Author: Agency
After thorough consideration and consultation, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has upheld the 2017 decision to grant Eskom Environmental Authorisation to construct and operate a new nuclear power station in Duynefontein, Western Cape. The decision was upheld after appeals were made by various environmental organisations. “In considering these appeals, I have carefully reviewed the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAr), as well as the independent peer review conducted in respect of the project. “In the end, my decision was made in respect of the principles of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107…
South Africa cabinet has reaffirmed government’s commitment to finding constructive and sustainable solutions through ongoing engagements with the United States, including at a Presidential level. This follows the recent decision by US President Donald Trump to impose a 30% tariff on South African imports, effective 7 August 2025. The tariffs are expected to affect a number of key sectors, especially the automotive and agriculture. Briefing the media on Thursday in Pretoria, following Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting in Cape Town, Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, confirmed that Cabinet received an update on the Framework Deal with the US. The agreement includes…
Petrol consumers will breathe a sigh of relief at the pumps this month, as the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has announced a decrease in the price of fuel for the month of August. Those who use diesel and paraffin, however, will have to dig deeper into their pockets, with prices set to increase. The fuel price adjustments for August are as follows: • Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): 28 cent decrease. • Petrol 95 (ULP &LRP): 28 cent decrease. • Diesel (0.05% sulphur): 65 cent increase. • Diesel (0.005% sulphur): 63 cent increase. • Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): 32 cent increase. • Single Maximum…
Government is creating an economic response package to address job losses and lessen the impact of the United States’ decision to impose a 30% unilateral tariff on its imports. This package will include the establishment of an export support desk and a localisation fund. This announcement was made in a joint media statement by the Ministers of the Departments of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) and International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). In May, South Africa submitted a comprehensive and ambitious framework deal aimed at addressing trade deficits and promoting mutually beneficial relations. The tariffs, set to take effect from 8…
Government has approved two additional guarantees totalling R94.8 billion for Transnet to help the state-owned logistics company meet its debt obligations, maintain adequate liquidity, and mitigate the risk of further credit rating downgrades. The first guarantee, worth R48.6 billion, is intended to ensure Transnet can meet all debt redemptions over the next five years, and ensure that the entity also maintains sufficient liquidity levels. “Government has also considered the impact of the credit downgrades on Transnet’s existing debt, and has therefore also approved R46.2 billion for it to mitigate the risks of such ratings actions on its debt. This additional…
South Africa and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have signed a $474.6 million loan agreement aimed at supporting the implementation of the Just Energy Transition (JET). The loan agreement with the AfDB follows the first policy loan concluded in 2023 to support South Africa’s Just Energy Transition. “This new agreement highlights the importance of South Africa’s partnership with the AfDB in advancing South Africa’s development agenda. It strengthens efforts to improve energy security measures, accelerate the decarbonisation of the economy, and enhance the socio-economic benefits of the energy transition enabling inclusive economic growth and fostering job creation,” National Treasury said…
National Treasury has isolated servers that were compromised by a malware intrusion on its Infrastructure Reporting Model (IRM) website, the online infrastructure reporting and monitoring system. Treasury will assess the IRM servers for the magnitude of the compromise and to ensure the security of its systems. “Considering recent media reports since Sunday regarding security incidents affecting Microsoft platforms in the United States, National Treasury has requested Microsoft’s assistance in identifying and addressing any potential vulnerabilities within its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) environment. “Despite these events, National Treasury’s systems and websites continue to operate normally without any disruption. “National Treasury’s…
President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded BMW South Africa’s launch of the locally produced BMW X3 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) as a significant leap toward a low-carbon future and a boost for South Africa’s industrial and economic growth. Speaking at BMW’s Rosslyn plant in Tshwane on Thursday, the President praised the milestone as a symbol of trust in the country, as well as a demonstration of BMW Group’s long-standing commitment to the South African market. The President highlighted that this world-class facility was the first BMW plant to be built outside of Germany and has been at the centre of…
In his weekly newsletter on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is making “significant progress” in clearing obstacles, with a clear view to enhance economic growth. Last week, government released the report on Operation Vulindlela, detailing the government-wide initiative, which is aimed at accelerating progress on economic reform. “This report shows that the economic reform programme is making steady progress, opening the way to more rapid, inclusive and sustainable growth and job creation. We established Operation Vulindlela in the Sixth Administration to remove the binding constraints that have long held back our economy’s growth: an unreliable energy supply, inefficient rail…
Parents and guardians have been reminded that the Gauteng Department of Education’s (GDE) 2026 Online Admissions Application period for Grades 1 and 8 will open in the new week. The admission system is only meant for parents and guardians with children going to Grade 1 and/or Grade 8 in 2026. It will go on live on Thursday, 24 July 2026, at 8am for Grade 1 and 8 applications. “Parents with children that are currently in Grade R must also apply online for their children to be admitted to Grade 1 for 2026 in line with Admissions Regulations. There is no…