MIL Africa Engine

Source: Government of South Africa

South African companies that were part of the 30-member business delegation at the recently concluded Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF) in Algeria say they are eager to do business in Algeria and across the continent. 

This as the local companies generated several promising trade leads over the course of the trade fair.
The IATF 2025 was held in Algiers, Algeria, 4 – 10 September 2025, serving as a major platform for showcasing African products and fostering continental trade, investment, and partnerships within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Dr Khulile Mtsetfwa, Chief Executive Officer of Swatek Defence and Aerospace, announced that the company has signed three memoranda of understanding aimed at establishing distribution lines in Algeria.

“The plan is to make sure that we build relations and maintain the line of communication with country agents and distributors to penetrate the Algerian market and the rest of the continent. Our mission throughout the week was to make sure that we expose our products to the countries which were represented at the fair,” said Mtsetfwa.

The company signed a contract worth R20 million that will see them supplying protective gear to a local company. 
Rashmee Ramdeen, Director of Zilon Bulk Bags, said the company’s polypropylene bulk bags were well received by visitors and distributors, generating numerous new business leads.

“There is a potential order that is worth R6 million that is being negotiated with a local company. There was a huge demand for our products because there are few manufacturers who are producing them in Algeria.

“The country is currently importing from Europe, and the price is not competitive. So, this is our opportunity to make inroads in the North African market,” added Ramdeen.

Zanele Sanni, Chief Director of Export and Marketing at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, reaffirmed that the IATF is a powerful tool for trade and investment promotion, helping to drive the implementation of the AfCFTA.

“Participating in this landmark event, assisted in strengthening intra-African trade under the AfCFTA, and accelerating collaboration in critical sectors such as energy, automotives, mining and technology,” said Sanni.

READ | dtic to lead SA business delegation to Intra-African Trade Fair

The South African Pavilion attracted more than 3 000 visitors and 267 buyers, generated approximately 300 leads with an estimated post–six-month sales value of R483 million, and hosted over 120 business-to-business meetings. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Transport has officially gazetted the long-awaited National Land Transport Amendment Act, along with its amended regulations. 

The Act introduces a new transport category, e-hailing services, as a recognised mode of public transport. This move affirms and formalises a sector that was previously treated as operating outside the law by some existing operators. 

It also requires all public transport operators, including e-hailing providers, to hold valid operating licences to ensure services remain authorised and safe. 
In addition, the Act sets out standards for quality and security that e-hailing platforms must meet to protect passengers and drivers alike.

“Each vehicle should be branded or carry a sign indicating that it is an e-hailing vehicle. 
“Commuters must verify that vehicle and driver details appear in the app, and if not, should exercise precaution,” the statement read. 

According to the department, under the new rules, app developers who permit users to use their apps without an Operating License risk a fine of up to R100 000 or up to two years in jail. 
“All apps must also be registered with the regulators.”

In addition, the Act also requires panic buttons to be installed in e-hailing vehicles to help keep commuters safe and provide quick emergency response and that vehicle owners are responsible for making sure these are installed. 

“The panic button for commuters will assist with crime detection and enable a rapid response by law enforcement or tracking companies. 

“Commuters are also required to ensure that the vehicle and driver are compliant. Drivers are required to have the requisite documents to be eligible for compliance.”

Meanwhile, the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) offices will ensure compliance upon processing all applications before drivers can be issued an operating license.

In addition, e-hailing operators, when applying for an operating license, are subjected to a standard operating license application fee.

“Other operational costs are outside of the Department of Transport’s purview.”
 
This move will also see the companies being required to register and comply with company laws in South Africa under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and South African Revenue Services (SARS), and there may be other requirements with costs. 

“The department will hold workshops to share this information with all operators and officials across the country starting from this week.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

With the country continuing to mark Heritage Month, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie will lead a reunion of former political prisoners from South Africa and Namibia.

“Held under the theme ‘Reuniting with Robben Island as the Stronghold that Fortified Our Resistance to Achieve Our Freedom,’ this symbolic gathering represents a profound moment of remembrance, healing, and national reflection. 

“It brings together former political prisoners from South Africa and Namibia and will pay tribute to the extraordinary bravery, unyielding resilience, and unwavering commitment of those who were imprisoned for their role in the fight against apartheid,” the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture said on Friday.

The reunion is set to be held at the Robben Island Museum in the Western Cape on Saturday, 27 September 2025.

The ceremony which will be held in partnership with the Association for Ex-Political Prisoners (AEPP) and the Robben Island Museum (RIM), will serve as a symbolic homecoming for many who endured incarceration on the island.

As part of the day’s programme:
•    All ex-political prisoners who were incarcerated at Robben Island, including those from Namibia, will be awarded commemorative medals in recognition of their sacrifice.
•    A Wall of Names honouring all former prisoners will be officially unveiled.
•    Statues of some iconic figures will be inaugurated, serving as enduring symbols of their bravery and ensuring their legacy is permanently etched into the nation’s collective memory.

“Taking place during Heritage Month, the reunion underscores Robben Island’s continued importance as a UNESCO [United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation] World Heritage Site and a living monument of resilience, unity, and hope for present and future generations,” said the ministry.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture officially launched Heritage Month 2025 under the theme: ‘Reimagine our Heritage Institutions for a New Era’.

READ | SA steps into Heritage Month

The theme reflects a shift from heritage institutions being custodians of memory to serving as platforms for innovation, inclusion and community development. –SAnews.gov.za