Category: South Africa Government

Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has warned that there can be no resilient economy while wealth and income inequality persist along gender lines.

Speaking at the official launch held at the Sandton Convention Centre on Friday, Chikunga emphasised that economic resilience is fundamentally undermined when half the population remains economically marginalised.

“A resilient economy is one that should be able to withstand, adapt to, and recover from various shocks and disruptions while maintaining its ability to grow. And certainly, no economy can be truly resilient for all when half of its population is economically marginalised,” Chikunga said.

Chikunga said financial inclusion for women goes far beyond basic access to banking.

“It represents a fundamental shift in economic power. This struggle includes challenging discriminatory lending practices, advocating for property rights reforms that allow women to use assets as collateral, and confronting cultural norms that position men as the primary financial decision-makers.”

She argued that true economic resilience requires a deliberate reconstruction of systems and structures that harness the full productive potential of all citizens, with particular attention to those who have been historically excluded from economic power.

The Minister pointed out that Africa represents the future of trade and market success and has been at the centre of the population growth, accounting for the largest relative growth, with its population expanding from 283 million in 1960 to more than 1.5 billion in 2024 – a more than fivefold increase.

“This is projected to increase by 950 million and touch 2.5 billion by the year 2050. This population represents a largely untapped market that must be connected through technology, a market that must be fed from our arable land, a market that must travel, a market that must be entertained and a market that must be well dressed. In short, the market is at our doorstep. Let us innovate around it,” the Minister said.

Women at the heart of African trade 

The Minister underscored the need for women to be at the forefront of the African market, noting that traditional trade models, dominated by male-centred networks and structures, have proven insufficient in confronting the paradox of a wealthy Africa that is inhabited by poor Africans.

“Research evidence has consistently shown that economies with higher levels of women’s participation in trade enjoy greater resilience, innovation and sustainable growth patterns. We also know that women-led businesses tend to prioritise societal well-being over pure profit maximisation.”

Despite these strengths, Chikunga acknowledged that barriers remain — particularly limited access to digital tools, excessive red tape, border delays, and administrative red tape — that prevent women from fully participating in cross-border trade.

To address these challenges, the Minister called on policymakers, businesses and development financiers to intensify their efforts to eliminate these barriers and expand trade opportunities for women.

She said work must be intensified via the Comprehensive Financial Architecture Reform that establishes gender-responsive financial systems capable of addressing women’s unique economic realities.

“This includes the creation of women-focused investment funds that provide patient capital — capital with flexible, longer payback periods suited to the nature of women-led businesses. It also requires developing alternative credit scoring mechanisms that recognise informal economic activities, where many women are concentrated.

“Financial institutions must adopt collateral-free lending programmes, recognising that women’s limited property ownership should not exclude them from accessing capital. Additionally, blended finance mechanisms—which combine public and private funding—will help de-risk investment, while providing women entrepreneurs with the patient capital needed to build sustainable, export-ready businesses,” the Minister said.

A call to action

Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Deputy Minister, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, echoed the Minister’s message, urging women to see themselves not as passive beneficiaries but as active economic drivers.

“Women are not bystanders in the economy. We are contributors. It is time for women to lead a march for economic emancipation, from our townships to our rural areas.”

She also encouraged women to take ownership across all sectors, especially in the financial and digital economies.

“Do not limit yourselves to one sector. It is your time, take the economy in your hands. When women work together and support each other, we will win,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa remains committed to finding a resolution with the United States following the recently imposed reciprocal tariffs.

This, as government intensifies efforts to protect jobs, support affected companies and diversify trade markets.

This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who addressed members of the media at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Friday. 

The President’s comments follow the imposition of a 30% tariff by the United States on all goods imported from South Africa. The move forms part of a broader US tariff policy affecting multiple trade partners across the globe.

President Ramaphosa said South Africa had already tabled a comprehensive and mutually beneficial trade proposal to the United States and that negotiations are ongoing.

“We put on the table a package, which would deal with our trade relations with the United States that contained what we were offering and what we wanted them to offer us. We wanted a number of trade items to be exempted, and we wanted to offer them the ability to invest in our economy, as well as South African companies to invest in the United States. 

“That package is still to be fully negotiated. What they want to do now is to deal with the trade issues that have got to do with what they are going to be imposing (sic)… Our negotiations with the US are continuing,” the President said. 

The President stressed that South Africa was not alone in facing these challenges. “Let’s be clear. South Africa is not the only country that is dealing with these crises. Many other countries are, some of which are in a much worse situation than we are. Others are slightly better off.

“All of us are involved in a process of having discussions and negotiations with the United States. It should also be clear that the US has come up with a unilateral tariff imposition on many countries in the world.

“They are the biggest economy in the world, so we have to respond to the US tariff proposal. Many of our companies deal with US customers. We export vehicles, steel and aluminium and citrus. We have to engage with them and find a way to reach a settlement. Within the window that’s still open, we are hoping that we will find a way to settle this matter. 

“On our African continent, we are the largest economy and the most industrialised economy. So obviously we will be a target, because we export more than many other countries,” the President said.

Support for local companies

Government is working on a support package for South African companies that are likely to be hit hardest by the new tariffs.

“That for us is the main objective, but at the same time, we are saying to our companies that we are going to come up with measures to support our companies through negotiations. There are other interventions that we are working on, which will lessen the blow to our companies,” President Ramaphosa said. 

Government’s approach is two-pronged: to negotiate both globally and at the sectoral level, while also offering direct support to industries most exposed to the US market. 

“Our objective really is to save jobs. We want to preserve the jobs at those companies that are going to be adversely affected.

“Those who deal with citrus, we will be assisting them with those negotiations, and those who deal with vehicles, we will be [assisting them as well]. The second approach is precisely that of assisting our companies and giving them as much help as we can,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa said South Africa is taking active steps to reduce its dependence on any single trade partner by encouraging companies to explore new international markets.

“The whole process of dealing with countries on a trade basis requires that we should be multidimensional. We should not just focus on one country, and we’ve been encouraging our companies to look out to export their products to various markets because it is too risky just to focus on one market. 

“When I travel overseas, I usually take a business delegation so that they can go and search for new markets wherever we go. The same thing happens with the Deputy President and other Ministers as well,” the President said. 

He emphasised that South Africa must intensify its efforts to expand international trade.

“For us to grow our economy, we need to be much more vigorous and robust with our international trade, and it must be as ‘international as the word international means’. 

“There are quite a number of countries that we need to reach out to, countries that want to deal with us, that want to trade with us, and this moment gives us that opportunity,” the President said. 

Engagement 

Following the briefing, The Presidency released a statement confirming that South Africa will continue negotiating with the United States on the tariffs which are expected to come into effect seven days after 1 August 2025. 

“South Africa will continue negotiating with the US regarding the 30% tariff announced by the US, which will come into effect on or after 12h01 eastern daylight time, seven days after 1 August 2025,” the statement read.

It clarified that previously exempted items under a US Executive Order, such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and stainless-steel scrap, remain excluded from the new tariff measures. 

The statement confirmed that South Africa has submitted a Framework Deal aimed at fostering mutually beneficial trade and investment relations. 

“All channels of communication remain open to engage with the US and our negotiators are ready pending invitation from the US,” it said.

In the interim, government is finalising a support package for affected sectors, with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) set to announce further details. An Export Support Desk has also been established to provide exporters with updates, guidance and market assistance.

READ | Government announces measures to assist exporters

“South Africa will continue to pursue all diplomatic efforts to safeguard its national interests.  It is important that as a country, we keep our people at work and our companies producing some of the high-quality products destined for many parts of the world,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

The newly launched Merchant Development Programme is set to unlock opportunities for township-based automotive businesses in Krugersdorp.

The programme was launched by Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela on Thursday.

Diale-Tlabela said the initiative is a bold move by the Gauteng Provincial Government to promote inclusive economic growth. The programme is aimed at boosting township-based automotive businesses by integrating them into government’s fleet maintenance supply chain.

“This is not just another project. It is a bold and deliberate step toward realising the Gauteng Provincial Government’s commitment to inclusive economic growth, as proclaimed by Premier Panyaza Lesufi that 60% of the provincial budget must be spent within townships. This initiative will guarantee that we successfully transition from intention to execution,” she said.

READ | Gauteng to launch Merchant Development Programme

The initiative provides skills development, training, onboarding, accreditation and assistance for future integration into the government’s fleet maintenance supply chain.

The programme is championed by g-FleeT Management, the trading Entity of the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, in partnership with the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) and WesBank, to address barriers to entry.

Township spending by the Fleet Maintenance Unit of g-FleeT Management increased from 7% to 10% as of October 2024, with a clear goal to reach 30% by the end of 2025.

“Each rand invested in township merchants contributes directly to job creation and community development. This programme is about more than numbers. It is about impact, dignity and participation.

“In partnership with the private sector, we will continue to build an economy that values ambition and rewards ability, regardless of one’s location,” the MEC explained.

Meanwhile, AIDC Chief Executive Officer, Andile Africa, stated that they are proud to play a key role in this initiative by hosting, supporting and developing the merchants at Chamdor Automotive Hub.

He said AIDC provides the infrastructure, compliance support, training, and broader ecosystem benefiting merchants from being in a secure, Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI)-approved facility.

“[The] Merchant Development Programme is more than just repairing vehicles. It’s about repairing the structural inequalities of the past, building sustainable businesses, and creating real opportunities for people in our communities,” he said.

WesBank’s National Contract Manager for Fleet Services, Marcellus Mbanda, spoke to the RT46 contract, business model, and beneficiation approach to the townships, informal settlements and hostels (TISH) areas.

WesBank plays a key managing role in the RT46 contract, which is a transversal government contract designed to streamline the acquisition, financing, and disposal of vehicles for national and provincial departments.

The RT46 contract is a transversal term contract managed by the National Treasury for providing fleet management services.

“Currently, the bank is working with about 243 merchants sitting outside the hub, benefiting through RT46,” said Mbanda.

Mbanda further confirmed that since 2021, the amount spent towards repairs by township merchants has risen to R37 million in terms of allocation of work. – SAnews.gov.za

Professor Firoz Cachalia has been sworn in as the new Minister of Police during ceremony held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Friday.  

“In terms of the powers vested in me by Section 91(3)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996, I have decided to appoint the following person as Minister for the portfolio indicated in the signed President’s Act. The said Minister-Designate, who is about to become Minister, is Professor Firoz Cachalia… (sic),” said President Cyril Ramaphosa during the ceremony.

The swearing in follows President Ramaphosa’s announcement last month that he had placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence with immediate effect.

The affirmation was administered by Acting Judge President, Aubrey Ledwaba, following Cachalia’s appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

READ | Police Minister Mchunu placed on leave of absence 

The President further announced the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry, led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, into allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. 

Mkhwanazi had raised concerns about an alleged criminal syndicate that has infiltrated law enforcement and intelligence structures. He also accused Mchunu of colluding with criminal elements to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in KwaZulu-Natal. 

Director-General in The Presidency, Phindile Baleni, who spoke at the swearing-in, congratulated the newly appointed Minister. 

“Minister, we congratulate you on your appointment and wish you much success in your duties and endeavours to make South Africa and the world a better place for all,” Baleni said.

Addressing members of the media after the ceremony, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the concerns regarding the seeming duplication in the police ministry.  

“I know there is a technicality about seeming to have two Ministers in the same portfolio, and that is a matter I do believe is going to be resolved within a short space of time.  

“I directed the commission [of inquiry] to complete its work as quickly as possible, so whatever confusion there might be is going to be of a short duration. I expect a report from the commission within three months and if they have to ask for an extension, we will give consideration to that. 

“I do want this matter to be resolved as quickly as possible but at the same time, we have had to provide leadership to the police service. We can’t leave a vacuum. Whilst all of this is happening, Minister Mchunu is on leave while this matter is being resolved, and he is preparing himself, as I hear, to appear before the commission,” the President said.  

Speaking to the media about his new role, Cachalia said he had not yet had an opportunity to meet with the President but had been informed that the first Cabinet meeting would take place on Wednesday, and he assumed the President would engage with him in due course.  

Cachalia assured the public that he is fully aware of the responsibility that comes with the role and is committed to prioritising their safety and security.  

“I don’t think there are any specific fears going into this portfolio. I understand the moment the country is in and the weight of the responsibility that I have, together with the others in government. I want to assure the public that their safety and security is uppermost in my mind. That’s what I am going to focus on, and I hope that I will be able to take the country forward,” he said. 

Responding to a question on whether he supports the work of the Political Killings Task Team, Cachalia said he would comment after meeting with National Commissioner Fannie Masemola on Thursday next week.  

“I don’t think it will be appropriate for me to comment on that without having the benefit of a discussion with him,” he said. 

Cachalia also touched on his dual role as chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Council, whose term ends at the end of the month. 

“I do think that my appointment as a Minister of this portfolio, while I am still the chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Council – the term of which expires at the end of this month… I am now in a better position than I was as chairperson to take the recommendations of the Council forward, and I will certainly be doing so.”  

Cachalia said he would ask the National Commissioner, during their upcoming meeting, to arrange a session between the Anti-Corruption Council and the police management team to discuss the Council’s recommendations, adding that it is his intention to work closely with the Minister of Justice, as the recommendations impact both their portfolios. 

“We will together be in a much better position going forward to take those recommendations forward. The recommendations that the Council has made are the ones I am committed to fully implementing,” Cachalia said.  

On when he will travel to KwaZulu-Natal to meet with General Mkhwanazi, Cachalia said the visit will depend on his discussion with the National Commissioner. 

“As the national Minister, I have to visit all the provinces – in what sequence and with what priorities in mind, that still has to be determined. So, I will answer that question in the coming days,” he said.  

Minister Cachalia vowed to work hard and remain focused on his responsibilities despite the challenges surrounding his appointment.  

“I will work hard. I am not distracted by the noise, and I am not driven by political ambition. I have been given a task. I am going to tackle the task without fear or favour, subject of course to the President’s guidance and direction as a member of the Cabinet,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za