Category: South Africa Government

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Closing remarks by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile during the inaugural Global Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Ministerial Meeting

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director, His Excellency Nelson Muffuh, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in South Africa;
Minister of Small Business Development of South Africa, Honourable Stella Tembisa Ndabeni;
Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers from various countries around the world who have graced this historic event;
Senior officials and representatives from various countries;
Executive Director of the International Trade Centre, Ms Pamela Coke-Hamilton, and the rest of the ITC delegation;
Leaders of multilateral organisations, including the AU;
MECs, Mayors and Councillors; 
South African Ambassador to the World Trade Organisation, Dr Mzukisi Qobo;
Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Startup 20 Chair, Mr. Vuyani Jarana, and members of the International and Local Startup 20 Secretariat;  
Directors-General from other departments and provinces, and Board members and executives of our various DFIs and public entities;
Leaders from organised business formations and representatives of the entrepreneurship support ecosystem in attendance;
The MSMEs and entrepreneurs from both visiting countries and South Africa present;
Honourable delegates;
Ladies and gentlemen, 

This inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting could not have come at a better time.

As we do draw to a close, I could say the discussions and exchanges held in recent days have been filled with pride and optimism, as they highlight our shared commitment to enhancing access to finance, promoting digital transformation, and promoting green transitions in the SME sector.

The discussions have further demonstrated the potential for collaboration and shared goals to unlock significant opportunities for SMEs globally.

In this sense, we are grateful to see the UN expanding its efforts and collaborating with the South African government to foster multilateral cooperation. This relationship is critical in this challenging period of abrupt shifts towards unilateralism, which jeopardise the sustainability of our respective countries and the world.

I am also impressed by the Call to Action for this Global SME Ministerial Meeting. It reaffirms support for critical multilateral initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, the Declaration on Future Generations, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the Group of Twenty.

South Africa is hosting the G20 Presidency under the theme of Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability, aiming to champion developmental issues in the Global South, particularly Africa.

As we approach the G20 Summit, this forum has been essential in bringing together a number of ministers and deputy ministers from the continent and the Global South to exchange perspectives.

We have heard your voices and will ensure that we champion the issues you have raised in the broader G20 processes and the G20 Leader’s Summit in November.

I am especially pleased that our G20 Startup Engagement Group’s Mid-Term Meeting happened on the sidelines of this Ministerial Meeting, which allowed for cross-pollination of ideas and propositions.

I know Minister Ndabeni is championing the establishment of a dedicated G20 Working Group on small business and startups, an idea which started under Brazil’s Presidency. This Ministerial meeting has given this initiative the momentum it needs.

I am also pleased to see that a meeting of Trade Promotion Organisations from around the world happened also alongside this Global SME Ministerial Meeting to discuss the impact on trends of trade protectionism and the disruption of global supply chains.

Practical measures were discussed to share trade intelligence, build greater resilience in our MSMEs, and transition to new markets and possibilities.

As Governments, we need to step up. This means we must enhance our capabilities to strengthen trade and economic diplomacy, allowing ourselves to engage more effectively in both bilateral and multilateral trade agreements.

As South Africa, we are strengthening regional trade through the Southern African Customs Union, the Southern African Development Community, and the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.

The Free Trade Area Agreement is a significant achievement in creating the world’s largest free trade area and unlocking the economic potential of an integrated African market. It promotes trade, investment, and growth, fostering business growth and creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

The Free Trade Area Agreement can significantly enhance Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape by reducing trade barriers and increasing market access, enabling youth to expand businesses, innovate products and services, and seize untapped opportunities within the continent.
It has the potential to generate millions of new jobs, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and services.

Speaking of job creation, the SMEs are significant contributors to economic development and job creation globally. We can attribute their relevance in reducing unemployment to their ability to react swiftly to market changes.

As agreed over the past few days, we must prioritise their development to create jobs, raise income, and overall economic growth, all of which benefit the youth, women and other marginalised groups. Our global assistance for small enterprises can help empower young entrepreneurs, allowing them to positively affect their communities and beyond.

However, we need to collaborate and make trading with one another a priority in specialised sectors. 

We also need to prioritise resolving the regulatory bottlenecks around cross-border trade and cross border investment.

Honourable Delegates, 

As we focus on new markets and trade agreements, we must prioritise local value creation and expand local supply chain opportunities for our MSMEs. This can be achieved by ensuring that the Green Economy Transition, also known as the Just Transition, is supported by clear green industrialisation policies.

I am pleased to see that this Ministerial Meeting considered best practice and policy measures to ensure MSMEs benefit from the Green Economy Transition.    

We must also be realistic about the obstacles we confront and how to overcome them. The reality is that we will not be able to industrialise and strengthen inclusivity through MSMEs without capital.

This Global SME Ministerial Meeting has noted challenges around access to capital, especially for Start-ups and MSMEs in underserved or underprivileged regions and groups such as youth and women.

Africa has more than 18% of the world’s population but receives just over 3% of global foreign direct investment and less than 2% of global Start-up capital.  where we can access capital, it comes at a cost and is often costed in foreign currency which triggers inflation when there is local currency devaluation. Unfortunately, this scenario is a reality for a significant number of the countries that have convened here.

This Ministerial Meeting has greatly assisted us in looking at ways to derisk capital investment, especially for MSMEs. This includes better public-private collaboration, where the state derisks investment through various grants and in some instances credit guarantees.

The meeting also looked at how we can better capitalise our respective Development Finance Institutions which support MSMEs, as well as regional and multilateral development banks that can better support our national DFIs.

The Ministerial Meeting considered alternative forms of credit rating to address the issue of inadequate collateral, which is a major challenge in countries with high levels of asset inequality like South Africa.

The Ministerial Meeting also looked at how to make underserved MSMEs, especially those from townships and rural areas and those owned by women, youth and people with disabilities, more capital ready through pre-investment business training and capacity support.

In May this year, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau launched a R100 Billion Transformation Fund, which will have a strong focus on MSMEs. We are deliberate about pre-investment support to build the necessary pipeline of compliant and market-ready MSMEs.

Digital platforms have also become key to providing access to finance, as we have seen through the rapid growth of Fintech’s around the world. In this regard, our DFIs such as Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency, are also developing digital platforms to improve access and turnaround times of applications.

Digital platforms have also become key to market access through e-commerce platforms, although these also bring in cheap products which crowd out locally produced goods. A phenomenon that needs to be managed.
Digitalisation and artificial intelligence offer enormous prospects for MSMEs and the strengthening of support ecosystems.

Minister Ndabeni frequently tells us that we must not simply become consumers of technologies developed elsewhere. We must build our own capabilities wherever we are!

Indeed, there are also new risks with technology becoming intertwined with trade protectionism. We must address the digital divide through investing in infrastructure and skills, as well as in innovation ecosystems.

I believe that this is one of the key matters around which Startup20 is seized.

We look forward to the Startup20 Summit on the 13th and 14th of November, where practical policy measures will be announced.
     
Programme Director, 

This Global SME Ministerial Meeting has provided a critical platform for MSME leaders across more than 50 countries to engage and share policy thoughts and best practice. It has provided space to forge new strategic partnerships, both at a bilateral level and with the multilateral organisations represented here.

The Ministerial Meeting has provided us with a clear roadmap for effecting structural reforms and actionable investments to empower entrepreneurs, improve market access, and drive inclusive economic growth, especially across Africa and the Global South. It has given us well-considered policy content on SMEs and start-ups to take into the G20 Leader’s Summit, which we are hosting in November.

As we look to the future, let us keep in mind how crucial it is to focus on small businesses globally in shaping the future generation. Supporting young people in their entrepreneurial journeys not only paves the way for a brighter economic future, but also nurtures a more inclusive and vibrant global community.

I would want to express my gratitude to Minister Ndabeni for igniting a spark for this journey, which I am confident will result in favourable outcomes. 

In addition, we would like to express our gratitude to Ms. Pamel Coke-Hamilton and her team for providing South Africa with the opportunity to host this historic first-ever SME Ministerial Meeting.

To all Ministers and delegates who travelled from afar to be here and share your experiences and thoughts with us, we thank you and wish you safe travels home.

To all delegates, we trust you will take the learnings from this Ministerial Meeting and the earlier Startup20 Engagement session, to strengthen your country-level small business policies and offerings. 

As we move forward, it is essential to remember that exploring new business opportunities demands access to finance, digital connectivity, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change.

Allow me to declare this inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting formally closed. 

I thank you.

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Government publishes changes to budget process

Source: Government of South Africa

Government publishes changes to budget process

As South Africa’s current budget process has not kept pace with the country’s evolving fiscal, institutional and political realities, government has published changes that will be implemented in the 2026 budget process.

The changes are aimed at clarifying trade-offs, reducing waste and prioritising high-impact programmes. 

“A review of the budget process revealed a critical limitation of the process, including fragmented decision-making, poor policy-budget alignment, and weak consensus on trade-offs in the context of competing priorities and limited fiscal space,” National Treasury said on Wednesday. 

The key actionable reforms to address challenges in the government process have been outlined in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) Technical Guidelines 2026 (https://www.treasury.gov.za/publications/guidelines/2026%20MTEF%20Guidelines.pdf).

The guidelines have been issued in terms of Section 27(3) of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), which provides that National Treasury must prescribe the format in which an annual budget must be prepared.

“The guidelines reaffirm government’s commitment to a more disciplined, transparent, and strategically aligned budget process that supports South Africa’s long-term fiscal objectives and national development priorities.

“Importantly, the guidelines outline the economic environment under which the 2026 MTEF is formulated, signals recommendations from the review that will be implemented, and incorporates lessons learned from the 2025 budget cycle. As a first step in the reform process, these guidelines and the accompanying budget calendar have been formally approved by Cabinet,” National Treasury explained.

The fiscal objectives, as set out in the 2025 Budget, are to stabilise debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio, achieve a primary surplus, expand infrastructure investment, and support the social wage. These objectives are set to continue into the 2026 Budget. 

The principles for the 2026 MTEF include using Targeted and Responsible Savings (TARS) to create fiscal space for key priorities set out in the Medium-Term Development Plan. 

Some of the initiatives that will be utilised for the identification of programmes to be included in the TARS process are:  

Spending reviews
•    Previous work should be updated, where appropriate, to inform implementation;
•    Outcomes of new sectoral reviews, such as the Active Labour Market Policy (ALMP), and
•    The review of infrastructure conditional grants should be implemented.

New data driven approaches
•    Use of technology to eliminate double dipping in social grants and other programmes (e.g. community works programme);
•    Annual audit of ghost workers and payroll irregularities;
•    Updated proposals on public entity and departmental rationalisation;
•    Implement personnel expenditure review completed by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), and
•    Finalise extended review of public entities remuneration.

Treasury further said that detailed technical baseline analyses and institutional reviews will ensure that departments and public entities are appropriately aligned to the set mandates. – SAnews.gov.za

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Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the launch of the BMW X3 Plug-In Hybrid, Rosslyn, Tshwane

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director,
Premier of Gauteng, Mr Panyaza Lesufi,
Representatives of the German Embassy,
Chief Executive Officer of BMW South Africa,
Members of the Management Board of BMW AG,
Representatives of business,
Representatives of labour,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good Morning. It is a pleasure to be here.

The Rosslyn plant is a testament to BMW’s longstanding presence in the South African market.

This world-class facility was the first BMW plant to be built outside of Germany and has been at the centre of the group’s operations since 1973.

It further stands as proof of the BMW Group’s commitment to the South African economy, to supporting our industrial development, to our national empowerment objectives and to driving innovation in the sector.

The automotive sector is a lynchpin of our industrial strategy.

The sector contributes approximately 4,9 percent to GDP.

The sector supports more than 115,000 direct manufacturing jobs and over half a million across the value chain.

South Africa is the 22nd largest vehicle exporter globally, with our main export destinations being the European Union, the US and the UK.

The African continent is a growing export market, particularly within the SADC region.

As a country, we have positioned ourselves as a globally competitive destination for automotive manufacturing, and the BMW Group has been an integral part of our journey.

A number of world-class vehicles are manufactured right here at this plant, including both ICE and hybrid models from the BMW X family.

And now we have reached another milestone with the production of the BMW X3 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.

The shift to green mobility and electrification in vehicle production is in line with commitments by countries to reduce emissions and support the transition to a low-carbon, climate resilient global economy.

We are greatly encouraged by this milestone reached by the BMW Group.

As the transition to battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen mobility gathers momentum, South Africa is perfectly positioned as a key global manufacturing base for the mobility of the future.

We are determined to ensure there is an enabling regulatory and policy environment.

Through the Automotive Production and Development Programme and more recently, the Electric Vehicle White Paper and incentive programme, we have committed to a stable, predictable and supportive framework for companies to invest, localise and grow in South Africa.

Incentivising EV production for export and at the same time supporting the growth of the local EV market is an imperative.

The global shift to clean vehicles presents opportunities for the local component manufacturing sector, whose focus has been on ICE components.

With our significant reserves of critical minerals, we must become a hub for processing and beneficiation.

We are finalising targeted incentives for battery cell localisation, EV component manufacture, clean mobility research and design, and critical mineral beneficiation.

The recent announcements on tariffs by the United States, an important market for our vehicle exports, further underscores the need to diversity our export base and accelerate domestic value creation.

The production locally of the BMW X3 Plug-in Hybrid is a symbol of trust.

Trust  in our skills, our workers, our partnerships and our potential.

Let us honour this achievement by staying the course, driving transformation, creating jobs and leading Africa’s industrial future.

BMW Group is to be congratulated for its commitment to skills development and training for young people.

This includes its partnership with UNICEF to train learners and educators in coding and robotics in schools and the BMW South Africa IT Hub in Tshwane that employs over 2,000 professionals, including software engineers and digital specialists.

We commend BMW for the substantial investment in its training academy, which trains 300 apprentices annually and has since 1978 trained more than 2,000 artisans.

As a founding partner of the Youth Employment Service, BMW has supported over 3,500 youth, with placements across all provinces and in diverse sectors such as retail, IT, education and health.

BMW’s commitment to transformation includes active mentorship of young women, the development of black industrialists, and investment in a pipeline of future managers through its Leadership Acceleration Programme.

BMW’s roots may be in Bavaria, but its beating heart is South African.

We are proud of your presence.

We are greatly encouraged by your ongoing investment as we strive to build the low-carbon economies of the future.

We see BMW as an integral part of the South African growth story.

As the Government of National Unity, we welcome the role you continue to play in supporting our drive for inclusive growth and job creation.

As we prepare for the upcoming South Africa Investment Conference, I invite BMW to once again be a flagship partner.

Let us work together to deepen localisation, scale up youth training, lead in EV battery development and support township supplier development.

BMW’s presence in the country is one of mutual interest and shared value.

To the entire BMW team, you are building more than cars. You are building a legacy of excellence, inclusion and hope among South Africans.

We look forward to continuing this partnership and supporting the next chapter of your journey.

I thank you.

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President hails BMW’s local production of plug-in hybrid as milestone for green mobility

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded BMW South Africa’s launch of the locally produced BMW X3 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) as a significant leap toward a low-carbon future and a boost for South Africa’s industrial and economic growth.

Speaking at BMW’s Rosslyn plant in Tshwane on Thursday, the President praised the milestone as a symbol of trust in the country, as well as a demonstration of BMW Group’s long-standing commitment to the South African market. 

The President highlighted that this world-class facility was the first BMW plant to be built outside of Germany and has been at the centre of the group’s operations since 1973. 

“A number of world-class vehicles are manufactured right here at this plant, including both ICE and hybrid models from the BMW X family. And now, we have reached another milestone with the production of the BMW X3 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.  

“The shift to green mobility and electrification in vehicle production is in line with commitments by countries to reduce emissions and support the transition to a low-carbon, climate resilient global economy. We are greatly encouraged by this milestone reached by the BMW Group,” the President said. 

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President Ramaphosa said the Rosslyn plant remains a pillar of South Africa’s automotive sector, which contributes approximately 4.9% to the country’s GDP, sustains over 115 000 direct manufacturing jobs, and supports more than half a million jobs across its value chain.

BMW’s investment in local manufacturing comes at a time when South Africa is working to position itself as a globally competitive hub for future mobility. 

“As the transition to battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen mobility gathers momentum, South Africa is perfectly positioned as a key global manufacturing base for the mobility of the future,” President Ramaphosa said.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to enabling this shift, highlighting the recently released Electric Vehicle White Paper and an incentive programme under the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP). 

These are aimed at creating a stable and predictable policy environment to attract investment, grow exports, and expand the local electric vehicle (EV) market. 

“The production of the BMW X3 plug-in hybrid locally is a testament to the trust placed in our skills, our workers, our partnerships and our potential. Let us honour this achievement by staying the course, driving transformation, creating jobs and leading Africa’s industrial future,” he said.

President Ramaphosa also touched on the strategic opportunity presented by South Africa’s mineral wealth. 

“The global shift to clean vehicles presents opportunities for the local component manufacturing sector, whose focus has been on ICE components. With our significant reserves of critical minerals, we must become a hub for processing and beneficiation. 

“We are finalising targeted incentives for battery cell localisation, EV component manufacture, clean mobility research and design, and critical mineral beneficiation,” he said. 

The President also acknowledged the changing global trade landscape – particularly the recent announcements on tariffs by the United States. 

“The recent announcements on tariffs by the United States, an important market for our vehicle exports, further underscores the need to diversity our export base and accelerate domestic value creation,” he said. 

Youth development

The President commended BMW’s commitment to youth development, including its training academy that produces 300 apprentices annually, its long-term support for the Youth Employment Service (YES), and its initiatives to develop young women leaders and black industrialists. 

He also praised BMW’s investment in digital skills through its partnership with UNICEF and its Tshwane-based IT Hub, which employs more than 2 000 digital professionals.

“As a founding partner of the Youth Employment Service, BMW has supported over 3 500 youth, with placements across all provinces and in diverse sectors such as retail, IT, education and health. 

“BMW’s roots may be in Bavaria, but its beating heart is South African. We are proud of your presence. We are greatly encouraged by your ongoing investment as we strive to build the low-carbon economies of the future,” the President said.

Looking ahead

Calling on BMW to continue its role as a flagship partner in the South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC), the President urged the company to deepen localisation, expand youth training, lead in EV battery development, and support township-based supplier development.

“As the Government of National Unity, we welcome the role you continue to play in supporting our drive for inclusive growth and job creation.  

“BMW’s presence in the country is one of mutual interest and shared value. To the entire BMW team, you are building more than cars. 

“You are building a legacy of excellence, inclusion and hope among South Africans. We look forward to continuing this partnership and supporting the next chapter of your journey,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Motsoaledi calls for innovative vaccine solutions to combat TB

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has stressed the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat tuberculosis (TB), a disease that has historically affected not just South Africa but also countries around the world.

“We are here because we believe that TB – a disease that has shaped the history and health of our country and indeed, the whole world – can be ended. Not through words alone, but through action, partnership, and innovation,“ he said on Thursday. 

The Minister was delivering a keynote address at the country’s TB Vaccine Preparedness Workshop held in Johannesburg. The workshop is aimed at advancing policy and decision-making for the introduction of TB vaccines.

Addressing policymakers, scientists and community leaders, Motsoaledi stated that the upcoming phase will introduce preventative TB vaccination measures, which will also enhance the ongoing fight against HIV and Aids.

For over a century, South Africa has relied on the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine to protect its children from TB, but the Minister pointed out that there has been no tool that can protect adolescents and adults. 

“These are the very groups most at risk of getting sick and transmitting TB.” 

With several new TB vaccine candidates in the late stages of clinical trials, the most promising options are expected to be available in the next few years. 

This workshop positioned the country as one of the first that is ready to deliver a new generation of TB vaccines to the most vulnerable populations, including adolescents and adults.

The Minister expressed confidence that the upcoming clinical trials would yield positive results, potentially leading to a new vaccine for older age groups within the next few years.

TB is a leading cause of death from an infectious disease and a major contributor to ill-health in South Africa and globally.

“Imagine the day when we announce the availability of the vaccine for tuberculosis,” he said, likening it to “the day of true freedom from slavery” for those suffering from the disease. 

Motsoaledi described the disease as a form of “devastating slavery” that exacerbates poverty and leads to premature death.

“South Africa is not waiting for the world to act. We are preparing – intentionally, early and inclusively.” 

The Minister has used the first national gathering dedicated to the TB vaccine readiness platform to reiterate South Africa’s commitment to lead by example in the global fight against TB and HIV. 

“When South Africa wins against TB and HIV and Aids the world will win the war,” he said. 

He told the attendees that through his tenure as Health Minister, he consistently sought to elevate the profile of TB on a global scale. 

Motsoaledi recalled his 2018 address at the United Nations, where he rallied for world leaders to commit to addressing the TB crisis. 

“While global attention has often turned to emerging health threats, South Africa has remained focused on the enduring challenge of TB,” he said. 

He also acknowledged the disease’s severe impact on communities already struggling with HIV.

“Today’s discussions remind us that vaccine introduction is not just about science – it is about health systems. It is about trust. It is about readiness.”

He also used the platform to emphasise the importance of preparing the health sector for the rollout of the TB vaccine.

The agenda for the workshop highlighted key thematic areas crucial for readiness, including generating evidence for policy and investment, strengthening delivery systems for TB vaccines, and ensuring manufacturing and supply chain readiness.

“Investment in human life means everything,” he said, stressing the need for robust financial backing to ensure effective vaccine deployment.

The Minister took the time to urge stakeholders to foster community trust and strong advocacy to ensure widespread acceptance of the TB vaccine upon its introduction.

“We must walk the path with our people,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Nelson Mandela Bay, UNISA forge groundbreaking library partnership

Source: Government of South Africa

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has launched a pioneering partnership with the University of South Africa (UNISA) to dramatically expand access to library services for students and the broader public within the metro.

Launched on Tuesday at New Brighton Library, the collaboration aims to enhance educational opportunities by transforming municipal libraries into resource hubs that support both UNISA students and lifelong learners.

Under the agreement, municipal libraries will provide free internet and computer access, designated study spaces, and serve as convenient delivery and collection points for UNISA library materials.

Through this collaboration, the municipality’s libraries will offer internet and computer facilities, provide study spaces, and serve as convenient delivery and collection points for UNISA library materials.

As part of the agreement, the following areas of collaboration were outlined:
•    Reciprocal participation in annual events and programmes.
•    ICT training and support, primarily facilitated by UNISA.
•    Distribution of UNISA brochures, posters, and event announcements in municipal libraries, and vice versa.
•    Free internet access and usage of electronic resources for students, including Wi-Fi, databases, electronic reserves, journals, and books.
•    Collaboration on courier services and information dissemination.
•    Provision of study spaces for UNISA students.
•    Joint efforts in marketing and communication to assess student satisfaction.
•    Collaboration on sponsorships, such as provision of computers.
•    Sharing of reports, statistics, and information.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, hailed the initiative as a transformative moment for the metro’s education agenda.

“We are not only opening library doors, but we are opening pathways to opportunity, to education, and to a better future for all. By extending the access to knowledge and technology, especially in our undeserved communities, we are affirming that education is the foundation of dignity, progress, and equality. This fits well in our efforts to build a people-centred and inclusive metro,” Lobishe said.

UNISA Executive Director for Library Services, Professor Mpho Ngoepe echoed the mayor’s sentiments, saying the initiative marks the beginning of a journey and contributing to closing the inequality gap that leads to poverty, through knowledge and empowerment.

“In this digital era, libraries must take intentional steps to reach users where they are. We are moving towards a time when UNISA library services will be accessible to everyone, including those who are not enrolled with UNISA.

“This is the end of the era where universities were seen as inaccessible ivory towers. Through this partnership, we will also explore the dissemination of research outputs,” Ngoepe said.

Member of the Mayoral Committee for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Sinesipho Kwatsha, emphasised the broader social impact of the initiative.

“This partnership is about more than logistics, it is a social contract and a clear commitment that every learner matters, “no matter where they come from. Through this collaboration, learners from disadvantaged communities, who might not otherwise have access to conducive learning spaces and resources, will now be supported through our network of municipal libraries across the metro,” Kwatsha said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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SASSA conducts grant outreach campaign at Malamulele

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is today conducting an outreach campaign at Malamulele Crossing, helping beneficiaries of the R370 grant with enquiries or issues related to their grants. 

In a statement, the agency said this initiative is part of SASSA’s ongoing commitment to bring services closer to the people. 

“Beneficiaries with questions, concerns, or unresolved matters regarding the R370 grant are invited to attend and engage with SASSA officials directly,” the agency said. 

The R370 grant refers to the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide temporary assistance to unemployed individuals, who are not receiving any other form of income or social support. 

The grant was initially set at R350 but was increased to R370 earlier this year following public outcry over the rising cost of living.

Over the years, the SRD grant has become a crucial lifeline for millions of South Africans, especially young people and informal workers, many of whom struggle with limited access to digital platforms or face long delays in receiving assistance.

In June, Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe confirmed that the R370 SRD grant would continue following the approval of draft regulations published on 26 March 2025. This extension, supported by the Minister of Finance, is intended to provide a safety net, while long-term solutions to poverty are developed.

SASSA’s outreach efforts are aimed at bridging this gap by offering face-to-face support, particularly in remote or underserved areas like Malamulele, where access to online or regional offices may be limited. 

Today’s outreach includes assistance with applications queries, payment queries, appeals and general information. 

The agency has encouraged community members to take advantage of the opportunity to resolve outstanding matters and ensure their continued access to this vital support. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa publishes new regulations on meat analogue products

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Agriculture has published regulations governing the sale of meat analogue products in South Africa.

The regulations, published under Government Gazette Notice R. 6436 on 18 July 2025, follow a series of consultative meetings with all affected stakeholders, including the red meat industry.

The regulations set out minimum standards for meat analogues and prescribe the labelling requirements, and compliance to the standards for meat when presented for sale.

According to the department, any product labelled as a “meat replacer,” “meat substitute,” “meat alternative,” “plant-based protein,” or any similar terminology on the main display panel, must contain a minimum of 9% protein.

“The meat analogue products, also known as meat substitutes, mock meat, faux meat, or imitation meat, were initially defined in the Processed Meat Regulations as a product that approximates the aesthetic qualities (primary texture, flavour and appearance) and/or chemical characteristics of a specific type of meat.

“These products are derived from non-meat ingredients, sometimes without dairy products and are available in different forms (coarse ground meat analogues, emulsified meat analogues and loose fill, etc.),” the department said in a statement on Wednesday.

The regulations specify acceptable product descriptors, allowing terms such as hot dogs, chipolatas, bites, steaks, pops, balls rounds, pieces, tenders, burgers, patties, sausages, bangers, griller loafs, polonies, mince, roasts, schnitzels and products named according to shapes, like frikkadel wheels, discs, nuggets, rolls and sizzlers.

“The use of these names shall be permitted with the use of names that describe the meat analogues and, if necessary, their use, and which are sufficiently clear to enable consumers to determine their true nature so that they are distinguishable from other products.”

The product names must not include references to specific animal species, cuts, or morphology. The words or expressions such as “chicken-style,” “beef-style,” “chick’n,” and “b*con”, or any similar wording referring to animal species or meat products, are prohibited under the Agricultural Product Standards Act, 1990 (Act No. 119 of 1990).

Until advised otherwise, departmental inspectors will oversee the enforcement of the regulations, considering that “there is currently no designated assignee.”

The Food Safety Agency will monitor compliance with labelling standards for both meat analogues and processed meats, while the Border Management Authority will enforce rules pertaining to imports.

The department emphasised that the publication of these regulations should be welcomed and appreciated by all affected stakeholders, as it brings the necessary clarity required for the trade of meat analogues and meat products.

“Consumers will enjoy the protection from the sale of misleading products. Furthermore, the publication of the Meat Analogue Products Regulations will foster confidence in the sale of meat analogues and meat products in South Africa.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Alleged Chinese fugitive arrested in SA

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, July 24, 2025

The International Criminal Police Organisation’s (INTERPOL) National Central Bureau (NCB) in Pretoria has arrested a 57-year-old Chinese fugitive, who is believed to be linked to a case of fraud reported in China.

According to a preliminary report, INTERPOL circulated a Red Notice to all member countries to locate and provisionally arrest the Chinese national.

This as wanted persons often flee to another country to evade their arrest.

“The suspect reportedly applied for a visa at the United States of America Embassy in Sandton when his fugitive status was flagged, leading to his arrest on Tuesday, 22 July 2025,” said the police in a statement.

The suspect made his first appearance in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 23 July 2025.

The police said the INTERPOL NCB continues to record commendable successes in dismantling transnational crime syndicates and arresting international fugitives in the country. – SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng welcomes arrests in high profile cases

Source: Government of South Africa

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their swift and decisive action in apprehending suspects linked to several high-profile crimes.

These cases include the tragic murder of City of Ekurhuleni Chief Auditor, Mpho Mafole, as well suspects linked to the murder of renowned DJ Sumbody, the killing of engineer Armand Swart, and the attempted murder of actress Tebogo Thobejane.

“These developments reflect the commitment and capability of law enforcement to pursue justice and dismantle criminal networks that threaten public safety and the rule of law.

“However, while these successes are commendable, the committee emphasises that all victims of crime, regardless of their public profile, deserve equal attention, protection and justice. The fight against crime must be consistent and inclusive,” Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety, Bandile Masuku, said on Thursday.

Mafole, who served as the Group Divisional Head for Corporate and Forensic Audits, was brutally gunned down in Kempton Park last month in an execution-style killing. 

His death sent shockwaves across the province, while highlighting the grave risks faced by public servants committed to transparency and good governance.

“The committee welcomes the arrest of one suspect, who appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court yesterday. However, the second suspect, Hlanganani Agripper Mncwango, remains at large. The committee urges law enforcement to intensify efforts and leave no stone unturned in ensuring his swift apprehension,” Masuku said.

The case was postponed to 15 August 2025 for further investigation.

“It is particularly alarming that the arrested suspect was reportedly out on bail for a similar murder charge at the time of Mafole’s killing. This raises serious concerns about the adequacy of bail conditions in cases involving violent crimes and calls for an urgent review of current judicial practices to prevent repeat offenses and safeguard communities.

“The committee also applauds SAPS for recent breakthroughs in other high profile cases, including the arrests of suspects linked to the murder of renowned DJ Sumbody, the killing of Swart, and the attempted murder of actress Thobejane. Crucially, the committee reiterates that trust between the police and the communities they serve is fundamental to effective policing.

“Building and maintaining this trust requires transparency, accountability, and ongoing engagement. Communities must feel confident that their safety is a priority and that their cooperation with law enforcement will lead to meaningful outcomes. Without this trust, efforts to combat crime will be severely undermined,” Masuku said. – SAnews.gov.za