Latest news with #PublicWorksandInfrastructure
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa's role in the African Continental Free Trade Area: opportunities ahead
The Intra-Africa Trade Fair Roadshow that was held in Johannesburg recently. Image: Afreximbank South Africa is set to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), reaffirming its commitment to harness its immense potential for driving local business growth and enhancing regional integration. This sentiment was echoed by Humphrey Nwugo, the Regional Director (Southern Africa) at Afreximbank, during the opening of the IATF2025 South Africa Business Roadshow in Johannesburg, where he urged the nation to spring into action. Nwugo said, 'This is the time for South Africa's public and private sectors to be strategically positioned to seize the immense opportunities that IATF2025 will present,' emphasising the need for immediate and decisive engagement. The Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025), scheduled to take place in Algiers from 4–10 September 2025, is anticipated to be a landmark event—providing a gateway to unprecedented trade and investment opportunities across the continent. Nwugo further outlined South Africa's integral role in African integration, praising its robust economic foundations, entrepreneurial dynamism, and institutional capacity, which place it in a prime position to entwine itself within African value chains. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Speaking on the event's significance, Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, pointed to the pressing need for IATF2025 amid a backdrop of global instability and dynamic trade landscapes. 'Despite these headwinds, Africa has the capacity to navigate the challenges, accelerate industrial development, and realise the vision of a fully integrated continent.' Mene underscored the urgency of cultivating regional value chains in sectors such as automotive and agribusiness, where there is considerable scope for fostering inclusive growth. Sihle Zikalala, deputy minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, said South Africa's participation in the AfCFTA represents a historic opportunity to weave stronger economic ties with neighbouring nations. 'We view the AfCFTA as a catalyst for expanding market access for our goods and services while nurturing inclusive, job-rich growth,' Zikalala said. At the heart of this discourse was a vision that IATF2025 should transcend its role as merely a marketplace, transforming instead into a strategic tool for bolstering policy and practical integration. Zikalala said, 'through partnerships and public-private collaboration, we can develop world-class infrastructure across Africa while reducing our reliance on foreign exchange by trading in our own currencies.' Over 350 business leaders, policymakers, and investors convened at the Roadshow, contextualised under the theme: 'Harnessing Regional and Continental Value Chains: Accelerating Africa's Industrialisation and Global Competitiveness under the AfCFTA.' The event's agenda spotlighted strategies focused on enhancing resilient supply chains while amplifying intra-African trade—a critical element for unlocking tailored industrial opportunities across the continent. According to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and UN COMTRADE, South Africa's robust trade activities recorded merchandise exports worth $110.5 billion against imports of $113.2 billion in 2023. Despite a modest trade deficit of $2.7 billion, trade constituted 65.7% of GDP, illuminating South Africa's deep-rooted integration within global markets. Afreximbank's 2024 African Trade Report highlighted that South Africa exported $29.6 billion to African partners while importing $9.6 billion, with intra-African exports making up 26.8% of the total exports.
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Umdoni aims to grow economy
Investors, traditional leaders, municipal leaders and business folk gathered at the Cutty Sark Hotel in Scottburgh for the 2025 Umdoni Investment Conference last week. This two-day event was aimed at forging and maintaining partnerships in order to work together towards building a sustainable economy for Umdoni through major investments. Umdoni Local Municipality hopes to bring more investments in tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, commercial, retail, resort, high middle income residential and education. Mayor Mbali Cele-Luthuli said that the municipality has identified a need for the Umdoni economy to grow in order to fight against the triple challenges government is facing – unemployment, poverty and inequality. 'The municipality is of the view that this conference will serve as an initial step to engage investors and showcase the potential Umdoni possesses as an investment worthy area,' she said. 'Our vision is to attain investments and further enhance the urban environment economy and unleash the economic potential of the rural hinterland of Umdoni.' The Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, also attended. He mentioned government's determination to improve economic and social infrastructure such as roads, bridges, dams and fibre networks to support Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMME's) and industrialisation. 'The department is ready to partner with municipalities like Umdoni that are clear in their vision and aligned with national priorities. Infrastructure is not just about bricks and mortar; it's about jobs, inclusion, and dignity,' he said. Zikalala suggested that investment projects brought by the private sector will complement the municipality's vision of transforming Umdoni into the 'Jewel of the South Coast' by 2030. He also mentioned that plans are on track for the construction of a small craft harbour in Ray Nkonyeni District Municipality. The development, which will include a boat launching site, fisheries and related facilities, is expected to cost close to R1b and will create thousands of work opportunities. He said the department is still investigating the site of a second small harbour development in KZN. HAVE YOUR SAY Like the South Coast Herald's Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
10-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
‘Smear Campaign': Zikalala defends IDT CEO and slams media reports
Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala has defended Independent Development Trust CEO Tebogo Malaka's appointment. Image: Picture: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers / File Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala has defended Independent Development Trust CEO Tebogo Malaka's appointment. He has hit back at mounting criticism over his alleged role in irregular governance at the Independent Development Trust (IDT), describing recent media reports as part of a 'sophisticated political smear campaign' aimed at discrediting him. At a press briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday, Zikalala said he had met and even exceeded his legal oversight obligations and had paused Malaka's appointment after assuming office in March 2023 to allow investigations into allegations of mismanagement at the IDT. He also confirmed that he had referred all related documents to the Public Protector for an impartial inquiry into both his actions and broader governance concerns at the entity. Zikalala's intervention follows weeks of reporting by the media, which alleged that he and former IDT board chairperson Kwazi Mshengu protected Malaka from scrutiny despite her alleged links to a R45-million office lease scandal. The reports claimed Zikalala quashed a forensic probe initiated by National Treasury and facilitated Malaka's promotion from acting to permanent CEO. But Zikalala rejected those claims outright. 'There is no investigation that was ever squashed,' he stated. 'All investigations I requested were obstructed not by me, but by a dysfunctional and divided board plagued by infighting and poor governance.' Zikalala explained that when he entered office, Malaka's appointment was already in progress, backed by the IDT board under then-chair Zimbini Hill and endorsed by his predecessor, Patricia de Lille. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'I found the process already before the Cabinet.'' Central to the controversy is an office lease signed with Moepathutse Property Investments without board approval. Malaka allegedly signed the lease outside her authority; however, there is no evidence to prove that Malaka did anything else. In a reply that has now gone viral, Zikalala has slammed investigative body Amabhungane for what he termed "a calculated campaign against public interest governance" 'I will not allow the persistent onslaught masquerading as journalism to blackmail us into submission,' he said. He claimed the reports sought to destabilise the IDT, an entity responsible for delivering critical social infrastructure, so it could be 'captured by private business interests.' 'There's a long-standing battle for the soul of the IDT,' Zikalala said. 'While we will never shield the corrupt, we must guard against forces attempting to liquidate the institution for private gain.' In a move designed to affirm his commitment to transparency, Zikalala announced he had submitted all relevant records, including audit findings, legal opinions, correspondence, and ministerial memos to the Public Protector. 'This matter must be scrutinised by a credible, independent institution. I am confident it will reveal the truth and expose the narratives laced with distortion and innuendo,' he said. He concluded with a firm statement on his public service record: 'In all my public life, I have never and will never attempt to escape public scrutiny. I remain committed to ethical governance, no matter the cost.' The Public Protector's investigation is now expected to play a key role in determining whether Zikalala's actions were appropriate or part of a broader pattern of political shielding, while also shedding light on the governance challenges that continue to plague the IDT.
The Citizen
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Zikalala slams ‘spurious' allegations about R45m IDT lease deal, heads to Public Protector
The Public Works deputy minister says there's a deliberate attempt to launch a 'political smear campaign' aimed at damaging his reputation. Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala has denied any involvement in the appointment of Independent Development Trust (IDT) CEO Tebogo Malaka. The IDT, an entity under the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), has recently been embroiled in controversy over procurement irregularities and questionable contracts worth hundreds of millions of rands. It has now come to light that Zikalala and former IDT board chairperson Kwazi Mshengu allegedly intervened to prevent the National Treasury from conducting a forensic investigation into a R45 million lease agreement to shield Malaka. Malaka was appointed as the permanent CEO of the IDT despite facing allegations of procurement irregularities. Zikalala dismisses IDT interference claims During a media briefing on Tuesday, Zikalala addressed the controversy and dismissed the 'spurious' allegations against him, accusing investigative journalism organisation AmaBhungane of spreading 'falsehoods'. 'I have noted with deep concern and extreme outrage, slanderous stories which appear to have been deliberately planted and arranged to defame and tarnish my image, disguised as concerns about issues of governance in the IDT,' he said. ALSO READ: Dean Macpherson denies procurement interference and claims of media payments Zikalala said AmaBhungane had sent him questions regarding the CEO saga, but accused the organisation of twisting facts and misrepresenting information to fulfill its agenda in what he called a 'passionate crusade' against him. 'I will not allow the persistent onslaught and smear which masquerades as a journalistic endeavour, sophisticated as it may appear to blackmail us.' Watch the media briefing below: Allegations already in public domain Seeking to set the record straight, Zikalala highlighted that the allegations about the lease had already been public knowledge before his appointment as Public Works Minister in March 2023, and denied any involvement in Malaka's appointment. The recommendation to appoint Malaka, he said, had already been forwarded to Cabinet for final approval at the time. 'I put the process of the appointment of the CEO on hold due to, among other reasons, the need to give the board time to conduct investigations on allegations that were in the public domain.' The deputy minister rejected suggestions that he interfered with investigations, asserting that he had, in fact, directed the IDT board to look into the matter within six months. ALSO READ: EFF targets minister Macpherson over R800 million tender However, according to Zikalala, the board became mired in internal conflicts. 'They fight over the approach to investigate [while] others contacted the Treasury to conduct an investigation and others deemed the process flawed.' He said the dysfunction prompted him to write to the IDT board members in early October 2023, requesting explanations as to why they should not be fired for failing to fulfill their duties. This led to the resignation of three members. Following the appointment of a new board in November 2023, the Department of Public Works was requested to conduct a formal investigation, which was completed in March 2024. Zikalala wants Public Protector to probe IDT allegations Zikalala said that an internal audit report later recommended more in-depth investigations, which he then passed on to current Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson. 'Once the minister was appointed, I gave a handover which amongst others outlined that there was a pending investigation in the IDT.' He also clarified that there is no conclusive report against Malaka. 'There is no report or any concluded investigation by the board or any other body of the state against the appointment of the CEO that was before me as the minister then.' WATCH: Macpherson not deterred by 'political pressure or death threats' over R800m oxygen tender 'Even the much talked about Treasury investigation, I have never seen its sight nor was informed of its conclusion. It remained a board matter and the board as I understand it kept fighting and turning against its own decisions,' Zikalala continued. 'The only available report was the one done by the department's internal audit unit which recommended deeper investigations by the Auditor-General and the DPWI's anti-corruption unit. All these processes arises from the actions I took.' Zikalala said he intends to refer the matter to the Office of the Public Protector for a thorough investigation. 'This will assist so that the truth is exposed and we avoid narratives that are laced with innuendos and speculation.' AmaBhungane details IDT investigation AmaBhungane investigative journalist Azarrah Karrim told Newzroom Afrika on Tuesday that Tebogo Malaka allegedly approved the R45 million lease agreement without informing the IDT board. She reportedly signed the lease with Moepathutse Property Investments, a company said to have political connections. Karrim explained that internal documents indicated efforts by Zikalala and Mshengu to undermine the National Treasury's investigation. ALSO READ: Government sitting on thousands of vacant properties, while taxpayers pay R65m in rates and taxes 'At that point, Treasury told AmaBhungane that they had a draft report ready and had started consultations with the Hawks, but what Zikalala has to answer for is his efforts after Mshengu passed on that investigation onto his department,' she said. She emphasised that while Zikalala had provided AmaBhungane with the internal report, it did not constitute a forensic investigation. 'It was in fact, an assurance audit that only probed the procurement process followed for the lease 'It never proved allegations against Malaka or any other IDT official and that was a mandate that was approved by the board and Zikalala at the time,' she said. IDT board appointments In April, Macpherson reappointed two former board members alongside three new ones, all of whom had previously exited the IDT board during Zikalala's tenure. These appointments are currently being contested in court. Macpherson is opposing the legal challenge, arguing that the appointments are temporary and set to expire on 4 July, after which a new IDT board will be established. NOW READ: Macpherson's IDT appointments face urgent court bid
Daily Maverick
08-06-2025
- Daily Maverick
Probe into George building collapse complete, findings to be shared with victims' families
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson said those responsible for the disaster would be held accountable. After studying a report on the collapse of a five-storey residential property development in George, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson will share the findings with the families of the victims. The report, compiled by the Council for the Built Environment, comes more than a year after the collapse of the residential property development in George caused the deaths of 34 people and injured 28. 'As the department, we will now carefully study the report to develop a pathway forward to ensure that a tragedy such as the George building collapse never happens again,' said Macpherson in a statement. 'As I have previously committed, after studying the report, I will personally return to George to present the findings of this report to the families affected by this tragedy. They deserve to hear directly from us, not through the media, about what went wrong and how we intend to rectify it.' Macpherson's spokesperson, James de Villiers, said a final date had not yet been set by the minister to visit the families. It is also unclear whether the findings of the report will be made public. 'This will be decided after having spoken to the families,' said De Villiers. The collapse of the five-storey development, known as 75 Victoria, in May 2024, was followed by a recovery effort that lasted for several days. Twenty-eight survivors were eventually recovered from the rubble. The contractor for the development was Liatel Developments, under director Theuns Kruger, Daily Maverick reported. Macpherson said the completion of the report 'marks a critical step in the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure's commitment to uncover the truth behind this preventable disaster and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable'. He said the collapse of the building was 'the result of systemic failures across regulatory bodies and a lack of cooperation among key stakeholders'. He added that the department would continue to work with the South African Police Service, the National Prosecuting Authority and other regulatory bodies to 'ensure accountability'. 'As I have said before, the collapse of the George building was entirely preventable, and we will therefore work towards accountability and address any errors which may have been identified. By working together, we are ensuring a safe and secure construction sector for all stakeholders,' said Macpherson. The report is one of several commissioned by various stakeholders into the collapse. In April, the National Home Builders Registration Council's (NHBRC's) investigation into the collapse of the building revealed that there were several breaches in occupational health and safety standards at the construction site, Daily Maverick's Tamsin Metelerkamp reported. The NHBRC is a regulatory body of the home building industry, with a mandate to protect the interests of housing consumers and to ensure that builders comply with the prescribed building standards. Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane said the violations identified in the NHBRC's report included a failure to address safety concerns at the site, as well as the resignation of a safety consultant during the building process. DM
