MIL Africa Engine

South Africa’s economic recovery and long-term growth are built not only in boardrooms and policy meetings, but in everyday choices ordinary South Africans make, says Government Deputy Spokesperson William Baloyi. 

From the corner spaza shop in Ga-Mokgotho, Burgersfort, to proudly South African brands competing on the global stage, supporting local businesses is one of the most powerful ways to  build the economy. 

“When we choose local, we are not just buying a product, we are financially backing our own people.

“We are supporting the entrepreneur running a small business in the township, the young designer turning talent into opportunity, entertainment space creates a vibrant sound of amapiano and the factory worker, whose job depends on demand for locally made goods. 

“From the kasi to the world, South Africans have the creativity, resilience and talent to produce goods and services that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best anywhere. 

“Every rand spent on local products keeps money circulating within communities, supports families – helping to grow businesses that create jobs. Local brands are proving that South African businesses can compete at the highest level,” Baloyi said.

A great example is Portia M, which has grown into one of the country’s most successful beauty brands, showing how local entrepreneurship can transform an industry. 

MaXhosa Africa has become a global fashion player by integrating authentic African heritage with high-end fashion, appearing on international runways and opening a flagship store in Manhattan.

Whoa Collections and its premium packaging that combines artistry and sophistication, with each box representing a strong commitment to quality and design, has also become another South African success story. 

South Africans have also witnessed President Cyril Ramaphosa proudly supporting the local sneaker brand, Bathu, sending a powerful message that supporting local businesses is not only patriotic but practical. 

Over today and Tuesday, Proudly South African celebrated the 14th edition of its Buy Local Summit & Expo, which is being held at the Sandton Convention Centre. 

“Initiatives such as the Proudly South African Buy Local Summit & Expo, which celebrates its 14th edition in 2026, continue to play a critical role in converging businesses, government and consumers to champion local production. 

“It’s a testament that over the years, this flagship event has grown into a dynamic two-day gathering, portraying highlights of the quality, innovation and diversity of products and services produced locally. 

“Proudly South African is the country’s national buy local campaign that was formed in 2001 to boost job creation by promoting South African businesses, products and services, rallying consumers, the public and private sector to procure locally manufactured goods and services,” Baloyi said.

Government is also committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to grow and thrive. 

In the 2026 National Budget, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that the compulsory VAT registration threshold for small businesses will increase from R1 million to R2.3 million per annum from 1 April 2026. 

“This reform will significantly reduce compliance costs and administrative burdens for small enterprises, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on expanding their businesses, innovation and creating jobs. 

“Subsequently, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is finalising a National Industrial Policy to grow a globally competitive manufacturing sector, with a focus on decarbonisation, diversification and digitalisation,” Baloyi said. 

Sectoral interventions are supporting automotive manufacturing, critical minerals beneficiation, agro-processing, furniture, clothing and emerging industries such as cannabis and hemp. 

In addition, government is taking deliberate steps to reduce the country’s dependence on imported goods. Expanding local manufacturing and procurement strengthens domestic industries, broadens markets and unlocks opportunities for business expansion. 

Baloyi said by simplifying business regulations and compliance, government is working to ensure that companies and entrepreneurs can focus on growth, innovation and job creation. 

“Equipping people with the skills and knowledge to participate meaningfully in the economy is equally important. When South Africans buy local, they help sustain factories, farms, small businesses and service providers that employ thousands of people across the country.

“These concerted efforts can play a vital role in reducing the unemployment rate in our country, which remains one of the most pressing hurdles. However, tackling this challenge would require a coordinated action by government, business and labour to increase production, stimulate demand for locally produced goods and expand employment opportunities. 

“This vision aligns with the goals of the National Development Plan 2030, which sets out South Africa’s long-term strategy to reduce unemployment, poverty and inequality, while building a more inclusive society,” he said. 

During the 2026 State of the National Address, Presidency Cyril Ramaphosa announced that over the coming year, government will provide more than R2.5 billion in funding to small and medium enterprises, and extend additional guarantees, with a particular focus on women- and youth-owned businesses. Red tape reduction, credit reform and targeted support will help unlock growth at the local level. 

“Every time you choose a South African product, you are not just making a purchase, you are making an investment. Supporting local businesses is the most direct, practical way to fuel our economic vision of South Africa. 

“It’s a simple choice that carries massive weight. It keeps people  employed, strengthens homegrown industries, and invests in a shared future. Collaboration among consumers, businesses and government is essential to build a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive economy for future generations,” Baloyi said. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa is finally turning the corner on slow growth. 

Thanks to government’s pro-growth reformist agenda, green shoots are emerging in nearly all key sectors of the economy, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau said on Monday.

“Consistent energy supply, and an improved transport and logistics environment, including the drop in inflation to 3.5% recorded early this year, have had a positive knock-on effect on key sectors of the economy.

Mining and Agriculture have both shown strong growth – factors which bode well for sustained growth,” Tau said in a statement. 

The Minister stressed that the four consecutive quarters of growth recorded leading into early 2026 were a result of government led interventions – critical of which was government’s successful investment mobilisation drive.

Investment Conference 

He added that to augment this growth, South Africa is scheduled to host the 6th Investment Conference (SAIC) at the Sandton Convention Centre on 31 March 2026.

In line with the President’s commitment at the 2026 State of the Nation Address, the conference promises to set South Africa on an even bolder investment target over the medium term.

“To date, over R600 billion has already flowed into the economy, resulting in the opening of new factories, mines, and various other industrial facilities. These investments play a critical role in South Africa’s national goals of socio-economic development by creating sustainable jobs, reducing poverty, and addressing inequality,” Tau said.

Launched in 2018 by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the SAIC has become the country’s premier platform for attracting global and domestic delegates to discuss emerging opportunities. The 2026 conference occurs during a period of significantly improved investor perception. 

Over the last 18 to 24 months, several critical economic challenges have been addressed, most notably the improvement in the country’s energy reliability.

Tau stressed that the forthcoming conference will be anchored on South Africa’s new future focused economic and industrial policy, including the targets in the Medium Term Development Plan, the Economic Growth and Inclusion (GAIN) programme and South Africa’s New Industrial Policy which is being finalised.

Tau reinforced that the 6th SAIC will continue building on the achievements of the dtic family since the beginning of the seventh administration.

“Over the past year and a half, we have implemented industrial reforms in targeted sectors and incentivised industry to create jobs. We have embarked on market and export diversification through our Butterfly Strategy and are redesigning Transformation through the Transformation Fund and B-BBEE policy review,” he said.

Government will host the sixth edition of the conference in Johannesburg as it intensifies efforts to attract R2 trillion in new investment commitments over the next five years.

The upcoming summit builds on the success of the previous five-year investment cycle, which concluded in March 2023, after raising R1.51 trillion, surpassing the initial R1.2 trillion target. 
– SAnews.gov.za

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina and Eswatini Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela Dlamini, have signed a revised treaty on the Development and Utilisation of the Water Resources of the Komati River Basin.

The amended treaty, signed at Maguga Dam in Eswatini on Friday, 13 March 2026, supports future water development, while safeguarding long-term water security for communities in Mpumalanga relying on the Driekoppies Dam and Maguga Dam, and reinforces strong transboundary cooperation between South Africa and Eswatini.

The agreement was concluded during a meeting hosted by Prince Dlamini, who invited Majodina to the Kingdom of Eswatini to discuss cooperation on shared water resources and to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries.

The Ministers emphasised the need to strengthen cooperation and the existing bilateral relations through the Joint Water Commission (JWC) Agreement signed in 1992. The Commission acts as a technical advisory body to both governments on all technical matters relating to the development and utilisation of shared water resources.

The Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of South Africa also signed the Treaty on the Development and Utilisation of water resources of the Komati Basin in 1992, which led to the establishment of the Komati Basin Water Authority (KOBWA) in 1993. The bi-national authority was mandated to raise financing through loans, design and oversee the construction of the Maguga and Driekoppies dams, and to manage their operation and maintenance.

The Treaty stipulated the equitable water allocations between two countries and set out a formula for sharing the costs of construction of the two dams as well as operation and maintenance of the dams and the system post construction phase.

However, the agreement had not been reviewed in the 33 years since its signing. With the introduction of many legislative changes in the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of South Africa, environment in which KOBWA operates and commitments to international principles governing transboundary water cooperation between member states amongst others, necessitated a review of the treaty.

The revision aims to broaden KOBWA’s mandate so that it can support the two governments’ efforts to improve water services for their citizens and explore sustainable revenue streams to support its operational expenses.

The review process included public consultations in both countries, and all relevant processes for concluding international agreements were observed from both countries.

During the meeting, the Ministers stressed the importance of complying with minimum cross-border water flow requirements at the Ressano Garcia gauging station in line with the Incomati–Maputo Watercourse Agreement. They also encouraged KOBWA and the Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA) to work together towards ensuring the 2.6 m3/s (cubic metres) is achieved as prescribed in the Incomati-Maputo agreement.

“The Ministers further committed their support to the Incomati-Maputo Water Commission (INMACOM) as the new institution established to promote cooperation between the three Parties (The Kingdom of Eswatini, The Republic of Mozambique and The Republic of South Africa) to ensure the development, protection and sustainable utilisation of water resources shared by the Member States,” the Ministers said in a Joint statement.

The meeting reaffirmed the continued strong cooperation between the two governments, especially in the management of transboundary water resources.

It was agreed that the Joint Water Commission would continue to meet at least once a year, while the Ministers would hold regular engagements to share updates and discuss progress on the work of the Commission. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the inaugural National Transport Conference should mark a turning point for South Africa’s transport sector, calling for stronger collaboration between government, business and labour to drive reforms and improve the country’s logistics system.

Addressing delegates at the conference held at Gallagher Convention Centre on Monday, President Ramaphosa said building an effective transport system requires partnerships across sectors.

“To build the partnership that this vision requires, we should consider establishing a permanent Transport Council,” the President said.

The President said the proposed council would bring together government, the private sector and passenger and logistics service providers across land, air and sea transport to strengthen cooperation and support reforms in the sector. 

He stressed that an efficient transport and logistics system is essential for economic growth and improving the lives of South Africans.

“Transport is vital to our economy and our people. When our transport arteries are blocked or inefficient, growth stalls, costs rise and opportunity diminishes. When they flow freely, the country thrives,” he said.

The President noted that logistics inefficiencies are estimated to cost the country’s economy close to R1 billion a day, highlighting the urgency of reforms to improve the movement of goods and people.

He said government has placed logistics reform at the centre of its economic recovery strategy through the Medium-Term Development Plan. 

Key interventions include the implementation of the National Rail Policy of 2022 and the National Freight Logistics Roadmap of 2023, which aim to restore rail as the backbone of South Africa’s freight logistics system.

Through the establishment of the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager, government has started opening the rail network to private operators.

Train slots covering 24 million tonnes of freight a year have already been conditionally allocated to 11 train operating companies, with the first private operator expected to begin operations in April 2027. 

President Ramaphosa said government has also set an ambitious target of moving 250 million tonnes of freight by rail by 2029, compared with 160 million tonnes transported in the past financial year. 

The President said improvements are already emerging through the work of the National Logistics Crisis Committee, which has been coordinating efforts to address challenges in the freight system and improve operations on key corridors.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that a modern and efficient transport system would lower the cost of doing business, attract investment and create jobs.

“It will strengthen regional integration and make our economy more competitive,” he said.

He added that the conference presents an opportunity for stakeholders to place transport at the centre of the country’s growth path and help shape a more inclusive and resilient transport system. – SAnews.gov.za

Government is continually engaging with stakeholders in the petroleum sector on fuel supply stability and security of fuel supply, as global disruptions continue.

This according to Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, who delivered a keynote address at the 5^th Southern Africa Oil and Gas Conference, which kicked off in Cape Town. 

Conflict in the Middle East has caused disruptions to supply and a steep increase in fuel prices.

“To maintain product availability in our country, as communicated last week, the department remains in constant engagement with industry players to explore all possible supply sources.

“These engagements are aimed at ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability in the domestic market, without immediately utilising the country’s strategic reserves,” he said.

The Minister noted that disruptions are particularly impactful on countries that are reliant on oil imports.

“While questions remain about potential fuel supply disruptions, the reality is that substantial fuel price increases are increasingly unavoidable. Countries that rely heavily on imports of refined petroleum products remain particularly vulnerable to global market shocks.

“[The] sustainable long-term solution to our challenges lies in domestic production. This can only be achieved through the rigorous exploration and responsible exploitation of our own petroleum resources,” Mantashe stated.

South Africa’s potential oil production has been met with legal challenges from environmental groups.

“It is now well established that South Africa is endowed with significant offshore petroleum potential, including major gas discoveries in the Outeniqua Basin.

“The Orange Basin has also emerged as a world-class frontier, following significant oil discoveries in Namibia, which geological evidence suggests may extend southwards into South African waters.

“Regrettably, we have not yet been able to fully explore and exploit this potential due to ongoing blockages against oil and gas development in the name of environmental protection,” the minister said.

Mantashe stated that exploration is in line with the Constitution which states that “we must secure ecologically sustainable development and the use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development”.

“The truth is that rising oil and gas prices have a direct ripple effect on the cost of living. The lack of access to these resources has an even greater impact, as it can lead to energy poverty, rising unemployment, and the further entrenchment of poverty and inequality.

“South Africa, and indeed the African continent at large, cannot afford to remain poor while endowed with abundant natural resources. We must harness these resources responsibly to drive inclusive economic grow, create employment opportunities, and eradicate poverty,” he said.

Implementing reforms

Mantashe emphasised that the “importance of responsible oil and gas development in meeting our socioeconomic needs cannot be overstated”, arguing that the development would significantly enhance South Africa’s “industrialisation efforts and contribute to GDP growth”.

“It is against this backdrop that our government continues to reform its legislative framework to promote and advance the petroleum sector so that it can make a meaningful contribution to South Africa’s economy.

“The enactment of the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act [UPRDA] represents a critical intervention in this regard. The Act has not only separated petroleum from mining legislation, but also establishes an enabling regulatory framework aimed at accelerating exploration and production of the nation’s petroleum resources,” he explained.

Extensive submissions from industry role players have been taken into account with an eye on publishing the regulations for implementation by the end of March.

“We are also advancing the modernisation of the Petroleum Products Act. Following public consultations on the draft Petroleum Products Bill [PPB], the bill is currently undergoing certification processes ahead of submission to Cabinet for approval, and thereafter to Parliament.

“These reforms are aimed at ensuring equitable access to, and sustainable development of the nation’s petroleum resources while, in the long term, reducing the country’s reliance on imports of finished products to meet domestic demand,” Mantashe said.

Furthermore, an engagement with the ministers of Environmental Affairs and Water and Sanitation has been held to finalise and gazette regulations for shale gas development.

“As per our previous commitment, the Department stands ready to lift the moratorium [on shale gas development] immediately after these regulations are promulgated.

“This commitment represents an important step towards promoting fairness and regulatory certainty in the development of our oil and gas sector and ensures that these matters do not remain indefinitely suspended in lengthy litigation processes that create investor uncertainty,” he said.

The minister assured that government is committed to ensuring that the country’s petroleum potential is developed responsibly.

“[We] remain firmly committed to ensuring that South Africa’s petroleum resources are developed in an orderly, responsible, and environmentally sustainable manner, while at the same time advancing meaningful social and economic development for our people.

“South Africa must not stand on the sidelines while the global energy landscape evolves and while our neighbouring countries unlock the value of their resources.

“We must act decisively, responsibly, and in the national interest to unlock the full potential of our petroleum sector,” Mantashe concluded. – SAnews.gov.za