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Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi on Tuesday congratulated the newly appointed Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Advisory Board. 

He expressed confidence in its ability to make a meaningful contribution in strengthening the Special Economic Zones programme and advancing South Africa’s broader economic transformation.

Godlimpi was addressing an induction workshop hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) for the SEZ Advisory Board in Johannesburg.

The purpose of the workshop was to orientate the advisory board on the SEZ Act, Spatial Industrial Development Strategy, the department’s industrial policy, as well as the roles and responsibilities of the board and members. 

This is aimed at ensuring that the board members develop a common understanding and appreciation of the Special Economic Zone Act of 2014, and the Special Economic Zones programme. 

“Your appointment reflects both your expertise and the critical role that the Board plays in shaping South Africa’s industrial future.

“The induction is foundational and not just procedural. The purpose is to ensure that the Board and all its members have a shared understanding of the Special Economic Zones legislative framework, the Spatial Industrial Development Strategy, and the broader implementation plan that guides the SEZ Programme in South Africa,” Godlimpi said.

Historically, the SEZ Advisory Board has played a critical role in strengthening governance and accountability within the SEZ programme, and in guiding the transition from the Industrial Development Zone model to the broader SEZ framework. 

“As we begin a new term of this Board, we must build on those foundations while responding to the evolving economic realities facing our country,” he said.

The SEZ Advisory Board was established through legislation to provide strategic advice to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, on the development and implementation of the SEZ programme. 

Its responsibilities are extensive and central to the success of the programme.

“Among your key functions are advising the Minister on policy and strategy, monitoring the implementation of the SEZ policy framework, reviewing applications for SEZ designation, assessing the performance of existing zones, and making recommendations on investment promotion and operational matters,” explained Godlimpi.

These responsibilities place the Board at the intersection of policy, governance, and economic development and therefore the board is not merely an oversight structure, but a strategic instrument that helps ensure that SEZs deliver tangible outcomes for the South African economy.

“To date, South Africa has designated 12 special economic zones, of which nine are already operational. As at the end of the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, these operational zones host 224 investors, representing a cumulative investment value of approximately R31.744 billion and supporting 28 821 jobs. 

“This progress reflects a steady expansion of the programme. Over the eight-year period from the 2018/19 financial year to date, operational SEZ investments have recorded net cumulative growth of approximately R17.234 billion,” said Godlimpi.

Additionally, these numbers tell an encouraging story and demonstrate that the SEZ model is capable of attracting both domestic and international investors and show that targeted industrial infrastructure can stimulate productive activity. 

This, according to Godlimpi, confirms that SEZs can contribute meaningfully to job creation and their true significance lies in their ability to reshape the economic geography of South Africa.

“The country is facing real challenges, which are unemployment, slow growth, and structural inequality. However, we also possess significant opportunities, abundant natural resources, strong institutions, and a strategic position within the African continent. 

“The SEZs afford us a practical mechanism to convert these opportunities into tangible outcomes,” he said.

Godlimpi also emphasised that SEZs could catalyse industrial investment, unlock regional potential, strengthen export capacity, and support the transformation of the South African economic landscape. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated Dr Nyaweleni Tshifularo and his medical team for successfully separating conjoined twins in a groundbreaking operation at a rural hospital in Limpopo. 

The twins, who were born on 28 January 2026, at Mankweng Hospital, underwent a complex surgical procedure that marked a historic milestone for South Africa’s public healthcare system.

President Ramaphosa described the operation as “unbelievable” and “miraculous”, noting that such highly specialised procedures are typically performed at leading tertiary hospitals. 

“I am just so pleased and happy, and indeed, the whole country should be pleased that you have undertaken a very complicated operation that would normally be done at top class hospitals, like Groote Schuur Hospital, where we had the heart transplant operation in the 60s by Doctor Christiaan Barnard. We thank you for having succeeded in doing this unbelievable, complicated and difficult operation,” the President said.

The President highlighted the significance of the achievement, saying it demonstrates that advanced medical procedures can be successfully carried out in rural public hospitals.

“I can just imagine how difficult the operation was. So, I congratulate all of you, and the nation is filled with pride that a public hospital in the rural areas of our country [achieved this]. You have succeeded Doctor Tshifularo and your team in undertaking this very difficult and complicated operation,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa said the success of the procedure has brought hope to the children’s family. 

“We are very proud. We are really overjoyed with the great success that we have achieved. And I’m sure that the family is also very pleased with what you have done for them and given an improved life to the children. 

“You are real miracle workers, and we’d like to thank you for that. You are our heroes throughout the country,” the President said. 

In response, lead paediatric surgeon Dr Tshifularo said the team was honoured by the recognition.

“His Excellency, the President, we are truly honoured. On behalf of the team, we are absolutely overjoyed and we thank you,” he said. 

The twins were delivered by a 29-year-old mother who had been transferred from Maphutha Malatjie Hospital, outside Phalaborwa, after midwives detected the condition during an ultrasound.

President Ramaphosa also praised Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, for ensuring the hospital had the necessary resources to carry out the operation. 

“Premier Ramathuba we also thank you. You have also made this possible because, as you told me, they needed certain instruments, medication and basic things like special sutures and special instruments. You made it possible; you went through the financial processes, the PFMA and acquired all those implements. So, you are also my star, and I want to thank you for all that you have done,” he said.

In a media briefing on Tuesday evening, Premier Ramathuba said she was elated by the successful separation and commended the multidisciplinary team led by Dr Tshifularo for undertaking the delicate and complex procedure. 

“This operation represents a historic moment for Limpopo. For the first time in South Africa, a rural hospital has accomplished such a high scale operation. This achievement changes the landscape of healthcare in our province and reaffirm our belief in the potential of rural hospitals,” she said.

Ramathuba added that the achievement highlights the growing capacity, skill and commitment of healthcare professionals in the province and underscores the need for continued investment in rural health facilities. 

“It is a clarion call for us all to invest resources in our rural facilities, enabling them to provide exceptional care and undertake significant procedures right here in our communities.”

Ramathuba said such a procedure is not the work of an individual but of a dedicated multidisciplinary team, who have turned what seemed impossible into a resounding success. 

The twins have been fully separated and are currently in a stable condition, recovering in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit under close supervision. – SAnews.gov.za 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has submitted responses to Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The committee was established last year, following Mkhwanazi’s allegations in a press conference about, amongst others, an alleged criminal syndicate that has spread into law enforcement and intelligence services, and allegations that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu colluded with criminal elements to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in KwaZulu-Natal.

“President Ramaphosa’s submission shows the President’s support for the parliamentary process, including ensuring that the committee receives all necessary information to carry out its mandate effectively.

“The President is committed to transparency and welcomes parliamentary oversight over the executive arm of the state, as part of the democratic processes that govern the country,” the Presidency said in a short statement on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Mkhwanazi is expected to appear at the committee on Wednesday, 18 March 2026.

“The Ad Hoc Committee…will [today] have another engagement with Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi to end off its oral hearings process. He is expected to respond to matters that arose during the oral hearings.

“The meeting will be held in Parliament and broadcasted on virtual platforms and YouTube,” Parliament said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, has welcomed with delight the successful registration of Postbank as a licensed Financial Services Provider (FSP) with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority.

This means that Postbank is now authorised and regulated to provide financial services that meet the standards set by the regulator, under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS Act).

To obtain and maintain an FSP license, institutions must meet stringent regulatory requirements covering governance, compliance, risk management, operational capability and consumer protection.

Deputy Minister Gungubele said the milestone reflects important progress in rebuilding Postbank into a sustainable and well-governed state-owned retail bank, for serving the needs of the unbanked and partnering government financial services to citizens.

“The granting of this license is an important regulatory milestone for Postbank and a strong signal of the progress being made to stabilise and strengthen the institution. It demonstrates that Postbank is meeting the regulatory standards required to operate responsibly within South Africa’s financial sector,” the Deputy Minister said on Tuesday.

The achievement forms part of Postbank’s five-year transformation strategy built around three strategic pillars: stabilise, build and differentiate. 

Over the past two years, management has focused on stabilising the institution, strengthening governance and regulatory compliance, and laying the foundation for sustainable growth.

Obtaining the FSP license represents a key step in the build phase of this strategy, enabling Postbank to responsibly expand the financial services it can offer while operating within South Africa’s regulated financial services framework.

For customers and social grant beneficiaries who rely on Postbank, the license provides additional assurance that services are delivered under a regulatory regime designed to protect consumers and ensure transparency and accountability.

For government and other stakeholders, the development signals continued progress toward building a capable state-owned banking institution that advances financial inclusion and expands access to affordable financial services for communities underserved by the traditional banking sector.

The Deputy Minister said the milestone also supports Postbank’s longer-term vision of obtaining a full commercial banking license from the South African Reserve Bank through its prudential regulator, the Prudential Authority.

“This achievement represents another important step in Postbank’s long-term journey towards becoming a fully-fledged commercial bank that serves the needs of South Africans while contributing to the strength and stability of the country’s financial system,” Gungubele said. –SAnews.gov.za

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The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel is expected to host a student engagement as part of the Human Rights Month programme.

The engagement, which will be held in Kimberley on Friday, commemorates 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution.

“The engagement will bring together students from the campuses of the Northern Cape Urban TVET College in Kimberley to reflect on the significance of the Constitution, its role in advancing democracy, and the responsibility of young people to uphold and protect constitutional values,” the department said.

The theme for the 30th anniversary of the Constitution is: 30 Years of Constitutional Democracy: Reflect, Renew, Recommit.

“The engagement also forms part of Anti-Racism Week, which runs from 14 – 21 March 2026, and aims to create public awareness about 21 March, the consequences of the events that took place on that day in 1960, and how racism, if not confronted, continues to affect individuals and broader society.

“The week also encourages individuals and all sectors of society to actively call out racism,” the department stated.

At the launch of the commemoration of the Constitution earlier this month, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi called the supreme law of South Africa a testament of a tangible commitment to “peaceful coexistence”.

“Because of the adoption of the Constitution 30 years ago, we now have a foundation upon which we can strive towards the common vision of unity in diversity, whilst strengthening the culture of respect for human rights and the rule of law in South Africa.

“The Constitution is a testament that wise men and women of all races, religions and diverse cultures freely came together to weave a new nation in a South Africa that belongs to all who live in it, both black and white,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Human Settlements is implementing a range of measures to curb the underspending of grants, and improve the delivery of housing and related infrastructure.

Responding to oral questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Tuesday, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane said the interventions aim to ensure that allocated funds lead to the delivery of serviced sites, housing units and bulk infrastructure, while minimising underspending across all levels of government.

She revealed that provinces and metropolitan municipalities returned millions of rands in unspent Human Settlements grants during the 2024/25 financial year.

At provincial level, a total of R8.801 million from two key grants was surrendered to the National Revenue Fund. This included R5.951 million from the Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG) and R2.850 million from the Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant (ISUPG).

Gauteng accounted for the largest share of unspent HSDG funds at R5.529 million, followed by Mpumalanga and Limpopo, while smaller amounts were returned by other provinces.

Under the provincial ISUPG, Gauteng again recorded the highest underspending at R2.553 million, with additional amounts surrendered by the Free State, North West, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape.

At municipal level, the total amount returned was significantly higher, reaching R174.873 million across two grants.

The Urban Settlements Development Grant (USDG) accounted for R105.866 million in unspent funds, with Nelson Mandela Bay returning the largest portion at R74.137 million. This was followed by eThekwini (R15.678 million), the City of Cape Town (R13.451 million) and the City of Tshwane (R2.6 million).

A further R69.007 million was returned under the Metropolitan Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant. Mangaung and Nelson Mandela Bay recorded the highest underspending at R34.111 million and R34.707 million, respectively, while smaller amounts were returned by the City of Tshwane and Buffalo City.

Measures to strengthen grant spending performance

Simelane said the department has introduced several measures to strengthen grant spending performance across all spheres of government.

“Key initiatives, which include the quarterly performance review sessions for provincial, municipal and human settlements entities, allow these organisations to report on their performance and enhanced monitoring and early warning systems that help the department to identify underperformance early in the financial year and take timely action,” the Minister said.

The department is also enforcing provisions of the Division of Revenue Act, allowing for the conditional allocation, withholding and reallocation of funds from persistently underperforming provinces to those with the capacity to spend effectively.

Additional interventions include technical and capacity support to provinces and metros, such as the deployment of built environment specialists and project management assistance, as well as improved planning alignment to ensure readiness in areas such as procurement, land availability and bulk infrastructure before funds are allocated.

Simelane said quarterly MinMec (Minister MEC) performance engagements with accounting officers and political leadership are being used to strengthen accountability for grant performance and ensure adherence to compliance requirements.

The department has also convened rollover workshops with metropolitan municipalities, provincial treasuries and the South African Local Government Association to support credible applications to National Treasury.

“The department, together with provincial treasuries and other transferring officers, is part of the committee that assess rollover applications of the metropolitan municipalities, and the department plays a significant support role for the metros.

“These initiatives aim to ensure that allocated funds lead to the delivery of serviced sites, housing units, and bulk infrastructure while minimising underspending across all levels of government,” Simelane said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Approximately 3.4 million households have registered for government housing assistance, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane told the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Tuesday.

Responding to questions for oral reply, Simelane said the figure is drawn from the National Housing Needs Register (NHNR) – the department’s official database of individuals and households seeking State housing support.

She noted that Census 2022, released by Statistics South Africa, does not provide a single official national housing backlog figure, but instead offers household and dwelling data used to derive estimates.

According to the census, South Africa had about 17.8 million households in 2022, with roughly 12% to 13% living in informal dwellings, including informal settlements and backyard structures.

“Using Census 2022 as the demographic base, national housing backlog estimates currently in use range between approximately 2.1 million housing units (Institute of Race Relations – Public Policy Estimates, 2025) and 2.2 million housing units (Centre for Affordable Housing Finance 2024/25).

“While Census 2022 does not state a backlog figure directly, the most recent, widely cited and sector accepted backlog estimate is between 2.1 and 2.4 million housing units, derived using Census 2022 household data as the baseline,” the Minister explained.

Simelane emphasised that while the department does not publish a single verified official “housing backlog” figure, the NHNR remains the most reliable indicator of demand for housing assistance.

On government interventions, she said in line with the Medium Term Development Plan for the 2024/25 to 2029/30 period, the department has planned to deliver 230 000 full subsidy units and 314 000 serviced sites over five years, with existing programmes, such as the Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme, playing a key role.

Flood damage verification process underway

Simelane also confirmed that a verification process will be conducted to assess the impact and cost of recent flood damage in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal to determine the required interventions in those areas.

She said the process will determine the necessary interventions, including the provision of emergency fire kits in informal settlements, assessments by the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) for partially damaged homes, and Temporary Residential Units where properties are completely damaged.

“Once the project has been concluded, the department is able to confirm the expenditure base on the work done,” the Minister explained.

Simelane said all affected provinces have already conducted preliminary impact, and a cost analysis and impact on infrastructure as a motivation to apply for the Disaster Relief Fund. – SAnews.gov.za

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