MIL Africa Engine

November 13, 2025

G20 Forum to Feature Green Energy, Carbon Leaders Amid African Energy Transition Drive

Source: APO

Africa’s green energy sector is entering a period of rapid growth, driven by continental efforts to enhance power generation, support an energy transition and make energy poverty history. With over 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves and abundant solar and wind potential, the continent is well-positioned to use its green energy sector as a catalyst for achieving these goals. Realizing these objectives will require significant investment, underscoring the need for innovative financing mechanisms, strengthened global partnerships and private-led project development.

At the G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum – taking place November 21 in Johannesburg – representatives from leading green energy and carbon credit companies are expected to share insight into Africa’s emerging green energy economy. Discussions will center on how innovative financing can bridge the continent’s investment gap, advancing impactful projects and strengthening Africa’s energy systems. As the continent accelerates a just and inclusive energy transition, the forum will serve as a launchpad for new investments.

Diversified energy represents the cornerstone of Africa’s energy transition and companies such as Levene Energy are leading this strategy. With projects in natural gas, oil and renewable energies, Levene Energy is driving Nigeria’s energy development. The company is expanding midstream gas infrastructure, supporting the transportation of low-carbon gas as a substitute for diesel, while providing emission reduction services for upstream projects. In the renewable energy sector, Levene Energy has a partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency focused on implementing rural generation projects and manufacturing solar systems. During the G20 Forum, Levene Energy’s CEO Nzan Ogbe is expected to share insight into this strategy and how diversification can fuel energy security in Africa.

In the power sector, companies such as Clarke Energy are addressing Africa’s energy challenges by providing distributed power plant solutions in the gas sector. The company specializes in energy efficient, low-carbon and flexible energy systems, delivering projects such as gas engines, biogas upgraders, battery energy storage systems and carbon dioxide capture. These solutions are supporting Africa’s economic growth by leveraging natural gas to fuel operations. In Nigeria, the company is harnessing as to support agriculture processing through the 1.5 MW Jenbacher plant, powered by CNG. In Tunisia, the company deployed a CHP plant to enhance power supply and support textile manufacturing. These developments showcase the role gas-fired power generation can play in reducing emissions while supporting operations across a variety of industries. At the G20 Forum, Kara Neale, Commercial Leader at Clarke Energy, is expected to provide further insight into these applications.

Beyond renewable energy and natural gas projects, Africa’s carbon credit market is beginning to gain traction. As a viable solution for driving investment across Africa’s energy sector, carbon credits have significant growth potential across the African market. Companies such as Green Asset Exchange – Africa’s first locally developed trading platform for environmental assets – have emerged as a pathway for African carbon credits and Renewable Energy Certificates to reach international buyers. The company – launched in South Africa – enables transparent, standardized transactions, playing a key role in addressing the continent’s energy finance gap and supporting project development across the continent. Green Asset Exchange’s Managing Director Nick Rowley is speaking at the G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum, where he is expected to shed light into Africa’s carbon credit market, including strategies opportunities and challenges.

“To make energy poverty history, we need financing mechanisms that reflect Africa’s realities. The G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum is more than a dialogue; it’s a platform to unlock real investments that will turn Africa’s vast renewable and natural gas potential into reliable energy for our people. This is how we build an inclusive, sustainable future,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

To register for the Forum click here (https://apo-opa.co/47VAMuC).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

November 13, 2025

South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins G20 Forum as South Africa Targets Accelerated Hydrocarbon Exploration

Source: APO

Godfrey Moagi, CEO of the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC), has joined the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/) G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum – taking place in Johannesburg on November 21, 2025. Moagi’s participation comes at a time when South Africa is implementing measures to accelerate oil and gas exploration across on- and offshore basins and is expected to support new deals and partnerships as the country pursues near-term oil and gas production.

With significant resource potential across onshore and offshore basins, South Africa is taking steps towards transforming its energy sector through upstream development. In October 2025, the country announced that it is lifting the moratorium on shale gas exploration, paving the way for new investments across strategic areas such as the Karoo Basin. While unproven, the basin is estimated to hold up to 200 trillion cubic feet of technically recoverable shale gas resources, the development of which could become a catalyst for enhancing energy security and supporting a just energy transition.

South Africa’s oil and gas potential transcends onshore margins, with proven resources revealed in the offshore Outeniqua Basin – home to the Brulpadda and Luiperd finds – and estimated resources in the Orange Basin – which extends into Namibia. While environmental and financial challenges have impacted development, the country’s offshore market is witnessing renewed interest by global operators. Notably, energy major Shell secured approval for a five-well drilling campaign in the Northern Cape Ulrta Deep block, while TotalEnergies is targeting a two-well wildcat campaign in South Africa’s portion of the Orange Basin. These campaigns stand to unlock these basins, introducing a new source of energy for South Africa’s high-demand market.

Supporting these efforts, South Africa also signed its Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act into law in 2024, offering a separate regulatory framework for the country’s upstream oil and gas sector. The act aims to accelerate exploration and production, facilitate development and support foreign investment by providing a transparent and industry-focused piece of legislation, highlighting the government’s commitment to the industry.

The establishment of the SANPC in 2025 is also a strong reflection of the country’s commitment to improving industry oversight, transparency and growth, while strengthening the operational capacity of South Africa’s state-owned entities. Created through a merger of iGas, PetroSA and the Strategic Fuel Fund, the SANPC aligns with regional trends in governance and is positioned as a vehicle for investment and project development. For international operators, the establishment of the SANPC signals the emergence of strong, competitive national partner, thereby enhancing South Africa’s attractiveness as an oil and gas investment destination.

The scale of capital and expertise required to develop shale and offshore resources calls for robust partnerships between the state, private operators and international investors. The G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum provides the ideal platform for advancing this agenda. Bringing together global financiers, energy leaders and policymakers, the forum will showcase South Africa’s reformed upstream framework and investment-ready opportunities. For SANPC, it represents an opportunity to position the company as the linchpin of the country’s exploration revival, attracting strategic partnerships and securing funding for future drilling programs.

“By enabling exploration both onshore and offshore, and by fostering collaboration with experienced international partners, South Africa can finally move from energy scarcity toward energy abundance. The SANPC has a vital role to play in ensuring that exploration delivers tangible benefits – not just in energy supply, but in job creation, industrial growth and technological advancement,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

November 13, 2025

MTBPS reinforces commitment to economic growth

Source: Government of South Africa

Cabinet has welcomed the 2025 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) as part of continuing government efforts to drive economic growth, create jobs and address the cost of living.

Delivered by the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, on Wednesday in Parliament, the MTBPS announced a shift from inflation target range to a specific inflation target of 3%.

“The benefits of low inflation target at personal income level include prevention of cost-of-living spirals, promotion of price stability and thus protect purchasing power, supporting equitable income distribution, and protection of savings.

“At a macroeconomic level, the aim is to support gross capital formation and enhance currency stability which are important for investor confidence and economic growth.

“The National Treasury/Reserve Bank technical team that made the recommendation for this change in Monetary Policy position, considered the drawbacks of this shift but on balance Cabinet was advised that this is the best approach for the country at the current period,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday, in Cape Town.

The Minister made these remarks during a media briefing on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 12 November 2025.

“The MTBPS also reaffirmed government’s commitment to improve provision of critical services such as health, education, and protection of the poor through social grants while also driving investments in public infrastructure such as energy, water and transport,” Ntshavheni said.

SA produces first vaccine

In a groundbreaking milestone for the country’s pharmaceutical sector, South Africa’s Biovac has produced a Cholera vaccine – the first vaccine to be produced in the country.

“Cabinet congratulated Biovac and the Departments of Health and Science, Technology and Innovation for the launch of the first vaccine to be produced in South Africa, in the history of the country.

“Biovac’s ability to produce the Cholera vaccine in South Africa is a demonstration of South Africa’s advancement in pharmaceutical, science and technology and marking a graduation from vaccine packaging like in the instance of the BNG vaccine to full vaccine manufacturing capability,” the Minister said.

She hailed the partnership of Biovac with the Human Sciences Research Council and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) as it demonstrates the mobilisation of government’s capabilities to address the country’s challenges.

“Cabinet is confident of Biovac, with its partners, future contribution to the eradication of diseases in South Africa and Africa through the manufacturing of vaccines focused on our continent’s disease profile,” the Minister said.

Quarterly Labour Force Survey

With Statics South Africa (Stats SA) reporting that 248 000 more jobs were created in the third quarter of 2025, Cabinet welcomed this development.

These stats showed that the increasing number of employed persons now stands at 17.1 million and the official unemployment rate declined by 1.3 percentage points, to 31.9%, in the quarter.

“With more jobs recorded in the construction, community and social services, and trade sectors, Cabinet is pleased with job creation momentum in key areas of the economy.

“More jobs in the construction sector is concomitant with government’s prioritisation of infrastructure development which is matched by a R 1trillion infrastructure budget as announced during the 2025 Budget and reaffirmed in the 2025 MTBPS,” the Minister said.

SA tourism sees boost in international travellers

South Africa’s tourism continues a positive trajectory as the country welcomed 7 634 261 million international tourists between January and September 2025, marking an impressive increase of 1 108 222 visitors compared with the same period in 2024.

This confirms South Africa as a premier global tourism destination.

Key strong growth markets that contributed to the growth are the Middle East with 58%; Europe grew by 29%; key markets in Africa grew by 28%; North America by 22%, and Asia with 11%.

Energy

Cabinet also welcomed Eskom’s announcement that the National Nuclear Regulator has approved a 20-year licence extension for Koeberg Unit 2, enabling its operation until 9 November 2045.

“This is a significant milestone that strengthens South Africa’s long-term energy security and reflects Eskom’s commitment to world-class nuclear safety standards.

“Cabinet further welcomed the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (Nersa) announcement of the registration of 181 new generation facilities during the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. These facilities represent a combined capacity of 1 401 MW and an estimated investment value of R30.78 billion,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

November 13, 2025

Cabinet ‘confident’ about G20 Leaders’ Summit

Source: Government of South Africa

Cabinet has expressed its full confidence in South Africa’s ability to host a successful G20 Leaders’ Summit.

This according to Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who briefed the media on the outcomes of the cabinet meeting held this week.

The summit will be held at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, from 22 to 23 November.

“Since taking over the reigns as the President of the G20, South Africa has hosted 130 preparatory meetings which were incident free and used the opportunity to showcase the diversity of our provinces and tourism destinations.

“All provinces hosted a G20 preparatory event of one form or the other,” she said.

Turning to the Leaders’ Summit itself, Ntshavheni assured that law enforcement is ready to ensure that the summit is safe and secure for all attendees.

“Comprehensive safety and security plans for the Leaders’ Summit and the Social Summit are being managed and coordinated by the relevant security structures.

“A G20 State of Readiness media briefing will be held on Sunday, 16 November 2025, to take citizens and the global stakeholders into the country’s confidence, including milestones achieved since South Africa’s G20 Presidency in November 2024,” she said.

President Ramaphosa is expected to undertake a walkabout at the Nasrec precinct tomorrow (Friday).

Regional support

With just over a week to go until the Leaders’ Summit, the African Union has thrown its support behind South Africa – calling South Africa’s G20 Presidency a milestone reflecting the country’s “growing role in global governance”.

“As the current Chair of the G20, South Africa has shown exceptional leadership in promoting the priorities of the Global South, advancing sustainable development, and strengthening inclusive global governance.

“The Republic of South Africa is a vibrant democracy that upholds equality, human rights, and the rule of law. Its Constitution and policies reflect values aligned with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

“The African Union encourages all international partners to engage with South Africa and the wider African continent on the basis of mutual respect, truth, and constructive cooperation, supporting Africa’s continued contribution to global peace, development, and prosperity,” the continental body said. – SAnews.gov.za

November 13, 2025

Cabinet concerned over persistent high levels of GBVF

Source: Government of South Africa

Government has expressed deep concern that South Africa continues to battle unacceptably high levels of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) despite sustained national efforts to stem the flow of violence.

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, made the remarks during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Cape Town on Thursday,

“Cabinet is deeply concerned that despite concerted efforts by government, civil society, businesses and communities to tackle the scourge, South Africa continues to grapple with alarming rates of GBVF,” the Minister told the media.

The Minister’s comments come as South Africa will observe the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign from 25 November to 10 December 2025, under the theme: “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls working together to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).”

The campaign, which forms part of a global United Nations initiative, calls for collective action across society to raise awareness, mobilise communities, and strengthen accountability in efforts to eliminate violence against women and children.

Earlier this year, government launched the 90-Day Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Acceleration Programme, a national initiative aimed at ensuring “rapid and coordinated action” against the scourge and to “fast track the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF”.

“The 90-Day programme which was led by JCPS [Justice, Crime Prevention and Security] Cluster worked on urgent and impactful interventions to reverse the upward trend of GBVF in the country.

“These include the re-establishment of the Inter-Ministerial Committee [IMC] to ensure cooperation in the implementation of the GBVF National Strategic Plan,” she explained.

The Minister called on a whole of society approach to root out GBVF.

“We call upon South Africans to work with government as society, as family to prevent and stop the scourge of [GBV]. Gender-based violence occurs in our homes, in our communities so we are the first responders and have the power and the ability to stop it.

“Government comes in to protect and to respond to the actions of those who have already perpetrated GBVF. But we know that prevention is better than cure. So, this is a societal call to be united to address GBVF against our children and women,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za

November 13, 2025

South Africa can Realize its Gas Potential with a Balanced Gas-to-Liquids Strategy (By NJ Ayuk)

Source: APO

By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org/)

It is not an exaggeration to say that South Africa’s offshore gas discoveries offer up a potential economic transformation for the country that would be on par with Guyana’s oil-driven boom or Suriname’s emerging energy sector.

Estimates for the Luiperd-Brulpadda gas-condensate project, in Block 11B/12B off South Africa’s southern coast, gauge its holdings at 3.4 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas and 192 million barrels of gas condensate. Production at this site would equate to thousands of jobs and a revitalization of regions like Mossel Bay, where South Africa’s gas-to-liquids refinery once fueled local employment and industry before declining production forced cutbacks.

Unfortunately, this could all be just wishful thinking, as TotalEnergies’ exit from this project in 2024 revealed a critical barrier.

South Africa’s gas potential is currently locked up, partly because of legal challenges initiated by environmental activist groups that halted projects to the tune of USD1.6 billion, but also due to the inability of all parties involved to come to an agreement on gas purchase pricing.

The GTL Solution

A gas-to-liquids (GTL) strategy — one that links prices to liquefied natural gas (LNG) spot markets and includes meaningful community engagement — would help balance the needs of upstream investors, downstream users, and the coastal communities while delivering sustainable growth for the rest of the nation.

The gas pricing dilemma is the main obstacle.

Upstream companies like TotalEnergies demand dollar-based contracts to mitigate currency risk and ensure returns on their substantial exploration investments. The South African government is justifiably wary of dollar-denominated agreements and would prefer rand-based prices to protect local consumers and maintain affordability. The impasse TotalEnergies encountered on this issue is one of the factors behind their withdrawal from Block 11B/12B, despite their promising, hard-won discoveries at the site.

The domestic market complicates the situation even further.

Electricity producers require low gas prices, as they operate on slim margins once carbon costs are accounted for. Upstream operators, on the other hand, need to collect higher prices to justify the development of their capital-intensive deepwater projects. Meanwhile, the global LNG market is expected to remain saturated for the next three to five years, making the export of gas in the form of LNG a less competitive option for now. Without a pricing compromise, South Africa’s gas remains untapped, leaving behind all the profit and opportunity it represents.

A GTL strategy offers a multifaceted solution, however. By revitalizing the PetroSA GTL facility in Mossel Bay and converting natural gas into high-value liquid fuels like diesel and kerosene on site, South Africa could cut its reliance on fuel imports, strengthen its energy security, and extend employment opportunities to thousands of workers.

The precedent is clear: In Suriname, TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu deepwater project is set to generate 6,000 local jobs and inject at least USD1 billion into the economy. A similar initiative at the dormant Mossel Bay facility could transform South Africa’s southern coast, providing the government with fresh revenue and wider economic stability.

This is not mere optimism; this gameplan would be a practical means of leveraging existing infrastructure to drive regional development. But, once again, the economic viability of a GTL strategy as a solution for South African gas production hinges on securing a gas pricing agreement that satisfies the needs of both producers and consumers.

To resolve this pricing stalemate, South Africa should adopt a formula that ties the gas purchase price to the global LNG spot price, minus a percentage to reflect the absence of liquefaction and transportation costs. This approach would allow upstream companies to receive dollar-based payments, satisfying their financial requirements while aligning with the inherent shifts in the global market. Downstream, power producers and GTL operators would enjoy the affordability of discounted pricing, making projects economically feasible at both ends of the supply chain.

Furthermore, the government could incentivize GTL development through tax breaks, infrastructure subsidies, or public-private partnerships, so the economic benefits of these projects would be more likely to outweigh the initial costs. This pricing model would be a fair compromise that avoids the pitfalls of rand-based contracts and meets the needs of all stakeholders.

Additional Roadblocks

Overcoming environmental opposition is another critical step toward progress in gas development, and overlooking community engagement in this regard only empowers non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to challenge projects in court. Petroleum Agency SA’s community awareness campaigns, which educate locals about the benefits and risks of gas development, offer a model for improvement in this area. Expanding such efforts to include early and transparent engagement in the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process would help build trust and reduce grounds for legal action.

Town hall meetings and accessible EIA summaries would be a means of highlighting the economic benefits of a GTL strategy. By involving communities as stakeholders, the government and industry can work together to demonstrate that gas development can create shared prosperity.

The implementation of a GTL strategy is itself another way of addressing the legal pushback brought against South African exploration projects. Liquid fuels produced domestically reduce emissions by avoiding long-distance shipping, meaning that a GTL strategy is already in alignment with environmental goals from the start. Emphasizing the lower carbon footprint of a GTL operation would go a long way in gaining public approval of the project, but the government must still work to speed up the permitting process by establishing clear, time-bound guidelines for EIAs and consultations. Mechanisms should also be put in place to limit repetitive, post-approval legal challenges and allow projects to proceed without endless litigation.

A dedicated task force of industry, government, and local representatives would strengthen South Africa’s negotiating power and help hold projects accountable to environmental and social standards.

A Collaborative Path Forward

Extracting and monetizing the gas resources held in Block 11B/12B and elsewhere could be a course-correcting game-changer for South Africa, but doing so to the greatest possible benefit requires bold, collaborative action. For South Africa to truly benefit from its gas resources, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration must move beyond the traditional focus on coal and mining, prioritize gas development, and embrace the potential of a GTL strategy.

By reviving the defunct Mossel Bay GTL facility and implementing a pricing model tied to LNG spot prices, the government can satisfy the needs of both upstream and downstream stakeholders while creating jobs for South Africans and reducing their dependency on imports. Simplifying the permit process and expanding community engagement would address environmental concerns so that projects can move forward without unnecessary delays or lawsuits.

With decisive leadership and a commitment to balance, South Africa can transform its gas potential into a catalyst for sustainable growth and secure a prosperous future, not just for the industry, but for the nation as a whole.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

November 13, 2025

Aman Union Members Demonstrate Robust Technical Performance in 2024

Source: APO

The AMAN Union, the leading professional forum for commercial and non-commercial insurance and reinsurance companies across the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), showcased the key findings of its Technical Performance Analysis for 2023–2024, prepared and presented by Türk Eximbank, during the 15th Annual Meeting of the Aman Union, hosted by the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) (http://ICIEC.IsDB.org) in Jeddah.

The presentation highlighted the continued growth and resilience of the AMAN UNION Full members, underscoring their collective contribution to enhancing trade facilitation and risk management across OIC Member States.

According to the analysis, total insured business among Aman Union full members reached USD 54 billion in 2024, representing a 10% increase compared to the previous year. Premium volumes also expanded by 20%, amounting to USD 338 million, reflecting strong underwriting performance and increased demand for export credit and investment insurance solutions.

Meanwhile, claims paid by member ECAs decreased by 21%, indicating improved portfolio quality and risk mitigation measures. The total number of policyholders rose to 10,000—an 8% annual increase—while the number of buyers insured reached 110,000, growing by 9% year-on-year.

The analysis further revealed that Türk Eximbank, ICIEC, and Saudi EXIM accounted for 87% of total short-term export business insured across the Union, while ICIEC led in investment insurance activities. These results reaffirm the pivotal role of Aman Union members in supporting regional trade, export diversification, and sustainable economic growth.

Speaking on behalf of the Aman Union Secretariat, Ms. Neslihan Diniz, Manager of International Relations at Türk Eximbank, emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and data transparency among members to strengthen institutional capacity and performance benchmarking within the Union.

The Technical Performance Analysis serves as a vital monitoring tool to assess members’ operational trends, identify growth opportunities, and promote exchange of best practices in the field of credit and investment insurance. Its findings contribute to the Union’s broader objective of fostering cooperation, innovation, and sustainable development among its 17 full members.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC).

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The AMAN Union is a professional forum that brings together insurers and reinsurers covering commercial and non-commercial risks in the member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (Dhaman). The Union was established on October 28, 2009, following a bilateral agreement between Dhaman and the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) to unify their efforts in creating a platform that enhances cooperation among insurers and reinsurers operating within their respective member countries.

Mashatile calls for stronger public-private collaboration for inclusive growth

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged stronger coordination between government, business, and civil society to unlock inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the Garden Route and beyond.

Delivering a virtual address at the Garden Route Economic Coordination Roundtable Dialogue on Thursday, Mashatile commended the region for sustaining momentum since the inaugural Knysna Regional Investment Conference.

He said the continued collaboration was transforming the Garden Route into a growing investment and tourism destination.

“I am very proud of your commitment to promoting this part of our country as a key investor destination, but also a catalyst for tourism in the Garden Route,” Mashatile said.

Held under the theme: “Strengthening intergovernmental coordination and private sector collaboration for inclusive economic growth”, the roundtable echoes what the Presidency had been promoting – a drive to build partnerships that accelerate development and create jobs.

Mashatile highlighted a number of national initiatives designed to harness private investment and expertise, including the Strategic Partnership Programme, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and the Government Business Partnership.

“These programmes are designed to harness private capital and expertise to enhance investment opportunities and stimulate economic growth. They specifically target issues in infrastructure development, improving operational efficiency, and creating employment opportunities for the youth, thereby addressing critical economic challenges,” the Deputy President said.

The Deputy President drew parallels with local initiatives, such as the iThuba Development Project, a R200 billion investment that aims to drive inclusive growth, infrastructure renewal, township revitalisation, and innovation-led economic development across the Garden Route District and beyond.

“These initiatives are not merely development projects; they are catalysts for change that align with South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) mandate to promote sustainable and inclusive growth. They reflect a collaborative commitment to transform the very communities that shaped us, ensuring that the next generation inherits a future of dignity, opportunity, and shared prosperity,” Mashatile said.

Intergovernmental coordination key to success

Mashatile also underscored the importance of intergovernmental relations in ensuring effective service delivery and avoiding duplication of resources.

Quoting Chapter 3 of the Constitution, the Deputy President reminded delegates that the three spheres of government, including national, provincial, and local, are “distinctive, interdependent and interrelated” and enjoins them to “cooperate in mutual trust and good faith.”

He said intergovernmental relations are crucial for South Africa’s economic growth as they ensure coordination between national, provincial, and local governments to implement policies and deliver services effectively.

“Strong intergovernmental relations prevent the duplication of resources and efforts, align strategic planning, and foster a stable environment for investment, which is essential for economic development. This is what we have been encouraging with the implementation of the District Development Model (DDM), which encourages better coordination among the various spheres of government,” the Deputy President said.

Empowering small businesses

The Deputy President also emphasised that government action alone is not enough to drive growth, calling for greater support for small businesses and young entrepreneurs.

“Local municipalities need to encourage young individuals to start their own businesses, as small enterprises create jobs, products, revenue, and services that benefit the community. Significant investments in the local economy are necessary to empower the younger generation and facilitate their economic participation,” the Deputy President said.

He highlighted the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund, introduced by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), in partnership with the Department of Small Business Development, which provides financial and non-financial assistance to South African-owned spaza shops, general dealers, and grocery stores located in townships and rural areas.

Mashatile concluded his remarks by urging South Africans to use the upcoming G20 Summit to promote the country’s commitment to building a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united, and prosperous South Africa.

“Tell the world that there is no genocide happening in our country. Tell the world that we live side by side and we are building a nation that Madiba and Tutu spoke about. We are building a nation that Braam Fischer and Helen Suzman spoke about. We are building a nation that Fatima Meer and Dr Naicker fought for,” Mashatile said. – SAnews.gov.za

November 13, 2025

Over 80 unroadworthy vehicles removed in Gauteng wide crackdown

Source: Government of South Africa

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, through its enforcement unit, the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI), has taken 84 unroadworthy vehicles off the road during intensified stop-and-search operations conducted between 3 and 9 November 2025.

The high-impact operations form part of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s comprehensive road safety strategy aimed at tackling lawlessness, enhancing compliance with traffic regulations, and safeguarding the lives of road users across the province.

According to the department, the discontinued vehicles were found to be in serious violation of road safety standards, with many failing critical roadworthiness tests due to faulty brakes, worn-out tyres, and defective lighting systems.

The GTI’s swift action prevented these hazardous vehicles from continuing to operate on public roads, reducing the risk of crashes linked to mechanical defects.

In addition to the discontinued vehicles, GTI officers uncovered widespread levels of non-compliance among public transport operators.

Key offences recorded during the week-long blitz included:

•    54 minibuses operating without valid licence discs,
•    40 minibuses discontinued for mechanical and safety defects, and
•    72 drivers operating without valid driving licences.

A total of 1 539 infringement notices were also issued for various traffic and transport-related offences. Of these, 557 were handwritten and 982 were processed electronically using GTI’s e-Force enforcement gadgets, a demonstration of the department’s commitment to leveraging technology in promoting compliance and accountability.

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, commended the GTI for its consistent and proactive enforcement approach, reaffirming the department’s zero-tolerance stance on non-compliance.

“The discontinuation of unroadworthy vehicles is a necessary step to protect lives on our roads. Public transport operators must understand that non-compliance will not be tolerated. We remain resolute in our mission to create safer roads and restore order within the public transport sector,” Diale-Tlabela said.

The GTI, comprising 96 highly trained officers from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), continues to roll out targeted enforcement operations across Gauteng to identify and remove unroadworthy vehicles, apprehend illegal operators, and ensure adherence to road safety standards.

Maintenance work underway on R24

Meanwhile, the Department of Roads and Transport has urged motorists to exercise caution along the R24, where milling and resurfacing work is currently underway.

The project is expected to be completed by Sunday, 16 November 2025.

“Motorists are urged to exercise caution, plan for possible delays, and use alternative routes where feasible.” – SAnews.gov.za

November 13, 2025

Call to put shovel to the ground

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a rallying call to the construction sector to “go and construct South Africa” by seizing the opportunity presented by government’s R1 trillion infrastructure drive.

The President was addressing the National Construction Summit held at Kempton Park in Gauteng on Thursday.

“Our country is poised…for great growth.

“We have the money [for infrastructure], we have the leadership, we have the opportunity. Just go and construct South Africa,” President Ramaphosa told industry leaders at the summit.

Government has committed some R1 trillion over the medium term solely to infrastructure development and is also introducing reforms to create a conducive environment for public-private partnerships (PPP).

Amendments to Treasury Regulation 16 – which are aimed at driving higher PPP investment, managing fiscal commitments, improving governance and easing private sector entry – took effect in June.

“The purpose of this Summit is to ensure that these investments and reforms do indeed turn the country into a building site.

“We want to see cranes and construction vehicles in cities, townships, villages and rural areas. When visitors travel by road or rail or air, they must see a country at work.”

The President warned that as announced investments turn to soil turning, government will “not let anyone derail these efforts”.

“We will not negotiate with construction mafias. We will not yield to cable thieves or those who vandalise infrastructure. The law enforcement agencies will deal with those who break the law.

“We have declared war on the construction mafias and they will not stop us,” he said.

Those construction companies that underperform and delay government projects are also up for accountability through the South African Construction Action Plan.

“It is a framework for collective and individual accountability; a plan that sets measurable targets, real timelines and enforceable consequences.

“The plan outlines actions to prevent underperforming contractors from securing new contracts from the state. It aims to fix cash-flow constraints and use technology to track construction projects in real time,” the President explained.

Provinces are also poised to establish Procurement War Rooms aimed at “identifying “blockages, speed up evaluations and ensure that projects move from bid to site without unnecessary delay”.

“The plan includes actions to strengthen audit and governance outcomes and professionalise the built environment in the public sector.

“In essence, this plan will ensure that projects are started and completed on time, within budget, and with no wastage.”

The President assured the gathering that government is determined that “infrastructure should be the main area of activity in taking our country forward”.

“From a social development perspective, infrastructure provides people with what they need to live and to thrive. It improves the quality of life and plays a key role in reducing inequality. Through reliable infrastructure we can boost productivity of our people and…to reduce the costs of living.

“Through infrastructure, we provide a country that will grow and develop. Infrastructure facilitates trade and commerce. When we boost infrastructure through the construction industry, we also attract investment.

“The roads we build, the bridges we construct, the schools and hospitals we erect are the foundations of opportunity and hope. Infrastructure is the engine that drives economic growth and social transformation,” President Ramaphosa said.

In the maiden budget speech of the Government of National Unity (GNU) earlier this year, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a R1 trillion allocation for infrastructure investment over the medium term.

The Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) tabled in Parliament yesterday, said reforms are under way to mobilise private-sector finance and technical expertise at scale.

“In parallel, there are initiatives to strengthen government’s ability to deliver infrastructure more efficiently and improve spending outcomes,” it said.

READ | Infrastructure drive firmly on the roll
–SAnews.gov.za