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Nzimande calls for SADC to beneficiate critical minerals to drive industrialisation

Source: Government of South Africa

Nzimande calls for SADC to beneficiate critical minerals to drive industrialisation

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has called on Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries to move beyond exporting raw minerals and instead, build regional value chains that drive industrialisation, create jobs and strengthen Africa’s economic sovereignty.

Speaking during a panel discussion on critical minerals at the SADC Industrial Week in Durban on Monday, Nzimande said the region’s abundant mineral resources should become the foundation of future industries, rather than remaining commodities for export.

Referencing President Cyril Ramaphosa’s remarks at the 2026 Africa Energy Indaba, Nzimande said Africa’s vast reserves of critical minerals presented an opportunity to transform the continent’s economy.

“President Ramaphosa emphasised that the promise of Agenda 2063 relies not just on universal access to energy, but on productive access. This is access that empowers African economies to move beyond merely exporting raw materials and toward localised value addition,” he said. 

He said mineral beneficiation must become central to Africa’s development agenda.

“Therefore, mineral beneficiation must sit at the absolute centre of Africa’s economic conversation. Critical minerals are now the bedrock of economic growth, industrial competitiveness, energy security, and the global transition to clean technologies,” the minister said. 

For the SADC region, Nzimande said the challenge was no longer the availability of critical minerals but how Member States could use them to build stronger economies.

“For us in the SADC region, the question is no longer whether we possess these critical minerals. The real question is how we leverage them to build resilient regional value chains, unlock widespread industrialisation, and create sustainable prosperity for our people,” he said. 

Hydrogen and battery economy

Nzimande said the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) views critical minerals as strategic resources that underpin future industries, particularly the hydrogen and battery economies.

He said both sectors are central to South Africa’s Decadal Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation (2022 – 2032) and support the country’s just energy transition and inclusive economic growth.

To strengthen South Africa’s hydrogen economy, he highlighted government’s approval of the 15-year Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) Research, Development and Innovation Strategy in 2007.

The strategy aims to develop local expertise, skills and high-value hydrogen fuel cell technologies.

Nzimande said the department had established three Centres of Competence focusing on catalysis, hydrogen production, storage and distribution, and systems integration and technology validation.

According to the Minister, the centres have developed platinum group metals-based catalysts, membrane electrode assemblies for fuel cells and electrolysers, and metal hydride hydrogen storage technologies, strengthening South Africa’s position in the global hydrogen market.

He also highlighted the recent handover of a Mobile Hydrogen Refuelling Station developed in partnership with North-West University and Toyota South Africa Motors to support the decarbonisation of the transport sector.

In addition, Nzimande officially opened the Rapid Prototype Training and Testing Facility, established with North-West University and African Rainbow Minerals, to accelerate the development of water electrolysis technologies from laboratory research to industrial application.

Advancing battery innovation

Nzimande said the department is also investing in South Africa’s battery economy through lithium-ion battery development for energy storage and electric vehicles.

The focus, he said, includes developing value-added manganese precursor materials through the Energy Storage Research, Development and Innovation Flagship Programme to promote manufacturing, beneficiation, technology transfer and commercialisation.

He added that the department is working with the University of Limpopo and the Manganese Metal Company to develop battery-grade manganese sulphate from both manganese metal and manganese ore.

“These initiatives represent decisive steps toward strengthening South Africa’s green hydrogen and battery innovation ecosystems. They also support the industrialisation of locally developed, publicly funded intellectual property through strong collaboration among government, industry, and academia,” he said. 

Supporting government strategies

Nzimande stressed that the department’s work is aligned with broader government strategies, including the Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy, South Africa’s Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy, and the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM).

As part of this effort, the department has approved funding to secure Africa’s first International Network of Wind Energy Measurement Institutes accreditation for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s Subsonic Wind Tunnel Facilities.

Nzimande said the accreditation would address a significant gap in South Africa’s wind energy measurement infrastructure while reducing costs and delays for industry.

“It will also enable the CSIR to offer world-class wind speed sensor calibration services to the South African, SADC, and broader continental markets,” he said. 

Nzimande said strengthening renewable energy capabilities would provide the enabling environment needed for the growth of the hydrogen and battery industries, both of which depend on specialised skills and locally available critical minerals such as platinum group metals, lithium, cobalt and nickel.

Building regional value chains

Looking ahead, Nzimande said the department’s objective is to develop technologies, innovation capabilities and technical skills that enable South Africa and the wider SADC region to capture greater value from their mineral wealth.

“For SADC, this means a collective shift away from basic extraction toward integrated value chains in beneficiation, mineral processing, battery materials, hydrogen technologies, rare earth applications, and advanced manufacturing,” the minister said. 

He said the region should position itself as a producer of advanced materials and green technologies rather than remaining primarily an exporter of raw minerals.

“Our vision is clear: SADC must become a resilient producer of advanced materials, hydrogen technologies, battery components, and manufactured products.

“By combining our vast mineral wealth with targeted science, technology, innovation, investment, and regional cooperation, we can build resilient industrial economies, create quality jobs, secure a meaningful place in global green value chains, and more fundamentally, safeguard the economic sovereignty of the African continent,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Sputnik Africa devient partenaire média de l’African Energy Week 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Sputnik Africa s’est associé à l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 en tant que partenaire média officiel, élargissant ainsi la portée médiatique internationale de l’événement à l’approche de la conférence qui se tiendra du 12 au 16 octobre au Cap. Ce partenariat renforce la visibilité mondiale de la première plateforme africaine dédiée aux investissements énergétiques.

En tant que partenaire média officiel, Sputnik Africa contribuera à amplifier les débats autour des opportunités d’investissement, des évolutions politiques et des partenariats commerciaux qui émergeront de la conférence. Cette collaboration élargit l’engagement de l’AEW auprès des publics à travers l’Afrique et à l’international, tout en renforçant la couverture des annonces majeures, des dialogues stratégiques et des développements de projets qui auront lieu tout au long de l’événement.

Le programme 2026 propose un agenda élargi axé sur la mobilisation des investissements tout au long de la chaîne de valeur énergétique. Des sessions de type « Town Hall » examineront les réformes fiscales et la compétitivité réglementaire, tandis que le Forum Upstream E&P abordera l’exploration des zones frontalières, le développement du gaz et la coopération régionale. Des volets dédiés à la finance, à l’aval et à la technologie exploreront plus en détail les investissements dans les infrastructures, l’adoption de l’IA et la transformation numérique.

Des sessions consacrées à des pays mettront en avant les appels d’offres pour l’octroi de licences, les opportunités en amont et les programmes nationaux de réforme des pays producteurs africains à la recherche de nouveaux investissements. Ces sessions offriront aux entreprises internationales et aux institutions financières un accès direct aux décideurs politiques et aux porteurs de projets, tout en mettant en avant des opportunités commercialement attractives couvrant les hydrocarbures, la production d’électricité, les infrastructures et les technologies énergétiques émergentes.

À ce titre, la participation de Sputnik témoigne de sa présence croissante sur l’ensemble du continent grâce à une couverture d’actualité multilingue et à des plateformes de diffusion régionales. Publiant en anglais, en français, en swahili et en amharique, le média couvre la diplomatie, les affaires, les infrastructures, la technologie et les développements économiques affectant les marchés africains, tout en élargissant sa diffusion via des plateformes numériques, la radio FM et des partenariats avec des médias institutionnels.

Ces derniers mois, Sputnik Afrique a élargi sa couverture de la coopération économique entre la Russie et l’Afrique, des investissements dans les infrastructures, de la connectivité des transports et de la collaboration dans le domaine de l’énergie. La plateforme a également largement rendu compte des débats autour de l’énergie nucléaire, du développement industriel, de la gouvernance de l’IA et des partenariats plus larges avec les pays du Sud, reflétant l’intérêt international croissant pour le paysage économique africain en pleine évolution.

L’organisation n’a cessé d’étendre son implantation physique depuis la création de son premier centre éditorial africain à Addis-Abeba, en Éthiopie, en février 2025. Ce bureau sert de centre de production pour les programmes en anglais et en amharique, tout en soutenant les reportages réalisés localement et en renforçant la présence à long terme de l’organisation sur le continent.

Cette expansion opérationnelle s’est poursuivie avec le lancement de services de diffusion FM en Éthiopie, avant l’extension des activités radiophoniques à d’autres marchés africains, notamment au Burkina Faso. Sputnik Africa a également élargi son engagement institutionnel grâce à des initiatives de formation au journalisme et à des partenariats éducatifs, notamment une collaboration avec l’Université de l’Éducation de Winneba au Ghana dans le cadre de son programme SputnikPro.

« L’African Energy Week a toujours eu pour objectif de mettre en relation les opportunités énergétiques de l’Afrique avec les investisseurs mondiaux, les leaders technologiques et les partenaires stratégiques. La participation de Sputnik Africa en tant que partenaire média élargit la portée de ces échanges, contribuant ainsi à mettre en avant les projets, les politiques et les partenariats qui façonnent l’avenir énergétique du continent auprès d’un public à travers l’Afrique et au-delà », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’African Energy Chamber.

Le partenariat entre Sputnik Africa et l’AEW 2026 renforce l’engagement de la conférence à mobiliser un vaste réseau médiatique international capable de présenter les opportunités d’investissement en Afrique à un public mondial. En étendant la couverture à plusieurs langues et régions, cette collaboration contribue à accroître la visibilité des opportunités d’investissement, des réformes politiques et des partenariats commerciaux qui façonnent le secteur énergétique africain en pleine évolution.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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A Sputnik Africa junta-se à African Energy Week 2026 como parceiro de comunicação social

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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A Sputnik Africa juntou-se à Semana Africana da Energia (AEW) 2026 como parceiro de comunicação social oficial, ampliando o alcance mediático internacional do evento antes da conferência que terá lugar de 12 a 16 de outubro na Cidade do Cabo. A parceria reforça a visibilidade global da principal plataforma de investimento energético de África.

Na qualidade de parceiro de comunicação social oficial, a Sputnik Africa ajudará a amplificar os debates em torno das oportunidades de investimento, dos desenvolvimentos políticos e das parcerias comerciais que surgirem da conferência. A colaboração alarga o envolvimento da AEW com públicos em toda a África e a nível internacional, ao mesmo tempo que amplia a cobertura dos principais anúncios, diá.s estratégicos e desenvolvimentos de projetos que decorrerão ao longo do evento.

O programa de 2026 apresenta uma agenda alargada centrada na mobilização de investimento ao longo de toda a cadeia de valor da energia. As sessões de debate público irão analisar as reformas fiscais e a competitividade regulatória, enquanto o Fórum de Exploração e Produção (E&P) Upstream abordará a exploração de fronteiras, o desenvolvimento do gás e a cooperação regional. As sessões dedicadas às finanças, ao setor a jusante e à tecnologia irão explorar mais aprofundadamente o investimento em infraestruturas, a adoção da IA e a transformação digital.

As sessões dedicadas a países específicos irão destacar rodadas de licenciamento, oportunidades a montante e programas nacionais de reforma de produtores africanos que procuram novos investimentos. Estas sessões proporcionarão às empresas internacionais e às instituições financeiras acesso direto a decisores políticos e promotores de projetos, ao mesmo tempo que destacam oportunidades comercialmente atrativas que abrangem hidrocarbonetos, produção de energia, infraestruturas e tecnologias energéticas emergentes.

Como tal, a participação da Sputnik reflete a sua presença crescente em todo o continente através de uma cobertura noticiosa multilingue e de plataformas de difusão regionais. Com publicações em inglês, francês, suaíli e amárico, o meio de comunicação abrange a diplomacia, os negócios, as infraestruturas, a tecnologia e os desenvolvimentos económicos que afetam os mercados africanos, ao mesmo tempo que expande a sua distribuição através de plataformas digitais, rádio FM e parcerias com meios de comunicação institucionais.

Nos últimos meses, a Sputnik África ampliou a cobertura da cooperação económica entre a Rússia e África, do investimento em infraestruturas, da conectividade dos transportes e da colaboração no setor energético. A plataforma também tem noticiado extensivamente os debates em torno da energia nuclear, do desenvolvimento industrial, da governação da IA e de parcerias mais amplas com o Sul Global, refletindo o crescente interesse internacional no panorama económico em evolução de África.

A organização tem vindo a expandir de forma constante a sua presença física desde que estabeleceu o seu primeiro centro editorial africano em Adis Abeba, na Etiópia, em fevereiro de 2025. Este escritório funciona como um centro de produção para a programação em inglês e amárico, ao mesmo tempo que apoia a reportagem produzida localmente e reforça a presença a longo prazo da organização no continente.

O crescimento operacional prosseguiu com o lançamento de serviços de radiodifusão em FM na Etiópia, antes de expandir as operações de rádio para outros mercados africanos, incluindo o Burquina Faso. A Sputnik África também alargou o seu envolvimento institucional através de iniciativas de formação em jornalismo e parcerias educativas, incluindo a colaboração com a Universidade de Educação de Winneba, no Gana, no âmbito do seu programa SputnikPro.

«A African Energy Week sempre teve como objetivo ligar as oportunidades energéticas de África a investidores globais, líderes tecnológicos e parceiros estratégicos. A participação da Sputnik África como parceiro de comunicação social alarga o alcance dessas conversas, ajudando a dar visibilidade aos projetos, políticas e parcerias que estão a impulsionar o futuro energético do continente junto de públicos em toda a África e além-fronteiras», afirma NJ Ayuk, presidente executivo da African Energy Chamber.

A parceria entre a Sputnik Africa e a AEW 2026 reforça o compromisso da conferência em envolver uma ampla rede de meios de comunicação internacional capaz de dar a conhecer a história de investimento de África a públicos globais. Ao expandir a cobertura para vários idiomas e regiões, a colaboração promove uma maior visibilidade das oportunidades de investimento, reformas políticas e parcerias comerciais que estão a moldar o setor energético africano em evolução.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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Sputnik Africa Joins African Energy Week 2026 as Media Partner

Source: APO – Report:

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Sputnik Africa has joined African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as an official Media Partner, expanding the event’s international media reach ahead of the conference taking place on October 12-16 in Cape Town. The partnership strengthens global visibility for Africa’s premier energy investment platform.

As an official Media Partner, Sputnik Africa will help amplify discussions surrounding investment opportunities, policy developments and commercial partnerships emerging from the conference. The collaboration broadens AEW’s engagement with audiences across Africa and internationally while expanding coverage of major announcements, strategic dialogues and project developments taking place throughout the event.

The 2026 program features an expanded agenda focused on investment mobilization across the energy value chain. Town Hall sessions will examine fiscal reforms and regulatory competitiveness, while the Upstream E&P Forum will address frontier exploration, gas development and regional cooperation. dedicated finance, downstream and technology tracks will further explore infrastructure investment, AI adoptions and digital transformation.

Country spotlights will showcase licensing rounds, upstream opportunities and national reform programs from African producers seeking new investment. These sessions will provide international companies and financial institutions with direct access to policymakers and project developers while highlighting commercially attractive opportunities spanning hydrocarbons, power generation, infrastructure and emerging energy technologies.

As such, Sputnik’s participation reflects its growing presence across the continent through multilingual news coverage and regional broadcasting platforms. Publishing in English, French, Swahili and Amharic, the outlet covers diplomacy, business, infrastructure, technology and economic developments affecting African markets while expanding distribution through digital platforms, FM radio and institutional media partnerships.

In recent months, Sputnik Africa has expanded coverage of Russia-Africa economic cooperation, infrastructure investment, transport connectivity and energy collaboration. The platform has also reported extensively on discussions surrounding nuclear energy, industrial development, AI governance and broader Global South partnerships, reflecting growing international interest in Africa’s evolving economic landscape.

The organization has steadily expanded its physical footprint since establishing its first African editorial center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in February 2025. The bureau serves as a production hub for English and Amharic programming while supporting locally produced reporting and strengthening the organization’s long-term presence on the continent.

Operational growth continued through the launch of FM broadcasting services in Ethiopia before expanding radio operations into additional African markets, including Burkina Faso. Sputnik Africa has also broadened institutional engagement through journalism training initiatives and educational partnerships, including collaboration with the University of Education, Winneba in Ghana under its SputnikPro program.

“African Energy Week has always been about connecting Africa’s energy opportunities with global investors, technology leaders and strategic partners. Sputnik Africa’s participation as a media partner expands the reach of those conversations, helping showcase the projects, policies and partnerships that are driving the continent’s energy future to audiences across Africa and beyond,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

The partnership between Sputnik Africa and AEW 2026 reinforces the conference’s commitment to engaging a broad international media network capable of showcasing Africa’s investment story to global audiences. By expanding coverage across multiple languages and regions, the collaboration supports greater visibility for investment opportunities, policy reforms and commercial partnerships shaping Africa’s evolving energy sector.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Afreximbank’s largest ever bond issuance raises US$1.5 billion

Source: APO – Report:

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African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (https://www.Afreximbank.com/) has successfully priced a US$1.5 billion dual-tranche Reg S/144A senior unsecured benchmark Eurobond, marking its first US dollar public bond issuance since July 2021 and its largest bond issuance to date. The bond was issued in two tranches: US$750 million with a 5.5-year tenor, maturing in January 2032, and US$750 million with a 10-year tenor, maturing in July 2036.

The transaction attracted strong demand from international investors across the UK, Europe, Asia and the United States, with the order book peaking at US$3.8 billion. The issuance was approximately two times oversubscribed, with demand evenly split across both tranches. Supported by the robust demand, Afreximbank tightened pricing by 37.5 basis points on each tranche, resulting in final yields of 6.25% for the 5.5-year tranche and 7.125% for the 10-year tranche.

This successful return to the US dollar public bond market follows the Bank’s issuances in alternative formats and currencies in recent years, including Samurai bond issuances in 2024 and 2025 and a Panda bond issuance in 2025.Commenting on the transaction, Chandi Mwenebungu, Afreximbank’s Managing Director, Treasury and Markets, and Group Treasurer said, “This successful issuance shows the confidence that investors continue to place in Afreximbank and in Africa’s growth story. For us, this is a clear sign that the market continues to believe in Afreximbank’s work and in Africa’s economic prospects. Our role remains to connect capital to the opportunities that will drive trade, industrialisation and growth across the continent.”

HSBC Bank plc acted as the Global Co-ordinator, while Standard Bank of South Africa Limited, Standard Chartered Bank, Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft and MUFG Securities EMEA plc, acted as Joint Lead Managers and Joint Bookrunners. This transaction marks another milestone in Afreximbank’s funding journey and underscores the bank’s continued ability to access international capital markets on competitive terms while connecting global capital to Africa’s long-term growth story.

– on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A strong supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2025, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$48.5 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$8.4 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), GCR (A), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-), and S&P Global Ratings (BBB+) and Moody’s (Baa2). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

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RTMC calls on motorists to prioritise safety with forecast of snowfall

Source: Government of South Africa

RTMC calls on motorists to prioritise safety with forecast of snowfall

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has urged all road users to exercise extreme caution as snowfall, icy conditions and freezing temperatures are forecast to affect motorists travelling through the Eastern Cape highlands, the Drakensberg region of KwaZulu-Natal, and routes towards Lesotho, from Tuesday evening.

The RTMC said the anticipated weather conditions are expected to create hazardous driving conditions, particularly on mountain passes, high-altitude routes and major transport corridors.

Motorists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas and to remain alert for possible road closures, reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces.

The RTMC warned motorists not to drive around road closure barriers or attempt to cross roads covered by snow or ice. 

“Such actions place motorists, passengers and emergency responders at unnecessary risk and may delay rescue and recovery operations.

“Freight operators and public transport operators are also encouraged to closely monitor weather conditions and review travel plans where severe weather may affect operations.

“The RTMC, working together with provincial and local traffic authorities, law enforcement agencies and emergency services, will continue to monitor the situation and provide timely updates on road conditions and traffic management interventions.”

The RTMC appeals to all motorists to observe the following road safety measures:

  • Reduce speed and drive according to the prevailing weather and road conditions.
  • Extend the following distance between vehicles to allow sufficient stopping time.
  • Avoid sudden braking, harsh acceleration and sharp steering manoeuvres on icy or snow-covered roads.
  • Switch on headlights to improve visibility, even during daylight hours.
  • Ensure vehicles are roadworthy, with tyres, brakes, lights and windscreen wipers in good working condition.
  • Carry essential emergency supplies, including warm clothing, blankets, drinking water, non-perishable food, a fully charged cellphone and a torch.
  • Check weather forecasts and official traffic updates before embarking on a journey.
  • Comply with the instructions of traffic law enforcement officers and emergency personnel at all times.

–SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Dube TradePort SEZ drives investment for KZN economy

Source: Government of South Africa

Dube TradePort SEZ drives investment for KZN economy

The Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone (SEZ) continues to cement its position as a key driver of KwaZulu-Natal’s economic growth, attracting billions of rand in private investment infrastructure development, boosting exports, while sustaining employment and strengthening the province’s competitiveness.

According to the organisation’s latest Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Report, the SEZ has attracted R4.2 billion in private-sector investment since its inception and has sustained approximately 36 872 permanent jobs throughout KwaZulu-Natal.

The report highlights the SEZ’s growing contribution to inclusive economic growth and industrial development. 

Dube TradePort SEZ Chief Executive Officer, Hamish Erskine, said the organisation attracted a further R480 million in private-sector investment during the past financial year, largely from existing investors expanding their capital and equipment.

These investments resulted in the creation of 631 permanent jobs and 102 temporary jobs.

“Our continued investment in strategic infrastructure and investor-focused development is creating a platform for sustained economic growth and industrial expansion. Dube TradePort remains a powerful catalyst for attracting investment, creating jobs, and strengthening KwaZulu-Natal’s position in global markets,” Erskine said.

Exports top R531 million

The report also highlights the SEZ’s contribution to export growth, with businesses operating within Dube TradePort generating approximately R531 million in exports during the previous financial year.

Products were exported to markets across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other international markets.

Erskine attributed the strong export performance to Dube TradePort’s integrated development model, which combines world-class industrial infrastructure, logistics capabilities and direct access to international markets through King Shaka International Airport, the seaport of Durban and the robust road network connecting KwaZulu-Natal to the rest of Southern Africa.

Infrastructure expansion

Infrastructure development remains central to Dube TradePort’s growth strategy. 

During the 2025/26 financial year, the organisation invested R109.7 million in fixed capital projects, including the completion of major infrastructure works in Dube TradeZone 2 and Dube AgriZone 2, while advancing the construction of large-scale industrial warehousing facilities.

To support future investor demand and ensure long-term sustainability, Dube TradePort has earmarked funding for several strategic capital projects in the coming financial year.

These include the development of a solar farm capable of generating at least 4.4 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy, supporting investor sustainability requirements and enhancing energy resilience; the construction of two new industrial warehouses for medium-sized manufacturers seeking world-class facilities within the Special Economic Zone; and planning for a new water reservoir, ensuring the long-term availability of critical infrastructure to support industrial expansion.

“These investments reflect Dube TradePort’s commitment to building a resilient, sustainable and future-ready Special Economic Zone that can support long-term industrial growth,” Erskine said.

Expanding global air connectivity

Beyond industrial development, Dube TradePort continues to play a leading role in improving KwaZulu-Natal’s international air connectivity through its participation in the KwaZulu-Natal Route Development Committee (Durban Direct).

The organisation has spearheaded a comprehensive review of the KwaZulu-Natal Route Development Strategy, aimed at accelerating airline route development at King Shaka International Airport and strengthening the province’s global air connectivity.

The initiative builds on the success of Emirates air service connecting Durban and Dubai, as well as the growth of Airlink’s Durban–Harare route, both of which have contributed immensely to Durban’s regional and international air connectivity.

Recent developments within air services that demonstrate growing confidence in the Durban market include: 
•    Qatar Airways has increased its Durban service to daily flights (seven per week) between Doha-Maputo-Durban, providing enhanced access to key markets across Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East.
•    Turkish Airlines has expanded its Durban-Istanbul service to four flights per week, increasing connectivity to more than 300 destinations worldwide through one of the world’s largest aviation hubs.
•    Eswatini Air has increased operations on the Durban-Manzini route to three flights per week, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting trade and tourism between KwaZulu-Natal and the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Erskine said Dube TradePort remains well positioned to support KwaZulu-Natal’s economic transformation through industrialisation, export growth, job creation and enhanced international connectivity.

“With a strong investment pipeline, significant infrastructure expansion plans, growing export performance and increasing global air access, Dube TradePort continues to demonstrate why it is one of South Africa’s leading Special Economic Zones and a critical contributor to the province’s long-term economic prosperity,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Bolt Business reports strong growth in Nigeria as demand for corporate mobility solutions rises

Source: APO


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Bolt Business (https://Bolt.eu/), the corporate mobility solution from Bolt, has recorded strong year-on-year growth in Nigeria, underscoring increasing demand from businesses seeking smarter, more efficient ways to manage employee transportation and business travel.

Over the past 12 months, Bolt Business has delivered double-digit growth in Nigeria, driven by expanding adoption across multiple industries, growing demand from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and an increasing number of organisations seeking cost-efficient alternatives to managing in-house transport fleets.

Today, Bolt Business serves organisations across a broad range of industries, including financial services, technology, healthcare, professional services, manufacturing, logistics, media, real estate and fast-growing consumer businesses. Its client portfolio includes leading organisations such as First Bank, Access Bank, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Interswitch, Glovo, Chowdeck, Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism, News Central, Pfizer Specialties, IWOSAN Lagoon Hospitals, Avon Healthcare, UAC Foods, MRS, China Harbour Engineering Company Nigeria, CAPPA & D’Alberto, ValueJet and several other businesses that rely on Bolt Business to simplify corporate mobility.

The growth reflects a broader shift in how Nigerian businesses approach corporate mobility. Rather than maintaining expensive vehicle fleets or relying on fragmented transport arrangements, more organisations are adopting digital mobility platforms that offer greater transparency, control and operational efficiency.

“Businesses today are looking beyond transportation, they’re looking for smarter ways to optimise operations and manage costs,” said Isaac Iroko, Country Manager, Bolt for Business Nigeria. “We’ve seen organisations across different sectors embrace Bolt Business because it gives them a simple, reliable and transparent way to manage employee travel, whether it’s daily commutes, client meetings or business trips. This growth demonstrates that corporate mobility is becoming an increasingly important part of business efficiency in Nigeria.”

Unlike traditional fleet management, Bolt Business enables companies to centralise transportation through a single platform, providing features such as centralised billing, trip reporting, spending controls and real-time visibility into employee travel. These capabilities help businesses improve oversight while reducing the administrative burden associated with corporate transportation.

Bolt intends to strengthen relationships with existing customers by introducing solutions tailored to industries with frequent employee mobility needs, including healthcare, financial services, legal services and logistics.

“Nigeria’s business landscape is evolving rapidly, and organisations are under increasing pressure to operate more efficiently,” Isaac added. “We see a significant opportunity to help businesses replace inefficient transport processes with smarter mobility solutions that improve visibility, simplify expense management and support business growth. Our focus remains on building products that create value for organisations of every size while delivering a seamless experience for their employees.”

As Nigerian businesses continue to prioritise operational efficiency and cost optimisation, Bolt Business is well positioned to support organisations with scalable mobility solutions that simplify corporate travel and enable teams to move more efficiently.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Bolt.

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Weather service warns of snowfall in parts of the country

Source: Government of South Africa

Weather service warns of snowfall in parts of the country

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says very cold and wet conditions, with light snowfall, are expected to set in from Tuesday evening in parts of the Eastern Cape, southern KwaZulu-Natal, the southern Free State and along the Lesotho border.

The weather conditions are due to the passage of a cut-off low weather system, which is expected to clear from the west by Thursday.

SAWS has advised farmers to take precautionary measures to mitigate the negative impact of the adverse weather conditions.

The weather service has issued several weather alerts as follows:

  • Orange Level 6 Warning: Disruptive rain resulting in flooding of bridges/roads/settlements and damage to property/infrastructure is expected in places along the coast and adjacent interior between East London and Port Edward.
  • Orange Level 5 Warning: Disruptive snow resulting in traffic disruptions, disruption to essential services and some communities being temporarily cut off is expected in places over the extreme north-eastern high ground of the Eastern Cape.
  • Yellow Level 4 Warning: Disruptive rain resulting in flooding of bridges/roads/settlements and damage to property/infrastructure is expected in places along the coast and adjacent interior of KwaZulu-Natal, south of St. Lucia.
  • Yellow Level 2 Warning: Disruptive rain resulting in flooding of bridges/roads/settlements and damage to property/infrastructure is expected over the south-eastern parts of the Eastern Cape and the eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, except in the extreme north-east.
  • Yellow Level 2 Warning: Disruptive snow resulting in traffic disruptions, disruption to essential services and some communities being temporarily cut off is expected in places over the north-eastern high ground of the Eastern Cape.
  • Yellow Level 1 Warning: Damaging coastal winds and waves leading to difficulty in navigation at sea for small vessels and personal watercraft, as well as localised disruption to beachfront activities, are expected between Cape Columbine and Cape Agulhas.

–SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle

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Operation Shanela nets over 1 800 suspects for various offences

Source: Government of South Africa

Operation Shanela nets over 1 800 suspects for various offences

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested 16 684 suspects for various offences as part of ongoing efforts to combat and prevent crime through the nationwide Operation Shanela.

The operation, said the police in a statement, resulted in the arrest of 1 869 undocumented immigrants between 20 and 26 July 2026.

In addition, detectives arrested 2 547 wanted individuals linked to violent offences, including murder, attempted murder, rape, carjacking, illegal possession of firearms, and house and business robberies.

“This week, amongst those arrested is a popular traditional healer from KwaMashu for allegedly orchestrating the murders of African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) member Thamsanqa Kingdom Gcabashe and eThekwini Metro Police officials Lindokuhle Madonsela and Ndumiso Thusi,” police said.

On 25 July 2026, SAPS also arrested a 37-year-old alleged mastermind behind the murder of DA candidate councillor Sinovuyo Dyokwe. The arrest followed a joint, intelligence-driven operation involving Western Cape Serious Violent Crime Investigation (SVCI) detectives and the Special Task Force (STF) in Parklands.

“Operation Shanela continues to send a strong message that crime and lawlessness will not be tolerated in South Africa, whether committed by locals or foreign nationals,” police said.

The multidisciplinary operations resulted in significant arrests across several crime categories:

  • 114 suspects were arrested for attempted murder, with Gauteng recording the highest number of arrests at 26, followed by the Eastern Cape with 24.
  • 152 suspects were arrested for rape.
  • 101 suspects were arrested for illegal possession of firearms. The Western Cape recorded the highest number of arrests at 38, followed by Gauteng with 20.
  • 660 suspects were arrested for the illegal dealing in liquor.
  • 230 suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs.
  • 2 530 suspects were arrested for possession of drugs, with the Western Cape recording the highest number of arrests at 1 314.
  • 1 383 suspects were arrested for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH).
  • 715 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Confiscations and recoveries

The operations also resulted in the following confiscations and recoveries across the provinces:

  • 128 unlicensed firearms, including handguns, shotguns and rifles;
  • 2 296 rounds of ammunition;
  • Contraband goods worth more than R46 million;
  • Various types of drugs; and
  • 55 hijacked and stolen vehicles.

Provincial takedowns

Free State: On 25 July 2026, members of the Bloemfontein Flying Squad intercepted a white Volvo Stralis 430 truck on the N1 near Glen, which was suspected of transporting stolen copper cable.

Centlec technicians confirmed that some of the seized cables belonged to the company, while Telkom and Eskom later identified additional cables worth more than R300 000.

A 43-year-old driver was arrested and charged under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act for tampering with essential infrastructure and possession of stolen property. He is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court.

Western Cape: On 19 July 2026, Crime Intelligence members arrested a 29-year-old suspect at an apartment in Richwood, Bothasig, which was allegedly being used as a gang storage facility.

Police seized seven pistols, 17 magazines, 1 030 rounds of ammunition and assorted drugs valued at R10 million.

Gauteng: On 23 July 2026, the Ekurhuleni Task Team arrested a 40-year-old suspect in Ebony Park. Police recovered nine unlicensed firearms, including five AK-47 rifles, rounds of ammunition and four stolen vehicles – a Mercedes-Benz, a BMW and two Volkswagen Polos.

In Eldorado Park on 22 July 2026, a 45-year-old suspect was arrested with two 9mm pistols, a shotgun, magazines and 37 rounds of ammunition. The suspect is allegedly linked to multiple business robberies, and the firearms were sent for ballistic examination.

Between 20 and 23 July 2026, the Gauteng Provincial Counterfeit Unit seized more than 572 000 counterfeit and illicit items worth over R27.5 million across Sedibeng, the West Rand, Tshwane and Johannesburg.

Major seizures included 41 120 counterfeit Rizla dispensers, 522 000 Trust condom packets and 4 200 Darling hair pieces.

Mpumalanga: On 21 July 2026, members of the Ermelo K9 Unit arrested two suspects, aged 42 and 47, on the N4 near Middelburg for allegedly possessing 204 kg of dagga valued at R1.2 million.

A bakkie allegedly used to transport the drugs was also confiscated. The suspects appeared in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on 22 July 2026.

North West: Police in Brits arrested a 26-year-old man in Oukasie following a shootout on 22 July 2026.

The suspect allegedly robbed his 68-year-old grandfather of a licensed firearm and fired shots at him. He later allegedly opened fire on police during a pursuit, wounding an officer and a bystander before being apprehended.

The stolen firearm and ammunition were recovered.

Limpopo: On 21 July 2026, the Provincial Commercial Crimes Unit arrested a 26-year-old female cashier, Sune Grobbelaar, in Mokopane in connection with alleged fraud involving R500 000 at a milling company.

Investigations allegedly revealed duplicate receipts and missing stock, which were identified through CCTV footage and audits.

Grobbelaar appeared in the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court on the same day and was remanded in custody. The case was postponed to 27 July 2026 for further investigation and a bail application.

Northern Cape: On 22 July 2026, SAPS members and Provincial Traffic officials seized 379.3 kg of dagga valued at R7.5 million. The drugs were allegedly concealed in mobile toilets on a truck at the N1 Weigh Bridge in Colesberg.

A 37-year-old foreign national was arrested and charged with dealing in dagga. The truck and trailer were also confiscated.

KwaZulu-Natal: Acting on a tip-off, members of the eThekwini District Tracing Unit arrested a 71-year-old suspect during an operation in Cato Manor.

The suspect allegedly modified replica firearms and manufactured homemade guns, which he allegedly sold, along with ammunition, to foreign nationals.

He was charged with possession of unlicensed firearms.

Eastern Cape: A multidisciplinary operation involving members of the Mount Ruth Rapid Rail Unit, Transnet and Ndevana SAPS led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of suspected stolen Transnet infrastructure valued at R10 million outside Qonce.

The team seized 49 rolls of overhead track equipment, 18 railway rails weighing approximately 40kg each, four transformer batteries and one bag containing damaged copper. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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