Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni has declared this a “historic week” for entrepreneurs and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

She was addressing the Startup20 Midterm Engagement Group Meeting held in Gauteng on Monday.

The meeting kicks off a busy week, with Global Trade Promotion Organisations holding a parallel meeting hosted by the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), together with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

“They will consider how the global trade system is being reconfigured, and how MSMEs can build resilience and pivot towards new markets,” Ndabeni said.

Later this week, the department will host the Global SME ministerial meeting with the International Trade Centre.

“This meeting will see Ministers, Deputy Ministers and officials from more than 60 countries, as well as various multilateral organisations, converge to discuss entrepreneurship and MSME policy, and look at ways to scale global support for MSMEs, especially in underserved countries,” Ndabeni explained.

The Global SME ministerial meeting will take aim at:

• How to bridge the digital divide to empower MSMEs and startups with the infrastructure, skills, and tools needed to compete globally;
• How to unlock capital access, especially for women- and youth-led businesses, through inclusive financial ecosystems;
• How to position MSMEs as key actors in the green economy, supporting sustainable practices and circular innovation, and
• How to foster inclusive trade policies that ensure MSMEs have a seat at the global economic table.

“The outcome will be a Call to Action, endorsed by the 60 plus countries, which will contain practical policy measures and reforms that will be championed in the UN system and which we can integrate with our G20 MSME agenda.

“Building on the work started in Brazil, as South Africa we want a dedicated G20 MSME and Startup Working Group, and this week’s deliberations will greatly assist us craft clear terms of reference and agenda for this working group,” Ndabeni said.

The ministerial meeting will also allow opportunities for inputs from the Startup20 Midterm engagement.

“Some of you… will be given space to share your thinking with the delegates at the ministerial meeting.

“Together, we will build a more equal and sustainable future led by MSMEs and startups,” Ndabeni said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni has unveiled South Africa’s priorities for the Startup20 Engagement Group – an official engagement group under the country’s G20 presidency.

The Minister was delivering remarks at the midterm meeting held at Birchwood in Boksburg on Monday.

Startup20 serves as a platform for startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to engage with G20 leaders on the challenges and opportunities they face.

The five priorities are: 

• Foundation and alliance – with the focus on enabling policies, and ways to build a more supportive and resourced eco-system for early-stage entrepreneurs and scale-ups.
• Finance and investment – with the focus on addressing gaps in early-stage financing, cross-border financing, and ways to derisk investment, for underserved regions and groups like women and youth, including through pre-investment capital readiness support.
• Inclusion and sustainability – with the focus on circular economy models, green innovation incentives, and pre-investment business support for youth and women led enterprises to improve capital readiness.
• Market access – with the focus on facilitating international trade, enabling e-commerce, reforming public procurement systems and supporting regional integration
• Township and rural entrepreneurship – with the focus on strengthening local value chains, improving infrastructure and connectivity, and improving access to finance and eco-system support for supporting co-operatives and micro enterprises.

“Task teams made up of South African and international representatives have been established in these five priority areas.

“This Midterm Engagement Group Session provides the opportunity for these task forces together with others in the broader eco-system to develop policy recommendations that culminate in a clear programme of action to be finalised in the Startup20 Summit on the 13th and 14th of November.

“This summit in November will also include the inaugural Startup20 Awards, where the best startups and eco-system enablers from the G20 countries will be recognised. We will also, as DSBD, integrate our Presidential MSME Awards where we recognise and reward our best local talent,” Ndabeni said.

She emphasised that South Africa would utilise its G20 presidency to champion “issues of the Global South and Africa in particular, including issues of public debt, food security, market access, and the availability and cost of capital”.    

“With the African Union’s induction as a permanent G20 member in 2023, Africa’s voice is now more prominent in global policymaking. South Africa plays a dual role: both as a sovereign G20 member and as a strategic member of the AU. As such we are well positioned to support the continent’s startup and MSME agenda.

“This alignment allows for greater policy coherence, enabling South Africa to serve as a bridge between global discourse and regional development aspirations, particularly in areas such as startup financing, regulatory reform, and digital transformation,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Special Investigating Unit’s probe into the North West Development Corporation (NWDC) has been expanded to include contracts awarded to Tokiso Security Services CC.

The original proclamation – which is now expanded – was signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and directed the corruption busting unit to probe maladministration related to the establishment of Tokiso Security Services as a subsidiary of the NWDC.

The company was contracted to provide security services to the NWDC and other provincial government entities.

“The new amendment extends this mandate to examine all contracts where Tokiso Security Services CC was appointed to render security services to the NWDC, provincial departments, public entities and government business enterprises in the North West Province.

“The expansion of the investigation scope will allow the SIU to determine whether the security service contracts were awarded appropriately and if any irregularities, maladministration, or financial losses to the state occurred during the procurement process. 

“The SIU will investigate whether proper procedures were followed in appointing Tokiso Security Services CC and whether any officials, employees, or service providers acted improperly,” the SIU said.

Additionally, the period under investigation will include conduct up to the date of the amended proclamation’s publication on Friday.

“The original proclamation…also authorised the SIU to investigate irregularities in contracts associated with the NWDC, including the Youth Enterprise Combo implemented by MVEST Trust, security services provided by Naphtronics (Pty) Ltd, and the purchase of the Christiana Hotel and Game Farm.

“Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption, and fraud, the SIU is committed to identifying systemic failures and recommending measures to prevent future losses.

“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 (NPA) for further action,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Junior Springboks – following their historic triumph at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy.

The young Boks clinched a nail-biting 23-15 victory over archrivals New Zealand in Rovigo on Saturday evening, earning South Africa its first U20 world title since 2012. The win sees the team return home unbeaten, with national pride running high.

“Congratulations to the World Champs! Rugby will be dominated by South Africa for decades still,” McKenzie said.

The team arrived on home soil on Monday, landing at OR Tambo International Airport. South Africans showed up in their numbers to give the young champions a heroes’ welcome.

In a reaction statement posted on the Springboks website on Sunday, Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote credited the victory to South Africa’s trademark fighting spirit and the players’ unwavering resolve, particularly in defence. 

“Defence is all about character, and there were moments when New Zealand were right on our line, but we held firm. From a coach’s perspective, you can’t ask for more than that. It was a real South African defensive effort and gees (spirit) that won it for us today,” Foote said. 

Foote, who took the reins at the end of last year, described the squad as a “special group of young rugby players”, whose growth over the months had been “incredibly special”.

Captain Riley Norton praised his team’s composure under pressure and their ability to adapt to the humid Italian conditions.

“The ball was so slippery, and your fundamentals had to be spot on in these conditions, which was tough. There were a few handling errors due to the incredible humidity, and our jerseys were absolutely drenched in sweat, but I think we handled the conditions well. This win is for everyone who supported us back home,” he said. 

The Junior Boks’ win in Italy marks a proud moment in South African sport, echoing their 2012 title win over the same opposition at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town.

After landing in Johannesburg, the players will return to their respective provincial unions, carrying with them not only gold medals but the hopes of a nation inspired by their success. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Group of 20 (G20) is uniquely positioned to respond to the complex and interconnected crises shaping today’s world – from economic instability and inequality to climate change and geopolitical tension.

This was the key message from Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, during her opening remarks at the fourth meeting of the G20 Development Working Group (DWG) held at Skukuza Lodge in the Kruger National Park on Monday.  

Addressing delegates gathered in one of Africa’s largest national parks, Ramokgopa emphasised the symbolic importance of the venue, saying it reflects South Africa’s rich natural and archaeological heritage, and its commitment to sustainable development. 

“This meeting takes place ahead of the DWG Ministerial Meeting on the 24th and 25th of July. Therefore, this week is crucial for the advancement of the shared commitment to confront the global development challenges of our time. 

“This week, we gather not just as Ministers, officials, and multilateral representatives, but as stewards of a common ambition to build a world in which progress does not bypass the most vulnerable,” the Minister said.

Ramokgopa reflected on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted a decade ago, noting that it now faces its “toughest test”.

The G20, as reaffirmed in past summits such as Rio de Janeiro, has a critical role to play in leading global action.

“The G20 is uniquely placed to respond to the vast and interlinked crises shaping our world – from economic instability to environmental peril.

“In this spirit, we echo the longstanding dedication of the Development Working Group, which since 2016, has championed a people-centred development model rooted in justice, sustainability, and resilience,” the Minister said.  

The Minister identified key priorities for the DWG, starting with the need to prioritise inclusive well-being and the establishment of social protection systems.

“Social protection must be seen not as charity, but as a cornerstone of development, through fostering economic vitality, societal unity, and gender parity. The urgency to take action is underscored by the current unacceptable and persistent global gender disparities,” she said.

Citing data from UN Women, Ramokgopa highlighted persistent gender disparities:

• Women, on average, earn 20% less than men, 

• Globally, over 2.7 billion women are legally restricted from having the same choice of jobs as men, and 

• Nearly 60% of women’s employment globally is in the informal economy, while in low-income countries, it is more than 90% (this means that women are overrepresented in informal and vulnerable employment)

She called for universal access to social protection, recognition of invisible care work, and targeted support for historically excluded groups. 

While such initiatives must be primarily funded by domestic fiscal capacity, the Minister stressed the importance of international solidarity and innovative financing mechanisms. 

“We emphasise that these efforts must largely be supported by a country’s own fiscal capabilities. Yet, we recognise that innovative financing mechanisms and international solidarity have a vital role to play, particularly in helping nations navigate moments of fiscal strain or external shocks,” she said. 

Turning to the issue of public finance, Ramokgopa described domestic resource mobilisation as “non-negotiable”. 

“It begins with fair, efficient, and transparent tax systems. It also requires resolute action to stop the loss of wealth through illicit financial flows (IFFs),” she said.

She reaffirmed South Africa’s support for outcomes of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development and commit to the actions it outlines, which include empowering governments to raise and wisely spend revenue; curbing financial opacity; and ensuring global tax norms reflect the needs of all, especially those of developing nations. 

“The scourge of IFFs undermines trust, drains essential funds, and destabilizes economies, both in origin and destination. We urge all partners to embrace comprehensive measures, such as automatic data sharing, robust beneficial ownership registries, digital identity tracking, and capacity-building for law enforcement and financial regulators alike. Only by shining light into these shadowy corners of the financial system can we hope to finance sustainable futures,” the Minister said. 

Ramokgopa said that only 15% of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are on track to be achieved by 2030, with rising debt, economic shocks, hunger, and climate-related threats worsening the development outlook.

“The resource gap now spans trillions annually. Bridging that divide demands action, creativity, and unity,” she said.

She called on the international community to “reimagine how the world responds to problems that ignore borders,” advocating for a new era of cooperation centred on global public goods, equitable governance, and inclusive multilateralism.

Among the ideas under discussion are strengthened global institutions, transparent decision-making, shared but differentiated responsibilities, and the innovative use of technology. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Members of the National Assembly (NA) will this week conclude their business for the second parliamentary programme, before the start of the constituency period which is scheduled from 28 July to 1 September.

The constituency period provides Members of Parliament (MPs) with an opportunity to engage directly with communities through their constituency offices across the country. 

“This period is essential as it facilitates meaningful interaction between elected representatives and the public they serve,” said a statement issued by Parliament.

The seventh Parliament has adopted a rotational approach to its parliamentary programme, organising its work into three distinct components, including committee oversight, constituency work, and plenary sittings.

“This structure allows members to focus on each of Parliament’s core functions in turn, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and impact of parliamentary work.” 

The Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, will lead a five-member multiparty parliamentary delegation to the Fifth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP). 

The session is scheduled to take place in Midrand, Johannesburg, from 21 – 31 July 2025 and aligns with the African Union’s theme for 2025: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations”.

Members of the PAP will deliberate on a range of issues of continental significance and present their respective countries’ perspectives. 

Scheduled debates include discussions on the state and financing of the African Union, the status of governance, peace, and security on the continent, as well as reports from the African Peer Review Mechanism.

The South African delegation comprises Mdumiseni Ntuli, Mergan Chetty, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, and Vuyani Pambo. 

The PAP serves as a legislative organ of the African Union (AU), established under the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community (Abuja Treaty).

Plenary sittings

On Tuesday this week, the National Assembly will discuss two motions during its plenary session. The first motion aims to revive the investigation into the issue of statutory rape, while the second motion concerns the replacement of representatives on the Board of Trustees for the Political Office Bearers Pension Fund.

Later that day, the NA will deliberate on four Bills, including the Eskom Debt Relief Amendment Bill, the Revenue Laws Amendment Bill, and the National Gambling Amendment Bill.

On Wednesday, the NA will conclude its second term programme with a plenary sitting to consider the Appropriation Bill. This Bill provides for the appropriation of funds from the National Revenue Fund for the 2025/26 financial year. It outlines allocations to national departments and public entities. 

“It also includes transfers to provinces and municipalities through conditional grants, equitable shares and other funding mechanisms to support the fulfilment of their constitutional obligations.” 

On Thursday, the NCOP will hold a plenary session during which it will consider reports from select committees and Trade, Industry, and Competition’s debate Budget Vote. 

In addition, 26 committee meetings are scheduled for this week. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, July 21, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, has announced the rollout of game-changing new Home Affairs service centres abroad.

The centres are set to assist South Africans living overseas, who have often waited 12 to 18 months just to obtain a new passport. With the opening of these new service centres, access to services is being expanded and turnaround times have been cut to just five weeks.

Minister Schreiber launched the first two service centres in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, last week, with another set to open in Perth by the end of September. Two centres also went live in Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand. 

“This is in addition to the service centre in London, UK, which is already operational. Over the coming months, the Department of Home Affairs will open additional service centres in the United Arab Emirates and China, followed by France, Germany and The Netherlands later this year, and North America in the new year. Further announcements will follow in due course when these service centres open their doors,” the department said. 

While the department’s ultimate aim is to deliver “Home Affairs @ home” by making its services available online all around the world, the opening of service centres around the world brings immediate relief to South African citizens living in other countries.

The new service centres abroad will offer:
•    Application intake and processing for adult and minor passports, both for new passports and renewals, ending the need to travel or wait indefinitely for consular appointments.
•    Birth registration applications.
•    A new online appointment booking system that brings predictability, structure, and transparency to planning, while also accommodating walk-ins.
•    Email support and SMS-based application tracking so that clients are kept informed every step of the way.
•    Opening hours from Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 12:00, and 13:00 to 17:00; and
•    services offered will have a five-week turnaround time, compared to the current turnaround time that can take between 12 and 18 months. 

The department added that it is also working to upgrade the eHomeAffairs live capture platform, which will enable these centres to also offer Smart ID services and eliminate the use of paper forms. An announcement will be made in due course once this upgrade is complete. 

“The rollout of these service centres is yet another step on our journey towards delivering ‘Home Affairs @ home.’ Home Affairs is now closer than ever before for South Africans living abroad. These improvements are not just about better service; they are about delivering dignity to South Africans – wherever they live in the world.

“Home Affairs is now delivering for South Africans – including those living abroad – like never before,” Minister Schreiber said. 

Bookings to use the newly-opened facilities in Australia can be made here: https://services.vfsglobal.com/aus/en/zap/attend-centre  

Bookings to use the newly-opened facilities in New Zealand can be made here: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/nzl/en/zaf/attend-centre  – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Sixteen undocumented foreign nationals, who were arrested during an anti-illegal mining crackdown, are expected to appear at the Pilgrim’s Rest Periodical Court today.

The suspects were arrested during a joint law enforcement operation under the banner of Operation Vala Umgodi.  

In a statement on Monday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said the police arrested the 16 suspects at Diggings in Pilgrim’s Rest in Mpumalanga for Contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa on Sunday.  

“The foreign nationals, aged between 18 and 42, were apprehended by the team assigned for Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga. They were nabbed during a disruptive operation at the said area after being found without valid documentation to be in the country. A generator fitted with a water pump was also found abandoned,” the SAPS said. 

The police investigation team is working in collaboration with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of the arrested suspects. 

The Acting Provincial of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, thanked officers for their relentless efforts in tackling illegal mining activities in the province.

Operation Vala Umgodi is government’s initiative to combat and prevent illegal mining activities, as well as to safeguard economic growth by addressing the root causes of illegal mining and enforcing the law. 

Conducted in seven provinces – Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, and Northern Cape – the operation is supported by a Central National Command Centre. 

In collaboration with various departments and institutions — including SAPS, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, Home Affairs, South African National Defence Force, National Prosecuting Authority, Department of Correctional Services, Department of Social Development, Department of Health and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation — the operation targets the criminal networks and environmental degradation linked to illegal mining activities. 

Since its inception in December 2023, more than 27 000 suspects have been arrested, while over 700 firearms, including imitation firearms (toy guns) and 16 553 rounds of ammunition have been seized through Vala Umgodi operations nationwide. – SAnews.gov.za