electricity supply, Eskom will bring 2 320MW of generation capacity online ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 26 January 2026. 

Evening peak demand is forecast at 22 601MW, with 27 532MW of available capacity, providing a healthy reserve margin above current demand.

Eskom published the Summer Outlook on 5 September 2025, covering the period 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026, which projects no load shedding due to sustained improvements in plant performance from the Generation Recovery Plan. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Transnet has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI) and the Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center (APEC) to modernise South Africa’s port system, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen regional trade competitiveness.

The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation in port operational excellence, digitalisation, sustainability, infrastructure planning, and regional corridor development to strengthen South Africa’s logistics performance.

The collaboration introduces global best practices, technical training, benchmarking, and advisory support to build long-term institutional capacity within Transnet divisions.

“This partnership comes at a critical time as we accelerate the modernisation of our ports and strengthen South Africa’s position in regional and global trade. Through this collaboration, we will leverage global best practices in order to strengthen our ports’ strategic position as gateways for regional and international trade. 

“Our Reinvent for Growth Strategy (R4G) seeks to modernise, expand and optimise our ports through strategic investments and partnerships,” Transnet Group Chief Executive, Michelle Phillips said on Friday.

The partnership was signed on the sidelines of the recent World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

The parties intend to cooperate and collaborate on the following areas: 

• Managerial, operational, strategic and governance advisory support;
• Sustainability strategy and policy for energy, ecological, and social responsibility transitions;
• Port operations and digitalisation;
• Corridor development and foreign investment programmes; and 
• Training, and strengthening of human and institutional capacities.

The parties have agreed to establish a Joint Monitoring Committee responsible for overseeing the implementation of the MoU. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has announced that South Africa will host a Special World Economic Forum (WEF) Summit in 2027.

Speaking at the recent World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Lamola said that as Africa’s most industrialised economy and a key voice of the Global South, South Africa is uniquely positioned to convene global leaders to advance collective solutions to pressing global challenges

“South Africa’s leadership in climate diplomacy, renewable energy transition, digital transformation, and regional integration align closely to the World Economic Forum’s mission to improve the state of our world,” the Minister said.

World leaders from government, business, civil society and academia gathered in Davos from 19 to 23 January 2026 to engage in forward-looking discussions to address global issues and set priorities.

South Africa’s delegation to the 2026 WEF meeting held successful meetings with global investors, potential investors and business partners.

Led by the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, the meetings gave Team South Africa a valuable platform to highlight the country’s recent progress in implementing the reforms needed to unlock growth and generate much needed employment.

“When we came here in 2025, we presented our ambitious plan for driving economic reforms, building investor confidence and mobilising private investment. We returned in 2026 with concrete evidence of our progress. We returned not with promises, but with real successes,” Godongwana said on Friday.

In engagements with potential investors and business partners, the delegation highlighted the positive impacts of South Africa’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist and an upgrade of its sovereign credit rating by rating agency S&P Global as well as the structural reforms driven by Operation Vulindlela that have stabilised electricity supply, improved port and freight rail operations and lifted investment in infrastructure.

The Minister emphasised that government would deliver on its commitment to stabilise debt in the current fiscal year. 

“This signalled its commitment to the macroeconomic stability and consistent policy execution needed to create an environment for higher local and global investment. He also noted that the recent lowering of the inflation target would contribute to reducing costs across the economy and providing policy and price certainty for investors,” National Treasury said.

The WEF hosted a press conference at which Team South Africa reported on its 2025 G20 Presidency that culminated in a historic G20 Leaders’ Declaration.

“Our G20 Presidency offered an increasingly rare opportunity for economic cooperation and dialogue to rise above narrow self-interest, geopolitical rivalry and brinksmanship.

“We will continue to act a as credible mediator on key issues of debt relief, climate and infrastructure finance, global tax rules and the reform of multilateral institutions,” Godongwana said.

The Ministerial delegation consisted of Minister Lamola; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau; Minister of Small Business Development Stella Tembisa Ndabeni; Minister of  Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa; and the Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is accelerating the roll out of Smart Driver Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) across the province, bringing efficient, ethical and modern licensing services directly to communities while supporting the department’s road safety objectives.

Currently, operational Smart DLTCs include Atteridgeville, Denlyn, Maponya Mall, Centurion, Protea Glen and Midrand, with the Umphakathi Smart DLTC set to open soon, further expanding access to quality licensing services in townships and underserved areas.

“We are expanding Smart Licensing Centres to ensure services are closer to communities. These centres offer online, cashless services, with licence renewals taking approximately 10 minutes,” MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said on Sunday.

According to the department, these cutting-edge facilities have redefined the licensing experience, providing unparalleled efficiency and convenience while significantly improving turnaround times for licence renewals and other services.

The Smart DLTCs are fully integrated into the eNaTIS administration system and are designed as hubs of licensing services, offering a comprehensive range of solutions, including vehicle license renewals, driving license applications, renewals and more.

The MEC said the roll out forms part of the provincial government’s “Smart Mobility Plan” under Growing Gauteng Together 2030 and supports broader road safety objectives.

“This is about more than convenience; it’s about road safety too. When licensing is accessible and corruption-free, more people get properly licensed instead of driving illegally or obtaining fake licences. Road safety starts with proper licensing,” Diale-Tlabela said.

The extension of Smart DLTCs into townships, informal settlements and hostels ensures quality services are available where people live, reducing the need for long journeys to distant licensing offices.

“These centres reduce backlogs, expand capacity, and respond effectively to the province’s renewal service demands. They also relieve congestion at traditional licensing offices, improving the system for everyone,” the MEC said.

The key features of the smart DLTCs include:

Saturday operations: Smart DLTCs operate Monday to Saturday, allowing working residents to access services at their convenience.

10-minute service: Using smart enrolment technology and cashless systems, licence renewals are processed in approximately 10 minutes.

Corruption-free: Appointment-only operations eliminate the need for runners. Law enforcement officials manage the centres, ensuring transparency and integrity.

Road safety: By making licensing accessible and eliminating corruption, the centres ensure drivers are properly tested and legally licensed (competent drivers), supporting the department’s “E Thoma Ka Wena” (It Starts With You) road safety campaign.

Job creation: The centres have created employment for young people from local communities, with the majority being women. -SAnews.gov.za

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The enquiry into the fitness to hold office of Advocate Andrew Chauke will resume its hearing on Monday following its adjournment for the festive period.

The enquiry was established last year by President Cyril Ramaphosa in terms of section 12(6)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act 32 of 1998 to inquire into the fitness of Advocate Andrew Chauke to hold the office of Director of Public Prosecutions.

“The forthcoming hearings mark the next phase of the enquiry’s work and are expected to feature testimony from witnesses led by the evidence leaders, as well as witnesses to be called by the legal team of Advocate Andrew Chauke, as the fact-finding process continues.

“The Nkabinde Enquiry expects that the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Shamila Batohi, who remains under oath, will resume her testimony. However, at this stage, it remains unclear whether she will return to the witness stand when the hearings resume,” a statement by the Enquiry said.

Following Advocate Batohi excusing herself from the proceedings, pending her acquiring legal counsel, the evidence leaders have written to her to enquire whether she will resume her testimony on 26 January 2026. 

No response has been received as of publication and any further developments in this regard will be communicated. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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