Category: South Africa Government

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Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Official Opening of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, Agricultural Show Grounds, Harare

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Excellency and Dear Brother, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe;
First Vice President Honourable General Chiwenga;
Second Vice President Honourable Colonel Mohadi;
Ministers,;
Mayor of Harare, Cllr Jacob Mafume;
President of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society, Mr Ngoni Kudenga;
Representatives from business and agriculture in Zimbabwe and South Africa;
Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Guests;
Ladies and gentlemen;

Good morning.

It is a great pleasure to be here. 

Mr President, allow me to congratulate you on the opening of this year’s Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.

Over the 130 years since its founding, the value and importance of this agricultural show has endured and grown. 

This premier event has weathered strong headwinds: political, economic and increasingly ecological. 

Even amidst these challenges, a constant feature of this show has been the commitment to use agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth, sustainable development and historical redress. 

On independence in 1980, the new democratic government of Zimbabwe had to take on the momentous task of dismantling colonial-era patterns of land ownership. 

Most of the country’s commercially productive land and large-scale commercial farms were owned by whites. The black majority was confined to communal lands and all but completely excluded from commercial farming. 

This mirrored our own experience in South Africa. 

It was therefore essential – for both historical redress and food security, development and economic growth – that the government embarked on ambitious reforms to facilitate the entry of black Zimbabweans into productive agriculture, including support to small-scale farmers. 

Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Zimbabwean economy.

We congratulate the government of Zimbabwe for the measures it is taking to revive the country’s agricultural sector through policy reforms, investment in irrigation and mechanisation, and empowering large- and small-scale farmers. 

We know that the agricultural sector has been heavily affected by the growing impacts of the changing climate. 

Severe drought has impacted crop yields in recent years. 

Adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change are an imperative for all nations. Collaboration among countries is critical to the success of these efforts. 

Biosecurity is another area in which we must step up our cooperation. 

Outbreaks of foot and mouth disease, avian or bird flu, crop infections and others, call on us to pool our resources and strengthen our collaboration, including through our respective research institutions. 

Technological trends in agriculture must be fully embraced to increase output and conserve resources. 

By way of example, geo-spacial agriculture using earth observation and Artificial Intelligence has started to feature in some sectors of agriculture in South Africa and Zimbabwe. 

Such innovation will be key as we collectively build resilience in pursuit of food security. 

It will also help to make our industries more competitive in the global trading market and to make use of the substantial opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area. 

President Mnangagwa and I recently attended the SADC Summit in Madagascar, where agricultural transformation in the region was a major point of discussion. 

The hosting of this Agriculture Show resonates with the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme, which seeks to improve domestic production and marketing as well as the facilitation of regional trade in food staples. 

Agricultural cooperation is key to sustaining jobs. 

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, agriculture accounts for between 60 and 80 percent of employment in the region. 

We must therefore work towards a more enabling regulatory environment to further boost this sector. 

We need increased investment in small and medium farming entities, particularly those owned and run by women and the youth. 

I call on the private sectors in both Zimbabwe and South Africa to use this show to explore avenues for great collaboration that will result in more trade and investment across our borders. 

We need investment in the provision of seeds, training, irrigation schemes, storage facilities and in agro-processing. 

The development of road, rail and aviation infrastructure is a key catalyst to take agriculture to an even higher level. 

Your Excellency, Mr President, 

As I conclude, I wish to once again thank you and the people of Zimbabwe for the warm welcome you have accorded us. 

I extend my warmest congratulations to the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society for successfully organising this edition of the agricultural show and to everyone present here today for ensuring that the show is a resounding success. 

I thank you. 

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Ramokgopa advocates for just transition that will leave no community behind

Source: Government of South Africa

Electricity and Energy Minister, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has outlined an ambitious plan to restructure the nation’s energy landscape, emphasising a balanced approach to decarbonisation that prioritises economic stability and community welfare.

Ramokgopa was speaking at the official launch of the Just Energy Transition (JET) Skills Desk and National JET Skills Advisory Forum.

Held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Friday, the Minister told delegates that government aims to dramatically shift its energy mix, targeting 60% renewable energy by 2042, transitioning from the current 78% fossil fuel dependency.

“And then, as we do that, we need to ensure that we domesticate the benefits.” 

The Minister said a key strategy involves repurposing existing power infrastructure, particularly in Mpumalanga, to create new green energy opportunities.

“Our view is that this is a diversified mix with a dynamic relationship.”

According to the Minister, the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) will add 11 gigawatts (GW) of photovoltaic and 9 GW of wind power by 2030, with an additional 74 GW planned between 2030-2042. 

The IRP aims to address energy sovereignty, economic impact, and environmental harm, projecting a significant increase in renewable energy sources by 2042. 

Meanwhile, the Minister said the Energy Action Plan (EAP) has improved electricity availability from 48% to over 70%. 

Importantly, the Minister said the transition prioritises “just transition” principles, ensuring communities are not economically decimated.

“As we transition, you must not leave anyone behind. We must design interventions to ensure the net employment benefit is positive.”

In addition, the plan includes massive transmission infrastructure investments, estimated at R440 billion and focuses on creating skills aligned with emerging green economy needs.

“That is because we want to transition. Otherwise, if you didn’t want to, we were not going to spend that money… and could be redirecting it to other sectors of the economy. I’m just saying it’s not free, but we know that the benefit outweighs the upfront cost and then the repurposing options of these power stations.”

In addition, he said the focus is on repurposing power stations and developing local skills to support the transition, ensuring a balanced approach that includes all energy sources and benefits communities.

The Minister said government’s message was clear, which is action over perfection. 

“Our biggest problem is seeking a perfect solution… Act, and in the course of doing that, we’ll make mistakes and get it right.”
Meanwhile, Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela, who delivered a keynote address on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile, highlighted that the energy transition is “not just about megawatts” but is fundamentally about people, communities, and equity.

“It must be about ensuring that women, youth and vulnerable groups are not left behind,” Manamela said. 

READ | South Africa launches critical skills initiatives for Just Energy Transition

Today’s launch saw the unveiling of the JET Skills Desk and the National Jet Skills Advisory Forum, two pillars of South Africa’s JET Skills Portfolio. 

Manamela announced that the JET Skills Desk, located within his department, will coordinate the reskilling and upskilling of workers, while focusing on preparing them for opportunities in renewable energy, green hydrogen and sustainable industries.

“It will drive reskilling and upskilling of adult workers. It will anticipate skills needs through labour market intelligence. It will strengthen curricular and educator readiness and align training with industry.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Let us all support the Class of 2025  

Source: Government of South Africa

With the end of August marking the start of the matric class of 2025’s preliminary examinations, we all have a responsibility to give them the extra support they need, as they take the next step towards becoming responsible adults of tomorrow.

Exams come with heightened levels of fear and anxiety around mathematical formulas and the like, and all parents, guardians, siblings and society at large, should chip in to ease these fears.

Learners sitting for the prelims across the country, will likely share similar fears as these exams are a step closer to the all-important October/November final exams that mark the end of the Class of 2025’s high school career.

These prelims are a litmus test of what is to come when our Matrics sit for their finals, and it should be seen as just as important.  

Caregivers can extend an encouraging word or two to their beloved matrics who will be sitting for various papers. A pep talk, for example, on how the exams are going, can be helpful to relieve some of the pressure and a care pack of their favourite treats will also likely put a smile on their dial. Reducing their daily chores will also demonstrate thoughtfulness, as they burn the midnight oil in earnest.

To help learners prepare for the exams, schools often have revision, and extra lessons are often held over weekends to assist learners with their studies. The Department of Basic Education also has the Mind the Gap study Guides for learners. The study guides are aimed at improving the academic performance of Grade 12 candidates and are available for various subjects including Accounting, Life Sciences and Economics.

Additionally, the department also has Practical Assessment Tasks guidelines for those registered for subjects like Agriculture: Agricultural Management Practices and Agricultural Technology; and Life Orientation among others.
Learners can also use previous exam papers to revise and prepare for the final National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams that begin in October.

The papers as well as the guidelines and study guides are accessible on the department’s website (https://www.education.gov.za).

While exams provide plenty a dish of nervousness, learners should walk into the various exam halls with confidence that they have prepared sufficiently when they put pen to paper.

This is despite the hardships they may have had in getting to grips with the subject matter or learners who were at the mercy of mother nature’s adverse weather that battered parts of the country, including the Eastern Cape, not so long ago.

While government has been assisting flood-ravaged communities, we take our hats off to leaners and their teachers who have kept track of their academics in the midst of challenging times.

Our support in helping them to reach their academic goals will help our country in producing the leaders and captains of industry of tomorrow. Education is an important item in any society’s toolbox.

Addressing the current challenges the country faces, including poverty, inequality and the materialising effects of climate change, requires innovation and foresight that will also help anticipate the challenges of tomorrow.
The learners of today and tomorrow are a crucial part of that toolbox if South Africa is to overcome challenges and move towards a better life for all.

And yes, many wonder whether the learners who are about to complete their schooling and become graduates in many a field will be able to find work given the high unemployment rate.

And while unemployment is a very real challenge, learning cannot come to a halt if the country has ambitions of being progressive. The future world requires education, and the country needs young, innovative people, who will acquire coding and other skills that the future demands. Employment and entrepreneurship will have to be a part of the future South Africa. 

In June, Deputy President Paul Mashatile announced that the country has ratified the Protocol for Women and Youth in Trade, under the African Continental Free Trade Area, as a way of fostering inclusive growth. Speaking at the High-Level G20 Intergenerational Roundtable, hosted by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), the Deputy President said the milestone is not just a symbolic gesture, but a move that operationalises the inclusion of woman-led and youth-led enterprises in regional and global value chains. 

This it does by the removal of  structural trade barriers, prioritising access to information, finances, and markets, as well as requiring state parties to create enabling legal and policy environments for inclusive economic participation.

Government has also put in place measures such as the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative which has to date provided over 190 000 young people with year-long work experience opportunities as a means of addressing unemployment.
As society, we need to support the dreams of not only the Grade 12 learners who will step into the exam rooms to face their prelims, but all learners across the country.  They need to know that we believe in them and are hopeful of a bright future for them.

In the same vein, we need responsible learners who will not take up cheating in any of their exams or bully other learners to do their exam preparation for them. If a learner does not do well in this round of exams, they must not give up hope – but realise they can up the ante in the final exam.

The country does not need leaked papers either, but a mutual respect between learners, teachers and those working across the various exam halls.

The country stands fully behind the matric class of 2025. –SAnews.gov.za 

*Neo Semono is a Features Writer/Editor at SAnews.gov.za 

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Minister Ntshavheni pays tribute to late journalist

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister Ntshavheni pays tribute to late journalist

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on Thursday described the late Eyewitness News (EWN’s) politics associate Editor, Tshidi Madia, as someone with a strong personality and a remarkable work ethic.

She said the country has been left with a void, following the passing away of the acclaimed journalist on Wednesday.
Madia died at the age of 42 following a short illness.

During her visit to the Madia family in Leondale in Gauteng, Ntshavheni said Madia reported truthfully, critically and constructively, with a focus on nation building.

The Minister conveyed her condolences to the family, adding that Madia was a patriot.

“She would go miles to fight for the country. I’m sure all of us will remember when she fought for the voice of South Africa at the White House in the Oval Office, but she didn’t stop there. She went to Fox [News] and she had an interview there and she was not intimidated by that platform,” Ntshavheni said.

She added that the political journalist was a daughter of South Africa.

“Her support was not bias to government and to the country. She made sure that her message was about the country. She was not intimidated by the office, not intimidated by an issue, she confronted it head-on.

“She was an ordinary girl who came from Limpopo and made a huge impact in her field of work. She also made sure that the story of South Africa is told, whether good or bad, in a manner that is constructive for the country. 

“It is a great loss for the country. We have asked God to receive her beautiful soul. We are going to miss her dearly. I know that next week when we do the post-Cab [post-Cabinet media briefing], questions from Tshidi Madia will be missing. It will be the first void we are going to feel,” the Minister explained.

Tributes have been pouring in for the late Eyewitness News Associate Political Editor with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) saying Madia would be remembered for her professionalism, courage and commitment to telling South Africa’s story.

“During the unfounded allegations made against South Africa about white genocide, she rose above sensationalism to provide clarity and truth to a global audience, ensuring that the world understood the reality of our nation beyond distortion and misinformation,” the GCIS said.

READ | Tributes pour in for political journalist Tshidi Madia

Deputy Preisdent Paul Mashatile has also conveyed his condolences, saying Madia was a consummate professional.

READ | Deputy President honours renowned, late journalist Tshidi Madia
–SAnews.gov.za 

Edwin

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South Africa launches critical skills initiatives for Just Energy Transition

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa launches critical skills initiatives for Just Energy Transition

In a landmark event during Women’s Month, South Africa officially launched the Just Energy Transition (JET) Skills Desk and National JET Skills Advisory Forum, signalling a strategic commitment to inclusive economic transformation. 

The keynote address – delivered by Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela, on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile – highlighted that the energy transition is “not just about megawatts” but is fundamentally about people, communities, and equity.

“It must be about ensuring that women, youth and vulnerable groups are not left behind,” Manamela told the attendees at the Gallagher Convention Centre, in Johannesburg, on Friday. 

Today’s launch saw the unveiling of the JET Skills Desk and the National Jet Skills Advisory Forum, two pillars of South Africa’s JET Skills Portfolio. 

The Minister believes that these structures are not symbolic but are operational instruments designed to close the green skills gap that hinders energy transition, slows competitiveness and risks excluding those most affected by the decline of coal and other traditional industries. 

“Through this way, we recognise that skills are the bridge between transition and inclusion to economic restructuring and social justice. 

“As Minister of Higher Education, we are actively aware that the post-school education and training system sits at the centre of this transformation. Universities, TVET [Technical and Vocational Education and Training] colleges, community education centres and industry partners must prepare South Africans, especially workers in vulnerable sectors, for new opportunities in renewable energy, green hydrogen, electric vehicles and sustainable industries.” 

Manamela stated that the JET Skills Desk, located within his department, will coordinate the reskilling and upskilling of workers, while focusing on preparing them for opportunities in renewable energy, green hydrogen and sustainable industries.

“It will drive reskilling and upskilling of adult workers. It will anticipate skills needs through labour market intelligence. It will strengthen curricular and educator readiness, and align training with industry.” 

The aim is to also create skills development zones in provinces like Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape. 

“Skills are the bridge between transition and inclusion, between economic restructuring and social justice,” Manamela said, underlining the initiative’s broader national significance. 

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The Minister acknowledged that government currently has no dedicated budget line for the transition, emphasising the need for blended funding with public investment leading the way. 

“That is why the mobilisation of blended funding is so important. Public investment must lead, private investment must follow, and philanthropic and development partners must catalyse community-based economies,” he said. 

In the meantime, he said a multi-donor initiative supported by the European Union, Germany and Switzerland, will help catalyse these efforts, demonstrating international confidence in South Africa’s skills agenda. 

“We cannot remain in the face of endless research and reports; the time has come to move to implementation and delivery. Therefore, we must focus on building infrastructure, for instance, colleges and universities strengthen entrepreneurship in affected communities. 

“That’s why we have a Minister of Small Business Development here, amongst others, supporting career guidance and train the trainer programmes, creating clear pathways for youth and women in the glacial economy.” 

The Minister strongly believes that the initiative aims to empower vulnerable groups, particularly women and youth, ensuring they are not left behind in the green economy transformation. 

“This is not only a skills agenda, but also a nation-building agenda, as we conclude and move forward to the G20 Summit later this year under South Africa’s Presidency. 

“Let us remember the Just Energy Transition must be measured not only by how much power we install, but how many lives we improve and how many communities we empower.” 

READ | Mashatile to launch Just Energy Transition initiatives in Johannesburg

On behalf of the Deputy President, Manamela told the delegates that government has pledged its full commitment to ensuring that the JET Skills Portfolio fulfils its promise.

“I call on all our partners, public and private, local and international, to act with agency and imagination to ensure that the transition, that this transition is truly just, let us build a greener, fairer and more prosperous South Africa,” he concluded to a round of applause. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile

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SA, Tunisia reaffirm science diplomacy as a pillar for women’s empowerment

Source: Government of South Africa

SA, Tunisia reaffirm science diplomacy as a pillar for women’s empowerment

Science diplomacy must be harnessed as a tool to close gender disparity gaps, accelerate progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and inspire the next generation of girls to pursue careers in science.

This was the central message as South Africa and Tunisia jointly celebrated Women’s Month in Pretoria on Thursday, reaffirming their partnership in advancing women’s empowerment through diplomacy in science, technology and innovation (STI).

Both countries, which mark National Women’s Day in August, used the occasion to reflect on their shared history of women’s struggles and emancipation, while strengthening collaboration to address barriers to gender equality in science and innovation.

The event was hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Embassy of Tunisia, with the theme: ‘The Role of Science Diplomacy in Women’s Empowerment: South African–Tunisian Experience’.

READ | Deputy Minister Gina to address SA-Tunisia Women’s Day celebration

Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, stressed that “science knows no borders”. She called for deeper cooperation between South Africa and Tunisia.

“We are here to insist that science diplomacy without a gender dimension is incomplete. We, as women across borders, must start collaborating on joint scientific and research projects more than before. We must support each other across nations,” said Gina.

She highlighted achievements made since the signing of the 2010 STI cooperation agreement with Tunisia, including joint research projects worth over R14 million. 

The Deputy Minister reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to inclusivity through policies such as the STI Decadal Plan, the Grassroots Innovators Programme, and targeted support for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

South Africa’s strides also include National Research Foundation funding instruments for Master’s and PhD studies, the annual South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA), and bursaries offered through the SA Radio Astronomy Observatory, which currently supports Tunisian researcher, Dr Raja Mchaalia.

Tunisia’s Ambassador to South Africa, Karima Bardaoui, outlined her country’s progress in advancing gender equality since independence in 1956. Women now make up more than 55% of science graduates and hold a high proportion of PhDs.

“We have implemented policies aimed at ensuring access to education for all and at providing knowledge, tools and opportunities that help bridge gender gaps and promote equality, regardless of gender, socioeconomic background, or geographic location,” said Bardaoui.

She said science diplomacy can help address underrepresentation in leadership, funding disparities, and cultural barriers, while inspiring the next generation of African women scientists.

The programme, supported by the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA), featured thematic discussions with the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), United Nations Women, the Commission for Gender Equality, and representatives from leading South African universities.

Programme Officer at AUDA-NEPAD, Dr Barbara Glover, urged greater visibility for women in science.

“Let us put women on the map so that the younger ones can see,” said Glover.

A recipient of National Research Foundation bursaries, Glover shared how science diplomacy enabled her to study in both Africa and Europe.

Founder of Traversing Liminality, Dr Lulamile Gwagwa, encouraged the DSTI to create a networking platform for SAWiSA participants to engage and collaborate. 

Recent SAWiSA winner, Dr Maurine Musie, said the awards inspired her to start a podcast on maternal and neonatal health in Africa. 

The event concluded with a united call to strengthen bilateral and continental partnerships that place women at the centre of science diplomacy.

Gina summed up the spirit of the day: “Women supporting each other, instead of competing against each other, bring a unity and strength like no other. Let’s hold hands and empower each other across our countries.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile

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Final call for Gauteng public schools online applications

Source: Government of South Africa

Final call for Gauteng public schools online applications

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has reminded parents and guardians that the 2026 Online Admissions Application Period for Grade 1 and Grade 8 in the province’s public schools will officially close at midnight.

“We urge all parents who have not yet completed the full five-step process to do so immediately. Failure to act before the deadline will result in disappointment and loss of placement priority,” said Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane on Friday.

Parents are encouraged to apply now before applications close at midnight by visiting www.gdeadmissions.gov.za.

As of Thursday evening, at 19:15, the GDE Online Admissions System had recorded a total of 800 530 Grade 1 and Grade 8 online applications, with Grade 1 applications accounting for 345 493 applications and Grade 8 applications were at 455 037.

“We are concerned that a significant number of applications remain incomplete. To date, 52 929 incomplete applications have been recorded. These include parents who registered details but did not finalise school selections, and those who applied but failed to submit or upload the required documents,”  the MEC said.

Parents are reminded that certified copies of all required documents must be submitted to schools or uploaded online by 12pm on 9 September 2025. 

The proof of home address is particularly important, as placement is based on feeder zones. Applications without this document will be regarded as incomplete.

The department has reminded parents and guardians that incomplete applications will not be considered for placement offers. 

Similarly, applicants who submit fraudulent or invalid documents will forfeit placement offers as well.

Only learners with complete applications and verified documents will receive placement offers during the placement period, starting from 16 October 2025 until all learners are placed.

Placement is not based on a first-come, first-served basis but according to the following criteria, applied in order of priority:

  • Home address within the school’s feeder zone, closest to the school.
  • Sibling/previous school.
  • Work address within the school’s feeder zone.
  • Home address within a 30km radius.
  • Home address beyond a 30km radius.

–SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

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Justice Minister saddened by the passing of Judge Tlhapi

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, August 29, 2025

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has sent condolences on the passing of Judge Vuyelwa Vivienne Tlhapi.

Tlhapi, who served at the Gauteng North High Court in Pretoria, passed away last week Thursday. She was widely respected for her analytical jurisprudence, integrity and commitment to strengthening the rule of law.  

Throughout her distinguished career, Tlhapi advanced justice, accountability and good governance through landmark rulings, including the restoration of the AmaRharhabe kingship, the order compelling the release of records relating to the Nkandla project, and judgments reinforcing principles of fair process. 

Tlhapi devoted her life to public service, beginning as a Magistrate, progressing through private practice where she co-founded her own firms, and serving as an Independent Electoral Commission commissioner during South Africa’s first democratic elections.

She was selected for the pioneering Bridget Mabandla Aspirant Judges Programme and appointed a judge in 2010, earning a reputation for fairness, integrity, and dedication to constitutional and administrative justice.

Kubayi has extended her heartfelt condolences to Tlhapi’s family, colleagues and the broader legal fraternity.

“The justice family is poorer with the passing of Judge Tlhapi. Her unwavering commitment to justice, transparency, and fairness has left an enduring legacy in our courts,” said Kubayi – SAnews.gov.za 

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President Ramaphosa arrives in Zimbabwe for working visit

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Harare, Zimbabwe, at the invitation of His Excellency Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, for a working visit.

The President will also participate, as a Guest of Honour, in the Official Opening of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show is an annual event organised by the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society to facilitate and promote agricultural development in the country.

This year, the show will be celebrating its 130th Anniversary since its founding in 1895 and will run under the theme “Building Bridging: Connecting Agriculture, Industry and Commerce”.

In 2024, the show attracted 570 exhibitors, including 13 international exhibitors. About 230 000 visitors visited the show last year.
The visit will also provide the President with an opportunity to solidify the cordial relations that exist between South Africa and Zimbabwe, particularly in the economic sector.

“The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show will also help promote intra-regional trade and economic integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

“Zimbabwe is one of South Africa’s main trading partners in the SADC region. In 2024, South Africa exported R 69,21 billion worth of goods and merchandise to Zimbabwe compared to R 57,5 billion in 2023. Vegetables were the main exports and contributed R11,9 billion to the total exports to Zimbabwe,” the Presidency said on Friday.

In terms of imports, in 2024, South Africa imported R5.4 billion worth of goods and merchandise from Zimbabwe compared to R R4.4billion in 2023.

Over 120 South African companies are doing business in Zimbabwe in various sectors including, among others, mining, aviation, tourism, banking, property, retail, construction and fast food.

Former President Nelson Mandela had graced this event as a Guest of Honour on 26 August 1994.

During the working visit, President Ramaphosa will be supported by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, and senior government officials. –SAnews.gov.za

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Operation Vala Umgodi nets 215 suspects

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, August 29, 2025

The South African Police Service’s nationwide Operation Vala Umgodi has led to the arrest of 215 suspects of different nationalities.

“These suspects were arrested for illegal mining related offences and various other serious crimes such as unlawful possession of explosives, unlawful possession of unlicensed firearms, illegal possession of gold bearing material, illegal possession of precious metals, possession of gold processing equipment and contravention of the Immigration Act,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.

The arrests were effected between 18 and 24 August.

Meanwhile, members deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi have secured yet another effective jail sentence for two Mozambican nationals. On 20 August, the Polokwane Regional Court sentenced 28-year-old Adam Sithole and 22-year-old Musa Mlambo to 10 years direct imprisonment each after they were convicted of charges relating to unlawful mining and contravention of the Immigration Act.

“Operation Vala Umgodi is a testament to the government’s commitment to combating these criminal networks and protecting the country’s mineral resources,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za