Gauteng: Bold Blueprint For Growth | Regional Focus
Gauteng – the economic powerhouse of South Africa – has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to spark sustainable growth over the coming years. Spearheaded by the province’s Finance and Economic Development MEC, Lebogang Maile, the plan combines ambitious infrastructure upgrades, investment drives, tourism promotion, fiscal discipline, and public-private collaboration to propel Gauteng to a projected economic growth of 3% annually.
PRASA & Gibela – South Africa’s Rail Revolution
South Africa’s railway renaissance is gaining remarkable momentum as Gibela, the Alstom-led consortium, closes in on delivering its 300th X’Trapolis Mega train set to the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). Developed through a landmark R51 billion contract signed in 2013, Gibela’s state-of-the-art Dunnottar facility, set up in partnership with PRASA, has become Africa’s largest modern train manufacturing plant. The milestone delivery marks a major achievement in fleet renewal and a triumph for local skills, economic development, and regional rail innovation.
Black Business Council (BBC) Summit
BBC 2025 Summit – A Call To Action: Levelling The Playing Field For Black-Owned Businesses By Shumirai Chimombe The Black Business Council (BBC) is the overarching confederation that represents black professionals, business associations and chambers. Its primary purpose is to lobby the government on policy-related matters and to play an advocacy role where policies are […]
Vodacom Business Director, Videsha Proothveerajh | Cover Story
South Africa’s progress depends on inclusive innovation and strong partnerships. Videsha Proothveerajh, Director of Vodacom Business, shares how technology is driving real change across communities and industries, “At Vodacom Business, we have long championed this approach, recognising that the challenges our nation faces are too complex for any single entity to tackle alone. By combining the strengths of both sectors with the power of digital technology, we can improve service delivery, unlock economic potential, and drive meaningful innovation.”
Rayno Nel – The World’s Strongst Man | Sporting Action
There he was in white takkies, fire engine red knee braces, wearing an orange tank top with his three letter name, Nel, in bold on the back above a South African flag. Next to the 1.91m, 148kg colossus was a man just as big, probably even bigger: the defending World’s Strongest Man, Tom Stoltman. Five pillars and five spherical stones stood between them and glory.
First Quarter Exports | Agriculture
In a year where trade has dominated the headlines since the U.S. started imposing higher tariffs against its trading partners, agricultural export activity is worth paying close attention to. Encouragingly, the start of the year has remained positive for the sector. In the first quarter of 2025, South Africa’s agricultural exports totalled US$ 3.36 billion, up 10% from the same period a year ago, according to data from Trade Map. This is a function of both higher volumes of various product exports and better commodity prices.
YES – Investing In Youth In The Age of AI
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] How YES Is Advocating For Economic Growth Through Digital Skills By Ravi Naidoo, CEO, Youth Employment Service (YES) As the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution accelerates, empowering South Africa’s youth means preparing them for the challenges […]
Trailblazer – Mmapaseka Steve Letsike
In the fight for equality and social justice in South Africa, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, is a name synonymous with courage, conviction, and visionary leadership. As a fierce advocate for LGBTQI+ rights, gender equity, and HIV/AIDS awareness, her impact has resonated from grassroots movements to the national Parliament. Her work continues to challenge systems of exclusion, uplift marginalised voices, and reimagine an Africa where everyone belongs.
Youth (Y20) – Addressing Issues In The Youth With G20
Mr Alvin Botes delivered the keynote remarks at the G20 Youth Symposium at Stable Theatre in Durban. The event was attended by youth leaders and delegates under the theme: “Advancing Youth Inclusion in the G20 Presidency Agenda”. He highlighted that 4.8 million South Africans aged 15 – 34 are unemployed; 58% of them have never had a single day of paid work, and the youth unemployment rate climbed to 46.1% in the first quarter of this year. Against this backdrop, he indicated that the objectives, outcomes and outputs for the G20 must be unapologetically youth-centred.
Hon. Swarts, | Women In Leadership
In South African politics and environmental stewardship, Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts stands out as a formidable advocate for youth empowerment. Since she was appointed Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in July 2024, Honourable Swarts has been instrumental in integrating youth development into the environmental agenda, recognising young people’s pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future. Ms Swarts’ political journey, rooted in public service and community activism, reflects her unwavering commitment to social justice and economic empowerment.