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Prioritising mental health for a better, more productive quality of life 62
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Welcome to the October edition of Public Sector Leaders (PSL)
In his letter to the nation, penned on 13 October, His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa focused on the European Union investment initiatives in our country – this was occasioned by His Excellency’s attendance at the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, which showcases the EU’s investment initiatives around the world. President Ramaphosa’s attendance at the forum follows the South Africa-European Union Summit that was held in Cape Town in March this year where the EU announced an investment package of 4.7-billion Euros to support strategic projects in South
Africa. Last week, the EU announced a further investment package that will bring the total investment value to 11.5-billion Euros (+ R230-billion).
“This innovative partnership focuses on priorities that South Africa has set for itself as it strives to improve the lives of its people. These priorities include investment, the clean energy transition, skills and technology, connectivity and developing strategic industries,” – H.E. Ramaphosa.
On the front cover we feature Neo Khauoe, Principal Officer of POLMED, who epitomises an agile and compassionate approach to service:
“I am looking forward to advancing our key strategic priorities. This includes enhancing our research and data analytics capabilities and acquiring tools to automate the monitoring of healthcare outcomes,” – Neo Khauoe.
This month we focus on 2 crucial themes: Transport Month and Marine Month, and, fittingly, our Trailblazer is Deputy Minister of Transport Honourable Mkhuleko Hlengwa while the Women in Leadership slot goes to Nompumelelo Sibongile Ekeke, Chairperson of the Railway Safety Regulator. Transport issues are critical, impacting each of our daily lives, and to this end we bring you updates on the opening of freight corridors to private operators; the state of SA’s automotive industry; and how tech is assisting with our infrastructure challenges. Diving into the state of our oceans, we take a look at the wonderfully-named
BY FIONA WAKELIN
“marine Hope Spots” as well as wrapping up warmly to venture into the latest research in Antarctica, in which SA plays an integral role.
Throughout this year we have foregrounded the G20 sessions and this month is no different - forging a historic united front on climate, debt and energy. The G20 Johannesburg Summit will be the twentieth meeting of the Group of Twenty (G20), planned from 22 to 23 November 2025 (a lot of 20s in there!). It will be the first G20 summit held in South Africa and on the African continent. Watch this space!
Our regular stalwarts present a feast of fantastic articles: Sporting Action - Can they do it? analyses the chances of Proteas Women; Financial Fitness zooms in on how to get ready for Black Friday. In Legal Matters we train a spotlight on the recent ruling regarding husbands taking their wives’ surnames; and with global warming an ever-present concern (floods and droughts), In Other News brings you an update on how our dam levels are doing.
From myself and the amazing team, we hope you enjoy the read.
BY FIONA WAKELIN
The letter penned to the nation on October 13 by H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa focused the European Union investment initiatives in our country – this was occasioned by His Excellency’s attendance at the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels which showcases the EU’s investment initiatives around the world and is meant to advance its global relationships.
President Ramaphosa’s attendance at the forum follows the South Africa-European Union Summit that was held in Cape Town in March where the EU announced an investment package of 4.7-billion Euros to support strategic projects in South Africa. Last week, the EU announced a further investment package that will bring the total investment value to 11.5-billion Euros (+ R230-billion).
“This innovative partnership focuses on priorities that South Africa has set for itself as it strives to improve the lives of its people. These priorities include investment, the clean energy transition, skills and technology, connectivity and developing strategic industries. Importantly, the partnership will contribute to the work being done to create jobs. The investment package covers areas such as critical minerals, e-battery development, green hydrogen, renewable energy and vaccines. This will lead to the creation of a number of jobs, skills development and transfer of technology,” – H.E. Ramaphosa.
In his letter, President Ramaphosa emphasised that these investments will help to build the economy and accelerate South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economy that is just and inclusive.
“The package aims to mobilise financing to invest in local processing and refining of minerals that are critical to the energy transition. It includes investments in projects to produce green hydrogen and derivatives that will set South Africa up as a world-leading producer for the local economy and for export. The investments
are also expected to accelerate large-scale solar and wind power projects, while boosting energy efficiency in industry, housing and public services. These measures will reduce reliance on coal, lower costs and improve energy security for households and businesses,” – H.E. Ramaphosa.
More good news is that the investment package will also support the development of our rail, road and ports infrastructure, logistics and digital connectivity as well as the local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, and the training and capacity building on biotechnology and pharmaceutical infrastructure.
“The EU investment takes place in the context of a more volatile global environment. There is a significant realignment of trade and investment between countries. In addition, rapid advances in technology and the escalating climate crisis are contributing to greater uncertainty. That is why South Africa is forging ahead with the work of building a resilient and sustainable economy that address [sic] the needs of the present while positioning itself for the needs and challenges of the future,” – H.E. Ramaphosa.
Neo Khauoe , Principal Officer, POLMED
My journey in healthcare is one built on a foundation of compassion and clinical understanding. I began my career over 30 years ago as a nurse at Baragwanath Hospital. This experience instilled in me a deep connection to patient care and the needs of our communities. This clinical background provided a crucial perspective when I transitioned into the medical schemes industry, starting as a customer services consultant at Medscheme . My career path has been rich and varied, encompassing positions such as Client Relationship Manager at Alexander Forbes and Sizwe Medical Services, Scheme Executive, and General Manager. A significant milestone was being instrumental in managing the Administration and Managed Care contract that contributed to POLMED’s early success. In 2014, I joined Sizwe Medical Fund as a Principal Officer with the challenge of spearheading the strategic management of the Scheme out of curatorship. I executed this role with exception, successfully stabilising the scheme and leaving it with a positive financial outlook. These diverse roles have equipped me with highlevel strategic, administrative, and stakeholder management skills, all of which I now apply with pride in my current role as Principal Officer of POLMED.
I then took the helm at POLMED in 2017, following an intervention by the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) to exit the previous executives and trustees, a period that required steady and immediate leadership to restore stability and trust.
As the Principal Officer, I am the Accounting Officer for the Scheme, bearing statutory and administrative responsibility for its proper functioning.
My key duties include ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements, supervising the Scheme's staff, and managing the collection and accounting of all monies. I am responsible for maintaining accurate and complete records of all financial transactions, assets, and liabilities, and for ensuring that the annual financial statements are prepared in accordance with statutory requirements.
A critical part of my role is the effective management of the Scheme's investments and assets to ensure sustainability. I am responsible for protecting the confidentiality of members' medical records. Ultimately, my role is to steer the organisation towards achieving its strategic goals of sustainability, quality healthcare, and robust stakeholder relationships.
Key products and services offered by POLMED POLMED provides comprehensive healthcare services and cover for active and retired SAPS employees and their dependants. Our core offerings are delivered through two primary benefit options: the Aquarium and Marine plans.
The Marine plan is our flagship programme, offering benefits that significantly exceed the Prescribed Minimum Benefits
(PMBs), including an open hospital network, chronic and specialised medication, continuous glucose monitoring devices, and extensive specialised dentistry. Beyond these core plans, we are transitioning from a traditional claims-paying model to an integrated wellness organisation. This includes preventive initiatives such as annual health risk assessments, full immunisation schedules, and wellness programmes for weight loss, smoking cessation and encouraging physical activities. We also provide mental health support crucial for officers dealing with trauma, ensuring comprehensive care for our members' specific physical and mental health needs.
Membership growth and trends POLMED has demonstrated significant and consistent growth. Since registering as a closed medical scheme in 2000 with 235 940 insured lives, we have expanded to cover 492 508 lives, representing an increase of approximately 108.8%. This growth trajectory has been robust in recent years, making POLMED the fourth largest medical scheme in South Africa. This growth is a testament to the value we offer, even in a challenging economic environment. Our consistent increase in principal members is a key indicator of the Scheme's health and the trust placed in us by the South African Police Service (SAPS) community. This growth has been achieved while maintaining cost-effective contributions and comprehensive benefits, underscoring our commitment to accessibility and sustainability.
We maintain strategic partnerships that are crucial to our operations. We work closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and labour unions, including POPCRU and SAPU, to understand the realities of police work and ensure we meet our members' needs. We also engage in extensive tariff negotiations with healthcare providers.
Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) is deeply embedded in our business model as part of our ESG commitments. As a non-profit, our social responsibility is paramount. We actively empower black-owned enterprises, with a specific focus on black women-owned businesses within our supply chain. This is not an add-on but a core principle, integrated through procurement programmes aimed at promoting economic participation and correcting historical gender and racial imbalances, reflecting our commitment to social sustainability. Internally, almost 70% of our workforce is female. This focus on inclusivity and correcting social imbalances is a core part of who we are.
Our support for SAPS extends far beyond processing claims. Our very vision - "healthy members for a safer South Africa" - captures this essence. We recognise that a healthy police service is a more effective police service. We have
championed specific initiatives for SAPS, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, where we secured exclusive quarantine sites and isolation sites for members and successfully advocated for their vaccination at their workstations. We also provided multivitamins to boost their immunity. POLMED also invested in the long-term health and holistic well-being of each officer, which directly benefits the entire SAPS force and, by extension, the nation's security through wellness events, health symposiums, and targeted programmes for weight loss and smoking cessation.
We also advocated for relief to over 100 members and their families affected by the KZN floods. Our internship opportunities for the children of 'Fallen Heroes'—SAPS members who have died in the line of duty—demonstrate a deep, enduring commitment to the SAPS family, ensuring we support their well-being in times of both health and crisis.
The dolphins in our logo are a powerful symbol of our core values, our identity and mission. Dolphins are universally recognised as intelligent, social, and protective creatures, often seen as guardians of the sea. They represent our commitment to guiding our members through the complexities of healthcare, working collaboratively (or in a pod-like structure), and providing a protective
shield for the well-being of the police community. They symbolise our agile and compassionate approach to service.
The purpose of our wellness events is to centre our strategy on prevention and early intervention. We aim to keep members healthier for longer, extend their productive lives, and reduce long-term reliance on the Scheme, which ultimately leads to lower contribution increase - a win-win for all. These events, which include our health symposiums and specific programmes like weight loss and smoking cessation, are designed to educate, empower, and equip members to take an active role in managing their health. They are very well-attended and have been instrumental in fostering a direct, engaging relationship with our members, moving beyond a transactional model to one of genuine partnership in their health journey.
Technology has profoundly impacted our offerings. Clinically, it has introduced life-changing treatments, turning once-fatal diseases like HIV into manageable chronic conditions. We now cover advanced devices, such as continuous glucose monitors and implantable defibrillators. Operationally, our website's provider search tool improves access to care. Looking forward, technology integration is a strategic priority.
We are developing towards a central data portal to facilitate collaboration among beneficiaries, providers, and the Scheme. The Scheme has rolled out its App, POLMED Connect, which, in its entirety, will enable us to monitor healthcare outcomes, facilitate reimbursement models based on results, and make early adjustments to interventions. Our members are becoming partners in the healthcare value chain by leveraging technology to collect data, which is crucial for delivering future-focused, high-quality healthcare.
We also recognise the dual nature of innovation; while AI presents opportunities for efficiency, it also introduces risks, such as more sophisticated false claims, which we must vigilantly guard against.
Measuring success at POLMED
We measure success through a multi-faceted lens that goes beyond mere financial metrics. While a strong solvency ratio and prudent financial management are nonnegotiable for sustainability, true success is also reflected in member satisfaction in a challenging market. Financially, our ability to keep member contributions increases below medical inflation, along with our exceptionally low non-healthcare expenses, which contribute to this. Member growth is a key metric, with our increase to over 492 000 lives without solvency reduction signalling a sound financial base.
Operationally, success is seen in the improvement of stakeholder relations, from tumultuous general meetings to successfully hosted AGMs. Most importantly, we measure health outcomes, namely the success of our wellness programmes in preventing disease, the effectiveness of our member education, and the positive feedback from members whose complex medical issues we resolve. An independent actuarial analysis has identified POLMED as the most cost-effective in the country, serving as a definitive mark of
success. We also gauge member satisfaction through their direct survey feedback and participation in our programmes. We also measure the success of our health outcomes through data analytics, tracking the effectiveness of our preventative initiatives in reducing long-term illness and managing costs.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
What I enjoy most is the profound sense of purpose. My drive has always been a love and compassion for people, and in this role, I have the privilege of translating that into tangible benefits for those who protect our nation. Seeing how our police officers work tirelessly makes it an honour to be responsible for their health benefits. Resolving complex medical issues and leaving members delighted is incredibly elating - I often wish for 36 hours in a day to do more. It is deeply gratifying to lead a non-profit scheme that creates immense value for stakeholders without a profit motive, yet still achieves impressive growth. Balancing the unique risks police face with access, cost, and affordability is a challenging but fascinating and rewarding aspect of my role.
I am also deeply passionate about talent management; identifying and honing the skills of our employees is one of my most rewarding endeavours.
What have been some of your most memorable successes?
One of the most notable successes was improving POLMED's stakeholder relations. When I joined in 2017, the Scheme had tumultuous general meetings and faced potential curatorship. Through studious effort, we improved relationships across the board and now host successful AGMs. Our COVID-19 response was another highlight where we successfully championed member vaccinations, provided exclusive quarantine sites, and supplied multivitamins, directly easing the burden on our members and their families. Achieving consistent financial stability despite membership growth and lowerthan-inflation contribution increases is a significant success. Initiatives such as providing flood relief in KZN and implementing wellness programmes demonstrate our commitment to holistic member care, making these milestones both personally and professionally rewarding.
The health indicators from members who participate in the wellness programme over the 2024 and 2025 period have shown encouragingly reduced claims. This also reflects on health outcomes.
And greatest challenges?
Initially, one of the most significant challenges was the resistance often faced by women in leadership, where typical management traits are
viewed differently. I overcame this through consistency, honesty, and assertiveness, supported by selfmotivation and the skills gained from my MBA. From an organisational perspective, POLMED faced severe stakeholder relationship issues and the threat of curatorship upon my arrival. Navigating the deteriorating general health profile of South Africans, the unique SAPS health risks, the burden of disease, and the constant pressure of rising healthcare costs, while levying affordable premiums, remains an ongoing challenge. Externally, policy uncertainties, such as the NHI, create industry-wide uncertainty, requiring strategic foresight to ensure the Scheme's long-term sustainability and role.
What are you looking forward to in the coming year?
In the coming year, I am looking forward to advancing our key strategic priorities. This includes enhancing our research and data analytics capabilities and acquiring tools to automate the monitoring of healthcare outcomes. A significant focus is on entrenching our investment in health facilities and running parallel systems for services identified for insourcing, a key step in our transition towards a model that incorporates Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) aspects. I am also excited to see the continued impact of our new, highly qualified, and driven employees as we implement our new operating
model. Lastly, we look forward to collaborating more with our regulator, which will be crucial for our future growth and stability.
A message of inspiration
My message is always to cultivate a curious and inquisitive mind. Do not simply accept the status quo; challenge it. For us to progress and stretch our potential, we must endeavour for constant, innovative improvement. This requires minds that are determined to ask "why" and "what if," driving the change we wish to see. Embrace every opportunity, especially those that come when you doubt yourself, and be open to encouragement from others. Never stop learning, and never hesitate to seek help when you need it. It is through this relentless curiosity and collaborative spirit that we can overcome challenges, achieve personal effectiveness, and collectively contribute to a better, safer, and healthier future for all.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Tel: 0860 765 633 or 0860 POLMED Email: polmed@medscheme.co.za
Fax: 0860 104 114
POLMED Client Service Centre: Nedbank Plaza, C/o Stanza Bopape and Steve Biko Streets, Arcadia, 0083
Website: www.polmed.co.za
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BY JESSIE TAYLOR
outh Africa’s transport sector is in the midst of renewal, and at the heart of this effort is Nompumelelo Sibongile Ekeke, the Chairperson of the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR). With a strong background in governance and leadership, Ms Ekeke brings both vision and discipline to one of the most crucial aspects of South Africa’s infrastructure: ensuring the safety of its railways. Her role
is vital in transforming the country’s rail landscape into a safer, more efficient system that contributes meaningfully to economic growth and social development.
The RSR was established to oversee and enforce safety standards in the railway sector, ensuring operators meet rigorous requirements. Its mandate covers
auditing, monitoring, and enforcing compliance across the industry. This is critical in a country where railways are central to passenger transport and freight logistics, particularly in moving commodities such as coal, iron ore, and agricultural products. The Regulator also plays a vital role in investigating railway accidents and incidents, identifying systemic risks,
and recommending changes to prevent future occurrences. Its work ensures accountability in the sector and builds public confidence in rail as a mode of transport.
Transforming railway safety
Ms Ekeke’s leadership journey reflects her deep commitment to public service and governance. Appointed to chair the RSR Board, she has been instrumental in shaping strategies that align with the national objectives of rebuilding South Africa’s transport sector. Her governance experience extends across different industries, but in the railway space, her skills have become most visible. Under her guidance, the RSR has strengthened its oversight role, ensuring that rail operators place safety at the centre of their operations.
She has consistently highlighted that railway safety is not only a regulatory concern but also a developmental one. Safe and reliable railways enhance economic activity, enable trade, and provide safer, more affordable public transport for citizens.
Ms Ekeke has emphasised that safety cannot be compromised, especially as South Africa works to restore confidence in public infrastructure.
Under Ms Ekeke’s leadership, the RSR has been driving a culture shift within the railway industry. She has called for proactive safety management, where operators do not simply comply with minimum requirements but actively embed
safety as part of their organisational culture. This includes the adoption of modern technologies, continuous skills development, and enhanced collaboration across the sector.
One of the key areas of focus has been strengthening the Safety Management System (SMS) framework, which obligates operators to demonstrate how they manage safety risks. This approach ensures that accountability rests not just with regulators but also with the companies operating rail systems. By pushing for more robust and transparent safety reporting, Ekeke and the RSR are laying the foundation for longterm improvements in railway performance.
Safety and economic growth
The importance of the railway sector to South Africa’s economy cannot be overstated. Efficient and safe rail networks reduce road congestion, lower transport costs, and facilitate trade. They also play a significant role in passenger mobility, especially for working-class communities that rely heavily on trains. Ms Ekeke has consistently highlighted that without safe railways, economic growth is constrained and social inequalities deepen.
By focusing on safety, the RSR supports broader government objectives such as job creation, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. Railway safety reduces the risk of accidents, which often come with devastating human and financial costs. Safer systems also
Source: Railway Safety Regulator | SA News | Engineering News
attract investment, as industries and international partners are more likely to commit resources when they are confident in the reliability of infrastructure.
Ms Ekeke’s leadership is also characterised by her peoplecentred approach. She has noted that railway safety is ultimately about protecting lives - whether those of passengers, employees, or communities living near railway lines. This perspective has guided the RSR’s community outreach programmes, which aim to raise awareness about railway safety hazards and reduce risky behaviour around train stations and tracks.
Such initiatives are critical in South Africa, where incidents of cable theft, vandalism, and unsafe pedestrian crossings pose significant risks. Through education and engagement, the RSR under Ekeke’s stewardship is working to instil a culture of safety among operators and within communities.
Railway safety in South Africa is not without challenges. Ageing infrastructure, limited investment, and operational inefficiencies have all contributed to a system under strain. However, Ms Ekeke has been vocal about turning these challenges into opportunities for innovation and renewal. She has encouraged investment in modern signalling systems, digital monitoring tools, and stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors to rebuild confidence in the rail system.
Since his appointment in July 2024, Deputy Minister Hlengwa has become a visible force in driving reforms, oversight and public engagement in the transport sector. This Transport Month, his work provides an inspiring lens through which to consider how political leadership, accountability, and innovation can link to safer roads, better infrastructure, and more inclusive mobility.
Transport Month (October) provides a natural platform to elevate public awareness, mobilise stakeholders and accelerate visible action. Under Deputy Minister Hlengwa’s guidance, this year’s programme emphasises several strategic lines:
• Road safety as a life and economic imperative: reinforcing that each road death is also a lost contribution to social and productive capacity.
• Local infrastructure delivery and maintenance: showing that government is not only planning, but actively inspecting, funding and correcting deviations.
A focus on road safety reform
Deputy Minister Hlengwa is actively engaging across the country in road safety consultations, infrastructure inspections, regulatory reform, and stakeholder dialogues. He recently led stakeholder consultations in KwaZuluNatal for the review of the National Road Safety Strategy (NRSS), delivering the opening address and signalling a deeper participatory approach to safety policy. He also conducted a site inspection of Provincial Road Maintenance Grant (PRMG) projects in the Western Cape, working alongside provincial counterparts to assess road conditions and prioritise interventions.
These engagements illustrate a central theme of his approach: political presence in the field, not just in the corridors of power. That visibility, paired with a readiness to hold
institutions accountable, marks him as a trailblazer in the transport domain.
Transport Month always carries a strong road safety message, and Deputy Minister Hlengwa has been vocal about moving from rhetoric to measurable progress. In his recent address at the Department of Transport’s Budget Vote, he highlighted the need to revisit the National Road Safety Strategy and accelerate visible traffic law enforcement across all provinces. He noted that recent Easter holiday statistics showed a 32.5% reduction in crashes compared to 2024 and a 45.6% decrease in fatalities, attributing this to more coordinated enforcement, sustained public awareness campaigns, and multisphere collaboration.
Under his watch, the Department is preparing to roll out the Administration and Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system nationwide, beginning with municipalities ready to adopt. The move is intended to institutionalise demerits, tighten compliance and shift road user behaviour. Deputy Minister Hlengwa sees this as essential not just to reduce loss of life, but to relieve pressure on the Road Accident Fund and restore public confidence in regulation.
Infrastructure oversight and logistical throughput
Transport Month is not only about behaviour on roads, it is also about ensuring the machinery of transport is efficient, responsive and expanding where needed. Hlengwa’s engagements reveal clear priorities in infrastructure and logistics.
He recently took part in a joint site inspection at the Port of Durban, assessing infrastructure upgrades and operational improvements with the Department of Monitoring and
Source: Government of South Africa | Department of Transport
Evaluation and port stakeholders. He emphasised that to reduce costs for users, reclaim competitiveness, and support regional trade, South Africa must modernise its port system. He outlined projects such as channel deepening, berth expansion, and logistics park development to relieve congestion and enable larger container vessels.
He also pointed out that vessel congestion has eased: at a peak, 24 vessels waited for docking; by May 2025, the number waiting was zero, thanks to greater tug capacity, additional cranes, and process improvements.
Closer to road networks, his inspection of PRMG-funded provincial road projects in the Western Cape shows his commitment to everyday mobility. These roads may not attract headlines, but for rural and periurban citizens, they matter deeply for access to work, health, education and markets.
What sets Deputy Minister Hlengwa apart is the blend of oversight, presence and reform orientation. His time as SCOPA chair revealed his capacity for institutional scrutiny; now, as Deputy Minister, he is applying that same mindset to infrastructure, safety, regulation and stakeholder inclusion. He is less a distant bureaucrat and more a hands-on political actor who visits sites, speaks publicly, and presses for accountability.
His approach shows that transport leadership is not about roads and vehicles alone but about connecting communities, enabling trade, reducing risk, and restoring confidence in the public sector. For emerging public sector leaders, watching how Deputy Minister Hlengwa uses Transport Month as a lever to push infrastructure, policy and behaviour is instructive.
BY SHUMIRAI CHIMOMBE
The scenic small coastal town of Kleinmond outside Cape Town was the destination for the 11th G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit (P20), when Speakers from across the globe convened at the Arabella Hotel from 1 - 3 October. The event was co-hosted by the Parliament for the Republic of South Africa and the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the global organisation of national parliaments.
The P20 is one of the 13 Engagement Groups of the G20 that bring together civil society, parliamentarians, think tanks, women, youth, labour, businesses, and researchers from the G20 countries. In recognition of the strategic and meaningful roles of parliaments, the Parliamentary Group (P20) was set up at the 2018 Summit in Buenos Aires as a platform for Speakers of Parliament.
A significant outcome of the P20 Summit was the adoption and signing of a historic joint statement by the leaders of the world’s most powerful legislatures committing to urgent action on climate change, debt relief for developing nations and a just global energy transition. The joint statement will be formally communicated to the G20 Heads of State at the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit.
A Parliamentary blueprint for global action on some of the world’s most pressing challenges
The agreements reached in the 58-point joint statement are designed to be translated into national law, budgets, and oversight mechanisms to ensure their implementation.
The P20 South Africa pledged:
1. Unwavering commitment to climate action and disaster resilience
Legislators pledged to intensify efforts by engaging in global cooperation, participating in climate activities, and promoting the submission of more ambitious nationally determined contributions. It emphasised the need for accelerated action to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Crucially, the declaration called for the faithful, balanced and comprehensive implementation” of existing climate agreements. It also highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations and stressed the importance of gender-responsive disaster risk reduction strategies.
2. Overhauling global finance and tackling the debt crisis
Legislators sounded the alarm on the global debt crisis, recognising that unsustainable debt remains one of the most pressing structural challenges facing economies across all regions.
The statement called on the G20 to address debt vulnerabilities effectively, comprehensively and systematically and highlighted the urgent need for
multilateral development bank reforms. To ensure accountability, parliaments committed to strengthening oversight of public debt through “enhanced transparency and accountability mechanisms and regular debt sustainability assessments”. They further underscored the need for enhancing the representation and voice of developing countries in international financial institutions.
3. Driving a just and equitable energy transition
Acknowledging that Africa is at the centre of the global energy transition agenda, the P20 dedicated significant attention to ensuring this shift is fair. The statement noted that despite vast renewable potential, Africa receives a disproportionately low share of energy investment. It called on G20 members to work in partnership with Africa for the mobilisation of Africa’s vast renewable energy potential, with a focus on rural and marginalised communities. The declaration encouraged investment in regional power pools, local supply chains and clean manufacturing.
The statement resolved that “investing in transitional fuels may facilitate energy transitions, while ensuring energy security”, a crucial point for many developing nations. It also mandated a focus on including women and youth, who are disproportionately affected by energy poverty.
4. Harnessing critical minerals for sustainable development
Recognising that developing countries hold significant reserves of minerals essential for the energy transition, the summit advocated for these nations to reap more significant benefits.
The statement supported the development of the G20 Critical Minerals Framework to promote sustainable and reliable value chains. It further advocated for policies that support expanded local processing, job creation and industrial development in resource-rich countries, namechecking initiatives like the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative and Africa's Green Minerals Strategy.
5. Reinforcing sustainable development and human rights
The joint statement reaffirmed strong support for the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Pact for the Future. It pledged to align legislation with international human rights commitments and promote gender-sensitive budgeting and the equitable representation of women, youth and people in vulnerable situations. The legislators also reaffirmed their commitment from previous summits to promote and harness artificial intelligence responsibly for the public good, while bridging digital divides.
A time for commitment and action
In her closing remarks, Ms Thoko Didiza, Speaker of the South African National Assembly said that the adoption of the Joint Declaration is an important step symbolising a shared commitment to tackle the contemporary world challenges.
“It is not just a ceremonial document but a blueprint for action and a clarion call for Parliamentarians to use their legislative instruments to change the world for better.
BY SHUMIRAI CHIMOMBE
It reflects the consensus of diverse voices and the convergence of national interests around common global goals. More importantly, the Declaration is not an end but the beginning of action-oriented Parliaments. Its true value lies in how it is carried forward, and that responsibility rests squarely with parliaments.”
She went on to say that parliaments are not passive observers of global change. They are active agents of transformation. Through legislation, oversight, budgetary control, and public participation, they possess the tools to turn commitments into actions.
Reflecting on the summit, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations at the Parliament of South Africa said: “The most important thing is that it’s not only the discussions, it’s how as parliaments we have agreed that post the G20, we’re going to set mechanisms in place to provide oversight on all the agreements that have been arrived at here. In addition, we will ensure that our people in various countries are briefed on a regular basis on the progress we are making in assessing the implementation of the G20 outcomes here as part of our oversight on the executive arm of the states.”
Countdown to the G20 Leaders Summit Preparations are well underway to welcome over 60 Heads of State and Government, along with leaders of international organisations for the culmination of South Africa’s G20 Presidency - the G20 Leaders Summit from 22 to 23 November.
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently made his way to the Leaders’ Summit venue at the Johannesburg Expo Centre for a guided tour and state-of-readiness briefing. The President was accompanied by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola.
October events calendar
Fifth Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting
Fourth Trade and Investment Working Group Meeting
Fourth Energy Transitions Working Group Meeting
Trade and Investment Working Group Ministerial Meeting (Golf Day on 11 October 2025)
Energy Transitions Working Group Ministerial Meeting
Fourth Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group Meeting
Third Climate and Environment Sustainability Working Group Meeting
Fourth Finance and Central Bank Ministerial Meeting
Climate and Environmental Sustainability Working Group Ministerial Meeting
Fourth Finance and Central Bank Ministerial Meeting
Education Working Group Ministerial Meeting
Fourth Empowerment of Women Working Group Meeting
Third Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting
Fourth Culture Working Group Meeting
Culture Working Group Ministerial Meeting
Empowerment of Women Working Group Ministerial Meeting
Anti-Corruption Working Group Ministerial Meeting
Stay updated on G20 South Africa activities, events, videos during the year:
Website: https://g20.org/
Social media: G20 South Africa on Facebook, Instagram, X, Tik Tok, Linkedin, YouTube and Flickr
Sources: P20 South Africa | G20 South Africa
THE STATE OF SA’S AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
BY JESSIE TAYLOR
South Africa’s automotive sector shows renewed vigour after several years of pressure. The domestic market is gaining momentum, new players are reshaping competitive dynamics, and export ambitions remain alive.
The domestic market has benefited from a favourable interest-rate environment, relatively low newvehicle inflation and liquidity released
via “two-pot” pension reforms. New passenger car sales leapt through the long-standing 35,000-unit ceiling for the first time in years, with July and August marking the strongest volumes since 2014. In the second quarter, new passenger car sales grew 22.5% year-on-year, driven by aggressive incentives from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the growing presence of
value-oriented brands. Chinese automakers, in particular, are transforming competition. Their share in South Africa’s market now hovers near 15% in Q2 2025 - up sharply from just 3.1% in 2022 - thanks to affordable, technologically enriched models and expanding dealer networks. That forces incumbent OEMs to rethink pricing, features and cycle strategies.
However, the domestic recovery is still fragile. Affordability constraints, tightening credit conditions, and looming export headwinds may temper growth, especially in 2026. The export front has become a key vulnerability. The imposition of US tariffs has had a marked impact on South Africa’s vehicle exports. Exports to the United States fell by 73% in the first quarter of 2025, followed by further declines of 80% and 85% in April and May. Meanwhile, the South African Reserve Bank cautioned that as many as 100 000 jobs across the automotive and agriculture sectors could be at risk if tariffs persist.
To cushion the impact of tariffs, South Africa is considering expanding its Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) incentives. The aim is to retain manufacturing investment, preserve jobs, and reduce the shock of lost export revenues. While exports to the US have taken a blow, South Africa’s automotive industry is not standing still. A promising counterbalance lies in Africa itself. Africa’s automotive sector is projected to grow from US$21.07-billion in 2024 to US$33.14billion by 2033 (CAGR ~5.16%). South Africa accounted for about 28.4% of that market in 2024, positioning it as a key supplier within the continent.
If intra-African trade, underpinned by AfCFTA, is fully realised, South African component and vehicle exports could gain new momentum. In this context, South Africa’s industrial ecosystem - its strong supplier base, accumulated skills, infrastructure and manufacturing scale - remains an asset. The automotive sector contributes around 5 to 6% of GDP and supports over 100,000 jobs across vehicle assembly, parts manufacturing and trade. Even amid external headwinds, such depth gives the sector a fighting chance to pivot and reorient.
Beyond market shifts and export volatility, global trends demand that South Africa’s automotive industry adapt to environmental, social and governance (ESG) imperatives. As European markets tighten emissions and regulatory standards, South African exports - 64.3% of which go to Europe - must meet increasingly stringent environmental thresholds.
The integration of sustainability is not just a cost burden; in many cases, it is a source of innovation, operational efficiency and brand differentiation. Sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in South Africa have risen: in 2023, they passed the 1% threshold, reaching about 1.45%, up from 0.88% in 2022. This early traction, though modest, marks the start of the transition. Some OEMs are investing in local EV assembly, battery systems and low-emissions technologies. Aligning incentives, infrastructure (notably charging networks), and regulatory frameworks will be key in turning the transition into industrial and employment growth.
There is scope for the public sector to amplify this shift. Thoughtful incentives, research and development support, and alignment with green industrial strategies can help firms internalise ESG transitions. South Africa’s reserves of platinum group metals, used in catalytic converters and hydrogen technologies, offer strategic linkage to the clean mobility shift.
Overall, the state of South Africa’s automotive sector in 2025 may best be characterised as resilient with vulnerabilities. Domestic recovery is real: consumers are responding to better financing, incentives and new market entrants. Export disruption is harsh, but the sector retains depth, institutional foundations and a capacity to pivot. South Africa’s automotive industry is not merely a legacy manufacturing anchor. It is a dynamic industrial base at the intersection of global shifts in mobility, regulation, trade and sustainability. Its path forward is unlikely to be linear, but strong leadership, reform-minded policy and strategic diversification can help steer it through the turbulence.
BY JESSIE TAYLOR
South Africa is entering a new chapter in its freight rail sector, where private operators will share access to Transnet’s rail corridors. After years of underinvestment, declining volumes, and logistical bottlenecks, the government has selected 11 train operating companies (TOCs) to run services on 41 routes across the national freight network. The announcement marks a significant step toward liberalising rail freight, unlocking private capital, and boosting efficiency across bulk commodity, container and fuel transport.
While Transnet will retain ownership of tracks, signalling and infrastructure, the private
sector’s entry under a third-party access model is intended to bring fresh dynamism, competition, investment and additional capacity.
From monopoly to open access Transnet Freight Rail has held a de facto monopoly on South Africa’s freight rail for decades. Its dominance, however, came under severe straininfrastructure decayed, theft and vandalism took their toll, rolling stock aged, and service reliability declined. Freight volumes tumbled from a high of 226 million tonnes in 2017/18 to approximately 152 million tonnes in 2023/24.
The government’s 2022 National Rail Policy aimed to change that by endorsing a vertical separation model: leaving infrastructure in state hands but permitting multiple operators to access the network. In that sense, the 2025 slot allocation is the first practical realisation of that policy.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has confirmed that of the 25 applicant TOCs, 11 have met the criteria to be conditionally awarded corridor slots. These operators now enter commercial negotiations with Transnet to finalise contracts. Those allocations span six
major corridors: North (coal, chrome), Iron Ore, Cape (manganese), Northeast (containers, fuel, chrome), Central (containers, coal) and Container corridors (for containers, sugar). The corridors’ selected link key inland mining regions to coastal ports such as Durban, Richards Bay, and Saldanha Bay. These routes are central to South Africa’s export economy. Opening them to competition may ease logistics constraints, reduce freight costs, and unlock suppressed commodity flows.
Minister Creecy emphasised that the TOCs are not meant to cannibalise Transnet’s volumes, but to add capacity - filling gaps Transnet has struggled to service. The target is to increase freight moved by rail from roughly 160 million tonnes today toward 250 million tonnes by 2029.
The reform holds the promise of meaningful gains. Private operators bring access to capital for rolling stock, maintenance, and operational innovations. In one projection, the newcomers could move an additional 20 million tonnes per annum, representing an 11% uplift on current levels.
Further, estimates suggest that private investment in rolling stock, sidings and terminals could amount to up to R100 billion over the coming decade.
Regional and sectoral significance
The first operators are expected to commence operations between 2026 and 2028, following negotiations, preparations and
safety compliance.Transnet has also floated, creating a LeaseCo, a rolling stock leasing entity, partly to ease barriers to entry for TOCs that initially lacked large fleets. That could accelerate participation.
Slot allocations will be revisited annually via updates to the Network Statement, which defines available slots, tariffs and conditions. The infrastructure manager (TRIM) will be pivotal in managing access, interoperability, and fairness.
Additionally, non-selected applicants will be allowed to reapply in future rounds.
The Interim Rail Economic Regulatory Capacity (IRERC) is set to mediate consultation processes on Transnet’s draft Network Statement and oversee open access fairness.
Capacity in safety permitting (via the Railway Safety Regulator), environmental oversight, port interface coordination, border procedures and customs integration must align with rail operations. The state must also ensure that Transnet, while a competitor, remains an impartial infrastructure provider.
Further, oversight is needed to monitor cost pass-throughs, slot allocations, performance monitoring, non-delivery penalties, and contracting transparency. Public sector leaders and parliamentarians have a role in ensuring the public interest remains central.
South Africa’s rail freight reform is ambitious, overdue and laden with promise. The first slot awarded to private TOCs signals that the idea is no longer theoretical but actionable. If executed well, the reform could restore much of the capacity lost over years of neglect, reduce logistics bottlenecks, and offer mining, agriculture and exporters a more reliable path to ports.
Moreover, opening corridors invites innovation - new operating models, leasing arrangements, interoperability, digital scheduling, dynamic slot pricing and infrastructure co-investment. The public and private sectors may co-evolve toward a more responsive, market-aware freight rail system.
RESEARCH IN THE ANTARCTIC
BY SHUMIRAI CHIMOMBE
“Through research and observation, We Discover, We learn, We change”
The South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) was established in 2021 to maintain and support the historic and ongoing observations of marine and polar regions surrounding the country as well as in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean Islands.
The country became a founding member of the Antarctic Treaty System in 1959 which is an international agreement that governs Antarctica, dedicating it to peaceful purposes, banning military activity and nuclear
testing, and establishing it as a zone for scientific cooperation. South Africa has continuously maintained research operations and stations in the region since then. Developed by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, SAPRI’s objective is to enable collaboration among the different marine and polar research initiatives and assist decision makers to formulate appropriate environmental policies that lessen the risk of global climate change.
“To observe, we journey South”
Vessels set sail from Cape Town, the only African gateway city to
Antarctica, and make their way to research stations located on Prince Edward Island, Marion Island, Antarctica, Gough Island and Tristan de Cunha. Other locations include South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and the Weddell Sea.
“By exploring, we uncover”
SAPRI’s research facilitation and infrastructure support is divided into four Integrated Facilities (IFs).
• The Data, Products and Society (DPS)
The Data, Products and Society (DPS) facility was established in
November 2022 and is hosted by the Faculty of Science, Department of Botany and Zoology at Stellenbosch University. It integrates the SAPRI Data Centre, the various types of generated data and downstream products, and the community outreach programme.
The Data Centre plays a vital role in preserving South Africa’s marine and polar data. It ensures that data is made available to those who need it to advance their own research and scientific work.
SAPRI’s products include the Digital Antarctica Project which
was launched in October 2024. The project aims to offer a detailed digital representation of the large infrastructures used within the South African marine and polar research environment.
This includes a 360-degree tour of the South African research station on Antarctica (SANAE IV). In the pipeline are more 3D/360 tours of the stations on Marion Island and Gough Island as well as the South African research and supply vessel, the S.A. Agulhas II.
Transformation remains a cornerstone of SAPRI’s mandate. This is reflected in its engagement strategy in which it actively interacts with the public and students to promote communication, awareness, and education around marine and polar research in collaboration with its stakeholders. “We are advancing our commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and future-ready research workforce by strengthening mentorship pathways and outreach activities” - SAPRI
In 2024 SAPRI successfully completed a year-long Antarctic Year Programme at Ukhanyo Primary School in Masiphumelele in Cape Town, in collaboration with the NPO Guardians of the Deep. The programme featured monthly mini-workshops aimed at sparking early interest in sciencerelated subjects by introducing learners to marine and polar science research through engaging sessions led by expert guest speakers.
SAPRI continues to collaborate with historically underrepresented institutions to open pathways into marine and polar science careers and the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) programme. To date, visits have included the University of Limpopo, University of Venda, and Sol Plaatje University.”
The Mahlalela Mentorship Programme is co-designed by the SAPRI, the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists of South Africa (APECS SA) and the South African Network for Coastal and Oceanic Research (SANCOR). The programme works to connect postgraduate students and early career researchers with experienced mentors. It will support the career progression of emerging researchers by facilitating the sharing of best practices, innovative ideas, specialised knowledge and essential skills.
• Long-term Observations of the Land (LTO-Land)
LTO-Land works to ensure the continuity of the established long-term observation networks on the Sub-Antarctic islands, the Antarctic continent and ice shelves as well as the LTO of marine top predators and seabirds.
These three regions are:
• The Prince Edward Island system, which includes Marion and Prince Edward Islands (owned by South Africa)
• Gough Island (owned by the United Kingdom) where South Africa leases the land to undertake observations
• The Dronning Maud Land (DML) section of Antarctica where SANAE IV is located.
Hosted by the National Research Foundation - South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON), LTOLand will enhance South Africa’s scientific research capabilities by providing a dedicated platform for monitoring and studying various aspects of the land environment in the polar regions. This will include areas such as oceans and marine ecosystems under global change, earth system observations, ecosystems, biodiversity, and biodiscovery.
BY SHUMIRAI CHIMOMBE
By expanding the scope of research and data collection, this integrated facility will enable South Africa to contribute even more significantly to international research initiatives and collaborations.
LTO-Land is responsible for ensuring the continuity of longterm monitoring research on seabirds and marine mammals breeding at the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward. This research has been ongoing and uninterrupted for the last four decades.
“Long-term monitoring of seabirds and marine mammals is vital for tracking ecosystem health, conserving biodiversity, managing invasive species, and studying the effects of climate change. It also contributes valuable data to global scientific research efforts.” - SAPRI
The seabird and marine mammal research programmes on Marion Island have achieved significant success in research and conservation over the past four decades, contributing to the education of numerous masters and doctoral students both in South Africa and internationally. These research programmes have been led by South African university teams including those from UCT, University of Pretoria, and the Nelson Mandela University. Such projects are funded through the National Research Foundation SANAP three-year funding cycle.
The LTO-Ocean Integrated Facility aims to support the established long-term observation networks
in the oceans surrounding South Africa, including the Southern Ocean, the South-West Indian Ocean and the South Atlantic Ocean. This includes LTO in the oceans, sea-ice, deep ocean sites, seafloor and the overlying atmosphere. The LTO-Ocean is also hosted by the NRF-SAEON.
The datasets generated will help scientists track trends in sea surface temperatures, ocean currents, sea-level rise and ocean acidification, and are crucial for determining the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems and global climate patterns.
Ocean observations also help to improve weather forecasting accuracy. Meteorologists make use of accessible datasets such as sea surface temperatures, ocean currents, and atmospheric conditions over the ocean to forecast meteorological phenomena such as tropical cyclones, devastating storm surges and extreme waves with improved accuracy.
“Our surrounding oceans are vital to the country’s economy, contributing to industries including shipping, fishing, aquaculture, tourism, and renewable energy. Long-term ocean observations help these industries in planning for potential disruptions, such as changes in ocean conditions or extreme weather events. They also provide insights into changes in phytoplankton and zooplankton populations, fish distribution, and the overall biodiversity of the ocean. These data is crucial for long-term fisheries management and conservation activities, addressing serious environmental and societal issues. They serve not
only the scientific community, but also evidence-based decision-making and policy development on a national and international scale.” - SAPRI
The Polar Lab was set up to create the first sub-zero, temperaturecontrolled laboratory in Africa for the simulation of the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic environment for experimental and training purposes.
Hosted by UCT, the Polar Lab will simulate the polar conditions through dedicated cold rooms and an ice-wave tank for seawater experiments. It also includes mobile polar labs that can be used in South Africa and at sea. According to SAPRI in its latest newsletter, funding has been secured for the Digital and Polar Lab building at UCT and the timeline for its construction has been set for the next five years.
The Lab will facilitate multidisciplinary, collaborative research across South Africa and Africa. It will provide an opportunity for increased exposure and training in polar science and technology for students, scientists, and technicians – eliminating the necessity of travelling to Antarctica and participating in research cruises, as this is not always feasible.
The Lab will support polar research activities across science and engineering disciplines including:
• Artificial sea ice creation in a wave tank
• Study of wave-ice interactions and damping of pancake ice
• Study of biological uptake, production and gas exchanges in natural and artificially created sea ice
• Study of atmosphere-iceocean interaction in artificially created sea ice
• Sub-zero testing and analysis of physical, mechanical and biogeochemical properties of Antarctic and artificial sea ice samples
• Sub-zero testing and analysis of physical and mechanical properties of Antarctic geological samples
• Near-zero and sub-zero experiments with biological specimens from the polar ocean, sub-Antarctic islands and the Antarctic continent
as a pioneer and trailblazer for current and future generations of researchers in Africa.
View the South African Polar Research Infrastructure introductory video here and learn more more on their website and interstitial frazil ice
This research is currently not available in South Africa or the continent, marking this project
Source: The South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI)
“By facilitating and supporting, we transform, we grow, we keep exploring”
Advancing the global network to inspire public action to explore and protect the ocean
South Africa is such an incredible part of the planet. There are two oceans - it’s where the Atlantic and the Indian oceans converge. And to be able to stand at the Cape of Good Hope and actually have two oceans, blue and green, coming together. It’s just magical. The diversity of life on the land is legendary. The diversity of life in the sea is also very special. There are creatures that occur there that don’t occur anywhere else in the world.
Since South Africa as a country has committed to protection of 30% of the land and 30% of the ocean, we are really looking to seeing how Mission Blue with the Hope Spot Initiative can help work with the government and the people to reach that goal, and connect all of the protection of life in the sea to the health of the ocean and how that relates to loss of biodiversity and the changing climate - and how the ocean is critical to both.
Armed with knowledge concerning the impact we are having across the board we can then re- imagine what can be done to improve the health of the oceans and “what we can do - individually and together - to go from wherever we are at this point in time to be able look back in 10 years to say we’ve really made a difference,”- Dr Sylvia Earle, Founder of the Mission Blue.
More about our exquisite Hope Spots
False Bay - Co-Champions: Helen Lockhart, Conservation and Sustainability Manager at Two Oceans Aquarium and Mike Barron and Dylan Irion, Founders of Cape RADD (Research and Diver Development).
False Bay is renowned for its dense kelp forests that stretch from Cape Point to Cape Hangklip near Cape Town. This area boasts a mixture of marine habitats from rocky reefs, soft corals and offers amazing dives such as wreck diving to kelp forests and off shore blue water diving.
The Two Oceans Aquarium which is located on the V&A Waterfront has strong relationships with the local community with their popular Marine Protected Areas Day (MPA Day), beach cleanups, Dalebrook Rocky Shore exploration days and more.
Helen indicated that Mission Blue’s Hope Spots are perfectly aligned with the mission of the Aquarium and the Foundation – to inspire people to act for the ocean, so that all may share in an abundant and healthy ocean for life. Mike and Dylan run research projects in the Cape Town and False Bay region which are designed to assist with the scientific monitoring of marine habitats and their biodiversity in this area which has more than 3,500 endemic marine species. Cape RADD is involved with several projects, including assessing the success of the different management strategies in Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s), monitoring diversity and abundance of marine species such as white shark population estimates, shark deterrent strategies and science programmes designed to engage, educate and inspire the general public.
Cape Whale Coast - Co-Champions: Pierre de Villiers, Conservation Manager at CapeNature, and Kim Maclean, Founder of Sharklady Adventures.
The Cape Whale Coast in the Western Cape stretches over 200 kilometers from Rooi Els to Quoin Point. A region of striking natural beauty, this Hope Spot is home to iconic species such as the endangered African penguin, great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), and Southern right whale (Eubalaena australis), and many endemic bird species.
CapeNature is the authority responsible for nature conservation in the Western Cape, including marine, freshwater and terrestrial. It also advocates for the sustainable use of all resources and works in partnership with tertiary institutions, NGOs and other government departments. Sharklady Adventures were the first pioneers to start cage diving in South Africa to dispel the myth of the great white shark as a man-eating monster, and to give the community the opportunity to experience these sharks in their natural environment.
To safeguard this biodiversity hotspot, the Champions aim to focus
Plettenberg Bay
their efforts on improving marine and estuarine monitoring, and increasing public awareness about sustainable practices. By connecting people with the natural world around them, local communities, conservationists, and tourists alike can play an active role in preserving this exceptional region.
Knysna - Co-Champions: Jessica Seath, Estuarine Ecologist at the Knysna Estuary Research Foundation (KERF), and Alan Whitfield, retired Chief Scientist at the South African Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity.
Located in the Western Cape, this is a unique region with a biodiverse marine, coastal and estuarine system. It plays a pivotal role as an essential breeding ground for coastal fish species, along with the endangered Knysna seahorse (Hippocampus capensis), South Africa’s only endemic seahorse species.
Jessica indicated that as a Mission Blue Hope Spot Champion her wish
is to see this ecosystem not just protected, but truly thrive, for the fish that breed here, the people who depend on it, and the future generations who will inherit it. “By combining research, education, and community action, we can ensure that Knysna’s waters remain a source of life and inspiration for years to come.”
According to Prof Whitfield the Knysna Estuary is the only natural estuarine bay system in South Africa and has the highest biodiversity rating and importance value of all the approximately 300 estuaries located along our coastline. "It is currently under increasing human pressures that need to be carefully managed in order to ensure a sustainable future for this jewel in the Garden Route crown."
Plettenberg Bay - Co-Champions: Dr. Hendri Coetzee, Executive Director of the Nature’s Valley Trust (NVT), and Dr. Chantel Elston, Research and Conservation Program Manager
at Oceans Research Conservation Africa (ORCA) Foundation. Located along the Southern Cape, this spectacular stretch of coastline is home to an array of migratory marine cetaceans such as southern right whales and humpback whales and rare resident species including humpback dolphins. The region’s estuaries not only support endangered eagle rays and the Knysna seahorse but act as nurseries to fish populations. The marine rocky reefs and sandy stretches further support sharks, like the great white shark, and adult fish populations, many of which are vital to local fisheries.
With its diverse ecosystems, including rocky reefs, sandy beaches, estuaries, and coastal forests, Plettenberg Bay is a vital hub for marine biodiversity. The region is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a Whale Heritage Area, and is one of South Africa’s Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSA).
The five key conservation objectives for the Plett Hope Spot are the conservation of humpback dolphin habitat; ecological restoration of the Groot River system; using eagle rays to support the conservation and management of the Keurbooms Estuary; the development and distribution of educational material for public awareness; and the development of a Biodiversity Management Plan for Plettenberg Bay to serve as a blueprint for longterm environmental protection and sustainability.
Algoa Bay: Co-Champions: Adjunct Professor Lorien Pichegru at the Institute for Coastal and Marine Research (CMT), Nelson Mandela University, Mission Blue welcomes Dr. Stacey Webb, Head of Marine and Coastal Impact Programmes and Jonguxolo Davids, Research Officer, both with Sustainable Seas Trust (SST). Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape is one of the country’s largest bays, opening into the Indian Ocean.
It is home to several of the world’s largest breeding colonies of critically endangered African penguins (Spheniscus demersus), the largest pods of bottlenose dolphins in the world and the famous sardine run, the largest migration of the planet.
The Bay is a highly productive marine ecosystem due to the presence of the Benguela Upwelling system, which brings cold, nutrientrich water into the area and supports a wealth of biodiversity.
The Algoa Bay Hope Spot aims to improve and expand existing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) by connecting boundaries, supporting regional discourse on MPA priorities and increasing community involvement. The Bay is a hotspot for marine ecotourism activities, home to the Big 7 with the Addo Elephant National park and the Addo Marine Protected Area. Activities include whale watching and diving, providing opportunities to engage visitors, drive
public education campaigns, and increase awareness to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices to preserve the natural wonders of the region.
“Through the recognition of the Algoa Bay Hope Spot, and raising awareness of its significance, we aim to inspire the people of Algoa Bay to actively protect this extraordinary resource right on our doorstep,” said Dr. Stacey Webb. “Our goal is for the bay to become a sanctuary for the endangered and endemic species it is known for.”
Aliwal Shoal - Champion: Russel Symcox, local resident and Founder of Wild Alliance Africa and his wife, Olivia, a renowned local conservationist.
Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot, one of South Africa’s most famous dive sites and a Marine Protected Area (MPA), is located just 50 km south of Durban and 5km off the coast of Umkomaas
on the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) South Coast. This Indian Ocean rocky reef lies along the inner edge of the Agulhas Current, a tropical current that supports a rich variety of marine life. The reef is geologically formed from submerged, fossilised sand dunes, and is home to an astonishing diversity of tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate marine species including corals, reef fish, turtles, dolphins and shark species, including seasonal aggregations of the ragged-tooth, tiger, and black tip sharks.
Wild Alliance Africa is a non-profit conservation organisation driven by a commitment to protect the planet’s biodiversity and encourage a sustainable coexistence between delicate ecosystems and the communities that surround them.
“I’m honoured to have been awarded the role of Champion of Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot, and I look forward to finding ways to expose the wonders and importance of this Hope Spot to our local communities. It’s vital that we find ways to celebrate this MPA collectively, to showcase the incredible benefits of ocean conservation for every sector of the
community, so that we’re united in our vision for the Aliwal Shoal MPA and Hope Spot”, said Russel.
Maputaland: Co-Champions: Grant Brokensha, owner of The Bigger Picture Films (South Africa) and Marcos Pereira, Co-Founder and director of Fundação Likhulu (Mozambique).
This Hope Spot, which is dominated by the Agulhas Current, stretches down the coastline from the northern boundary of the Maputo National Park Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Southern Mozambique to the southern boundary of the iSimangaliso MPA in northern South Africa, which was established as a World Heritage Site in 1999.
The Bigger Picture Films is a filmmaking facility that is dedicated to communicating factual content relating to new science and conservation stories from the oceans and the land. With over 20 years in the industry and over 50 films made, the organisation aims to educate and inspire their audience to understand, care for, and preserve the planet for future generations. The Likhulu Foundation is a
Mozambican nonprofit organisation dedicated to enhancing marine conservation effectiveness in the country by providing integrated management and climate-smart support to established and emerging marine protected areas, and by developing future conservation leaders through professional training and mentorship.
Dr. Tessa Hempson, Mission Blue's Chief Scientist indicated that the designation of the Maputaland coast as a Mission Blue Hope Spot recognises the fact that this astounding ecosystem transcends political boundaries and the critical importance of working together to protect it as a whole.
The Hope Spot’s Co-Champions have a special plan on the horizon - Sea Schools. According to Grant the next generation needs to be educated about the importance of marine and general conservation as it is ultimately their heritage. “The ocean needs new custodians waiting in the wings. In the end, it is one ecosystem – we need everyone on board to push for equal protection on both sides of the border and to conserve it as a whole.”
“If we are to survive as a species, to create an enduring future for the planet - the time is now to act.” - Dr Sylvia Earle
BY WANDILE SIHLOBO
For much of this year, many, myself included, have written about the positive growth prospects of South Africa's agricultural sector. The optimism largely stemmed from the excellent harvests of grains, oilseeds, fruits, and vegetables we see across the country following the favourable summer rains in the 2024-25 season.
Indeed, the high-frequency data also reflect this optimism, with the sector's gross value added having expanded by 18.6% quarter-on-quarter in the first quarter of this year and by 2.5% in the second quarter of the year. The milder growth figures in the second quarter were partly because of the delay in the summer crop harvest.
In the third quarter, the sector is expected to show notable growth again.
The sentiment in the sector remains reasonably positive, with the Agbiz/ IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index, a sentiment indicator in South Africa's agriculture, at 63 points in the third quarter, well above the 50-point neutral mark that separates optimism (above 50 points) from pessimism (below 50 points). Due to these abundant harvests, exports have also been encouraging since the start of this year, with agricultural exports reaching US$3.7-billion in the second quarter, a 10% year-onyear increase.
With a picture like this, one might believe that all is well with South Africa's agriculture. However, that is not the complete story. The close observers of the sector are aware that this flourishing picture conceals some significant challenges in certain subsectors. The sector's recovery, while generally uplifting, is uneven. The major subsector of agriculture, livestock, is strained. The foot-and-mouth disease that many South Africans read about at the start of this year remains a major challenge and constraint for livestock farmers. I was reminded of this ongoing challenge this past week. On September 29, I had the opportunity to engage with and
listen to representatives from agribusinesses in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa.
The general sentiment in the region was that the agricultural conditions are favourable.
However, one aspect that got many people in the room engaged was the comment from the representative about the ongoing challenge of footand-mouth disease among dairy producers in the province.
Representatives from various banks commented on the cost burden faced by some of their clients, and dairy farmers' representatives painted a picture based on their firsthand observations of the challenges.
This was a valuable input because many of us in central South Africa and the northern regions typically think of foot-and-mouth disease from the perspective of beef producers; rarely do we consider its cost burden on dairy farmers as well.
Indeed, for beef producers, the central issue is the temporary closure of various export markets, while farmers must continue to feed the cattle, thereby significantly increasing costs.
One question that also arose was about the reasons South Africa is not on full-scale vaccination against
foot-and-mouth disease, especially in regions such as KwaZulu-Natal that are prone to outbreaks.
We also learned more about the constraints on vaccination supplies in certain areas.
These aren't new issues, and they have been discussed in various forums in South Africa. For example, in July, the Department of Agriculture held a foot-and-mouth indaba to reflect on this very same challenge. Still, hearing about the picture of KwaZulu-Natal from the affected individuals was illuminating.
What one takes away from the conversation is that South Africa remains at a critical point regarding the control of foot-and-mouth disease and various animal diseases.
This underscores our continuous emphasis on the need to strengthen the country's biosecurity to prevent animal diseases and also plant diseases.
As we contemplate what must be done to cushion the sector from this disease, we need not only to ease regulations for importing and registering the various products farmers require, but also to increase investment in vaccine manufacturing. We all know of the difficulties and cases of corruption at the Agricultural Research Council and the Onderstepoort Biological
Products (OBP), a state-owned vaccine manufacturer. The work to revive these institutions is underway, according to recent statements by the Department of Agriculture, a line department for these organisations.
Still, the partnership with the private sector must be the path forward. We must ensure that entities capable of producing critical vaccines for our livestock industry receive the necessary government support to partner and roll out the measures needed to support the sector. We no longer need just one centre of manufacturing, but rather multiple centres where capabilities exist. Thereafter, also nudge the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to assist with fencing to ensure the strict control of animal movement in the country.
The livestock industry is a pillar of South Africa's farming economy, accounting for approximately half of the country's farming fortunes. Therefore, ensuring its resilience is vital, and that starts with addressing foot-and-mouth disease and other diseases head-on.
Importantly, as a country, we aim to drive export-led agricultural growth. To achieve this objective, we must address the animal diseases that are a major constraint.
Wandile Sihlobo is the chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of SA (Agbiz) and a senior fellow in Stellenbosch University’s Department of Agricultural Economics.
BY JESSIE TAYLOR
Technology is fast becoming one of the most dynamic drivers of Africa’s economic growth. Once viewed as a supporting tool, digital innovation is now reshaping Gross Domestic Product (GDP) directly through financial inclusion, infrastructure development, and new value chains. From mobile money platforms that have transformed everyday commerce to billion-rand data centre investments, Africa’s digital economy is rewriting the continent’s growth story.
Powering financial inclusion and GDP
Nowhere is Africa’s digital transformation clearer than in the rise of mobile money. Sub-Saharan Africa is the undisputed global leader, with more than 1.1 billion registered accounts and
annual transaction values exceeding US$1.2-trillion. In 2023 alone, mobile money added approximately US$190-billion to GDP across the region - around 1.7% of total output. One such example is Kenya. Often cited as the birthplace of mobile money innovation, Kenya’s M-Pesa has become a cornerstone of its economy. The platform has not only facilitated consumer payments but also spurred a wave of fintech startups and digital services.
In Cameroon, mobile money now accounts for more than 5% of GDP, highlighting its central role in everyday economic activity. In Ghana, strong regulatory frameworks and a thriving fintech ecosystem have positioned the country as a “regional bellwether” in mobile
money, where digital wallets not only facilitate payments but also underpin small business growth, savings, and credit access.This financial revolution has empowered millions of previously unbanked Africans. It has enabled smallholder farmers to receive payments instantly, women entrepreneurs to trade more widely, and families to access microloans and insurance. By bringing vast numbers of citizens into the formal economy, mobile wallets are expanding tax bases, strengthening domestic demand, and fuelling GDP growth.
Mastercard and Genesis Analytics forecast that Africa’s digital payments economy could reach US$1.5-trillion by 2030.
Laying the foundations of the digital economy
While mobile money demonstrates technology’s power on the demand side, data centres are transforming the supply side of Africa’s digital economy. These facilities are critical for hosting cloud services, enabling e-government platforms, and ensuring that data sovereignty and security are maintained locally.
In April 2025, the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) announced a US$100-million partnership with Raxio Group to expand data centres across Ethiopia, Angola, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda. These investments
will reduce latency, improve service reliability, and attract global firms that increasingly require local hosting.
Private sector players are also scaling up. In July 2025, Visa opened its first African data centre in Johannesburg, underscoring confidence in South Africa as a digital hub. The local data centre market, already worth over US$2billion, is projected to grow to US$3.4-billion by 2030. Across the continent, more than R100billion in additional data centre investments are planned, with hyperscale facilities from leading global and regional firms.
For GDP, the implications are far-reaching. Data centres enable local content creation, support digital trade, and reduce the cost of digital services. They also create highskilled jobs in IT, construction, and energy. Crucially, they strengthen Africa’s capacity to export digital services - from fintech solutions to artificial intelligence tools - thereby diversifying economies beyond raw commodities.
The rise of mobile wallets and data hubs would not be possible without supporting enablers. Connectivity remains the foundation. Expansion of 4G and 5G networks will continue to boost productivity across sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture. Broadband access is already proven to correlate strongly with
higher GDP growth rates. Energy reliability is another essential enabler. Data centres, in particular, require stable and sustainable electricity supply. Initiatives such as the Mission 300 electrification drive, supported by development finance institutions, aim to close the energy access gap and ensure that digital growth is not constrained by power shortages.
While the trajectory is positive, challenges remain. The digital divide means that not all citizens benefit equally from digital growth. Some regions continue to lag in mobile money adoption and usage, often due to low digital literacy or high data costs.
Infrastructure bottlenecks persist, from electricity shortages to underdeveloped broadband in remote areas. Regulatory uncertainty in some markets can also slow investment, particularly in data centres and fintech. Addressing these challenges will require coordinated action between public sector leaders, private investors, and multilateral partners.
The continent has already shown its capacity to leapfrog traditional models, with mobile money a global success story. Now, with billions flowing into data centres and digital infrastructure, Africa has the chance to build a resilient, diversified, and tech-driven economy.
BY KOKETSO MAMABOLO
Home is where the coast is Gated communities and the curious case of Scarborough
The latest property numbers present a fascinating insight into how demand is being shaped by more than just affordability. In May this year, StatsSA released its Residential Property Price Index, the yardstick which measures how the price of residential properties changes at the national, provincial and metropolitan levels, revealing how prices continue to rise.
Annual national inflation was sitting at 6.1% in May, up from 5.8% in April. The biggest contributor was the Western Cape with 9.4%. At the metro level Cape Town contributed the most at 8.1%.
But this doesn’t mean buyers have lost their appetite. The numbers for properties sold to first-time buyers increased by 4.4% year-on-year, evidence that there is still fresh demand despite higher headline prices.
The same is true over the long term. According to BetterBond’s Property Insights, the average home price has increased by 10.7% since 2019. The average home now costs R1.6million.
And yet, since the fourth quarter of 2023 the number of home loan applications has gone up by 26%. A lower prime lending rate and five successive cuts to the repo rate have driven the 14.6% year-on-year increase in applications. Economists expect inflation to remain at the lower end of the Reserve Bank’s target making it likely that the growth will continue.
With lower borrowing costs the narrative has shifted toward a buyer’s market, at least for the moment. Growth rates for all buyers are lower than the Consumer Price Index and right now residential
property is a sound investment and the Western Cape is leading the way.
The Western Cape accounts for 38 percent of the value of residential building plans passed in the country nationally, and the province has recorded double digit figure yearon-year growth.
“The Western Cape has shown greater property appreciation and higher rental yields than the rest of the country due to semi-migration,” says Marc Rodrigues of the Delta Property Group.“The province experienced a surge in demand as remote work increased and people moved to towns that are well run.”
While the beaches and mountain views remain powerful draw cards, people are also looking for service delivery, schools, retail centres, gyms etc. In short, they’re looking for a lifestyle. Whether that be a home in
the city, or a holiday home on the coast of a world-renowned tourist destination. Scarborough is an interesting example which highlights a significant trend that is somewhat unique to the Western Cape.
The seaside village recorded almost 70 percent of purchases in 2024 by foreign buyers, according to Lightstone Property. The same is true across the province, and these properties are well above the R1.6million national average. More than 40 percent of the residential property purchases above R10-million were made by foreign buyers, and the top 22 suburbs in the country favoured by foreign buyers are all in the Western Cape.
Couple this with the rise of the digital nomads and semi-migration and it's clear why developers are not holding back. Cape Town’s CBD is reaping the benefits. Current estimates by
BY KOKETSO MAMABOLO
the Cape Central Improvement District value investment at just over R9-billion across 27 developments at various stages. Forty four percent of those projects are residential, and seven are mixed-use, highlighting the demand for urban living, not just little paradises on the Atlantic seaboard.
The country’s largest metropolitan area, Johannesburg, has seen success in gated communities with the perks they bring. Property developer Paul Tedder has found a
similar demand for lifestyle-focused properties in the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, as semi-migration from the province’s north coast picks up due to various factors.
“The value proposition of gated communities is undeniable. They offer peace of mind and sense of community that many buyers now prioritise,” explains Tedder.
When buyers are chasing scenery, rental yields or a lifestyle pivot to remote-friendly towns, they look to
the coast. For those looking to settle in the city or its outskirts, Cape Town’s CBD offers many options, with more to come, and the suburbs of Johannesburg remain a compelling option for the schools and proximity to the heartbeat of the country’s economy.
Buyers have more options and Marc Rodrigues advises sellers to price homes correctly to avoid losing out.
BY KIMBERLEY TAYLOR
South Africa's diverse geography and evolving infrastructure present unique challenges for e-commerce and logistics businesses. Yet, in a sector where timely and reliable delivery is crucial for customer satisfaction and sustainability, the right technology can be a game-changer. Delivery management software plays a critical role in optimising logistics operations, improving route efficiency, and enhancing visibility. By streamlining these processes, businesses can achieve tangible benefits. Here are five key ways delivery management software is driving success in the local e-commerce sector.
The best route
Arguably the most obvious but often the most challenging, route optimisation is key to efficient deliveries. South Africa's diverse geography, varying road conditions (including 40% of provincial roads and 80% of national roads nearing the end of their design life), and sometimes imprecise address systems can lead to inefficient routes, increased fuel consumption and delayed deliveries.
Route optimisation is such a major challenge that it's a key focus for many solutions. Delivery management software utilises advanced and dynamic algorithms
to calculate the most efficient and cost-effective routes in real time. These algorithms consider factors like traffic conditions, delivery time windows, and vehicle capacity, helping to ensure ultimate route optimisation. This can reduce the kilometres driven by up to 20% and ensures faster, more reliable deliveries overall.
See, track, deliver To improve anything, there needs to be a keen understanding of what the problem is or where the challenges lie. When it comes to delivery processes a lack of real-time visibility can lead to uncertainty for both businesses and customers, which
in turn hampers trust and is fertile ground for security risks, delays, inefficiencies and plain old human frustration.
One way delivery management software addresses this is through end-to-end real-time tracking. Data collected in this way can help address issues promptly while also understanding the need for a better solution.
Transparency is crucial in delivery operations, and real-time tracking is a key enabler of this. Delivery management platforms use realtime tracking to provide end-to-end visibility, enabling businesses to monitor delivery status, track driver locations, and anticipate potential delays. This level of transparency can help mitigate issues, improve communication, and inform logistics optimisation strategies.
The software allows multiple views to track delivery progress, including live maps, flight board interfaces, and detailed timelines for businesses. For customers, this results in seamless tracking, staying informed from dispatch to delivery. This visibility provides control and peace of mind for all parties involved.
Manual processes are the enemy of efficiency, and anything susceptible to human error can lead to inefficiencies. These can be easily managed with the right delivery management software. Delivery management solutions can automate numerous aspects of the delivery workflow, from order processing and driver allocation to dispatch management and data collection.
By streamlining these processes, businesses can reap significant benefits like saving up to 5 hours per week with the right solution in place. A key factor in achieving this level of efficiency is seamless integration with existing systems and platforms. Delivery management platforms achieve this through a suite of public APIs that enable easy integration with any Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software, Warehouse Management System, or e-commerce platform.
Enhanced client experience
Ordering anything online requires little more than a few taps on your phone. It’s the ultimate convenience and in an e-commerce-driven market, customers have the same expectation for fast, accurate and transparent deliveries. There’s simply no excuse for poor communication, delivery delays or a lack of visibility around the status of the delivery.
More than a “nice touch”, a satisfied customer is the difference between average and exceptional in a space where switching to another option (your competitor!) also only requires a few taps.
Delivery management software provides real-time updates, accurate ETAs, and proactive ways to communicate via various channels, allowing for a level of transparency that promotes trust. It’s this trust and transparency that makes customers feel informed and in control.
Flexible delivery options and convenient digital proof of delivery are among the simple ways the right technology not only gets the job done but ultimately improves customer satisfaction and loyalty.
The data difference
Every industry claims that data is the panacea - the answer to all operational woes, irrespective of the business challenge. But in the delivery management software space, it is the foundation on which peak performance is built.
The right data is the difference though. When comprehensive and relevant, data offers insights into operational bottlenecks, aids in understanding performance trends and, most importantly, serves to inform strategies for continuous improvement.
The type of data to be collected can also be customised to ensure alignment with real business needs. Collected data can be interpreted in a myriad of ways via sophisticated analytics tools or reporting dashboards, allowing organisations to monitor performance, consider areas for improvement, predict future demand, and optimise every step of the operational journey.
The South African market is dynamic, increasingly demanding, and certainly mature in its readiness for sophisticated solutions that support strategies for long-term success.
BY JESSIE TAYLOR
After a streak of droughts and water stress, above-normal rainfall has helped lift dam storage levels across many provinces, offering relief and renewed confidence. At the same time, persistent issues such as dam safety compliance, sedimentation, maintenance backlogs and climate change pressures remind us that water infrastructure requires constant care. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), along with research bodies, municipalities, and communities, is rising to the task - efforts now underway are laying the groundwork for more resilient water security in the years ahead.
South Africa faces a complex water future. Climate change may bring greater extremes - periods of drought interspersed
with intense rainfall. Urban demand will continue growing. Agricultural, industrial and ecological water needs must be balanced. The positive news is that many of the policies, programmes, and investments underway directly address these pressures.
Encouraging recovery in dam levels
According to the DWS hydrology reports, the country’s average dam storage is above 80%. Provinces such as Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZuluNatal, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West and Free State are seeing gains. The Vaal Dam, part of the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), has made a strong recovery, sitting at above 70% capacity.
In KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, storage levels are now over 90%. These increases are not only numbers: they mean greater security for urban water systems, agriculture, industry and for municipalities that often struggle with erratic water supply. It’s a powerful example of nature cooperating with human management.
While the rainfall has been generous, DWS is not letting up in its efforts to manage the dams strategically. One such measure is maintaining key dams like Vaal and Bloemhof at full or above full capacity ahead of summer rains, to strengthen drought
preparedness and underline water security. Another element of this proactive approach is controlled releases to manage inflow and prevent overflows or structural risk. These operations require careful monitoring, technical skill, and forethought—qualities that reflect growing institutional capacity.
Rainfall and storage are only one part of the picture. To meet longterm demand driven by population growth, urbanisation and industrial development, South Africa has been building and augmenting dams since 1994. According to the DWS, 62 dams of various sizes have been constructed since democracy, including three transboundary dams (in Lesotho and Eswatini), contributing a total storage capacity of over 4.4 billion cubic metres. Some of these dams serve small towns, agriculture, mining and industries.
Infrastructure expansion and dam development Alongside new dams, works are underway to raise the walls of existing dams to increase capacity. Projects such as raising the Clanwilliam Dam wall (Western Cape) by 13 metres and the Tzaneen Dam wall in Limpopo by three metres are examples. Others like the Ntabelanga Dam (part of the Mzimvubu Water Project), Nwamitwa Dam in Limpopo, Coerney Dam in the Eastern Cape, Zalu Dam, Foxwood Dam, Cwabeni Off-Channel Storage Dam and others are either in design or construction phases, signalling a sustained push to expand infrastructure.
The Department is also turning its attention increasingly to dam safety and storage capacity degradation due to sedimentation, which reduces effective capacity over time.
The NatSilt Programme, launched by the Water Research Commission (WRC) in partnership with the DWS, aims to tackle this issue. NatSilt is developing a National Siltation Management Strategy for large dams, to provide tools to make sitespecific decisions rather than blanket approaches. The programme is particularly important given evidence of sediment build-up in certain dams, limiting storage and functionality.
Another challenge is the backlog in Dam Safety Evaluations (DSEs). As of 2023, over 500 dams were pending evaluation. The DWS has initiated a backlog eradication
project, with the goal of completing outstanding reviews by March 2026. These evaluations are essential for assigning condition ratings— ranging from “Good” to “Unsafe” —so that maintenance, rehabilitation or upgrading can be planned and prioritised. Parliamentary Monitoring Group
South Africa’s dams - once under seasonal stress and low storage - are showing encouraging signs of recovery and resilience. Abovenormal rainfall has replenished many water systems, especially in key dams that supply the major population and industrial centres. Infrastructure projects, regulatory reforms and safety initiatives are now aligning in ways that suggest improved water security for the future. Source: AllAfrica | Department of Water and Sanitation
BY JESSIE TAYLOR
Limpopo is often framed in narratives of rural challenge and infrastructural backlog, but beneath that lies a province of untapped potential. It has rich agricultural endowments, significant mineral resources, and a strategic border position linking South Africa with Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Its economic sectors - agriculture, mining, local manufacturing and services - play critical roles in the national economy and local livelihoods. To unlock that potential fully, the province’s public service must become more professional, merit-driven and future-oriented, and that is precisely the call being made by Premier Phophi Ramathuba.
The public sector in the province is a significant engine in shaping how the province’s economic value is unlocked, distributed and sustained. Limpopo’s public service is the frontline of governance, service delivery and capacity building, from local municipalities and district administrations to provincial departments and service agencies. But, as the Premier notes, professionalism must rise if that engine is to run smoothly.
At the South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) conference in Thohoyandou, Premier Ramathuba made a pointed plea: “The public service
must be professionalised. Appointments must be based on merit, not patronage. Training and capacity development must be continuous, not sporadic… accountability must be enforced.”
She observed that weak institutions, lack of consequence management and outdated systems breed inefficiency, erode trust, and allow corruption to fester. Her message: professionalism is non-negot iable for a developmental state. The Premier’s remarks are more than rhetorical. In her address, she emphasised that many municipalities in Limpopo are in financial distress or placed under administration, with poor audit outcomes year after year. In those contexts, service delivery collapses, and residents lose faith in governance. She urged a return to fundamentals: integrity, competence and consequence management.She also challenged the public service to adopt technology more aggressively, decrying that “manual systems delay service delivery, breed inefficiency, and sometimes enable corruption”.
Translating high-level commitments into on-the-ground transformation is not easy.
Limpopo has seen significant job losses: between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, the province lost some 55,000 jobs, representing nearly 20% of national job losses in that period. Unemployment is exceedingly high: the expanded rate stood at 48.6%, the second highest nationally, with only 36.5% of the working-age population employed. That underlines how fragile livelihoods are, and how critical it is for the public sector to be effective, predictable and nurturing of economic renewal.
The Premier’s call is for continuous skills development and lifelong learning to be institutionalised, and for the public sector’s digital transformation to be accelerated so that administrative systems, performance tracking, citizen services and interdepartmental coordination are seamless. Ramathuba’s phrase that “technology too, must become our obsession” should not be dismissed lightly.
One promising asset in Limpopo is its agricultural and mining sectors, which generate both revenue and employment potential. With agriculture contributing significantly—Limpopo produces 75% of South Africa’s mangoes, 65% of its papayas, and major shares of citrus, avocados, tomatoes and more—and with rich mineral reserves in platinum group metals, chromium, gold, diamonds and ferroalloys, there is scope for the public sector to act as enabler, regulator and facilitator. The public sector must be a capable partner in enabling investment, zoning, land
reform, water infrastructure and environmental management, not a bottleneck.
In addition, Limpopo’s position along the Trans-Limpopo corridor, with connections to Johannesburg and regional trade routes, provides an opportunity for logistics, export, agro-processing and value-added industries. But only a professional public service can manage permitting, infrastructure, grid access, and municipal readiness in a consistent, efficient fashion.
Limpopo’s future depends not solely on its natural endowments, but on how its public institutions harness them. Professionalising the public service is not a luxury but a necessary foundation for economic renewal, fairness, and development. As Ramathuba insisted, this must be more than eloquence. If Durban or Cape Town can point to model municipalities, so too should Thohoyandou, Polokwane and the districts of Limpopo one day point to a public service that works, not just as an employer, but as a catalyst of hope for its citizens.
A thriving provincial economy
According to the latest provincial economic outlook, Limpopo contributes roughly 7.6% of South Africa’s GDP (at market value) as of 2023. Limpopo’s GDP at market prices reached around R535.6 billion in 2023, up from R520.5 billion in 2022.
While provinces such as Gauteng (33.2%) and KwaZuluNatal (16.2%) dominate more visible shares, Limpopo’s role is steady and impactful. In its internal economy, mining accounts for a significant share - about 22% of provincial output - with agriculture, manufacturing and construction contributing smaller but strategically important proportions.
Employment statistics show that Limpopo accounts for about 10% of total national employment in the real economy sectors, including agriculture, mining, construction and manufacturing.
BY KOKETSO MAMABOLO
Can they do it? The Proteas Women, after a shocker of a start, are looking like they can compete with the best at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and will likely have their eyes on a historic run. Meanwhile, the U20 men’s football team, Amajita, despite losing to European giants France 1 - 0 in their opener, showed
why they are Africa’s champions by reaching the round of 16 at the U20 World Cup. Unfortunately, they bowed out of competition after a 3 - 1 defeat at the hands of Columbia but coach Raymond Mdaka will be proud of how his charges fared. Let’s take a look at some of the players to watch as the Proteas carry the hopes of
a nation with them, and also at the young stars who helped Amajita reach the playoffs.
The Proteas have a realistic chance of reaching the semifinals. Who will take them there?
Tamzin Brits: The veteran opener’s 101 runs off 89 balls, part of a 159-run stand that helped the Proteas chase down a target of 232 against New Zealand. Her seventh ODI century, and her first in a World Cup, took the team into fifth place in the group after a terrible loss in their opening game, making it four centuries in five games for the aggressive batter. The Proteas will need her world-leading partnership with captain Laura Wolwaardt, 1271 runs in 24 innings, to continue.
Nadine de Klerk: The team's leading wicket-taker brings youth and energy to the lineup. Batting at number eight, her unbeaten knock of 84 runs of 54 balls helped the Proteas beat India in a thrilling encounter. She hasn’t had many opportunities at this World Cup but she will be a lower-order threat throughout the rest of the tournament if she can ride the momentum.
Marizanne Kapp: The 35-year-old all-rounder was dominant with bat and ball at the 2022 World Cup. She hasn’t grabbed the headlines at this tournament but her track record speaks for itself and opponents will know all too well how she can upset their hopes.
Raymond Mdaka, a former schoolteacher from Ga-Mokgwathi, just outside Tzaneen, will be happy with where his decision to quit teaching to coach full-time has taken him. He cut his teeth with clubs in his home province of Limpopo
and was head coach of Marumo Gallants in the PSL, but his stint as the Amajita coach is where he has distinguished himself. When he was appointed in 2024 he delivered silverware immediately, winning the COSAFA U20 title without conceding a goal. Then, in Egypt earlier this year, his side became African champions
after a 1 - 0 win over Morocco. And now, for the only the second time in almost two decades he steered them to the Round of 16 at the World Cup in Chile.
This teacher is fortunate to have stellar students who have bright futures ahead of them.
Tylon Smith: The 19-year-old defender, who was named the best player at the AFCON tournament, has taken his talents up north to the 143-year-old English second-division side Queens Park Rangers. His composure and ability to control the tempo from the back make him a sure thing for the senior national side in the coming years.
Shakeel April: The winger knows his way to the back of the net. He’s quick, a nightmare for fullbacks. He was key to the AFCON campaign and he seems to have the right mindset and the resilience required at the highest level.
Fletcher Lowe: It’s hard to say who’s the better player in the squad between Smith and goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe. At the World Cup the shot-stopper saved the team on a few occasions, continuing the strong run that has seen him emerge as the best goalkeeper each tournament he plays. He spent time at the youth academy of Portuguese side Benfica before joining Estoril’s and could very soon find himself playing for the senior side in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
BY JESSIE TAYLOR
Every year, Black Friday brings a wave of deals, discounts, hype and temptation. In South Africa, the event has grown beyond a single day into a full “Black November” tradition, with retailers unleashing weeks of promotions. For consumers wishing to navigate the frenzy without regretting their decisions, preparation is key.
South Africa’s Black Friday spending has ballooned into one of the largest retail events on the continent, with billions of rand spent across both online and in-store channels. In 2024, Discovery Bank’s SpendTrend report showed that total card transactions by its clients rose 37% compared to 2023, while online purchases
increased by 46%. Online shopping accounted for roughly 30% of all spend, underscoring the digital shift among consumers.
Online transactions spiked by over 150% compared with a regular Friday, suggesting that consumers use Black Friday for big-ticket purchases.
Capitec, South Africa’s largest retail bank by customer base, reported that its 23 million clients collectively spent R25.45-billion over Black Friday and the following Saturday in 2024. Standard Bank confirmed that its customers were similarly active,
with some of the largest single transactions including a R758 677 overseas accommodation purchase and a R400 000 wholesaler spend in-store.
The data reveal that essentials remain dominant. Around a quarter of total spending goes toward groceries and food, followed by household appliances, electronics, clothing and footwear, and health and personal care. Younger consumers (under 25) lean toward fashion and digital gadgets, while older shoppers are more likely to buy household items or upgrade appliances.
To help you navigate this Black Friday, try the following tips:
• Take stock early and set boundaries
Ask yourself whether you would still buy an item if it weren’t on sale. Set a clear budget and make a list of essentials and “nice to haves.” This gives your impulse control a fighting chance. For example, a new laptop you’ve delayed replacing may qualify; a second pair of shoes at 50% off might not. Stick to your list.
It helps to decide your budget in advance and resist being swayed by volume or deal psychology.
As you plan, research product models, usual prices and retail outlets. Many merchants preload “Black Friday” labels on stock that has been inflated in price before the discount. By knowing the baseline, you can spot genuine bargains. Sign up for retailer newsletters to get early alerts and “insider” deals.
• Keeping your funds safe Online security is essential – consider 3D Secure, virtual cards or payment platforms like Masterpass™ to reduce exposure of your primary account. It’s best to think carefully before using store credit, as this is often expensive. If you use credit, make sure you understand the interest terms. Cashless methods like “Tap to Pay” or secure card emulation are safer for in-store shopping than carrying large amounts of cash.
During Black November, scamsters go into overdrive. There is often a surge in phishing emails, fake deals, bogus WhatsApp links and social media
pages posing as retailers. Never click on unsolicited links; always type or navigate to the retailer’s official site.
To ensure safe online purchasing, check for “https” and a padlock symbol in the URL before entering payment details. Before completing any transaction, double check the recipient, keep your proof of purchase, and monitor your statements closely thereafter.
• Take advantage of rewards, savings and timing Black Friday in South Africa is as much about how you pay and when as what you buy. Discovery’s SpendTrend report (2024) shows that its clients’ card transactions rose by 37%, and online purchases by 46%, during the Black Friday weekend. The average online basket (R949) was almost twice that of in-store (R509).
More than 30% of spending was online; many shoppers make early morning purchases before traffic surges. Being alert to timing helps you beat stockouts or system slowdowns.
Use rewards and cash-back systems wisely, and if your credit card offers 0% interest or extended payment plans, make sure you read the fine print and don’t overextend yourself.
• Compare deals and don’t fall for pricing tricks
Just because an item is “on sale” does not mean it is a bargain. Discounts may be superficial when base prices are inflated beforehand. It helps to know the price per unit and how discounts play out rather than trusting marketing slogans.
Compare pricing across retailers and check catalogues ahead of time. Some retailers begin “pre-Black Friday” sales to lock in buyers early - if you see a genuine deal before the main event, consider taking it rather than chasing diminishing stock.
Check return policies, warranties and after-sales support before you commit. Some items on sale may be “final sale” or limited in return rights.
The best shoppers view Black Friday not as a battlefield but a calibrated chance to realise needs at better prices, to invest in durable goods, or to clear wish lists responsibly. View the event as a tool, not a temptation.
In recent years, consumers have shifted away from luxury goods toward essentials and home items. This suggests many people now use the event to procure needed items at an advantage rather than indulge whims.
Also, consuming less is itself a win: skipping that spontaneous gadget or fashion impulse frees your budget for emergencies, investments or debt repayment. In a climate of high interest rates and cost pressures, fiscal prudence matters more than ever.
Black Friday offers potential for real savings and strategic purchasingbut only for those who enter it with discipline and foresight. By setting your priorities, choosing secure payment tools, avoiding scams, timing smartly, comparing wisely, and maintaining post-purchase vigilance, you can benefit from the sales wave without being engulfed by it.
LEGAL MATTERS
BY JESSIE TAYLOR
In a landmark judgment, South Africa’s Constitutional Court has struck down parts of the Births and Deaths Registration Act that prohibited husbands from assuming their wives’ surnames (or adopting a hyphenated surname) after marriage, declaring them unconstitutional and discriminatory. This ruling rewrites longstanding norms around family names, gender equality and personal dignity, and opens the door for more egalitarian choices within marriage.
Until now, the law has allowed only a married woman to change her surname automatically upon marriage. A heterosexual man wishing to take his wife’s name had to submit an application to Home Affairs - a process that often failed bureaucratically or was denied without adequate reason. The Constitutional Court found this arrangement discriminatory, rooted in patriarchal assumptions and incompatible with the constitutional promise of equality.
The decision emerged from appeals brought by two couples. In one, Jana Jordaan and Henry van der Merwe had agreed before marriage that he would adopt her surname, but Home
Affairs systems did not permit it. In another, Jess Donnelly and Andreas Bornman sought a double-barrelled name, but only she was allowed to hyphenate - he was refused. The Free State High Court initially ruled in their favour, and the Constitutional Court confirmed that ruling.
Justice Leona Theron emphasised that failing to allow men the same surname options as women entrenches a hierarchy of identity: the man’s surname is presumed default, and the woman’s is regarded as flexible. The prohibition “reinforces patriarchal gender norms” and violates the dignity and equality rights of both spouses.
Although the court declared the offending provisions invalid, it suspended the effect of that invalidity for 24 months, giving Parliament a window to amend the legislation. In the meantime, men may apply to adopt their wives’ surnames at the time of marriage using inclusive, gender-neutral language.
Equality, identity and constitutional promise
The ruling is more than a technical fix to registration law; it carries symbolic and
substantive weight in the ongoing struggle for gender equality. For many couples, surnames signal heritage, familial bonds and identity. The choice of whose name prevails, or a joint name, often bears emotional, cultural and symbolic significance. The court elevated individual autonomy over prescriptive tradition by affirming that men and women should enjoy equal rights in selecting their name.
Furthermore, the judgment implicitly critiques the colonial and patriarchal roots of naming conventions in South Africa. As the court noted, the tradition of women taking their husband’s name was historically imposed and deepened through legal structures that assumed male primacy. By decoupling surname change from spousal gender, the ruling advances the constitutional values of dignity, equality and non-sexism.
In practical terms, the ruling requires Home Affairs and related systems to adapt. Registration processes must be reconfigured. Forms and databases will need to support gender-neutral surname change options. Staff training must ensure that applications
from men are processed fairly and not blocked by legacy system constraints.
With the court’s 24-month grace period in place, Parliament faces a clear mandate: to amend the Births and Deaths Registration Act and its regulations so that they reflect gender-neutral surname rights. The amendments must align statutory text with constitutional equality and ensure that men no longer have to apply through exceptional processes to adopt their spouse’s name.
For families, the ruling enhances autonomy. Couples now may negotiate surname arrangements that reflect shared values rather than social convention. Some may choose the wife’s surname to preserve her lineage, some may hyphenate, and others may continue with tradition. The key is that the option is theirs.
For Home Affairs, the ruling compels introspection and reform. Legacy registration systems and bureaucratic inertia must give way to modern, inclusive, efficient identity services. This means budget,
system redesign and staff training. As the court ordered, the minister was also made to pay the legal costs of the application - underlining the state’s accountability.
Legal professionals and family law practitioners will also experience practical shifts. Prenuptial agreements, name change applications, marriage certificates and counselling may require adaptation.
This Constitutional Court ruling is a positive and progressive milestone in South Africa’s legal evolution. By affirming that husbands may assume their wives’ surnames without discrimination, the court has reinforced that archaic statutory assumptions should not constrain personal identity and equality.
The ruling does not force change but enables it: it leaves space for choice, reflection and evolving social practice. It calls on Parliament and the administrative state to catch up with constitutional promise, and invites citizens to imagine more flexible, balanced, dignified expressions of family identity.
BY SHUMIRAI CHIMOMBE
Mental health statistics and trends
World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October to create public awareness to make issues related to mental health a global priority. It is a reminder of the importance of good mental health and the need to prioritise and invest in it. Many mental health conditions can be effectively treated at relatively low cost, yet health systems remain significantly under-resourced all over the world.
Recent data shows that mental health disorders are prevalent, with depression affecting over 27% of South Africans. The economic impact is significant with mental health-related absenteeism costing the economy billions annually.
Sources: World Health Organisation /Employee Assistance Professionals Association of South Africa (EAPA-SA)
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines mental health as ‘a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn and work well, and contribute to their community. It has intrinsic and instrumental value and is a basic human right.’
However, there are various environmental, biological, social and psychological factors that can negatively impact one's wellbeing and lead to mental health conditions. If left unnoticed or untreated, mental disorders can severely disrupt daily life and cause long-term suffering, and sometimes leading to devastating consequences.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, the biological factors include alcohol and drug abuse,
problems with sleep, and physical health problems. Psychological factors can relate to stress, trauma, and experiences of stigma and discrimination; while social factors include a lack of work-life balance, loneliness, violence, and lack of a support system.
Mental disorders comprise a broad range of problems, with different symptoms. However, they are generally characterised by some combination of abnormal thoughts, emotions, behaviour and relationships with others. Examples include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorders, Schizophrenia, alcohol and drug disorders.
Most of these disorders can be successfully treated if the person seeks the appropriate help.
Building awareness as a starting point
The Employee Assistance Professionals Association of South Africa (EAPA-SA) reports that awareness of mental health issues remains a huge problem in the country.
This is attributed to;
• Lack of education: Many people are unaware of the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders, and there is a lack of widespread mental health education.
• Media representation: Mental health issues are not given adequate attention and exposure in the media leading to a lack of public understanding and awareness.
• Policy gaps: There are policies in place including the comprehensive National Mental Health Policy Framework and Strategic Plan 2023-2030. However, their implementation is inconsistent, and there is a lack of comprehensive mental health campaigns.
Furthermore, EAPA-SA has identified some emerging issues that are contributing to the growing prevalence of mental health-related issues.
• Post-pandemic stress: The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues, including job insecurity, remote work stress, and the blurred lines between work and personal life have led to increased anxiety and depression rates.
• Technological impacts: The rapid pace of technological change and automation such as AI has resulted in job displacement and uncertainty about the future, contributing to rising anxiety levels.
• Youth mental health: Young people are increasingly vulnerable to mental health
issues. Factors such as academic pressure, social media influence, and uncertain job prospects are significant contributors to this trend.
Promoting mental health and wellness in the workplace
Not all workplaces have a culture that provides the necessary programmes and initiatives that give sufficient support for mental health, leaving many employees without essential resources.
(EAPA-SA) proposes these recommendations for employers to promote a safe and supportive workplace environment:
• Proactive mental health education: Educate employees about mental health, emphasising its importance. Ensure they can recognise symptoms and understand the resources available to them.
• Promote mental health resources: Increase awareness of available employee assistance programmes (EAPs) and other mental health resources, such as counselling, and encourage employees to use these services without fear of stigma.
• Flexible work arrangements: Implement flexible work schedules and remote working options where possible to reduce stress and improve work-life balance. Offering free time off to employees so they can prioritise their wellbeing has become a growing practice among companies, as part of their mental health strategy.
• Create a supportive work environment: Develop an inclusive and supportive workplace culture. Encourage open discussions about mental health and train managers to support their teams effectively.
• Regular mental health checkins: Conduct regular mental health check-ins and surveys to monitor employee well-being.
Use the data collected to tailor support programmes and initiatives.
• Address workplace stressors: Identify and mitigate common workplace stressors such as heavy workloads, poor management practices, and job insecurity.
• Encourage work-life balance: Promote activities that support a healthy work-life balance, including fitness programmes, mindfulness sessions, and time management workshops.
Organisations that you can contact for support and information
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has been providing free, accessible support to millions of South Africans for over 30 years. This non-profit organisation has been a lifeline for those facing mental health challenges, offering 24/7 crisis support through over 30 national toll-free helplines, more than 180 free support groups nationwide, and comprehensive educational resources. As the country's only Suicide Crisis Line, SADAG is available 365 days a year to provide immediate help, professional referrals, and hope to anyone in need.
The South African Federation for Mental Health (SAFMH) is the largest mental health federation in South Africa, with the national office situated in Johannesburg, and 17 constituent bodies [known as Mental Health Societies] located in all nine provinces. While SAFMH works at a strategic level with government and other national and international mental health stakeholders and partners to raise awareness of mental health and human rights, and to advocate for improved resourcing of mental health, the Mental Health Societies are independent, community-based mental health organisations who deliver essential frontline mental health services to communities that are often under-resourced.
Source: World Health Organisation (WHO) | Mental Health Foundation | Employee Assistance Professionals Association of South Africa (EAPA-SA) - The Current State of Mental Health in South Africa: 2024 Update
BY FIONA WAKELIN
October was declared Transport Month in 2005 during the Transport Lekgotla. It is used to raise awareness on the important role of transport in the economy and to encourage participation from civil society and business, including the provision of a safe and more affordable, accessible and reliable transport system in the country. During this month Department of Transport and its entities showcase transport infrastructure services in aviation; maritime; public transport and roads. Investments in the transport sector are aimed at stimulating development and creating jobs as part of the country’s Nine-Point Plan.
These investments will ensure that we build an integrated public transport network across the country. Improvements in rail, roads and public transport are changing the way people access their places of work, study and entertainment. These investments will also help to grow our economy, and address the challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality.
National Marine Month creates awareness of South Africa's marine and coastal environments and the benefits that our oceans bring to our nation.Oceans, being the primary producer of moisture to the atmosphere that eventually produces rain over the country, are therefore playing a critical role in shaping the socioeconomic activities in our land. The month-long celebrations of National Marine Month include various programmes of events in different parts of the country including Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
What you and your family can do to ensure the health of our oceans:
• Reduce your plastic consumption
• Make informed seafood choices.Keep a copy of the sustainable seafood guide with you which indicate which species are green, red or orange
• Never pour chemicals, pharmaceuticals, oil or paint into the drain or toilets
Social Development Month (SDM) is celebrated annually to mark our nation’s commitment to caring for the most vulnerable in society. October will also commemorate Older Persons Week which is used to recognise the contributions of older persons and to address issues that specifically affect them. The Constitution establishes a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights and seeks to improve the quality of life of all. The Older Persons Act supplements the constitutional rights as it contains provisions to improve the lives of older South Africans. Active Aging Week on the other hand highlights the capabilities of older persons as fully participating members of society and encourages them to participate in simple exercise. The campaign, held in conjunction with the National Development Agency (NDA) and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), also aims to inform communities of the various social security programmes available to them and how these can be accessed.
The United Nations has designated the first Monday of October of every year as World Habitat Day.
The purpose of World Habitat Day is to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. It is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns.
World Habitat Day was established in 1985 by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 40/202, and was first celebrated in 1986.
This World Habitat Day will focus on promoting all levels of government and all relevant stakeholders to reflect on how to implement concrete initiatives to ensure adequate and affordable housing in the context of the implementation of the New Urban Agenda at all levels, as well as the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Since 2012, 11 October has been marked as the International Day of theGirl.On December 19, 2011, United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.
The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights. Adolescent girls have the right to a safe, educated, and healthy life, not only during these critical formative years, but also as they mature into women.
If effectively supported during the adolescent years, girls have the potential to change the world –both as the empowered girls of today and as tomorrow’s workers, mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, household heads, and political leaders.
The first International Day of Rural Women was observed on 15 October 2008. This day, established by the General Assembly in its resolution 62/136 of 18 December 2007, recognises “the critical role and contribution of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty.” Rural women play a critical role in the rural economies of both developed and developing countries. In most parts of the developing world they participate in crop production and livestock care, provide food, water and fuel for their families, and engage in off-farm activities to diversify their families’ livelihoods. In addition, they carry out vital functions in caring for children, older persons and the sick. On the International Day of Rural Women, UN Women is calling for action to support rural women and girls and grow their capacities to respond to climate change through agricultural production, food security, and natural resources management.
