Thabo Sebata

AGOA has helped small businesses like Black Mamba Foods in Eswatini to expand and thrive by providing preferential access to US markets for eligible countries in subSaharan Africa. Black Mamba Foods has successfully achieved exports totaling over $160,000, positively impacting their community and country. Their success story serves as a potent example of how international trade can empower small businesses, elevate communities, and create lasting positive change in developing nations.

South Africa is increasing its use of wind energy, with plans to add 14 GW of wind energy capacity to the power system in the next seven years. Currently, 36 wind energy projects in the country have a combined installed capacity of 3,442 MW, supplying electricity to over three million households and creating nearly 23,000 jobs. The Western Cape province’s abundant wind conditions make it a crucial location for achieving these ambitious goals, and initiatives like the Premier’s Council on Skills aim to support job creation and sustainable development in the renewable energy space.

Cape Town’s Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry is gaining attention from British investors due to its skilled labor force, costeffective procedures, and solid infrastructure. The UK is the largest global source market for Cape Town’s BPO sector, and the city has invested in developing necessary skills and infrastructure for the industry. As more international companies outsource operations to Cape Town, the city solidifies its status as a prime location for BPO activities. The symbiosis between Cape Town’s BPO sector and British investors offers potential for economic growth and job opportunities for local residents.

Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is implementing a Water Demand Management Strategy to ensure a sustainable and secure water supply for its growing population. The program includes various tests and evaluations to optimize water supply networks, as well as pipe and valve installations, repairs, and replacements. Although some residents may experience temporary water disruptions during these works, the City has carefully considered the timing of its maintenance to minimize inconvenience. The City’s commitment to addressing unaccounted water issues and preserving resources for the future reflects its collaborative approach with its residents.

The National School of Government (NSG) is celebrating its 10year anniversary with a range of activities and events showcasing its contributions to building public sector capacity in South Africa. Over 526,000 participants have benefited from its training programs, generating more than R1 billion in course fee revenue. The NSG has hosted highimpact engagements and demonstrated good governance and financial management through consecutive years of unqualified and clean audits, while effectively navigating the challenges presented by the COVID19 pandemic and increasing online enrolments for eLearning courses. Its efforts align with the South African government’s decision to prioritize the development of a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

South Africa’s Freight Logistics Roadmap aims to improve the performance of the country’s ports and rail network, with the government committed to maintaining public ownership. The government is focused on reforming the logistics system to increase efficiency, attract private investment, and promote competition. The establishment of the National Logistics Crisis Committee and government engagement with the private sector highlights the collaborative approach towards enhancing the logistics system, with no intention to privatize strategic national assets. It is important to distinguish fact from fiction and appreciate the government’s dedication to improving the lives of its citizens.

South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has formed a partnership with Cisco to enhance the country’s digital economy. The collaboration will focus on economic growth, digital skills, sustainable infrastructure, cybersecurity, and the digital transformation of government services. Cisco will support South Africa’s digital skills drive, contribute to job creation, and extend its network of EDGE Centres to assist small and mediumsized enterprises in the technology sector. The partnership aims to create a brighter digital future for South Africa, ultimately boosting the nation’s economic expansion.