AGRICULTURAL

LAW AND TYPE OF NOTICE

Marketing of Agricultural Products Act:

Application for new statutory measure: Breeding and technology levy on cotton lint: Comments invited

G 53490 GeN 3547

– Comment by 24 Oct 2025

10 October 2025

APPLIES TO: 

1. Cotton Ginners

• Primary payers of the levy: Ginners are responsible for paying the levy to the designated administrator.
• They may recover the levy from producers or suppliers of seed cotton.
• Ginners are allowed to claim a 2.5% commission on the total levy collected to cover administrative costs.

2. Cotton Producers (Farmers)

• Although ginners pay the levy upfront, they can recover the cost from producers, making farmers indirectly affected.
• The system is designed to benefit smallholder and dryland farmers by making cotton seed more affordable and ensuring they only pay for the technology benefits they actually use.

3. Seed Companies

• These companies will receive a portion of the levy funds based on their market share and performance.
• The funds are intended to support commercial breeding activities, cultivar development, and seed quality improvements.

4. Technology Holders

• Entities that own the biotechnologies used in cotton seeds will receive licensing fees from the levy.
• This supports continued investment in new technologies to improve cotton yields and production.

5. South African Cotton Producers Organisation (SACPO)

• Plays a role in facilitating discussions among stakeholders and representing producers.

6.South African Cultivar and Technology Agency (SACTA)

• A potential administrator of the levy.
• Has experience managing similar levies for other crops like wheat, barley, oats, soybeans, and lupins.

7.National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC)

• Responsible for evaluating the proposal and making recommendations to the Minister of Agriculture.

8.Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

• The government authority overseeing the implementation of statutory measures under the MAP Act.

9.Other Stakeholders

• Value-chain input providers, including suppliers and processors.
• Auditor-General, who will review annual audits of the administrator.

FULL TEXT

DETAILS

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

NOTICE 3547 OF 2025

APPLICATION FOR A NEW STATUTORY MEASURE: BREEDING AND TECHNOLOGY LEVY ON COTTON LINT IN TERMS OF THE MARKETING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS ACT, 1996, (ACT NO 47 OF 1996), (MAP ACT) AS AMENDED

⦁⦁⦁⦁

INVITATION TO DIRECTLY AFFECTED GROUPS IN THE COTTON INDUSTRY TO FORWARD COMMENTS REGARDING THE REQUEST FROM COTTON SOUTH AFRICA

In terms of section 11 of the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act, 1996 (Act No. 47 of 1996) (MAP Act), the NAMC hereby announce that the Minister of Agriculture has received a request from Cotton South Africa (NPC), on behalf of the directly affected groups in the cotton industry, for the establishment of the following statutory levy for a period of three years as from 1 April 2026 (this application is separate from the recent application for the continuation of the statutory measures currently applicable and administrated by Cotton SA):

• a statutory levy on cotton lint ginned from seed cotton, at a rate of 54 c/kg (VAT excluded) from 1 April 2026 to fund seed breeding and technology (endpoint royalty system) to be payable by South African ginners to an administrator, to be confirmed at the time of implementing the new levy, on cotton lint produced. A ginner who has paid the levy over to the administrator, may recover the amount of the levy from the producer or person from whom he has received the seed cotton.

The purpose of the new application for a statutory levy to facilitate an endpoint royalty system for cotton, for an initial period of 3 years, is in addition to the already approved statutory levy in place on cotton lint, and the recent application for continuation of statutory measures for 2026-2030. The current levy includes the 20% transformation allocation. Since this proportion of the levy is already included on cotton lint, the industry requested with this second levy application that the 20% aimed at transformation be waivered.

The endpoint royalty system implies the collection of a fee from farmers at the processing point, which is the cotton ginnery. Collecting a fee and administering it through an independent company, such as the South African Cultivar and Technology Agency (SACTA), that is yet to be confirmed, will see to it that the two seed companies and the current technology holder will get an objective division of the levy proportion for plant genetics and the licensing fee for technology in the seed.

This will ensure that seed companies can bring down the price of seed considerably and make it more affordable for farmers to buy cotton seed, a determining factor whether cotton is an affordable crop to cultivate. Ongoing conversations with value-chain input providers, like seed companies, the technology holder, ginners and farmers via the South African Cotton Producers Organisation (SACPO) has resulted in the decision that this is the best way forward for the industry, to ensure sustainable seed production and provision, access to affordable seed and technology and future investment by role-players in cotton production.

The endpoint royalty system will also benefit the smallholder, since it would make seed more affordable, and the dryland farmer will only pay for the benefit derived from the technology and plant genetics which they have enjoyed for that specific season after harvesting and delivery to the ginnery.

Statutory levies for breeding and technology purposes have been imposed over the past few years on wheat, barley, oats, soybeans and lupins to create sustainable breeding research funding models. These levies have been administered by SACTA. This Non-Profit Company was established to act as administrator for the Breeding and Technology System of other crops, to eventually administer breeding and technology levies on most self-pollinated crops. The Board of Directors of SACTA includes industry role-players that are directly affected by the payment and/or utilisation of the levies, as well as two representatives appointed by the Minister of Agriculture.

The statutory breeding levies on the various products have proven to be effective and payments to the appropriate seed marketing companies were successfully made at the end of each marketing season. The implementation of a similar model for the cotton industry is therefore important to achieve the required benefits for the development of new seed varieties and investment in new biotechnologies to improve yields and production and maintain food security in the country.

If approved, the levy will be payable to the assigned administrator by ginners and will be recovered from producers. Institutions or processors, like ginneries who will be collecting and paying the levy over to an administrator, may claim 2,5% commission on the amount of the total levy collected to cover their costs.

PARTICULARS REQUIRED IN TERMS OF SECTION 10 OF THE MAP ACT

The relevant particulars, as required in terms of section 10(2) of the MAP Act, to be included in a request for the establishment of a statutory measure of this nature, are as follows:

1. The proposed statutory levy would relate to cotton lint produced in the Republic of South Africa.

2. The manner in which the objectives referred to in section 2(2) of the MAP Act will be advanced (namely increased market access for all market participants, promotion of the efficiency of the marketing of agricultural products, optimisation of export earnings from agricultural products and the enhancement of the viability of the agricultural sector) is summarised below:

The management of the levy is regarded as critical for strategic sustainable growth in the cotton industry and will be to the benefit of the directly affected groups respectively, i.e. the seed companies and the technology holder. Proper and accurate information or monthly returns of cotton lint as seed cotton is processed, will not only increase market access for all value-chain input providers, but will also promote investment in the industry in terms of seed security, seed quality and access to affordable seed, furthering research and development and access to technology.

The promotion of the production of cotton can make a significant contribution towards the level of household food security in South Africa, particularly in the more arid regions of the country where cotton is preferred over other summer crops which regularly fail. It is furthermore important that perceptions be changed in terms of crops more suited to those areas to feature more strongly. Research is essential for the furtherance of the primary cotton industry’s competitive position, considering the extremely competitive marketing environment in which cotton competes with other crops, the export market, and the steady decline in cotton fiber production over the past few years. Research is also important for access to alternative cultivars and technology, for both commercial and small-scale farmers. Studies done by seed companies in relation to cultivar development, such as yield tendencies, adaptability and yield stability, make it possible for the cotton producer to make meaningful cultivar choices for specific conditions.

A portion of the funds collected by means of this levy will be focused on providing seed and technology for small-scale farmers and the developing cotton industry.

The newly established statutory measure will not only assist in enhancing market access for all market participants but will also enhance the viability of the cotton industry. The establishment of this measure will in fact further all the objectives of the Act as stipulated in Section 2 thereof.

3. Cotton SA requests that, since more than 20% of the funds collected by means of the general statutory levy on cotton already focuses on small-scale farmers and transformation of the cotton industry, the proposed breeding and technology levy on cotton lint be excluded from the 20% allocation for transformation.

4. The administrator will take responsibility for the collection of the levy and for the administrative functions associated with the proposed levy. The proposed cotton statutory levy collected shall be administered in a separate account by an independent authority. This administrator shall be audited in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices.

5. Annual audits will be available to the Auditor-General.

BUSINESS PLAN:

The income by means of the proposed statutory levy is based on a success rate of 100% in the collection of levies.

The proposed levy amount is approximately 1.7% of the average cotton lint price from 2022 to 2024. The following income is budgeted for the next three years:

Estimated budget: Cotton breeding/technology levy

These statutory funds will be used to support breeding and research functions, based on the following:

The levy funds are earmarked for commercial breeding activities by seed companies based on their performance and adoption in the seed market.

These funds will be distributed according to the calculated market share of each seed company.

The budget for administration costs represents approximately 3% of the expected income by means of statutory levy on cotton during the next two years; and

The levy is applicable on local lint production only.

REQUEST FOR COMMENTS OR SUPPORT:

As the proposed introduction of the breeding and technology levy on cotton lint is consistent with the objectives of the MAP Act, the NAMC is investigating the possible introduction of this new statutory levy, in order to facilitate an endpoint royalty system for cotton.

Directly affected groups in the cotton industry are kindly requested to submit comments or objections regarding the proposed breeding and technology levy on cotton to the NAMC in writing (e-mail lizettem@namc.co.za) on or before 24 October 2025, to enable the Council to formulate its recommendation to the Minister in this regard.􀀃

LINK TO FULL NOTICE

Marketing of Agricultural Products Act: Application for new statutory measure: Breeding and technology levy on cotton lint: Comments invited

G 53490 GeN 3547

– Comment by 24 Oct 2025

10 October 2025

53490gen3547.pdf

ACTION

Interested parties, ensure to submit your comments before 24 October 2025.

ENVIRONMENTAL

LAW AND TYPE OF NOTICE

National Water Amendment Bill: Explanatory summary

G 53490 GoN 6728

10 October 2025

APPLIES TO: 

1. Municipalities (Water Services Authorities – WSAs)

• Primary Impact: Municipalities designated as WSAs are directly affected, as they are responsible for ensuring access to water services within their jurisdiction.

• New Requirements:
  • Must ensure that any internal or external service delivery mechanism is licensed.
  • Must comply with national norms and standards.
  • Must manage and monitor performance of water services providers (WSPs).
  • Must ensure contracting and performance management of WSPs.

2. Water Services Providers (WSPs)

• Primary Impact: Entities (public or private) that deliver water services on behalf of WSAs.

• New Requirements:
  • Must obtain a water services licence to operate.
  • Must meet technical, financial, and governance criteria.
  • Subject to compliance inspections, enforcement actions, and potential licence suspension or revocation.

3. Water Boards

• Primary Impact: State-owned entities that manage bulk water infrastructure and services.

• New Requirements:
  • Must comply with enhanced governance standards.
  • Must establish a Board with defined roles, responsibilities, and ethical standards.
  • Subject to Ministerial oversight, including directives and potential disestablishment.
  • Required to submit audited financial statements and enter into a shareholder’s compact with the Minister.

4. Department of Water and Sanitation

• Primary Impact: Acts as the licensing authority and regulator.

• New Responsibilities:
  • Issue and manage water services licences.
  • Monitor compliance and enforce the Act.
  • Appoint authorised persons for inspections and enforcement.
  • Develop and publish guidelines and standards.

5. Private Sector Entities

• Primary Impact: Companies involved in water infrastructure, operations, or sanitation services.

• New Requirements:
  • Must be licensed to operate as WSPs.
  • Directors may be held personally liable for offences committed by their companies under the Act.

6. Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs)

• Impact: May be involved in water resource management and affected by coordination requirements with WSAs and Water Boards.

7. Other Government Departments

• Consulted and potentially affected:
  • Departments of Health, Energy, Environment, Education, Human Settlements, Rural Development, etc.
  • Coordination required for sanitation standards, infrastructure planning, and public health.

8. Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Structures

• Impact: The Bill is to be referred to the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, as it may affect customary land and water use.

FULL TEXT

DETAILS

LINK TO FULL NOTICE

National Water Amendment Bill: Explanatory summary

G 53490 GoN 6728

10 October 2025

53490gon6728.pdf

LAW AND TYPE OF NOTICE

National Environmental Management:

Protected Areas Act: Consultation: Declare certain properties in Eastern Cape Province as a new National Park: Comments invited

G 53485 GoN 6717

– Comment by 07 Dec 2025

08 October 2025

APPLIES TO: 

Private Landowners

Several properties listed in the schedule are privately owned by individuals or trusts (e.g., Roberts Delwyn Owen, Roberts Farming Trust, Cornlands Trust). These landowners are directly affected as their land is proposed to be incorporated into the new national park.

Trusts and Farming Entities

Entities like the Roberts Farming Trust and Cornlands Trust own multiple farms included in the proposed park. Their agricultural or commercial activities may be impacted by the change in land designation.

Local Government and Municipalities

The areas fall within Maclear and Barkly East registration divisions. Local municipalities will be involved in planning, infrastructure, and possibly in managing community relations and development around the park.

Environmental and Conservation Agencies

Organizations involved in biodiversity conservation, land management, and protected area oversight will be engaged in the park’s establishment and ongoing management.

Tourism and Eco-Tourism Operators

The creation of a national park opens opportunities for tourism development, which affects businesses and organisations in the travel, hospitality, and eco-tourism sectors.

Community-Based Organizations and NGOs

Local communities and NGOs focused on environmental justice, land rights, or rural development may be stakeholders in the consultation process and future park governance.

FULL TEXT

DETAILS

LINK TO FULL NOTICE

National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act: Consultation: Declare certain properties in Eastern Cape Province as a new National Park: Comments invited

G 53485 GoN 6717

– Comment by 07 Dec 2025

08 October 2025

53485gon6717.pdf

FOODSTUFFS

LAW AND TYPE OF NOTICE

Sugar Act: Local pest disease and variety of control committees and control areas by local municipalities

G 53490 GoN 6727

10 October 2025

APPLIES TO: 

Agricultural Producers and Farmers

• Especially sugarcane growers in the listed municipalities.
• Those involved in seedcane production, propagation, and distribution.

Agricultural Biotechnology Companies

• For example, Du Roi Agritech (Pty) Ltd, which is explicitly mentioned as using sugarcane for NovaCane® tissue culture and seedcane propagation.

Local Pest and Disease Control Committees

• These committees are responsible for implementing and monitoring control measures within the designated areas.

Municipal Governments

• Local municipalities such as City of Mbombela, Greater Tzaneen, uPhongolo, Umhlabuyalingana, and others are directly involved in enforcing these control measures.

Environmental and Agricultural Regulatory Bodies

• Including the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, which issued the notice.
• Provincial agricultural departments and national bodies overseeing plant health and biosecurity.

Transport and Logistics Companies

• Those involved in moving sugarcane or plant material across regions may be subject to restrictions or compliance requirements.

Research Institutions and Universities

• Engaged in agricultural research, especially in plant pathology, genetics, and sustainable farming practices.

Seed Suppliers and Nurseries

• Particularly those dealing with tissue culture propagation and certified seedcane.

FULL TEXT

DETAILS

LINK TO FULL NOTICE

Sugar Act: Local pest disease and variety of control committees and control areas by local municipalities

G 53490 GoN 6727

10 October 2025

53490gon6727.pdf

ACTION

1. Compliance with Control Area Regulations

Organizations operating within the listed municipalities must adhere to pest, disease, and variety control protocols. This includes:

• Monitoring and reporting of pest and disease outbreaks.
• Restricting movement of sugarcane and related plant material across control area boundaries.
• Implementing biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of regulated pests and diseases.

2. Seedcane and Plant Material Management

Entities involved in sugarcane propagation (e.g., Du Roi Agritech (Pty) Ltd) must:

• Ensure that NovaCane® tissue culture plant material, single-budded transplant seedcane, and whole-stick seedcane are produced and distributed in accordance with the control area guidelines.
• Possibly register or report propagation activities to local committees or regulatory bodies.

3. Coordination with Local Committees

Affected municipalities and agricultural organisations must:

• Coordinate with Local Pest, Disease & Variety Control Committees to enforce control measures.
• Participate in local planning and enforcement of the control area boundaries and protocols.

4. Documentation and Record-Keeping

Organizations must maintain:

• Records of plant material movement, propagation, and treatment.
• Documentation that may be required for audits or inspections by regulatory authorities.

5. Support Research and Surveillance

Research institutions and agricultural bodies may be expected to:

• Support surveillance efforts for pest and disease detection.
• Contribute to data collection and analysis to inform control strategies.

LABOUR

LAW AND TYPE OF NOTICE

Labour Relations Act: Trade Unions

LINK TO FULL NOTICE

Labour Relations Act: Registration of trade union: Alliance for Fearless, Revolutionary, Intersectoral and Casual Employees’ Union (AFRICAEU)

G 53504 GoN 6729

10 October 2025

53504gen6729.pdf

MEDICAL

LAW AND TYPE OF NOTICE

Health Professions Act:

Ethical rules of conduct for practitioners: Amendment: Comments invited

G 53490 BN 837

– Comment by 10 Jan 2026

10 October 2025

APPLIES TO: 

1.     Optometry Practices

o   Businesses and clinics where optometrists provide eye care services.

o   These organisations are directly impacted by the rule change allowing partnerships with dispensing opticians.

2.     Dispensing Optician Practices

o

o   Entities focused on preparing and supplying optical aids (e.g., glasses, contact lenses).

o   They are now permitted to form partnerships or associations with optometrists.

3.     Multi-disciplinary Health Clinics

o   Clinics that may include both optometrists and dispensing opticians under one roof.

o   The amendment facilitates integrated service models.

4.     Professional Associations

o   Bodies representing optometrists and dispensing opticians (e.g., Optometric Association of South Africa).

o   They may need to update guidelines, training, and support materials in response to the amendment.

5.     Legal and Compliance Departments

o   Within healthcare organisations or consulting firms, these teams must ensure that partnerships comply with the updated ethical rules.

6.     Educational Institutions

o   Universities and colleges offering optometry and dispensing optician programs may need to update curricula to reflect the new professional practice allowances.

7.     Health Sector Regulators

o   Including the HPCSA itself and other oversight bodies that monitor compliance with ethical and professional standards.

FULL TEXT

DETAILS

BOARD NOTICE 837 OF 2025

HEALTH PROFESSIONS COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA

HEALTH PROFESSIONS ACT, 1974 (ACT NO. 56 OF 1974)

ETHICAL RULES OF CONDUCT FOR PRACTITIONERS REGISTERED UNDER THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS ACT, 1974: AMENDMENT

The Health Professions Council of South Africa intends, under section 49 read with section 61A (2) of the Health Professions Act, 1974 (Act No. 56 0f 1974) and in consultation with the professional board for optometry and dispensing opticians, to make the rules in the schedule.

Interested persons are invited to submit any substantiated comments or representations in writing on the proposed amendments to the Registrar, Health Professions Council of South Africa, P.O. Box 205, Pretoria 0001 or to ntsanem@hpcsa.co.za (for the attention of: Legal Advisor: Legislative drafting) within three months from the date of publication of this Notice.

SCHEDULE

Definitions

1. In these rules “the Ethical Rules of Conduct” means the Ethical rules of conduct for practitioners registered under the Health Professions Act, 1974 published under Government Notice No. R. 717 of 04 August 2006, as amended by Government Notice Nos. R. 68 of 02 February 2009, R. 654 of 30 July 2010, Board Notice Nos. 26 of 01 March 2013, 373 of 01 December 2022, R510 of 17 November 2023, and R683 of 25 October 2024, any word or expression to which a meaning has been assigned in the Ethical Rules of Conduct shall have that meaning, unless the context otherwise indicates.

Amendment of Annexure 8 of the Ethical Rules of Conduct

2. Annexure 8 of the Ethical Rules of Conduct is hereby amended by the addition of the following rule:

“7. Partnerships

(a) Notwithstanding rule 8(3) of the Ethical Rules of Conduct, a dispensing optician may enter into partnership, association, or practice in a juristic person with an optometrist and vise versa.”

DR. MAGOME A MASIKE

REGISTRAR

LINK TO FULL NOTICE

Health Professions Act: Ethical rules of conduct for practitioners: Amendment: Comments invited

G 53490 BN 837

– Comment by 10 Jan 2026

10 October 2025

53490bn837.pdf

ACTION

Ensure that you submit your comments before 10 January 2026

LAW AND TYPE OF NOTICE

Parliamentary and Provincial Medical Aid Scheme Amendment Bill B25-2025

09 October 2025

APPLIES TO: 

1. Legislative Bodies

• Members of Parliament: Including members of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces.
• Deputy President and Ministers: These executive office bearers are directly mentioned in the amendments.

2. Judiciary

• Judges of the Supreme Court of Appeal and the High Court of South Africa: Specifically those serving in a permanent capacity.

3. Parmed Medical Aid Scheme

• The scheme itself is directly impacted, as the Bill proposes changing compulsory membership to voluntary membership, which could significantly affect its membership base and financial model.

4. Government Departments Responsible for Payroll

• These departments will need to adjust their systems to ensure medical aid contributions are only deducted from the salaries of individuals who opt into Parmed.

5. Public Healthcare System

• Indirectly affected, as some public office bearers may choose to utilize public healthcare services instead of joining Parmed.

6. Other Medical Aid Schemes

• The Bill opens the door for affected individuals to join alternative medical aid schemes, including those designed for public service employees, potentially increasing competition and membership shifts.

SUMMED UP

Purpose of the Bill

To amend the Parliamentary and Provincial Medical Aid Scheme Act, 1975, primarily by changing compulsory membership in the Parmed Medical Aid Scheme to voluntary membership for certain public office bearers.

Key Changes Proposed

1.     Voluntary Membership:

o   Members of Parliament, judges, ministers, and other specified office bearers will no longer be required to join Parmed.

o   They may choose to join Parmed, another medical aid scheme, or use public healthcare services.

2.     Updated Terminology:

o   Outdated terms like “Senate” are replaced with “National Council of Provinces”.

o   Other language updates align the Act with current constitutional and institutional structures.

3.     Salary Deductions:

o   Medical aid contributions will only be deducted from salaries of those who elect to be members of Parmed.

4.     Transitional Provisions:

o   Current members may terminate their Parmed membership with one month’s written notice.

o   Claims submitted before termination will still be honored.

o   Salary deductions will cease upon termination.

5.     Long Title Amendment:

o   The long title of the Act is revised to reflect the shift from compulsory to voluntary membership.

Motivation Behind the Bill

• Fairness & Choice: Public office bearers should have the freedom to choose their healthcare provider.
• Cost Concerns: Parmed’s high costs and rigid structure place financial strain on members.
• Inclusivity: Historically, Parmed excluded the general public, which the Bill seeks to address indirectly by promoting broader access to healthcare options.

Consultation & Financial Impact

• No departments or bodies were consulted during drafting.
• No financial implications for the state are anticipated.

FULL TEXT

DETAILS

LINK TO FULL NOTICE

Parliamentary and Provincial Medical Aid Scheme Amendment Bill B25-2025

09 October 2025

b25-2025parliamentary-and-provincial-medical-aid-scheme-ab.pdf

ACTION

1. Parliamentary and Government Bodies

Who: National Assembly, National Council of Provinces, Office of the Deputy President, Ministers

Actions:

• Inform members about the change from compulsory to voluntary membership.
• Update internal policies to reflect the new choice-based system.
• Coordinate with payroll departments to ensure deductions are only made for elected members.

2. Judiciary

Who: Judges of the Supreme Court of Appeal and High Court of South Africa

Actions:

• Communicate the option to opt out of Parmed.
• Provide guidance on alternative medical aid schemes or public healthcare options.

3. Parmed Medical Aid Scheme

Actions:

• Revise membership rules to accommodate voluntary participation.
• Update claims processing systems to handle terminations and ensure claims submitted before termination are honored.
• Prepare for potential membership decline and adjust financial and operational models accordingly.
• Enhance competitiveness by offering more flexible plans to retain members.

4. Government Payroll Departments

Actions:

• Modify payroll systems to stop automatic deductions for Parmed unless elected by the member.
• Ensure compliance with transitional provisions for members opting out.

5. Alternative Medical Aid Providers

Actions:

• Engage with affected individuals to offer competitive plans.
• Prepare for increased demand from public office bearers seeking alternatives to Parmed.

6. Public Healthcare System

Actions:

• Assess capacity to accommodate any increase in usage by office bearers opting out of private medical aid.
• Ensure service readiness for high-profile users who may transition to public healthcare.

SOUTH AFRICA

Minister John Steenhuisen signs landmark stone fruit trade protocol with China

Today, the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, and his counterpart, Minister Sun Meijun of China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC), signed a historic stone fruit trade protocol in Shanghai, China.

The agreement opens the Chinese market for the first time to five types of South African stone fruit, namely apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, and prunes. It is also the first instance where China has negotiated access for multiple stone fruit types from a single country under one deal.

Minister Steenhuisen said the protocol marks “a major breakthrough for South African fruit producers and exporters at a time when diversification is essential for our agricultural resilience”.

“This protocol is part of a broader strategy to make South African agriculture less dependent on traditional buyers and more responsive to new consumption patterns such as China’s growing middle class which is driving demand for high-quality agricultural products”, he said.

He added that while markets are grown and developed over time, the access that this protocol will unlock in a vast new market such as China, holds great potential and will off-set some of the immediate impact of the US tariffs especially on plums.

“The opening of the Chinese market could unlock approximately R400 million for us over the next five years, a figure which is projected to double over the next ten years. We are of the view that the inaugural 2025/26 export season can generate approximately R28 million and R54 million in 2026/27.”

China’s peach and plum imports continue to grow rapidly, last year they totalled more than 21 million cartons of peaches and nectarines and 20 million cartons of plums which exceeds South Africa’s entire seasonal export volume. Projections indicate that exports to China are set to grow to 5% of total export volumes in 2032/2033.

Additionally, opening the Chinese market would allow South African producers to export more of their harvests at more sustainable prices. Stronger demand in China, together with a slight reduction in exports to other markets, are expected to drive market growth.

Over time, this improved demand and increased volumes could encourage further investment at farm level, particularly the establishment of new orchards.

Over the next decade, this protocol could create a market that will support roughly 350 new direct jobs on farms and in packhouses, and close to 600 new jobs overall once linked industries such as transport and packaging are included.

During his discussions with Minister Meijun, Minister Steenhuisen also addressed the resumption of beef trade from certain South African regions and progress regarding foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) regionalisation. Minister Steenhuisen has also invited a GACC technical team to visit South Africa to inspect our cherry and blueberries orchards and packhouses during the current harvest period.

If the inspection proceeds smoothly, South Africa will likely secure cherry market access to China within the next harvest cycle, strengthen its trade ties, and unlock new export and job opportunities for the fruit sector. This will also consolidate our positive momentum on broader fruit trade cooperation.

The tangible results of Chinese investment can already be seen in the upgrading of South Africa’s railways, ports, and highways, improving market access for farmers and boosting logistics efficiency. This work aligns with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which prioritises infrastructure investment across Africa.

The Minister also encouraged trading partners to make use of the world-class Shanghai Freight Services network to leverage its extensive global logistics network for both sea and air freight, ensuring faster and more reliable delivery of South African agricultural exports to China.

“China has been South Africa’s largest trading partner for more than a decade, and our bilateral trade continues to deepen,” Minister Steenhuisen said. “We value China’s ongoing cooperation and the shared commitment to exploring opportunities within our agriculture sector and we look forward to building on this partnership through future agreements that benefit both our countries,” the minister added.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Joylene van Wyk
Director: Media Liaison Ministry
Cell: 083 292 7399
E-mail: Joylenev@nda.gov.za

FINANCE ARTICLES

SOUTH AFRICA

Sanlam Collective Investments fined R10.6m for failing to comply with FIC Act anti-money laundering rules

R3.6 million of the fine is suspended for two years, provided it rectifies the deficiencies and maintains compliance during the period.

GAMBLING ARTICLES

SOUTH AFRICA

Gambling revenue hits R75bn amid online surge

Authorities warn of illegal platforms and grant recipients turning to gambling for relief

SA’s gambling operators generated gross revenue of R75bn in the 2024/25 financial year in a country plagued by poverty and unemployment.

This does not reflect the full extent of gambling activities, much of which takes place on illegal online gambling platforms. Hopefuls also spent R1.96bn last year on lottery tickets, up from R1.83bn the previous year.

The National Gambling Board, which made a presentation on Wednesday to parliament’s trade, industry & competition committee on its 2024/25 annual report, said recipients of social grants by the SA Social Security Agency were also known to be using their meagre grants for gambling, likely clinging desperately to the faint hope of financial relief from their distress.

Board acting CEO Lungile Dukwana noted that 60% (about R47bn) of the industry’s recorded gross gambling revenue was generated from online betting and bemoaned the proliferation of advertisements to pro­mote it. Not all of this is illegal. The fiscus collected R5.8bn in taxes and levies during the year, and the industry contributed 0.83% to GDP.

“Online access through mobile phones and computers has led to an increase in illegal online gambling, posing challenges for regulation and enforcement,” Dukwana said. “There is no firm policy position that has been adopted at a national level for interactive gambling.

“The National Gambling Act of 2004 is no longer adequate or responsive to the changes in gambling caused by advances in technology. Consideration should be made to regulate interactive gambling.”

DA spokes person on trade, industry & competition Toby Chance is proposing a private member’s bill, the Remote Gambling Bill, which aims to regulate and require the licensing of online and remote gambling.

Chance points out that a lack of regulation results in revenue and jobs being lost to other jurisdictions.

Sun International CEO Ulrik Bengtsson warned last month that weak regulation of online gambling could rapidly erode the state’s tax base by driving punters to illegal offshore operators.

Trade, industry & competition minister Parks Tau recently told parliament that the National Gambling Board had identified 90 illegal gambling websites, most licensed and registered overseas.

Dukwana urged that illegal gambling be made a priority crime, liable to heavy fines and prison sentences. Registered cases did not end up in court.

He noted there had been an upsurge in online casinos offered by offshore operators, mainly by the Caribbean island Curacao, the regulator of which had not been willing to stop licensees from operating illeg­ally in SA. The island is a leading gambling hub and global issuer of gaming licences.

The National Gambling Board has been working with provincial licensing authorities, the police, the Financial Intelligence Centre, banks and other network providers in a bid to deal with illegal online gambling.

DA’s Toby Chance is proposing a bill which aims to regulate and require the licensing of online and remote gambling.

It has approached the department of communications & digital technologies to block IP addresses and engaged with the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) to block illegal gambling sites. It is also working with the Reserve Bank over the control of illegal winnings.

The licensed gambling industry cre­ates 33,160 dir­ect jobs and 144,619 dir­ect, indir­ect and induced jobs.

In the 2024/25 fin­an­cial year casi­nos gen­er­ated 22% of gross gambling rev­enue, lim­ited pay­out machines 6% and bingo 2%.

The Western Cape and Mpumalanga were the two provinces that generated the most gross gambling revenue, at 31% and 30%, respectively, though punters may live in other provinces.

The National Gambling Board’s report revealed that betting grew 45.7% over the year due to its availability online, casino gambling declined by 4.1%, bingo fell by 8.6%, and limited payout machines by 0.04%. Betting has become the dominant form of gambling in SA, over-taking casinos.

The National Lotteries Commission has been plagued by fraud and corruption, which is under investigation by the Special Investigating Unit, but its financial management has improved significantly, and it received an unqualified audit opinion with findings. Last year 79 forensic investigation reports were finalized and 28 criminal cases registered with SAPS, and many more are in the pipeline.

The commission has an accumulated surplus of R4.3bn, underspending on its grants budget by R514m due to constraints on the capacity of its distributing agency and the rollout of a new online system, MPs were told in a presentation on the annual report.

A total of R988m was distributed to good causes.

By Linda Ensor

Businessday

FINANCE ARTICLES

SOUTH AFRICA

SOUTH AFRICA

Government Printing Works slated for not addressing health and safety concerns

The Government Printing Works’ (GPW’s) head office was issued with prohibition notices due to unsafe working conditions and it is unclear if the printing of matric exam papers would be affected.

The Department of Employment and Labour issued the notices on a building on Bosman Street in Tshwane which includes facilities for printing national senior certificate examination question papers, visas, birth certificates, Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act (Aarto) notices and government gazettes, among other key state documents, in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).

According to the prohibition notices, poor ventilation and the presence of chemicals in the litho area threaten or is likely to threaten the health and safety of employees. The prohibition will be in place until an indoor air quality report conducted by an authorised inspection authority deems the area fit for occupation.

“I will consider revoking or amending this prohibition notice only after arrangements to my satisfaction have been made to dispose of or substantially reduce the threat which gave rise to the imposition of this prohibition,” the department’s inspection and enforcement services (IES) explained, adding that even an appeal will not suspend the prohibition notice.

In the second prohibition notice, the IES also stopped the use of all emergency steel staircases due to rust and being unsafe for usage. It ordered that new staircases be erected as suggested or recommended by a civil/structural assessment report.

The third prohibition notice stops the use of the basement, binding area and printing room, which were highlighted as critical and affected by water ingress and flooding and posing significant risk from exposed electrical cables or wiring.

The GPW was given 60 days to comply with the IES’s enforcement notice in February this year and it has long lapsed but the entity still has not complied. In terms of the OHSA, the GPW is responsible for the safety, safe use and maintenance of electrical installations and requires a valid certificate of compliance of electrical installation accompanied by a test report in the format approved by the chief inspector.

Another requirement is that the GPW must ensure that the workplace is ventilated either by natural or mechanical means in such a way that the air breathed by employees does not endanger their safety and the time weighted average concentration of carbon dioxide does not exceed specified limits.

The prescribed limit exposure limits for airborne substances must not be exceeded and the concentration of any explosives or flammable gas, vapour or dust does not exceed the lower limit of gas, vapour or dust, the IES stated.

The Public Servants Association (PSA) said among its major gripes were leaking roofs, electrical defects, unsafe staircases and other structural defects.

“(The) GPW failed to address the defects identified and continued to put workers in the manufacturing and engineering section in danger. The section is responsible for production of visas, Aarto papers, birth certificates, question papers and other relevant printed papers,” the union explained.

The PSA expressed its happiness that the 122 employees who occupied the building were evacuated immediately and demanded an alternative safe working environment.

Meanwhile, it has since emerged that the building is over 50 years old and the GPW is moving to a new building as its staff are preparing to vacate the facility.

But the PSA said it was not aware of the relocation as the GPW has been telling the union it is busy with procurement processes since April.

Umalusi chief executive Dr. Mafu Rakometsi said he was unaware of the prohibition notices.

“As I stand here, I’m not sure how many papers are printed at GPW. Even for that question to be answered, it would be GPW who qualifies to answer it and say in the light of you having these contracts with the provincial education departments and you having been condemned (issued with prohibition notices), what are the mitigating measures? What are you going to do? Umalusi will not be able to answer that,” he said.

Rakometsi continued: “What we will be checking is whether the papers were printed at the right place, at a safe place and where there are compromises, we are going to be pointing at them and saying you are not supposed to be printing here”.

He said Umalusi could not make a public pronouncement on what it told departments and their weaknesses because then it would be compromising its own quality assurance process and the examinations.

Rakometsi said he was hearing about the compliance notices for the first time and promised that Umalusi will be monitoring the situation.

Loyiso Sidimba and Rapula Moatshe

IOL News