Category: South Africa Government

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to deepen diplomatic, economic and people-to-people relations between South Africa and their respective countries.

The President received letters of credence from the newly appointed Heads of Mission from 20 countries across the world during a credentials ceremony at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, on Wednesday. 

The ceremony saw the Heads of Mission-designate present their credentials to the President and pledged their commitment to work with South Africa to further advance and strengthen diplomatic relations. 

Letters of Credence are official diplomatic documents presented to the President by Heads of Mission-designate who have been nominated by their respective governments to serve as ambassadors to South Africa.

Addressing Heads of Mission, the President said South Africa stands ready to partner with nations for trade, development and peace.

“In South Africa you will find a ready, willing, able and capable partner for trade, development, progress and peace,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said the envoys begin their tenure at a time when South Africa’s economy is recovering, supported by ongoing structural reforms.

“The structural reform agenda we embarked on in 2018 to overcome longstanding constraints to investment and growth continues to gain momentum,” he said.

He noted improvements in key economic indicators, including stabilised public debt and increased job creation, as well as progress made through investment drives.

“Last week, we held our sixth South Africa Investment Conference, where we secured R889 billion in cumulative investment commitments. This has encouraged us to set a goal of securing R3 trillion in new investment commitments over the next three years,” he said. 

The President said government is also investing heavily in infrastructure to support growth.

“We will be investing approximately R1 trillion over the next three years to build roads, dams, schools, hospitals and other public infrastructure,” he said.

President Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation among nations, particularly in addressing global challenges.

“As we pursue our apex priority of inclusive growth and job creation, we are firmly committed to deepen our cooperation and collaboration with all countries. We hope that your time in South Africa will contribute to building meaningful, sustainable economic partnerships,” he said. 

Expectations for Diplomats

He also outlined expectations for the diplomats, stressing the importance of mutual respect, non-interference and constructive engagement.

“As President, whenever I appoint Ambassadors and High Commissioners to your country, I expect them to promote good relations between our two nations. I expect them to respect your country’s sovereignty and promote trade and investment opportunities in our respective countries. 

“I also expect them to promote South Africa’s culture and value system and strengthen people-to-people relations,” he said.

The President underscored the importance of diplomacy conducted with tact and discretion.

“I always make it a point to inform them that they should never criticise their host countries publicly and in a confrontational manner but should always seek to raise issues privately and constructively.

“They should always seek to build relationships with various stakeholders in the host country. They should always choose to preserve dignity and partnership between our respective countries,” the President said. 

He said this approach aligns with principles of international diplomacy and fosters stronger bilateral relations.

“It is this approach that I believe builds strong relationships between nations and helps to advance the interests of our respective countries based on mutual respect.
 
“South Africa’s interest is to advance a better, more peaceful, more equal world, anchored in human rights and with respect for the dignity of all,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Johannesburg will take centre stage on Thursday as the Gauteng Provincial Government hosts the second annual Gauteng Investment Conference (GIC).

The GIC – which comes hot off the heels of the successful sixth South Africa Investment Conference – will be held at Melrose Arch, with Deputy President Paul Mashatile expected to deliver the keynote address.

Delivering the provincial budget speech last month, then Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile outlined that the provincial government is targeting some R200 billion in investment pledges.

“For the upcoming GIC, our objective is to secure new investment commitments. We remain determined to secure R800 billion in investments by the end of the seventh administration.

“This target is not aspirational. It is pipeline-backed and supported by structured engagement with domestic investors, foreign direct investors and sector leaders. It builds on the momentum of 2025, but it moves us from mobilisation to institutionalisation. We are institutionalising marketing, origination, facilitation and delivery

“But conferences are not judged by attendance numbers or headlines. They are judged by implementation. It is therefore important that we account not only for what was pledged, but for what has been delivered,” Maile said at the time.

From promise to progress

Last year, the GIC garnered some R312.5 billion in pledges in sectors including agro-processing, transport, infrastructure, property development and aviation.

These pledges are expected to provide some 114 000 job opportunities.

During the launch of the 2026 GIC on 17 February, Maile stated that as of February this year, at least 28% of the pledges have resulted in active projects.

“[Some] 17 out of 60 projects are now in a roll-out and this translates to R73 billion that has been unlocked for the real economy.

“This conversion rate is central to our credibility, as it demonstrates that Gauteng does not treat investment mobilisation as an event driven exercise. But rather, as a continuous life cycle from origination and structuring to facilitation and delivery,” he said at the launch. 

Maile highlighted that the GIC serves as a platform that “integrates project preparation, investor engagement, intergovernmental coordination and capital mobilisation across our strategic pillars”.

“It achieves this by bringing visibility, structure and accountability to the provincial investment pipeline. In so doing, the GIC accelerates delivery and converts intent into implementation, as it translates strategy into bankable projects, aligns provincial ambitions with investor expectations and ensures that economic policy matches execution.

“This approach strongly reinforces the objectives and ambitions of the Gauteng Economic Development Plan, which emphasises inclusive growth, industrial expansion, infrastructure acceleration, job creation and long-term competitiveness,” he said.

Driving Gauteng forward

Maile noted that as GIC 2026 comes around, the provincial government is “now elevating the model”.

“Our goal is to fortify Gauteng’s standing as the top sub-national investment destination in Africa — a status characterised by its credibility, project preparedness and execution discipline.

“We aim to secure R200 billion in new investment commitments. We seek to showcase high-growth sectors that align with global and continental trends, including advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, electric vehicle value chains, digital infrastructure logistics, agro-processing, green hydrogen and financial services,” he said.

Some key catalytic projects to be showcased at GIC 2026 include:

• Gauteng Rapid Rail Integrated Network extensions.
• The Lanseria Smart City.
• The aerotropolis around OR Tambo International Airport.
• The expansion of the West Rand SEZ [Special Economic Zone].
• The proposed Vaal SEZ focused on steel revitalisation and green hydrogen

This year’s conference is also aimed at strengthening the “entire investment lifecycle, building on the momentum of 2025”.

“We are institutionalising marketing, origination, facilitation and delivery. We are aligning with the African Continental Free Trade Area and African Union Agenda 2063 to deepen Pan-African value chains.

“We are building on engagements in Davos, Italy and the Mining Indaba to convert diplomatic relations into structured pipelines. We are also placing municipalities at the centre of this model. Urban planning, infrastructure approvals 

“In 2025, we demonstrated that Gauteng can mobilise capital and in 2026, we are showing that Gauteng can convert capital into projects, jobs and leading to growth of the economy,” Maile said. – SAnews.gov.za

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EThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba has extended heartfelt condolences to the family of Albert Mazibuko, a long-serving and award-winning member of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who passed away over the weekend after a short illness.

The internationally acclaimed choral group confirmed Mazibuko’s passing in a statement on its Facebook page.

Xaba described Mazibuko (77) as a towering figure in South African music, whose artistry and dedication helped elevate the multi-Grammy Award-winning isicathamiya group to global prominence.

“Albert Mazibuko was more than a performer; he was a mentor and role model to generations of artists. His passing is not only a profound loss to his family and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, but to the nation as a whole,” Xaba said in a statement on Tuesday.

Mazibuko’s career spanned more than five decades, during which he helped secure five Grammy Awards and 19 nominations for the group, further cementing the global reach of isicathamiya and mbube music.

In paying tribute, Xaba also called on social partners to strengthen support for the creative industry to ensure that the legacy of cultural icons like Mazibuko continues to inspire and empower future talent.

He also encouraged young artists to draw inspiration from Mazibuko’s discipline, humility and enduring contribution to the arts.

“Mazibuko’s family and colleagues can take comfort in knowing that his remarkable career has left an indelible mark on South Africa’s cultural heritage,” Xaba said.

A memorial service will take place on 15 April in Durban. The funeral service will be held on 18 April in Entabamhlophe, Estcourt. – SAnews.gov.za

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Following the successful sixth South African Investment Conference, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has continued efforts to mobilise business leaders to invest in the South African economy.

Speaking during an engagement with the global think tank, The European House – Ambrosetti (TEHA), held at the Inanda Country Club in Sandton on Wednesday, Tau urged leaders to explore investment opportunities in South Africa.

The Minister emphasised that government has been working to create a conducive environment for investment and has made progress in addressing key constraints.

These include achieving four consecutive quarters of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth up to early 2026, securing a sovereign credit rating upgrade, removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, and the end of load shedding.

“The sixth investment conference was also the platform on which we launched two instruments that directly address the frustrations investors have historically voiced.

“The first is the Fusion Centre — a coordinated government mechanism designed to fast-track regulatory approvals and resolve bottlenecks in real time, with defined timelines and enhanced transparency for investors. 

“The second is the planned Omnibus Fast-tracking Act, which will streamline licensing processes, digitise permits, and enable faster visa approvals for scarce skills. Herein, we are engineering a system that works for investors,” Tau said. 

He further highlighted energy, minerals and beneficiation, automotive and new energy vehicles and green industrialisation as some of the key sectors that will drive the South African economy going forward. 

Tau underscored that South Africa’s path to prosperity is anchored in strong partnerships between government and the private sector. – SAnews.gov.za

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Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi will on Wednesday visit sugar mills in KwaZulu-Natal in preparation for the reopening of the Sugarcane Crushing Season in May.

The Deputy Minister will start his visit with the re-opening of the Gledhow Mill. 

This follows a R1.8 billion expansion by the new owners, which was a commitment pledge made at the South African Investment Conference which took place on 31 March 2026 in Sandton, Gauteng.

Godlimpi will also sign Phase 2 of the Sugar Cane Value Chain Master Plan during the quarterly Executive Oversight Committee meeting. 

According to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Phase 1 of the Sugar Industry Master Plan (SIMP) was established as a partnership between government, the private sector and labour to stabilise and transform the sugar sector.

“The South African sugar industry remains a strategic agro-processing value chain, supporting rural livelihoods, small-scale growers, and regional economies, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. 

“The industry is currently facing several structural challenges, including the risks of potential mill closures that could significantly affect cane growers, rural employment, and associated value chains,” the department said. 

Notwithstanding the challenges faced by the industry, the dtic and government development finance institutions like the Industrial Development Corporation remain committed to supporting the reopening of the sugar cane mills to preserve jobs and sustain the rural livelihoods in KZN. 

This commitment comes from the appreciation that livelihoods would be negatively impacted should there be a disruption in the sugar industry operations. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Special Tribunal has declared the R14 million in funding awarded by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) to the Madumelani Community Project as unlawful, invalid and set aside.

The ruling, which was welcomed by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), comes after the unit exposed an intricate scheme by brothers Tshimangadzo and Ndoweni Mukutu, who fraudulently obtained funding intended for the construction of a cultural village in Hammanskraal.

The cultural village that the two had claimed they would build was already established in 2015 through legitimate R300 000 in NLC funding by the Maubane Cultural Village and Community Arts Centre.

In her judgment, President of the Special Tribunal, Judge Margaret Victor, found that the scheme concocted by the two brothers was “clearly fraudulent”.

“The available facts and context are clear. South Africa is in the midst of a catastrophic corruption epidemic.

“In this case, the facts are such that the conduct of the antagonists is unconscionable, which justifies the piercing of the corporate veil. Money earmarked for a cultural village, a pride and joy of any community, has been lost to a fraudulent scheme,” Victor said.

The brothers have also been ordered to pay back the funding money.

Web of lies

According to the SIU, the two brothers weaved a scheme with “extensive planning and deliberate misrepresentation, including the unlawful use of the Madumelani Community Project’s constitution”.

Cited as one of the respondents in the judgment is Dzata Accountants – a firm already identified by the SIU as one of five firms that helped in the looting of NLC coffers.

The accounting firm allegedly prepared false financial statements for the grant application.

“The SIU investigation found that the original members of the Madumelani Community Project… did not apply for NLC funding and were unaware of the grant application process. Instead, Tshimangadzo Mukutu fraudulently submitted the application, falsely claiming to be a director of the organisation.

“Further evidence from the SIU’s probe revealed that the brothers had previously approached the project’s members, obtained a copy of its constitution under the pretext of assisting with funding applications, and later used it without authorisation.

“Several individuals listed as members in the application confirmed that they had no knowledge of the submission and that their signatures had been forged. The probe also uncovered misrepresentation regarding the purpose of the funding,” the corruption busting unit said.

Follow the money

The false takeover of the legitimate project also included the appointment of fictitious office bearers and the “opening of a bank account through which millions of rands were disbursed”.

“Following the disbursement of funds in February 2018 into a newly opened bank account, substantial payments were channelled to various entities and relatives, including companies associated with T Mukutu,” the SIU stated.

Between March and July 2018, the following transactions were made:

• Nine transactions with RUM Management Consultancy, owned by Ndoweni Mukutu, totalling some R3 070 000.
• Ndhava Management Consulting, owned by Tshisimba Collin Mukondoleli, received a payment of R4 999 000
• Thwala Front, owned by Mukondoleli’s wife, Kharivhe Fulufhelo Promise, was paid R1 400 000. At least R1 million of that money was paid to a money trading account.
• R50 000 was paid in salaries
• R400 000 was recorded as a hardware purchase

“The SIU found that the Mukutu brothers, along with Mukondoleli and his wife, and Tshilidzi David Netswinganani, who acted as the treasurer and one of the signatories, had ‘hijacked’ the NPO.

“In April 2018, five payments totalling R4 650 000 were also made, with R3 519 000 going to Mudonde Events and Investment owned by N Mukutu. These also included a payment of R3 million to a trust associated with Advocate William Huma, a former NLC Board member.

“Last year, the Special Tribunal ordered Huma to reimburse R21 million in misused grant funds, and the SIU obtained a preservation order for R10 million from the sale of his luxury residence,” the SIU said.

The corruption busting unit welcomed the ruling.

“The order of the Special Tribunal is part of the implementation of the SIU investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover financial losses suffered by State institutions due to corruption, maladministration, or malpractice.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence it uncovers that indicates possible criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Public Investment Corporation (PIC), on behalf of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), has invested approximately R2.7 billion in a mixed-use development in the Waterfall precinct, supporting about 23 000 jobs.

The development features more than 500 retail outlets, around 70 restaurants, as well as major commercial and logistics operations.

PIC Chairperson, Dr David Masondo, said developments of this scale play a critical role in strengthening the country’s economic infrastructure, attracting investment, and creating vibrant spaces where businesses and communities can thrive.

“Waterfall City reflects the kind of scale, vision and execution that South Africa needs as we build modern, sustainable and competitive cities,” he said.

Masondo, who also serves as the Deputy Minister of Finance, conducted a site visit to Waterfall City on Tuesday, describing it as a strong post-1994 example of long-term, high-quality investment in the country’s urban future.

The visit forms part of a broader national oversight programme scheduled over the next three months, aimed at showcasing how pension fund capital is being deployed into infrastructure and other productive assets.

The Waterfall precinct is owned by the Atterbury Waterfall Investment Company (AWIC), which is 70% owned by Attacq Limited and 30% by the GEPF.

“Our property investments span a wide range of activities; from large-scale commercial developments to affordable housing, inner-city regeneration, and support for emerging and black property developers,” Masondo said.

He added that the PIC’s approach is anchored in both financial sustainability and developmental impact, ensuring that investment decisions contribute meaningfully to a more inclusive economy. 

“We see our role as both custodians of public servants’ pensions and participants in South Africa’s broader economic transformation. That requires a portfolio that is diverse, forward-looking, and responsive to the needs of the country,” Masondo said.

Waterfall City is one of many assets within the PIC’s portfolio, which remains broad, diversified and development-focused. 

“Beyond flagship assets, our investment record shows clear and sustained support for black developers, affordable housing, and emerging players. We have backed Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) developers in commercial property. 

“We have supported black-led development platforms. We have invested in inner-city housing and provided catalytic financing to small and medium contractors building affordable homes. Transformation is not an afterthought; it is built into how we invest,” Masondo said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, has welcomed Cabinet’s approval of the Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection. 

Cabinet’s approval followed an extensive programme of public consultation undertaken by the Department of Home Affairs, which covered all nine provinces, and generated thousands of inputs from stakeholders and members of the public.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, the Revised White Paper outlines the policy priorities for the most fundamental reform to South Africa’s citizenship, immigration and refugee protection frameworks. 

“It is designed to clamp down on fraud and abuse, enhance national security, improve service delivery through digital transformation and promote economic development,” the department said.

Following last week’s Cabinet approval of the Revised White Paper, the department will initiate the process of drafting and tabling in Parliament the requisite legislative amendments to implement the Revised White Paper.

Key reforms approved by Cabinet in the Revised White Paper include:

• Refugee management reforms

The implementation of the “First Safe Country Principle”, which states that asylum seekers who have been granted refugee status or lawful protection in another country, or who pass through safe third countries to reach South Africa, are ineligible for asylum in South Africa. 

This is designed to combat the phenomenon of applicants “picking and choosing” South Africa as their preferred destination to claim asylum, while passing through other safe countries on the way. In order to mitigate the risk of refoulement, this reform will require the Minister of Home Affairs to, on an annual basis, designate safe third countries that have ratified the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, and to withdraw such designation, as and when the need arises. 

It also mandates government to enter into bilateral agreements with safe third countries in order for the burden of migration in sub-Saharan Africa to be shared on a more equitable basis. By adopting this focus on regional migration flows, South Africa will be positioned to support the implementation of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ route-based approach that seeks to move away from focusing on individual countries towards entire routes of migration.

• Citizenship reforms

These reforms introduce objective criteria for naturalisation and an annual window period for the submission of applications to prevent backlogs, a Citizenship Advisory Panel (CAP) to objectively consider and advise on applications, and a point-based system for economic pathways to citizenship.

This is a new, merit-based approach to the granting of citizenship, as opposed to basing qualification solely on the number of years a foreigner has resided in the country. 

This new system will operate in parallel to the existing principle that a child with at least one parent who is a South African citizen at the time of birth automatically becomes a citizen, while a child born to non-South African parents have to apply for naturalisation.

• Immigration reforms

Reforms to the immigration system are designed to ensure alignment of the visa system with the recommendations of Operation Vulindlela and the Department’s digital transformation agenda. 

This includes the introduction of new visa categories for remote work, start-ups, skilled workers (which combines the existing critical skills and general work visas into one category), sports and culture, and the replacement of corporate visas with sectoral work visas for specific industries. 

It also introduces a new, merit-based points-based system for certain visas and permanent residency, and supports the rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to digitalise and secure the visa application process, and to record biometrics for every foreigner in South Africa.

• Civil registration reforms

Civil registration reforms are anchored in the transformation of South Africa’s National Population Register (NPR) into a modern, digitally-enabled Intelligent Population Register (IPR) as the foundation for a Digital ID system. 

Unlike the existing NPR, which simply records basic information, including names, births, and deaths, an IPR uses advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, biometrics, interoperability and real-time data integration, to improve governance, integrated service delivery, and national planning.

This will be augmented by the introduction, through digital channels, of mandatory birth and death registration for citizens and foreigners who reside in the country.

An important milestone 

“The approval of the Revised White Paper by Cabinet marks another important milestone on our journey to fundamentally reform South Africa’s civics and immigration systems. 

“The policy direction outlined in the Revised White Paper charts a new course for our country to build modern, efficient and secure systems that serve South Africa’s interests.

“I express my sincere appreciation to every stakeholder who participated in the broad ranging consultation process.

“We will now work with the same focus and determination to convert the Revised White Paper into legislative amendments that consolidate and comprehensively reform our country’s citizenship, immigration and refugee protection systems, ensuring that they are fit-for purpose for generations to come,” Schreiber said. – SAnews.gov.za

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As the high-traffic Easter period continues, the Western Cape Mobility Department has expressed appreciation to transport operators and motorists for contributing to road safety and ensuring compliance across the province.

The Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) reports that both walk-in and mobile services have been operating smoothly, with transport operators collecting their operating licences on schedule.

To support increased demand and promote compliance, operating hours were extended at key service centres in Athlone and George over Good Friday and Easter Saturday.

In addition, the department’s “Operator Helpdesk on Wheels” initiative has been deployed to different rural areas to help operators to collect their operating licences closer to home. This has helped to reduce travel costs for operators, especially amid rising fuel prices.

Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku commended long-distance operators for making use of the department’s services during this busy period.

“Their efforts to ensure their vehicles are properly licensed are important for the safety of the many passengers they carry and reflect a shared commitment to compliance and road safety,” Sileku said in a statement on Tuesday.

Between Sunday and Monday, a total of 642 applications were processed, ensuring operators were able to access legal and safe operating options. This has helped prevent situations where operators might otherwise have been forced to operate illegally or use unroadworthy vehicles.

The processed applications include:

•    Seasonal temporary permits (310): Issued to meet increased demand during peak travel periods, such as Easter.
•    Special event permits (238): Granted for organised group travel, including church events and sports trips, based on verified documentation.
•    Temporary replacement applications (60): Allowing operators to continue working while primary vehicles are under repair following breakdowns or accidents.
•    Duplicate document requests (34): Assisting operators who have misplaced original licences to remain compliant.

Sileku emphasised the importance of valid operating licences in ensuring road safety.

“By extending our operating hours and remaining available during this busy period, we are making it easier for operators to prioritise passenger safety. We thank all operators who are ensuring they operate legally on our roads this Easter and beyond, while also supporting our province’s job creation and safety priorities,” Sileku said. – SAnews.gov.za

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