Category: News

Ports of entry remain incident-free ahead of G20 Summit

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With one day to go before the commencement of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, operations across all designated ports of entry remained stable and incident-free over the past 24 hours, said the Border Management Authority’s (BMA).

This is as various Heads of State and Government as well as high-level delegations continue to arrive for the G20 Leaders’ Summit at the weekend.

The BMA has so far facilitated the arrivals of Her Excellency, Ms Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Union, His Excellency Antony Albanese, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the President of Malaysia, the President of the European Council, Mr António Costa, Prime Minister of Vietnam, His Excellency Pham Minh Chinh, the People's Republic of China Premier, Li Qiang and His Excellency Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, amongst others. 

According to the BMA, more arrivals are expected today (21 November 2025).

Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Michael Masiapato, said that in the past week under intensified operational deployments, BMA officials successfully facilitated the arrival of delegates, Government officials, and technical teams for the G20 Sherpa meeting, the G20 Social Summit and the B20 Summit. 

“Despite the heightened security environment, increased traveller volumes and the complex coordination required across multiple ports of entry, all arrivals were processed efficiently,” Masiapato said.

He added that systems across key points of entry are fully operational, supported by BMA information and communication technology (ICT) technicians deployed strategically at OR Tambo International Airport, Lanseria International Airport and Waterkloof Air Force Base. 

“The dedicated G20 processing counters at these facilities are fully staffed to manage the increased volumes associated with summit arrivals.

“Enhanced security measures remain firmly in place. Strict access control protocols have been implemented across all operational zones within both inner and outer perimeters. The South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to conduct routine security sweeps, attending to unattended luggage and parcels in line with international security protocols at the priority areas within the airports. 

“To reinforce operational readiness, the BMA has deployed additional personnel from its back-office functions, while Regional Commanders and Executives are on the ground providing leadership and oversight during the arrival period,” he explained. 

High-visibility patrols and crime-prevention measures are being implemented to ensure full compliance with operational standards and to maintain proper command and control. Searches at designated screening points continue as part of the BMA’s layered security approach.

Masiapato said all BMA officials at land ports of entry identified as contingency support points for ground transport remain in close coordination with their respective regional and international counterparts.

Patrols within all port corridors have been intensified to guarantee the free flow of traffic and prevent any potential traffic bottlenecks.

“The BMA remains committed to ensuring that South Africa hosts a safe, efficient, and world-class G20 Summit by guaranteeing secure border operations and uninterrupted facilitation at all times,” Masiapato said.

For Operation HI -TIVISE – Report suspicious activities on 0801 229 019, or via the BMA website platform on www.bma.gov.za 

At a briefing on Wednesday, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said the country was ready for the hosting of the Summit.

“The aviation sector has completed all critical preparations to meet the rigorous standards expected for this historic event,” said Creecy. 

How the Western Cape Government is tackling GBV

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On Tuesday, 18 November 2025, in the run-up to the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, Premier Alan Winde met with members of the Western Cape Government and City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Delft to hear about the successes and challenges of their joint safety initiatives. 

Currently, 130 LEAP officers work closely with their police service colleagues daily in the Delft area.

“This is not an ‘us and them’ issue. We are all in this together in preventing and fighting crime.” This was what Delft Police Station Commander Brigadier Celani Sihlali had to say to Premier Winde ahead of a safety walkabout in the area.

“I agree with Brig Sihlali and other safety stakeholders that the only way we will effectively beat back crime is through partnerships. This scourge impacts us all, as well as our economy. We must forge even stronger collaboration across our government as well as with municipalities and civil society. We are utilising all the resources we have at our disposal to deal decisively with violent prevention. Every single person in this province deserves to feel safe. Increasing safety helps our economy grow, with more jobs available, which is the most effective way to reduce poverty and crime,” the Premier said. 

Violence Prevention Unit
Earlier in the day, the Premier and provincial Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, met with Violence Prevention Unit (VPU) Coordinators at Khayelitsha District Hospital. They shared their progress in building local partnerships to strengthen violence prevention interventions with young children.

At the gathering, Premier Winde stressed, “Violence prevention is a long-term investment because we have got to change the way people behave. It is not a quick fix. We need to stay the course and showcase more of this work being done at the grassroots level to give hope and opportunities to the children at risk of getting involved in crime and violence.” 

The key to improving safety is both reducing violence now and preventing it in the future. Housed within the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, the VPU plays a central role in the Western Cape Safety Plan. 

To support the province’s efforts to reduce violence, the VPU analyses real-time trauma data from healthcare facilities to identify patterns and hotspots where patients present with violence-related injuries.

This evidence is then shared across government departments, offering clearer insight into when, where, and how violence occurs, to enable targeted and coordinated crime-reduction interventions by our safety partners. 

To strengthen violence prevention strategies in the long term, the department has recently expanded its Planet Youth programme – a whole-of-society approach that strengthens the social protective factors young people need to make healthy and positive choices. To date, the department has surveyed more than 49 000 learners in 123 schools to hear directly from them about their realities, pressures, and needs.

Working closely with communities, parents, and local partners, the provincial Department of Health and Wellness is now co-creating practical solutions that support young people and help create safer, more nurturing environments for them to grow and thrive.

Minister Marais noted, “Safer communities are our shared responsibility. While strong policing and collaboration between the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies like LEAP matter, they alone cannot defeat entrenched crime and gangsterism. We all need to work together: Government, residents, and civil society.”

GBV Ambassadors and SWIMS app
The Premier then engaged with Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) officials at its Metro East Region offices in Khayelitsha, where 91 mobile phones were handed over to social workers to be used as part of the Social Work Integrated Management System (SWIMS) application. The innovative SWIMS application, launched in April 2024, helps to reduce the administrative burden on social workers.

Premier Winde and Jaco Londt, Western Cape Minister of Social Development, also listened to feedback from local Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Ambassadors.

The Western Cape Government’s GBV Ambassador initiative is steadily being implemented across the province, with more than 600 dedicated women and men already working in the programme to expand the provincial government’s capacity to address this plague. In a meeting with Khayelitsha GBV Ambassadors, the Premier and Minister Londt thanked them. “You and all our GBV Ambassadors have truly stepped up to help those in need and help us as government to create a more caring society,” the Premier told the group.

In Delft, Premier Winde and Minister Londt met with another group of GBV Ambassadors and expressed their deep appreciation for all they do for the community.

Minister Londt stated, “The Western Cape’s greatest asset is its residents. The more residents who stand up and say they want to make a positive difference, the greater chance we have of achieving a safe, peaceful, and thriving society for all. This is exactly what the Western Cape Department of Social Development’s GBV Ambassadors are doing daily. They are taking a stand against abuse and violence, doing their part to support victims and raise awareness about this scourge. Thank you to the Premier for acknowledging the amazing work of these volunteers who strengthen our hand as a department in linking more survivors to support services.”

GBV Ambassador Soeraya Davids said she has seen the difference the programme is making in encouraging more survivors to come forward, “The moment the community sees us wearing the sash or the badge that DSD gave us, it gives people the confidence to talk to us because they know us. They know now where to go or who to speak to. People can rely on us because we’re taking their hand, and we don’t just take them to the next step, but we take them to the last step.”

Earlier in the week, the Premier handed over donations of sanitary pads to the Victim Empowerment Room at the Bishop Lavis Police station. This was a small reminder that dignity comes in all forms. Sergeant Sheldon Daniels, who works closely with the facility, highlighted the impact of the service, saying, “Some survivors come here in tears and leave with a smile.” 

The work of the Victim Empowerment Room is strengthened by dedicated volunteers who make themselves available at any hour of the day to ensure survivors receive immediate support. Trauma counsellor Debbie Abraham reflected on the emotional resilience the work demands, “You must have a heart for people. You want to give up sometimes, but I know I cannot give up. I must keep doing what I can to help my community and GBV survivors.”

The Premier calls on all community members, institutions, and partners to stand together in the fight against GBV, support survivors, and work together to end the cycle of violence.

National shutdown
The Western Cape Government notes the call for a national shutdown on Friday, 21 November, to protest the intolerably high levels of violence against women and children in South Africa.

We share the anger of all law-abiding South Africans who are taking a stand against this issue. This initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address gender-based violence and honour the many lives affected by this scourge across South Africa. 
 

Garden Route District Municipality assisting with water for Sedgefield residents

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The Disaster Management team of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) commenced with the provision of water to the residents of Sedgefield.

“This assistance followed a request received from the Municipal Manager of Knysna. However, a truck incident on the Kaaiman’s Pass caused a delay in our response efforts yesterday, but today we were able to deliver water to the affected areas,” said Gerhard Otto, Manager for Disaster Management at GRDM.

With the water treatment plant in Sedgefield that is currently unable to remove the salt from the water, support from the GRDM will continue until the water shortage experienced by the residents of Sedgefield has been resolved. Otto, explained: “The water treatment works needs to operate outside of its design parameters and therefore process controllers are struggling to produce water for domestic use that meets normal approved salinity standards”.

GRDM Executive Mayor Marais Kruger said: “The GRDM values its strong relationships with local government stakeholders in the Garden Route and will continue its efforts to support Knysna in ensuring the delivery of essential services to the residents of Sedgefield.”

President notes US “change of mind” on G20 Summit

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President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa has received notice from the United States indicating a possible change of approach regarding its participation in the G20 Leaders’ Summit, describing the development as a “very positive” sign.

Speaking during a press briefing following his trilateral meeting with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, President Ramaphosa confirmed that discussions with Washington were ongoing.

“We have received notice from the United States, a notice which we are still in discussions with them over about a change of mind about participating in one shape, form or other in the Summit,” he said on Thursday evening.

President Ramaphosa noted that the message from the US came just hours before the start of the Leaders’ Summit, prompting urgent engagement to understand the implications and practicalities of its potential participation.

“This comes really at the late hour before the Summit begins, and so therefore we do need to engage in those types of discussions to see how practical it is and what it finally really means,” he said. 

Despite the timing, the President struck an optimistic tone, saying South Africa viewed the shift as encouraging. 

“In a way, we see this as a positive sign, very positive because, as I've often said, boycott politics never work. It's always best to be inside the tent than being outside of the tent,” the President said. 

He emphasised the importance of the US presence in global governance structures, saying its engagement strengthens multilateral cooperation.

“The tent is G20, all countries are here and the United States being biggest economy in the world needs to be here. So, it's pleasing to hear that there is a change of approach, and so we are still discussing how that will manifest,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa is expected to continue high-level engagements with global partners ahead of the commencement of the G20 Leaders’ Summit at the weekend.

Earlier in the day the President said the G20 process is moving ahead decisively with or without the United States after US President Donald Trump threatened to block the adoption of any joint declaration under South Africa’s G20 Presidency. 

Speaking to members of the media as he left the G20 Social Summit to address the B20 gathering, President Ramaphosa expressed confidence that negotiations were nearing completion, despite the United States objections.

He further told journalists he was encouraged by the progress made across multiple G20 tracks, praising the engagements he had held throughout the day.

Repo rate reduced to 6.75%

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The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has decided to reduce the policy rate by 25 basis points, to 6.75%, with effect from 20 November 2025.

Delivering the last MPC statement of the year on Thursday, SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago said the decision to reduce the policy rate was unanimous. 

“Members agreed there was scope now to make the policy stance less restrictive, in the context of an improved inflation outlook. The risks to the growth outlook are assessed as balanced. Inflation has accelerated somewhat over the past few months, reaching 3.6% for October. This is higher than the 3% average for the first half of the year. 

“The uptick is mainly due to non-core items: meat, vegetables, and fuel. We continue to see this pressure as temporary, with inflation heading lower again from the beginning of next year. Indeed, recent outcomes have undershot our forecasts slightly,” the Governor said.

Due to a stronger rand, and a lower oil price assumption, there is a small downward revision to the inflation outlook, for both 2025 and 2026.

“For inflation expectations, we do not have an update from our usual survey this meeting, but market rates and surveys of analysts both show further progress towards the 3% objective. 

“Core goods prices are benefitting from exchange rate strength. Food price inflation seems to have peaked, although we have a small upward revision to this forecast, mainly from beef prices. 

“Services inflation is unchanged from the last meeting: the announced medical aid increases are lower than last year’s; at the same time, housing inflation has accelerated, which warrants ongoing scrutiny,” Kganyago said.

The MPC assessed the risks to the inflation outlook as balanced.

“The Quarterly Projection Model continues to forecast gradual rate cuts as inflation subsides. As before, this rate path remains a broad policy guide. Our decisions will continue to be taken on a meeting-by-meeting basis, with careful attention to the outlook, data outcomes, and the balance of risks to the forecast.

“Domestic growth is looking better than last year. The second quarter data surprised on the upside and the third quarter indicators are looking broadly positive. Household consumption has also been rising but investment continues to disappoint,” he said.

For this meeting, the MPC considered two risk scenarios.

“The first scenario featured a US dollar rebound, recognising that while the rand has appreciated this year, this partly reflects broad dollar weakness, not just rand strength. In this scenario, the rand depreciates back to its 2023 levels against the dollar, rather than holding on to its recent gains, as in our baseline.

“The second scenario was based on higher administered prices, linked to a rapid correction of the R54 billion electricity pricing error disclosed a few months back. The scenario also had inflation expectations staying higher for longer, in response,” the Governor said.

Both scenarios featured tighter monetary policy, with rates coming down more slowly compared to the baseline. 

The administered price scenario in particular shows that if price setters take on board the 3% target, South Africa will have space to get to lower rates faster.

At its second last meeting of the year in September, the central bank kept the repo rate unchanged at 10.5%.

At the tabling of the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) earlier this month, National Treasury announced a new inflation target for South Africa of 3% with a 1 percentage point tolerance band. The announcement followed agreement between the Governor and the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana.

Godongwana had further consulted with the President and Cabinet on the decision.

The new target immediately replaces the previous target range of between 3 and 6%, and will be implemented over the next two years.

Acting Police Minister to welcome over 3,000 newly trained constables

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Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, together with Deputy Ministers, Dr Polly Boshielo and Mr Cassel Mathale, will on Friday, welcome 3 558 newly trained constables into the ranks of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

SAPS National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, will join Cachalia, who will preside over the largest parade featuring 2 036 graduates at the SAPS Academy in Tshwane, Gauteng.

“This initiative forms part of the organisation’s broader efforts to bolster crime combatting efforts at the grassroots level of policing,” the SAPS said in a statement.

The passing out parades will take place simultaneously on Friday from 9am, with the main event taking place at the SAPS Academy in Tshwane. 

Government calls on e-hailing operators to register vehicles for operating licences

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The Department of Transport has urged e-hailing operators to convert their charter permits and meter taxi operating licences to e-hailing operating licences.

This comes in the wake of a concern regarding a snail’s pace of e-hailing platform companies and individuals registering their platforms with the National Public Transport Regulator - an entity of the department. 

“The department has therefore urged all providers of e-hailing platforms working with e-hailing operators to register their digital platforms with the National Public Transport Regulator (NPTR), as a matter of priority.

“Without a registered app no operator will be able to convert to e-hailing operating licence or apply for a new e-hailing operating licence. This means after 180 days [from 12 September 2025], those who have not converted will automatically become illegal operators,” the department said on Thursday.

The National Land Transport Amendment Act, 2009 (Act No. 5 of 2009), along with Regulations, requires e-hailing platform providers to register their digital applications with the department through the NPTR.

“Providers who are not registered with the NPTR will not appear in the databases maintained by the provincial regulators in the nine provinces. Consequently, this will impact e-hailing operators seeking to apply for an operating license at the provincial level using their digital platforms,” the department said.

According to the department’s e-hailing Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), applications should be submitted using Form 9A, which can be obtained from the department’s website (www.transport.gov.za) under the NPTR link. 

Applications can be submitted in person, via email, by post. The application fee is R5 000 for a period of 7 years.

Additional details regarding the registration process for e-hailing app providers and contact details for the NPTR office are as follows: 012 3093752/ 3093237/ 3093024 email: [email protected].

Western Cape outlines readiness for 2025/26 summer fire season

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The Western Cape Government says it is prepared for the 2025/26 high-risk summer fire season following extensive planning, investment and collaboration across the province.

The Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC), together with municipalities and various partners, has activated its Summer Readiness Plan. Officials say this year’s preparations build on lessons from previous large-scale incidents, including major fires, floods, COVID-19 and support efforts in KwaZulu-Natal.

Key readiness measures include:

*Firefighting capacity: Since 2016, more than 100 pieces of firefighting equipment have been supplied to municipalities through the Fire Service Capacity Building Grant. Municipalities and the Umbrella Fire Protection Association fully utilised multi-million-rand grants in 2024/25 to bolster ground-level response.
*Aerial and ground resources: Long-term contracts have been secured for fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft to allow early deployment when fires break out. Seasonal firefighting teams have been placed in high-risk areas, supported by local municipalities and Fire Protection Associations. The aerial firefighting programme met its implementation targets.
*Incident management: Incident Management Teams have been reconstituted and trained under the Incident Command System, with key roles such as Operations Section Chief and Resource Unit Leader receiving specialised training over the past year.
*Prevention and public awareness: Twenty-seven municipalities received support for communication and fire-awareness programmes. Hazard-awareness campaigns reached more than 18 000 learners. The PDMC’s decision-support tool and dashboard have also been upgraded to strengthen risk assessment and response planning.
*Specialised capabilities: Municipalities continue to receive assistance for HAZMAT response, and the Fire Safety Officer Development Programme aims to improve fire safety enforcement capabilities.

Dave Bryant, the DA’s Western Cape spokesperson on Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, said the combination of aerial resources, trained crews and improved coordination reflects a proactive approach to the fire season.

He urged residents and visitors to take precautions and comply with regulations regarding open flames to help reduce wildfire risks.

The province will continue oversight visits to disaster-management facilities in the coming weeks and will engage with seasonal firefighting teams as the summer progresses.


SA counts down to first G20 Summit on African soil

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With South Africa in the final stretch towards hosting the first-ever Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit on African soil, the country should be proud of the road it has traversed since assuming the chairmanship of the group in December 2024.

“I think that it’s a very historic hosting [of] our Chairmanship of the G20. We should be proud of ourselves for the manner in which we are welcoming the world and showcasing our country,” Deputy Chairperson of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, said in an interview with SAnews.

The NPC is an independent advisory body and think tank appointed by the President of the country. The Commission is also the custodian of South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP): Vision 2030. 

“More importantly, [we should be proud] of the manner in which we have attempted not merely to build partnerships for partnership’s sake, but we have reached out to the rest of the world in search of common challenges and themes for our future. We have taken leadership of that admirably,” Maluleke said.

In addition to South Africa, the G20 comprises countries such as the United States (US), United Kingdom, France and Germany, with G20 members collectively representing 85% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The formation has become the premier forum for international economic cooperation.

As the last nation of the Global South to hold the Presidency in this cycle, having taken over the baton from Brazil which held the Presidency of the G20 in 2024, South Africa has held 130 of the 133 meetings of the Presidency. In this final week leading up to the Summit on 22 and 23 November 2025, the fourth Sherpa Meeting, the Social Summit and the Summit itself, will ring up the last of the meetings held by South Africa.

With the final hours inching closer to the weekend Summit, the country is completing the Sherpa Meeting, and the three-day Social Summit has been opened by Deputy President Paul Mashatile. The public has also been kept in the loop about road closures in and around the vicinity of the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg where the Leaders’ Summit will be held.

Safety is a top priority for South Africa with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) having expressed confidence in the safety and security preparations for the gathering. The intelligence structure has policed 20 G20 ministerial working group meetings and Sherpa meetings across various parts of the country “that all were considered and classified to be incident-free events.”
This week, NATJOINTS expressed confidence in the safety and security preparations for the Leaders’ Summit.

In addition, it confirmed that while a soft lockdown is currently in place around the venue, a hard lockdown will be implemented from Friday, 21 November to Monday, 24 November 2025 in the vicinity of the FNB stadium which is housing the accreditation centre as well as the Nasrec Expo Conference centre that will host dignitaries and delegates. According to the NATJOINTS, the implementation of the hard lockdown “simply means that if you are not in possession of a valid accreditation to be in and around the Nasrec Expo centre - you will not be allowed near this vicinity. All vehicles in this vicinity will be inspected thoroughly before being allowed to enter either premises.” 

In a joint statement, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) among other law enforcement agencies, said road closures will affect the City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane and City of Ekurhuleni.

Cabinet has also expressed its full confidence in South Africa’s ability to host a successful Summit, adding that the preparatory meetings since South Africa assumed the Presidency of the formation on 1 December 2025, had been “incident-free.”
Representation in a challenging world

Professor Maluleke recalled his positive experience when he attended one of the G20 meetings held at Sun City in the North West, that centred on the empowerment of women.

“I was privileged to say a few words at that event. For me it was just remarkable how many countries were represented and how we as South Africans were not only the hosts, but we were at the centre of that and it’s not just about us but the whole African continent [as well].  I think it’s a largely positive experience that we have had,” he said.

He also pointed out that the G20 meetings were being held at a time of an “ongoing geopolitical situation in the world” which includes the war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza.

“So, the G20 met in the shadow of all of this and the trade war. But I think the G20 is the silver lining in the dark clouds,” he said.

And while the country prepares to put its best foot forward to receive the world as it hosts the Summit, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that the G20 Leaders’ Summit will proceed as planned, despite the absence of representation from the US government.

In total, 42 countries are confirmed for participation at various levels. 
This includes 20 member States of the G20, excluding the United States; 16 guest countries and six countries representing Regional Economic Communities in Africa, the Caribbean and East Asia. 

The President emphasised that despite the boycott, the USA remains an “important market” for South Africa.

Wish list 

Asked about what he would like the outcomes of the Leaders’ Summit to be, Maluleke said his wish list includes a new sense of multilateralism around the world.

“For me, it is to have members of the G20 who are more conscious of the need for partnership between countries and between peoples if the problems of the world are to be resolved. A new sense of multilateralism is needed and I say new, because until now we have been working with a model that comes from the Second World War largely.

“But it seems to me that we need a model that takes account of different types of war like the war against women, [actually] the silent war against women; the war that is taking place around AI [artificial intelligence] and 4IR across the world and so on.”

He called for a renewed focus for climate justice and the reduction of emissions.

“We need to find a new kind of multilateralism but above all, we need a renewed focus in the world for climate justice and for positive climate action. The environmental justice. Environmental sustainability is the carpet that could be pulled from below the feet of all countries in the world if we do not join forces and ensure that we reduce emissions; move towards a green economy, and we move towards low carbon economies, together.
“That is not something expected of one or two or three big countries, but all of the countries. Those are for me, some of the most important issues,” said the Deputy Chairperson. 

Maluleke’s comments come as the 30th United Nations Climate Conference (COP30) is being held in Belém, Brazil. Taking place from 10 to 21 November 2025, the conference brings together leaders from governments, businesses, and civil society to tackle the defining challenge of this era, from 10 to 21 November 2025.

This as the South African government pushes forward the implementation of securing the US$1.3 trillion in climate finance pledged to developing countries last year.
South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 will come to an end on 30 November 2025, with the US due to hold the Presidency of the grouping in 2026. 

And while the road towards the Summit has been long, South Africa and her people who are known for their Ubuntu, can pat themselves on the back for having come this far.

SA citrus exports hit record 203 million cartons in 2025

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South Africa’s citrus industry has delivered a record-breaking performance in the 2025 export season, delivering 203.4 million 15kg cartons to global markets — the highest volume ever recorded and a major milestone for the country’s leading agricultural export sector.

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen congratulated the industry on what he described as an exceptional achievement.

The 2025 export figure marks a 22% increase compared with 2024 volumes packed for export, significantly surpassing both initial estimates and long-term industry growth projections.

“This achievement by the industry is a testament to the resilience and strategic foresight of our citrus growers, workers, and industry leadership. Hitting over 203 million cartons for the export market is a powerful indicator of the sector's vital role in our economy, its capacity to create jobs, and its contribution to our country's foreign earnings,” Steenhuisen said.

South Africa is the world’s second-largest citrus exporter after Spain. Two-thirds of local citrus production is exported as fresh fruit, accounting for 95% of the sector’s annual earnings and supporting substantial job creation across the value chain.

Citrus remains South Africa’s single largest export industry in the agricultural sector by value.

“It continues to reinforce the role of the fruit industry, which remains the cornerstone of the agricultural sector in the country and a national economy stabiliser in times of a national economic crisis, as witnessed during the COVID-19 epidemic,” the Minister said.

He added that the Department of Agriculture will continue working closely and in partnership with the industry to navigate the logistical challenges and grow, retain and optimise market access to create more jobs and earn the much-needed foreign exchange.
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