MIL Africa Engine

The publication of the Block Exemption for Promotion of Exports, enabling South African exporters to collaborate in pursuing international markets, will not benefit them unless they make full use of the regulation. 

This is according to the Director of Export Development and Support at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Kwanele Mkhwanazi, who addressed a webinar on the Block Exemption for Promotion of Exports co-hosted by the dtic and the Competition Commission of South Africa (CCSA) on Monday. 

The Block Exemption, promulgated by the dtic Minister Parks Tau, under the Competition Act, provides for specified categories of collaboration in export markets that are exempt from certain provisions of the Competition Act. 

These include opportunities for qualifying exporters to achieve economies of scale and efficiencies, share certain landed costs, export-related infrastructure and market information, coordinate logistics, collectively market South African goods and jointly negotiate or contract with foreign buyers where permitted.

The promulgation of the exemption is a direct policy response to deteriorating global trade conditions, including the imposition of broad-based tariff increases by key trading partners, rising logistics costs, and increased complexity in accessing alternative export markets. 

Mkhwanazi said South African companies have a joint responsibility with the government to broaden and strengthen the export ecosystem and to ensure that exporters understand the opportunities available to them and help grow the economy.

He emphasised the important role of Export Councils, industry associations and provincial export-support agencies in identifying such opportunities, given their knowledge of businesses and sector-specific challenges.

He added that the Block Exemption should be linked to the broader support available to exporters through the dtic and its partners, including the Export Help Desk, Export Councils and provincial partner networks, market intelligence, training, coaching and mentorship, incubation and acceleration programmes.

“South Africa’s exports are still largely driven by larger firms, while smaller businesses remain less active in international markets. So, the opportunity before us is not simply to get more businesses into markets. 

“It is to help businesses enter, compete, retain and grow in those markets.  We need to think differently about the export ecosystem. A single company may struggle with the cost of areas like market research, overseas warehousing, logistics and international marketing. Collectively, there may be opportunities to share certain costs and activities, where permissible under the regulations,” he said.

The dtic and the CCSA have encouraged exporters and export-support formations to familiarise themselves with the requirements and limitations of the Block Exemption before entering into collaborative arrangements. 

The exemption applies to qualifying activities within its scope and does not provide a blanket exemption from competition law. – SAnews.gov.za

 

3

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed the dismissal of Major General Feroz Khan in terms of Regulation 9(7)(b) of the SAPS Discipline Regulations.

“Major General Khan was deemed dismissed in terms of Regulation 9(7)(b) of the SAPS Discipline Regulations, following his failure to appear before the designated senior officer responsible for dealing with the expeditious disciplinary process,” the SAPS said in a statement on Wednesday. 

This was as the SAPS reiterated its commitment to accountability, discipline and professional conduct within the organisation.

“No member, regardless of rank or position, is above the law or the applicable disciplinary framework. As the matter has been the subject of legal proceedings, SAPS will continue to respect and abide by the decisions of the courts and provide further information where legally permissible,” SAPS said.– SAnews.gov.za

 

9

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says cold to very cold, wet, and windy conditions can be expected in places over the Namakwa District of the Northern Cape and the interior of the Western Cape on Friday.

This is due to a cut-off low-pressure system expected to develop on Thursday over the western interior, resulting in a significant change in weather conditions across several provinces.

Earlier this week, SAWS warned that cold, wet and windy conditions are expected to affect parts of the Western Cape and Northern Cape from Thursday into Friday.

“Very cold conditions are possible over the high-lying areas, where maximum temperatures may remain below 10°C in places. Rainfall over parts of the Western Cape may become disruptive and could lead to localised flooding, particularly over the south-eastern parts of the province.

“Strong to damaging interior winds are also possible, while gale-force winds may affect the south–western and southern coastal areas. Damaging waves, reaching approximately 4.5 to 5.5 metres in places, may also pose a risk to coastal activities and infrastructure,” SAWS said.

The weather service has issued the following warnings:

• Yellow Level 4 Warning: Damaging wind and waves leading to disruption of ports/harbours and danger to navigation at sea is expected between Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay until Friday.
• Yellow Level 4 Warning: Damaging winds leading to interruptions to power, communication and/or other utilities and services, damage to settlements, injuries and danger to life from flying debris, and problems for high-sided vehicles on prone routes due to crosswinds are expected over the Namakwa district (Northern Cape), the Cape Winelands and the Central Karoo districts (Western Cape) until Friday.
• Yellow Level 4 Warning: Disruptive rainfall leading to flooding of roads and settlements as well as major disruption of traffic flow in the eastern parts of the Overberg district, the Garden Route, Langeberg and Laingsburg municipalities of the Western Cape.
• Yellow Level 2 Warning: Disruptive rainfall will result in localised flooding of settlements, roads, low-lying areas and bridges expected in places along the south coast and the eastern parts of the Eastern Cape.
• Yellow Level 2 Warning: Severe thunderstorms leading to localised wind and hail damage to structures, falling trees and local fire incidents due to excessive lightning over the western parts of the Free State.
• Yellow Level 2 Warning: Damaging winds to damage temporary structures, settlements, transport routes, and travel services are expected over the western parts of the Western Cape from the afternoon into Friday, as well as over the northern interior of the Eastern Cape.
• Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the central parts of the country, including most parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

–SAnews.gov.za

0

The Government has secured a €300 million concessional loan, equivalent to R5.6 billion, to support National Treasury’s Metro Trading Services Reform (MTSR) programme, which will help metropolitan municipalities improve service delivery and upgrade ageing infrastructure. 

The MTSR is designed to support the turnaround of the three essential trading services – electricity, water supply and sanitation, and solid waste management – in South Africa’s eight metropolitan municipalities, which collectively serve over 22 million residents. 

In a statement on Wednesday, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana welcomed the concessional financing from the German and French Development Cooperation – via KfW Development Bank (KfW) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD).

“The €300 million in concessional financing from KfW Development Bank and Agence Française de Développement strengthens the Government’s broader programme of support to improve the governance, financial sustainability and operational performance of essential trading services in metropolitan municipalities. 

“We welcome the continued partnership of Germany and France in supporting more reliable services, increased infrastructure investment and stronger, more sustainable cities,” Godongwana said.

The programme seeks to improve the financial and operational performance of those trading services. It will ensure that revenues generated are reinvested into much-needed infrastructure to reduce outages and investment backlogs. 

The programme also recognises that metropolitan municipalities and their financial sustainability are key to achieving economic growth for South Africa via improved service delivery.

“These new loans – €200 million from KfW and €100 million from AFD -fall under France and Germany’s Just Energy Transition mandate, as the MSTR will contribute to the implementation of the municipal component of the JET-Investment Plan (JET-IP). 

“Improving the performance of essential municipal services is a fundamental prerequisite for delivering the JET and will help accelerate the public and private investments needed to address infrastructure backlogs and modernise electricity distribution networks,” a statement jointly issued by the National Treasury, KFW and AfD explained.

As for AFD, this support to MTSR is part of its long-standing partnership with South African municipalities, built through numerous direct loans, notably to Johannesburg, eThekwini and Cape Town. 

These loans have been aimed at financing municipal infrastructure programmes while supporting policies to reduce inequalities and strengthen resilience to climate change.

KfW’s Country Director for South Africa, Cornelia Tittmann, recognised National Treasury’s leadership in developing a programme that will improve service delivery and living conditions for millions of South Africans. 

“As a key partner on the continent, South Africa’s success matters deeply to Europe, and this commitment is reflected in continued cooperation across trade, investment, and development initiatives such as the MTSR,” Tittmann said.

AFD’s Regional Director for Southern Africa, Marie-Hélène Loison, commended the National Treasury for leading this impactful programme, bringing together eight municipalities and national departments around a shared reform agenda.

“The MTSR programme will contribute to ensuring that the necessary investments in essential urban services are protected and sustained over time and will bring tangible improvements in service delivery for residents and businesses,” Loison said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

0

This Tourism Month, the Western Cape is inviting residents and visitors to discover the beauty, stories, flavours and people of the Piketberg region through the newly launched Green Piketberg Route 366 – a regenerative tourism route designed to connect travellers with local communities, agriculture, heritage, food and nature.

Launched in Goedverwacht on Wednesday, Route 366 winds its way through Goedverwacht, Piketberg, Wittewater and Redelinghuys, bringing together a collection of community-based tourism experiences that offer visitors an opportunity to see the region through the eyes of the people who call it home.

The launch marked the beginning of a month-long celebration of tourism in the province under the themes #SpringIntoAction and #ForTheLoveOfTravel.

For visitors, the route offers more than a scenic escape. It is an invitation to slow down, taste locally produced food, hear community stories, discover traditional baking and experience the landscapes and heritage that give this part of the Western Cape its distinctive character.

At the heart of the route is an approach to tourism that seeks to ensure that the benefits of travel reach the communities, small businesses and producers that make destinations special.

Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer said the route represents the future of tourism in the province.

“Tourism Month is an opportunity to showcase how tourism can create shared value for our communities, our environment and our economy. The launch of Green Piketberg Route 366 demonstrates that tourism growth does not have to come at the expense of local people or natural resources.

“By supporting regenerative tourism, we are building destinations that are authentic, sustainable and inclusive, while creating opportunities for small businesses, farmers and communities to benefit directly from visitor spending,” Meyer said.

Tourism remains one of the province’s most powerful economic sectors.

In 2023, tourism contributed an estimated R28.6 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the provincial economy and supported more than 257 987 jobs across sectors including hospitality, guiding, agriculture, transport, culture and the creative industries.

Meyer encouraged residents to make the most of Tourism Month by exploring the province, while supporting local tourism enterprises.

“Every trip within the Western Cape creates an opportunity for growth for our communities, our small businesses and for the families who depend on tourism for their livelihoods. By travelling responsibly and with purpose, residents can support jobs, stimulate local economies and help preserve the heritage, culture and biodiversity that make our province unique,” he said.

Route 366 also reflects the 2026 international tourism theme: “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”, by highlighting how digital innovation can help rural destinations, small producers and community-based tourism offerings reach new markets and create sustainable economic opportunities.

Along the route, local entrepreneurs and producers take centre stage, with experiences ranging from community gardens and farm-to-table offerings to artisanal food production and cultural heritage attractions.

It is a model of regenerative tourism in which visitors do more than simply pass through a destination; their presence can help strengthen the communities they visit and contribute to the protection of the natural resources that sustain them.

Throughout September, residents and visitors are encouraged to “Spring Into Action” by travelling locally, supporting tourism businesses, attending festivals and events, and exploring the diverse attractions across the Western Cape.

Tourism Month will culminate in celebrations around World Tourism Day on 27 September, highlighting tourism’s contribution to economic growth, job creation and social development.

As Meyer put it: “We live from the land, and we give back to the land.” –SAnews.gov.za 

 

0