Category: South Africa Government

The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane will this week announce the appointment of new Provincial Commissioners in the Western Cape, North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.

The Acting Commissioner will make the anouncements with the respective Premiers and Members of the Executive Councils (MECs) responsible for Community Safety and liaison.

“These appointments form part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership within the South African Police Service, in line with the organisational renewal programme and reinforce the organisation’s commitment to professional, ethical, accountable and effective policing in support of the SAPS Reset Agenda,” the police said in a statement.

The announcement will be made as follows: Western Cape on Wednesday, North West on Thursday, and Limpopo and Mpumalanga on Friday.

This comes as Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia announced the implementation of the Police Reset Agenda, with 140 high-crime police station precincts identified as priority sites for intervention.

The agenda is part of a nationwide effort to restore public confidence in the SAPS. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG) has reported significant progress on several key infrastructure, economic, and water security initiatives aimed at unlocking development in the city.

The updates were presented during the PeWG’s July monthly co-chairpersons meeting, where workstreams outlined progress on a range of strategic interventions being implemented through collaboration between the Presidency, national government and the eThekwini Municipality.

Among the major economic developments is Toyota South Africa Motors’ reaffirmed investment of R10 billion in its eThekwini manufacturing plant to produce the next generation of the Toyota Hilux, signalling continued investor confidence in the city’s automotive sector.

To protect this critical sociology-economic footprint in the South Durban Basin, the PeWG is also accelerating plans to upgrade the Umlazi Canal.

Following a high-level financing workshop convened by the Presidency, stakeholders have finalised the scope of a R310 million feasibility study that will assess measures to reduce flood risks and secure blended public-private financing for the eventual R4.5 billion canal infrastructure overhaul.

The working group also reported significant progress across spatial and transport networks.

The eThekwini Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN) remains on track for its planned launch in December 2026, while the multimillion-rand rehabilitation of Everton Road has been completed, restoring an essential suburban-business artery.

In addition, the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL), through Workstream 5, is overseeing 18 community development projects worth R391.5 million along the critical N2 and N3 transport corridors.

The municipality has also reported improvements in water service delivery through the eThekwini Water and Sanitation (EWS) Unit.

According to the PeWG, the unit has successfully established its turnaround and governance frameworks, supported by initiatives such as leak detection, valve maintenance and ongoing customer data cleansing.

These interventions have contributed to a three-percentage-point reduction in non-revenue water, lowering losses to 55.7%.

On the public safety front, the metro has intensified efforts to crackdown on illegally occupied buildings in Durban’s central business district, while expanding the operational footprint of its municipal closed-circuit television (CCTV) network.

More than 58% of the city’s command-centre cameras are fully operational and are being used to support criminal investigations and prosecutions.

The PeWG also highlighted the formal transition of the Partnerships Framework to the newly established Economic Development Workstream (Workstream 8), aimed at strengthening collaboration between government structures and the private sector.

By driving targeted interventions through specialised teams, the PeWG continues to systematically remove legislative, financial, and logistical bottlenecks, supporting efforts to restore Durban’s full economic potential.

PeWG Chairperson Mike Mabuyakhulu said President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the improvements being made in eThekwini, through the initiative.

“We regularly report to the President on the progress made each month. I must say that the President is pleased and is closely monitoring the work we are doing in Durban against the 18-month target, which runs until late 2027,” Mabuyakhulu said.

Mabuyakhulu also indicated that work has begun to integrate the PeWG into the District Development Model (DDM), with the intention of phasing out the working group by November 2027.

“Part of the work we are undertaking involves phasing out the PeWG by November 2027, and integrating its functions into the DDM, provided everything proceeds according to plan,” Mabuyakhulu said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has warned municipalities to stop adopting unfunded budgets, saying the practice undermines financial sustainability and misleads communities.

Addressing a joint media briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on the temporary withholding of municipal equitable share transfers, Hlabisa said municipalities should only budget for expenditure that can be financed through available revenue.

“Unfunded budgets must come to an end,” Hlabisa said.

He said municipalities must take responsibility for ensuring sound financial management, particularly as the current term of local government draws to a close ahead of the Municipal Elections scheduled for November 2026.

He warned that municipalities should not leave newly elected councils with severe financial challenges before they receive their next equitable share allocation.

The Minister said unfunded budgets are among the root causes of municipal financial distress, often resulting in municipalities failing to meet their obligations to employees, creditors and key service providers.

“When money has been given to a municipality, the municipality must pay water boards, SARS [South African Revenue Service], Eskom and everybody that a municipality owes, so that they do not experience a similar situation.

“Government departments and provincial governments must also pay municipalities. The whole value chain must function so that we do not experience this again,” Hlabisa said.

The Minister said government will work closely with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), organised labour, and other stakeholders to identify municipalities facing financial difficulties and intervene before more severe measures become necessary.

He said the emphasis will be on improving compliance and providing support to municipalities before financial problems escalate.

Improvements in municipal financial reporting

Hlabisa welcomed improvements in municipal financial reporting, noting that only one municipality failed to submit its annual financial statements last year, after the sector consistently achieved a 98% submission rate.

He said government aims to achieve full compliance by the 31 August 2026 deadline.

“We do not want even one municipality to fail to submit annual financial statements. The point is compliance,” he said.

Drawing a comparison with household finances, Hlabisa said municipalities should budget within their means.

“If you earn R10 000, you budget according to the salary you receive. Where things go wrong in some municipalities, is that they budget on money they do not have.”

He added that while some municipalities prioritise paying salaries, they often neglect statutory obligations such as payments to SARS, Eskom and water boards, creating deeper financial problems.

Hlabisa also called on residents, businesses, and government institutions to pay municipal rates and service charges, saying municipalities cannot deliver services without sufficient revenue.

“You cannot expect municipalities to render services if we do not pay. Municipalities will only be functional if ratepayers, businesses, and government entities pay what is due to municipalities,” Hlabisa said.

He acknowledged that municipal dysfunction stems from several interconnected challenges, but expressed confidence that stronger cooperation, improved compliance and shared accountability will help restore municipalities to financial stability and improve service delivery.

Municipal equitable share

The Municipal Equitable Share is an unconditional allocation made to municipalities in terms of the Constitution and the annual Division of Revenue Act.

It is intended to support municipalities in performing their constitutional functions and to assist them in providing basic services to communities, particularly poor and vulnerable households.

On 7 July 2026, National Treasury announced the temporary withholding of the July 2026 Municipal Equitable Share transfers to 69 municipalities across all nine provinces. The decision followed persistent and serious non-compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and related regulations, despite previous support, guidance and engagements provided to municipalities. – SAnews.gov.za

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Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has urged South Africans to register to vote during the second and final national voter registration weekend on 1-2 August, 2026.

Hlabisa’s call comes as South Africa prepares for the next Local Government Elections, with the voter registration weekend providing eligible citizens an opportunity to register or update their registration details before the polls.

Speaking during a joint media briefing with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on the temporary withholding of municipal equitable share transfers, Hlabisa said active citizen participation is essential to improve the performance of municipalities.

The Minister encouraged eligible citizens to use the voter registration weekend on 1-2 August, to register ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections.

“I would like to urge the people of South Africa to go and register. The coming weekend, 1 and 2 August, is an open weekend for registration. Go and register as a voter,” Hlabisa said.

Hlabisa also encouraged citizens to participate in the nomination of candidates, and to vote for leaders capable of serving their communities.

“Go and vote for people who will serve you. It is not going to help to complain if you don’t participate in selecting who should be your candidate.”

Hlabisa emphasised that the quality of local governance depends on the calibre of councillors elected to office, saying: “If we want to fix municipalities, we must fix who becomes a councillor. That is the bottom line.”

He added that elected leaders must ensure that public funds are spent on essential services and priority needs, rather than non-essential projects.

“When the money comes, it must do what it is supposed to do and not be spent on the nice-to-haves – eventually leading municipalities into a critical state,” Hlabisa said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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In line with efforts to boost regional trade and financial integration, the Angolan kwanza has joined the Southern African Development Community real-time gross settlement (SADC-RTGS) system as a settlement currency.

This development was announced on Monday by South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor Lesetja Kganyago and Governor of the Banco Nacional de Angola Manuel Tiago Dias. 

“The kwanza’s inclusion supports regional payments modernisation efforts and aligns with the Group of Twenty’s (G20) cross-border payment goals of reducing costs, increasing speed and improving efficiency in cross-border transactions,” SARB said in a statement.

The Angolan kwanza is the second settlement currency to be introduced in the SADC-RTGS system, which has settled transactions exclusively in South African rand since its inception in 2013. 

The system has processed R250.7 billion worth of transactions per month since its introduction.  

 It is operated by the South African Reserve Bank, as appointed by the SADC Committee of Central Banks Governors.

There are currently 15 countries participating in the SADC-RTGS system.

“By enabling direct settlement in kwanza, participants transacting in the currency can reduce foreign exchange conversion requirements, helping to lower transaction costs for participants and their customers. 

“A more diverse set of settlement currencies in the system makes it easier for businesses and customers to transact across SADC countries in local currencies. 

“Faster settlement can also help businesses manage cash flow more efficiently and access funds more quickly when trading across the region,” SARB said.

The Reserve Bank said the intention is to onboard additional regional currencies, such as the Botswana pula, in due course. 

“By joining the SADC-RTGS system, a country can enable its currency to play a greater role in regional trade and finance, reduce reliance on foreign currencies and intermediaries, lower the cost of doing business across borders and strengthen its position within the evolving Southern African and African financial landscape,” SARB said.

The enablement of a multi-currency capability in the SADC-RTGS system is one of the strategic initiatives to strengthen regional financial integration, promote greater use of local and regional currencies in cross-border trade and reduce reliance on non-SADC currencies. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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National Treasury will release the remaining July 2026 equitable share allocation previously withheld from municipalities with a view of protecting communities from the “consequences of failures” by municipalities.

This according to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana who, together with Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, briefed the media on Tuesday.

“The decision follows the comprehensive assessment process undertaken, including the active monitoring of compliance by the affected municipalities after National Treasury temporarily withheld transfers in terms of section 216(2) of the Constitution, read with the applicable provisions of the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (MFMA).

“I wish to make it clear that the decision to release the remaining transfers does not mean that the affected municipalities have satisfied the requirements of the MFMA, the Municipal Regulations on Financial Misconduct Procedures and Criminal Proceedings, or the requirements previously communicated in my letters addressed to the respective mayors and the press statement released by the department earlier this month,” he said.

Godongwana explained that National Treasury is releasing the funds to protect service delivery.

“National Treasury has decided to release funding… because we have withheld it for close to 30 days which ends on Monday, 3 August, and to avoid having an adverse short- to medium-term effect on the delivery of basic municipal services.

“The equitable share is an important source of funding for basic services, particularly services provided to poor households. National Treasury must therefore balance its constitutional responsibility to enforce financial management requirements; with the need to avoid communities carrying the immediate consequences of failures by municipal institutions and officials.

“The release must accordingly be understood as a conditional release, intended to protect basic service delivery while requiring affected municipalities to correct the serious weaknesses identified through the section 216(2) process,” he noted.

The next step

The move to withhold shares was taken after some municipalities continued to adopt unfunded budgets, accumulate Unauthorised, Irregular, Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure (UIFWE) and fail to meet statutory obligations to Eskom, water boards, SARS, the Auditor-General, and pension funds.

As of Tuesday, some 20 of the initial 69 affected municipalities have already received their full equitable share, 21 have received partial allocations and the remaining 28 have not received allocations to date.

As the allocations are released, Godongwana noted that Treasury will follow this up with:

• Letters to Premiers with strict conditions for consideration in withholding the December 2026 instalment of the Equitable Shares;
• Letters to both MECs for Finance and CoGTA with strict conditions for consideration in withholding the December 2026 instalment of the Equitable Shares; and
• A structured compliance programme will accompany the release. The first formal reporting deadline remains 30 September 2026, in accordance with my July 2026 letter.

Municipalities are also required to submit quarterly reports and supporting evidence. 

“They must also demonstrate achievement of the applicable UIFWE processing and reduction requirements. National Treasury will then require further measurable improvement during October and November 2026.

“By 31 October 2026, affected municipalities must demonstrate processing of matters outstanding as at 30 June 2026 through the required legal processes.

“By 30 November 2026, there should be a demonstrable increase in the number of matters as at 30 June 2026 that have progressed through the UIFWE reduction and disciplinary board processes to conclusion,” Godongwana highlighted.

Municipalities’ progress will be measured in reductions in UIFWE as well as the implementation of consequence management actions.

The National Treasury will “assess whether matters have moved through the required investigation, disciplinary, recovery and criminal processes”.

“National Treasury recognises that communities should not carry the immediate consequences of failures by municipal institutions. That consideration is central to the decision to release the remaining July 2026 transfers.

“National Treasury remains committed to support municipalities during this period on their road to compliance and to assist municipalities in avoiding another withholding of the equitable share,” Godongwana concluded.

The next tranches of the equitable shares are expected to be disbursed in December this year and March 2027. – SAnews.gov.za

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Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Prof Blade Nzimande, says mineral beneficiation must sit at the absolute centre of Africa’s economic conversation to move the continent beyond merely exporting raw materials.

Speaking during a panel discussion on critical minerals at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Industrialisation Week, currently underway at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC, Minister Nzimande outlined how strategic local processing can create regional value chains and sustainable economic growth.

Minister Nzimande opened his remarks by referencing President Cyril Ramaphosa’s keynote address at the 2026 Africa Energy Indaba.

He echoed the President’s assertion that Africa’s vast underground critical minerals are increasingly essential for global technological and energy sector applications.

“President Ramaphosa emphasised that the promise of Agenda 2063 relies not just on universal access to energy, but on productive access.

“This is access that empowers African economies to move beyond merely exporting raw materials and towards localised value addition,” Nzimande said.

The Minister stressed that critical minerals have become the bedrock of modern economic growth, industrial competitiveness, energy security and the global transition to clean technologies.

For the SADC region, he noted, the challenge is no longer about proving the existence of these resources, but actively leveraging them to unlock widespread industrialisation.

Articulating the perspective of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the Minister highlighted that critical minerals are strategic enablers of future industries rather than ordinary commodities.

He reflected on two primary areas driving South Africa’s transition: the Hydrogen Economy and the Battery Economy.

He indicated that both sectors serve as central pillars of South Africa’s Decadal Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation (2022–2032), which directly supports the nation’s just energy transition and inclusive economic growth.

To strengthen local capacity and unlock the high-value potential of these clean energy sectors, Minister Nzimande reminded delegates of the country’s long-standing institutional foundations.

This includes the government’s approval and deployment of the 15-year Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) strategy, launched in 2007, which established a strong foundation for hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation continues to lead public-private partnership models aimed at bridging foundational scientific research with market-ready, practical manufacturing solutions across the SADC region. –SAnews.gov.za

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Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has called on Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries to move beyond exporting raw minerals and instead, build regional value chains that drive industrialisation, create jobs and strengthen Africa’s economic sovereignty.

Speaking during a panel discussion on critical minerals at the SADC Industrial Week in Durban on Monday, Nzimande said the region’s abundant mineral resources should become the foundation of future industries, rather than remaining commodities for export.

Referencing President Cyril Ramaphosa’s remarks at the 2026 Africa Energy Indaba, Nzimande said Africa’s vast reserves of critical minerals presented an opportunity to transform the continent’s economy.

“President Ramaphosa emphasised that the promise of Agenda 2063 relies not just on universal access to energy, but on productive access. This is access that empowers African economies to move beyond merely exporting raw materials and toward localised value addition,” he said. 

He said mineral beneficiation must become central to Africa’s development agenda.

“Therefore, mineral beneficiation must sit at the absolute centre of Africa’s economic conversation. Critical minerals are now the bedrock of economic growth, industrial competitiveness, energy security, and the global transition to clean technologies,” the minister said. 

For the SADC region, Nzimande said the challenge was no longer the availability of critical minerals but how Member States could use them to build stronger economies.

“For us in the SADC region, the question is no longer whether we possess these critical minerals. The real question is how we leverage them to build resilient regional value chains, unlock widespread industrialisation, and create sustainable prosperity for our people,” he said. 

Hydrogen and battery economy

Nzimande said the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) views critical minerals as strategic resources that underpin future industries, particularly the hydrogen and battery economies.

He said both sectors are central to South Africa’s Decadal Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation (2022 – 2032) and support the country’s just energy transition and inclusive economic growth.

To strengthen South Africa’s hydrogen economy, he highlighted government’s approval of the 15-year Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) Research, Development and Innovation Strategy in 2007.

The strategy aims to develop local expertise, skills and high-value hydrogen fuel cell technologies.

Nzimande said the department had established three Centres of Competence focusing on catalysis, hydrogen production, storage and distribution, and systems integration and technology validation.

According to the Minister, the centres have developed platinum group metals-based catalysts, membrane electrode assemblies for fuel cells and electrolysers, and metal hydride hydrogen storage technologies, strengthening South Africa’s position in the global hydrogen market.

He also highlighted the recent handover of a Mobile Hydrogen Refuelling Station developed in partnership with North-West University and Toyota South Africa Motors to support the decarbonisation of the transport sector.

In addition, Nzimande officially opened the Rapid Prototype Training and Testing Facility, established with North-West University and African Rainbow Minerals, to accelerate the development of water electrolysis technologies from laboratory research to industrial application.

Advancing battery innovation

Nzimande said the department is also investing in South Africa’s battery economy through lithium-ion battery development for energy storage and electric vehicles.

The focus, he said, includes developing value-added manganese precursor materials through the Energy Storage Research, Development and Innovation Flagship Programme to promote manufacturing, beneficiation, technology transfer and commercialisation.

He added that the department is working with the University of Limpopo and the Manganese Metal Company to develop battery-grade manganese sulphate from both manganese metal and manganese ore.

“These initiatives represent decisive steps toward strengthening South Africa’s green hydrogen and battery innovation ecosystems. They also support the industrialisation of locally developed, publicly funded intellectual property through strong collaboration among government, industry, and academia,” he said. 

Supporting government strategies

Nzimande stressed that the department’s work is aligned with broader government strategies, including the Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy, South Africa’s Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy, and the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM).

As part of this effort, the department has approved funding to secure Africa’s first International Network of Wind Energy Measurement Institutes accreditation for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s Subsonic Wind Tunnel Facilities.

Nzimande said the accreditation would address a significant gap in South Africa’s wind energy measurement infrastructure while reducing costs and delays for industry.

“It will also enable the CSIR to offer world-class wind speed sensor calibration services to the South African, SADC, and broader continental markets,” he said. 

Nzimande said strengthening renewable energy capabilities would provide the enabling environment needed for the growth of the hydrogen and battery industries, both of which depend on specialised skills and locally available critical minerals such as platinum group metals, lithium, cobalt and nickel.

Building regional value chains

Looking ahead, Nzimande said the department’s objective is to develop technologies, innovation capabilities and technical skills that enable South Africa and the wider SADC region to capture greater value from their mineral wealth.

“For SADC, this means a collective shift away from basic extraction toward integrated value chains in beneficiation, mineral processing, battery materials, hydrogen technologies, rare earth applications, and advanced manufacturing,” the minister said. 

He said the region should position itself as a producer of advanced materials and green technologies rather than remaining primarily an exporter of raw minerals.

“Our vision is clear: SADC must become a resilient producer of advanced materials, hydrogen technologies, battery components, and manufactured products.

“By combining our vast mineral wealth with targeted science, technology, innovation, investment, and regional cooperation, we can build resilient industrial economies, create quality jobs, secure a meaningful place in global green value chains, and more fundamentally, safeguard the economic sovereignty of the African continent,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has urged all road users to exercise extreme caution as snowfall, icy conditions and freezing temperatures are forecast to affect motorists travelling through the Eastern Cape highlands, the Drakensberg region of KwaZulu-Natal, and routes towards Lesotho, from Tuesday evening.

The RTMC said the anticipated weather conditions are expected to create hazardous driving conditions, particularly on mountain passes, high-altitude routes and major transport corridors.

Motorists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas and to remain alert for possible road closures, reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces.

The RTMC warned motorists not to drive around road closure barriers or attempt to cross roads covered by snow or ice. 

“Such actions place motorists, passengers and emergency responders at unnecessary risk and may delay rescue and recovery operations.

“Freight operators and public transport operators are also encouraged to closely monitor weather conditions and review travel plans where severe weather may affect operations.

“The RTMC, working together with provincial and local traffic authorities, law enforcement agencies and emergency services, will continue to monitor the situation and provide timely updates on road conditions and traffic management interventions.”

The RTMC appeals to all motorists to observe the following road safety measures:

• Reduce speed and drive according to the prevailing weather and road conditions.
• Extend the following distance between vehicles to allow sufficient stopping time.
• Avoid sudden braking, harsh acceleration and sharp steering manoeuvres on icy or snow-covered roads.
• Switch on headlights to improve visibility, even during daylight hours.
• Ensure vehicles are roadworthy, with tyres, brakes, lights and windscreen wipers in good working condition.
• Carry essential emergency supplies, including warm clothing, blankets, drinking water, non-perishable food, a fully charged cellphone and a torch.
• Check weather forecasts and official traffic updates before embarking on a journey.
• Comply with the instructions of traffic law enforcement officers and emergency personnel at all times.

–SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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The Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone (SEZ) continues to cement its position as a key driver of KwaZulu-Natal’s economic growth, attracting billions of rand in private investment infrastructure development, boosting exports, while sustaining employment and strengthening the province’s competitiveness.

According to the organisation’s latest Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Report, the SEZ has attracted R4.2 billion in private-sector investment since its inception and has sustained approximately 36 872 permanent jobs throughout KwaZulu-Natal.

The report highlights the SEZ’s growing contribution to inclusive economic growth and industrial development. 

Dube TradePort SEZ Chief Executive Officer, Hamish Erskine, said the organisation attracted a further R480 million in private-sector investment during the past financial year, largely from existing investors expanding their capital and equipment.

These investments resulted in the creation of 631 permanent jobs and 102 temporary jobs.

“Our continued investment in strategic infrastructure and investor-focused development is creating a platform for sustained economic growth and industrial expansion. Dube TradePort remains a powerful catalyst for attracting investment, creating jobs, and strengthening KwaZulu-Natal’s position in global markets,” Erskine said.

Exports top R531 million

The report also highlights the SEZ’s contribution to export growth, with businesses operating within Dube TradePort generating approximately R531 million in exports during the previous financial year.

Products were exported to markets across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other international markets.

Erskine attributed the strong export performance to Dube TradePort’s integrated development model, which combines world-class industrial infrastructure, logistics capabilities and direct access to international markets through King Shaka International Airport, the seaport of Durban and the robust road network connecting KwaZulu-Natal to the rest of Southern Africa.

Infrastructure expansion

Infrastructure development remains central to Dube TradePort’s growth strategy. 

During the 2025/26 financial year, the organisation invested R109.7 million in fixed capital projects, including the completion of major infrastructure works in Dube TradeZone 2 and Dube AgriZone 2, while advancing the construction of large-scale industrial warehousing facilities.

To support future investor demand and ensure long-term sustainability, Dube TradePort has earmarked funding for several strategic capital projects in the coming financial year.

These include the development of a solar farm capable of generating at least 4.4 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy, supporting investor sustainability requirements and enhancing energy resilience; the construction of two new industrial warehouses for medium-sized manufacturers seeking world-class facilities within the Special Economic Zone; and planning for a new water reservoir, ensuring the long-term availability of critical infrastructure to support industrial expansion.

“These investments reflect Dube TradePort’s commitment to building a resilient, sustainable and future-ready Special Economic Zone that can support long-term industrial growth,” Erskine said.

Expanding global air connectivity

Beyond industrial development, Dube TradePort continues to play a leading role in improving KwaZulu-Natal’s international air connectivity through its participation in the KwaZulu-Natal Route Development Committee (Durban Direct).

The organisation has spearheaded a comprehensive review of the KwaZulu-Natal Route Development Strategy, aimed at accelerating airline route development at King Shaka International Airport and strengthening the province’s global air connectivity.

The initiative builds on the success of Emirates air service connecting Durban and Dubai, as well as the growth of Airlink’s Durban–Harare route, both of which have contributed immensely to Durban’s regional and international air connectivity.

Recent developments within air services that demonstrate growing confidence in the Durban market include: 
•    Qatar Airways has increased its Durban service to daily flights (seven per week) between Doha-Maputo-Durban, providing enhanced access to key markets across Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East.
•    Turkish Airlines has expanded its Durban-Istanbul service to four flights per week, increasing connectivity to more than 300 destinations worldwide through one of the world’s largest aviation hubs.
•    Eswatini Air has increased operations on the Durban-Manzini route to three flights per week, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting trade and tourism between KwaZulu-Natal and the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Erskine said Dube TradePort remains well positioned to support KwaZulu-Natal’s economic transformation through industrialisation, export growth, job creation and enhanced international connectivity.

“With a strong investment pipeline, significant infrastructure expansion plans, growing export performance and increasing global air access, Dube TradePort continues to demonstrate why it is one of South Africa’s leading Special Economic Zones and a critical contributor to the province’s long-term economic prosperity,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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