MIL Africa Engine

By William Baloyi
“Sustainable development is the pathway to the future we want for all.” As former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reminds us, this is not merely an aspiration, it is an urgent call to action.

It challenges governments to act with urgency and purpose to grow the economy, advance social justice, protect the environment, and strengthen governance – all at the same time. At the centre of this effort lies the need to unlock the full potential of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through coherent policy, efficient local governance, and targeted economic reform.

Against this backdrop, Government will host the National Local Economic Development (LED) Summit from 15 to 16 April 2026 at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre under the theme, “Re-engineering Local Economies: A Collaborative Blueprint for Small Enterprise Growth and Ease of Doing Business.” 

This Summit comes at a critical moment for our nation as aims to uplift our economy and the well-being of our society at large. 

Local Economic Development is not just another policy discussion, it is a practical and proven mechanism to drive inclusive growth, create jobs, and improve the lives of people in our communities.

The LED Summit is designed as a high-level platform to unlock the economic potential within South Africa’s towns, cities, and rural areas. By strengthening public-private partnerships, it will promote LED as a place-based approach that is inclusive, innovative, and focused on building resilient local economies and more liveable communities.

Crucially, the Summit will bring together stakeholders from across society, government, business, MSMEs, cooperatives, and civil society with a clear purpose: to move from conversation to action. The priority must now be implementation that delivers measurable results and creates a practical, enabling environment for small businesses to thrive, driving growth, job creation, skills development, and municipal financial sustainability.

We cannot speak about LED without recognising the central role of MSMEs, which are the backbone of our economy. They play a vital role in tackling unemployment and inequality, opening opportunities for young people, advancing women’s economic participation, and sustaining local economies across the country. 

Strengthening MSMEs is not optional; it is fundamental to building resilient communities and achieving inclusive growth.

To unlock the full potential of MSMEs, government is taking deliberate steps to remove barriers that constrain business growth. One key intervention is the Red Tape Reduction Framework, which provides municipalities and businesses with practical tools to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy. By streamlining processes and improving efficiency, entrepreneurs can spend less time navigating compliance and more time growing their businesses.

This work is further supported by the rollout of the E-Registration System, aimed at simplifying and modernising business registration across districts and local governments. Making it easier to register a business helps bring more entrepreneurs—especially those in underserved communities into the formal economy, where they can access opportunities, support, and markets.

These initiatives are aligned with broader reforms outlined in the Revised Draft White Paper on Local Government. The proposed reforms focus on strengthening municipal governance, improving financial management, accelerating infrastructure delivery, and enhancing spatial planning. Effective governance remains the cornerstone of successful LED, and these reforms are geared towards building capable, responsive, and developmental local institutions that can drive economic growth.

The upcoming LED Summit presents a valuable opportunity to consolidate these efforts. It will galvanise coordinated action from government, business, and communities to strengthen partnerships and agree on practical steps forward. Importantly, it will ensure that policies translate into tangible outcomes particularly for informal traders and entrepreneurs who are the lifeblood of township and local economies.

Government continues to draw inspiration from the National Development Plan, which envisions an economy that creates jobs, reduces inequality, and eliminates poverty by 2030. Achieving this vision will require coordinated action, responsive governance, and sustained support for the entrepreneurs who drive economic activity at the local level.

This is not only an economic imperative it is a national mission. Government will play its part, partners must step forward, and together we must build an economy that works for all.

*Baloyi is the Deputy Government Spokesperson at the Government Communications and Information System.

By Niko Allie 
For many South Africans, the Kruger National Park (KNP), affectionally known as Kruger to many, has been our window into the wild.  Every visit to this iconic national treasure is an opportunity to interact with nature and possibly view the Big 5.

On 31 May 2026, the Kruger National Park reaches a historic milestone, marking 100 years of conservation excellence and wildlife protection since its establishment in 1926.

Today the Kruger attracts nearly two million visitors annually and has retained its standing as a top African safari destination. It has become a must visit destination for locals and visitors alike.
    
Most visitors are South African residents who account for about 80% of visits.  However, there has been a steady growth in travellers from neighbouring Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, who mostly come as day visitors.

Of course, in a country such as ours, a destination like the Kruger National Park does not exist in isolation. Over the years, the Kruger has balanced its conservation mandate and our nation’s societal challenges. The park has become a major economic driver, contributing millions to the economy and supporting extensive local employment. Tourism revenue stands at over R800 million, and accommodation revenue continues to perform strongly.  

The centenary of this South African landmark is an opportunity for all of us to relive the wonder and splendour of nature. It is a reminder that humans can co-exist with animals and nature, and that our very survival as a species is linked to that of our planet and its fragile ecosystems.

The Kruger is home to 147 mammal species; including all of the iconic Big Five, and boasts more than 500 bird species, and a variety of reptiles, amphibians and plants. It is an integral part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which encompasses wildlife areas in Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

The KNP is a story of hope, it is an enduring part of the South African narrative, and like any good story there are many twists and turns. The Kruger is a living monument of the fragile balance between humans and nature.  

Severe weather which has become a constant in many provinces in South Africa is now part of the story of Kruger. Climate change is shifting rainfall patterns and drying waterholes, putting pressure on the park and its inhabitants.  

The story of Kruger is also about the communities adjacent to the park and their rightful quest for greater economic inclusion and cultural recognition. Therefore, a vital part of the centenary is to connect staff, surrounding communities, and visitors in honouring the park’s rich history while looking forward to the next century of biodiversity conservation.

It is also true that ensuring a sustainable future for the park and adjacent communities will require renewed thinking on how to ensure greater investment in community-led tourism, along with anti-poaching operations.  

Often hailed as the jewel in our majestic wildlife offerings, the Kruger must continue to be a sanctuary that is open and welcoming to all. Every person who visits must leave with memories for a lifetime, a deep desire to protect our natural landscape and return to visit it time and time again.    

The centenary celebration stands as a magnificent part of South Africa’s story. It is a profound reminder that even in an ever-changing world, there is room for nature and humans to both co-exist and thrive.  

*Allie is the Deputy Director at the Government Communication and Information System.

South Africa has called for renewed global cooperation to advance dignity, equality and sustainable development, as world leaders gather to address the challenges of a rapidly changing global landscape.

Delivering the country’s statement at the 59th session of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development (CPD59) in New York, Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike, stressed the importance of collective global action in addressing the complex intersection of population dynamics, technology and development.

“We are working together and convening at this important session guided by the Programme of Action and the Living Global Compact, which continues to steer our shared pursuit of dignity, equality and sustainable development,” Letsike said on Monday.

Held under the theme: “Population, Technology and Research in the Context of Sustainable Development”, the session provides a platform for countries to share national experiences and policy approaches.

Letsike highlighted that demographic shifts, inequality and rapid technological transformation are reshaping development pathways globally and within South Africa. 

She noted that these challenges are deeply rooted in lived realities shaped by the enduring legacies of apartheid, patriarchy and economic exclusion.

South Africa, she said, is characterised by a youthful population, with a median age of 28, and a growing ageing demographic, underscoring the need for inclusive, life-cycle-based development strategies.

“This reminds us that development cannot be fragmented — it must be approached across the full life cycle, anchored in human dignity,” she said.

The Deputy Minister outlined South Africa’s response as deliberate and inclusive, grounded in intersectional justice, reflecting the country’s constitutional commitment to substantive equality. This includes addressing inequalities linked to race, class, gender, culture, disability, geography and sexuality.

She emphasised that population issues are closely tied to broader questions of governance, knowledge creation and access to technology, and the risk of exclusion in an increasingly digital world.

“Our response as government is focused on investing in human capability and capital, while ensuring that no one is left behind,” Letsike said, highlighting initiatives to increase women’s participation in science, technology, innovation and research.

South Africa is also using technology to improve service delivery, strengthen governance and expand access to essential services.

Letsike pointed to legislative frameworks, such as data protection and cybercrime laws aimed at safeguarding users, particularly vulnerable groups in an increasingly digital world.

The Deputy Minister warned of the growing risks posed by harmful online trends, calling for coordinated, human rights-based responses to protect users while advancing development.

She reaffirmed that sexual and reproductive health and rights remain central to the country’s population agenda, which she described as “non-negotiable.”

“We recognise bodily autonomy, access to information and reproductive justice as fundamental to development,” she said.

South Africa continues to share its development experiences both domestically and across the African continent, while contributing to global development efforts under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

In closing, Letsike called for renewed investment in research, data and innovation, universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, urgent efforts to bridge digital divides, and ethical governance of technology to protect human rights.

“We remain committed to working with all partners in the spirit of solidarity, equality and sustainability to ensure that technology serves humanity, and that no one, no community, is left behind,” she said.

The week-long CPD59 is led by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which is co-hosting a series of high-impact signature side events focused on how innovative technology and data-driven research are revolutionising approaches to population dynamics.

Expected outcomes of the session include the adoption of key resolutions, determining the theme for CPD61, and finalising the CPD60 agenda. – SAnews.gov.za

By William Baloyi 
When a new factory opens its doors, its impact reaches far beyond the production line. It acts as a spark for an economic chain reaction that breathes life into the surrounding community. What starts as a single investment quickly creates a wave of opportunities, enabling households to meet their basic needs and aspire to a better future.

As wages flow into the community, this new income is spent at local spaza shops, paid to taxi operators, and reinvested in small businesses, the backbone of many neighbourhoods. Local retailers, seeing a surge in demand, often hire more staff and expand their offerings to serve growing needs.

These ripple effects extend even further. Suppliers increase production, logistics companies move more goods, and the momentum builds. When multiplied across towns, cities, and provinces, such investments weave together into a powerful national story of growth, job creation, and social development.

Every new investment whether a manufacturing plant, a digital hub, or a transport corridor adds a vital spark to our economy. This vision lies at the heart of government’s investment drive and took centre stage at the successful conclusion of the sixth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) in Johannesburg last month.

The event marked a significant milestone, bringing together more than 1000 delegates from over 50 countries to engage directly with South Africa’s investment opportunities. The strong turnout from both domestic and international investors served as a decisive vote of confidence in the country’s potential, reaffirming South Africa’s appeal as a compelling destination for business and investment.

At the core of this momentum was the announcement of nearly R900 billion in new investment commitments. These span 81 projects across all nine provinces and represent a transformative step forward in further uplifting our economy. Of this amount, R415 billion is confirmed fixed investment, with a further R474.8 billion allocated towards direct fixed investment.

Sourced from 22 global markets, these commitments are projected to create more than 230,000 permanent jobs. Each job supports families, boosts local consumption, and strengthens the broader economic ecosystem. In this way, investment becomes far more than a financial transaction, it serves as a catalyst for inclusive growth and meaningful social progress.

The expansion of factories, manufacturing capacity, and service industries is essential to sustaining our nation’s employment cycles. Since 2018, when President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the country’s investment drive, approximately R1.56 trillion in investment commitments have been mobilised, exceeding the original target by 26%.

Since the SAIC began, a total of 317 investment pledges have been made. Over R628 billion has already flowed into the economy, 137 projects valued at R400 billion have been completed and 84 projects worth R417 billion are currently under construction.

These investments have undoubtedly bolstered resilience in our labour market. Throughout 2025, the country saw a steady recovery in formal employment and a notable rise in worker earnings. By the fourth quarter, a net gain of 18,000 jobs was recorded, a clear sign that the foundations for long-term growth are being rebuilt.

The positive sentiment has extended to our equity market, with South Africa, according to the latest Bank of America Global Research Equity Strategist report, emerging as the premier investment destination within the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa. The country outpaced Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Poland, Türkiye, Hungary, Greece and Qatar to the top spot. The Bank of America attributes our market leadership to a sustained strengthening in dividend yields and highly supportive valuations relative to historical benchmarks.

The outcomes of the sixth SAIC signal more than immediate gains, they mark the formal start of South Africa’s second investment cycle. With an ambitious target of R2 trillion in new pledges over the next five years, the nation is entering a new phase of economic dynamism, driven by greater policy certainty and aggressive structural reforms.

The conference also highlighted South Africa’s competitive advantage in high-growth sectors, including manufacturing, mining beneficiation, digital infrastructure, agriculture, and green industrialisation. These are the industries with the greatest potential to drive sustainable development and job creation. As these investments take root, they will advance key national priorities: creating jobs, reducing poverty, and addressing inequality.

Beyond the numbers, lies a profound social impact. This economic growth enables the state to reinvest in schools, roads, and hospitals, the very foundations that support further progress. Young people gain clear pathways into the economy, communities become more stable, and a sense of shared progress begins to take hold.

South Africa’s investment drive offers a blueprint for strong economic renewal. When investment flows, opportunity follows, and when opportunity grows, so too does the nation. In turn potential at every level of society is unlocked, restoring dignity, strengthening families, and building confidence in a brighter future for all.

*Baloyi is the Deputy Government Spokesperson at the Government Communication and Information System.