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While honouring the heritage of traditional leadership in the fight against colonialism, Deputy President Paul Mashatile has underscored that traditional leadership should not be confined to preserving heritage alone, but must also play an active role in addressing pressing challenges such as service delivery failures, socio-economic development, youth empowerment, and gender equality.

“We gather here with a clear and urgent task before us: to advance land rights and socio-economic development, to strengthen traditional institutions, to invest in infrastructure and skills, to promote nation-building and unity, and to finalise the policy and legislative reforms that our people have long awaited,” the Deputy President said on Tuesday.

Mashatile was speaking at the 191st Anniversary Commemoration of Hintsa kaKhawuta, where he paid tribute to traditional leaders and warriors who died fighting for land and sovereignty during the wars of dispossession between the Xhosa Kingdom and colonial forces.

The Deputy President drew parallels between the role traditional leaders played in resisting colonial domination and their role in a democratic society today, using history to reaffirm the importance of traditional leadership in advancing social cohesion, development, and nation-building.

“As leaders of our people, mostly in rural areas, you stand at the forefront of rural renewal, advocating for investment in agriculture, infrastructure, and education.

“We cannot ignore the cry of our people when municipalities falter. When taps run dry, when roads remain broken, and when housing projects stall, these are not mere service delivery failures. They are violations of human dignity,” Mashatile said.

He called on traditional leaders to use platforms such as the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, as well as Provincial and Local Houses, to participate in shaping policies that affect rural communities.

“It is through these structures that traditional leaders have consistently raised critical issues, including land rights, socio-economic development, institutional capacity, infrastructure support, policy reforms, and social cohesion.

“These challenges do not diminish traditional leaders’ relevance. They call us instead to strengthen collaboration between Traditional Councils and Municipalities, to ensure that service delivery is not delayed, and to ensure that the dignity of our people is not denied,” he said.

The Deputy President advocated for government and traditional leaders to establish a covenant of renewal, intertwining heritage and progress, ensuring that land is managed with transparency, that communities are empowered with opportunity, and that governance is measured not by privilege but by service.

“King Hintsa’s life teaches that genuine leadership is defined by selfless service to the community, rather than privilege or corruption. In his honour, we should unite to restore integrity in governance and address the people’s needs,” the Deputy President said.

The year 2026 marks the 191st anniversary of King Hintsa’s assassination by British colonial forces on 12 May 1835 at the Nqabarha River. 

The King was a pivotal figure in the defence of his ancestral land against colonial encroachment.

“Commemorating this anniversary is significant as it honours his legacy as a unifier and courageous leader who sacrificed his life to protect amaXhosa sovereignty and land from colonial expansion.

“Furthermore, the 191st anniversary commemoration of Kumkani Hintsa holds deep significance as it honours a pivotal figure in the struggle against colonialism, aligning with the overall objectives of Africa Month,” the Deputy President said.

By celebrating Africa Month by commemorating the life of King Kumkani Hintsa, the Deputy President said the 191st anniversary reinforces the collective consciousness and shared history of resistance among Africans.

“Celebrating Traditional Leaders and warriors who passed away during the Eastern Cape Frontier Wars (1779–1879) is essential for reclaiming Indigenous history, fostering national identity, and acknowledging the profound sacrifices made in defense of land and sovereignty.

“These wars of dispossession, lasting a century between the Xhosa Kingdom and colonial forces, represent the longest military resistance against European colonialism in Africa,” he said.

In celebrating the life of the King, a memorial was unveiled near the N2 road, honouring Kumkani Hintsa for his significant role in defending his ancestral land and achieving freedom and democracy.

“His epitaph reflects his qualities of selflessness, courage, and devotion to his people, emphasising that his life and death were focused on upholding the dignity, land, and future of the Xhosa nation rather than personal gain or glory.

“Erecting memorials for local heroes is crucial in reshaping the post-apartheid landscape, fostering national reconciliation, and reclaiming history for the marginalised. 

“These memorials serve to honour those lost in conflict, enhance social cohesion, and fulfil educational roles, ultimately contributing to a shared identity among diverse communities,” the Deputy President said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, has arrived in New Delhi, India, for the Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations.

Lamola expressed confidence that the high-level deliberations will strengthen cooperation among BRICS member states, BRICS partner countries and international partners.

“Our presence here represents a concerted effort to shape a global architecture that is as sustainable as it is equitable. Through principled engagement and collaborative resolve, we seek to secure a future that honours the aspirations of all nations,” Minister Lamola stated. 

The meeting, hosted under India’s BRICS Chairship, will take place on Thursday and Friday (14 and 15 May 2026).

According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the meeting is convened under the theme: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability (BRICS).

“The 2026 agenda is characterised by a profound commitment to a humanity-first orientation, signalling an approach to strengthen multilateralism and fostering inclusive development during this pivotal era of global transformation,” the department said.

BRICS Foreign Ministers are also expected to deliberate on conflicts in different parts of the world, including the Middle East, and call for enhanced efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote peaceful resolutions.

Occupying a unique position as a foundational pillar of the bloc, DIRCO said South Africa continues to serve as the vital nexus between the African continent’s developmental objectives and the vanguard of global innovation.

South Africa’s participation at the session is anchored in a long-standing tradition of principled advocacy, focusing on three core imperatives:
•    Equity and Inclusivity: Promoting a balanced international order that upholds the sovereign interests of all states, fostering a more just global community.
•    ⁠The Modernisation of Global Governance: Championing the reform of international political and financial institutions to ensure that they remain representative of the contemporary geopolitical landscape.
•    The Synthesis of African and Global Progress: Ensuring that the priorities of the African continent are seamlessly integrated into the BRICS framework, under the guiding philosophy of “Better Africa, Better World.”

“South Africa remains committed to bridging the gap between the developmental priorities of the Global South and emerging frontiers in technological, economic, and social innovation, with a view to ensuring that BRICS cooperation delivers tangible, inclusive, and sustainable socio-economic benefits for all,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, has welcomed the announcement by the Government of the People’s Republic of China that introduces a temporary zero-tariff preference scheme for 20 non-least developed African countries, including South Africa.

The measure follows an announcement by Chinese President Xi Jinping on 14 February 2026 that China would implement zero-tariff treatment for African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. 

Least developed countries are already benefiting from duty-free access to the Chinese market following commitments made at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

Under the scheme, qualifying South African goods exported to China between 1 May 2026 and 30 April 2028 will benefit from zero customs duties, provided exporters comply with the applicable tariff schedules and rules of origin.

Exporters have been advised that access to the preference scheme is conditional on meeting prescribed rules of origin requirements, including product-specific conditions, and submitting a valid Certificate of Origin for customs clearance in China.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) said it is working with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) on customs procedures and legislative amendments required for implementation, including processes relating to the issuing of certificates of origin.

The department added that for products already in transit, where a certificate of origin has not been issued before or at the time of shipment, importers will be required to pay a deposit. 

The deposit may be refunded once the requested documentation has been submitted. 

In such cases, the certificate of origin must be marked “issued retrospectively” and will remain valid for one year from the shipment date.

While the scheme applies to a broad range of products, certain goods may still be subject to specific conditions, including tariff rate quotas. 

Exporters are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the detailed tariff schedules and rules of origin documentation to ensure compliance and maximise the benefits of the preferences.

According to the dtic, the preferential market access framework presents a strategic opportunity for South Africa to strengthen export competitiveness, diversify into higher value-added products, and expand market access for agricultural, industrial and beneficiated goods.

The department said the initiative also supports broader national objectives, including industrial development, employment creation and export-led economic growth.

The dtic, together with relevant government departments and stakeholders, has initiated processes to facilitate implementation of the preference scheme.

An Export Help Desk within the dtic will serve as a central point of contact for guidance, queries and assistance relating to compliance and market access processes. Exporters can contact the help desk at exports@thedtic.gov.za.

The dtic also announced that a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions document for exporters will be published on its website.

Minister Tau said the zero-tariff treatment preference scheme reflects the strong relationship between China and the African continent and represents a significant outcome of FOCAC 2024.

He added that the scheme offers South African exporters an opportunity to expand into one of the world’s largest and most dynamic consumer markets, while complementing the dtic’s diversification strategy aimed at strengthening the resilience of the South African economy. – SAnews.gov.za

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Africa’s Travel Indaba provides a powerful continental and global platform to position national parks not only as tourism destinations, but as offerings that contribute meaningfully to nature, community development, cultural heritage, and economic inclusion.

This is according to the South African National Parks (SANParks) Chief Executive Officer, Hapiloe Sello, who spoke on the sidelines of the Indaba that is currently underway in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The Indaba, which kicked off on Tuesday, was addressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and is being held under the theme: “Unlimited Africa: Growing Africa’s Tourism Economy”.

READ | Africa’s Travel Indaba showcases tourism as driver of growth and jobs

As part of its Indaba programme, SANParks is today hosting its flagship “Conversations about Conservation” dialogue as a platform that ensures improved understanding about the contribution of conservation to South Africa’s tourism economy. 

This year’s discussion will reflect on the centenary of the Kruger National Park. The centenary commemorates 100 years since Kruger’s formal proclamation as a national park, alongside more than a century of evolving conservation practice rooted in the establishment of the Sabi Game Reserve in 1898.

“Kruger National Park’s centenary is both a moment of commemoration and reflection.

“It honours extraordinary conservation achievements, while also acknowledging lessons learned from the painful past of land dispossession and displacements. As we look ahead, our focus is firmly on inclusive conservation models that ensure national parks deliver lasting value for both nature and people,”Sello said.

Wednesday’s dialogue will reflect on lessons learned that must shape the future.

The session brings together conservation leaders, tourism stakeholders, media and partners to engage openly on the role of tourism in funding conservation, creating employment, and supporting inclusive growth in and around protected areas.

Half of the SANParks branded exhibition stand at the Indaba is dedicated to Kruger National Park’s centenary, where it profiles the diversity of SANParks’ tourism offerings across its network of 21 national parks.

Illustrating the organisation’s intentional investment into a future of inclusivity, a dedicated small, medium and micro Enterprise (SMME) support stand is showcasing 16 SANParks-supported enterprises operating across the ecotourism value chain. 

These enterprises, drawn from communities adjacent to national parks, represent SANParks’ ongoing commitment to build an inclusive conservation economy in line with Vision 2040.

The supported enterprises span the accommodation, tour guiding, cultural heritage, adventure tourism, wildlife economy projects, crafts, and hospitality sectors, with strong representation by women-owned, youth-owned, and community-owned businesses. 

Through its presence at the Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026, SANParks aims to reinforce its position as a leading conservation and tourism authority, demonstrating the economic and social value of national parks by inviting the global tourism community to be partners in shaping the next century of conservation. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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