Category: South Africa Government

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SARS gets largest chunk of Treasury Budget transfers

Source: Government of South Africa

SARS gets largest chunk of Treasury Budget transfers

National Treasury has been allocated R91.835 billion over the medium-term, with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) receiving the largest component of the transfers.

Tabling National Treasury’s Budget Vote in Parliament, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said the department’s budget (excluding direct charges) over the medium-term is R91.835 billion, which is an average growth rate of 6.2% from 2024/25 – 2027/28.

“The largest component is for transfers to SARS, which is allocated R45.760 billion (or 49.8%) of the department’s budget for operations and capital projects over the medium-term.

“This is an increase of R8 billion of the SARS baseline compared to the 2024 Estimate of Expenditure. Part of this increase is to improve effectiveness in revenue collection by enhancing their ability to collect debt through better systems, increasing staff capacity and modernising their processes to establish e-invoicing for VAT, instant payment systems and upgrades of customs infrastructure,” Godongwana said on Tuesday.

Last week, National Treasury published monthly debt collection data from SARS for the first time to monitor progress and improve transparency.

The budget allocation per economic classification over the medium-term is as follows:

  • R3.422 billion on compensation of employees;
  • R6.983 billion on goods and services;
  • R78.554 billion on transfers and subsidies;
  • R89 million on payment of capital assets, and
  • and R2.786 billion on payment for financial assets.

Sustainable public finances

National Treasury’s Annual Performance Plan 2025/26 sets out clear and ambitious programmes to realise its goals of job creation, lowering poverty and greater inclusion. 

“In terms of restoring sustainability and the impact of our public finances, a review of how the government spends money has been central to our policy efforts. To achieve all of our national priorities we need to realise much greater efficiencies on the spending side,” the Minister said.

As such there are new reviews that government plans to conduct, namely:

  • An audit of ghost workers in the public service using a data-driven approach that links administrative and financial databases to identify bogus and non-existent employees and immediately remove them from the system.
  • An infrastructure conditional grant review. This will assess why provinces and municipalities underspend, why projects are not delivered on time and within budget, and where relevant, why the quality of the deliverables is poor; and
  • A review of the remuneration of executives and board members of public entities. The aim is to develop a standardised framework for all schedule three public entities, based on their mandates, areas of influence, and the complexity of a given organisation.

Financial Action Task Force grey list

With South Africa completing all 22 recommended action items outlined by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the Minister stressed that the country must continue to strengthen the laws to fight illicit and corrupt financing.

“Lastly, I am happy to say that our endeavors, not just the National Treasury’s but the government’s as a whole, to remove South Africa from the Financial Action Task Force grey list, are succeeding,” he said.

South Africa was placed on the FATF grey list due to deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) regime.

The FATF recently confirmed that South Africa has substantially completed its action plan and warrants an on-site assessment. 

The on-site assessment will be to verify that the implementation of AML/CFT reforms has begun and is being sustained, and that the necessary political commitment remains in place to sustain implementation in the future.

The on-site visit will take place before the next FATF Plenary, and, if the outcome of the visit is positive, the FATF will delist South Africa from the greylist at its next Plenary in October 2025. Preparations for the on-site visit have commenced.

“A General Laws Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing Bill, to further improve our ability to combat money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing, is being finalised for another round of public comment, and tabling in Parliament in the third quarter of 2025.

“Similarly, the National Treasury has made substantial progress implementing the State Capture Commission recommendations through multiple concrete actions. SARS investigations have recovered R4.8 billion in unpaid taxes, while professional bodies like the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) have imposed consequence management including disbarment,” the Minister said.

The Financial Intelligence Centre launched the ‘Enablers Project’ with law enforcement to trace state capture fund flows, and a 10-year ban was imposed on Bain & Co (currently under litigation).

“Critically, a central register now tracks dismissed officials and those who have resigned during their disciplinary processes across all government spheres,” Godongwana said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

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SA’s agricultural exports reach US$3,36 billion 

Source: Government of South Africa

For the first quarter of 2025, South Africa’s agricultural exports reached US$3,36 billion, which translates to a 10% increase year-on-year, says Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen.

This is due to the work that government has been doing in expanding market access and defending trade over the past year.

“We facilitated new access for avocados to China, maize to Japan and India, beef to Iran, and table grapes to the Philippines and Vietnam. We managed a quick resolution to Botswana’s temporary ban on South African maize and wheat, reopening the border within two weeks.

“We were part of the Presidential delegation to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in China, secured protocols for wool, dairy and meat exports, and participated in high-level delegations to Davos, Japan, and Berlin,” the Minister said on Tuesday in Cape Town.

Furthermore, South Africa had formal bilateral engagements with counterparts from the G7, African Union (AU), and G20, to advance the country’s market access and biosecurity agenda.

Addressing the Department of Agriculture’s Post-Budget Vote Media Briefing, the Minister outlined the significant strides the department has made in expanding market access, restoring biosecurity, delivering targeted farmer support, fighting food insecurity and empowering young people in the sector.

Restoring biosecurity and disaster preparedness

Over the past year, government has prioritised biosecurity as the world witnessed an increase in animal and plant disease risks.
The Minister said biosecurity is no longer a technical matter, but an economic and national imperative. 

“Over the past year, we have established the National Biosecurity Compact and a Biosecurity Council, which bring together scientists, industry experts and officials to coordinate outbreak responses.

“[We have] deployed animal health technicians to vaccinate against Foot and Mouth Disease in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, as well as adopted a new proactive, strategic approach,” Steenhuisen.

Moreover, government relaunched the National Biosecurity Hub in partnership with the University of Pretoria and commenced the country’s first avian influenza vaccination campaign that was supported by upgraded digital disease surveillance.

“Our efforts are restoring confidence in our export systems and protecting farmers from catastrophic losses,” the Minister said.

Delivering targeted farmer support

According Steenhuisen, this year, over 6 000 farmers received direct support through a R1.7 billion allocation, creating 3 000 jobs.

“Through Ilima/Letsema, we supported 67.492 vulnerable households, generating nearly 9 500 work opportunities. We launched new smallholder farmer programmes in Jozini and beyond, focused on shifting the paradigm from “grow and sell” to “grow to sell”.

Ilima/Letsema is a government programme aimed at reducing poverty through increased food production initiatives.

In addition, government fast tracked the global Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) accreditation for emerging producers and expanded access to finance through a restructured Blended Finance Scheme.

“We have made it clear; the future of agriculture lies with the youth. Over 3 000 agricultural graduates have entered internship programmes. We have begun integrating all 11 agricultural colleges into the higher education system, starting with Elsenburg. 

“We are investing in climate-smart agriculture, pollinator protection, agroecology, and digital agri-tech tools to make agriculture attractive to the next generation,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Why the White Paper review matters more than ever

Source: Government of South Africa

By Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa

We have begun with a comprehensive review process of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government. The review of the White paper demonstrates our collective commitment to addressing the challenges facing local governance and shaping a future that aligns with the aspirations of all South Africans.

The significance of the Local Government White Paper Review process is multifaceted, impacting various aspects of governance, community engagement and socio-economic development. This review is a crucial indicator of government’s commitment to improving local governance structures and service delivery, both fundamental to effective democracy and citizen satisfaction.

To understand this process fully, it is essential to consider the historical context of local governance in South Africa. The White Paper on Local Government, adopted in 1998, established the foundation for developmental local government as a key pillar of South Africa’s democracy. 

This policy framework not only expanded access to basic services for millions but also defined the local government sphere as one that operates at the forefront of service delivery, working closely with citizens and other societal entities to address social, economic and material needs while improving the quality of life. The original White Paper was visionary, introducing a developmental model that emphasised collaboration and community participation.

Since the end of apartheid, local governments have played a crucial role in transforming communities, ensuring equitable service delivery, and fostering democratic participation. However, this journey has come with significant challenges. Many municipalities have struggled with inefficiencies, corruption and neglect, leading to public disillusionment and a lack of trust in local governance systems.

On 19 May 2025, we officially launched a review of the White Paper, emphasising that local governments must adapt to a changing world characterised by urban growth, climate challenges, youth unemployment and digital transformation. Without this evolution, municipalities risk becoming irrelevant and obsolete.

Central to the review is the need to restore public trust, which has been eroded by the issues and failures present in some municipalities. Rebuilding this trust is crucial and begins with accountability and the willingness to confront past mistakes.

The review poses the following challenging questions:
How can we ensure that councillors and municipal managers are qualified, accountable and focused on service delivery?
How can we restore fiscal discipline so that ratepayers’ money is used for delivery instead of waste?
How can we empower traditional leaders and rural communities without undermining constitutional principles?

We all agree that the rationale for this review is both urgent and strategic, as South Africa’s socio-economic landscape has shifted dramatically. The population has grown, and poverty and inequality remain deeply entrenched. Political instability, skills shortages and revenue shortfalls have weakened municipal performance.

In response, the review must address these and many other challenges by proposing structural changes that enhance accountability and efficiency. Additionally, the review aims to promote greater accountability and transparency in local governance.

By emphasising a participatory approach to governance, the review seeks to empower communities to engage actively with their local institutions. It aims to enhance transparency through measures such as open budgeting processes and public consultations, ensuring that municipal leaders are held accountable for their decisions and actions. This shift towards transparency is crucial for rebuilding trust between government and communities, allowing citizens to have a voice in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.

A key principle of the review recognises that meaningful community engagement is not just beneficial but necessary for effective governance. To this end, the White Paper calls for the establishment of forums, workshops and other platforms that allow citizens to express their concerns and suggestions. Such engagement serves two purposes: it empowers communities and helps local governments make informed decisions that truly reflect the needs of their constituents.

The review processes aim to rectify historical imbalances by ensuring that all voices are heard, particularly those that have been silenced in the past. It calls for inclusive engagement, reaching beyond the usual voices, and providing marginalised communities (such as informal traders, women, youth, traditional leaders and rural communities) the opportunity to participate. We emphasise this because real change must be rooted in lived experiences and supported by evidence.

This review presents an opportunity to rewrite the rulebook and introduce bold, forward-thinking reforms, including:
•    Smart governance tools that track performance and improve transparency through real-time data systems. 
•    New funding models that incentivise ethical leadership and penalise mismanagement. 
•    The professionalisation of local government, establishing minimum qualifications and ethical standards for officials and councillors. 
•    Climate resilience strategies that future-proof infrastructure and services against environmental risks. 
•    Improved intergovernmental coordination, particularly through the District Development Model, to streamline planning and reduce duplication.

Consultations already underway across provinces are shaping a framework and roadmap that is practical, coherent, and values-driven. They reflect the spirit of the Constitution and the realities of 21st Century South Africa while being both inclusive and practical.

The outcome should be a modernised local governance structure that characterises and defines a new era of capable, developmental, ethical and innovative municipalities, ultimately improving lives, rebuilding communities and restoring the resilience of our democracy.

Every municipality must work, not just in theory, but in practice, and for everyone.

*This was first published on Public Sector Manager magazine.

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Transnet unveils locally built multi-purpose vessel in Cape Town

Source: Government of South Africa

Transnet unveils locally built multi-purpose vessel in Cape Town

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has unveiled a R120 million locally built multi-purpose vessel, a crucial addition to its marine fleet at the Port of Cape Town. 

This development marks another significant milestone in the execution of the TNPA’s ongoing Marine Fleet Renewal Programme, which aims to increase the availability of the marine fleet at South Africa’s commercial seaports.

Built by Damen Shipyards Cape Town, the multi-purpose vessel is a multi-functional seagoing craft designed to support maintenance activities and enhance environmental management including pollution control and oil spill response within the port. 

The vessel is designed to remove debris, conduct maintenance dredging and perform quay‑wall repairs. Additionally, it will assist in lighthouse maintenance and carry out upkeep tasks such as fender replacement and minor dredging activities. 

During a christening ceremony held at the Shipyard, TNPA named and christened the vessel “Yarona,” a Setswana name which means “Ours”. The name was chosen by a TNPA employee through an internal competition. 

A christening ceremony is a maritime tradition for launching a vessel, befitting following marine craft acquisition and is believed to bestow fortune and ensure safe voyage for the vessel and its crew. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Transnet Group Chief Operating Officer, Solly Letsoalo, said at the heart of their Reinvent for Growth Strategy is infrastructure-led growth and a commitment to reliable and efficient operations across operations. 

“As Transnet, we remain focused in modernising our fleet and ensure fit-for-purpose infrastructure in order to we meet the needs of our customers and the broader South African economy.”

Measuring 19.05 metres in length with a beam of 8.36 metres, this vessel features an all-welded steel hull and superstructure for enhanced durability in harsh harbour conditions. This translates into a quicker and effective response when called upon by port users to remove navigation hazards.

“Our ability to deliver this vessel is testament to our mission of building vessels in Africa for Africa. It underscores our commitment to localisation and supplier development, while contributing to job creation and skills development in the local maritime sector. 

“The project has equally been beneficial to both men and women, with a strong focus on individuals from previously disadvantaged communities and with youth well-represented among the team,” said Sefale Montsi, Damen Shipyards Cape Town Director. 

During the 14-month construction period, the project has significantly impacted local employment by creating approximately 18 job opportunities for the community. 

Once operational, the multi-purpose vessel will employ three new crew members from TNPA, in addition to the two crew members who were aboard the old vessel. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Public Works property to aid in job creation in KZN 

Source: Government of South Africa

Public Works property to aid in job creation in KZN 

The handing over of an unused Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) property is set to help to create jobs in the Nkandla Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.

This as Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson and KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli officiated the handover of the property on Monday.

The hand over will support the development of a shopping centre that will create jobs and boost local economic activity.

The initiative forms part of the Minister’s commitment to repurpose state-owned properties for the public good ending the practice of leaving assets unused and decaying.

Premier Ntuli praised the project as a catalyst for rural economic revitalisation, saying it will provide long-term economic benefits, entrepreneurial opportunities and much needed employment for the Nkandla community.

During the ceremony, Macpherson and the Premier said the property which will be transferred to the Nkandla Local Municipality, would lead to the creation of many jobs in the local community. 

Nkandla Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Nonhlanhla Nzuza, said the municipality intends to use the property to develop commercial activities.

Minister Macpherson said the release of the property to the local municipality was in line with his commitment to use state-owned properties for the public good, instead of allowing them to lie unused and decay. 

“When we entered office roughly a year ago, we committed to ensuring that state-owned property in communities across the country would no longer be a source of neglect but would be utilised to the benefit of the entire community. 

“The release of the property to Nkandla is in line with this commitment, as previously empty property will now be used to create economic opportunities and jobs for the local community. This follows a similar release of 15 properties in Gauteng and Mpumalanga to be used as gender-based violence shelters,” the Minister said.

Premier Ntuli said the land will be utilised for the development of commercial infrastructure, with the goal of creating jobs and expanding entrepreneurial opportunities for the local community.

“This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive development and the revitalisation of rural economies, ensuring lasting economic benefits for the region. The people of Nkandla will undoubtedly benefit from the development, which will help drive long-term growth and prosperity,” Ntuli said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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President Ramaphosa responds to US tariffs announcement

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the correspondence from President Donald Trump on the unilateral imposition of a 30% trade tariff against South Africa. The President has further noted that South Africa is one of a number of countries to have received this communication on 7 July 2025. 

This 30% tariff is based on a particular interpretation of the balance of trade between South Africa and the United States. This contested interpretation forms part of the issues under consideration by the negotiating teams from South Africa and the United States. Accordingly, South Africa maintains that the 30% reciprocal tariff is not an accurate representation of available trade data. In our interpretation of the available trade data,  the average tariff imported goods entering South Africa stands at 7.6%. Importantly, 56% of goods enter South Africa at 0% most favoured nation tariff, with 77% of US goods entering the South African market under the 0% duty.

South Africa will continue with its diplomatic efforts towards a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship with the United States. We welcome the commitment by the US government, that the 30% tariff is subject to modification at the back of the conclusion of our negotiations with the United States. 

South Africa has continued to engage the United States, most recently at a meeting held on the side-lines of the US-Africa Summit on 23 June 2025 in Luanda. It was at this meeting where South Africa learned of  a template with which the US wishes to engage sub-Saharan Africa on matters of trade. The South African negotiating team still awaits this template, however, President Ramaphosa has instructed the team urgently engage with the US on the basis of the Framework Deal that South Africa submitted to the US on 20 May 2025. This Framework deal addresses the issues initially raised by the US, including South Africa’s supposed trade surplus, unfair trade practices and lack of reciprocity from the US.

The President urges government trade negotiations teams and South African companies to accelerate their diversification efforts in order to promote better resilience in both global supply chains and the South African economy.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Grants review process to ascertain eligibility of beneficiaries

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has noted commentary about the social grants review process that the agency is currently undertaking to ascertain the eligibility of identified beneficiaries suspected of having additional income that was not disclosed.

SASSA said it would like to categorically state that there has been no suspension of social grants as stated during the review process.

In a statement, SASSA explained that grants get delayed momentarily until a beneficiary has successfully completed the review process. 

“This review is not a punitive measure to deliberately exclude any deserving beneficiary, but it is intended to ensure continued eligibility and prevent misuse of public funds,” it said.

SASSA CEO, Themba Matlou, has assured grant beneficiaries and the public that SASSA is undertaking the social grants review process for the better good of the government fiscus, thus ensuring that grants are paid to eligible beneficiaries and all the fraudulent elements are rooted out. 

Matlou stressed that in terms of the Social Assistance legislative framework, beneficiaries are legally required to fully disclose all sources of income during their initial application, adding that they are obligated to inform SASSA of any changes to their financial circumstances after their application has been approved and failure to comply with these requirements constitutes a violation of the Social Assistance legislation and may result in corrective action.

“The review of social grants helps identify beneficiaries who may no longer qualify due to changes in financial, medical, or legal circumstances and serves as a confirmation of life or existence, ensuring that grants are not paid out to deceased individuals or those who have relocated without updating their records. 

“More importantly, reviews allow SASSA to detect and prevent cases where individuals continue receiving grants despite being listed on payroll systems of other entities, public or private,” he said. 

Matlou said work is underway to capacitate all SASSA local offices to ensure that they are able to handle the large volumes of people flocking into the offices for various services including those coming in for a review.

Beneficiaries who have been affected by the grants review are encouraged to visit their nearest SASSA local office and bring the following documents:

– Valid South African ID,

– Proof of income (payslips, pension slips, or affidavits if no longer employed or employment discharge confirmations),

– Bank statements for the last 3 months for all active bank accounts,

– Proof of residence (utility bill or letter from a local authority),

– Medical referral report (if applicable, for disability or care dependency grants) – to confirm disability status,

– Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable),

– Death certificate (if some death has occurred for example child, spouse etc),

– Any other supporting documents relevant to your grant type (ebirth certificates for Child Support Grants, school attendance proof for Foster Care Grants).

If a beneficiary is bedridden or unable to visit a SASSA office, a procurator may be appointed to represent you. To complete this, beneficiaries are encouraged to contact their local office for assistance in appointing a procurator.

Beneficiaries are urged to comply with the SASSA review request. Failure to respond to any official communication from the agency may result in delays in future payments, leading to a suspension or lapsing of the beneficiary’s grant and legal proceedings may be instituted.

“Whilst the review of social grants in an ongoing process, SASSA is working hard to automate the review process by introducing self-service options using online platforms to make it easier for our beneficiaries and reduce queues in our local offices,” said the agency. – SAnews.gov.za

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China to train public servants on city governance

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

The National School of Government (NSG) has organised a learning exchange visit to China on city governance for public officials.

Hosted by the Beijing Jiaotong University and supported by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the programme seeks to promote knowledge exchanges on enhancing local government performance as municipalities face growing complexity and public expectations that they must respond to. 

“The programme explores the Chinese advancement in local government innovation in service delivery, modernisation of governance, construction of smart cities, participatory governance, poverty alleviation and development,” the NSG said in a statement. 

“Local government is an important sphere of government for implementation of national policy and China’s successes in the performance of this sphere of government has contributed to the abolition of absolute poverty in 2020, ten years before the 2030 deadline which the world set in the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. 

“This is the same deadline that South Africa has set in the National Development Plan to eliminate poverty and inequality by the year 2030,” the NSG said.

The South African government, in the 7th Administration, has committed itself to drive inclusive growth and job creation, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living with a developmental and capable state playing a central role. 

“Municipalities therefore have a critical role in the achievement of this commitment. The exchange programme on city governance is part of the NSG’s international exchanges that are aimed at facilitating public servants’ access to specialist knowledge and skills needed to enhance public sector performance and development among others and learning from the development trajectory of other countries in the global South and North,” said NSG Principal, Professor Busani Ngcaweni. 

Ngcaweni added that partnerships were a key focus for the NSG “as they enable us to expand the depth of training delivery, diversity and allow access to expertise that we do not have.” 

The programme will run from 7 to 27 July. – SAnews.gov.za

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Protecting our environment, creating opportunities 

Source: Government of South Africa

By Bernice Swarts 

South Africa continues to face a host of interconnected socioeconomic and environmental challenges. These include the triple challenges of inequality, poverty, and unemployment, which are further compounded by climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. 

These threats are not theoretical — they are realities already affecting our families and communities, especially the most vulnerable. Yet, within these challenges lie opportunities, and our department is taking bold steps to transform policy into real, life-changing action.

National Dialogue 

Over the past 30 years, we have made great strides as a nation – expanding freedom, deepening democracy and building a better life for millions. Yet we also face persistent challenges: inequality, unemployment, social divisions and a growing disconnect between citizens and institution. In this spirit, President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for an inclusive National Dialogue – a people-led, society-wide process to reflect, reset and reimagine South Africa’s future. The National Dialogue is a chance for all South Africans, from all walks of life, to come together and help shape the next chapter of our democracy. 

At this point I wish to also express my support for the planned National Dialogue as a forum to unite South Africans behind a shared vision and approach towards addressing structural challenges as a result of the apartheid legacy. 

For the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the National Dialogue presents an opportunity to engage meaningfully with all South Africans — particularly youth, women, and persons with disabilities — about the socioeconomic opportunities available within our sector. 
We believe the outcomes of this important national engagement must translate into practical solutions that enable our people to contribute and benefit meaningfully from the work we do as both a department and a government.

One Million Trees in One Day

Under the Presidential Flagship “Ten Million Trees Programme,” our department has set out to do something remarkable – plant 1 million trees in one day under the rallying call, “My Tree, My Oxygen. Plant Yours Today,” we invite every South African — from schoolchildren to corporates — to participate.

This isn’t just a symbolic act. It’s a movement for environmental justice and climate resilience. Trees are nature’s air purifiers, carbon sinks, and shelters for biodiversity. We are in the final year of this programme, and with renewed vigour, we’re mobilising every corner of society to ensure we meet and exceed our target.

Small-Scale Fisheries – Voices from the Coastline

Our oceans offer abundant resources, but for too long, small-scale fishers have been left behind. That’s why we convened the Small-Scale Fishing Co-operatives Summit in Mthatha in May. We heard firsthand about the struggles fishers face: poor infrastructure, limited market access, and lack of support.

The summit wasn’t just a talk-shop. It was a collective turning point. We are now developing technical support packages, mentorship programmes, and policy enhancements to bring dignity and sustainability to the sector. When fishing co-ops thrive, entire coastal communities thrive.

Tackling E-Waste: A Crisis Turned Opportunity

Did you know that South Africa generates over 360,000 tons of electronic waste each year? Shockingly, only about 10% of that is properly recycled. The rest — from broken TVs to outdated cellphones — ends up in our landfills or is dumped illegally, contaminating soil and water and endangering our ecosystems.

To combat this, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has rolled out a groundbreaking e-Waste Recycling Pilot Project. Launched in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West, the project has already collected over 30 tons of e-waste from rural municipalities. This isn’t just about waste removal — it’s about building a circular economy, holding producers accountable through Extended Producer Responsibility regulations, and creating green jobs.

Importantly, this initiative comes as South Africa assumes the G20 Presidency, where we have identified the circular economy and waste management as priorities. 

Supporting Communities Through Forestry

Transformation in the Commercial Forestry Sector is no longer aspirational — it is underway. The DFFE is transferring eight state-owned plantations to local communities through Community Forestry Agreements. Alongside this, we’re providing post-settlement support, including business development, training, and job creation.

This initiative alone is expected to generate over 7,000 work opportunities and 550 full-time jobs, especially in impoverished rural areas. It’s forestry with a human face — empowering people to become stewards of their own natural resources.

Restoring Biodiversity, One Landscape at a Time

Through the GEF7-funded Sustainable Land Management Project, we are actively reversing land degradation in Limpopo and the Northern Cape. We have trained 129 community champions, employed over 170 people, and cleared invasive species from vast grazing lands.

Furthermore, our commitment to combating Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought (DLDD) is echoed on the global stage as a priority under our G20 Presidency.

Infrastructure for Nature and People

Our work isn’t only environmental — it’s infrastructural too. The Lowveld National Botanical Garden in Nelspruit, recently restored after flood damage, now boasts a new raised bridge and viewing deck. These are not mere cosmetic upgrades; they are symbols of resilience and investments in nature-based tourism that support SMMEs and jobs.

Last year alone, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) implemented over 50 infrastructure projects, while its Kids in Gardens programme reached more than 153,000 young people with environmental education. We are seeding not only trees, but a new generation of conservationists.

Building a Just, Green Future

Our collective mission is clear: we must transition to an environmentally sustainable, economically inclusive society. And that requires partnerships — across sectors, provinces, and people.

As we deliver on our budget priorities, let us rally behind bold, practical and transformative action — from planting a tree to recycling e-waste to supporting a community forestry project. These aren’t just departmental initiatives. They are building blocks of a just transition that leaves no one behind.

Together, let us restore our land, empower our people, and green our future.

*Bernice Swarts is the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

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President Ramaphosa hails BRICS Summit as resounding success

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa hails BRICS Summit as resounding success

By Gabi Khumalo

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the recently concluded 17th BRICS Summit as a resounding success, highlighting strengthened cooperation among member states and renewed commitment to building a more equitable global order.

President Ramaphosa made the remarks during a media briefing following the conclusion of the Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Monday.

The President commended Brazilian President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, for organising the “excellent” summit and expressed appreciation for the invitation extended to the other outreach countries to be part of the summit.

The President noted the growing interest around the world, particularly the Global South, towards BRICS.

“We admitted a new member; Indonesia, and we also admitted new BRICS partner countries. There is a lot of interest in the Global South about being part of BRICS, which shows that BRICS continues to grow its voice, its reach, and by importance as well. [It] has become [a] fairly sizeable BRICS community, which already accounts for more than half of the population of the world.

“We also appreciated the fact that through BRICS we continue by respect [and] recognition, to respect the sovereignty of countries and their equalities, and that is an important consideration, as it leads to us cooperating on a number of areas,” the President said.

Through the declaration, a number of areas, ranging from the governance of the world to issues like technical education, were covered.

WATCH | President’s media briefing
 

On global governance, the President said BRICS continues to respect the existence and the standing of the United Nations (UN) and called for the reform of the UN structures.

The President argued that it is not acceptable that countries like India and Brazil, are excluded from participating meaningfully, and that the African continent which has 1.3 billion people is not represented in the UN Security Council.

The summit also looked at the issue of climate change, calling for commitments to assist countries most affected by it, to be fulfilled. 

“They should be assisted and supported through their transition to renewable energies and that countries that have made commitments particularly [in] the Global North, should live up to their commitments, with regards to ensuring that we address climate challenges that we are facing in the world,” President Ramaphosa said.

Call for a permanent ceasefire

On security matters, BRICS condemned the attack on countries like Iran and reiterated a call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The displacement and killings of people in Sudan was also a matter of concern for the summit which called for conflict on the African continent to be resolved through what the President called “African solutions”.

The President reiterated that BRICS is a community of countries that want to see progress in the world.

“BRICS Rio de Janeiro was very successful. We leave with very fulfilled hearts because it has added to many issues that we lead to the development of our world.

“There was also great appreciation and support for South Africa’s coming G20 and recognising the importance of the G20 that encompasses so many countries in the world. We were wished great success, and we were greatly supported,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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