Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared the Northern Cape a province “on the move”. following a Presidential engagement between national and provincial leaders in Kimberley on Friday.

The President spoke to the media following the engagement which was held at the province’s Sol Plaatje University.

The President was accompanied by various Minster, Deputy Ministers and senior government officials. 

“We were very impressed with the presentation that they gave us and the vision that they have for the Northern Cape, [and] various projects, which they are hoping would turn around the economy of the province — from Boetgooebaa,i which is the port, water projects, roads and a whole number of projects. 

“This is the province that’s on the move. And… as you know, when it comes to renewable energy, it is the one province that has attracted more investment,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said the province is seen as a future leader of industrialisation and manufacturing.

“We’re looking at setting up an SEZ and making sure that manufacturing does come here which will be underpinned by the natural resources that the province has.

“The [irradiation] in this province are second to none in the world and that is why we’ve been able to attract so many investments to come to this province,” he said.

In a statement, the Presidency explained the key issues discussed at the engagement with the Northern Cape’s executive.

“The meeting discussed the ongoing roll out of catalytic economic development projects that require the deepening of cooperation between the national and provincial governments.

“These include the Boegoebaai Harbor and SEZ development, revitalisation and expansion of Vaalharts, Namakwa SEZ and the development of the infrastructure masterplan. The meeting further affirmed closer cooperation on issues of climate change mitigation considering the province’s vulnerability to erratic weather conditions.

“The national executive pledged to continue working closely with the province in areas of Transport and Logistics, Basic Education, Water and Sanitation infrastructure development, Human Settlements, Tourism and Energy and Electricity,” the statement read.

The engagement with the Northern Cape’s provincial government is the sixth such following meetings with executive councils of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape.

According to the Presidency, the sessions have resulted in “strengthening cooperative governance, breaking down silos and cooperative project planning that leads to collaborative execution”.

“As President Ramaphosa said during the Budget Debate last week, when the three spheres of government work together, the lives of the people of South Africa are improved.

“The President emphasised the importance of structured engagements between the national and provincial executives that assist government coordinate more efficiently, resolve challenges together and to plan smarter.

“The meetings are also meant to facilitate innovative ideas and proposals to address service delivery and skills challenges,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Republic of South Africa, through the National Treasury, has called for eligible market participants to submit proposals that will raise a minimum amount of US$ 500 million for the country’s foreign currency borrowing programme.

This as National Treasury is seeking to supplement its foreign currency borrowing programme for the 2025/26 fiscal year by exploring innovative and cost-effective financing mechanisms.

“Proposals should raise, on a stand-alone or combined basis, a minimum amount of US$ 500 million. If funding is offered in another hard currency, the counterparty must commit to swapping the proceeds into US dollars at closing,” National Treasury said in a statement on Friday.

This funding initiative aims to diversifying the sovereign’s hard currency funding toolkit beyond a traditional Eurobond; reduce execution risk and minimise the all-in cost of funds; and maintain flexibility for future liability management actions aligned with evolving market conditions.

Government is expecting responses from primary dealers in South African government securities; internationally active arranging banks; multilateral institutions; institutional investors; and other regulated financial entities with capacity to fund at scale, either directly or through an arranging bank.

Treasury will consider a range of instruments, including, but not limited to:
•    bilateral term loans;
•    private placements of floating rate notes;
•    repurchase agreements against sovereign collateral;
•    cross-currency or total return swaps with funding legs in US dollars, and
•    other structured note formats.

Proposals incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) or sustainability-linked features are encouraged, particularly if aligned with the National Treasury’s ESG framework.

Proposals will be assessed on the basis of:
•    overall cost of funds (spread over the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) or equivalent benchmark);
•    speed and certainty of execution;
•    compatibility with the sovereign’s maturity profile and debt service peaks;
•    operational simplicity; and resilience to market shocks, including currency volatility and rate spikes.

Interested parties have been advised to submit a PDF term sheet, including proposed amount, tenor, pricing and indicative spread; settlement date; key covenants or conditions precedent; collateral requirements (if any); governing law and documentation platform; and any relevant ESG characteristics.

Deadline for submission

The deadline for the submission of proposals is Wednesday, 6 August 2025, at 12:00 South African Standard Time (SAST).
The evaluation window will start on Thursday, 7 August 2025 – Friday, 29 August 2025.

This request contains no material, non-public information and may be shared with public-side desks. All proposals and follow-up discussions will be treated confidentially and will comply with all applicable South African public finance regulations.

Submission channel and contacts are as follows:
•    Please email proposals to: debtissuanceandmanagement@treasury.gov.za

Enquiries may be directed to:
•    Terry Bomela Msomi Director: Treasury Funding Tel: +27 12 315 5135
•    Wanga Cibi Chief Director: Liability Management Tel: +27 12 315 5132

– SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

By Ivy Masale

The year 2025 marks a defining moment for South Africa’s transport sector, with the launch of the inaugural National Transport Conference, which is scheduled to take place from 6 – 8 October 2025 in Gauteng.

Hosted by the Department of Transport, this landmark event brings together government, State-owned enterprises (SOEs), private businesses, academia and civil society in one unified conversation.

For the first time, all stakeholders in the transport ecosystem will gather under one roof to exchange ideas, align strategies, and shape the future of mobility across aviation, rail, road, maritime and public transport.

Transport is more than movement: it is the lifeblood of economic growth and social connection.

It links rural communities to markets, supports trade across borders, and fuels development in cities. Yet, the sector faces mounting challenges. Infrastructure is under pressure and requires modernisation. 

Passenger rail, once the backbone of public transport, must be restored to full service. Ports need to achieve world-class operational standards. Road fatalities remain unacceptably high. At the same time, technology is changing how goods and people move, and sustainability demands innovative, green solutions.

Addressing these challenges requires bold thinking and collaboration. It demands a shared national agenda where every role-player — government, industry, academia, and investors — works in step.

Until now, South Africa has hosted numerous successful conferences on transport — from the Southern African Transport Conference to the Africa Rail and the Smarter Mobility Summit. These forums have produced valuable insights, but discussions often remain within specific sectors. The absence of a unifying platform has made it difficult to consolidate recommendations into a coherent national strategy.

The National Transport Conference changes this. It is not here to replace existing events but to complement and amplify them. It creates a single forum where knowledge converges, and where ideas can be turned into policies, partnerships and solutions that impact the entire country.

This strategic step by the Department of Transport reflects government’s commitment to transforming mobility in ways that boost economic competitiveness, improve safety, create jobs and advance sustainability.

It also aligns with the priorities set out by the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy for her term of office–revitalising rail, expanding air and freight capacity, improving port efficiency, reducing road fatalities and positioning rail as the backbone of transport. These ambitions are not abstract targets; they are performance commitments aimed at unlocking opportunity for millions of South Africans.

Delegates can look forward to a dynamic programme that includes high-level keynote sessions from government leaders, industry executives, including global transport experts.

Discussions will explore critical themes such as restoring passenger rail services and expanding freight volumes to reduce road congestion and support economic growth, leveraging digital innovation and intelligent transport systems, unlocking investment through public-private partnerships, improving road safety in line with global targets and implementing low-emission transport solutions to reduce environmental impact.

Breakaway sessions will give participants a chance to engage deeply with specific challenges. Researchers can share findings that inform policy, while practitioners can explore practical solutions to accelerate implementation. Exhibitions will showcase innovative transport technologies–from electric buses and smart ticketing systems to logistics optimisation tools and green aviation solutions.

The future of transport 

This conference is for everyone who has a stake in South Africa’s transport future. Researchers will gain a platform to present studies that influence national policy. Businesses will discover opportunities to partner on infrastructure projects or introduce new technologies.

Transport operators will access critical insights on regulations, funding models, and innovation. Academics will find networks for collaboration. Policymakers and officials will strengthen ties with global thought leaders and learn from best practices.

Beyond the professional value, the conference offers unparalleled networking opportunities. It is a chance to meet decision-makers, investors, and innovators–all under one roof–discussing how to build a transport system that works for the economy and for people.

This is not just a dialogue; it is a platform for action. The conference will adopt a National Transport Agenda — a strategic framework that sets out key priorities for the year ahead and aligns with government’s developmental objectives.

Delegates will contribute to a formal declaration and an actionable roadmap to ensure follow-through on commitments. These outcomes will also inform the October Transport Month campaign, linking dialogue to implementation timelines.

Capacity-building workshops will provide training opportunities to strengthen skills across the sector. Knowledge-sharing sessions will highlight global best practices that can be adapted to local realities. Public-private partnerships will be fostered to unlock investment and resources for large-scale projects.
The ultimate goal is a transport system that is integrated, efficient and sustainable. One that supports economic growth, connects people to opportunities, and enhances safety and accessibility for all.

The launch of the National Transport Conference signals a new era of partnership and progress.

It is an opportunity to move beyond fragmented conversations and towards a shared vision for mobility. For government, it is a platform to lead transformation. For industry, it is a chance to invest in growth. For citizens, it promises a future where transport is safe, affordable and reliable.

South Africa stands at a pivotal point in its journey to reimagine mobility. The question now is not whether change will come–but how fast and how well we can make it happen. The National Transport Conference is where that future begins.

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, July 25, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

With its immense potential for renewable energy and green hydrogen production and export, the Northern Cape could become a key driver of South Africa’s energy transition and economic growth.

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who delivered remarks at the opening session of a Presidential engagement between the National Executive and the Provincial Executive of the Northern Cape.

“I have said on a number of occasions that the Northern Cape is an economic pioneer and a frontier of innovation. Last year, there was a report published…that characterised the province as South Africa’s emerging powerhouse – quite literally.

“The Northern Cape is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution and is experiencing a significant surge in power projects, notably solar and green hydrogen,” the President said.

According to the African Green Hydrogen Alliance (AGHA) – which is made up of 10 African states, including South Africa – the green hydrogen industry has the potential to add between $66 billion and $126 billion to the Gross Domestic Product of the member countries over the next 25 years.

Government is already working on capitalising on this with the Boegoebaai Port and Rail Development named as one of the top seven infrastructure priorities for 2025/26.

“The province’s Green Hydrogen Masterplan is ambitious in both scope and potential – not just for the Northern Cape but for the national economy as well. It is also, a potential that can have an impact on SADC and even for our continent.

“In recent months I, together with a number of members of the National Executive, …have participated in multilateral discussions and business forums where we have been articulating our vision of South Africa being a leader in the renewable energy revolution.

“And to quote the [Pulitzer Centre] report, once the energy transition unfolds as envisaged, the Northern Cape could be the new heartbeat of the economy,” he said.

The President noted the strides made in the province becoming an industrial hub.

“This is supported by traditional industries like mining, but is being expanded through special economic zone development, industrial park development and major infrastructure developments, notably in port and rail,” he said.

Resolving challenges

President Ramaphosa acknowledged that while the province’s economy has been growing and creating jobs, “persistent challenges” remain.

“National Treasury’s 2024 provincial socio-economic review points to an increase in the percentage of people living in poverty and…a drop in the number of households with access to basic services like water. Unemployment, especially youth unemployment, remains high.

“Fiscal constraints are holding back a number of projects particularly at a municipal level, including for disaster response, asbestos eradication, land restitution, rural electrification and public housing.

“Much as we look at the potential and the progress that is being made, these challenges are still casting a shadow on our way to much better development,” he said.

To resolve some of these challenges, the President said government will have to find ways to “support high impact projects” in the vein of the Northern Cape Industrial Corridor, the province’s R1 billion housing programme and the Kimberley Big Hole precinct.

“We will also need to find creative funding mechanisms for major projects…for instance the Boegoebaai Harbour project. That is a project that will turn the fortunes of our province around. 

“We need an urgent relook at the current delivery model to enable regulatory approval and investment activation,” he said.

The President emphasised that integrated planning between all three spheres of government “must involve State-owned enterprises as important stakeholders with significant capabilities”.

This integration must also align with the Medium-Term Development Plan. 

“We are keen to discuss how the province is addressing the issue of climate change and its state of readiness to respond to natural disasters.

“Another challenge that we need to address is at the local government level…how we are able to improve our local government sphere and find ways of ensuring that this province is able to move up to a high level in terms of tourism.

“There is latent potential in this province where we can actually exploit the number of endowments that the Northern Cape has,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has highlighted the critical role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as crucial contributors to economic development and job creation. 

“Speaking of job creation, the SMEs are significant contributors to economic development and job creation globally. We can attribute their relevance in reducing unemployment to their ability to react swiftly to market changes,“ he said on Thursday. 

The country’s second-in-command was delivering his closing remarks during the inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, Boksburg, Gauteng. 

The Deputy President has called for prioritising the development of SMEs to create jobs and enhance income for youth, women, and marginalised groups.

He stressed the need for a commitment to resolving regulatory bottlenecks related to cross-border trade and investment, urging participants to focus on local value creation and expanding local supply chain opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). 

“This can be achieved by ensuring that the Green Economy Transition is supported by clear green industrialisation policies,” he added. 

The Global SME Ministerial Meeting served as a vital platform for fostering partnerships and setting a collaborative agenda aimed at propelling SMEs towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to support SMEs worldwide, as leaders gathered to address the challenges and opportunities they face in a rapidly changing global landscape. 

“This inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting could not have come at a better time,” he told the attendees. 

The discussions revolved around key themes such as enhancing access to finance, promoting digital transformation, and facilitating green transitions within the SME sector. 

Mashatile expressed optimism, highlighting the potential for collaboration and shared goals to unlock significant opportunities for SMEs globally.

He also took the time to commend the role of the United Nations (UN) in fostering multilateral cooperation during a time when unilateralism is challenging the sustainability of nations. 

“This relationship is critical in this challenging period of abrupt shifts towards unilateralism, which jeopardise the sustainability of our respective countries and the world,” Mashatile added.

The Deputy President touched on the “Call to Action” that emerged from the meeting, which reaffirmed support for vital multilateral initiatives, including the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, the Declaration on Future Generations, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and Group of 20 (G20). 

He stressed South Africa’s position as the G20 Presidency, under the theme of ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,’ focused on championing developmental issues, particularly in Africa.

As the G20 Leaders’ Summit approaches, Deputy President Mashatile told attendees that the meeting was instrumental in gathering ministers from the continent and the Global South to exchange insights relevant to the larger G20 agenda.

“We have heard your voices and will ensure that we champion the issues you have raised in the broader G20 processes and the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November,” he said.

In addition, a meeting of Trade Promotion Organisations took place alongside the Ministerial Meeting, where participants discussed the impacts of trade protectionism and disruptions to global supply chains. 

The Deputy President urged governments to enhance trade and economic diplomacy, emphasising the importance of multilateral trade agreements in bolstering economic growth.

“We must enhance our capabilities to strengthen trade and economic diplomacy, allowing ourselves to engage more effectively in both bilateral and multilateral trade agreements,” Mashatile stated.

South Africa’s efforts to strengthen regional trade through agreements like the Southern African Customs Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) were highlighted as pivotal steps towards unlocking Africa’s economic potential. 

“The Free Trade Area Agreement can significantly enhance Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape by reducing trade barriers and increasing market access, enabling youth to expand businesses, innovate products and services, and seize untapped opportunities within the continent.” – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal Treasury has officially withdrawn its financial support services to Umkhanyakude District Municipality, citing concerns over wasteful expenditure and lack of cooperation from municipal officials.

Finance MEC Francois Rodgers confirmed the decision in a formal letter addressed to the municipality’s mayor, Siphile Mdaka, on Thursday.

Rodgers said the decision was taken in a bid to conserve provincial government resources and redirect them where it is possible to work freely in the spirit of building a capable and ethical state.

According to the MEC, KZN Treasury teams had on various occasions travelled to Umkhanyakhude a day in advance, to facilitate a full productive day with municipal officials.

However, the teams have often found themselves subjected to late cancellations of sessions by municipal officials, either the evening before, the mornings of scheduled meetings.

“These [recurring late cancellations] has resulted in fruitless and wasteful expenditure being incurred by KZN Provincial Treasury,” Rodgers said.

In his letter to the mayor, Rodgers emphasised that Treasury has limited resources, and in determining which municipalities to support; the municipal manager is required to “commit to the initiative and to provide assurance that the Treasury teams will receive full cooperation.”

“This clearly has not happened, and I have therefore instructed my team to withdraw from the municipality and to reassign the resources to other municipalities that desperately require our support,” Rodgers said.

Intervention in municipality

The withdrawal of support comes as Umkhanyakude District Municipality faces heightened scrutiny.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Thulasizwe Buthelezi, recently invoked Section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution to place the municipality under administration.

The section empowers the provincial government to intervene when a municipality fails to fulfil its constitutional mandate to deliver services.

Buthelezi has launched a forensic investigation under Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act to probe allegations of corruption and maladministration within the municipality.

“This investigation, being conducted in terms of Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act, aims to thoroughly examine the various allegations. The intervention will ensure that officials are held accountable should any wrongdoing be uncovered by the investigators,” Buthelezi said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, has called on G20 nations to demonstrate bold leadership and shared accountability in addressing the world’s most pressing development challenges.

Ramokgopa has emphasised the importance of inclusive growth, social protection, and sustainable financing.

“This week is crucial for the advancement of our shared commitment to confront global development challenges. We gather not just as Ministers and officials, but as stewards of a common ambition to build a world in which progress does not bypass the most vulnerable,” the Minister said.

The Minister addressed the Fourth G20 Development Working Group (DWG) Meeting at Skukuza Lodge, in the Kruger National Park which wraps up today.

The working group meetings, hosted under South Africa’s G20 Presidency brought together G20 member states, invited countries, and international organisations to discuss key development priorities.  

These include the need to tackle illicit financial flows, strengthen domestic resource mobilisation, advance inclusive social protection systems and align development finance with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Ramokgopa underscored the urgent need to address illicit financial flows, describing them as a threat to financial stability and a barrier to development.

“Illicit financial flows undermine public trust, drain essential resources, and destabilise economies. We urge global cooperation on automatic data sharing, beneficial ownership transparency, and digital identity tracking. We must shine light into the shadowy corners of the global financial system to finance sustainable futures,” she said.

The Minister said social protection should not be viewed as an act of charity but as a core pillar of sustainable development contributing to economic growth, societal cohesion, and gender equity.

The Development Working Group meetings were a culmination of negotiations working toward the ministerial declarations that were handed over for the Ministerial Meeting.

There was an introduction to the G20 USA Presidency, and the meeting was closed with a tribute to the delegation whose hard work and determination were instrumental in shaping a progressive and unified outcome.

South Africa’s G20 Presidency continues to prioritise inclusive dialogue and bold action in driving global progress through sustainable development, justice, and financial reform. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré, has announced that over 7 000 public and private buildings have registered for an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

An EPC is a certificate that indicates how much energy is being used to operate a building, which is indicated through a performance scale of A-G, with A indicating a building is most energy efficient and G being least energy efficient. 

The requirement of having an EPC will play a key role in greenhouse gas emissions reduction, which is a key requirement to improve energy efficiency and saving costs.

As part of the Department of Electricity and Energy’s (DEE) and South African Energy Development Institute’s (Sanedi) priority to drive energy efficiency in South Africa, organisations have until 7 December 2025 to register for the certificate.

“With only five months left before registrations close, large building owners need to prioritise this. We aim to reach 60 000 registrations by the closing date. I am working with the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Mcpherson, and will also be working with Premiers and Mayors to ensure that this issue gets immediate attention. 

“There is an opportunity for all South Africans to play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and benefit from the programme,” said the Deputy Minister.

Since its launch in December 2020 until 21 July 2025, a total of 7 113 buildings have registered, and 3 884 EPCs have been issued. 

“I urge all building owners, both public and private, to adopt and implement alternative and energy-saving methods. We need to be creative and innovative so that we save on energy. 

“Some practical ways to do this include installing LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs and smart geysers, fitting solar panels, and turning off appliances when they are not in use. I encourage anyone to engage my department about the programme and how they can implement this initiative,” Graham-Maré said.

The purpose of EPCs:

• Indicates the energy performance of a building,
• Serve as regulatory tools/instruments targeting inefficient buildings, encouraging transformation towards energy-efficient buildings,
• Are indicators for building owners to note and change their consumption patterns to benefit financially and comply with regulations, and
• In the long term, they promote the reduction of Greenhouse gas emissions through the implementation of energy efficiency interventions using reliable data from existing EPCs. – SAnews.gov.za