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Deputy President Paul Mashatile has returned to South Africa after successfully concluding a working visit to Russia, which included engagements in Moscow and St. Petersburg, said the Presidency on Monday.

His activities were focused on strengthening the bilateral trade and economic relations between South Africa and Russia.
Deputy President Mashatile arrived in Moscow on Tuesday, 17 June 2025. 

He was welcomed by Russia’s Deputy Head of State Protocol Andrei Milyaev, Deputy Director of the African Department Andrei Stotlarov, and Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes. 

The visit began in earnest with the Deputy President laying wreaths at the Mausoleum of Moses Kotane and J.B. Marks, located in the Novodevichy Cemetery, a United Nations Heritage Site in Moscow.

Kotane and Marks were anti-apartheid activists who played pivotal roles in the South African Communist Party and the African National Congress. 

Initially buried for years in Moscow, their remains were subsequently returned by the South African Government and reburied in the North West in 2015.

In Moscow, Deputy President Mashatile met with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin at the Russian House of the Government. 
They discussed opportunities for enhancing bilateral political and economic cooperation between South Africa and Russia.
The dialogue focused on various areas for further collaboration, including trade and investment, minerals and energy, agriculture, health, and education.

Deputy President Mashatile travelled to St. Petersburg State University, where he delivered a public lecture on the theme “South Africa’s G20 Presidency in a Rapidly Changing Geopolitical Environment.” 

The audience for the lecture included faculty professors, students, members of the academic community, as well as media representatives and members of the diplomatic corps.

READ | Deputy President calls for solidarity as global landscape changes

In St. Petersburg, the Deputy President visited President Vladimir Putin at the Constantine Palace, where they held bilateral meetings with the Russian delegation, which included Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

The Deputy President expressed gratitude, on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the citizens, for Russia’s support in the anti-apartheid struggle and its contributions to socio-economic emancipation beyond the achievement of freedom and democracy.

“I have been tasked by the President to work tirelessly towards the translation of the strong foundation of our strategic relations into higher trade and economic ties for the mutual benefit of our countries and our people,” said the Deputy President.

He delivered remarks during the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF’25), following President Putin’s address. 

READ | SA supports the inclusion of more voices at SPIEF 

In addition, the Deputy President spoke at the South African Trade and Investment Seminar at SPIEF’25, which was attended by business and government leaders from both Russia and South Africa.

“We are pleased to note that through regular Parliamentary exchanges and engagements, we have been able to address common challenges, explore new opportunities for collaboration, and deepen our friendship,” he said.

The Deputy President also met with the Chairman of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin. 

The Deputy President expressed his appreciation for the ongoing collaboration between the State Duma and South Africa throughout the years. 

He emphasised the significance of parliamentary diplomacy as a means to enhance government initiatives, promote dialogue, and facilitate progress in trade and other sectors.

He concluded his trip with a guided tour and site visit to the Port of St. Petersburg, where he met with the port’s leadership and workers.
This site visit followed discussions by officials from Russia and South Africa during the 18th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (ITEC). 

During these talks, the two countries finalised their cooperation in the maritime sector and agreed to collaborate with participants from the logistics industry and port authorities of both nations to ensure the mutually beneficial use of port infrastructure.

Deputy President Mashatile also had the opportunity to sit down with two major Russian television news networks, Russia Today and Sputnik Africa, where he reflected on some important insights from his working visit. 

Key takeaways included a strong emphasis on enhancing economic cooperation in various sectors such as agriculture, automotive, energy, mining, and collaboration in science and technology. – SAnews.gov.za

Entry into the newly launched Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre in the Free State will be free to the public until 30 September 2025.

In a statement, the South African National Parks (SANParks) said Sunday’s launch of the centre at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, marked a “significant date in the calendar of South Africa’s cultural heritage.”

“The Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre is a unique interactive facility that offers visitors an innovative, creative and quality demonstration of world-class scientific knowledge in the paleontological, archaeological and geological disciplines.

“In recognition of this significant development, South African National Parks announced that starting today [Sunday, 22 June 2025] until 30 September 2025 there will be free entry to the centre for all visitors,” said SANParks.

As a result of this announcement, schools, tertiary students, communities adjacent to Golden Gate Highlands National Park and Thabo Mafutsenyane District Municipality residents will be amongst South Africans who stands to benefit from the offering.

To qualify for entry visitors are required to present a valid identification document.

The Department of Tourism launched the centre in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). Speaking at Sunday’s launch, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said that government is diversifying the country’s tourism attractions in order to grow tourism.

READ | Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre set to grow tourism

Meanwhile, DFFE Minister, Dr Dion George, has hailed the Centre as a powerful tool for environmental education.

The world-class facility merges science, culture, and conservation to celebrate South Africa’s rich prehistoric heritage.

READ | Minister welcomes launch of Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre

Visitors at the centre can explore the earth’s ancient history while being inspired to protect its future.

The centre is managed by SANParks, and it is envisaged that the facility will increase the bed occupancy and more activities for visitors to the park. 

The centre is set to be a key driver of local economic development, job creation and tourism growth in the eastern Free State. – SAnews.gov.za

While a state funeral would be an appropriate tribute to the legacy of the late former Zambian President Edgar Lungu, South Africa has acknowledged the legal obligation to respect the wishes expressed by the former President’s immediate family for him to be laid to rest in South Africa. 

“In reaffirming the South African government’s position, Minister [Ronald] Lamola emphasised that a state burial in Zambia represents the most fitting tribute to honour Former President Lungu’s distinguished legacy and service to the Zambian nation,” the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation said in a statement on Monday.   

However, at the same time, the Minister acknowledged the legal obligation to respect the wishes expressed by the late former President’s immediate family for him to be laid to rest in South Africa. 

Last week, the family of the late former President announced that he would be buried in a private ceremony in South Africa, following a dispute with the Zambian government regarding plans for a state funeral. 

Former President Lungu passed away on 5 June 2025, in a local hospital in South Africa, after undergoing medical treatment. 

READ | Condolences following the passing of former President of Zambia 

In the meantime, Minister Lamola has stressed government’s commitment to addressing this sensitive matter with dignity, grace, and mutual respect, which are essential in honouring the memory of a respected statesman and the enduring bonds between South Africa and Zambia.

The Minister spoke on Sunday, wrapping up a high-level diplomatic mission to Lusaka as the Presidential Special Envoy.
Lamola was welcomed by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, to whom he conveyed President Ramaphosa’s heartfelt condolences on behalf of the South African government and its citizens.

The Minister expressed solidarity with the Zambian government and people on the untimely passing of former President Lungu, assuring them of South Africa’s steadfast support during this period of national mourning.

“The Minister extended prayers and sympathies to all affected by this loss and reiterated South Africa’s steadfast friendship with Zambia,” said the Ministry. – SAnews.gov.za

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has welcomed the sentencing of a vehicle testing official from a private testing station who was found guilty of fraudulently issuing a vehicle roadworthy certificate.

Kabelo Chilenge was sentenced in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court to six years direct imprisonment for fraudulently issuing a vehicle roadworthy certificate for a vehicle that he did not physically examine.

The certificate was issued at Quick Test vehicle testing station in Modimolle, Limpopo, in April 2022, while the vehicle in question was in a police pound at the time.

“Although no evidence was led to prove that Chilenge benefitted personally from the illicit transaction, the court drew inference that such conduct could not be executed without gratification.

“The court said the accused earned a salary and there was no need for him to commit such an offence. It considered that unroadworthy vehicles cause accidents when allowed to operate on the roads,” the RTMC said on Friday.

The RTMC said the sentence was appropriate and served as a deterrent to others who are involved in such unlawful activities.

Members of the public have encouraged to report fraud and corruption via email: ntacu@rtmc.co.za or WhatsApp to 083 293 7989. – SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has hailed the newly launched Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre as a powerful tool for environmental education.

The world-class facility merges science, culture, and conservation to celebrate South Africa’s rich prehistoric heritage.

Visitors at the centre can explore the earth’s ancient history while being inspired to protect its future, the Minister said at the centre’s launch on Sunday.

It is located at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State province.

“This centre is not just a building. It’s a living window into our prehistoric past, and a powerful tool for education, inclusion and inspiration. For decades, the sandstone rock formations of this region have attracted palaeontologists from around the world. But one discovery, right here in this park, changed everything.

“From that moment, the vision began to grow. And today, that vision stands before us in the form of a world-class facility that will open a window to the past while speaking powerfully to the present,” the Minister said.

Inside the centre, visitors will journey through time, exploring South Africa’s rich fossil record, learning about earth’s evolutionary history, and understanding the fragile balance of biodiversity that must be protected.

“And in uniquely local touch, the exhibition ends with the legend of Kgodumodumo, the Basotho monster believed by cattle herders to have left giant footprints across the land. It’s a beautiful reminder that science and folklore both hold space in our shared understanding of the world.

“This project reflects the department’s deep commitment to environmental education and community-rooted conservation. It will serve as a source of pride for surrounding communities, a space o learning for schools and researchers, and a place of wonder for future generations,” the Minister explained.

The Department of Tourism launched the centre in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. Speaking at Sunday’s launch, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said that government is diversifying the country’s tourism attractions in order to grow tourism.

READ | Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre set to grow tourism

The two departments recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop the centre to boost tourism in the Free State.

The centre will offer visitors an innovative, creative and quality demonstration of scientific knowledge (paleontological, archaeological and geological) with a broader appreciation of cultural heritage through interactive exhibitions.

The centre is managed by the South African National Parks (SANParks), and it is envisaged that the facility will increase the bed occupancy and more activities for visitors to the park.
-SAnews.gov.za

The South African government and the World Bank have signed a US$1.5 billion Development Policy Loan Agreement that will assist in unlocking key infrastructure bottlenecks, particularly in the energy and freight transport sectors.

In a statement on Monday, the National Treasury explained that the loan is aimed at supporting critical structural reforms to enhance the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of the country’s infrastructure services.

The loan support is anchored on three key pillars of structural reform: improving energy security, enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of freight transport services, and supporting South Africa’s transition toward a low carbon economy. 

These reforms are critical enablers of inclusive growth and job creation.

“This partnership marks a significant step towards addressing South Africa’s pressing economic challenges of low growth and high unemployment. 

“The financing forms part of the government’s broader efforts to implement structural reforms that strengthen public institutions, crowd in private investment, and improve service delivery across priority sectors of the economy,” National Treasury said.

The financing terms of the loan are in line with National Treasury’s financing strategy. 

Specifically, the loan offers both favourable interest rates and flexible repayment terms, contributing to minimising increase in debt service costs.

The financing terms of the World Bank loan are as follows:

• Nominal value: US$1.5 billion,
• Maturity: 16 years with a 3 year-grace period,
• Interest rate: 6-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 1.49%.

“The National Treasury wishes to express its appreciation to the World Bank for its continued partnership and support in advancing South Africa’s development objectives. This agreement reinforces the strong and constructive collaboration between the World Bank and the government of South Africa.” – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says a cold front is expected to pass the south of the country on Monday, resulting in gale force winds of 60 to 70 km/h along the coast between Plettenberg Bay and East London.

This will result in very rough to high seas with wave heights of between 5m to 7m, reaching 8m offshore.

These weather conditions, said SAWS, will make navigation for vessels at sea difficult; small vessels are at risk of taking on water and capsizing within a locality; disruption of harbours and/or ports; disruption to beachfront activities and danger to life. 

The extended weather forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday shows fine and cold to cool, becoming cloudy and very cold in the South West of the country on Wednesday, with 60% – 80% showers and rain.

“Snow is possible over the mountains in the Western Cape and the Southern parts of the Northern Cape on Wednesday,” SAWS said.

An intense cold front is expected to affect the Western and Northern Cape provinces from Wednesday into Thursday. 

The weather service has warned the public and small stock farmers that the following can be expected:

• Very cold, wet and windy conditions (with maximum temperatures below 10 °C) over the high-lying areas.
• Heavy rainfall (40 to 60 mm), predominantly over the western parts of the Western Cape.
• Strong interior winds and gale force coastal winds.
• Very rough to high seas (reaching 5.0 to 8.0 m in places).
• Light snowfall on the high ground. – SAnews.gov.za