Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

As preparations for the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit continue, significant progress has been made, with nearly 80 of the 132 planned official meetings already completed. 

According to the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the G20 calendar is on track, showcasing an active dialogue among member nations, as negotiations regarding Ministerial outcome documents and related high-level results have commenced.

Meanwhile, the Minister announced on Thursday that South Africa has taken a pivotal step in shaping the global financial landscape through the introduction of the Cost of Capital Review. 

This initiative aims to foster a fairer global financial system, particularly benefiting developing nations to enhance their investments in critical areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and climate resilience. 

“This is a critical step toward creating a fairer global financial system,” the Minister said, highlighting the importance of equitable financial practices.

In recent developments, Ntshavheni said various G20 Engagement Groups have presented their work programme and priorities. 

Notably, the United States has indicated its intention to fully participate in these meetings, though it will do so at the level of Under-Secretary. 

The Minister believes that the commitment signifies a renewed engagement from one of the key G20 members.

In July, several important meetings were held, each focusing on critical global issues. 

These included the Fourth G20 Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting, the Emerging Markets and Developing Economies Deputies Meeting, the Third Meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, the Third Technical Meeting of the G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group, and the Third Meeting of the Education Working Group.

In addition, the agenda featured the Fifth Health Working Group Meeting, the Third Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group Meeting, the Fourth Meeting of Task Force 1, and the Second Climate and Environmental Sustainability Working Group Meeting.

These meetings set the stage for broader discussions and decisions that will be made at the upcoming G20 Summit, reflecting a collective effort to address global economic and social challenges. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Cabinet has reaffirmed government’s commitment to finding constructive and sustainable solutions through ongoing engagements with the United States, including at a Presidential level.

This follows the recent decision by US President Donald Trump to impose a 30% tariff on South African imports, effective 7 August 2025.

The tariffs are expected to affect a number of key sectors, especially the automotive and agriculture.

Briefing the media on Thursday in Pretoria, following Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting in Cape Town, Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, confirmed that Cabinet received an update on the Framework Deal with the US.  The agreement includes a provision that the tariffs will be reviewed as soon as the two countries reach a deal.

“Government’s efforts remain focused on growing the economy to save and create new jobs, which include intensifying diversification efforts and strengthen their global supply chain integration as the country works to expand its export markets to Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and across Africa to enhance our economic resilience,” Ntshavheni said.

The Minister said government is focusing on demand side interventions in the impacted industries and targeted interventions to ensure industry stability and safeguard employment.

Among the targeted interventions include:
•    The establishment of an Export Support Desk, which will serve as a direct point of contact for affected companies,
•    Measures to assist companies to absorb the tariff and facilitate long-term resilience and growth strategies to protect jobs and productive capacity in South Africa,
•    A Localisation Support Fund (LSF) for affected companies to contribute to the national effort
•    The Export and Competitiveness Support Programme (ECSP), which will include a working capital facility and plant and equipment facility to address short to medium term needs across all industries; and
•    Working with the Department of Employment Labour on measures to mitigate potential job losses, using existing instruments within its entities that can be adjusted to respond to the current challenges.

“Following consultations with the Competition Commission, a Block Exemption for Exporters has been introduced to enable collaboration and coordination by competitors. A draft Block Exemption will be published by the end of the week so that the process can be concluded expeditiously,” Ntshavheni said.

On Wednesday, 6 August 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa held a telephone discussion with President Trump on bilateral trade matters, where the two leaders undertook to continue with further engagements recognising the various trade negotiations the US is currently involved in.

The Minister said the President’s call to President Trump was part of supporting the negotiations, noting that there cannot be agreement on a phone call.

“The technical team must do the actual work, and there is always room for negotiations. We have indicated that there are no foreign negotiations,” the Minister said.

South Africa-China trade and investment package 

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), in consultation with industry associations and export councils have compiled a South Africa-China Trade and Investment Package (2025 – 2029) as a basis for economic engagement with China.

The package includes trade, investment, industrial development and skills development.

On trade, the priorities are on the exchange of the top 100 products, establishment of a permanent expo in China, and cooperation to address regulatory measures, whilst the priorities on investment and industrial development are on investments in steel, tyres, automotive, battery manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, rail manufacturing and the digital economy.

The skills development component focuses on skills associated with the identified priority sectors including to service and provide aftercare maintenance.

Ntshavheni said the package was shared with the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) during the working visit of Deputy President Mashatile to China, that took place from 14 to 18 July 2025.

“The Deputy President engaged with key Chinese state-owned enterprises and financial institutions and also participated in the South Africa-China Investment Forum and the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), where he officially launched the South African National Pavilion. The Pavilion aims to position our country as a gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa for trade, investment and industrial cooperation,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, has officially launched the Matric Support Programme, aimed at equipping matriculants with information and resources to navigate the transition into the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector.

Launched at Mthingwevu High School in Cofimvaba, Eastern Cape, on Wednesday, the programme forms part of Gondwe’s broader vision of making higher education more accessible. especially for learners in rural areas.

The programme is designed to empower Grade 12 learners with essential information on available study options and funding opportunities, amongst others, to ensure they are well-prepared before entering the higher learning institutions.

The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), and the National Skills Fund (NSF).

The Deputy Minister’s office helpdesk will also play a role in providing direct support and guidance to learners.

Addressing the learners and community during the launch, Gondwe encouraged Grade 12 learners to explore various opportunities available in the PSET system.

“While you are still in matric, you can apply to any of our 50 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges and our 26 universities. After matric, you even have the option to enrol for a skills development programme under the auspices of any of our 21 SETAs.

“What I am saying is that whether you want to become a teacher, a doctor, a plumber, an entrepreneur or even an Information Technology (IT) technician, there is a pathway for you in the higher education and training sector. The future is full of possibilities, start planning your next move today,” the Deputy Minister said.

She also reminded learners that education is more than just a personal achievement, “it is a tool to break intergenerational poverty.”

In addition to the launch, Grade 12 learners received school stationery packs and sanitary towels – part of the department’s effort to support and motivate learners.

Gondwe will on Thursday launch the programme at Jiba High School in Lusikisiki. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has published draft regulations for comment that are aimed at prohibiting the production, distribution, sale, import, and export of plastic microbeads and products containing them.

The regulations underscore South Africa’s commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems, rivers, and soils from the pervasive harm caused by these non-biodegradable pollutants, which often enter waterways through wastewater and accumulate in food chains.

“This is a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to protect South Africa’s precious natural heritage from the scourge of plastic pollution. Plastic microbeads may be small, but their impact on our oceans and wildlife is immense. 

“By banning them, we are not only preserving biodiversity but also ensuring a healthier future for generations to come. I urge all stakeholders to engage with this process and help shape regulations that truly make a difference,” the Minister said on Thursday.

The proposed regulations, issued under the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), seek to eliminate the use of plastic microbeads – tiny solid plastic particles smaller than five millimetres commonly found in cosmetics, personal care items, pesticides, toiletries, and other products. 

Once enacted, the rules will impose a blanket prohibition on these microbeads, with provisions for monitoring, evaluation, and strict penalties for non-compliance, including fines up to R10 million or imprisonment for up to 20 years in cases of repeated offences.

A transitional phase allows existing stocks to be phased out over 24 months, requiring affected parties to notify the Director-General and submit phase-out plans. 

The public has been invited to submit written comments on the draft regulations within 30 days from the date of publication in the Government Gazette. 

Submissions can be sent by post to the Director-General, Attention: Mr Jeremia Sibande, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Private Bag X447, Pretoria, 0001; by hand at Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria; or by email to jsibande@dffe.gov.za. For inquiries, contact 082 302 6907.

The draft regulations will soon be available for download at www.dffe.gov.za  or can be obtained directly from the department. Comments received after the closing date may not be considered.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said it is dedicated to promoting sustainable development and conserving South Africa’s natural resources for the benefit of all. –SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has expressed its strong objection and concern regarding the recent visit of former South African President Jacob Zuma, an eminent leader and head of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party. 

This is after he visited the Kingdom of Morocco and met with Nasser Bourita, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates in Rabat on 15 July 2025.

“While we respect the sovereign right of Morocco to invite individuals and groups, DIRCO, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of South Africa, strongly protests the use of South African national symbols, in this instance the use of the South African National Flag, in the meeting between Mr Jacob Zuma and the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco,” the statement read. 

According to DIRCO, using the South African National Flag during a meeting with a member of an opposition political party, which is considered a non-State actor, is an abuse of established protocol and decorum. 

In addition, the department said this practice undermines the official bilateral relations between South Africa and Morocco.

“South Africa has indicated to the Kingdom of Morocco that the display of national symbols inherently conveys official State endorsement and elevates the perception of the encounter to that of a state-to-state engagement. This characterisation is inconsistent with established diplomatic protocol, as the participants did not represent the official positions or engagements of the South African State. 

“Consequently, this portrayal cannot be recognised as an official bilateral meeting, and the implications drawn from it are firmly rejected.” 

Meanwhile, the department said government holds the firm view that the use of its national symbols in contexts implying official State endorsement of non-governmental engagements is “inappropriate, irrespective of the setting“. 

“In the spirit of fostering and maintaining cordial and friendly bilateral relations, and consistent with the fundamental principles of mutual respect between sovereign States and non-interference in internal affairs, South Africa respectfully encourages the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco to refrain from such actions. 

“Upholding these shared principles is essential for the continued positive development of relations between our two nations.” – SAnews.gov.za 

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 7, 2025