8 August 2025
South Africa’s Cabinet has wrapped up a significant series of meetings held on 22 July and 6 August 2025, delivering decisions and updates on justice reform, global trade tensions, national development planning, and critical infrastructure projects.
Justice and Crime Crackdown
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration has set in motion the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate corruption, political interference, and criminality within the country’s justice system. The move, Cabinet says, reaffirms the constitutional commitment to accountability and institutional integrity.
Meanwhile, Operation Shanela 2 led to the arrest of over 17,000 suspects in one week, with a notable 2,911 linked to violent crimes. Another 550 illegal miners were detained in Mpumalanga under Operation Vala Umgodi—many of whom are now out on bail.
Trade Turbulence: U.S. Tariffs and South Africa’s Response
Cabinet was briefed on ongoing efforts to respond to the United States’ imposition of a 30% tariff on South African exports, due to take effect from 7 August 2025. President Ramaphosa has initiated direct communication with U.S. President Donald Trump to expedite a resolution.
Support mechanisms are being rolled out for industries impacted by the tariff, including:
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A newly established Export Support Desk
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A Localisation Support Fund
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A Block Exemption for Exporters to facilitate cooperation between companies
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A revised Export and Competitiveness Support Programme offering working capital and equipment financing.
National Dialogue: Citizens at the Centre
Cabinet also received a progress report on preparations for the First National Convention of the National Dialogue, scheduled for 15–17 August 2025 at UNISA, Pretoria. With over 737 organisations registered, the dialogue aims to engage South Africans in over 13,000 ward-level and 50,000 citizen-led sessions over the next year to chart a collective vision for the next 30 years.
Government emphasised that the dialogue is not just symbolic—it is meant to lay the groundwork for action and unity.
China-South Africa Package: Trade, Investment and Skills
In a separate development, the South Africa-China Trade and Investment Package (2025–2029) was shared with Beijing during Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s recent visit. The deal prioritises trade in 100 key products, investments in automotive, pharmaceuticals, and the digital economy, and collaborative skills development.
Infrastructure and Sectoral Reforms
Progress on key water and transport initiatives was highlighted:
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The Giyani Water Intervention Programme is over 90% complete and on track to bring clean water to 55 villages.
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Rand Water’s Zuikerbosch Purification Plant, Africa’s largest, will be launched on 8 August.
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A new Transport Economic Regulator (TER) Board was approved to oversee fair pricing and competition across ports, roads, rail, and aviation sectors.
Environmental Commitments and Global Engagement
South Africa will publish its second draft Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to climate action, outlining greenhouse gas targets through 2035. It also prepares to respond to the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) with a whole-of-government decarbonisation strategy.
Meanwhile, the country is actively participating in G20 forums, introducing a Cost of Capital Review to advocate for fairer financing for developing nations.
Appointments and Legislative Updates
Cabinet approved:
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Multiple director-general and board appointments across sectors including small business, housing finance, and the SAA Board.
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Submission of the Water Services Amendment Bill, National Water Amendment Bill, and Children’s Amendment Bill to Parliament for strengthening regulation and service delivery.
Looking Ahead: Women’s Day and Continental Investment
On 9 August, President Ramaphosa will lead National Women’s Day celebrations in Limpopo under the theme “Building Resilient Economies for All.”
Also on the agenda: South Africa will host the African Union Water Investment Summit in Cape Town from 13–15 August, showcasing infrastructure projects and seeking investment across the continent.
🔗 Read the full official Cabinet Statement issued by the Ministry in the Presidency on 07 August 2025 7 August FINAL Cabinet statement PDF_250807_135034
