| 
          
            |  | 
              
                | 
                  
                    | 
                      
                      
                        | 
                          
                            | 
  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA TO LEAD SOUTH AFRICAN DELEGATION TO UNGA80 |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | 
            
              
                | President Cyril Ramaphosa will this week lead a South  African delegation to the High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the United  Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York from 23 to 29 September 2025. |  
                |  |  
                |  |  |  |  |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | To be held under the theme Better together: 80 Years and  More for Peace, Development and Human Rights, this landmark session coincides  with the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter. 
 President Ramaphosa will use this critical platform to  advance a progressive agenda for a more just, peaceful and equitable world  order.
 
 Advancing a vision for peace and multilateralism
 
 President Ramaphosa will address the General Debate on  Tuesday, 23 September 2025. His address will champion robust multilateralism,  the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the unwavering protection of human  rights for all. He will carry a clear message from the Global South, amplified  by South Africa’s current role as Chair of the G20.
 
 The delegation will engage on urgent international issues,  including the ongoing genocide in Gaza, conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic  Republic of the (DRC) and the war in Ukraine and other geopolitical tensions.
 
 South Africa will leverage its proven reputation as a  trusted mediator to build bridges between opposing sides and advocate for  dialogue over discord.
 
 Championing UN reform and sustainable development
 
 A central pillar of South Africa’s agenda is the  comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council to make it more  representative, democratic and effective. South Africa will assertively advance  the three core pillars of the UN Charter: peace and security, sustainable  development, and human rights.
 
 Building on its G20 mandate to shape global economic  solutions, South Africa will argue forcefully for a sustainable, inclusive, and  resilient global economy.
 
 The delegation will spotlight the disproportionate impact of  current global challenges on developing nations and push for enhanced  international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
 
 Key engagements
 
 On the margins of the General Debate, President Ramaphosa  and the delegation will participate in several pivotal meetings, including:
 
              The President will be accompanied and supported by the  Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola; the  Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; the Minister of Women,  Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chukunga; the Minister of  Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dion George; the Minister of Planning,  Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa; the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron  Motsoaledi; and  the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies,  Mondli Gungubele.                The inaugural Biennial Summit for a Sustainable,  Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy.                                The G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting.                                A high-level meeting on the two-State solution  in Israel/Palestine.                                Trade and investment discussions with leading US  captains of the Industry and other key US decision makers.                 
 – Source: SAnews.gov.za
 |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA BACKS CROSS-BORDER CONSERVATION TO UNITE  AFRICA AND BOOST TOURISM |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | President Cyril Ramaphosa has championed transfrontier  conservation areas as a model that can foster African intra-governmental unity  and boost tourism while safeguarding biodiversity across boundaries. |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          |  |  | 
            
              
                | The President addressed the launch of the Africa Keystone  Partnership held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly held  in New York. 
 “Nature knows no political barriers, and we are united in a  shared commitment to preserve nature for present and future generations.
 
 “Nature is an intrinsic part of our cultural and social  identity. It is vital to human well-being and progress,” he said.
 
 The Africa Keystone Partnership advocates for the protection  of some 162 additional areas in Africa.
 
 “The 162 areas in Africa that are suggested for additional  protection have been identified based on irreplaceability, connectivity,  ecological integrity and resilience. Some of these areas are already supported  by African Parks.
 |  |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | “However, all have funding and resource gaps. We have  therefore come here to listen to the proposals on the African Keystone  Partnership and to say that we are keen on further dialogue,” he said. 
 The President reflected on South Africa’s own conservation  efforts in the Southern African region.
 
 “As South Africa, we have a proud reputation as a leader in  sustainable and responsible nature conservation, as is our duty as one of the  world’s mega-biodiverse countries.
 
 “Over the past 25 years, in the Southern African region, we  have undertaken a remarkable journey and witnessed the many achievements of our  Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) Programme.
 
 “These wildlife areas that have been established across  national borders have a transformative impact on conservation, regional  integration and sustainable development,” President Ramaphosa said.
 
 Expanding further on the TFCA Programme, the President said  these areas have also sparked additional benefits with the idea being, “Nature  knows no borders”.
 
 The TFCAs in Southern Africa include:
 
              “The Transfrontier Conservation Areas serve as critical  ecological corridors, enabling the free movement of wildlife and preserving  biodiversity across borders. These areas have unlocked sustainable tourism  opportunities.                |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park  (Namibia and South Africa).                                Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (Mozambique,  South Africa and Zimbabwe).                                Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (Botswana and South  Africa).                                Limpopo/Shashe Transfrontier Conservation Areas  (Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe).                 
 “Investments in conservation economies have created jobs,  improved livelihoods and empowered local communities to become stewards of  their natural heritage.
 
 “These parks succeed when they are led by Africans and  benefit the people who live near the parks. Such parks symbolise unity,  cooperation and shared responsibility among our nations,” President Ramaphosa  said.
 
 He expressed confidence that the 162 earmarked areas will  “serve the same noble purpose”.
 
 “Let us continue to champion this model of conservation,  integration and development for the benefit of our people, for our ecosystems  and for future generations,” President Ramaphosa said.
 
 – Source: SAnews.gov.za
 |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | MINISTER LAMOLA URGES GLOBAL SOLIDARITY AS SOUTH AFRICA STEERS G20  AGENDA |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | 
            
              
                | International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald  Lamola has underscored South Africa’s leadership in the Group of 20 (G20),  calling for greater solidarity, equality and sustainability to drive inclusive  global growth. |  
                |  |  
                | Speaking at the International Peace Institute’s annual  event, held alongside the 2025 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New  York, Minister Lamola outlined South Africa’s priorities as the current G20  Chair. 
 Minister Lamola said the longstanding partnership between  South Africa and the International Peace Institute has led to the co-hosting of  this year’s annual forum on Africa and the global order, focusing specifically  on the G20.
 |  |  |  |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | The Minister said South Africa’s G20 presidency is guided by  the philosophy of ubuntu and the UN’s principle of “Leaving No One Behind”. The  core theme of South Africa’s G20 presidency is Solidarity, Equality,  Sustainability. 
 “Our four overarching priorities address challenges that  undermine our continent’s ability to grow, diminish our capacity to develop,  and stifle our aspirations for a prosperous future,” Minister Lamola told  delegates.
 
 These priorities include strengthening disaster resilience, ensuring debt sustainability  for low-income countries,  mobilising finance for a just energy transition, and harnessing critical minerals for  inclusive growth.
 
 Minister Lamola urged G20 nations to act collectively,  warning that exploitation, inequality and poverty must not be normalised.
 
 “We have a shared responsibility to provide stewardship, to  raise ambition, and to secure tangible outcomes for future generations.”
 
 Minister Lamola also highlighted recent multilateral efforts  such as the Seville Commitment on financing for development and pointed to  upcoming global meetings—COP30 on climate change and the World Summit for  Social Development—as key platforms for advancing cooperation.
 
 The Minister is further expected to participate in the G20  Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at the UN today to continue shaping consensus on  global economic challenges.
 
 – Source: www.dirco.gov.za
 |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | MINISTER LAMOLA PARTICIPATES IN THE AFRICAN DIGITAL FUTURES  SUMMIT 2025 |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | 
            
              
                | Minister Ronald Lamola delivered opening remarks at the  African Digital Futures Summit 2025 ahead of the Road to G20 Dialogues session  on the sidelines of #UNGA80 in New York, United States of America, on 23  September 2025. |  
                |  |  
                |  |  |  |  |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | Co-presented by ServiceNow, Africa House, and the G20 South  African Presidency, the African Digital Futures Summit convenes Africa’s  foremost policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, creative leaders, and global  partners to shape Africa’s digital destiny. Together, this diverse community  will establish Africa’s position as a critical voice in global digital  governance, officially launch the Africa House Tech Sovereignty Framework, and  generate actionable insights to carry forward on the Road to the G20. Designed  as a forum that flows from the Africa House Action Platform, the summit is set  to foster high-value connections, spark bold ideas, and advance concrete  partnerships that will drive Africa’s digital future. 
 – Source: DIRCO  platforms
 |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | MINISTER LAMOLA CONCLUDES WORKING VISIT IN CALIFORNIA |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          |  |  | 
            
              
                | The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation,  Ronald Lamola, has concluded a successful Working Visit to Los Angeles,  California. The visit forms part of South Africa’s priority of forward-looking  economic diplomacy by actively building strategic partnerships. |  |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | The visit powerfully showcased South Africa’s dynamic film,  music, and arts sectors, leveraging Los Angeles’s creative leadership to  position the nation as a premier destination for international co-productions  and cultural exchange. 
 Minister Lamola met with the influential South African  diaspora in Los Angeles. This vital community, comprising executives,  academics, entrepreneurs, and creatives, represents an underutilised cultural  diplomatic asset. Mobilising this diaspora amplifies South Africa’s “soft  power,” strengthens its global brand, and fosters invaluable business linkages.
 
 Minister Lamola also had productive meetings with Los  Angeles City Mayor Karen Bass and the Los Angeles Economic Development  Corporation (LAEDC), who are key players in South Africa’s bid to shore up  public-private partnerships in key sectors of mutual interest.
 
 A core objective was to aggressively promote South Africa as  an attractive investment destination. Minister Lamola highlighted a range of  compelling investment opportunities in the renewable energy, technology and  tourism sectors. These areas align with California’s innovation-driven,  sustainability-focused agenda.
 
 Finally, the visit culminated in an outreach at the Los  Angeles World Affairs Council and Town Hall. Minister Lamola used the occasion  to reiterate that South Africa’s foreign policy is guided by its national interests:  tackling poverty, unemployment, and inequality; the need to advance global  democracy; and the rule of international law and multilateralism and the need to attain international peace.
 
 – Source: www.dirco.gov.za
 |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | SOUTH AFRICA URGES GLOBAL COOPERATION FOR A JUST OCEAN  TRANSITION |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          |  |  | 
            
              
                | South Africa has urged world leaders to put cooperation at  the centre of building a sustainable ocean economy, warning that the future of  trade, energy security and livelihoods depends on how nations manage the seas  today. |  |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | Speaking at the High-Level Ocean of the Future Meeting at  the United Nations (UN) in New York on Monday, 22 September 2025, the Minister  of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said South Africa  is ready to work with G20 partners to drive an ocean economy that is  “environmentally sustainable, socially just, inclusive, and a true driver of  resilience”. 
 With South Africa holding the G20 Presidency in 2025, under  the theme: Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability, Minister George stressed that  a just transition cannot be separated from the sustainable use of ocean  resources.
 
 “Ecological gains must be pursued alongside reducing  inequality and exclusion. Fisheries, aquaculture and tourism must evolve  equitably, supporting small-scale fishers and coastal communities, creating  jobs in eco-tourism and aquaculture, and protecting marine biodiversity,” he  said.
 
 The Minister highlighted Marine Spatial Planning as a key  tool to balance competing uses of the ocean while protecting ecosystems. South  Africa’s priorities include tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU)  fishing, expanding marine protected areas, and promoting sustainable  aquaculture.
 
 Minister George also underlined the ocean’s central role in  global trade and energy security, noting South Africa’s efforts to unlock  opportunities in marine transport, aquaculture, tourism and offshore resources,  “while embedding sustainability through stronger governance”.
 
 As Chair of the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment,  South Africa is advancing cooperation in the Western Indian Ocean to safeguard  shipping routes against piracy, IUU fishing, illegal dumping and cyber threats.
 
 The Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment is a regional  framework for maritime security cooperation signed in 2017 by 17 signatory  States in the northwestern Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. It expands upon the  original Djibouti Code of Conduct, broadening its scope from just piracy and  armed robbery to include other illicit activities like human trafficking, IUU  fishing and maritime terrorism.
 
 On the domestic front, Minister George said South Africa is  also focusing on other activities such as greening of ports, improving  efficiency, and promoting low-carbon shipping.
 
 “Together with the Africa Blue Economy Strategy, these  efforts show that secure and sustainable maritime transport is the backbone of  trade security and a shared responsibility of governments and businesses.
 
 “South Africa’s Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Response  Plan provides a national framework that integrates resilience, sustainability  and equity. It mainstreams adaptation across planning, ensures access to marine  resources for vulnerable groups, and aligns closely with UN Global Compact  Principles 7 to 9 and the G20 agenda,” Minister George said.
 
 The plan promotes precautionary and technology-driven  adaptation, elevates coastal resilience from a domestic priority to a global  issue, and underscores the need for scaled-up climate finance, technology  transfer and coordinated policy.
 
 “Predictable finance is essential so that municipalities and  communities can access the resources they need to strengthen early warning,  invest in resilient infrastructure, and protect ecosystems.
 
 “The UN Global Compact has a critical role. By embedding its  Ten Principles into business practice and aligning innovation with public  purpose, the compact helps ensure that finance, technology and markets serve  people and planet, not profit alone,” Minister George said.
 
 – Source: SAnews.gov.za
 |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | SOUTH AFRICA, BRAZIL SIGN LANDMARK AGRICULTURE COOPERATION  AGREEMENT |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | 
            
              
                | South African Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, and  the Brazilian Vice Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Luiz De Alcantara  Rua, have signed a landmark Memorandum of Intent (MoI), marking a new era for  closer cooperation in the agricultural sector. |  |  |  |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the  Ministerial Meeting of the G20 Agriculture Working Group (AWG), currently  underway at Somerset West, Western Cape. 
 Minister Steenhuisen welcomed the agreement, describing it  as more than just a formal partnership, but “a testament to our shared vision  for a food-secure future.”
 
 “By combining our respective strengths, we can unlock new  opportunities, advance technological innovation, and build a more resilient  agricultural sector that benefits all our citizens,” Minister Steenhuisen said  on Thursday, 18 September 2025.
 
 The Minister explained that the agreement, which  is non-binding, lays the foundation for enhanced  cooperation to promote sustainable agricultural production and strengthen food  security in both nations.
 
 “The MoI establishes an agenda of mutual advantage and  common development in priority areas, such as the exchange of information and  expertise, technical tours, training programmes, and joint conferences.
 
 “Under this partnership, we will share best practices in  sustainable agriculture, livestock farming systems, and quality assurance,  ensuring both consumer safety and product integrity,” the Minister said.
 
 The agreement also provides for strategic trade  facilitation, including trade missions and exhibitions, aimed at generating new  market opportunities for agricultural products from both countries.
 
 Bilateral agricultural trade relations between South Africa  and Brazil have expanded significantly in recent years, rising from R5.4  billion in 2020 to R9.7 billion in 2024—an increase of 80.5%. South Africa’s  agricultural exports to Brazil increased by 92.8%, from R142.6 million in 2020  to R274.9 million in 2024.
 
 Meanwhile, imports from Brazil increased by 80.2%, from R5.2  billion to R9.5 billion over the same period.
 
 South Africa’s top ten agricultural exports to Brazil  accounted for 92.3% of the total, amounting to R253.7 million in 2024. Key  exports included vegetable seeds for sowing (32.3% or R88.7 million), liqueurs  and cordials (22.7% or R62.4 million), wine of fresh grapes (16% or R43.9  million), and dried grapes (6.3% or R17.3 million).
 
 The MoI will remain in force for five years, after which it  will automatically be renewed for additional five-year periods, unless  terminated by either party.
 
 A Joint Working Group will be established to identify focus  areas and prepare a detailed work plan for implementation. This group will  oversee planning, monitoring, and evaluation to ensure that the cooperation  remains effective and aligned with the strategic priorities of both nations.
 
 Through this partnership, South Africa and Brazil reaffirm  their commitment to harnessing their shared expertise and resources to confront  the challenges facing global agriculture and to strengthen the sustainability  and resilience of livelihoods in both countries.
 
 – Source: SAnews.gov.za
 |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | SOUTH AFRICA, US STRENGTHEN TRADE RELATIONS |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | 
            
              
                | Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has held  talks with United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer, in  Washington DC, as part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive to strengthen  economic ties with South Africa’s key trade partner. |  
                |  |  
                | The meeting, which followed three days of technical  discussions between senior officials from both sides, focused on priority  issues in the bilateral trade relationship. 
 Minister Tau and Ambassador Greer agreed on a roadmap to  guide future engagements towards concluding ongoing processes.
 
 “I will be briefing President Cyril Ramaphosa on the  outcomes of the discussions and will then engage various stakeholders,”  Minister Tau said after the meeting.
 
 The Minister remains in the United States (US) this week to  support President Ramaphosa in trade-related engagements with American  stakeholders, including members of Congress. President Ramaphosa will lead the  South African delegation to the 80th Session of the United Nations General  Assembly in New York from 23 to 29 September 2025.
 |  |  |  |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | The US is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner,  with total trade reaching US$15.1 billion in 2024. South Africa exported goods  worth US$8.2 billion to the US last year, while imports from the US stood at  US$6.9 billion. More than 600 US companies operate in South Africa, while over  22 South African firms are based in the US. 
 – Source: SAnews.gov.za
 
 |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | SOUTH AFRICA, CHINA TO HOST TRADE AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION  CONFERENCE |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          |  |  | 
            
              
                | Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Zuko  Godlimpi on Tuesday, 23 September 2025, addressed the South Africa-China Trade and Investment  Promotion Conference held at the Gallagher Convention  Centre in Midrand,  Johannesburg. |  |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | “The conference aimed to foster strategic partnerships,  enhance bilateral trade and explore investment opportunities between South  Africa and China. 
 “It will also bring together senior business leaders and  government representatives from China, and prominent South African companies  across key sectors,” said the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition in  a statement.
 
 The Chinese delegation  included 400 leading enterprises,  which also exhibited their products at the venue from 23 to 25 September 2025.
 
 – Source: SAnews.gov.za
 |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | GLOBAL LEADERS URGE ACTION AGAINST HUMANITARIAN LAW  VIOLATIONS IN CONFLICTS |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | Leaders from Brazil, China, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan and  South Africa, along with representatives from the International Committee of  the Red Cross (ICRC), have expressed concern about the widespread violations of  international humanitarian law (IHL) happening in conflicts around the world. |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | The leaders said the violations are causing significant  human suffering and are urging States and the international community to take  action. 
 This call comes one year after they launched the Global IHL  Initiative, aimed at fostering political commitment to uphold IHL.
 
 “We were driven by a deep sense of responsibility and  urgency to act decisively to stem the tide of violations of international  humanitarian law the world is witnessing,” a joint statement issued on Sunday  read.
 
 As of now, 89 States from various regions around the world  have officially joined the Global IHL Initiative to promote humanity in times  of war.
 
 In addition, 27 States are collaborating as co-leaders on  seven thematic workstreams. Their goal is to develop practical recommendations  for enhancing compliance with IHL and addressing the challenges brought about  by the evolving nature of warfare.
 
 Over the past year, over 130 States engaged in global and  regional discussions on enhancing compliance with IHL.
 
 “A common theme emerging from these consultations is a call  from States for a protective interpretation of IHL,” the statement said, noting  that the findings will be published in an interim report next month.
 
 The leaders mentioned that this movement relates to all  global conflicts, engages all relevant stakeholders, and aims to ensure a fair  and universal application of IHL.
 
 “It also recognises that the primary responsibility to  uphold, implement and apply the Geneva Conventions in practice lies with  States.
 
 “We call on all parties to armed conflict to uphold IHL. We  reaffirm that all States, including in situations of occupation, are bound to  fully respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law, including  the rules related to the protection of civilians, civilian objects, medical and  aid workers and journalists.”
 
 The Global IHL Initiative leaders believe that the United  Nations (UN), in line with the UN Charter and the wider multilateral system,  plays an important role in this regard.
 
 They also announced that they will co-host a global  high-level meeting to uphold humanity in war in 2026.
 
 Leading up to the meeting, all States are encouraged to  prioritise IHL at home. This includes officially allocating sufficient  resources to invest in and ensure compliance with IHL, particularly in ongoing  conflicts.
 
 In addition, they are urging States to incorporate IHL into  national legislation and conflict preparedness. This can be achieved through  proper training for military and security forces, empowering national IHL  committees, and formally joining the Global IHL Initiative.
 
 They also believe that active participation in consultations  is essential, and States are encouraged to motivate others to do the same.
 
 “Seventy-six years after the adoption of the Geneva  Conventions, we call on all world leaders to unite around a shared  responsibility to prevent atrocities and protect humanity in times of war.
 
 “The world cannot stand idly as the basic tenets of  international humanitarian law are routinely and deliberately being violated.
 
 “Together, we can put an end to the inconceivable and  unconscionable suffering and destruction that is the mark of today’s conflicts  and steer the latter towards peaceful resolution,” the leaders said.
 
 – Source: SAnews.gov.za
 |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | MINISTER PATRICIA DE LILLE WELCOMES ANNOUNCEMENT THAT  ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORISATION VISA SYSTEM WILL BE ROLLED OUT IN TIME FOR G20  LEADERS’ SUMMIT |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | 
            
              
                | Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille welcomes the announcement  that the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) visa system will be rolled out  in time for the G20 Leaders’ Summit. |  |  |  |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | In its first phase, delegates from China, India, Mexico, and  Indonesia, the only G20 countries whose citizens require visas to visit South  Africa, will be able to apply digitally from the comfort of their homes.  According to the Department of Home Affairs, the second phase will see the ETA  extended next year to the general public of these countries, followed by a full  rollout to non-G20 nations. 
 “We must now, as the tourism sector, up our marketing in  those countries because it is definitely going drive up the demand for more flights coming to our country” said Minister de  Lille.
 
 Research shows that the ETA could increase international  arrivals by up to one million per year and create between 80 000 and 100 000  new jobs in the tourism sector.
 
 Minister de Lille expressed her appreciation to Home Affairs  Minister Dr Leon Schreiber and the Inter-Ministerial Committee for their  commitment and hard work in making the ETA system a reality.
 
 Developed in partnership with the Department of Home  Affairs, State Security Agency, and the Presidency, the ETA is designed for  efficiency, with applicants receiving outcomes within two hours. The system  also introduces enhanced security features, reducing the human element in  processing and strengthening the integrity of South Africa’s borders.
 
 – Source: SAnews.gov.za
 |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | CAPE TOWN BREAKS RECORDS WITH R1.79 BILLION CRUISE BOOM IN  2024/25 |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          |  |  | 
            
              
                | Cape Town and the Western Cape have recorded their most  successful cruise season to date, setting new benchmarks for cruise-liner  visits, passenger numbers, and economic contribution in 2024/25. |  
                |  |  
                | Surge in Passenger Numbers 
 Preliminary data from the Western Cape Cruise Liner Industry  Report, commissioned by Cruise Cape Town, powered by Wesgro, has shown that the  cruise season contributed R1.79 billion to the Western Cape’s GDP-R, up from  R1.32 billion in 2023/24. This is a result of 79 cruise ship arrivals (83  vessel arrivals) between September 2024 and June 2025, representing an 18%  increase on the 67 ships recorded the previous season. Passenger numbers also  rose to 127,000, up 16% on 2023/24. Long-haul “world cruises,” which link  multiple continents, accounted for 42 port calls, further strengthening Cape  Town’s reputation as a premier stop on global itineraries.
 |  |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | Economic Impact 
 Cruise tourism has proven to be a powerful catalyst for  visitor spending. Each vessel brings thousands of international travellers  whose spending spreads across accommodation, restaurants, cultural attractions,  retail, and wine farms. According to the report, the 2024/25 season total  expenditure generated by vessels and passengers reached R1.99 billion,  representing a 32% increase compared to the previous season’s R1.5 billion.
 
 Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander celebrated the findings: “The  2024/25 season has been a successful year for Cape Town and the Western Cape’s  cruise industry. With record passenger numbers and expenditure, the industry is  showing its ability to create jobs and stimulate growth across the province.”
 
 Employment growth was a major highlight. The 2024/25 season  created 1,234 direct full-time equivalent jobs in the Western Cape, rising to  2,345 once multiplier effects were included. The largest share was in retail  and markets (44%), followed by hotels and restaurants (27%), tour operators and  other services (9%), and fuel bunkering (8%). At national level, nearly 3,000  jobs were supported, with international passenger spending responsible for  almost two-thirds.
 
 Importantly, the benefits extended beyond Cape Town. Smaller  municipalities such as Mossel Bay, Hermanus, and Saldanha Bay welcomed 32,000  passengers across 26 ship visits, generating R47.5 million in local spending.  This supported small businesses, created temporary employment, and boosted  visibility for these towns as tourism destinations.
 
 Stander added,  “What is particularly encouraging is how the  benefits of cruise tourism are being felt across the province. From Mossel Bay  to Saldanha, local businesses are gaining exposure and income from  international visitors, which strengthens the overall tourism ecosystem.”
 
 Growth of Cruise Tourism
 
 Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development  and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, welcomed the report’s findings, noting the  broad-based benefits: “The cruise industry is a catalyst for growth across the  Western Cape. These results highlight its vital role in supporting our  world-class restaurants, hotels, wine estates, and cultural attractions. From  small family-owned businesses to major enterprises, every visitor who steps  ashore contributes to livelihoods across the province. The sector’s growth is a  strong signal of global confidence in our destination.”
 
 City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Economic  Growth, Alderman James Vos, said: “The City is proud to be part of the Cruise  Cape Town initiative that continues to attract vessels and unlock extraordinary  benefits for our economy. Each ship that docks injects millions into local  businesses, sustains jobs, and enhances Cape Town’s global profile as a tourism  hub. With another record-breaking season behind us, our focus remains firmly on  building on this success.”
 
 The arrival of MS The World this week is one of more than 70  vessels scheduled to call at Cape Town in the coming year.
 
 V&A Waterfront CEO David Green underlined the  significance of this milestone: “The arrival of The World is a proud milestone  for Cape Town. With our cruise terminal ranked among the most attractive  globally, each vessel docking here supports our hospitality, retail, and  cultural sectors while showcasing the city as a leading international port.”
 
 Captain Alex Miya, Transnet National Ports Authority Acting  Port Manager for the Port of Cape Town, concluded: “These results confirm that  the cruise industry is one of the fastest-growing contributors to South  Africa’s gross domestic product through tourism. Cape Town’s strategic location on global shipping  routes makes it a natural gateway for cruise tourism. TNPA is committed to  providing world-class marine services to support this growth and to working  with Cruise Cape Town and partners to position the port and province as  Africa’s premier cruise destination.”
 
 – Source: thenewspaper.co.za
 |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | SOUTH AFRICA’S DR ZANELE NTSHIDI SHINES AT GLOBAL IRRIGATION  FORUM |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          |  |  | 
            
              
                | Dr Zanele Ntshidi’s Smart Irrigation Tool helps farmers save  water and boost yields, putting South Africa in the spotlight at the Fourth World  Irrigation Forum. |  |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | South Africa made waves at the Fourth World Irrigation Forum  (WIF4) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 7 to 13 September 2025, picking up  awards in six categories. Leading the charge was Dr Zanele Ntshidi, Research  Manager at NRF-SAEON’s Arid Lands Node, whose team’s Decision Support System  (DSS) for irrigation scheduling earned the Forum’s Wastage Award for Innovative  Water Management. The tool helps farmers use water more efficiently by  calculating exactly how much their crops need. Taking into account plant water  requirements, crop type, local climate conditions, and expected yield. By  giving precise irrigation recommendations, it not only saves water but also  helps farmers get the best possible harvest. 
 Dr Ntshidi is familiar with the spotlight. She first  showcased this smart tool at the 2nd Kenya National Research Festival in August  2025 and has been championing digital solutions for sustainable agriculture  ever since.
 
 Her work has earned international recognition but also  demonstrates the real-world impact of science. Her efforts are helping to  secure both water and food resources for communities.
 
 “This recognition is a result of consistent efforts put into  agricultural water management to save the irreplaceable natural resource that  is water and advocating for water use efficiency without compromising crop  yields. This ensures both water and food security—two of the most important necessities for human survival  and bodily functions. This recognition is also an encouragement to do more. I  will not only continue long-term  research but also ensure that the impact of such efforts is felt across  society, that science is conducted for the improvement of people’s lives.”
 
 Dr Mary-Jane Bopape, NRF-SAEON Managing Director, said Dr  Ntshidi’s work shows how local science can make a global impact, tackling  real-world challenges while improving lives.
 
 To top it off, South Africa also celebrated four dams being added to the  World Heritage Irrigation Structures Register (Darlington, Hartbeespoort,  Koppies and Woodhead dams)  and the WRC winning Best Paper, bringing the country’s total awards to  six.
 
 – Source: www.goodthingsguy.com
 |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | DRAKENSBERG BOYS AND SWEDISH CHOIR BRING EVERYBODY TO THEIR  FEET WITH SHOSHOLOZA |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | 
            
              
                | The Drakensberg Boys Choir (Drakies) alongside a Swedish  choir, performed South Africa’s “Shosholoza” in Stockholm, and it earned a  well-deserved standing ovation. |  |  |  |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | The Drakies have been lighting up the international stage on  their Scandi tour, after departing from South Africa last week. Their first  stop on the Scandi tour was Norway, where they opened the tour with stirring  performances at Bergen’s Church Music Festival. From there, their voices  carried all the way to Sweden, where they shared the stage with some of the  country’s most celebrated choirs. 
 In Stockholm, the Drakies joined an international service at  Immanuel Church, performing alongside Prismakörerna Knivsta, Spektrumkören  Botkyrka, and the Kulturama Youth Choir.
 
 Later, the choir teamed up with the Royal College of Music  in Stockholm, bringing audiences to their feet with a joint performance that  was nothing short of incredible. One of the most powerful moments of the show  came when both choirs united to sing Shosholoza.
 
 The anthem rang out with so much energy and South African  pride that even Swedes who didn’t really know the words found themselves swept  up in the rhythm.
 
 On Heritage Day, the Drakies will take to the stage at St  Lars Church in Linköping. This week’s diary is full, with a return to Stockholm  on Thursday for a performance at Kungsholms Church, followed by stops in Örebro  and Uppsala. Each performance adds another notch to their growing international  footprint, and another chance to fly the South African flag high.
 
 – Source: www.goodthingsguy.com
 |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | FLYING THE SOUTH AFRICAN FLAG AT THE AGILITY WORLD  CHAMPIONSHIPS |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          |  |  | 
            
              
                | Animal Anti-Cruelty League Cape Town’s Head Vet, Dr Leandre  van der Merwe, and her amazing dog, Sayra, will be representing Team South Africa  at the Agility World Championships 2025 in Sweden. This event is one of the  biggest in the world of canine agility, where dogs and handlers from across the  globe showcase their speed, precision, and unbreakable bond. |  |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | Dr van der Merwe and Sayra’s journey to this moment has been  nothing short of remarkable. To see them reach this level is not just a proud  moment for us, but also the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL). 
 Founded in 1956, the AACL has always stood for compassion  and care for animals. As South Africa’s second-largest independent animal  welfare organisation, they worked tirelessly to protect and uplift the lives of  countless animals. Stories like Dr van der Merwe’s remind us why they do what  they do.
 
 So, as Dr van der Merwe and Sayra step onto the global  stage, we celebrate their incredible achievements.
 
 Let’s all cheer them on as they proudly fly the South  African flag high in Sweden.
 
 – Source: www.goodthingsguy.com
 |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | TEAMSA SECURE THRILLING BRONZE AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | 
            
              
                | South African sprinters ended their World Athletics  Championships campaign on a high, securing bronze in the men’s 4x400m relay in  Tokyo on Sunday, 21 September 2025. |  
                |  |  
                | Lythe Pillay, Udeme Okon, Wayde van Niekerk and Zakithi Nene  completed the race in 2:57.83, sharing the same official time as the US, who  took silver. The quartet were edged into third by just 0.002 seconds, with  Botswana holding on for gold in 2:57.76 in a thrilling blanket finish. 
 “It’s still sinking in. I’m chuffed and we couldn’t have  done it without this team,” said Pillay, a former world junior champion, in a  statement released by Athletics South Africa.
 
 He praised the contributions of heat runners Leendert  Koekemoer, Gardeo Isaacs, and reserve Mthi Mthimkulu.
 
 “Even behind the scenes, they were part of this medal. It  was a team effort from the seven of us.”
 
 Nene, who finished fifth in the individual 400m final, said, “The guys ran well, set me up, and I was glad I was able to deliver my side of  the job.
 |  |  |  |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | "I’m proud of my brothers, and we’re looking forward to  the journey ahead.” 
 The men’s 4x100m team, featuring Shaun Maswanganyi,  Sinesipho Dambile, Bradley Nkoana and Akani Simbine, narrowly missed the final  after a collision with Italy in the heats. Given a rerun in a solo time trial,  they clocked 38.64 seconds—short of the 38.34 needed.
 
 “This is the moment when one doesn’t know whether to cry or  to celebrate as if we’ve won gold,” said Athletics South Africa president James  Moloi. “The medal shows there’s more to come for South Africa on the world  stage.”
 
 Meanwhile, across the track, history was being made in the  sprints. Melissa Jefferson-Wooden became only the second woman to claim a world  sprint treble after leading the US to 4x100m relay gold, adding to her 100m and  200m titles. She led off in driving rain before handing to Twanisha Terry, with  Kayla White running the bend and Sha’Carri Richardson crossing the line in  41.75 seconds.
 
 “I did what I wanted to do individually and then came back  together with my girls, my training partners, and we were all able to walk away  with the gold medal, so I’m really happy about that,” Jefferson-Wooden said.
 
 For South African sprinters, Jefferson-Wooden’s treble and  the US relay’s precision offer a benchmark: individual brilliance is not enough  at the global level—cohesion, preparation and teamwork are key.
 
 – Source: www.iol.co.za
 |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | SOUTH AFRICANS HAD THE WORLD TALKING AT WORLD ROWING MASTERS  REGATTA 2025 |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          |  |  | 
            
              
                | A spirited group of South African Masters rowers made their  mark at the World Rowing Masters Regatta in Banyoles, Catalonia. The very same  lake that famously hosted the 1992 Olympic rowing events. Representing a mix of  clubs, including Ravens Rowing Club, Midmar, Victoria Lake, and Vikings, these  rowers carried their oars and the unmistakable pride of South Africa. |  
                |  |  
                | One standout feature of Team South Africa’s appearance was  their custom-made blazers. Janice Richardson of Ravens Rowing Club explained  why the blazers were so important. 
 “We had the World Rowing Masters Regatta in 2023 in South  Africa, and a lot of participants globally came to row here and fell in love  with our country, our culture, our way of life, our spirit. Even though we were  going as individual clubs, we wanted to, certainly for the opening ceremony,  stand up as South Africans.”
 |  |  |  
    |  |  
    | 
      
        
          | The blazers symbolised style and reflected South Africans’  vibrant, welcoming spirit. The team’s presence sparked conversations and  admiration wherever they went. Fellow athletes from the 2023 World Rowing  Masters Regatta, held in South Africa, instantly connected with them, and  international rowers were also eagerly waiting to try on the blazers for  photos. 
 On the water, Team South Africa demonstrated the same  determination and excellence. Facing seasoned European competitors, including  former Olympians, the rowers brought home multiple gold medals, proving that  their pride wasn’t just for show. There was also a beautiful mix of cultures as  international teammates like Anna Fisher from Hong Kong joined the South  African contingent, united under the green and gold.
 
 Richardson reflects on the journey by saying that “We show  up as South Africans wherever we go. We bring our energy, our pride, and our  love for rowing. And the world notices. It’s about passion, performance, and  gees. South Africans just shine a light wherever they are.”
 
 – Source: www.goodthingsguy.com
 |  |  
    |  |  
                                  |  |  
                                  |  |  
                                  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |