A. ISSUES IN THE ENVIRONMENT

1. Economy

1.1. National Budget 2025

1.1.1. Cabinet welcomed the 2025 National Budget which seeks to maintain a

balance between South Africa’s fiscal framework, funding the priorities

of the Seventh Administration, as articulated by His Excellency,

President Cyril Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation Address while

mitigating the funding requirements impact on the poor and the

middleincome household.

1.1.2. The allocation of over R1 trillion to infrastructure development over the

MTEF, the establishment of alternative infrastructure financing through

a credit guarantee vehicle and the introduction of multiple bid windows

on the Budget Facility for infrastructure is a demonstration of the

commitment to grow the economy through a strong infrastructure-built

programme whilst simultaneously improving service delivery.

1.1.3. Mechanisms for private sector participation, as announced with the

Budget – which are part of Operation Vulindlela driven reforms in the

energy, transport and freight logistics sectors – indicate government’s

commitment to fast-tracking private sector investment and inclusive

economic growth.

1.1.4. Acknowledging the impact of the tax increases, the Budget provides for

mitigation measures against the increases such as:

1.1.4.1. No increase in the fuel levy.

1.1.4.2. Above inflation increases to social grants, with old age and

disability grants increasing by R130 to R2 315 in 2025.

1.1.4.3. Significant funding allocation to the Passenger Rail Agency of

South Africa to improve passenger rail transport, which will reduce

household income spend on transport costs.

1.1.5. Most significantly, the tax increases are going to finance sustainability

of this country, by maintaining 11 000 teachers in the classrooms, 9 300

health worker in their jobs, the employment of 800 post-community

service doctors and allow an additional 700 000 children (four-years of

age) access to early childhood development (ECD), which is the

necessary foundational education they need for a successful education

journey.

 

1.2. Economic Growth

1.2.1. The 0.6% increase in the fourth quarter (GDP) for 2024 signals a recovery

across the economy, as the agriculture, finance, trade and household

sectors grew in the last quarter of the year.

1.2.2. The agricultural industry rebounded by 17,2%, lifting GDP growth by 0,4

of a percentage point. The finance, real estate and businesses services

industry grew for an eighth consecutive quarter, with financial

intermediary, real estate activities and other business services being the

largest positive contributors to growth.

1.2.3. Cabinet is confident that the increased focus and pace of delivery on

economic structural reforms, improved service delivery and state

capacity, and increased participation of the private sector, will spur

further growth of the economy in 2025 and beyond.

 

1.3. Investment

1.3.1. Cabinet welcomed the announcement by Microsoft South Africa to

invest R5.4 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in the

country. This investment will strengthen South Africa’s position as a

leading AI hub on the African continent and builds on Microsoft South

Africa’s R20.4 billion investment over the past three years.

1.3.2. Microsoft South Africa also announced their contribution to developing

South Africa’s digital literacy by paying for technical certification for 50

000 individuals in high-demand digital skills.

1.3.3. In further uplifting our investment profile, Indian car manufacturer

Mahindra signed a memorandum of understanding with South Africa’s

Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to explore the possibility of

setting up a full-scale vehicle assembly plant in the country. Mahindra

already has an assembly plant of Pik Up range of vehicles in Durban

operated by AIH Logistics, where we recently celebrated the production

of their 25 000th locally assembled Pik Up vehicles.

1.3.4. Cabinet reminded every South African as direct shareholder in South

Africa Incorporated (SA Inc.) of their vested interest in promoting our

country as an investment destination in a globally competitive

environment. We must continue to speak with one voice in defence of

our national interest, our sovereignty and our constitutional democracy.

 

2. International Relations

2.1. South Africa’s Presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20)

2.1.1. As part of its G20 Presidency, South Africa successfully hosted the

following G20 working groups and task force meetings end of February

and during this month:

2.1.1.1. The G20 Research and Innovation Working Group (RIWG) meeting,

which was held at the University of the Free State in Mangaung from

23 to 25 February 2025, discussed how they can better use research

and innovation to address global challenges, and promote science

and technology. They also reflected on the priorities for the year

ahead, namely:

(a) Priority 1: Open Innovation for Development;

(b) Priority 2: Biodiversity for Sustainable Development; and

(c) Priority 3: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in

Science, Technology and Innovation.

2.1.1.2. The first Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting (Cape Town, 3 to 5

March 2025) which explored mechanisms to enhance the

implementation of legal instruments to fight corruption. This meeting

was an opportunity for participants to establish the agenda and lay

the groundwork for future discussions, encouraging dialogue and

collaboration to strengthen anti-corruption strategies. During this

meeting, participants discussed and agreed on these several key

priorities:

(a) Priority 1: Strengthening Public Sector Integrity;

(b) Priority 2: Increasing Asset Recovery Efficiency;

(c) Priority 3: Inclusive Participation; and (d) Priority 4: Whistle-

Blower Protection.

2.1.1.4. The First Agriculture Working Group Meeting, held virtually on 3 and

4 March 2025, discussed critical issues that affect agricultural

stakeholders worldwide and agreed on priorities for the year ahead.

These are:

(a) Priority 1: Promoting inclusive market participation and food

security;

(b) Priority 2: Empowering youth and women in agrifood systems;

(c) Priority 3: Fostering innovation and technology transfer; and

(d) Priority 4: Building climate resilience for sustainable agriculture.

2.1.1.5. The First Tourism Working Group Meeting held virtually on 5 March

2025 deliberated on how tourism can be used to change people’s

lives, communities and the world. They also deliberated on and

agreed to work on four priorities for the year, namely:

(a) Priority 1: People-Centered AI and Innovation to enhance

Travel and Tourism Start-Ups and SMMEs;

(b) Priority 2: Tourism Financing and Investment to Enhance

Equality and Promote Sustainable Development;

(c) Priority 3: Air Connectivity for Seamless Travel; and

(d) Priority 4: Enhanced Resilience for Inclusive, Sustainable

Tourism Development.

2.1.1.6. First Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group Meeting held virtually on

5 March 2025 discussed the acceleration of early warnings for all

initiatives, which is a key global target set by the United Nations and

reinforced the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster

Risk Reduction 2015-2030. South Africa sees this meeting as a key

international forum to drive the agenda of a shared responsibility to

build resilience, strengthen our cooperation, and drive meaningful

action that is needed to prevent an escalation or exacerbation of risk.

The meeting agreed on the following priorities:

(a) Priority 1: Addressing Inequalities and Reducing

Vulnerabilities;

(b) Priority 2: Global Coverage of Early Warning Systems;

(c) Priority 3: Disaster Resilient Infrastructure;

(d) Priority 4: Financing for Disaster Risk Reduction;

(e) Priority 5: Disaster Recovery, Rehabilitation and

Reconstruction; and

(f) Priority 6: Ecosystems-Based Approaches for

DRR/Nature-Based Solutions.

2.1.1.7. First Task Force Meeting: Food Security which was held virtually on 5

March 2025 discussed policies and programmes to improve food

security. Participants agreed to build a stronger, fairer and more

sustainable food system. They also committed to address key

challenges like trade barriers, funding for food production and the

impact of climate change on food supply chains. Some of the priorities

outcomes discussed are the following:

(a) Priority 1: Stronger food security policies;

(b) Priority 2: Stable food prices;

(c) Priority 3: Clear regulations and standards;

(d) Priority 4: G20

Action Plan for Food Security; and

(e) Priority 5: Ministerial approval and implementation.

2.1.1.8. The G20 Outreach Programme held at the University of Venda in

Thohoyandou on 7 March 2025 aimed at fostering wider public

dialogue and participation in South Africa’s G20 Presidency. The

gathering was used to encourage the people of this country to get

involved in welcoming our guests to the country as we continue to

host meetings in various parts of the country, and to promote their

culture and heritage. South Africans were also encouraged to tell a

good story about their country.

2.1.2. The following G20 working groups and task forces meetings will take

place until the end of March 2025:

2.1.2.1 First Task Force Meeting: Inclusive Economic Growth,

Industrialisation, Employment, and Reduce Inequality: 17 March

2025 – virtually.

2.1.2.2 First Trade and Investment Working Group Meeting: 18-20

March 2025 – virtually.

2.1.2.3 Second Health Working Group: 26-28 March 2025 – Durban.

2.1.2.4 First Climate and Environment Sustainability Working Group

Meeting: 25-28 March 2025 – virtually.

2.1.3 Information on these various G20 meetings and their outcomes can be

accessed on www.g20.org OR www.g20.org.za

 

2.2 Humanitarian Aid to Palestine

2.2.2 Cabinet condemns the refusal of Israel to allow humanitarian aid into the

Gaza Strip and its closure of border crossings at a time when the

people of Gaza are experiencing immeasurable suffering and urgently

need food, shelter and medical supplies.

2.2.3 This action is a continuation of Israel’s use of starvation as a weapon of

war as part of the ongoing campaign of what the International Court of

Justice ruled to be plausible genocide against the Palestinian people.

2.2.4 Cabinet reiterates our nation’s call on the international community to

hold Israel accountable and ensure the safe, continuous and

unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to all areas of the Gaza Strip.

 

3. Crime

3.1. Welcoming the Malawi Court Ruling on the Extradition of

Shepherd and Mary Bushiri

3.1.1. Cabinet welcomed the ruling by the Republic of Malawi’s Chief Resident

Magistrate Court that Shepherd and Mary Bushiri be extradited to

South Africa to stand trial on multiple criminal charges including rape,

contravening the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act,

2002 (Act 37 of 2002), the Bank Act, 1990 (Act 94 of 1990),

Immigration Act, 2002 (Act 13 of 2002) and violating their bail

conditions.

3.1.2. This ruling shows that no-one can run away from the rule law and also

reaffirms the judicial independence, international cooperation and

mutual trust between the South African and Malawian legal

institutions.

3.1.3. We are aware that that the Bushiris have indicated their intention to

appeal. However, we are confident that we have a strong case against

them.

3.1.4. South Africa stands ready to collaborate with INTERPOL to coordinate

the transfer arrangements and logistics to ensure that they are brought

to South Africa to stand trial.

 

4. Severe Weather

4.1. Recent heavy rains have claimed several lives, left hundreds displaced,

with homes and infrastructure severely damaged in KwaZulu-Natal.

4.2. The impact of severe weather conditions in KwaZulu-Natal has been

declared a national state of disaster to allow the provincial department

of Corporate Governance and Traditional Affairs to mobilise all organs

of state to augment support measures, limiting the impact of the disaster

on communities.

4.3. Government continues to provide flood victims with assistance and the

Department of Human Settlements has allocated R100 million to

KwaZulu-Natal to assist in managing the flood aftermath.

4.4. Cabinet calls on all South Africans to exercise extreme caution whenever

there is inclement weather. Heavy rain poses a risk of localised flooding,

particularly in low-lying areas, bridges and roads.

4.5. In cases of heavy rains, communities are urged to avoid flooded roads

and to monitor news broadcasts, radio bulletins and government official

social media pages for real-time updates and alerts.

 

B. UPDATES TO CABINET

1. Protection and improvement of the National Minimum Wage (NMW)

1.1. Cabinet received and considered a report by the Department of

Employment and Labour on the progress made to protect and enhance

the NMW.

1.2. The NMW Act, 2018 (Act 9 of 2018), which was enacted in November

2018, laid the foundation for reducing income inequality and wage gaps,

and continues to safeguard low-income workers in the country.

1.3. From 1 March 2025, the NMW increased by 4% from R27,58 to R28,79

per hour. This increase aims to provide essential economic support and

much-needed relief to the six million workers earning within the NMW

bracket.

 

2. Promoting Foundation Learning

2.1. Cabinet expressed its support for the strategic reorientation of the Basic

Education sector towards foundation learning.

2.2. In January 2025, the Department of Basic Education announced and

celebrated a record high matric pass rate of 87.4%. However, just a

month earlier, the department had released systematic evaluation

results from three different studies showing that nearly 80% of South

African children cannot read for meaning, in any language by the age of

ten (10).

2.3. To resolve this challenge the Minister of Basic Education has initiated a

strategic reorientation that will have the following initiatives:

2.3.1. Universal access to quality ECD through the mass registration of

ECD centres, ensure each child in ECD receives a subsidy, support ECD

centres with Learning and Teaching materials, and offer support to

practitioners to obtain teaching qualifications. Funding for this has been

allocated in the 2025 National Budget.

2.3.2. Review the norms and standards to increase teacher posts in

foundation phase teaching.

2.3.3. The Funza Lushaka Bursary will be reoriented to prioritise

bursaries to students who wish to teach in the foundation phase.

2.4. This strategic reorientation will strengthen foundational literacy and

numeracy skills of learners, and ensure that they later be able to table

on more complex subjects such as Maths, Science, Accounting and

Economics, amongst others.

 

3. Electricity generation performance

3.1. Cabinet received a report on the work undertaken by Eskom to improve

electricity generation and stabilisation of the national grid to avert more

incidents of load-shedding.

3.2. After the recovery of more than 300 megawatts of generation capacity and

replenishment of sufficient reserves, load-shedding was suspended at

10:00 on Sunday, 9 March 2025. Coal operations at Kusile Power Station

are at optimal levels with all units which were offline as of Friday

7 March now successfully returned to service and the Koeberg Unit 2

was successfully brought back to service.

3.3. The overall generation performance since the summer of 2024 has shown

significant improvements and stability, resulting in 98% of loadshedding-

free days. Eskom remains optimistic for a positive outlook for the

remainder of the summer period.

 

C. CABINET DECISIONS

1. Hosting of the Water and Sanitation Indaba

1.1. Cabinet approved the hosting of the Water and Sanitation Indaba on 27

and 28 March 2025 in Gauteng.

1.2. This event serves as a follow-up to the Water Summit held in January

2024, which brought together all water services authorities to address

key sector challenges, following the release of the Drops Reports.

1.3. The summit established an Action Plan to tackle these issues, and the

Indaba will provide an opportunity to assess progress made and identify

further steps needed.

1.4. The expected outcomes of the Indaba are to have consensus on the state

of water security in South Africa, progress on incomplete actions from

the 2024 Water Summit and key actions required to improve water

security and an updated (new) action plan.

1.5. Cabinet acknowledged the water security challenges facing the country

and reaffirms its commitment to ensure that every South African has

access to clean, safe and sustainable water and sanitation services.

 

2. 2nd, 3rd and 4th Period Country Report on the UN Convention on

the rights of persons with disabilities (UNCRPD).

2.1. Cabinet approved that the Department Women, Youth and

Persons with Disabilities submits the 2nd, 3rd and 4th UNCRPD

periodic report to the UN. The report provides an update on the

progress South Africa has made to promote and protect the rights

of persons with disabilities.

2.2. Cabinet approved the Baseline Country Report on the

Implementation of the UNCRPD in 2013 and the report was

subsequently deposited in 2014.

2.3. This combined progress report gives an overview of government’s

performance in the implementation of the White Paper on the

Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It highlights policy and

legislative reforms, and measures taken to protect and promote

the rights of persons with disabilities. The report unpacks efforts

in education, awareness raising, health, social services, access to

justice and employment for persons with disabilities. The report will

be published on the website: www.gov.za

 

D. APPOINTMENTS

All appointments are subject to the verification of qualifications

and relevant security clearances.

1. Mr Neil Jansen as Deputy Director-General: Human Resource

Management and Development in the Department of Home Affairs.

 

2. Appointment of the Alexkor board members

(a) Ms Dineo P. Peta (chairperson);

(b) Ms Hilary A. Swartbooi;13 | P a g e

(c) Adj. Prof. Trevor G. Fowler;

(d) Ms Shinduvi Zitha;

(e) Ms Bongi Ngxishe;

(f) Dr Jonty Tshipa;

(g) Mr Nico Patrick Swart; and

(h) Mr Freddy Raseote.

 

E. UPCOMING EVENTS 1. Inaugural National System of

Innovation Transformation Summit

1.1 The inaugural National System of Innovation Transformation Summit will

take place from 13 to 14 March 2025 to harness South Africa’s science,

technology and innovation capabilities in a manner that facilitates

inclusion.

1.2 The summit brings together science councils, higher education institutions,

government departments, the business sector and organised labour to

reflect and engage on the current and future role of the country’s

National System of Innovation. It will recommend actions to accelerate

the realisation of inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development

for the benefit of all South Africans.

 

2. 8th South Africa – European Union (EU) Summit

2.1 The 8th South Africa – EU Summit is taking place in Cape Town (today) on

13 March 2025, and it will be co-chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa,

President of the European Council, Mr. António Luís Santos da Costa,

and the President of the European Commission, Dr.

Ursula von der Leyen to further strengthen the strong relations between

South Africa and the EU.

2.2 The summit will discuss issues of trade and investment, along with

greater mutual cooperation and reinforced bilateral relations between

South Africa and the EU.

2.3 The summit is expected to explore collaborative approaches to

addressing regional and global challenges, including climate change,

human insecurity, peace, security and stability, the green transition,

and reform of global governance institutions.

2.4 The summit will also reaffirm support for South Africa’s G20

Presidency and its priorities, including the theme of Solidarity,

Equality and Sustainability.

 

F. MESSAGES 1. Congratulations

Cabinet extended its congratulations and well-wishes to:

• Dylan Naidoo for becoming the first black South African to win the

prestigious SA Open, which is also one of the oldest golf championships.

His victory has secured him a place in July's Open Championship at

Royal Portrush.

• Ncazelo Mlilo on her nomination for two categories for the prestigious

Women Changing the World Awards. The awards recognise women

across the world who are doing incredible work in changing lives.

• The Muslim community as they observe the holy month of Ramadan.

• Mr Patrice Motsepe on his re-election as CAF President. His

contribution to the development of South African and African football

continues to make us proud.

 

2. Condolences

Cabinet expressed condolences to the friends and family of:

• the 31 passengers who lost their lives in three separate bus

accidents between Reddersburg and Smithfield in the Free State; on

the N2 North, near Mandeni, in KwaZulu-Natal and on the R21 in

Ekurhuleni, Gauteng respectively.

• four primary school pupils who lost their lives in a road accident on

the N12 in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.

• whistleblower and gender activist Pamela Mabini who stood up for

women who experienced GBV and ensured that perpetrators of

GBVF are brought to book.

• Crystal-Donna Roberts, the South African actor and presenter who

starred in films such as The Endless River and Krotoa, and featured

in Arendsvlei, Swartwater and 7de Laan.

• Dr Gomolemo Mokae, anti-apartheid and black consciousness

activist, medical doctor and author who was an active promoter of

African languages. He received the multilinguist award from the Pan

South African Language Board for promoting the use of indigenous

languages in South African literature.

• Mr Athol Fugard, the world-renowned actor, novelist and playwright

who was recognised both locally and internationally for his

outstanding contributions to theatre. In 2001, he was inducted into

the American Theatre Hall of Fame and received South Africa’s Order

of Ikhamanga in 2005.

• Ebenhaezer Dibakwane, the award-winning comedian, actor and

writer.

• Khomotso Jacob Makwetla, an advocate for black business

empowerment, who also contributed to the development of football

and boxing in the country.

Issued by: Government Communication and Information System

(GCIS)

 

Enquiries: Ms Nomonde Mnukwa – Acting Government

Spokesperson

Mobile: 083 653 7485

Date: Thursday, 13 March 2025 www.gcis.gov.za; www.gov.za