Category: South Africa Government

Government is creating an economic response package to address job losses and lessen the impact of the United States’ decision to impose a 30% unilateral tariff on its imports. 

This package will include the establishment of an export support desk and a localisation fund.

This announcement was made in a joint media statement by the Ministers of the Departments of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) and International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). 

In May, South Africa submitted a comprehensive and ambitious framework deal aimed at addressing trade deficits and promoting mutually beneficial relations. 

The tariffs, set to take effect from 8 August 2025, are set to create uncertainty. 

However, DIRCO Minister Ronald Lamola clarified that goods already in transit before the deadline will continue to be subject to the previous 10% tariff until 5 October 2025. 

The United States is South Africa’s third biggest trading partner, with the European Union and China being the first and second largest trading partners. 

“Thus, we will continue to engage the US to conclude a deal that advances the interests of both countries. South Africa seeks to conclude deals that promote value addition and industrialisation, rather than extractive relations that deprive the country of the ability to beneficiate its mineral wealth by mimicking extractive colonial-era trade relations.“

The Ministers believe South Africa’s minimal 0.25% share of total United States imports makes the 30% tariff on the country “inscrutable“, especially since these tariffs are applied equally to all United States trading partners.

“South Africa poses no trade threat to the US economy nor its national security,” Lamola said. 

On the contrary, the Minister said exports are crucial inputs that support America’s industrial base. 

“Our agriculture exports are even counter-seasonal, meaning they fill gaps in the US market, not replace domestic products.” 

Lamola said South Africa is more than a trading partner but a major investor in the United States, with local companies sustaining American jobs. 

“Our goal is to preserve and grow these mutually beneficial relationships.” 

Experts estimate that the potential reduction in economic growth could be 0.2%, although the exact impact is still uncertain. 

Lamola emphasised that 35% of South African exports are exempt from the tariffs, including copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber products, certain critical minerals, stainless steel scrap, and energy products. 

“Due to South Africa not enjoying a country exemption for Section 232 duties on steel and aluminium, South African companies have already adjusted to the Section 232 duties since 2018. However, the heightened policy uncertainty creates instability in trade and may have an impact on exports,” he said.

In response, South Africa is implementing a multi-faceted strategy that includes ongoing diplomatic engagement through various channels, creating an economic response package that provides export support, exploring market diversification, and targeting regions across Africa, the Americas and Asia. 

In addition, the country is collaborating with the localisation fund to support industries that have been affected. 

Lamola said the establishment of an export support desk will serve as a direct point of contact for companies affected by the United States tariff hike. 

READ | Government announces measures to assist exporters

The aim of this support measure is to support the diversification of export markets for increased resilience and facilitate the entry into alternative markets for affected exporters. 

“The desk will provide updates on developments and tailored advisory services to exporters on alternative destinations, guidance on market entry processes, insights into compliance requirements and linkages to South African Embassies and High Commissions abroad.” 

Lamola said the measures are to assist companies to absorb the tariff and facilitate long-term resilience and growth strategies to protect jobs and productive capacity in South Africa. 

Localisation fund support

Meanwhile, Lamola said the Localisation Fund Support (LSF) stands ready to contribute to the national effort to support South African companies impacted by the imposition of 30% import tariffs by the United States. 

In addition, he said they are working with the Department of Labour on measures to mitigate potential job losses, using existing instruments within its entities that can be adjusted to respond to the current challenges.  

Responding to questions, dtic Minister Tau said government is continuing to engage with the United States.  

“We must negotiate in the interest of the country. We were promised a template; we are still waiting for the template,” Tau said.  

The Ministers said South Africa is committed to a principled approach and will use all available diplomatic channels to negotiate with the United States. – SAnews.gov.za

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen national regulatory framework for water and sanitation, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is set to host a series of workshops on the Revised Compulsory National Water and Sanitation Services Norms and Standards.

The updated standards aim to set clear, enforceable minimum requirements for safe and reliable water supply and sanitation services, in line with public health priorities, environmental sustainability, and the constitutional rights of all South Africans.

Under the revised regulations, all Water Services Authorities (WSAs) are now legally required to provide basic water supply services to every household within their jurisdiction. This includes delivering at least 6 kilolitres of safe drinking water per household per month, ensuring availability for at least 358 days per year, and maintaining a flow rate of no less than 10 litres per minute.

Spokesperson at the DWS, Wisane Mavasa highlighted that the standards also ensure that indigent households receive this allocation free of charge, with tariffs applied only for excess usage. 

The WSAs are also mandated to maintain infrastructure up to the user connection point, while property owners are responsible for any infrastructure beyond that boundary.

“Special attention is also required for informal settlements, where WSAs are obligated to provide interim water supply services within 90 days of discovery.

“These services must include communal standpipes located no more than 200 meters from households and maintain the same minimum water quantity, flow rate, and quality standards as formal settlements,” Mavasa said.

Water quality must conform to the South African National Standard (SANS) 241, safeguarding public health consistently.

In addition to supply, the revised standards place strong emphasis on service monitoring and management.

“Water services must be metred accurately, with WSAs responsible for meter maintenance, repair, and replacement within set timeframes. Educational initiatives on water use, hygiene, and groundwater management are integral to service delivery.

“WSAs are also required to formally plan and submit their strategies for upgrading all households to basic services within two years of these regulations’ promulgation,” Mavasa said.

The Water and Sanitation Norms and Standards were first gazetted in 2001, per the Water Services Act, Act 108 of 1997. These regulations establish mandatory national standards and measures for water conservation, covering basic sanitation, water supply, service interruptions, potable water quality, and leak repair, among many other water services-related matters.

The regulation was reviewed in 2017, with published norms and standards based on the 1998 National Water Act (NWA), the 1997 Water Services Act (WSA), and the 2016 Sanitation Policy. The revised Norms and Standards were gazetted on 6 June 2025 for implementation.

Consultations

The rollout workshops will commence with a national virtual consultation on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, followed by provincial consultations, scheduled from 12 August to 10 September 2025.

“The rollout aims to ensure that the Norms and Standards are widely understood, accepted, and implemented. The workshops enable the WSAs to assess their ability to comply with the revised provisions,” Mavasa said.

In instances where immediate compliance is not feasible, Mavasa said WSAs must develop and submit a progressive implementation plan detailing the steps and timelines for achieving full compliance.

These plans must be submitted to the Integrated Regulatory Information Management System (IRIS) for consideration and approval by the DWS within six months of the regulation’s publication.

Affected stakeholders, including government departments, Chapter 9 institutions, water boards, Catchment Management Agencies, and professional bodies, will also have opportunities to engage on the Norms and Standards. – SAnews.gov.za

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced a reshuffle of Heads of Departments (HODs) across provincial government departments.

The announcement was made during a media briefing led by the Premier on Sunday.

The move follows Lesufi’s warning in June that disciplinary action would be taken against HODs who failed lifestyle audits. 

“On the 17 July 2025, when I delivered the Budget Vote Speech at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, I announced the resetting of the Gauteng Provincial Administration as per the recommendations from the Gauteng Ethics and Advisory Council. 

“This follows a series of under expenditure and underperformance by departments, lifestyle audits, and failures to meet performance targets in some instances,” he said.

The following changes to Heads of Departments have taken effect from 1 August:

• Department of eGovernment: Masabata Mutlaneng
• Department of Infrastructure Development: Rufus Mmutlana
• Treasury: Ncumisa Mnyani (retained)
• COGTA: Darion Barclay (retained)
• Transport: Thulani Mdadane (retained, post to be advertised)
• Human Settlements: Puleng Gadebe-Mabaso (retained)
• Agriculture and Rural Development: Khululekile Mase (retained)

In the following departments, Lesufi appointed Acting HOD’s in the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) with the recruitment process for permanent appointments underway:

• Environment: Matthew Sathekge
• Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation: Mpho Nawa
• Social Development: Phumla Sekhonyane
• Education: Albert Chaane
• Community Safety: Pending
• Health: Pending

“[We] have appointed a new HOD for the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, Mr Motlatjo Moholwa. Mr Moholwa brings with him a wealth of experience in the public service. 

“He has served as the Head of Economic Research and Chief Economist in the City of Johannesburg, a Lead Economist for the Land Bank and the Deputy Director General (DDG) in the Mpumalanga and Gauteng Departments of Economic Development. I am confident that he will serve with utmost diligence and commitment and help us achieve our goal of growing the Gauteng economy,” Lesufi announced. – SAnews.gov.za

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has released the findings of several forensic investigation reports, which probed a range of provincial departments.

This follows the release of some 47 forensic investigation reports in June – a move the Premier said, “reaffirms the Gauteng Provincial Government’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption and maladministration”.

“Corruption continues to be one of the country’s most pressing challenges undermining effective governance and sustainable development. 

“While Gauteng is not exempt from this issue, the province has demonstrated a strong commitment to combating corruption through proactive measures, institutional reforms, and enhanced accountability mechanisms. These efforts reflect a dedicated approach to fostering transparency, integrity, and long-term progress.

“Under its G-13 priorities for the seventh administration, the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) has prioritised combating corruption, and [promoting] transparency and openness as essential in the fight against corruption. By upholding these principles, public institutions can foster a culture of accountability and integrity, ensure ethical governance, and restore public confidence,” Lesufi said.

The more than 30 reports span across a range of departments.

“These provincial departments are implementing the recommendations, which include establishing disciplinary action, strengthening weak or compromised internal controls, and filing criminal cases with the South African Police Service.

“In addition, they must pursue damages from implicated employees using the Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure Framework. Under the Prescription Act 68 of 1969, departments are also required to file civil claims within the stipulated timeframe.

“Furthermore, following supply chain management procedures and regulations, service providers involved in dishonest or unlawful activities will also be blacklisted,” Lesufi said.

The Office of the Premier is monitoring the implementation of recommendations, while reports will only be released “after all legal issues are resolved.”

“We will not make them public too soon if doing so could harm the enforcement or implementation of the recommendations. We are aware that releasing certain details early might disrupt ongoing legal cases or make it harder to follow the recommendations, including putting whistleblowers’ identities and safety at risk.

“The reports we are presenting… will be accessible to all the members of the public once the State Law Advisory Services finishes redacting personal details and reviewing the changes.

“Protecting whistleblowers is essential for transparency and justice. They risk their safety to expose corruption and abuse of power, helping ensure accountability and ethical governance,” Lesufi said. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Dr Namane Dickson Masemola, is set to hold a series of accountability and support meetings with the Mayors and councillors of Buffalo City Metro and the Makana Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape.

These visits are part of a national initiative called ‘Every Municipality Must Work”, which aims to revitalise governance, accelerate service delivery, and strengthen accountability within local government structures.
 

The meetings will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, with the Deputy Minister expected to be joined by the Eastern Cape MEC for CoGTA, Zolile Williams.

According to the department, the programme will include the introduction of a tailored support package for Buffalo City Metro, designed to strengthen its institutional capacity and ensure optimal performance, in line with constitutional mandates.

“These engagements are aligned with the implementation of the District Development Model – a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to enhance cooperative governance and integrated planning,” the statement read. 

To promote public participation and co-governance, the Deputy Minister will hold a follow-up meeting with the Makana Concern Group. 

Last month, the Deputy Minister led an intergovernmental accountability engagement with the Emfuleni Local Municipality in Gauteng.

READ | CoGTA Deputy Minister leads Emfuleni Local Municipality accountability visit 

– SAnews.gov.za

Two undocumented individuals were arrested in police operations in the Northern Cape, which also saw the confiscation of illicit goods.

Operation Phakisa was held by the South African Police Service (SAPS) — in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, South African Revenue Service (Customs), and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment — led to the individuals’ arrest, and the searching of 2 700 persons and 1 900 vehicles.

“The operation was executed between 28 July and 01 August 2025, focusing on the Vioolsdrift and Nakop border post areas. The focus of this operation was on cross-border crimes, including the proliferation of drugs, firearms and other illicit commodities. Two undocumented individuals were arrested and remain in custody to determine their status,” said the police in a statement on Sunday.

Several businesses were visited, during which compliance inspections were conducted and illicit goods were confiscated. Additionally, seven cases for contraventions of the Marine Living Resources Act, with fines totalling R18 500, were registered.

“Operation Phakisa reflects the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to uphold and enforce national legislation, particularly in areas vulnerable to cross-border crimes. The successful execution of this operation underscores the importance of interdepartmental collaboration in safeguarding the integrity of our borders and ensuring community safety,” said the SAPS. 

Operation Phakisa, in SAPS context, is a multi-agency initiative focused on addressing criminal activities affecting the ocean economy and marine environment. It involves collaboration with various law enforcement agencies and other government departments. Operations are designed to curb illegal activities related to fishing, marine resources, and other crimes that impact coastal areas. – SAnews.gov.za

For the first time in 31 years, the Department of Transport has achieved a clean audit for the financial year 2024/25, as assessed by the by the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA) outcome.

This has been welcomed by the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, who said the achievement is a step in the right direction towards a fully accountable and clean administration.

The AGSA’s opinion and conclusions on the following areas for the financial year 2024/25 was based on annual Financial Statements (AFS) that were submitted on time without any material misstatements; on internal controls the AGSA did not find any significant deficiencies, particularly in the financial management processes, and the AGSA did not identify any findings on the completeness of the indicators used for planning and reporting. 

Creecy and Hlengwa have attributed the department’s clean audit outcome to the following:
•    The department’s commitment to clean governance and accountability.
•    Management taking its assurance providers seriously and ensuring that they are appropriately resourced and capacitated.
•    Management responding positively to audit recommendations, and addressing concerns timeously through effective audit action plans.
•    Engaging the AGSA for proactive reviews and preparing for the audit process timeously for smooth seamless execution.
•    A combined effort and assurance practice from all functions within the department, from Management efforts to Risk Management, Internal Audit, and oversight committees, especially the Audit Committee.
•    The role of the Transport Portfolio Committee in ensuring that the department is accountable to Parliament.

– SAnews.gov.za