Daily Archives: May 14, 2025

Two men sentenced to three life terms imprisonment for raping two women

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 May 2025- The Zeerust Regional Court has sentenced Gopolang Seikaneng (34) to life imprisonment for rape and an additional eight years for attempted rape. Jacob Mosimane Sebogodi (42) received two life sentences for two counts of rape.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the court ordered that all sentences run concurrently and both accused have been added to the National Register for Sex Offenders. Gunya said the convictions relate to an incident on the evening of 11 March 2021, at a local tavern in Zeerust.

“Evidence presented in court revealed that the accused promised two young women, both aged 21 at the time, that they would provide transport to their homes in Gopane village.

“While en route, the accused instructed the victims to exit the vehicle and escorted them to an abandoned house. At the abandoned property, both men took turns raping one of the victims,” he said.

Gunya further said Sebogodi then took the same victim to his residence and raped her again the following morning before returning her to the same abandoned house. He added that, Seikaneng took the second victim to his residence, where he attempted to rape her.

“Following a swift investigation, both accused were arrested on 19 March 2021. The victims positively identified them and they were denied bail and remained in custody until sentencing.

“Both men pleaded not guilty, but were convicted based on overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution,” he said.

In aggravation of sentence, state advocate Ntebaleng Mabale emphasised the high prevalence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the vulnerability of women and young people in South Africa. Mabale presented two Victim Impact Statements, facilitated by Court Preparation Officer, Thembinkosi Madiba, detailing the profound physical and psychological trauma suffered by the victims.

“He urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. In his judgment, Regional Court Magistrate Okaeng Mothibi, noted the lack of remorse shown by the accused and their deliberate targeting of vulnerable individuals.

Mothibi affirmed the need for the courts to protect victims and send a strong message of deterrence,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, welcoming the sentences, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended the collaborative efforts of the South African Police Service, the prosecution team, and all stakeholders involved. She emphasised that the outcome serves as a significant deterrent to perpetrators of gender-based violence.

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The Hawks granted R1.6m forfeiture order

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 May 2025- The Northern Cape High Court in Kimberly, granted Hawks Asset Forfeiture Investigation and National Prosecuting Authority‘s Asset Forfeiture Unit a forfeiture order worth R1.6 million against Mahdi Aki (51) on Tuesday. It is alleged that, during January 2024, members of Public Order Policing acted on information and went to conduct a search and seizure at an identified premises, in the presence of the suspect, the police found two bags of undisclosed amount of money, later when they counted the amount came to R1.6 million. 

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said Akil could not account for that money. Thebe said the matter was therefore referred to the Hawks Asset Forfeiture Investigation, together with the Asset Forfeiture Unit for further investigation, which resulted in the successful granting of a forfeiture order.

“In an unrelated matter, Upington Regional Court found Samson Vusi Dlamini (42) guilty of dealing in drugs and corruption. The conviction came after police searched bags of a truck driver and his passenger at Nakop border between South Africa and Namibia in May 2023.

“The passenger, a Kingdom of Eswatini national, was found with what was later found to be drugs. During questioning, he later admitted to attempting to smuggle drugs and offered the police officer a bribe of R2000,” he said.

Thebe further said Upington based members of Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team were called to the scene and subsequently took over the investigation. He added that the suspect was charged for possession of drugs and bribery and remained in custody for the duration of the trial.

“On Tuesday, the Upington Regional Court found him guilty and his case was postponed to 28 May 2025 for sentencing proceedings,” said Thebe.

Meanwhile, in appreciating the work done by South African Police Services (SAPS) members, the Provincial Head of Northern Cape Hawks Major General Stephen Molefi Mabuela said: “Collaborations when fighting crime always bring results, we just have to continue to strengthen those relationships” concluded the general.”

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Motsumi addresses project challenges at Mphe Bana 2 Secondary School   

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 May 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi visited Mphe Bana 2 Secondary School in Reagile Township, near Koster, to follow up on the ongoing construction delays and quality concerns at the site. The visit comes after a recent meeting held under the Thuntsa Lerole Programme, where local business representatives and the primary contractor discussed project challenges.

Motsumi said construction of Mphe Bana 2 Secondary School began in 2022 with an expected completion date in September 2024. She said, however, the project remains unfinished, raising concerns about workmanship and management.

“We express serious disappointment regarding the poor quality of work and multiple defaults observed at the site. We urge the main contractor to rectify these issues and ensure that all construction complies fully with the department’s standards and scope of work.

“During the follow-up meeting, local contractors highlighted difficulties in receiving payments from the main contractor, a factor that has further delayed progress,” said Motsumi.

She further announced a decisive step to protect the interests of local businesses. Motsumi added that, to safeguard the local contractors and ensure timely project completion, all outstanding payments from the main contractor will be redirected through the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) directly into the accounts of the local contractors.  

“This move aims to prevent contractors from being left unpaid and to accelerate the completion of the school. We reaffirm the department’s commitment to delivering quality education infrastructure on time and stress the importance of supporting local enterprises in the region of Bojanala and North West at large,” she said.

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Mass suspension and expulsion as SANCO embarks on ‘microbial’ action

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Picture: SANCO logo

By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 May 2025- The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West province said it would like to formally caution all communities, business stakeholders and government entities about certain individuals, who have been expelled and suspended from the organisation. SANCO alleged that these individuals are now engaged in conduct that seeks to sow confusion and mislead the public.

SANCO spokesperson, Mzukisi Jam said, they have officially expelled its former National Executive Committee (NEC) member, James Gadinabokao from North West and former SANCO regional secretary in Ngaka Modiri Molema Region, Bennet Masike. Jam said Gadinabokao and Masike were expelled from their leadership positions and also as members of the organisation.

“Gadinabokao’s disciplinary hearing was held on 11 April 2025 at the Garden Court Hotel, OR Tambo International Airport. The hearing proceeded as scheduled with the full complement of the National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) present.

“However, Gadinabokao failed to attend and provided no apology or explanation for his absence. Masike similarly failed to appear before the Provincial Disciplinary Committee (PDC) for his hearing scheduled at the Rustenburg Local Municipality Building on 12 March 2025,” he said.

Jam further said Masike was therefore expelled with effect from 9 April 2025. He added that SANCO in North West confirmed the formal suspension of the Regional Chairperson in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Region, Comfort Kgatwane.

“Kgatwane has been notified to appear before the PDC on 30 May 2025, to answer to charges brought against him under the SANCO Constitution and Code of Conduct. The NEC is also processing the suspension of Sibongile Mulauzi, who is an NEC member from the North West province.

“Mulauzi is accused of conduct inconsistent with the organisation’s values and discipline. Furthermore, disciplinary actions are underway in the Ngaka Modiri Molema Region, with additional suspensions of some of the Regional Executive Members, who are working with Gadinabokao and Masike to undermine the leadership of SANCO,” said Jam.

He said the matter is pending finalisation. Jam said these disciplinary actions follow charges, but not limited to breach of the membership oath (Clause 79(1)(a) of the SANCO Constitution).

“The charge is sowing division within the organisation, including bringing SANCO into disrepute and dereliction of duty. There is also a charge of violating the Constitution, Code of Conduct and membership oath.

“SANCO North West PEC would also like to emphasize that these individuals such as Packet Seaketso and Khumalo Molefe, are not authorised to participate in or represent any SANCO activities,” he said.

Jam said legal advice is being sought on measures to prevent unauthorised use of SANCO’s name, brand, or logo. He said as per the SANCO Constitution, “Any person or entity desirous of utilising the name, logo, or brand of SANCO, may only do so with the express written consent of the General Secretary of the organisation.

“These individuals have shown disregard for SANCO’s constitutional processes and attempted to present themselves as above the organisation. However, as resolved at our 7th National Conference, SANCO is taking a firm stand against ill-discipline and misconduct, without fear or favour.

“We share this communication in the spirit of transparency and with deep respect for our communities and partners. It is also a precautionary notice that individuals may attempt to solicit money or support under false pretences, claiming to represent SANCO,” said Jam.

He said they urge stakeholders to verify any SANCO-related engagement through the Office of the Provincial Secretary. Jam said in accordance with Clause 81(d) of the SANCO Constitution, the affected individuals have the right to appeal or request a review of their expulsion or suspension to the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) or National Executive Committee (NEC) within 21 days of receiving their letters of notification.

“SANCO remains committed to ethical leadership, accountability and the principles that bind us as a civic movement,” he said.

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Monna wa kwa Mokassa 2 o timetse  

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Setshwantsho: Monna o timetseng, Thuto Tlhotlhomisang

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

14 Motsheganong 2025- Sepodisi sa Taung se ikuela go baagi go ba thusa go batlana le monna o go begwang fa a timetse, eleng Thuto Tlhotlhomisang (26), wa kwa motseng wa Mokassa 2, gaufi le Taung. Go begwa fa Tlhotlhomisang a timetse dibeke tse pedi tse di fetileng.

Go ya ka dipego, mme mmagwe Tlhotlhomisang, one a tlogela Thuto mo ntlung fa a leba kwa kerekeng, fela one a mo fitlhela a seo mo go boweng ga gagwe.

Mogoloe Thuto, Tsholofelo Tlhotlhomisang are ba ikuela go botlhe go ka ba thusa go batlana le monnawe.

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Of ants and men: Africa’s new trafficking problem

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Picture: Ants in a hole/Generic

By BERTIE JACOBS

14 May 2025- They might be small and largely inconspicuous, but ants are becoming big business for a growing market of enthusiasts. In April, Kenyan authorities intercepted two Belgian teenagers, a Vietnamese national, and a local accomplice as they attempted to smuggle 5 400 live queen ants out of the country.

Their illicit cargo, consisting mainly of the Messor cephalotes species, was carefully packed into over 2 200 modified test tubes and syringes all designed to keep the ants alive during their journey to European terrariums. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) estimated the collection’s local value at approximately 1.2 million Kenyan shillings, though European collectors might have paid as much as one million US dollars for the entire haul – a clear indication that the ant trade is becoming a lucrative target for smugglers.

This marks another troubling shift in the world of wildlife crime. According to Prof Henk Bouwman from the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management at North West University (NWU) in South Africa, such trafficking poses a significant threat to local ecosystems unprepared for the arrival of foreign species.

“The smuggling of ants is not a good thing. The smuggling of any animal to places, where they do not occur naturally is quite troublesome. Ants are a fantastic group of animals to study and to look at. There are 12 000 to 15 000 known species and we estimate that there might be more than double that.

“They are really incredible and occur in almost any habitat from deep underground to right at the top of trees in rainforest. Those in rainforest for instance, are so well adapted that if they fall out of the tree, they can actually steer themselves back towards a trunk of the tree and do not fall all the way down to the ground,” said Bouwman.

He further said ants do not have to climb back up. Bouwman added that this illustrates the adaptability of ants to different conditions.

“When they end up in places where there is no resistance from plants or animals to these ants, which is not their fault, of course then it can have tremendous consequences for the ecology and even economy of that region.

“It is really bad to have people doing this kind of thing. As traditional smuggling targets like elephants and rhinos come under increased protection, traffickers are turning their attention to smaller, less conspicuous species,” said Bouwman.

He said for conservationists, this is a stark reminder that preserving Africa’s natural heritage must include not only its largest residents, but also its smallest.

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EFF in North West demand answers after ‘illegal’ occupation of Mahikeng airport by foreigners

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Picture: GD Montshioa International Airport

By OBAKENG MAJE

14 May 2025- The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in North West calls on the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management to probe the alleged illegal activities taking place at the Dr Dick Montshioa International Airport in Mahikeng. This comes after startling allegations that, foreign nationals, specifically Nigerians, have illegally occupied the aviation facilities at the airport.

The EFF provincial secretary, Papiki Babuile said he is not surprised by these kinds of allegations because South Africa has incompetent and pitiable police intelligence. Babuile said two months ago, they embarked on an oversight visit at the airport and noticed infrequent activities, where planes were allegedly illegally landing.

“Remember, when it comes to police intelligence, we are very weak in South Africa, particularly in the North West. We actually embarked on an oversight visit two months ago at the airport and noticed that there were planes landing, which were not supposed to be at that airport.

“The department was not even aware of such activities. We were wondering as the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management that, who are these individuals, who authorised them and who are they working for and what kind of activities are they running,” he said.

Babuile further said, they want the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng to be held accountable. He added that they will engage with the police and ensure that a criminal case is opened against malefactors.

“Not long ago, there was illegal mining taking place in Stilfontein for months and our police intelligence could not even pick that up. So, we are vulnerable when it comes to police intelligence,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management, Freddy Sonakile said: “They have taken serious note of a video currently circulating on social media platforms.

“In the video, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, is seen confronting individuals allegedly occupying the GD Montshioa Airport in Mahikeng without authorisation and instructing them to vacate the premises.”

Sonakile said while they commend Morweng for his hands-on approach and visible oversight, the incident has raised deeply troubling questions that demand immediate investigation and full accountability. He said the committee has urgently written to Morweng to initiate a thorough investigation into the matter and to submit a comprehensive report outlining the facts, remedial actions and steps to prevent such breaches in future.

“The committee also noted that the GD Montshioa Airport is under 24-hour security surveillance provided by Eagle Eye Security and has a full-time Site Manager appointed to oversee operations.

“It is, therefore, wholly unacceptable and implausible to suggest that no one within the department or at the airport was aware of individuals occupying state property, allegedly without paying rent,” said Sonakile.

He said to assert ignorance in this case would be tantamount to attempting to pull wool over the public’s eyes. Sonakile said the committee will not accept vague explanations or deflections.

“The committee has requested a report from the department to account on whether is there an existence of an aviation school at the GD Montshioa Airport, whether any lease agreements exist with said individuals or entities and the role of the North West Department of Public Works and Roads as the custodian of government properties in this context.

“If there are no valid lease agreements and no rental income has been collected, while individuals have been utilising state property for free, then accountability must follow swiftly and decisively,” he said.

Sonakile said permitting unauthorised and rent-free occupation of government property not only undermines the rule of law, but opens the door to corruption, mismanagement and the erosion of public trust. He said the committee is clear and in the absence of firm and visible consequences, Morweng and his department will be left to fight fires every week.

“The time for soft approaches is over. The people of the North West deserve transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public assets,” said Sonakile.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management said its legal team requested it wait before engaging media in the matter.

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Four men sentenced to 60 years in gang-related murders

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Picture: Four men sentenced to 60 years imprisonment for gang-related murder/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 May 2025- Four accused, Mbulelo Suswana (34), Sindile Olifant (25), Matjaleng Mbipha (27), and Tebogo Moshane (23), were each sentenced on two counts of murder and one of arson committed in Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp on 30 August 2022. This comes after the police were summoned to Extension 24, where a house was set alight and two men were stabbed to death.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said upon arrival, the police found the body of Xolile Nxamakele (28), with multiple stab wounds on his body. Mokgwabone said furthermore, Nkululeko Paraffin’s body (25), also with multiple stab wounds, was found not far from the initial crime scene.

“The preliminary investigations led to the apprehension of Mbulelo Suswana and Sindile Olifant shortly after the incident. The matter was handed to the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit for investigation and that culminated in the arrest of two more suspects, Tebogo Moshane and Matjaleng Mbipha at Extension 22 in Jouberton Township.

“It also transpired that the incident was linked to gang rivalry,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said all accused have been in custody since their arrests. He added that Suswana, Olifant, Mbipha and Moshane were sentenced to double life imprisonment for murders and 15 years for arson each.

“The accused were all declared unfit to possess firearms in terms of section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 60 of 2000,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, thanked the Investigating Officer, D/Sgt Buti Matlhoko, the prosecutor, Chris Kok and all other role players for their tireless efforts that ensured the convictions. Asaneng said that the sentence meted out to these four accused should send a strong message and stern warning to other gangsters in Jouberton and the entire Dr Kenneth Kaunda District that their time to face the full wrath of the criminal justice system is near.

“For many years the social fabric and peaceful co-existence of the communities of Jouberton, Kanana, Khuma and Tigane have been torn apart by marauding gangs of mostly teenagers committing the most barbaric and horrendous crimes.

“It is precisely the reason why the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit was established in 2020/2021, and it is hoped that the heavy sentences meted out to these four young men, who are supposed to be at the prime of their lives will serve as a deterrence to other gangsters to mend their lives of crime which has brought hardships and pain to their families, friends and the communities they live with,” he said. 

Asaneng said while these former mining townships are on the periphery of affluence, but ravaged by the scourge of substance abuse, poverty and unemployment, there is absolutely no justifiable reason for the existence of the internecine marauding gangs, especially when one takes into consideration the many inspirational role models that have come from these places especially in the sports and music spheres.

“Hopefully, this tragedy will galvanise the people of Jouberton and Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, civil society, Faith Based Organisations and government on a new path of moral regeneration and Botho/Ubuntu,” he concluded.

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Monna wa kwa Lokgabeng o latofadiwang ka go bolaya lekgarebe la gagwe o boela kgotlhatshekelo

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Setshwantsho: Moswi, Boitshepo Medichane/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

13 Motsheganong 2025- Monna o latofadiwang ka go tlhaba le go bolaya lekgarebe la gagwe kwa motseng wa Lokgabeng, gaufi le Taung, o tlile go boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Molatofadiwa, Simon Molale (23), one a tshwarwa le go latofadiwa ka polao ya lekgarebe la gagwe, eleng Tshepiso Medichane.

Go begwa fa Molale a ile a tlhabakaka Medichane ka thipa, mme a le botsa phokoje kwa lefelong la tiragalo fa a bonwa ke batho. Fela, go begwa fa ba lelapa la gagwe ba ne ba mo tshwara le go mo isa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Taung di ura morago ga tiragalo. 

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are Molale one a tshwarwa le go latofadiwa ka polao ya ga Medichane.

“Ke nnete molatofadiwa mo kgetsing e ya polao o tshwerwe. Molatofadiwa one a isiwa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi ke ba lelapa la gagwe.

“One a na le dikgobalo, mme o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelong jwa selegae. Molatofadiwa o lebagane le kgetsi ya polao, mme thipa e e dirisitsweng go bolaya moswi ene ya fitlhelwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo.”

Kgabagare, Molale one a ganelwa ka beile ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung morago ga magatwe a gore o lekile go tsaya botshelo jwa gagwe.

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Ramaphosa deepens RSA’s trade and investment ties across Africa

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 May 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said they are deepening their trade and investment ties across Africa. Ramaphosa said this week he is attending the Africa CEO Forum in the Ivorian capital, Abidjan, where they are showcasing the country’s potential as a premier investment and trade destination.

He further said they are also supporting South African firms as they seek new opportunities on the continent. Ramaphosa added that this is an annual event that brings together almost 3,000 CEOs, heads of state and investors to explore potential business leads, partnerships and opportunities. 
 
“South Africa’s high-level participation in this Forum underscores our commitment to play a leading role in Africa’s economic integration. The Africa CEO Forum takes place at a time of much disruption in the global economy, characterised by geopolitical tension, trade wars and conflicts that are causing instability in key shipping corridors. 
 
“What this means is that South African businesses are actively exploring new market opportunities. South African investments in other African countries have a long history. These investments have grown and diversified from mining into sectors such as construction, IT and telecommunications, healthcare, financial services, retail and the green economy,” he said. 
 
Ramaphosa said since the advent of democracy in 1994, their government has implemented several initiatives to promote trade and investment elsewhere on the continent, including partnerships and trade agreements. He said they are witnessing the benefits of these efforts.

“The latest trade statistics published by the SA Revenue Service point to increased exports to countries in the region, like Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia, as well as with the rest of Africa. We are determined to use the longstanding presence of South African companies on our continent to expand trade and investment with fellow African nations. 
 
“The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is creating a more predictable and conducive environment for business to thrive across borders. Our businesses must seize this opportunity even as the process of harmonising regulations continues,” said Ramaphosa. 
 
He said the upheavals in the global economy present an opportunity for strategic, Africa-focused trade and investment policy. Ramaphosa said South African business must be at the forefront of the transformation of African industry.

“As government, we are committed to provide the necessary supportive policy and regulatory frameworks. By equal measure we will be making the case for African firms to invest in South Africa.

“We have a diverse economy with highly developed industrial sectors. We have established industries in mining, agriculture, manufacturing, financial and professional services, IT and others,” he said. 
 
Ramaphosa said South Africa is a leader in digital innovation on the continent and one of the leading incubators of tech start-ups. He said the World Intellectual Property Organisation ranks South Africa second among economies in sub-Saharan Africa in the Global Innovation Index.
 
“The structural reform process began under the sixth administration and continued under the Government of National Unity aims to position South Africa as a premier trade and investment destination. 
 
“We are working to make our economy more competitive by reducing the cost of doing business, improving our infrastructure and investing in skills development. We are reforming our visa regime to attract skills and promote tourism in South Africa,” said Ramaphosa.
 
He said they are using our G20 Presidency to amplify the continent’s voice and focus global attention on Africa’s economic potential. Ramaphosa said they are prioritising inclusive global cooperation, a just and equitable economic recovery and promoting long-term environmental resilience. 
 
“South Africa is greatly encouraged by a new wave of continental business expansion. We are forging ahead to deepen investment and trade with the rest of the continent in a manner that contributes to shared prosperity for all Africa’s people,” he said. 

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