Ramaphosa Says High-Speed Rail Plans Moving to Bid Stage

Government is preparing to move South Africa’s proposed high-speed rail project into the bid stage, with plans to seek formal proposals for priority routes including Johannesburg–Musina and eThekwini–Johannesburg.

The update was confirmed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, signalling that the project has progressed beyond the conceptual phase and is advancing toward a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) process.

According to government communications, the upcoming bid stage will focus on defining governance structures, reporting obligations, delivery timelines, and performance penalties for contractors. The RFP documentation will be critical in determining the seriousness, feasibility, and long-term financial sustainability of the project.

What “High-Speed Rail” Would Mean for South Africa

High-speed rail generally refers to passenger rail systems designed to operate at significantly higher commercial speeds than conventional services. International benchmarks typically define purpose-built high-speed systems as operating at around 250 km/h, although upgraded corridors may operate at lower thresholds depending on infrastructure capacity.

For South Africa, implementing high-speed rail would require far more than introducing faster trains. It would involve developing a complete corridor system capable of safely sustaining higher speeds. Key infrastructure requirements would include:

• Dedicated tracks or significantly upgraded rail alignments
• Modern signalling and train control systems
• Grade separation or strong protection at level crossings
• Stations designed for safe, high-volume passenger flow
• A specialised maintenance ecosystem for high-speed rolling stock
• Reliable electricity supply and traction systems for electrified operations
• Enhanced security measures to prevent cable theft, vandalism, and corridor intrusion

These factors explain why high-speed rail projects are typically complex, capital-intensive, and dependent on detailed feasibility studies and environmental approvals.

Next Steps and Oversight

Beyond the example routes referenced in the State of the Nation Address (SONA), government will be expected to outline clear public disclosure standards. This includes transparency on how bids will be evaluated, how costs will be controlled, and how long-term operational risks will be managed.

At this stage, the most verifiable development remains the President’s confirmation that government is preparing to move from an earlier Request for Information (RFI) process into a formal proposals stage.

The release of the RFP documentation will be the next major test of the project’s viability and bankability.

By Aisha Patel

Source: The Presidency 

Harith General Partners Signs Deal to Acquire 100% of FlySafair, Pending Regulatory Approval

 Harith General Partners has signed a Sale and Purchase Agreement to acquire 100% of South Africa’s low-cost airline FlySafair. However, the deal is not yet final and remains subject to regulatory approval.

The proposed acquisition must first be cleared by the Competition Commission, which will assess whether the transaction could negatively affect competition in the domestic aviation market. FlySafair currently holds approximately 67% of South Africa’s domestic market share, making competition oversight a critical factor in the approval process.

In addition, the deal requires approval from aviation regulators, including the Air Services Licensing Council. FlySafair previously faced scrutiny over concerns regarding foreign ownership through Ireland-based ASL Aviation Holdings. The new transaction is intended to address those concerns by shifting the airline into full South African ownership.

Although Tshepo Mahloele is publicly associated with the deal, the acquisition is being executed through Harith General Partners, a Black-led private equity firm. Harith itself has institutional backing, including a 30% stake held by the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), which manages pension funds for South African government employees.

The ownership structure therefore reflects a combination of private Black capital and indirect state-linked investment.

If approved, the acquisition would mark a significant shift in the ownership of one of South Africa’s largest domestic airlines and could reshape the country’s aviation sector.

The timeline for completion will depend on the outcome of the regulatory review process.

Source: SA Forex Magazine

US Lawmakers Propose Bill Targeting Chinese Mining Operations and Extremism in Nigeria

United States lawmakers have introduced new legislation aimed at addressing religious freedom violations and violent extremism in Nigeria, while also targeting alleged links between illegal mining operations and armed groups.

The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was introduced by Rep. Riley Moore (R-West Virginia) and co-sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-New Jersey).

According to an announcement shared on X by the lawmakers, the bill seeks to counteract what it describes as hostile foreign exploitation linked to Chinese mining activities in Nigeria. Lawmakers allege that some illegal mining operations have become a significant source of revenue for violent extremist groups, citing reports of companies paying so-called “protection money” to insurgent groups to maintain operational security.

The legislation directs the US Secretary of State to determine whether certain Fulani militias should be designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations under US law. It also calls for investigations into individuals or networks — domestic or foreign — that are found to provide material support to these groups.

In addition, the bill proposes increased humanitarian assistance in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. Lawmakers recommend that aid be delivered through trusted faith-based organisations and non-governmental organisations to ensure accountability and effectiveness.

The proposed measure further encourages the US government to provide technical support to Nigeria aimed at reducing violence, including potential disarmament initiatives and expanded counter-terrorism cooperation. It also calls for collaboration between the United States and Nigeria to address what lawmakers describe as destabilising foreign-backed illegal mining practices.

If passed, the bill would represent a significant expansion of US involvement in addressing security and governance challenges in Nigeria, particularly where economic activity intersects with armed conflict.

The legislation has not yet been enacted and will undergo the standard congressional review process.

Source: TVC News

China Offers South Africa Duty-Free Market Access Amid Pressure From US Tariffs

China has offered South Africa duty-free access to its market, a move that could signal a significant shift in global trade dynamics as pressure from United States tariffs and broader geopolitical tensions continue to reshape international commerce.

The development comes at a time when global supply chains are under strain and countries are reassessing economic alliances. China’s offer has drawn attention from policymakers, businesses, and analysts who see it as a potential turning point for South Africa’s trade position and its role within the global economy.

If implemented, duty-free access could strengthen South African exports, improve trade competitiveness, and open new opportunities for key industries. Analysts say the move may also boost foreign direct investment, particularly from Chinese companies seeking long-term partnerships in Africa.

The proposal has sparked debate around the future of China–South Africa economic relations, especially as global trade tensions intensify. With the United States maintaining tariff pressure and trade restrictions, some observers believe China’s move reflects a broader strategy to expand free-trade access across Africa.

Economists note that increased access to the Chinese market could support economic growth, job creation, and export diversification in South Africa. However, questions remain about how such a shift may affect existing trade relationships and the balance of global economic power.

Global media outlets are closely watching the situation, with analysts suggesting the offer could influence trade policy decisions well beyond South Africa. As discussions continue, the potential deal is being viewed as part of a larger realignment in international trade and investment.

📺 Watch the full video above for a detailed breakdown of what this could mean for South Africa’s economy and global trade.

Source: Thenewafricaofficial
 

South Africa Rolls Out First Locally Made Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccines in 20 Years

 

South Africa has begun distributing its first locally manufactured foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines in two decades, marking a major milestone for the country’s agricultural sector.

The Department of Agriculture has confirmed that 12,900 doses of the newly developed OBP FMD vaccine are ready for rollout. The first batch has been prioritised for Humansdorp in the Eastern Cape, where more than 2,000 cattle have been affected by the outbreak.

The vaccine is multivalent, designed to protect against multiple strains of the disease. A 2 ml dose provides protection for up to 12 months, making it a critical tool in controlling the spread of FMD.

The Minister of Agriculture described the development as a “monumental occasion”, highlighting the importance of restoring local vaccine production capacity after years of reliance on imports.

While this initial release is limited, the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) plans to scale up production significantly. From March, the ARC aims to produce 20,000 doses per week, with further expansion expected over the next year. The locally produced vaccines will complement existing imported supplies.

Looking ahead, the government has set ambitious targets:

• Vaccinate 80% of targeted herds within 12 months
• Reduce FMD cases by 70% in the short term
• Achieve FMD-free status within 10 years

Authorities say the rollout represents a crucial step toward protecting livestock, safeguarding food security, and stabilising the agricultural economy.

📺 Watch the full video above for complete coverage and official statements on the vaccine rollout.

Source: News24video

Global Sumud Flotilla Plans Major Gaza Mission

 The Global Sumud Flotilla has announced plans for a large-scale humanitarian mission to Gaza, aimed at challenging the ongoing blockade and delivering aid to civilians affected by the humanitarian crisis.

Speaking during a briefing, Sümeyra Akdeniz-Ordu, a member of the flotilla’s steering committee, said the initiative is rooted in international solidarity and civilian responsibility in response to what organizers describe as a continuing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

According to Akdeniz-Ordu, the mission is expected to include more than 3,000 participants from over 100 countries, making it one of the largest flotilla efforts to date. The participants are expected to travel aboard more than 100 vessels, highlighting the scale and international nature of the initiative.

A key development in this year’s mission is the planned participation of approximately 1,000 healthcare professionals, including doctors and medical workers. Organizers say this addition reflects the urgent medical needs in Gaza and the mission’s humanitarian focus.

The flotilla is scheduled to depart on 29 March, with vessels sailing from ports in Barcelona, Italy, and Tunisia. In addition to delivering aid, the mission also aims to play a role in rebuilding efforts in Gaza, according to organizers.

Akdeniz-Ordu emphasized that civil society initiatives have historically played a critical role in challenging injustice, drawing parallels to international solidarity movements during the struggle against apartheid. She added that the flotilla represents a collective effort to ensure that global voices are not silenced in the face of humanitarian suffering.

Organizers say further details regarding logistics and coordination will be released as the departure date approaches.

📺 Watch the full video above for complete coverage of the Global Sumud Flotilla mission to Gaza!

Source: SABC DIGITAL NEWS

South Africa Urges Action on Gaza at UN Security Council Meeting

Steenhuisen Expected to Step Down as DA Leader — Reports

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen is expected to step down from his position, according to multiple reports published on Tuesday.

The Sunday Times reported that internal tensions within the DA leadership have led to Steenhuisen’s decision to withdraw from the party’s leadership race. The report cited five senior party sources with direct knowledge of the matter.

Steenhuisen, who has led the DA since November 2019, is expected to make a formal announcement on Wednesday, 4 February, in Durban — the city where his political career began. A media advisory issued by the DA confirmed that he will address the media at the Riverside Hotel in eThekwini on matters described as being of “national importance and public interest”.

If confirmed, his exit would clear the path for Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, who is now widely viewed as the frontrunner for the leadership position. Hill-Lewis has previously stated that he would not challenge Steenhuisen out of personal respect, but indicated he would seriously consider running should Steenhuisen step aside.

Reports suggest the decision follows a series of internal discussions aimed at managing the transition in a “dignified” manner. In recent months, Steenhuisen has faced criticism related to leadership decisions, internal party disputes, and controversy surrounding his conduct as agriculture minister.

At the time of publication, DA officials had not confirmed the reports. Steenhuisen himself has urged the public to avoid speculation until his official statement is made.

This remains a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Source: Daily Maverick 

South Africa’s New Immigration Law: Magistrates Must See Illegal Foreign Nationals Within 48 Hours

South Africa has introduced a major reform in its immigration system. Any illegal foreign national detained in the country must now appear before a magistrate within 48 hours. This change aims to ensure judicial oversight, accountability, and constitutional compliance in deportation cases.

The reform addresses long-standing issues such as administrative delays, prolonged detentions, and costly unlawful detention claims that have burdened taxpayers for years. By requiring a magistrate review, the law ensures that detentions are lawful, transparent, and fair.

Key points of the reform:

• Mandatory magistrate review within 48 hours of detention
• Aligns immigration enforcement with constitutional standards
• Creates a legal record for accountability and reduces costly errors

📺 Watch the full video above for a complete breakdown  of the changes and what they mean for South Africa.