Category: South Africa Government

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SA receives strong support in G20 leadership – President Ramaphosa

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has updated the National Assembly on South Africa’s preparations to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit, in Johannesburg, in November.

The country will host the leaders’ summit under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”, marking the first time an African nation leads the forum of the world’s major economies.

Delivering his oral replies to questions from members in the National Assembly on Tuesday, the President said South Africa’s G20 Presidency has received “strong support” from G20 members, invited countries and international organisations.

“South Africa’s G20 Presidency has entered its final 90 days. Approximately 87 of the 132 official meetings on the G20 calendar have already taken place.

“These meetings addressed some of the most urgent and significant challenges facing the global community, demonstrating our firm commitment to finding sustainable and innovative solutions through dialogue, collaboration and cooperation,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said the discussions have centred on South Africa’s priorities to:

  • Strengthen disaster resilience and response.
  • Ensure debt sustainability for low-income countries.
  • Mobilise finance for a just energy transition.
  • Harness critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

“South Africa is also championing broader and cross-cutting issues through all the G20 Working Groups. These include reform of the multilateral trading system and the international financial architecture, including strengthening of multilateral development banks.

“While there is divergence on some issues, as is expected in multilateral engagements, there is strong support for South Africa’s priorities among G20 members,” the President said.

Furthermore, negotiations on the G20 Working Group Ministerial Declarations and Outcomes are also underway with the last rounds of most of the Ministerial meetings to be held this month and in October.

President Ramaphosa described the Third Meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, held in July 2025, as a “significant milestone”.

“The meeting outcomes were agreed in a communiqué consented to by all members.

“The meeting delivered productive and constructive discussions on Africa, the global economic outlook and macroeconomic stability, the international financial architecture, sustainable finance, global health, infrastructure, tax, financial sector issues and financial inclusion,” he said.

The G20 Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Wealth Inequality was also launched in August with Nobel Laureate, Professor Joseph Stiglitz, chairing the panel.

“This initiative seeks to heighten global attention on inequality and outline practical action to address growing disparities in income, wealth and opportunity,” he explained.

The G20 Ministerial Meetings are a key part of the G20 Leaders’ Declaration, which will be adopted at the leaders’ summit.

“South Africa aims to produce an ambitious Leaders’ Declaration that will promote the development agenda of the Global South in general and the African continent in particular,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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‘Full-scale investigation’ to be launched after death of escaped inmate

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed that an inmate that had escaped from the Allandale Correctional Centre in the Western Cape has died in an apparent suicide.

The offender, identified as Graine Martin, escaped from custody on Tuesday, while working as part of facility’s Agricultural Programme.

He was serving a 12-year sentence for three counts of assault and theft, after being sentenced on 29 August 2023.

“Following an intensive search operation, involving SAPS and members of the community, the escapee was found deceased. Preliminary observations indicate that he took his own life through hanging,” the department said.

A police report has been opened with the SAPS with an inquest expected to be conducted “in line with applicable procedures”.

“A full-scale investigation is to be instituted to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape and subsequent death of the offender,” the department said.

Meanwhile, the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services has called for the immediate termination of government’s contract with the private security service G4S, that manages the Mangaung Correctional Centre.

This follows a briefing from DCS on unnatural inmate deaths, with specific reference to Mangaung, Goodwood and Oudtshoorn correctional centres.

Committee chairperson Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng accused G4S of “acting as a law unto themselves,” highlighting the committee heard that G4S only provided a report last week on the unnatural death of an inmate that occurred in March 2025, in Mangaung.

According to the statement, in March this year, an inmate at Manguang died following a search operation in which “offenders were allegedly assaulted and tortured”.

The inmate – who was an asthma patient – sustained “severe injuries, including blunt force trauma from tonfas and complications from pepper spray exposure” and died the following day.

The committee heard the contractor presented pre-drafted statements to officials to sign off to ensure their versions aligned. Officials were allegedly also advised to assault the inmate on his body and not the face in order to hide the marks.

“In addition, the committee heard that throughout the investigation into the incident, G4S and its employees sought to conceal the truth and obscure the investigation. This is viewed in serious light as it is tantamount to defeating the ends of justice.

“G4S’s refusal to provide reports about the March incident to DCS and only complied on 4 September, which amounts to refusing to take responsibility,” Ramolobeng said in a statement.

The centre gained infamy following the escape and subsequent re-arrest of convicted rapist and murderer, Thabo Bester, in 2022 and 2023. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA condemns attack on Qatar 

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

The South African Government, through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, has unequivocally condemned the “illegal“ and “unprovoked” attack carried out by the Israeli Defence Force in Doha, Qatar.

Tuesday’s attack targeted a civilian building in a residential area that allegedly housed members of the Political Bureau of Hamas.

According to Al Jazeera, Israel attacked Hamas’s leadership in the Qatari capital, resulting in the deaths of five members, including the son of senior leader Khalil al-Hayya.

In addition, the report stated that a member of Qatar’s security forces was also killed in the attack. 

“This attack on Qatari territory constitutes a blatant violation of international law, breaching the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also compromising the safeguarding of civilians as outlined in the United Nations Charter and international humanitarian law. 

“This flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state of Qatar comes against the background of the Government of Qatar playing a prominent role as facilitator to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages held by Hamas,” the department explained.

South Africa has since extended its support to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Government of the State of Qatar. 

“The Government of South Africa calls for an immediate ceasefire in Israel’s genocidal war against the Palestinian people, as well as to cease its military actions so that negotiations for a just peace can commence.” 

Reports indicate that Hamas leaders have long used Qatar’s capital as their main headquarters outside Gaza and that its negotiators were assessing a recent ceasefire proposal.

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres has also condemned the Israeli attacks in Qatar as a flagrant violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

“We are just learning about the Israeli attacks in Qatar – a country that has been playing a very positive role to achieve a ceasefire and the release of all hostages, “ Guterres told reporters at UN headquarters in New York.

Guterres called for all parties to work towards achieving a permanent ceasefire, not destroying it. – SAnews.gov.za

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Remarks by Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Hon. Nonceba Mhlauli at the Opening Ceremony of the Ferroalloys Conference 2025, Sandton Hotel, Johannesburg

Source: President of South Africa –

Founders of Project Blue, Mr Jack Bedder, Mr Nils Backerberg and Mr Steve Segete, 
Captains of the mining, manufacturing and finance industries, 
Government officials
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

It is my honour to join you this evening at the Ferroalloys 2025 Conference Gala Dinner. We would have loved to honour your invitation at your inaugural conference in 2024 but equally happy that we meet a year later, with your platform having grown bigger and better. 

We gather here not only as government, industry, and labour, but as custodians of South Africa’s future. A future that is being shaped by the choices we make today in mining, manufacturing, and industrial development.

For more than a century, South Africa’s mining industry has been the backbone of our economy. From the discovery of gold and diamonds to the development of platinum group metals, manganese, and chrome – mining has fuelled industrialisation, built cities, and created millions of jobs. It has generated the revenues that funded infrastructure, schools, and hospitals, while positioning South Africa as a global player in mineral production.

In fact, just today Statistics South Africa released the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for the 2nd Quarter of 2025 which indicates that the economy grew by 0,8% with mining being amongst the most significant positive contributor adding 0,2 percentage point to GDP growth. 

Mining output grew by 3,7%, the fastest pace since the first quarter of 2021 (4,4%). Platinum group metals, gold and chromium ore were the main positive contributors. This is testament to the fact that this sector continues to play a crucial role in the growth and development of our economy. 

Colleagues, we find ourselves in a new era. An era defined by green industrialisation, the global push towards decarbonisation, and rapid digital transformation. At the heart of these shifts lies an increasing demand for critical minerals. These are the building blocks of the technologies that will drive the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

It is within this context that South Africa undertook a comprehensive study on the state of our mining industry, culminating in the development of a Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy. This strategy provides a clear roadmap to leverage our mineral endowments for inclusive growth, industrialisation, job creation, and economic transformation.

Manganese and chrome, which are essential inputs into ferroalloy production, have been identified as high-criticality minerals. The manganese sector alone employs over 14 000 South Africans, contributes billions in tax revenue and foreign exchange, and in 2023 recorded production of 21 million tonnes, with more than 90% destined for export markets.

Chrome too, continues to be a strategic asset, positioning South Africa as a significant exporter and reinforcing our leadership in ferroalloys. 

In 2023, our country produced an estimated 4.34 million tonnes of ferroalloys, consolidating our status as one of major producers. In the same year, export revenues from ferroalloys reached R8.3 billion, driven by strong demand from the global steel industry, infrastructure projects, and industrialisation in emerging markets.

However, these successes are not without challenges. The ferroalloys industry continues to face: 
• Declining global market share in the face of stiff competition;
• High input costs, particularly electricity and labour;
• Infrastructure bottlenecks in rail and ports;
• And limited domestic demand due to subdued local steel production.

These challenges are compounded by global market dynamics, especially the evolution of steel production in China, and the rising demand in emerging economies such as India and Vietnam.

As government, we are not passive observers of these dynamics. Guided by our Critical Minerals Strategy and the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, government is implementing catalytic interventions to unlock growth in ferroalloys and allied industries.

Through Operation Vulindlela, we are:
• Addressing electricity supply constraints, including reforms to enable greater private sector participation in generation;
• Modernising our rail and port infrastructure to reduce congestion, improve efficiency, and lower export costs;
• Reviewing administered prices to enhance the competitiveness of energy-intensive industries such as ferroalloys; and
• Designing sector-wide incentives that support investment, localisation, and beneficiation.

At the same time, we are working closely with industry players to strengthen value chains, encourage innovation, and build skills for the future. The ferroalloys industry has the potential to be a springboard for downstream manufacturing, from stainless steel to specialised alloys, creating new industries and decent jobs for our people.

The future is not only about exporting raw materials. It is about capturing more value here at home. South Africa must position itself not just as a supplier of minerals, but as a global leader in sustainable mineral beneficiation and advanced manufacturing. We must stop being a point of extraction but a point of production. 

Ferroalloys will play a decisive role in this transformation. They are indispensable in steelmaking, which in turn is the backbone of infrastructure, smart cities, and modern construction. In this sense, ferroalloys are not just a commodity, they are a strategic enabler of the transition to a low carbon economy. 

To achieve this vision, we must deepen partnerships:
• Between government and industry,
• Between investors and workers,
• And between South Africa and our regional and global partners, including SADC, BRICS, and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

By working together, we can unlock markets, mobilise investment, and build the skills base that will empower the next generation.

Ladies and gentlemen, the ferroalloys industry is at a crossroads. The choices we make today will determine whether South Africa remains a global leader or falls behind in a rapidly changing world.

Let us work together and place the needs of our people at the centre of our mineral wealth.

We also recognise that trust is not built on words alone but on concrete action. Government is committed to listening to the concerns of industry, acting on them, and demonstrating that this is a partnership for growth.

Our approach is rooted in transparency, accountability, and continuous dialogue. We want to create more spaces like this conference where government, business, and global partners can meet openly, exchange ideas honestly, and commit to solving problems together. 

By working together, we will build the foundations for a more competitive, resilient, and inclusive ferroalloys industry.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am conscious that this is a gala dinner and I do not wish to stand too long between you and your meal, or indeed between you and the excellent South African wine that has been carefully chosen for this occasion. 

Allow me then to close by saying that South Africa has the resources, the talent, and the vision to be a global leader in the ferroalloys industry. What we need is to act with purpose and in partnership.

I thank the organisers of Ferroalloys 2025 for convening this significant gathering, and I acknowledge the founders of Project Blue and all the industry leaders present tonight for their continued leadership and commitment. 

May this evening mark not only a celebration of what has been achieved but also a renewal of our collective resolve to build an industry that is globally competitive, environmentally sustainable, and beneficial to all South Africans as we build A Nation That Works For All. 

I thank you. 
 

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SA working the ground in US to secure fair trade deal – President Ramaphosa

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is actively engaging the United States to secure a fair trade and investment deal, with government representatives currently in Washington for further formal negotiations with the US government.  

Responding to oral questions in the National Assembly on Tuesday, the President emphasised that South Africa’s objective is to safeguard continued access to the US market, encourage investment into both countries and strengthen long-standing economic ties.

“We are on the ground, and we are working the ground in the United States as we speak. Our people, who are in the United States, now are fully fired up with this type of approach, and Minister of Trade and Industry and International Relations will be joining them, and they will be advancing those discussions.

“They are meeting a number of stakeholders, including representatives in the administration, legislators, business people and others,” the President told MPs. 

The President noted that the United States is South Africa’s second largest trading partner and that government has submitted a package to Washington as the basis for discussions. This builds on the previous package submitted on 20 May 2025.   

At the same time, domestic measures are being implemented to support businesses affected by the 30% tariffs imposed on South African products. These include the Localisation Support Fund and the Export and Competitiveness Support Programme, which are designed to boost competitiveness and diversify export markets.

This will include working capital, plant and equipment facilities to address short to medium term needs across all industries.

Working with industry, the President said government is accelerating efforts to diversify export markets and enhance competitiveness to mitigate the economic impact of losing preferential trade access. 

A route of engagement 

In a supplementary question, Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema criticised government’s approach, accusing the President of “appeasement” and “juniorising” the country in its dealings with the US. He questioned why South Africa had not imposed retaliatory tariffs as other countries such as China, Canada and the European Union had done.

President Ramaphosa responded that government had chosen the route of engagement after consultations with exporters, importers, trade unions and the private sector.

“Our option is informed by what we want to gain. And what we want to gain is to continue exporting to the United States as much as possible, and to enable companies also to invest in the United States, but to also get United States’ companies to invest in us,” he said.

Leveraging South Africa’s strengths

The President stressed that South Africa is negotiating from a position of strength, with critical minerals and processing capacity forming part of the discussion.

“Our leverage has to do with the natural resources that we have, the minerals that we have, which the United States needs … Even as we may well want to export critical minerals, we want them to leave the shores of South Africa as finished products, so that we beneficiate what we will finally sell to them,” he said.

The President said South Africa has chosen a strategy of engagement, which he is confident will deliver positive outcomes. He acknowledged that the US administration can at times be unpredictable and retaliatory but stressed that South Africa is not approaching the talks from a position of weakness.

“We have said we will not be bullied. We will stand as a sovereign country and negotiate and get the best deal for South Africa. That’s precisely what we do,” the President said. 

Appointment of new ambassador to Washington

In a further supplementary question, the President was asked about the appointment of South Africa’s new ambassador to the US.

The President confirmed the announcement will be made soon, assuring MPs that the nominee will be suitably qualified.

“Yes, the appointment of South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, which is soon to be finalised and made public, will be a person who is capable, sufficiently well experienced and sufficiently well versed in world views and world politics, and who knows the American market extremely well,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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DPCI new fleet to strengthen fight against crimes

Source: Government of South Africa

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has received a total of 78 new vehicles, including 14 armoured vehicles, to strengthen its fight against organised and priority crimes across the country.

The new fleet received is aimed at enhancing the DPCI’s capacity to respond decisively to organised crime, strengthen prevention efforts and improve operational effectiveness in the fight against serious and priority crimes across the country.

Speaking at the handover ceremony on Tuesday, Acting National Head, Lieutenant General Siphesihle Nkosi, highlighted that the fleet represents a critical injection of resources to strengthen the investigation of serious commercial and organised crime cases. 

“Mobility constraints have long hampered efficiency. The vehicles will now enable investigators to locate, process, and secure evidence more effectively, while improving engagement with stakeholders, witnesses and prosecutors,” Nkosi said.

Deputy Minister of Police Cassl Mathale expressed his sincere appreciation in handing over the fleet to the DPCI to deliver on the mandate entrusted to them. 

He emphasised that the vehicles are a scarce and valuable resource and urged the members to use them strictly for their intended purpose of crime combatting and investigation.

“Typical of the bird of prey itself, the Hawks should embody clarity, focus, courage, strength and resolve. You must circle around alleged wrongdoing, gather evidence, and when the time is right, pounce and ensure that watertight cases are presented in court,” said Mathale.

Mathale underlined that the news fleet demonstrates government’s commitment to improving service delivery through enhanced operational capacity. 

The vehicles will specifically strengthen operations against serious and violent crimes, such as cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies, police killings, and the dismantling of organised crime syndicates.

The Deputy Minister concluded by expressing confidence that the new fleet will help the Hawks soar higher in their mandate to combat crime and corruption. 

“It is your unwavering commitment, professionalism, and passion for duty that truly make the difference. Use these vehicles responsibly to protect the vulnerable, fight organised crime, and serve with integrity,” he said. 

The event was attended by senior DPCI officials, including Acting National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General (Adv.) Nkosi, Divisional Commissioner for National Priority Offences: Operations, Lieutenant General Mbotho and DPCI Component and Provincial Heads. – SAnews.gov.za

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GDP bounces to 0.8% growth in Quarter 2

Source: Government of South Africa

GDP bounces to 0.8% growth in Quarter 2

South Africa’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has improved by some 0.8% in the second quarter of 2025.

This is following a marginal increase of some 0.1% in the first quarter.

“The mining and quarrying industry increased by 3.7%, contributing 0.2 of a percentage point. 

“The largest positive contributors were platinum group metals, gold and chromium ore,” Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) said on Tuesday.

The country’s manufacturing industry also increased by some 1.8% over that period – contributing 0.2% to the GDP.

“Seven of the ten manufacturing divisions reported positive growth rates. The largest positive contributions were reported for the petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic products division and the motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment division.

“The trade, catering and accommodation industry increased by 1.7%, contributing 0.2 of a percentage point. Increased economic activities were reported for retail trade, motor trade, accommodation and food and beverages,” the institution said.

On the downside, the transport, storage and communication industry decreased by 0.8%.

“Decreased economic activities were reported for land transport and transport support services.

“The construction industry [also] decreased by 0.3%. Decreases were reported for residential buildings and non-residential buildings,” Stats SA said.

Expenditure on GDP

South Africa’s Household Final Consumption Expenditure (HFCE) also rose – increasing by some 0.8% and contributing 0.6 of a percentage point to the total growth.

“Positive growth rates were reported for durable goods, semi-durable goods and services.

“The main positive contributors to the increase in HFCE were expenditures on ‘other’ [2.6% and contributing 0.3 of a percentage point], restaurants and hotels [4.8% and contributing 0.2 of a percentage point], clothing and footwear (3.4% and contributing 0.2 of a percentage point], transport [0.7% and contributing 0.1 of a percentage point] and communication [1.1% and contributing 0.1 of a percentage point].

“The negative contributors were expenditures on housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels and alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics,” Stats SA revealed. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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Water dept refutes report on board governance

Source: Government of South Africa

Water dept refutes report on board governance

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has moved to correct what it describes as a misleading portrayal of water boards and their governance in a Sunday Times article published on 7 September 2025. 

The article headlined, “Splashing out, Dry Taps as Water Boards drown in excess”, alleged excessive remuneration and questionable expenditure by board members of the country’s seven water boards and the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA).

In a statement on Tuesday, the department emphasised that the report not only misrepresented the facts but also created a distorted impression of how board members are remunerated and how governance structures function within the water sector. 

The department clarified that no board member earns anywhere near the R50 million figure suggested in the article. 

“The article gives the impression that individual senior board members may be earning up to R50 million a year in board fees. This is incorrect. The maximum amount earned by a board member in the last financial year was R1.7 million,” the department said. 

Claims that board members “pocket” R100 000 per meeting were also dismissed as misleading, with DWS explaining that figures provided to Parliament included both hourly meeting fees and fixed board fees for research, preparation, and other official work beyond meetings.

Board fees, the department stressed, are determined according to an independently benchmarked remuneration policy, approved annually by the Minister of Water and Sanitation and aligned to the Consumer Price Index. Hourly rates range from R1 150 for members of smaller boards to R1 818 for chairpersons of large boards, significantly lower than private sector equivalents.

Responding to allegations that board members claim fees for attending events such as funerals, gala dinners or izimbizo, the department said these gatherings often form part of stakeholder engagement, oversight, and statutory obligations, and are therefore necessary for effective governance. International travel, meanwhile, is subject to ministerial approval and is often curtailed to ensure cost savings.

“Board members are frequently required to attend meetings organised by the Minister, as well as meetings with provincial and municipal governments, including izimbizo. Such meetings are required for purposes of monitoring, accounting, oversight, and stakeholder engagement and are necessary to fulfil the statutory mandates of the water boards. Board members may also occasionally be required to attend a “gala dinner” or a funeral of a staff member or a meeting with trade unions,” the department said. 

DWS further highlighted that the total combined cost of board fees is less than 0.1% of the water boards’ operational budgets. Despite the article’s insinuations of poor governance, the department noted that the boards and TCTA consistently receive unqualified audits from the Auditor-General of South Africa, reflecting sound financial management.

In the 2023/24 financial year, water boards collectively reported revenue of R38.9 billion, exceeding projections of R33.2 billion and their combined asset base surpassed R90 billion.

Rand Water and Umngeni-uThukela Water remain the sector’s largest players, underlining their central role in South Africa’s water infrastructure.

“This improvement in revenue collection can be attributed to better credit control measures, particularly by the larger Water Boards,” the department said. 

The department emphasised that the resolution of South Africa’s water service delivery challenges requires a wide range of actions, including by DWS, municipalities which are water services authorities, the private sector and the public. 

“It is for this reason that the Department of Water and Sanitation held a National Water Indaba in March this year, bringing together all role players to develop a plan of action (see the Indaba declaration https://www.dws.gov.za/wsindaba/declaration.aspx),” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM

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Madlanga Commission hearings kick off next week

Source: Government of South Africa

Madlanga Commission hearings kick off next week

The hearings of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System – known as the Madlanga Commission – are expected to commence next week.

The commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was initially scheduled to begin hearings at the beginning of this month, but was postponed due to delays in the procurement of vital ICT infrastructure.

“Since President Cyril Ramaphosa formally proclaimed the [commission] by way of government gazette…we’ve made significant progress in establishing the commission, while simultaneously conducting investigations into the allegations made by [KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner] Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and we’ve also been consulting witnesses.

“The commission’s senior team…are seized with preparations for the commencement of the commission’s hearings next Wednesday,” Commission spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, told a media briefing on Monday.

The spokesperson assured that the challenges experienced which delayed the hearings are now resolved.

“Working together with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development [DJCOD], which has the legal mandate in assisting commissions of inquiry in setting up, we have taken delivery of most of the physical and ICT infrastructure. Most of our staff have now been trained on the systems and they have conducted tests to ensure that the hardware and software are fit for purpose, which indeed they are. 

“The ICT systems which have been procured include a cybersecurity solution, a secure internet connection and a live streaming service, as well as transcription and stenography services, amongst others.

“In addition, we have onboarded a confidential reporting hotline for receiving reports from the public. The hotline consists of a number of platforms, including a telephone line where members of the public can confidentially talk to an operator and offer the commission information related to the terms of reference,” Michaels said.

The commission can be reached at madlangacommission@behonest.co.za or 0800 111 369.

Giving evidence

While awaiting the setup of the ICT infrastructure, Michaels said the commission’s work has been “advancing steadily”, and the commission’s evidence leaders and investigators have been in consultation with witnesses and are following up on information within the commission’s terms of reference.

Michaels revealed that Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will be the commission’s first witness. 

The commission’s evidence leader, Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC, warned that due to the sensitive nature of the commission’s work, some witnesses may give evidence in camera, while others’ statements may not be revealed in public to protect their identities.

“What [the commission] has to investigate is allegations that organised criminal syndicates have infiltrated the SAPS and other organs of state involved in policing and public safety…and some of the evidence we gather, will include evidence from undercover agents. If the identity of those people is disclosed, there is a very real risk that they will be killed.

“While we are committed to transparency, we have to prioritise the protection of human life at all costs. Unless we can make evidence available in a form that’s not going to put human life at risk, we can’t do that. 

“So, this is not an analogise situation to that faced by the Zondo Commission. We sit in a much more extreme situation, and our first commitment must always be to the protection of human life,” he said.

The commission’s hearings will be held in the main auditorium at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Tshwane. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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SA emerging as a leader in the global hemp and cannabis industry

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa is establishing itself as an emerging leader in the global hemp and cannabis industry by utilising its natural strengths and the increasing momentum of the private sector, according to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

The country is transitioning towards a fully regulated, economically driven cannabis and hemp industry, focusing on harmonising laws, boosting local cultivation and creating export opportunities – all while emphasising public health and safety.

In his 2025 State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “We want South Africa to lead in the commercial production of hemp and cannabis.” This declaration marked a turning point in the national policy, indicating a shift from informal cultivation to regulated, large-scale production.

The National Cannabis Master Plan has been assigned to the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (the dtic) to centralise policy, accelerate implementation, streamline licensing, and foster an inclusive commercial framework.

The planting season for hemp and cannabis production has begun, with provincial Departments of Agriculture, growers and downstream manufacturers collaborating on cultivation and export market opportunities.

Recent legislation, including the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act signed in 2024, lays the groundwork for legal cultivation and private use. However, commercial trade still faces regulatory hurdles, which are gradually being addressed. 

“The commercialisation of hemp and cannabis in South Africa is advancing, with the dtic already consulting national and provincial departments, as well as industry stakeholders through preliminary consultation geared development of a commercialisation policy.

“The Hemp and Cannabis Commercialisation Policy is expected to be ready for Cabinet approval and public comment by April 2026. 

“An Overarching Cannabis Bill is also in development to unify existing regulations, including the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act, 2024. This Bill, which will cover private use, commercial cultivation, manufacturing and research, is set to be presented to Parliament by mid-2027,” the department said.

In October 2021, the Department of Agriculture, declared Cannabis sativa L. with low THC (hemp) as an agricultural product under the Plant Improvement Act, 1976 (Act No.53 of 1976). This marked a major shift, allowing for regulated cultivation, import and export – provided growers obtained the required permits.

Historically, South Africa had one of the strictest THC limits globally – just 0.2%. But due to challenges like intense sunlight naturally boosting THC levels, a proposal was made to the Minister of Agriculture to approve the amendment of the threshold to 2% in terms of the Regulations of the new Plant Improvement Act 2018, (Act No. 11 of 2018) which is currently pending proclamation.

This is a game changer for farmers, making it easier to grow compliant crops and unlocking broader industrial uses, from textiles to construction materials. 

Medical cannabis is legal, with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) issuing 120 licenses for export and 1 408 cultivation permits issued by the Department of Agriculture, indicating strong government support.

As the dtic and Chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Hemp and Cannabis, through the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau, the department has committed to support the industry through trade remedies, export opportunities, industry standards and compliance, combating illicit trade and access to funding for the downstream activities.

Initiatives like the Agro-Processing Support Scheme (APSS) offer grants of up to R20 million to stimulate investment in agro-processing, job creation and transformation.

Through international trade missions and agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, the dtic is helping the South African producers access new markets globally, including markets in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. 

The department’s Director-General Simphiwe Hamilton has indicated that the export driven hemp and cannabis industry is key in the South Africa economy as it is one of the leading labour absorbing sectors within many rural communities. 

The hemp and cannabis industry employs over 90 000 people in South Africa. Favourable climate conditions, rising demand for medicinal products, and initiatives like the National Cannabis Master Plan contribute to the sector’s growth. 

Medicinal cannabis was legalised in 2017, with private use decriminalised in 2018, and the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act enacted into law by President Ramaphosa on 28 May 2024. – SAnews.gov.za