Category: South Africa Government

South Africa has urged the United States of America to exempt it from a proposed 12.5% tariff linked to the importation of goods produced using forced labour.

This as the South African Government delegation led by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) participated in the public hearing on the US Section 301 Investigations on Forced Labour. 

Thursday’s session was held in Washington DC, and hosted by the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) regarding Section 301 Investigations of Acts, Policies, and Practices of 60 Economies Related to the Failure to Impose and Effectively Enforce a Prohibition on the Importation of Goods Produced with Forced Labour.

“In the Oral Testimony, South Africa emphasised that the country has laws that prohibit forced labour and that the country has ratified the relevant ILO [ International Labour Organization] fundamental Conventions. Further, that South Africa has the legal framework to enforce the prohibition of the importation of goods produced using forced labour. 

“South Africa maintained that it has enabling legislation that contains provisions that can be invoked to deal with forced labour and administer and enforce a prohibition on the import of goods made (in whole or part) by forced labour,” said the department in a statement on Saturday.

It further added that the International Trade Administration Act empowers the relevant National Executive to prohibit or control the importation of any class of goods and the Customs and Excise Act empowers the revenue authority to stop, detain and seize prohibited goods at the border. South Africa already prohibits products produced through prison labour through Section 113 of the Customs and Excise Act.

“As a result, South Africa requested that the United States consider exempting the country from the 12.5% tariff proposed for countries that failed to impose and effectively enforce prohibition of importation of goods produced using forced labour,” said the department.

In the alternative, a proposal was made that South Africa’s exports to the United States, such as platinum-group and precious metals, vehicles, catamarans, citrus, seafood, wine and nuts, among others, be exempted from any proposed action as there is no evidence that the inputs are produced using forced labour.

The Office of USTR requested that stakeholders submit post-hearing submissions by 16 July 2026. Information for stakeholders wishing to make submissions on the Investigations is available on the USTR website. 

According to Minister Parks Tau, the United States remains an important trade partner and destination for South African exports.

“Government will continue bilateral engagements with the United States on all matters of interest, including on Section 301 investigations, renewal of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Section232 tariffs that affect South African exports of steel and aluminium, and automobiles and auto components,” said the Minister.

The dtic was supported by the Department of Employment and Labour, the International Trade Administration Commission and the Embassy of South Africa in Washington DC. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

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Western Cape police are investigating two counts of murder and seven counts of attempted murder following a shooting incident in Wesbank during the early hours of Sunday, 12 July 2026.

In a statement, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said officers responded to a complaint at approximately 4:40 am in Godetia Street, where they found the bodies of a 22-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

“Six adults and an infant were injured in the shooting and were admitted to hospital for medical treatment. The infant was subsequently transferred to Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. The injured victims are reported to be in a stable condition.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that a group of people were gathered outside a residence when unknown suspects opened fire on them. Evidence recovered at the scene suggests that more than one assailant may have been involved in the attack,” said the SAPS.

The motive for the shooting is yet to be established and forms part of the ongoing investigation.

“The possibility that the incident may be gang-related is being investigated. In the wake of the incident, policing in the area has been reinforced to prevent further violence and any possible retaliatory attacks. No arrests have been made, and the suspects are yet to be identified,” said the police.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Ministers responsible for Energy and Water in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will meet to deliberate on strategic issues aimed at strengthening regional energy security and improving water resource management.

The joint meeting will take place from 14 – 17 July 2026 in Pretoria, Republic of South Africa, in a hybrid format.

“[The meeting will] deliberate on strategic issues aimed at strengthening regional energy security, improving water resource management, and accelerating sustainable socio-economic development across the SADC region.

“The meeting will bring together Ministers, Senior Officials, representatives of the SADC Secretariat, Regional Institutions, Cooperating Partners and other stakeholders to review progress in implementing regional programmes and projects in the energy and water sectors, while providing policy direction on emerging priorities,” the SADC said in a statement.

The Ministers meet ahead of the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, which will be held in August.

Energy Ministers are expected to review the electricity demand and supply in the region and assess progress made in “implementing regional energy projects designed to strengthen energy security”.

“Discussions will also focus on expanding renewable energy deployment, promoting energy efficiency, advancing the implementation of the Dar es Salaam Declaration on Mission 300 to increase electricity access in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, and promoting the development of hydrocarbons infrastructure, including fuel pipelines and storage facilities.

“Ministers will further deliberate on emerging technologies such as green hydrogen, smart grids and electric mobility, progress towards a regional Just Energy Transition Framework, clean cooking initiatives, and the outcomes of the 2026 SADC Sustainable Energy Week,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Ministers of Water will turn their attention to “progress made in implementing regional water and sanitation projects, transboundary water initiatives coordinated through River Basin Organisations and Shared Water Institutions, as well as the implementation of previous Council decisions”.

“The meeting will also review progress under the SADC Groundwater Programme and the SADC Water Fund, while considering the extension of the implementation period for the Fifth Regional Strategic Action Plan (RSAP-V) to 2030.

“In addition, Ministers will discuss the review of the Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourses, human capacity development, and the Regional Research Agenda,” the statement continued.

The outcomes of the meeting will provide guidance for accelerating implementation of the SADC’s regional programmes aimed at achieving the objectives of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP 2020-2030), the African Union Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“The Joint Meeting forms part of SADC’s continued efforts to promote regional integration through coordinated policy implementation, sustainable infrastructure development, improved access to reliable energy services, enhanced water security, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Tributes continue to pour in for Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams and former South African Rugby Under-18 prop Luqobo Makwedini.

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie said he learned with deep sadness of the passing of Makwedini.

“Luqobo’s journey is one that speaks to the very best of what South African sport can produce. Born in Komga in the Eastern Cape, his talent on the field earned him a scholarship to Wynberg Boys High School in Cape Town, where his performances in the front row earned him national recognition at Under-18 level. 

“He went on to sign a three-year contract with Béziers [AS Béziers Hérault] and was on the cusp of realising his dream of professional senior rugby ahead of the club’s 2026/27 Pro D2 campaign,” said the Minister.

Makwedini collapsed during a training session on Friday.

“I extend my deepest condolences to Luqobo’s family, particularly at this time of grief, as well as his friends,teammates , Wynberg Boys High School, the entire AS Béziers Hérault family and the South African rugby community,” said the Minister in a statement on Saturday.

The Minister also conveyed his condolences to the family of Jayden Adams.

“South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his teammates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international,” the Minister said.

He added that Adams had featured in all three of South Africa’s group matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“On behalf of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, I extend my deepest condolences to Jayden’s family, his young daughter, his teammates at Mamelodi Sundowns, his fellow Bafana Bafana players and coaching staff, the South African Football Association, and the entire football fraternity,” said the Minister.

President Cyril Ramaphosa also conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased players.

“It is particularly tragic that we are suffering the loss of two outstanding young athletes at a time when our nation continues to immerse itself in the FIFA World Cup tournament, as well as the Springboks’ and Springbok Women’s matches against Scotland and the USA Eagles in Pretoria today,” the President said on Saturday.

READ | President Ramaphosa mourns the deaths of young sportsmen

In a post on social media platform X, Bafana Bafana said South African football mourns the loss of a talented player whose passion, dedication, and love for the beautiful game inspired many.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, loved ones, teammates, and everyone affected by this devastating loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace. You will never be forgotten, Jayden,” said Bafana Bafana. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended condolences to the families of Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams and former South African Rugby Under-18 prop Luqobo Makwedini, following the announcement of their deaths on Saturday.

Adams, 25, who participated in Bafana Bafana’s matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was found deceased at his Cape Town home.

Makwedini, 20, passed away after reportedly suffering cardiac arrest during a training session of his French-based rugby team.

“It is particularly tragic that we are suffering the loss of two outstanding young athletes at a time when our nation continues to immerse itself in the FIFA World Cup tournament, as well as the Springboks’ and Springbok Women’s matches against Scotland and the USA Eagles in Pretoria today,” the President said on Saturday.

The President said he was grateful for the “joy and victories Jayden and Luqobo have given us and their teams as they lived their dreams” and held South Africa’s name high on the scoreboards of global sport.

“May their souls rest in peace,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has welcomed the 25-year sentence meted out in a R62 million VAT fraud case.

The man, André Claude Dickoumba-De-Diguela, and company Assistance Médicale International pleaded guilty to 127 counts of fraud and 66 counts of money laundering related to fraudulent VAT refund claims that occurred over 12 years.

SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu noted that the sentencing comes as a result of the revenue collector’s investigative and enforcement capabilities.

“Fraudulent VAT [Valued Added Tax] refund claims are not simple administrative errors. They are carefully calibrated acts of criminality that defraud the country’s revenue base, harm honest taxpayers, and deprive the government of the resources necessary to provide essential public services.

“Every Rand lost to fraud is a rand that could have been used to support economic development, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other vital services.

“Complex tax and financial-crime cases require strong investigative work, careful prosecution, and sustained inter-agency cooperation. Today’s legal success in this matter shows what we can achieve in the fight against the depravity and crime engulfing our country and state institutions,” he said in a statement on Friday.

The Commissioner added that SARS is working to foster a “culture of voluntary compliance” for all taxpayers.

“Filing Season demonstrates this commitment in practical terms: taxpayers have better digital services, more prefilled information, and easier ways to meet their obligations. But simplicity for honest taxpayers must never be mistaken for weakness in the face of deliberate fraud.

“Those who fabricate VAT refunds, conceal the proceeds, and launder money threaten our country’s financial stability. SARS will follow the evidence and work with relevant authorities to ensure that deliberate non-compliance carries real consequences,” Makhubu warned. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber has welcomed the arrest of a Border Management Authority (BMA) official who allegedly accepted money to unlawfully endorse the passport of a Lesotho national at the Maseru Port of Entry last month.

“The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, has welcomed the arrest of a Border Management Authority official as part of the ongoing campaign to root out corruption across the Home Affairs ecosystem and strengthen the integrity of South Africa’s immigration system,” the Department of Home Affairs said on Friday.

The official was arrested on Thursday, 9 July 2026, following a joint investigation by the Department of Home Affairs’ Counter Corruption branch, the South African Police Service Crime Intelligence division, and the Ladybrand Detectives.

The official is alleged to have accepted a payment of R600 to unlawfully endorse the passport of a Lesotho national at the Maseru Port of Entry on 29 June 2026, despite the individual not presenting herself at the immigration counter as required by law.

The alleged offence came to light after the Lesotho national was arrested by the South African Police Service in an unrelated matter. During the subsequent investigation, information emerged that a payment had allegedly been made through intermediaries to facilitate the unlawful endorsement of her passport. 

This led investigators to identify the BMA officer allegedly responsible for the fraudulent immigration stamp.

The accused has been charged with corruption and is expected to appear in the Ladybrand Magistrate’s Court on Monday,13 July 2026.

“Every corrupt official who undermines the integrity of South Africa’s border management system must know that the net is closing in. We are working relentlessly across the Home Affairs ecosystem with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who abuse the public’s trust are identified, arrested and prosecuted,” the Minister said.

The investigation remains ongoing, and further arrests may follow. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) on Friday confirmed the arrest of murder suspect, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who is wanted for the murder of his wife and two daughters in the United Kingdom.

“The South African Police Service has arrested Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma in Kensington, Johannesburg, following an intensive operation involving the SAPS Interpol National Central Bureau, Crime Intelligence and the Organised Crime Investigation Unit.

“Tshuma is wanted by authorities in the United Kingdom in connection with the murder of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma (42), and their two daughters, Natalie (15) and Nala (5), whose bodies were discovered at their home near Bedford,” the police said in a statement.

The Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has commended officers involved in the operation for their swift and coordinated response.

“This arrest demonstrates that South Africa is not a safe haven for fugitives. Anyone who believes they can evade justice by fleeing to our country should know that SAPS will work tirelessly with international law enforcement partners to trace, locate and arrest them,” Lieutenant General Dimpane said.

The suspect is expected to appear in court on Monday. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening relations with France, with growing cooperation in investment, science and technology, and cultural diplomacy, among others.

“France is a key strategic partner for South Africa, and we enjoy longstanding bilateral cooperation spanning trade and investment, energy, defence, education, people-to-people exchange and other fields,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday during his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

President Ramaphosa, who is on an Official Visit to France from 10-12 July, said the economic relationship between South Africa and France is growing from strength to strength, and that the 6th South Africa Investment Conference held in Johannesburg in March saw a strong showing by French companies.

“This is a premier event for showcasing the opportunities for domestic and international investors in the South African economy, aligned with our national investment drive. This year, thirty French companies pledged approximately EUR 1,11 billion (ZAR 20,7 billion) in investments across a range of key economic sectors.”

This, said President Ramaphosa, demonstrates the increasing confidence French businesses have in the South African economy and its future growth prospects.
“As we embark on the largest mass infrastructure build in our country’s history, we look forward to participation by French firms in this as well as other sectors.”

President Ramaphosa has also been briefed on several agreements that are currently under negotiation, including an Agreement on Transport Related Matters; on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy; and a Draft Declaration of Intent on Mobility.

In addition, South Africa and France continue to collaborate in the fields of science, technology and innovation, said the President while also congratulating France on becoming a full member of the Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO), making it the 14th Member State of the intergovernmental organisation.

“I am told that the recently held Joint Committee Meeting on science, technology and innovation was a productive one. The priority focus areas for cooperation include Artificial Intelligence (AI), oceans and marine sciences, and soil health and water.
“We welcome this ongoing cooperation in pursuit of innovation-led growth and environmental sustainability.”

Defence dialogue and cultural diplomacy
On cooperation in the defence space, the two countries have agreed to convene the long overdue 13th Defence Strategic Dialogue to take stock of implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation and to explore additional areas of cooperation.

It is expected that the Strategic Dialogue will take place in South Africa in October this year.

“France and South Africa continue to advance cultural diplomacy between our two countries to develop our respective creative industries. This relationship has a key role to play in harnessing the potential of the sector to support growth, transformation, social cohesion and job creation.”

Multilateralism
On multilateralism, President Ramaphosa said the world is confronting multiple, complex and interconnected challenges including trade tensions, wars, pandemics, poverty and unemployment that threaten to undermine the quest to achieve a more peaceful, egalitarian and sustainable world.

“Multilateralism is the most effective means for addressing these collective global challenges. No country can resolve these issues in isolation. The current global environment requires stronger partnerships, collective action, and a renewed commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law,” he said.

Earlier on Friday, the President co-chaired the Leaders Group meeting of the High-Level Steering Committee on Education alongside the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Professor Khaled El-Enany, and attended the Transforming Education Summit +4. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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