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Eastern Cape search and recovery operations continue

Source: South Africa News Agency

Search and recovery efforts are ongoing across the Eastern Cape, following the recent inclement weather.

Torrential rains over the past few days have caused devastating landslides and flooding, leaving hundreds of families displaced. The adverse weather has also caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure.

Updating the media on Wednesday, Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, said that he has ordered the suspension of all other provincial programmes in the province, to enable Members of the Executive Council (MECs), including himself, to be on the ground and offer support to the affected communities.

This after assessing the extent of widespread devastation, following the rains and strong winds that hit the province’s OR Tambo District Municipality enduring most of the severe weather.

“Each of the MECs are looking at the service delivery needs of this and other affected communities across the province as mop-up operations begin in earnest. Together with the leadership of the OR Tambo District and King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, the provincial government is on the ground assessing the damage, to support relief operations, and engage directly with affected families and communities,” Mabuyane said.

The Premier extended his deepest condolences to the families of the 49 people who passed away in OR Tambo District alone. Among the deceased are children whose scholar transport was swept away by floodwaters. 

“The number of people confirmed to have been in the minibus taxi…. sadly, four learners have been confirmed to be deceased, together with the driver and a conductor of the minibus taxi. The rest of the deceased people are citizens of different ages. Four learners are still missing,” the Premier said.

The heavy rains in the Amathole District have also displaced hundreds of residents from informal settlements, with many relocated to temporary shelters. The severe weather also caused power outages across several areas in the district.

Mabuyane said a coordinated, multi-disciplinary emergency and rescue services team has been deployed across the province and remains actively involved in recovery, evacuation, and support efforts across the affected areas.

The continuous provision of shelter, food, psychosocial support services, blankets, and other essentials to displaced families, through partnerships with the South African Social Service Agency (SASSA), the Department of Social Development, and local municipalities are some of the interventions that have been put in place by the provincial government.

“Through the Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management (ICDM), technical experts are addressing damage to water infrastructure. When necessary, water tankers will be dispatched to ensure access to clean drinking water,” the Premier said.

Search and rescue operations for the scholars is being led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) while the Department of Education is intervening to bring in the necessary support to the affected families during this tragic time.

Restoration of electricity, reopening of roads

Mabuyane also noted progress being made in reopening major roads affected by snowfall, and the continuous restoration of electricity following outages caused by gale-force winds and heavy snow.

“Over the past 48 hours, at least 136 000 customers have since been brought back online, down from 300 000 that were without electricity. Eskom teams have resumed to continue with restoration to outstanding customers,” Mabuyane said.

The Premier commended the South African Weather Service (SAWS) for their forecasts confirming that the inclement weather is coming to an end, as the cut-off low system responsible for the recent conditions moves out to sea.

He also expressed gratitude to the provincial disaster management teams, including SAPS K-9 divers, the SAPS Search and Rescue Airwing, as well as residents for their swift response.

The Premier further urged those that are yet received assistance to remain calm and patient, and that relief efforts will move faster with the easing of the inclement weather.

“Infrastructure technical teams have been activated to carry out assessment to ascertain the extent of the damage as well as interventions that are required across the province. At this stage 20 health facilities have suffered damages to varying levels.

“In terms of road infrastructure, engineers are on the ground assessing the impact and extent of the damage on our road network including rural roads. The R58 Khowa to Barkey through the Barkely is now open,” Mabuyane said.

He advised motorists to exercise caution due to slippery conditions. He further called on citizens, and organisations to support the communities, as they continue to deal with this tragedy.

“Condolences once again to the families who lost their loved ones,” he said.

The Premier’s update on Wednesday came ahead of the visit of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa’s visit to the province on Thursday.

READ | Minister Hlabisa visits flood-affected Eastern Cape

–SAnews.gov.za

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SA concerned at measures taken against ICC judges by US government

Source: South Africa News Agency

The South African Government has expressed its “deep concern” at the decision of the United States to sanction four judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

This is after the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced sanctions against four ICC judges for alleged “illegitimate transgressions against the United States and Israel”.

According to reports, the sanctions are in response to the ICC issuing arrest warrants for top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and its investigation into alleged United States war crimes in Afghanistan. 

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) believes that this move represents a direct affront to the principles of international justice and the rule of law. 

“Such punitive actions against judicial officers performing their mandated duties are regrettable and they undermine the independence of the ICC, and threaten the integrity of international legal institutions. 

“They furthermore hinder the Court and its personnel in the exercise of their independent judicial functions.” 

The department said South Africa, as a founding member of the ICC, views these sanctions and previous threats as an attempt to intimidate and obstruct the Court’s efforts to hold accountable perpetrators of the most serious crimes. 

“The ICC operates under the Rome Statute, to which 125 States are parties, and its mandate is to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression when national jurisdictions are unwilling or unable to do so.”

DIRCO is of the view that these sanctions on ICC judges sets a dangerous precedent that could embolden those who seek to evade accountability for egregious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. 

“It also poses a significant challenge to the global fight against impunity and the enforcement of international norms.” 

South Africa has since reaffirmed its commitment to the principles enshrined in the Rome Statute and will continue to work with like-minded nations to safeguard the integrity of international legal institutions.

“In this regard, we highlight our participation in the Hague Group, a coalition of countries dedicated to defending the rulings and authority of the ICC and the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“The pursuit of justice for victims of the gravest crimes must not be compromised by political considerations. Upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability are essential for the maintenance of international peace and security, as well as a rules-based international order based on international law,” DIRCO said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Wood Mackenzie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 with Senior Delegation, Driving Investment and Insight Across Africa’s Energy Sector

Energy research and consultancy firm Wood Mackenzie will participate in the African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies conference, with a senior delegation comprising Mansur Mohammed, Head of New Business Development, Africa; Gavin Thompson, Vice Chairman, EMEA; David Parkinson, Head of Exploration; and Ian Thom, Research Director, Upstream. The team will speak across multiple sessions, contributing data-led insights and strategic analysis on upstream investment, exploration trends and Africa’s energy transition planning.  

With over five decades of experience, Wood Mackenzie has become a central player in global energy markets. In Africa, the firm’s work has been particularly impactful in supporting the development of long-term energy planning and project structuring. Its collaboration with national governments and state-owned oil companies has helped shape policy frameworks, evaluate exploration potential and guide infrastructure development. 

One of the firm’s most notable recent contributions has been its support to the Republic of Congo in developing the country’s first Gas Master Plan, in partnership with the Ministry of Hydrocarbons. The plan outlines strategies for monetizing gas resources, expanding domestic access and establishing export mechanisms that will contribute to economic diversification. In line with this work, Wood Mackenzie has provided analysis for key projects such as the Marine XII LNG development, which recently delivered its first cargo and is progressing toward expansion with a second 3.5 billion-cubic-meter-per-year facility. 

In the broader upstream sector, Wood Mackenzie tracks and forecasts capital investment trends across the continent. The firm’s research highlights a stabilization of upstream spending around $40 billion annually, with particular emphasis on gas and LNG-led growth. Countries such as Namibia and Mozambique are attracting heightened interest from international investors, while established producers including Angola and Nigeria continue to recalibrate their upstream portfolios in response to global energy dynamics. Wood Mackenzie’s data and modelling are often used by governments and private operators alike to assess fiscal terms, licensing strategy and project economics. 

The firm is also playing a leading role in contextualizing Africa’s energy transition. According to its long-term energy outlooks, Africa is expected to see electricity demand double by 2050. While renewables will form an increasing share of generation, Wood Mackenzie maintains that oil and gas will remain vital to meeting the continent’s industrial and energy access needs. The firm projects that Africa will account for just 3–6% of global emissions by mid-century, underscoring the argument that continued hydrocarbon development can coexist with climate responsibility. 

“Wood Mackenzie brings the rigorous data and applied insight necessary to unlock Africa’s energy potential. At AEW 2025, their contributions will help shape a narrative that highlights investment opportunity, energy security and the responsible pursuit of development across the continent,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. 

The delegation’s participation at AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies comes at a time when African states are intensifying their focus on exploration licensing rounds, domestic gas utilization and large-scale LNG developments. With deep experience in asset valuation, fiscal benchmarking and upstream project modelling, Wood Mackenzie remains a trusted partner to investors, ministries and NOCs seeking to maximize returns and mitigate risk across the continent. 

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Deputy President Mashatile to deliver the keynote address at the Harambee SA Youth engagement

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), will on Friday, 13 June 2025, participate and deliver the keynote address at the SA Youth Engagement hosted by the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator in Braamfontein, Gauteng.
 
The Deputy President’s address of this engagement is in line with the HRDC’s objective of reducing the scourge of poverty, inequality and unemployment through creating platforms for social partners to deliberate on the country’s skills and human capital development in order to address bottlenecks in the human resource development value chain.
 
Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator is a not-for-profit social enterprise that works with partners to find solutions for the challenge of youth unemployment as well as working to unlock jobs and break down the barriers that keep millions of young South Africans unemployed.
 
This Engagement will be held under the theme “Enabling Entrepreneurship as a Pathway to Youth Economic Inclusion”. The Engagement is expected to spotlight how practical, people-centred solutions that are driven by partnerships between government, business, and civil society can unlock the economic power of young people and shape a more inclusive future for South Africa.
 
During his address, Deputy President Mashatile will highlight the importance of not only providing young people with the necessary platforms to meaningfully participate in the economy, but also providing them with the skills required to become successful entrepreneurs who will assist in reducing the high level of unemployment faced by the country. 

In line with showcasing Harambee’s initiatives that support and prepare the youth for employment opportunities, the Deputy President will participate in a panel discussion with entrepreneurs and conduct mock interviews with candidates in the programme.

Members of the media are invited to cover the event as follows:
Date: Friday, 13 Friday 2025
Time: 09h00 (Media to arrive at 08h00)
Venue: Harambee Office at 5th Floor, 19 Ameshoff St, Braamfontein, Gauteng, South Africa
 
Members of the media wishing to cover the event are requested to confirm their attendance for accreditation purposes, with Ms. Linah Ledwaba on 066 240 7635 by end of business today.
 

Media enquiries: Mr. Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Keynote address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the inaugural Africa Green Hydrogen Summit, Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director, Adv Nsinga Qunta,
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa,
Premier of the Western Cape, Mr Alan Winde,
Honourable Ministers,
Excellencies,
Leaders of industry,
Development partners,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Welcome to the inaugural Africa Green Hydrogen Summit.  

This summit started out in 2022 as a platform for South African to articulate its national vision and to convene the country’s green hydrogen ecosystem. 

Now this summit provides a platform for our shared continental ambitions.

Our beloved continent Africa, the cradle of humanity, is uniquely positioned to become a major player in green hydrogen because it has abundant renewable resources manifested in high solar irradiance, strong winds and hydropower potential.  

The vast land our continent has lends itself to large-scale renewable energy projects.

We are therefore perfectly placed to leverage the global shift towards cleaner energy sources for our collective advantage.  

Green hydrogen is a way to marry Africa’s mineral riches with our renewable energy endowment to decarbonise heavy industries, to create jobs, to stimulate investment and to unlock inclusive growth across borders.  

The growing global demand for clean hydrogen as countries decarbonise their industries, transport, and energy systems presents unlimited opportunities for our continent. 

As demand for green hydrogen grows, so does demand for platinum group metals, sustaining and expanding our continent’s mining and refining industries.  

Africa is rising to meet this moment of opportunity and potential.  

The Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance brings together a number of African nations, including Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia and South Africa.  

More than 52 large-scale green hydrogen projects have been announced across the continent. These include the Coega Green Ammonia project in South Africa, the AMAN project in Mauritania and Project Nour in Morocco.  

The Alliance’s ambition targets 30 to 60 million tons of green hydrogen production by 2050.  

It is estimated that this could create between two and four million new jobs in Alliance member states by 2050.  

To make use of these opportunities, we need to establish appropriate policy and regulatory environments. 

We must continue to move as a continent to develop regional certification schemes, hydrogen corridors and green product export platforms.  

We commend the work of countries like Mauritania, which has taken early steps on certification.  

It will be critical that we learn from one another and converge on standards that work for Africa.  

The recently launched Green Hydrogen Report is a consolidation of 35 underlying studies, providing the most comprehensive insight to date into the continent’s green hydrogen potential. 

A number of recent global developments further support the potential of Africa’s green hydrogen ecosystem.  

The H2Global mechanism is opening its second bidding window, with one of the four lots allocated to Africa.  

The African lot, which is funded by the German government, will guarantee off-take for successful projects on the continent.  

A Joint Declaration of Intent with the German government focuses on market access, off-take opportunities and value-additive benefits in the production of green steel and green fertiliser.

We commend the German government for its commitment to African supply. 

For South Africa’s part, we have made advances towards building the green hydrogen industry.  

To date, South Africa has invested more than R1.49 billion in our Hydrogen South Africa programme.  

Through our partnership with the European Union, we have prioritised support to projects like Sasol’s HySHiFT programme, which aims to produce up to 400,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel annually.  

The project directly supports African re-industrialisation and European energy transition goals.  

HySHiFT could anchor demand for up to 20 gigawatts of green hydrogen and represents a scalable model for industrial decarbonisation.  

The Sasolburg pilot is now producing green hydrogen for domestic use.  

In the Eastern Cape, the Coega Green Ammonia Project is at an advanced planning stage and four additional flagship hydrogen projects are expected to be submitted for Cabinet approval soon.  

The newly launched South African Renewable Energy Masterplan aligns the localisation of renewable energy and hydrogen components with industrial development and job creation.  

The expansion of the country’s electricity transmission infrastructure, which is essential to the growth of renewable energy, is now being accelerated through an Independent Transmission Projects Office.  

New wheeling regulations create an enabling environment for private power producers, especially those servicing hydrogen projects.  

These reforms demonstrate that we are not waiting. We are building.  

Major research is underway in all aspects of the green hydrogen value chain to reduce final costs.  

Early commercial exploration for naturally-occurring ‘white’ hydrogen is underway in the provinces of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.  

If white hydrogen is proven to be available and commercially extractable, this will provide a further source of clean hydrogen.  

Tapping into the potential of the hydrogen economy is a matter of urgency for Africa.  

The continent has borne the brunt of climate change and the devastation it causes in communities and economies.  

We have witnessed deadly heatwaves, heavy rains, tropical cyclones and prolonged droughts.  

These events underscore our shared vulnerability, but also our shared responsibility to act, to adapt, and to do so in a way that leaves no one behind.  

At the same time we are clear that Africa must transition at a pace and scale that reflects our development priorities and our economic realities.  

We are very much alive to the reality that green hydrogen production faces a number of challenges.  

There is the cost factor.  

Capital intensity and the high costs of financing are significant barriers, as is the cost of green hydrogen relative to other energy sources such as natural gas.  

We are also contending with skewed global investment patterns.  

A number of green hydrogen projects on our continent are not being initiated or reaching financial close, due to cost of capital and perceptions of risk.  

We cannot close that gap with potential alone. We must match it with demand signals, regulatory certainty and project preparation support.  

We need to ensure that there is sufficient and growing demand.  

This includes building domestic demand in African countries.  

In this regard, the launch of green hydrogen production for mobility in Sasolburg and policy enablers for domestic offtake are important foundational steps.  

As we explore these exciting opportunities, we must work to address the impediments to the growth of this industry. 

In 2024, the International Energy Agency reduced the global 2030 hydrogen growth forecast. 

It said that the sector is now maturing and moving beyond the hype observed in recent years. 

It said that understanding among stakeholders about where the real opportunities for hydrogen lie – and where efforts must be focused – is now much stronger. 

Tempered by these realities, this Summit must not only be a platform of ideas. It must be a platform of commitments.  

We must put the African voice at the centre of global energy rule-making. 

We must be authors of our own future.  

During its G20 Presidency, South Africa has chosen to prioritise just energy transitions as engines of economic growth and social development.  

The Africa Green Hydrogen Summit is an important part of that vision. 

Hydrogen is a bridge to a new export industry for African countries.

It is an enabler for Africa’s energy independence and climate resilience. 

More importantly hydrogen is an anchor for industrial transformation and infrastructure investment.

We are called upon to join hands to build this bridge together – as Africans, as partners and as builders of a green, prosperous and inclusive future.  

I thank you.
 

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Minister Hlabisa visits flood-affected Eastern Cape

Source: South Africa News Agency

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa is today visiting flood-affected communities in and around Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, to assess the impact of the recent floods and evaluate the progress of ongoing disaster response efforts.

Thursday’s visit follows the urgent sitting of the Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management (ICDM), convened by the Minister on Tuesday, 10 June 2025. 

The committee meeting was aimed at coordinating a comprehensive national response to severe weather conditions that have impacted several provinces but mostly the Eastern Cape.

All provinces have faced severe incidents of extremely cold weather, with coastal provinces experiencing rough seas and rainfall. 

READ | Disaster Management Committee assesses impact of adverse weather

The Eastern Cape has been the hardest hit by the severe weather incident. 

A scholar transport minibus transporting children was swept by water near Mthatha, leading to the loss of life. 

Some media reports say three children survived the ordeal after they were found clinging to a tree. 

On Wednesday, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government reported that 49 people died since the start of the floods as the search continues for those who are unaccounted for.

“We’d like to convey on behalf of government our condolences to all the people of the Eastern Cape and the people of Mthatha where a tragedy occurred as a result of bad weather we’ve been experiencing since the weekend,” Hlabisa said on Thursday morning. 

He also expressed his condolences to the affected schools, including the learners and parents and the surrounding communities. 

“As government, we have descended to the Eastern Cape in Mthatha to give our support and ensure that when the people are in a difficult situation, government is not absent. That’s why at the national level, two Ministers are on the ground,” he added. 

According to Hlabisa, the team will announce the line-up of more senior government leaders who will also visit the province. 

During the visit, Hlabisa will conduct on-site inspections of areas severely impacted within the OR Tambo District Municipality. 

He will also receive briefings from local and provincial disaster management teams, engage directly with affected families and community members, and provide updates on ongoing search and rescue operations.

This gesture also serves as government solidarity with families mourning the recent scholar transport tragedy in the region. 

The Minister is also assessing the support mechanisms in place to ensure that all necessary interventions are effectively implemented. 

Meanwhile, mop-up operations are underway in KwaZulu-Natal, following severe snowfall, which caused disruptions to major routes and damaged infrastructure.

This led to the closure of the N2 highway around Kokstad and Port Shepstone where work is currently underway to remove the snow. 

While deaths have been reported because of the inclement weather in KwaZulu-Natal, several people have been injured and infrastructure has been significantly affected. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Over 1 700 suspects nabbed in Vala Umgodi operations

Source: South Africa News Agency

Thursday, June 12, 2025

A total of 1 775 suspects of different nationalities were arrested in May during nationwide Vala Umgodi operations aimed at combating and preventing illegal mining.

These suspects were arrested for illegal mining related offences and various other serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of explosives and possession of suspected stolen property. 

Moreover, SAPS members deployed in the provinces as part of Operation Vala Umgodi also help to prevent and combat crime, which is not necessarily related to illicit mining activities.

Some of the items seized during Vala Umgodi operations in May include 27 unlicensed firearms, 827 rounds of ammunition, 51 vehicles (including sedans, bakkies, trucks, trailers and excavators) and 380 pendukas (a hand-powered cylindrical device used in informal mining operations).

Vala Umgodi successes for the month of May 2025 include:

  • Free State: On 14 May 2025, police officers attached to Vala Umgodi conducted operations at the Kudu Old Mine area, which resulted in the arrest of two foreign nationals, aged between 33 and 51 years. During the arrest, police seized 59.40 kilograms of suspected gold bearing material. In a separate incident, the team also arrested two foreign nationals, aged between 36 and 42 years, at Merriespruit Crusher Plant and seized gold bearing material weighing at 56.80 kilograms.
     
  • Police in Gauteng conducted an intelligence-driven Vala Umgodi operation, which led to the arrest of 102 suspects at Shaft 9, Mogale Crusher mine, West village in Krugersdorp, on Thursday, 8 May 2025. The suspects were arrested for illegal mining, illegal immigration, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The team also seized pendukas, steel balls, firearms and ammunition.
     
  • KwaZulu-Natal: Two suspected cash-in-transit (CIT) robbers were fatally wounded in a shootout with the Vala Umgodi team in KZN at Wasbank, near Ladysmith, on 22 May 2025. Police operationalised intelligence about the whereabouts of the suspects wanted for CIT robbery incidents, which happened in KZN between June 2022 and March 2025. 
     
  • Limpopo: Last month alone,  Operation Vala Umgodi task teams deployed in the five districts of Limpopo arrested 230 suspects, including 30 individuals directly linked to illegal mining operations. Of those detained, 51 were South Africans, while 179 were illegal immigrants. Two hundred and five suspects were deported to their countries of origin.
  • Mpumalanga: On 3 May 2025, Operation Vala Umgodi members found four minors, aged between 12 and 16 years, underground during an operation targeting illegal mining activities at the Dukes old mineshaft in Pilgrim’s Rest. The 12-year-boy was taken to a place of safety. Fourteen adult suspects, aged between 18 and 47 years, were also arrested. One suspect was charged for possession of explosives, possession of dagga, and possession of illegal mining equipment.
     
  • Northern Cape: Members of Vala Umgodi arrested two male suspects, aged between 29 and 35, for the possession of unpolished diamonds in Port Nolloth on Tuesday, 13 May 2025. The team intercepted a Ford bakkie allegedly transporting illegal miners, en-route to Port Nolloth and discovered a significant quantity of unpolished diamonds.
     
  • North West: In the Bojanala district, 91 suspects of different nationalities were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act and illegal mining. Police also seized diesel generators, hammers and jackhammers, shovels, electric extension cords, grease pumps, pendukas and steel balls.

To date, a total of 27 275 suspects have been arrested, while 697 firearms, including imitation firearms and 16 247 rounds of ammunition, have been seized through Operation Vala Umgodi since December 2023.

“Operation Vala Umgodi is government’s initiative to combat and prevent illegal mining activities, as well as to safeguard economic growth by addressing the root causes of illegal mining and enforcing the law,” said the South African Police Service in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Clothing and textile sector is crucial to SA’s economic recovery

Source: South Africa News Agency

The clothing and textile sector has a critical role to play in South Africa’s economic recovery and re-industrialisation efforts, says Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield.

He was addressing the Annual General Meeting and 20-year anniversary of the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster held at UVU Africa in Cape Town. 

Whitfield highlighted some key targets of the government which are aimed at revitalising the South African economy. Among these is the creation of 100 000 new direct jobs in manufacturing, a 4.1% growth in manufacturing exports and a 3% average annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth during the current term of government. 

He said that under the Government of National Unity, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) is advancing a bold, coordinated industrial strategy – one the builds real momentum behind inclusive economic growth and job creation. 

However, government alone cannot achieve sector revitalisation. 

This, according to Whitfield, requires collaboration with key stakeholders, through platforms such as clusters, on factory floors, in skills development hubs, and within local ecosystems that are solving problems and scaling practical solutions every day. 

“The Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster (CCTC) is not just a regional initiative; it is a catalyst. Through shared services, coordinated skills training, and supplier development, this cluster is helping to build a stronger, more competitive, and more sustainable industry from the ground up.

“It is strengthening local supply chains, enhancing productivity, and enabling firms, large and small, to respond to global market demands with agility and innovation,” he said.

He said that working with all its key partners through the Retail–Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Master Plan, government is committed to doing the work necessary to deal with the trade imbalance that has resulted in the staggering 223% rise of imports within the sector. 

“We must boost export capacity, focusing on quality, reliability, and compliance, to reach key global markets with premium finished goods. We need to be ready, on standards, on delivery, on traceability.
“And we must shift from being exporters of raw input to suppliers of premium, finished product. The road ahead is clear, and the groundwork is already in place. 

“Through collaboration, innovation, and continued investment in people and partnerships, we can ensure that this sector not only survives but thrives.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy President to respond to oral questions

Source: South Africa News Agency

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will this afternoon respond to questions for oral reply in the National Assembly. 

At Thursday’s session, which will take place at 2pm, the country’s second-in-command will touch on a wide range of issues from agricultural support, water shortages and intensified efforts in the country’s comprehensive HIV and AIDS response.

As Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Agriculture and Land Reform, the Deputy President will inform Members of Parliament (MPs) on government efforts towards improving access to funding and resource support for small-scale and smallholder farmers, as well as supporting infrastructure development in rural areas.

Following the withdrawal of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding by the United States Government, the Deputy President will reassure MPs that government has the capacity to fund its HIV/AIDS programme. 

“The withdrawal will not have a dire impact in the purchasing and the distribution of the antiretrovirals,” the Deputy President Office’s statement read. 

The Deputy President is also expected to emphasise the need to enhance municipal service management and financial stability in the water sector to address water shortages in the country.

“In light of the persistent and evolving threat posed by gang-related violence in both urban and peri-urban areas, the Deputy President will brief Parliament on the comprehensive strategy the Justice, Crime-Prevention and Security Cabinet Committee has implemented to dismantle organised criminal networks,” the statement read. 

He will further reiterate South Africa’s commitment to the rule of law, which his Office said is a cornerstone of South Africa’s democratic constitutional order. – SAnews.gov.za

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Young SAPS officer takes policing to new heights

Source: South Africa News Agency

This Youth Month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) proudly celebrates the dynamic young men and women in uniform, who go above and beyond the call of duty. 

Among them is 27-year-old Constable Roycolle Naicker, a trailblazing drone pilot based in Johannesburg District, Gauteng.

Armed with a qualification in Forensic Science and Technology, Naicker is part of a new generation of officers using innovation to fight crime. He joined the SAPS in 2019 at just 21 years old, trading in his previous role in the motor industry as a fitter and turner for a life of public service.

Policing runs in Naicker’s blood. Growing up surrounded by family members in the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies, he was inspired by their dedication and courage. Their example lit a fire in him to serve and protect his country.

Following basic police training, Naicker quickly expanded his skillset. In 2020, he completed Crime Intelligence training, and two years later, earned his licence as a drone pilot. His work now takes him to the skies, providing critical aerial support for operations on the ground.

From capturing high-definition footage during crime prevention missions to collecting evidence that strengthens investigations, Naicker’s drone expertise plays a vital role. These flying tools offer a bird’s eye view that helps officers plan ahead, track suspects, and access hard-to-reach areas. 

In search and rescue missions, drones equipped with thermal cameras even allow officers to detect movement in the dark, giving the SAPS a powerful edge.

Drones have revolutionised police operations, allowing them to monitor high risk areas, predict suspects’ movements, and respond faster than ever before.

Although he is passionate about drones, Naicker’s heart remains rooted in his forensic background. He hopes to one day join the SAPS Forensic Division, where he believes his technical skills and drone expertise can further strengthen crime scene investigations.

True to his values, Naicker lives by the principle of doing good even when no one is watching. It’s this quiet integrity that he hopes to pass on to South Africa’s youth.

“You can do anything you put your mind to,” said Naicker to the youth of South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za