Flow-through can advance South African exploration, says Minerals Council economist
The introduction of a flow-through shares incentive scheme by the South African government would solve this country’s exploration problems. A slide with words to that effect was prominently displayed during the presentation of Minerals Council South Africa acting chief economist Bongani Motsa at the Junior and Emerging Miners Desk webinar on Friday, March 27.
S Africa appoints Thage to embassy in Washington – Report
South Africa appointed career diplomat Thabo Thage as its so-called minister plenipotentiary to Washington as it finalises the selection of a permanent ambassador, Business Day reported. The appointment, made earlier this month, enables Thage to negotiate and sign agreements, the Johannesburg-based newspaper said, citing people it didn’t identify. He’ll also serve as deputy head of mission, a position that will soon become vacant, it said.
Northern Cape can be South Africa’s next mining hub, says Minerals Council economist
South Africa's Northern Cape province has the potential to unlock significant revenue from a revitalised and expanded mining sector, Minerals Council South Africa acting chief economist Bongani Motsa told a stakeholders’ collaboration session in Sandton ahead of the upcoming Northern Cape Investment and Jobs Conference 2026, which will be hosted in Kimberley from April 13 to 15. The Northern Cape, Motsa pointed out, has significant reserves of manganese and rare earth minerals which could catalyse economic growth in the province and South Africa as a whole.
Minerals Council CEO reiterates need for coordinated cross-govt policy environment
Minerals Council South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane on Friday reiterated South Africa’s urgent need for a coordinated cross-government policy environment directed at stimulating responsible and vigorous investment and development of South Africa’s rich mineral resources. Speaking to those attending the webinar of the Junior and Emerging Miners Desk, which discussed the state of South Africa's junior mining sector, Mthenjane drew strong attention to current global energy metal needs and the ability of South Africa and Africa to help meet the needs of the global energy transition.
National Rail Bill being prepared in bid to embed reforms – Creecy
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy reports that she intends seeking Cabinet approval for a new National Rail Bill during the 2026/27 financial year and that the Bill will aim to embed in legislation the reforms under way opening the sector to private participation. The Bill would then be released for public consultation and be subjected to the Parliamentary processes required for legislative approval.
Ramaphosa says municipalities in ‘crisis’, with 63% ‘at risk’
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday stressed the importance of restoring the fortunes of local government to attract investment that creates jobs and boosts provincial economies. He acknowledged that local government was in crisis, noting that the number of municipalities across the country being placed under administration was growing, including seven in the Free State.
Cholera aid for African countries stalled by Iran conflict
Emergency cholera medical supplies for several African countries have become stuck in a logistical quagmire caused by the Iran war, aid officials told Reuters, raising concerns about preparations ahead of the high-risk rainy season. The stocks stranded in Dubai warehouses are contingency supplies placed in cholera-prone countries including Chad and Sudan ahead of the rainy months starting from May to curb any future outbreak of the fast-spreading, potentially fatal diarrhoeal disease.
Congo, China deepen mining ties as US pushes rival minerals pact
Democratic Republic of Congo and China have signed a deal to deepen cooperation in the African nation's mining sector, Congo's government said, as global powers jockey for influence in the strategically important minerals powerhouse. Congo is the world's leading producer of cobalt and holds vast reserves of copper, lithium, coltan and other battery metals. Chinese companies led by top cobalt miner CMOC, Zijin and Huayou already dominate its mining sector. And Beijing is also Congo's biggest bilateral creditor.
Ramaphosa backtracks on US role in G7 Summit snub
South Africa walked back its claim that US pressure led to its disinvitation from an upcoming Group of Seven summit in France. Pretoria’s presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, had said on Thursday afternoon that an invitation to attend the meeting scheduled to take place from June 15-17 had been withdrawn because of “sustained pressure” from Washington. Hours later, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the country hadn’t been snubbed.
Taiwan says Cameroon visas for WTO summit riddled with errors, will not attend
Visas for Taiwan officials to attend a World Trade Organization (WTO) summit in Cameroon were riddled with errors leaving Taiwan unable to attend, the island's foreign ministry said, after initially complaining they had been listed as coming from China. The WTO is one of the few international bodies that Chinese-claimed Taiwan takes part in, having joined in 2002 as the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, referring to islands Taipei also controls.
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