Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

The eThekwini Municipality has renewed its long-standing partnership with five leading institutions of higher learning, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth.

On Friday, the municipality signed a new three-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Stellenbosch University, the University of South Africa, the Durban University of Technology, and the Mangosuthu University of Technology.

The partnership will unlock new skills, spark innovation, and co-create solutions to tackle the city’s developmental and socio-economic challenges, building a smarter, more inclusive, and opportunity-filled Durban for all.

Established in 2011, this visionary partnership has become a cornerstone of eThekwini’s development strategy, a living example of what is possible when academia and local government unite to tackle real-world challenges.

EThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba hailed the renewal of an agreement, describing it as a powerful recommitment to the city’s transformation agenda.

“This agreement is more than a renewal, it is reaffirmation of the power of collaboration, the spirit of innovation, and our shared commitment to building a better future for the city and its people,” Xaba said.

He emphasised that by working hand-in-hand with universities, the municipality is building a city that is not only smart and sustainable, but also ”inclusive and just.”

At the heart of the collaboration is the Municipal Institute of Learning (MILE), a pioneering platform that has positioned Durban as a global centre for municipal learning and innovation.

Through MILE, the city has become a beacon of knowledge exchange, attracting thought leaders, researchers, and changemakers dedicated to improving urban life.

According to Xaba, the partnership is mutually beneficial: universities contribute cutting-edge research, innovation, and intellectual capacity, while the municipality provides fertile ground for applied learning, community engagement, and real-world impact.

Together, they are turning academic insight into tangible solutions to improve the municipality.

Through this impactful collaboration, eThekwini has also distinguished itself nationally, holding the highest number of PhD holders of any municipality in the country – a reflection of its dedication to intellectual growth and excellence.

Higher learning institutions have pledged to continue to work closely with the municipality to co-create solutions that respond more effectively to the city’s development challenges.

Xaba said investing in this partnership is a powerful reminder that no single institution can solve society’s challenges alone.

“Investing in this partnership is a powerful reminder that no single institution can solve society’s challenges alone. It is through collaboration, shared vision, and collective action that we can build a city that is resilient, equitable, and full of opportunity,” the mayor said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued severe storm warnings for various provinces, urging residents and motorists to exercise caution as unpredictable weather conditions unfold.

The eastern parts of the country, particularly Gauteng, are currently experiencing intermittent rain that significantly reduces visibility.

According to the agency, this warning encompasses several provinces, including Gauteng, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal. 

Residents in these areas are advised to stay alert to changing weather conditions and prepare for potential disruptions.

A yellow Level 4 warning indicates the potential for severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, primarily impacting central and northern KwaZulu-Natal. 

Those living in these regions are urged to be prepared for flash flooding in low-lying areas and on vulnerable roadways.

In addition, dangerous lightning and damaging winds may lead to localised damage to infrastructure, homes – especially informal settlements – vehicles, and agricultural livelihoods.

Another warning highlights disruptive rainfall anticipated in the southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, which could create hazardous driving conditions due to slippery roads and reduced visibility, increasing the likelihood of minor motor vehicle accidents.

Meanwhile, two separate yellow Level 2 warnings have been issued in Gauteng and Mpumalanga. 

The SAWS warns of severe thunderstorms expected to bring heavy rain and localised flooding in the extreme eastern regions, which could result in potential damage to infrastructure and property. 

Today, the SAWS forecasts a significant drop in temperatures across the interior of the eastern half of the Eastern Cape, bringing very cold conditions that residents should prepare for, especially during morning and evening hours.

In Limpopo, the agency reported partly cloudy conditions in the southwestern Bushveld, and otherwise cloudy and cool weather with scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers.

In the Free State, it will be clear in the extreme west, but otherwise, it will be partly cloudy and cool to cold with isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms, which will be widespread in the extreme east.

“Motorists are urged to drive with increased caution, maintaining a safe following distance and adhering to local traffic advisories,” SAWS said. 

Those living in flood-prone areas should take proactive measures to secure their property and be ready for potential evacuations if necessary. 

Residents are encouraged to stay updated with local news for real-time weather information and advisories. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa says engagements in the United States show that South African and US businesses remain deeply connected and committed to mutually beneficial partnerships well into the future. 

In his weekly newsletter to the nation, the President said the country will continue to advocate for the principle of reciprocity in investment and trade relations with the US. 

As the presence of US companies on South African soil continues to grow, President Ramaphosa said the country wants to expand the number of its companies operating in the US market, thereby creating more jobs for Americans. 

“As the official talks around trade tariffs continue, we take to heart the words of the US Chamber of Commerce representative at the recent dialogue, that expanding commercial partnerships happens one deal, one investment at time,” he said. 

Last week, the President addressed a Trade and Investment Dialogue between South African and US businesses on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The event, convened by the US Chamber of Commerce – the world’s largest business advocacy organisation with representation in more than 120 countries, including South Africa – drew senior government officials, business leaders and industry representatives from both countries. 

READ | Forum established to create enabling environment for US investors

President Ramaphosa said the discussions underscored optimism about South Africa’s economic reforms and growth prospects, with several US companies expressing interest in expanding their operations or investing in the country. 

As part of strengthening ties with the United States, the President and his delegation also used the opportunity to meet with members of the US Congress and Senate. Some ministers and officials also held meetings with representatives of the US administration.

“The optimistic, future-focused tone of this important engagement underscored how, beyond the headlines and debates around trade policy and political frictions, US and South African businesses are forging ahead,” the President said. 

Addressing the dialogue, the President of the US-Africa Business Center of the US Chamber of Commerce, Kendra Gaither, said that there was “no economic relationship more foundational than the ties that the US and South Africa have”. She said it was a vital relationship that merits dedicated attention. 

Later this year, the US Chamber of Commerce is expected to send a high-powered delegation, led by its CEO, to the B20 Summit, the official dialogue forum of the G20 for the global business community.

Commercial ties between the two countries remain strong, with more than 600 US companies already operating in South Africa. The country is the second-largest African destination for US exports. 

President Ramaphosa said South Africa is positioning itself as an investment destination for critical minerals, with the digital transition and the global move towards net zero driving global demand. 

The country also had the opportunity to engage with US industry around investment opportunities in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, technology and other key sectors. 

He further announced the establishment of a South Africa-United States Trade and Investment Forum, to be inaugurated at next year’s South Africa Investment Conference. The forum will serve as a bridge for deepening trade and investment between the two nations.

“These engagements with business take place alongside discussions with the US administration around a reciprocal trade agreement. Our Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has been meeting with the US Trade Representative to finalise an agreement that benefits both our countries,” the President said. 

The President also welcomed the US Chamber of Commerce’s support for the reauthorisation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), describing it as “the cornerstone of US-Africa commerce”. 

“Predictable, preferential access to the US market isn’t just vital to South Africa’s own exports, but also to US companies that depend on reliable imports. We are also prioritising the African Continental Free Trade Area as a vital tool for strengthening US-South Africa trade and investment,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 29, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 29, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

BRICS Foreign Ministers have called for inclusive, globally representative governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) under the United Nations, with meaningful participation from developing countries. 

The Foreign Affairs/International Relations Ministers held their annual meeting on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday. The meeting was chaired by India in its capacity as the incoming BRICS Chair for 2026. 

In a joint statement, the Ministers emphasised that AI should serve “for good and for all,” taking into account national policies, sovereignty, data protection, equitable access to resources, and innovation. 

They encouraged leveraging AI to address social, economic, linguistic, and cultural challenges, while supporting capacity building in developing countries.

“The Ministers looked forward to BRICS cooperation to help developing countries strengthen AI capacity building,” the statement read. 

The Ministers also underscored the transformative impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on socioeconomic growth and digital transformation in BRICS nations. They reiterated support for a safe, open, secure, and interoperable ICT environment, while advocating for global norms and legal frameworks to prevent cybercrime, malicious software, disinformation, and misuse of digital technologies.

Highlighting the peaceful application of science and technology, the Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to international cooperation in areas such as health, vaccine development, tuberculosis, antimicrobial resistance, nuclear medicine, and traditional medicine systems.

They welcomed intra-BRICS initiatives, including digital health cooperation, vaccine manufacturing, and knowledge sharing.

On space security, the Ministers reiterated support for the prevention of an arms race and the weaponization of outer space, including the adoption of legally binding agreements and confidence-building measures to ensure global security. They also called for accelerated negotiations on the WHO Pandemic Agreement and its Annex on Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing.

The statement recognised BRICS’ role in fostering innovation, technological cooperation, Industry 4.0 initiatives, and startup engagement, as well as promoting ICT and AI for inclusive economic growth.

The Ministers noted the BRICS expansion process according to the BRICS Membership Expansion Guiding Principles, Standards, Criteria and Procedures, adopted at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. 

“The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to consolidate and strengthen BRICS in line with the group’s spirit of mutual respect and understanding, sovereign equality, solidarity, democracy, openness, inclusiveness, collaboration, continuity, full consultation and consensus. 

“They emphasised the importance of partner countries contributing to BRICS cooperation in accordance with the Modalities of BRICS Partner Country Category adopted during the BRICS Summit at Kazan, Russia. 

“They reaffirmed that institutional development is a continuous and dynamic process that should reflect the group’s needs and priorities. They took note of the need to establish a common BRICS database to facilitate access to relevant documents and background information,” the statement read. 

The Ministers underscored their strong belief that extending the BRICS partnership with Emerging Markets and Developing Countries (EMDCs) would further contribute to strengthening the spirit of solidarity and true international cooperation for the benefit of all. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations have raised concerns over the proliferation of trade-restrictive actions, whether in the form of indiscriminate rising of tariffs and non-tariff measures that threaten global economic stability.  

The Ministers held their annual meeting on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday. The meeting was chaired by India in its capacity as the incoming BRICS Chair for 2026. 

In a joint statement, the Ministers highlighted the risks posed by rising tariffs and protectionist measures, particularly when used as tools of coercion.

“They voiced serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules. They cautioned against such practices that risk fragmenting global trade and marginalising the Global South,” the statement read.

The Ministers emphasised the importance of strengthening international trade systems and avoiding practices that fragment global markets or disrupt supply chains. 

They called for adherence to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and urged all nations to ensure trade policies promote economic development and inclusivity.

The BRICS grouping also reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing cooperation among member states to address challenges in global trade and to support the interests of emerging markets and developing economies.

The Ministers highlighted the pivotal role of BRICS countries in global food production and agricultural sustainability. 

They recognised that family farmers, smallholders, pastoralists, artisanal fishers, indigenous communities, women, and youth are essential for advancing sustainable agricultural practices and transforming food systems. 

They stressed the importance of technological innovation, mechanisation, and digital solutions to increase productivity, enhance resilience, and improve livelihoods.

The Ministers called for minimising disruptions and promoting rules-based trade in agriculture and fertilisers, ensuring continuous food supplies and essential inputs, while emphasising that such trade should be exempt from restrictive measures inconsistent with WTO rules. 

They also welcomed the initiative to establish a BRICS Grain Exchange, which may later expand to other agricultural commodities.

Addressing global food security, the Ministers lauded the successful convening of the Second United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa in July 2025, noting that it provided an opportunity to link high-level ambition with local action in transforming food systems.

In addition to agriculture, the Ministers reaffirmed the strategic importance of critical minerals for zero- and low-emission energy technologies, energy security, and resilient supply chains. 

“They reaffirmed the need to promote reliable, responsible, diversified, resilient, fair, sustainable, and just supply chains of such minerals to guarantee benefit sharing, value addition and economic diversification in resource-rich countries, while fully preserving sovereign rights over their mineral resources, as well as their right to adopt, maintain and enforce measures necessary to pursue legitimate public policy objectives,” the statement read. 

The statement also reaffirmed the value of BRICS people-to-people exchanges, tourism, and ecotourism as drivers of sustainable development. Highlighting the growth and inclusivity of the bloc, the Ministers noted that the BRICS expansion enhances its global credibility, appeal, and voice for the Global South.

Looking ahead, India will host the BRICS Summit in 2026, providing a platform to further discussions on trade, economic cooperation, and strategies to strengthen global partnerships in a fair and equitable manner.

The Ministers expressed appreciation to India for holding the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations meeting on the margins of UNGA 80. 

They extended their full support to India for its BRICS Chairship in 2026 and the holding of the XVIII BRICS Summit in India. The Ministers also looked forward to the Standalone Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations in India in 2026. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) have expressed concern over growing reports of hijacked eFiling profiles, saying they are working closely to protect taxpayers and maintain the integrity of the country’s tax system.

In a joint statement issued on Friday, SARS and the OTO responded to a recent Sowetan article highlighting an increase in cybercriminals targeting taxpayer profiles and resulting in financial losses. 

The institutions noted that at the time of publication, the OTO’s draft report had not yet been released for public comment and that the article contained “a number of factual inaccuracies.”

The organisations emphasised their distinct but complementary roles in South Africa’s tax administration. They are established in law to fulfil distinct yet mutually reinforcing roles for the sole benefit of taxpayers and the tax finance system for the country. 

“SARS not only respects but considers the role of the OTO as an indispensable partner to ensure the functioning of the tax ecosystem is fair and beyond reproach. In this regard SARS has and continues to work hard to address whatever complaints that have been laid with the OTO,” the statement read.

The statement also emphasised that the two institutions play a paramount role in the functioning of tax administration. Each institution respects the other’s mandate, while both being the cornerstone for the fiscal integrity of South Africa tax ecosystem.

The OTO will release its draft report on 1 October 2025, following extensive engagement with all stakeholders.

Rising cybercrime risks

The OTO has been investigating compromised taxpayer profiles for more than a year, after receiving numerous complaints from both individuals and tax practitioners.

“In today’s digitally interconnected environment, cybersecurity risks have escalated dramatically, posing significant threats to individuals, businesses, and institutions. 

“As personal and financial transactions increasingly migrate online, malicious actors exploit vulnerabilities in authentication protocols, data-sharing mechanisms, and user behaviour to perpetrate identity theft, fraud, and unauthorised system access. Even routine activities, such as accessing tax platforms or updating banking details, have become potential gateways for exploitation.” the statement said. 

It added that SARS, as the custodian of revenue collection and refunds payment, is a prime target for cybercriminals exploiting vulnerabilities in online systems.

Cooperation and security measures

SARS and the OTO stressed that they maintain a cooperative relationship, with a shared goal of restoring public confidence in the eFiling system.

SARS said it continues to enhance security protocols to mitigate risks and urged taxpayers to remain vigilant by safeguarding login details and reporting suspicious activity through official channels.

“The release of the OTO’s draft report has been delayed allowing SARS to provide detailed input on preliminary findings, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced analysis.

“Whilst consultations have been extensive between the parties, parts of the draft may still carry areas of difference, which is to be expected in any review of this nature. This cooperative approach aims to strengthen the report’s recommendations and foster meaningful improvements,” the statement added.

Commitment to taxpayers

Both SARS and the OTO reiterated their unwavering commitment to enabling taxpayers to comply with their obligations safely and confidently. 

The institutions urged taxpayers to remain cautious and report any irregularities through official SARS channels.

“We respect that the final report by the OTO will be made public soon, and SARS remain committed to continue its engagement with the public on its substance. The public must be assured though, that SARS continue to work with diligence to ensure the highest level of integrity and protection to taxpayers who uses the SARS digital platform,” SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said.

The Tax Ombud added that OTO takes the hijacking of taxpayer eFiling profiles very seriously. 

“As an independent institution, the OTO ensures objective oversight and the fair treatment of taxpayers. The OTO upcoming draft report reflects extensive engagement with all stakeholders and is aimed at driving real, practical solutions,” OTO said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Cape Town puts road safety in focus for Transport Month

DikelediM
Sun, 09/28/2025 – 12:45