Category: South Africa Government

South Africa and Kenya are deepening trade, investment and industrial cooperation, as the two countries position themselves to drive Africa’s economic transformation.

Speaking at the South Africa-Kenya Business Forum in Midrand, Johannesburg, on Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Kenyan President William Ruto called for stronger collaboration between the continent’s leading economies, saying that Africa’s future growth depends on integrated value chains, infrastructure development and increased intra-African trade.

President Ruto was in South Africa on a State Visit.

President Ramaphosa said Kenya remains one of South Africa’s largest trading partners on the continent outside the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with bilateral trade continuing to show solid growth.

“Since 2022, total trade between South Africa and Kenya has grown by an average of 3.5% a year,” the President said.

He noted that South Africa continues to import products, services, technology and skills from Kenya, while investment flows between the two countries have strengthened.

According to President Ramaphosa, Kenyan companies have invested in 11 projects in South Africa worth US $283 million, while South African companies have invested in 96 projects in Kenya valued at more than $2 billion.

Beyond private-sector investment, South Africa’s development finance institutions have also played a significant role in supporting Kenya’s development.

“The Development Bank of Southern Africa was one of the funders of a 350km pipeline replacing the Mombasa-to-Nairobi petroleum and crude oil products line. Our development finance institutions are keen to do more to fund catalytic infrastructure in Kenya,” Ramaphosa said.

The President said the Business Forum had highlighted the significant untapped potential in both South Africa and Kenya’s economies, as they pursue structural reform, industrialisation and diversification.

“By unlocking this potential, we can advance inclusive growth, meaningful employment and shared prosperity,” he said.

President Ramaphosa welcomed discussions on financing infrastructure and strengthening regional value chains, saying investment should be accompanied by technology transfer and skills development to create sustainable jobs and build local capacity.

He also highlighted proposals aimed at strengthening food security, including the use of technology for climate-smart agriculture and improved livestock management to combat Foot and Mouth Disease.

The President said both governments are committed to creating enabling environments for growth by removing barriers to trade and investment.

“We are facilitating trade through enabling physical and digital infrastructure,” he said.

Among the initiatives under consideration is funding for the Kenya Roads Board Securitisation Programme, which aims to support transport infrastructure development.

President Ramaphosa added that South Africa and Kenya are also updating information and communications technology agreements to keep pace with advances in industrial innovation, technology transfer, digital trade and artificial intelligence.

“These are a few examples of how we are closing infrastructure gaps, lowering costs and keeping our products and services competitive against imports from outside the continent,” he said.

Driving transformation

Echoing President Ramaphosa’s sentiments, President Ruto said the two countries have the combined economic strength needed to drive Africa’s transformation.

“Kenya and South Africa stand among our continent’s foremost economic anchors.” 

He described South Africa as one of Africa’s leading industrial and financial powerhouses, while Kenya serves as a gateway to East and Central Africa through its dynamic private sector, expanding digital innovation ecosystem and strategic infrastructure.

President Ruto noted that the partnership between the two countries continues to grow across trade, investment, tourism, aviation, financial services, manufacturing, ICT and logistics.

“Today, more than 60 South African companies operate in Kenya in banking, insurance, retail, manufacturing, telecommunications, infrastructure and real estate,” he said.

The Kenyan President said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents one of the greatest opportunities for economic growth on the continent by creating a single competitive market capable of attracting investment, creating jobs and accelerating industrialisation.

“We must move beyond conventional trade and deliberately build integrated regional value chains in manufacturing, agriculture, mining, logistics, pharmaceuticals, energy, digital services and green industrialisation,” he said.

President Ruto commended the cooperation that takes place through the Joint Commission for Cooperation and the Joint Trade Committee, saying their outcomes must now be fully implemented to deliver tangible benefits for businesses and investors.

He highlighted opportunities for collaboration in automotive manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, mining, chemicals and steel — sectors where South Africa’s industrial strengths complement Kenya’s emergence as a regional production and logistics hub.

On agriculture, President Ruto called for greater investment in agro-processing, irrigation, cold-chain logistics and supply chains that connect African producers to African markets.

“Africa cannot keep spending billions importing food while our own farmers and agro-industries stand ready to feed the continent,” he said.

South Africa regards Kenya as a key strategic partner in East Africa, while Kenya remains South Africa’s largest trading partner on the continent outside SADC.

The two countries have concluded numerous agreements covering agriculture, education, tourism, transport, defence, water and sanitation, and trade.

The South Africa-Kenya Business Forum brought together government and business leaders to strengthen economic cooperation, facilitate partnerships and identify new opportunities for trade and investment across the continent. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to supporting continental efforts to strengthen preparedness and response to Ebola, underscoring the importance of coordinated African action in addressing public health threats.

Speaking during a media briefing on Thursday, during the occasion of President William Ruto of Kenya’s State Visit to South Africa, President Ramaphosa said Ebola remains a concern for the African continent and requires strengthened cooperation, preparedness and resilient health systems across affected and at-risk regions.

“Ebola, as President Ruto said, is a pandemic, one that should concern all of us on the African continent,” he said.  

President Ramaphosa said South Africa continues to support the work of continental health institutions, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), as part of broader efforts to enhance readiness and response capacity.

President Ramaphosa noted South Africa’s earlier contribution of $5 million to the AUCDC to support efforts aimed at strengthening health systems and outbreak preparedness across the continent.

READ | South Africa joins efforts to combat Ebola outbreak

“This contribution is meant to strengthen health systems in DRC, in Uganda, as well as the AUCDC,” the President said. 

He said the support reflects South Africa’s commitment to a proactive and coordinated continental approach to health security, aimed at ensuring Africa is better prepared to manage infectious disease outbreaks. 

“Our health systems on the continent need to be not only strengthened, but there needs to be readiness to deal with pandemics like this.”

President Ramaphosa emphasised that protecting public health in one part of the continent contributes to broader regional and global safety.

“For us to do so is to protect the peoples of Africa,” he said. 

The President also called for continued support from international partners and institutions to reinforce the capacity of the Africa CDC and national health systems across the continent.

“In this regard, we call on all other countries and institutions that are able to lend a hand to make a contribution to enable the AU CDC to be able to deal with this challenge quite effectively,” he said. 

President Ruto said precautionary measures in his country are part of broader preparedness efforts linked to developments in the region, particularly in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

“The situation in Eastern DRC is a source of concern for any country, including Kenya, that is mindful of matters of the health of its citizens,” he said. 

President Ruto emphasised that Kenya has not recorded any Ebola cases.

“Ebola is a pandemic, but it is not confined in one place, and just for context, there has not been a single reported incident of Ebola in Kenya.”

The Kenyan President said his government had taken extensive measures to prepare for any eventuality, including enhanced screening at entry points, training health personnel and establishing isolation facilities across the country.

“We have prepared ourselves adequately. We have taken command of all our entry points. We are doing testing of every person coming in Kenya from anywhere near that region,” he said. 

According to Ruto, Kenya is testing between 2 000 and 3 000 people daily, has mobilised testing teams and resources, trained thousands of staff members and established 23 isolation facilities nationwide.

Addressing criticism surrounding a quarantine facility established in partnership with the United States at a Kenyan military air base, Ruto said the arrangement was part of broader cooperation to strengthen preparedness.

“The American government has supported us in this Ebola infrastructure to the tune of 1.8 million Kenya shillings, and they did make a request to us, in the process of setting up all the other facilities, to also set up one they can use in the event that their citizens, their soldiers, some of them in Kenya or from elsewhere, are affected,” he said. 

He stressed that Kenya has a responsibility to provide healthcare to all people within its borders. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa and Kenya have rejected the notion that Africa is merely a spectator in a rapidly changing global order, with Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and William Ruto asserting that the continent is increasingly shaping global debates on governance, finance, development and peace. 

Responding to questions from journalists at a media briefing following their bilateral talks at the Union Buildings on Thursday, the two leaders outlined how Pretoria and Nairobi are working together to advance African interests amid growing geopolitical competition and shifting global power dynamics. 

President Ramaphosa said while South Africa and Kenya do not see themselves as superior to other African nations, both countries possess influence that can be used to advance continental priorities.

“As President Ruto said, the two countries, Kenya and South Africa, obviously do not want to overplay our status and importance… on the African continent. All countries on our continent are equal, but our two countries do have an elevated voice and are able to bring about influence that is quite often able to shape things and to move things not only on our continent, but also at a global level,” President Ramaphosa said. 

The President stressed that relations between South Africa and Kenya are based on partnership rather than competition.

“We are not rivals. South Africa and Kenya never see ourselves as rivals. We are complementary, and we have our own special strategic relationship that speaks to friendship, that speaks to respect, and that speaks to equality between our two nations,” he said. 

The President said the two countries consistently find common ground on continental and international issues, and have strengthened cooperation through institutions such as the African Union. 

“We always find that we are so well aligned on many issues, both in dealing with national issues, as well as in dealing with continental matters and global matters,” he said. 

The President pointed to ongoing collaboration in conflict resolution efforts across Africa, citing the role both countries have played in peace initiatives in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and South Sudan.

“Our work is based on cooperation. We cooperate well together, and we are able to come up with initiatives that are aligned, that are aimed at resolving problems on a peaceful basis, and that are aimed at advancing the interests not only of our two countries but also of other countries – sister countries on our continent,” President Ramaphosa said. 

Africa shaping global discourse 

President Ruto said Africa is increasingly moving from the margins of global decision-making to the centre of international conversations.

“The point that has been made is, are we spectators in this whole unfolding scenario?… Are we making a contribution, or is our voice and our actions part of this whole equation?” President Ruto said. 

He argued that African leaders have successfully pushed issues previously overlooked by the international community onto the global agenda.

“It is our very considered view, working as people from the African continent, that for a very long time, our voice, our ideas and proposals did not find their way to fora that could influence global discourse. That has changed. We have taken a very firm position. We have put forward very clear proposals on what we think as a continent,” he said. 

He cited ongoing efforts to reform the global financial architecture as one example of Africa’s growing influence. 

“The matter of the reform of the international financial architecture was very remote. Many people did not believe that there was a problem on how the Bretton Woods institutions, how access to affordable financing, how countries were treated in terms of credit rating, and how that significantly undermined Africa’s development,” he said. 

According to President Ruto, persistent advocacy by African leaders has led to greater international recognition that reforms are needed.

“Today, there is greater appreciation that there is something fundamentally wrong with the global architecture as it stands,” he said. 

The Kenyan leader highlighted the establishment of an African credit rating agency and growing calls for reform of global financial institutions as evidence that Africa’s concerns are being heard. 

“There is a realisation by the global financial architecture that they need to redesign their engagement with the African continent,” he said. 

Africa’s growing voice in global governance

President Ruto also pointed to Africa’s inclusion in the G20 as a major diplomatic achievement.

“Today, Africa is represented at the G20. It is a reform that is undertaken because of the push from those of us from this side of the world.” 

He praised South Africa’s leadership during its G20 Presidency, saying it successfully elevated African priorities onto the global stage.

“South Africa became the first African country to host the G20 and I have said here that we commend South Africa and President Ramaphosa, specifically, for taking the stage and positioning Africa rightfully, and our priorities, our concerns, and what we believe the world should look at going forward.” 

President Ruto said he would continue advancing the same agenda when he participates in the G7 Summit later this month.

“It is of the same spirit that I will be picking up from where President [Ramaphosa] left at the G20 and I will be taking the same message, the same priorities, and our perspectives to the G7,” he said. 

He argued that Africa’s demographic and economic significance makes it impossible to ignore.

“It is no longer possible to ignore a continent as big as ours, with 1.5 billion people, with the largest reserves of resources, whether energy resources, natural resources, human capital.” 

Migration diplomacy on the cards

The media briefing also provided fresh insight into South Africa’s plans to address migration challenges through diplomatic engagement with countries across the continent.

Responding to questions about regional migration pressures, President Ramaphosa confirmed that government is considering a range of diplomatic initiatives.

“Yes, we are considering a number of initiatives at the diplomatic level, we are talking to a number of sister countries on our continent, with a view of getting more understanding.”

The President said South Africa wants to work collaboratively with other African countries to find sustainable solutions to migration-related challenges.

“Africa should develop a much stronger method of helping each other to resolve problems, continental problems and national problems.”

President Ramaphosa revealed that discussions on migration had also featured during his meeting with President Ruto. 

“We have found joy in being able to talk at a deep level with various leaders, including this morning with President Ruto, when we shared some thoughts and ideas on how best this challenge can be resolved,” he said.

In a significant development, the President confirmed that South Africa will deploy envoys as part of its diplomatic efforts.

“Yes, there will be envoys. There will be people that we will [deploy], not only on the continent, but also around the world,” the President said. 

He said the objective would be to ensure migration is addressed through coordinated international cooperation.

“What we seek to do is to get the issue of migration so broadly and properly addressed, and where we should get as many key role players, countries, leaders, and countries to work together to address the challenge of migration,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa acknowledged that South Africa remains a destination for many people seeking opportunities.

“South Africa has become an oasis… for people who want to come here for a whole number of reasons.”

However, he stressed that migration is a global challenge requiring collective solutions.

“South Africa is not the only country that is facing the challenge of migration, and we want one to learn from how others have dealt with it and how they’ve dealt with the intricate problems that we are dealing with,” he said. 

Mobilising African resources for African development

Beyond global governance reform, President Ruto said African countries must do more to leverage their own resources for development.

He highlighted discussions around African Union reforms and efforts to make continental institutions more effective and financially independent.

“We believe that the African Union must be made fit for purpose so that it can serve the 1.5 billion people on this continent much more effectively.” 

President Ruto also called for greater mobilisation of African capital to fund infrastructure and development projects across the continent.

He argued that African resources should increasingly be used to finance African development rather than being invested elsewhere and borrowed back at higher costs.

“What we are saying is that we need our development finance institutions (DFIs) on the continent to mobilise these resources and make them available for the development of our continent.”

The Kenyan President pointed to opportunities for South African investment in Kenya’s energy, transport and infrastructure sectors as an example of how African countries can work together to drive growth.

The remarks reinforced a recurring theme throughout the State Visit, that South Africa and Kenya see their partnership not only as a bilateral relationship, but also as a vehicle for advancing Africa’s development, strengthening continental institutions and ensuring the continent has a stronger voice in shaping the future global order. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa and Kenya have signed six new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, maritime transport, skills development, gender equality, arts and culture, and sport, as the two countries move to deepen their strategic partnership.

The agreements were signed during Kenyan President William Ruto’s State Visit to South Africa on Thursday, bringing the total number of bilateral agreements and memoranda between the two countries to 34.

The new pacts form part of broader efforts by Pretoria and Nairobi to expand economic cooperation, boost intra-African trade and strengthen people-to-people ties.

Addressing a media briefing at the Union Buildings in Tshwane, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the agreements would provide a framework for enhanced collaboration between the two nations.

“The Memoranda of Understanding that we have just signed provide a legal framework to further expand our cooperation.”

President Ramaphosa said the agreements reflect the growing strength of bilateral relations and will support cooperation in a range of strategic sectors.

“This State Visit has further strengthened the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries. It has laid a firm foundation for deeper collaboration in trade, investment, industrialisation, infrastructure development, skills development and regional integration,” President Ramaphosa said. 

President Ruto also highlighted the significance of the agreements, describing them as a reflection of the expanding relationship between South Africa and Kenya.

“As a statement for growing ties, we have today witnessed the signing of six instruments,” he said. 

The agreements come at a time when both countries are seeking to maximise opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and strengthen regional economic integration.

Boosting trade and reducing barriers

Among the most significant agreements signed was a Memorandum of Understanding on the facilitation of trade through cooperation in standardisation, technical regulations, conformity assessment, accreditation and metrology.

The agreement is expected to improve market access for businesses in both countries by addressing technical barriers to trade and harmonising standards.

The pact supports ongoing efforts to increase bilateral trade and facilitate the movement of goods under the AfCFTA framework.

President Ramaphosa noted that South Africa and Kenya see the continental trade agreement as a critical instrument for economic growth and industrialisation.

“President Ruto and I agreed that the AfCFTA must serve as a catalyst for inclusive growth, industrialisation and job creation.”

The President said the agreement should help develop regional value chains, support manufacturing and create opportunities for entrepreneurs, women and young people across Africa.

President Ruto echoed these sentiments, saying both countries had agreed to tackle obstacles that continue to hinder trade. “We acknowledge that real obstacles still remain, including tariff and non-tariff barriers, limited market access, and regulatory constraints.”

He said trade ministers have been directed to accelerate efforts to remove these barriers and unlock the full potential of intra-African commerce.

Strengthening maritime cooperation

A second agreement on shipping and maritime cooperation seeks to improve collaboration in the maritime sector and enhance connectivity between East and Southern Africa.

The agreement is expected to strengthen logistics networks, facilitate trade flows and support implementation of the AfCFTA. 

With Kenya serving as a gateway to East Africa and South Africa positioned as a major economic hub in Southern Africa, enhanced maritime cooperation is expected to improve the movement of goods and services across the continent.

President Ramaphosa described Kenya as a critical regional partner.

“South Africa appreciates Kenya’s key role as a gateway to East Africa and as one of the leading voices on matters of peace, security and development on the continent,” he said. 

Advancing gender equality

The third agreement focuses on promoting partnership in gender equality and women empowerment.

The pact is expected to strengthen collaboration on policies and programmes aimed at improving women’s participation in economic activities, leadership, governance and entrepreneurship.

The agreement aligns with continental and global commitments to gender equality and inclusive development.

Both countries have identified women’s economic empowerment as an important driver of growth and social progress.

Expanding skills development

Another key agreement centres on cooperation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

The MoU seeks to strengthen collaboration in skills development, curriculum design, vocational training and workforce preparedness.

The agreement comes as African countries increasingly prioritise skills development to address youth unemployment and equip young people for opportunities in emerging industries.

President Ramaphosa said South Africa and Kenya have agreed to deepen cooperation in skills transfer and human capital development.

The President noted that the Joint Trade Committee has underscored the importance of increased investment, industrial cooperation, skills transfer and technology exchange in strengthening economic ties.

Preserving culture and heritage

The fifth agreement focuses on arts, culture and heritage.

The pact aims to deepen cultural exchanges, preserve heritage resources and strengthen cooperation between artists, cultural institutions and creative industries in both countries.

The agreement is expected to contribute to greater people-to-people relations, while promoting African cultural identity and heritage.

South Africa and Kenya have long-standing historical ties rooted in solidarity during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid, making cultural cooperation a natural extension of their relationship.

Building partnerships through sport 

The sixth agreement covers cooperation in sport and recreation.

The MoU is expected to promote exchanges between sporting bodies, facilitate athlete development programmes and encourage collaboration in sports administration and recreation initiatives.

The agreement comes as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

During the media briefing, President Ramaphosa congratulated Kenya on securing hosting rights for the continental tournament.

“I also wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, Your Excellency, and to the Republic of Kenya for being among the three nations chosen to host the Africa Cup of Nations next year, alongside Uganda and Tanzania. This is truly a proud and historic moment for East Africa,” the President said. 

Strategic partnership gains momentum

The signing of the six agreements marks another milestone in relations between South Africa and Kenya, which have steadily expanded since diplomatic ties were re-established in 1994.

The two countries have developed one of the continent’s most significant bilateral partnerships, with cooperation spanning trade, investment, education, agriculture, tourism, defence, home affairs, transport and environmental management.

President Ruto said the agreements reflect a relationship that continues to evolve and mature.

“Over three decades, we have built one of the most impactful partnerships on the continent, grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for the prosperity of our people,” he said. 

Both leaders expressed confidence that the newly signed agreements will translate into tangible benefits for citizens, while advancing Africa’s broader goals of economic integration, industrialisation and sustainable development. – SAnews.gov.za

 Deputy Minister in The Presidency Kenny Morolong has called for mining to be used as a catalyst for structural transformation.

“Mining must become the foundation on which we build a diversified and industrialised economy. The world’s most successful resource economies have used mining as a catalyst for manufacturing, engineering services, logistics hubs and research institutions,” Morolong said on Thursday in Rustenburg, North West.

Addressing the Bojanala District Economic Development Symposium, the Deputy Minister challenged the district to look beyond extracting raw minerals and sending them elsewhere for processing, manufacturing and export.

He noted that mining remains the dominant economic sector in Bojanala and continues to drive output, exports, investment and employment.

“Mining must become the foundation on which we build a diversified and industrialised economy,” the Deputy Minister said.

He said the economy that emerged under apartheid concentrated ownership, wealth and productive assets in the hands of a minority, while excluding the majority of South Africans from meaningful participation in economic activity.

“The discovery of diamonds in Kimberley in 1867 and gold on the Witwatersrand in 1886 transformed South Africa into one of the world’s leading mining economies.

“Mining became the foundation on which railways, ports, financial institutions, manufacturing industries and modern cities were built. However, this economic growth was not inclusive,” the Deputy Minister said.

He said three decades later, inequality in South Africa remains stubbornly high. 

“The challenge before us is therefore not merely economic growth; it is economic transformation. Transformation requires us to fundamentally change patterns of ownership, production, investment, skills development and economic participation,” he said.

Morolong emphasised that South Africa needs both growth and transformation.

According to the South African Reserve Bank and the International Monetary Fund, South Africa’s economy remains resilient, but growth is still too low to significantly reduce unemployment, poverty and inequality.

“We need to urgently industrialise our economy, deepen localisation and strengthen domestic backward linkages, especially in the mining value chain.

“We must expand opportunities for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), cooperatives, women-owned enterprises, youth-owned enterprises and black industrialists.

“We must strengthen municipal capability and improve infrastructure to ensure that economic growth translates into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary South Africans,” Morolong said. –SAnews.gov.za

Parliament’s Portfolio Committees on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and on Electricity and Energy have thrown their weight behind the creation of an inter-ministerial committee to address the growing crisis of financially distressed municipalities, particularly those burdened by escalating debt to Eskom.

The call emerged during a joint committee meeting on Wednesday, where members received updates from the Department of Electricity and Energy, Eskom, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), the South African Local Government Association (Salga) and the National Treasury on the implementation of Distribution Agency Agreements (DAAs) between Eskom and municipalities.

The committees expressed concern over the worsening municipal debt owed to Eskom, which has now exceeded R110 billion, up from R89 billion reported at a previous meeting.

Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy Chairperson Zama Khanyase warned that the mounting debt threatens to undermine the progress Eskom has made in stabilising its operations and finances.

“Eskom introduced Distribution Agency Agreements to improve revenue collection, strengthen municipal capacity and support a sustainable electricity supply,” Khanyase said.

However, committee members acknowledged that the agreements alone would not solve the problem.

Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Chairperson Zweli Mkhize said the crisis required a coordinated response across government rather than isolated interventions by individual departments or institutions.

“The municipal electricity debt crisis calls for a government-wide response. The inter-ministerial committee must deal with the complexities of the current debt, correct governance failures and address corruption and dysfunction,” he said.

Mkhize noted that some municipalities face structural challenges that make financial recovery difficult, including weak revenue bases and limited economic activity.

“We need to face the reality that some municipalities are in situations where they cannot resolve these issues on their own,” Mkhize said.

He stressed the importance of cooperation among all stakeholders, warning against adversarial positions between Eskom and municipalities.

“From Eskom’s side, the message is ‘pay or else’. From the municipalities’ side, the message is ‘we cannot pay’. That kind of situation is a problem. We need intergovernmental and cooperative ownership of both the problem and the solution.”

Members emphasised that while municipalities have constitutional authority over electricity reticulation, this authority cannot be used to justify poor performance or the diversion of funds intended for electricity services.

The committees highlighted several areas requiring urgent attention, including improving municipal billing systems, strengthening revenue collection, updating indigent registers, safeguarding free basic electricity allocations and enhancing credit control measures.

Concern was also raised about municipalities’ inability to collect payments from consumers, a factor contributing to their growing debt burden to Eskom.

Khanyase said policy reform processes currently under way, including the review of the electricity pricing policy and the draft White Paper on Local Government, were important but would take time to yield results.

“What is clear is that action is needed from both sides,” she said. “Eskom and municipalities need to act in concert with each other and with government support. Without mutual understanding, the problem cannot be resolved.”

The committees resolved to continue monitoring the implementation of Distribution Agency Agreements and municipal performance. 

They have instructed relevant stakeholders to return within three months with concrete interventions, including an intergovernmental action plan that addresses debt, revenue collection, governance weaknesses and infrastructure challenges. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa and Kenya’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation, advancing regional integration and strengthening Africa’s collective voice on the global stage.

Delivering opening remarks during the State Visit of Kenyan President William Ruto at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Thursday, President Ramaphosa described the visit as a celebration of the enduring friendship between the two countries and a reflection of their shared vision for Africa’s future.

Earlier in the day, President Ruto was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre at the Union Buildings, where he inspected a guard of honour before holding a tête-à-tête meeting with President Ramaphosa.

“It is a profound honour and a personal joy to welcome President Ruto and the Kenyan delegation to South Africa. This reciprocal State Visit is a celebration of the friendship and solidarity that binds our two nations,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said the visit builds on the strong foundation laid during his State Visit to Kenya in November 2022 and ongoing engagements through the Joint Commission for Cooperation.

As two of Africa’s leading economies, President Ramaphosa said South Africa and Kenya have a responsibility to drive the continent’s development agenda.

“As such, our partnership carries significance not only for our citizens but for the broader African project of integration, industrialisation and inclusive growth,” he said.

President Ramaphosa welcomed the outcomes of the 7th Session of the South Africa-Kenya Joint Trade Committee, held in Pretoria in April, saying the discussions reinforced both countries’ commitment to building a balanced and mutually beneficial trading relationship under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“We are encouraged by the progress made in addressing trade imbalances, removing barriers and strengthening regional value chains,” he said. 

The President noted that cooperation between the two countries is expanding into strategic sectors including green energy, climate-smart industrialisation, digital trade, artificial intelligence, e-mobility, maritime cooperation and skills development.

“Such cooperation will create opportunities to transform lives, empower young people and build resilient economies,” the President said.

Six Memoranda of Understanding were signed during the visit, covering agriculture, tourism, information and communications technology, energy, transport and maritime cooperation.

President Ramaphosa also welcomed a proposal to establish a South Africa-Kenya Joint Business Council, saying it would provide a stronger platform for private sector participation in shaping trade and investment opportunities.

The President highlighted growing people-to-people ties between the two countries, particularly following the introduction of visa-free travel for citizens of both nations for visits of up to 90 days.

“The decision we took in 2022 to grant visa-free access for up to 90 days has already yielded positive results. Tourism, business travel and cultural exchanges have grown,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa said the growing trade relationship between the two countries demonstrates the practical benefits of continental integration.

“We are proud of the milestone we achieved when South Africa and Kenya launched the first consignments traded under the AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative. This shows that the AfCFTA is not just an aspiration. It is a living instrument that is already transforming intra-African trade,” the President said. 

He said opportunities remain abundant in infrastructure development, automotive manufacturing, agro-processing, renewable energy, healthcare, education and digital innovation.

The President also welcomed increasing cooperation between Kenya Airways and South African Airways, which is enhancing connectivity and supporting tourism and business exchanges.

Beyond economic cooperation, President Ramaphosa said South Africa and Kenya remain united in promoting peace, diplomacy and multilateralism amid growing global instability. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Kenyan President William Ruto have called for a coordinated African response to migration, arguing that the challenge can only be addressed through economic development, job creation and stronger continental institutions.

Migration emerged as one of the central issues during the leaders’ opening remarks at the State Visit hosted by President Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Thursday.

The two Heads of State said migration pressures facing South Africa and other African countries stem from uneven economic development across the continent and require collective action rather than isolated national responses.

President Ramaphosa revealed that migration featured prominently in discussions between him and his counterpart.

“You and I also took time to deal with the challenges that we, as South Africa, are facing with regard to migration, and we dealt with that and we sought to understand the causes of migration and how best all countries on the continent can work together to address this challenge of migration because it is not only unique to South Africa,” he said.

The President stressed that South Africans were not opposed to fellow Africans but were concerned about challenges associated with migration flows.

“I explained that South Africans are not xenophobic. South Africans are Africans. They want to live with other Africans peacefully, and our people are calling on us as leaders to resolve the many challenges that are brought to bear by the challenge of migration.”

President Ramaphosa said South Africa was actively dealing with migration-related challenges and welcomed what he described as Ruto’s understanding of the issue.

The President further emphasised that cooperation between African countries was critical in finding lasting solutions.

“So, working together, South Africa and Kenya can help shape a peaceful, integrated, and thriving African continent that is always able to resolve its own problems under the slogan -African solutions for African problems,” he said.

President Ruto echoed President Ramaphosa’s sentiments, saying migration was closely linked to the availability of opportunities across the continent.

The Kenyan leader acknowledged South Africa’s position as one of the continent’s more developed economies, making it a destination for people seeking jobs and services.

“You and I discussed the whole subject about migration and the need for us to provide opportunities in our country. I think part of the challenge we are facing [is] because South Africa is a much more developed country, therefore it’s easier for people to come here for services and to seek for opportunities,” President Ruto said.

He argued that the long-term solution lies in ensuring economic opportunities are more evenly distributed across African countries.

“The answer to this is to make sure that services and opportunities exist everywhere in our continent to avoid some of the challenges that we are facing,” he said.

Ruto linked the migration debate to ongoing efforts to reform the African Union (AU), saying stronger continental institutions would help African countries better coordinate development efforts and speak with one voice on global issues.

As the African Union Champion for Institutional Reform, President Ruto said a stronger and more effective AU could help create conditions that reduce migration pressures.

“The President and I agreed that a fit for purpose Africa Union will help create the solidarity between countries, so that we can provide opportunities for our citizens and avoid unnecessary, you know, competition over resources and over opportunities that sometimes result in the kind of challenges that we have,” he said.

Ruto added that competition for limited resources and employment opportunities was often at the heart of migration tensions across the continent.

“I fully understand the people are competing for resources, people are competing for opportunities, and therefore it is important and imperative for us to create opportunities everywhere in our world, so that the people of this continent can move together.”

Partnerships and trade

The migration discussion formed part of broader bilateral talks aimed at strengthening relations between South Africa and Kenya, two of Africa’s most influential economies.

South Africa regards Kenya as a strategic partner in East Africa and is seeking to elevate bilateral ties to the level of a Strategic Partnership.

The two countries have signed a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding covering sectors including agriculture, education, tourism, transport, defence, home affairs, trade and environmental cooperation.

Kenya is among South Africa’s largest trading partners on the continent outside the Southern African Development Community (SADC), while more than 60 South African companies operate in the East African nation.

The State Visit also included discussions on economic cooperation, regional peace and security, continental integration and investment, with the two leaders set to engage business leaders at the South Africa-Kenya Business Forum, at 5pm, focused on expanding trade and investment opportunities.

READ | Dtic to host Business Forum with Kenya

Both leaders suggested that deeper economic integration, stronger institutions and increased development across the continent would be key to addressing the root causes of migration while advancing Africa’s broader agenda for growth and prosperity. – SAnews.gov.za

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration has called for supply chain management officials across government to be prioritised for lifestyle audits.

The committee made the call during a meeting on Wednesday where it received progress reports from the Eastern Cape, Free State and Mpumalanga on the implementation of lifestyle audits and efforts to strengthen ethics and integrity management systems in provincial administrations. Limpopo failed to respond to the committee’s invitation to appear before it.

While welcoming the steps taken by provinces to implement lifestyle audits, committee members expressed concern over what they described as inconsistent and uneven implementation across the country. 

Members said oversight visits and presentations continue to reveal significant differences in how provinces approach the audits, undermining efforts to establish a credible anti-corruption framework.

Committee Chairperson Jan de Villiers said previous briefings by the Special Investigating Unit and the Department of Public Service and Administration had highlighted policy gaps that require urgent attention to ensure a standardised approach.

“Our main concern is to ensure that public money is protected from corrupt activity,” De Villiers said. 

“We want to find and stop corruption. Essentially, we want to stop taxpayers’ money from illicitly flowing towards corrupt activities in departments.”

He said evidence emerging from the Madlanga Commission had exposed weaknesses in ethical and integrity systems throughout the public administration, making it necessary to strengthen safeguards against corruption.

De Villiers singled out supply chain management units as a critical area of concern, suggesting that officials working in procurement should be among the first to undergo lifestyle audits.

“It seems to me that, regardless of the form of corruption, or what a public service employee who is guilty of corruption may be trying to do, it can almost never happen without some person in supply chain management working with them,” he said.

“Ultimately, funds, tenders, appointing service providers and related processes tend to flow through supply chain management offices. So, should we not start with lifestyle audits on every single person in supply chain management before we do anything else?”

Committee members also raised concerns about delays in vetting senior managers, noting that backlogs within the State Security Agency and staff shortages continue to hamper the process. 

Questions were also raised about the apparent lack of consequences for officials implicated in wrongdoing, while some members criticised provinces for repeatedly citing capacity constraints as justification for slow implementation.

The committee reminded provinces that lifestyle audits were introduced as a serious anti-corruption intervention and cannot be treated as “a mere guideline that can be delayed or deferred”.

Members stressed that the audits must deliver visible results and contribute meaningfully to detecting and preventing corruption.

De Villiers warned that corruption has a direct impact on service delivery, particularly in sectors serving vulnerable citizens.

“The reality is that the corruption we have seen across the state is often at its worst in provincial health departments and provincial education departments. These are also the areas where our most vulnerable citizens are – our children and patients,” he said.

He added that efforts to identify unexplained wealth, uncover ghost workers and root out corruption were essential to protecting public resources and improving government services. – SAnews.gov.za