Category: News

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.

G20: Road closures

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As South Africa hosts global leaders for the Group of Twenty (G20) Summit this weekend, law enforcement agencies are urging Gauteng residents and commuters to plan their travel ahead of time, with significant traffic disruptions and road closures expected. 

According to a joint statement by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP), Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, (JMPD), Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department, (TMPD), Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, (EMPD) and South Africa Police Service (SAPS), road closures are scheduled from 18 to 23 November 2025.

“These measures are necessary as South Africa proudly hosts the G20 Summit, a major international event bringing together global leaders. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, allow additional travel time, and consider alternative routes where possible. 

“These measures are essential to enhance public safety, enforce traffic compliance, and support ongoing traffic law enforcement initiatives, including vehicle inspections and congestion management.

“Clear signage, traffic officers, and real-time updates will be provided to guide road users, and access for emergency and essential services will be always prioritised,” law enforcement agencies said.

Road closures will affect the City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane and City of Ekurhuleni.

Affected routes and road networks: operations will target high-security routes, including major national highways and central urban arteries.

Major national and regional routes:
N1 Atterbury / Garsfontein / Delmas / Flying Sauser / Botha / John Vorster / Brakfontein / Samrand / Olifantsfontein / New Road / Allandale / Bucculeuch / Winnie Mandela / Rivonia / 14th / Gordon / Maraisburg / N17 / Rand Show
N3 south / N3 north flyover
N12 Elands / Voortrekker / Reading / Comaro / Kliprivier / Xavier / Uncle Charlie / Diepkloof
N14
R21 south and Atlas off – ramp / R21 south and Voortrekker off-ramp
R24 west and N12 west junction
M1 Woodmead / Marlboro / Grayston / Corlett / Athol Oaklands / Glenhove / 11th Avenue / Oxford / St Andrew / Jan Smuts / Empire / Smit / Carr / M2 Crown / Booysens / Xavier / Golden Highway
Major arterial and urban roads:
Sandton: 5th Street; Maude Street; Daisy Street; Rivonia Road; Grayston Drive and Kathrine Street.
Melrose Arch: Whiteley Road; Melrose Boulevard and Athol Oaklands Road.
Rosebank, Westcliff, Parkview: Oxford Road; Glenhove Road and Jan Smuts Avenue.
Fourways: Winnie Mandela Drive.
Roodepoort: Hendrick Potgieter Road.
Nasrec: Rand Show Road; Booysens Reserve Road; Nasrec Road and Golden Highway (Nasrec).
Full closure on Grayston Drive will be implemented on Saturday, 22 November 2025 between 04h00 – 10h00.
Full closure will be implemented on Golden Highway between Rand Show Road and Soweto Highway from Wednesday the 17th of November 2025.
On the 22nd and 23rd November, Nasrec Road will be closed off to traffic between Rand Show and Shaft 17 Road. There’ll limited access on Nasrec Road from the N17 traffic circle to Shaft 17 Road.
On the 22nd and 23rd the northern portion of Rand Show Road will be closed off between the N1 and Nasrec Road. The southern portion of Nasrec Road will be converted into dual carriage to allow contra traffic flow accommodating residents of Ormonde View.
On the 22nd and 23rd, Booysens Reserve Road will be closed between Crownwood Road and with limited access. Intersections leading towards Booysens Reserve; Crownwood and Amethyst / Crownwood and Modulus will be closed off to traffic with limited access.
South Africa will host the G20 Social Summit from 18 to 20 November 2025 at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng Province.
Affected regional routes: 1st Road; View Point Road; North Rand Road; Trichardt Road and Northern Road.
“When the convoys are moving, roads will be closed off completely and movement from road users; pedestrians, cyclists and motorists will be limited. Roads will be opened as soon as the convoys move pass the affected routes with approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour delay in some areas,” law enforcement agencies said.

Operation schedule and times:
Date: Saturday, 22 November 2025 and Sunday, 23 November 2025
Time Period: Morning, 07h00 – 10h00 and Evening, 17h00 – 20h00
Action: Rolling Road Closures in the City of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni

Alternative Routes Around Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane
Use M57 as an alternative to the R21 between Ekurhuleni and Tshwane.
For east-west travel, use smaller regional roads through Germiston, Kempton Park, or Bedfordview instead of R24/N12.
In the Roodepoort area, use Beyers Naudé Drive, Christiaan De Wet Road, Ontdekkers Road instead of Hendrick Potgieter Road.
Within Fourways, use Main Road, Cedar Road and Witkoppen Road
Within Sandton/Rosebank/Parktown, use side streets parallel to Jan Smuts, Oxford, or Rivonia Road, such as Corlett Drive, Sandton Drive, 11th Avenue,
In southern Johannesburg, Riverlea, Nasrec and Ormonde View, use Chris Hani Road, Main Reef Road, Crownwood Road (Fordsburg–Crown Mines) Soweto Highway, N17, Aerodrome Road and Adcock Ingram Road. 

Western Cape’s parks ready to welcome visitors for the festive season

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The Western Cape’s provincial reserves and national parks are fully prepared for an influx of arrivals.

This was revealed in a recent briefing by CapeNature and SANParks to the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Tourism. The presentations confirmed that great efforts are being taken by these entities to ensure a successful summer season, which is expected to be one of the busiest holiday periods in recent years.

This readiness forms part of the Western Cape Government’s Growth for Jobs Strategy, which positions tourism as a key driver of employment, regional growth, and sustainable investment.

Earlier briefings from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and Wesgro highlighted record visitor projections and rising tourism spending, a clear indication that the Western Cape’s economy continues to be a sought-after destination by travellers.

CapeNature reported a remarkable post-COVID recovery, with visitor numbers increasing by 109% since 2021/22, from just under 300 000 to nearly 600 000 in 2024/25, and revenue growing by 50% in the same period.

The entity has strengthened its partnerships with SAPS, WSAR, NSRI, Metro EMS, Disaster Management, and municipal law enforcement to improve patrol visibility, manage fire risk, and ensure sufficient staffing across its reserves.

In addition, CapeNature has intensified its public awareness campaigns on responsible hiking, emergency procedures, and safe human-wildlife interactions, including guidance around the rabies outbreak in Cape fur seals and avian flu management.
The entity continues to demonstrate leadership in eco-tourism and sustainability, with new off-grid facilities, passive architectural designs that reduce energy demand, and investment in solar infrastructure and waste management systems. This reinforces the DA’s commitment to treating the province’s ecosystems as functional natural infrastructure, assets that must be protected, maintained, and leveraged responsibly to support economic opportunity.

SANParks echoed this readiness, noting that all of its Western Cape national parks are fully operational for the festive season. Maintenance and upgrades have been completed across all major parks, including trail repairs, road grading, ablution upgrades, and improved waste management systems.

At Table Mountain National Park, walkway installations, trail resurfacing, and daily facility inspections are underway. In Agulhas National Park, lagoon and boardwalk repairs have been finalised alongside active fire management with local municipalities. Tankwa Karoo, Bontebok, and West Coast National Parks have also completed critical infrastructure and fire readiness projects to ensure visitor safety and ecosystem resilience.

These efforts reflect the Western Cape’s proactive approach to tourism, conservation, and climate adaptation, ensuring that both the economy and environment benefit from responsible management and investment.

Noko Masipa MPP, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “The Democratic Alliance welcomes the presentations by CapeNature and SANParks, which demonstrated their alignment with the provincial Growth for Jobs strategy during their appearance before the standing committee to outline festive season readiness.

"We are ready for the festive season. These parks and their natural resources - underpinned by strong governance, collaboration, and innovation - will deliver real results for people, the economy, and the planet.”

Dave Bryant MPP, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, added: “Our parks are part of the Western Cape’s natural infrastructure, critical assets that sustain biodiversity, tourism, and livelihoods. Through strong partnerships and responsible investment, the Western Cape continues to show that good environmental management is good economic policy.”

Police clampdown on illegal liquor outlets nets 860 litres in Garden Route

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A clamp down on unlicensed liquor outlets in the Garden Route District has led to the confiscation of 860 litres of alcohol during crime-combating operations across the Garden Route and Central Karoo.

The targeted operations began on Friday, 14 November.

In Laingsburg, police acted on information from the public and raided a premises in Mira Street, Matjiesfontein, at around 21:30 on Friday.

Officers confiscated 179 litres of liquor after the owner failed to produce a valid licence. A 27-year-old man was arrested for selling liquor without a licence.
Some of the confiscated liquor
In Oudtshoorn, two suspects aged 33 and 47 were arrested following operations at premises in Muller Street and Du Toit Street in Bridgton. These arrests followed undercover operations conducted in the area.

A total of 13 suspects were arrested during the clamp down, with most arrests made in Thembalethu and Plettenberg Bay, where three suspects were held in each area. Search-warrant operations were also executed in Dysselsdorp, Ladismith, De Rust and Groot Brakrivier, where liquor was seized and suspects charged with selling alcohol without a licence.

Road safety operations held in partnership with Western Cape Provincial Traffic produced further results, with 23 motorists arrested for driving under the influence.

Most of these arrests were made in Knysna, where eight drivers were held, and George, where five were detained.

All suspects will appear in their respective courts once charged.

Police say these operations aim to curb alcohol abuse and will continue as part of ongoing Safer Festive Season activities.

SA prepares for G20 handover to United States amid attendance uncertainties

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The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, says South Africa is prepared for a ceremonial handover of the Group of 20 (G20) Presidency to the United States, although the process may need adjustments due to that country’s absence.

This announcement follows USA President Donald Trump’s earlier declaration that no government representatives from the United States would attend the summit.

The focus is now on setting the tone for the upcoming G20 Johannesburg Leaders’ Declaration, which will revolve around the theme of “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability“.

“We are ready to hand over to the US, but… the handover is really ceremonial. If they don’t come, we will just issue the declaration, and the US will decide how they want to continue in the next year. 

“It is important that a declaration must be adopted by the countries that are present, because the institution cannot be bogged down by someone absent… If I am absent and the institution cannot function, it means for the next G20, someone [else] will have a reason not to go to the US and cite whatever [reason],” Lamola said on Monday.

Lamola was speaking at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, where he was briefing the media on South Africa’s state of readiness to host the historic G20 Leaders’ Summit. 

Thousands of international delegates, media representatives, and visitors are expected to gather at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg for the two-day summit scheduled to take place from 22 - 23 November 2025.
Preparations for the summit are on track, with numerous Heads of State and Government from G20 member countries and invited guest countries confirmed for participation.

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. 

According to Lamola, four countries – Russia, Mexico, Argentina and China – will instead be represented by Ministers or Deputies. 

“We don’t see this as a snub or undermining of Africa… In all multilateral platform events, it does happen for whatever reasons that Heads of State are not able to attend, and they will delegate."

The Minister insisted that the summit must proceed, nonetheless.

Preparations for the G20 Social Summit, set to begin on Tuesday, 18 November, are progressing smoothly. 

The event will take place at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, with an expected attendance of 5 000 people. 

Out of this total, 4 050 participants will represent civil society and various engagement groups. 

Lamola expressed gratitude to the residents of Johannesburg and Gauteng for their patience amid the disruptions they have experienced. 

He acknowledged the ongoing efforts to minimise these disruptions, particularly concerning the roads near the venues and relevant ports of entry.

“We have seen how hosting a major event of this magnitude can be a catalyst for higher levels of service delivery, and we look forward to sustaining and expanding the improvements we have seen.

“I’ve heard of the criticism that some of the service delivery initiatives will be discontinued after the G20. I say look at electricity (sic). We were told before the last elections that the sustained period without load shedding before the... elections was because of elections. Today, we are a year and some few months after elections and without load shedding. I believe the G20 has served as a catalyst to turn the corner on service delivery in the City of Johannesburg and across the country.” 

Police confiscate drugs estimated at R470,000 after vehicle chase in Knysna

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Western Cape police have seized drugs with an estimated street value of R470 000 following a vehicle chase on the N2 in Knysna during ongoing Safer Festive Season operations.

The incident happened on Sunday, 16 November 2025, at about 22:30 when Knysna Crime Prevention Unit members were patrolling in the town’s central business district. Officers noticed a vehicle parked in Main Street. As they approached, the driver sped off, prompting a chase.
Police managed to stop the vehicle near the Knysna Provincial Hospital on the N2. During a search, officers found two large parcels in the back of the vehicle. Further inspection revealed 58,85 kilograms of dagga hidden inside. Members also confiscated three cellphones, a scale and an undisclosed amount of cash. Both occupants of the vehicle were arrested.

The suspects, aged 43 and 49, remain in custody. They are expected to appear in the Knysna Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 17 November 2025, facing charges of dealing in drugs.

Western Cape police management praised the vigilance of the officers involved and commended their efforts in intercepting the consignment.

Safety warning amid Level 9 weather alert

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North West, Gauteng and Mpumalanga Citizens have been urged to remain cautious as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 9 weather warning.

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (GoGTA) on Monday said while emergency services remain on high alert, the public must follow these safety measures:

- Stay informed by monitoring local news and updates from the SAWS for the latest weather forecasts.
- Evacuate if necessary, following instructions from authorities, and seek higher ground if you are in flood-prone areas.
- Secure your property by clearing debris, securing loose items, and reinforcing doors and windows.
- Stay connected by keeping in touch with loved ones and neighbours, especially those who may be vulnerable.
- Exercise caution and avoid crossing low-lying bridges or flooded roads, as these actions are among the leading causes of flood-related fatalities.

CoGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa said following the outlined safety measures, although they seem simple, remains a powerful tool that saves lives and livelihoods, while preventing avoidable damage to property and infrastructure.

He said the department is implementing disaster response measures since the severe weather warning, which includes widespread flooding and heavy rainfall, especially in the North West, Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces. 

Disaster Management Centres have been active in these affected areas, while other provinces remain on high alert. 

In addition, national departments, Provincial Disaster Management Centres, Municipal Disaster Management Centres, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the South African Police Service (SAPS) continue to remain vigilant.

“Emergency services are prepared for potential flash floods, mudslides, power outages, and so on.

“Lives cannot be replaced; as such, every precaution we take, every plan we implement, and every act of preparedness must be guided by the principle of safeguarding human life above all else.

“Through our joint efforts, across government, business, civil society, NGOs [non-government organisations] and communities, we can reduce the risk of disasters, strengthen our resilience, and ensure a safer South Africa for all.

“Remember to prioritise your safety and follow official instructions. Stay safe,” CoGTA said in a statement. 

The National Disaster Management Centre will continue to fulfil its responsibilities by promoting an integrated and coordinated approach to disaster management across national, provincial and local government levels, as well as among statutory bodies and other stakeholders involved in disaster response.

19 Garden Route Beaches Awarded Blue Flag Status for 2025 Holiday Season

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Nineteen beaches across the Garden Route coastline have been awarded Blue Flag Status for the upcoming holiday season by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) There are 50 Blue Flag Beaches in the country and 20 Pilot Status beaches.

GRDM Executive Mayor, Marais Kruger said: “The municipalities in our region who received  consistent Blue Flag Status and related awards, reflect their commitment to excellent water quality, safety, security, sound environmental management, and accessibility. Thank you for the local municipalities of Hessequa, Bitou, Mossel Bay and George, for once again helping us collectively secure our top spot on South Africa’s preferred tourism destination map.”

Lappiesbaai in the Hessequa Municipal area has maintained Blue Flag status for 20 consecutive years, while Witsand, also in Hessequa, celebrates its 10th consecutive year of accreditation.

More exciting statistics include the following:

*Four of the Garden Route beaches were awarded pilot Blue Flag status (South Africa has 20), these include Santos Beach, Suiderkruis, Tweekuilen and Leentjiesklip.
*Three out of 15 Green Coast sites (15 sites in South Africa), these include Nature’s Valley Beach, Swartvlei Beach and Gwaiing Beach.
*Two Blue Flag Marinas (5 Blue Flag Marinas in South Africa), these include Thesen Harbour Town Marina and Thesen Island Home Owners’ Marina.
*Two Sustainable Tourism Boats (7 in total in South Africa), these are from Offshore Adventures (Robberg Express and Oceanic).

Garden Route beaches with successful Blue Flag accreditation include the following:
Hessequa (6): Witsand Beach, Preekstoel Beach, Lappiesbaai Beach, Jongensfontein Beach, Gouritsmond Beach and Still Bay West Beach.
Plettenberg Bay (6): Robberg 5, The Waves, Nature’s Valley, Lookout Beach, The Dunes and Singing Kettle Beach.
Mossel Bay (4): De Bakke Beach, Hartenbos Beach, Little Brak Breach and Glentana Beach.
George (3): Herold’s Bay, Victoria Bay and Wilderness.
South Africa has proudly participated in the Blue Flag Programme for 24 years, since 2001.

G20 Leaders’ Summit ‘will go on’ despite absences – President Ramaphosa

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the G20 Leaders’ Summit will proceed as planned, despite the absence of representation from the United States (US) government.

The President was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the CEO-City Cleanup Partnership Programme held in Kliptown, Johannesburg, on Friday morning.

Recently, US President Donald Trump announced that neither he nor anyone representing that country would attend the global intergovernmental forum to be held in Johannesburg this week.

“[USA] President Trump has decided not to come and he’s pulled out all the US representatives. But we have said that boycott politics never work. If you boycott an event or a process, you... [lose] because the show will go on.

“The summit will go on. We are not going to stop because they are not here. We will continue and we will take fundamental decisions on matters that affect the people of the world,” President Ramaphosa said.

He noted that the G20 represents “up to 80% of the global economy” and that nearly 40 other Heads of State and Government, as well as heads of global organisations, will be at the Summit.

The President added that while South Africa would not want to handover the G20 Presidency gavel to “an empty chair” – the USA will be the next G20 President – there will be a symbolic handover.

“We will probably symbolically hand over to that empty chair and then talk to President Trump and say: even though you are not here, I am now handing over to you the reins of being President of the G20,” he said.

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

“We want to engage more with their businesses. Government facilitates the engagement at trade and economic level so we want to continue trading with the businesses of the United States, and with the people of the United States. We export products to that country. 

“The other issues are political and as normal, we will continue to dealing with the political issues.

Sometimes you have to talk to people who may not be very friendly to you to advance the interests of your own people. Sometimes you’ve got to do what people may think is unpalatable but I’m prepared to do it to advance the interests of South Africans,” he said. 

On news that Chinese President Xi Jinping’s will not attend the Summit, President Ramaphosa said this is due to scheduling challenges.

“[It is] because of prior commitments... but the Prime Minister [Li Qiang]... will be here.

“President Xi Jinping has been to South Africa six times and that continues to show his commitment to South Africa, and I have great understanding for his busy schedule in China,” he said. 

Drugs Seized in Oudtshoorn and George by Garden Route Police

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Mid-week operations in the Garden Route District resulted in the arrest of three suspects for drugs as part of ongoing Safer Festive Season operations in Oudtshoorn and George.  
 
On Wednesday, 12 November 2025 at about 09:30 Oudtshoorn Crime Prevention unit members acted on intelligence when they raided a house at Dahlia Court, Bridgton in Oudtshoorn. The team found 62 bankies tik, 10 grams tik, 13 full mandrax, one half mandrax and 71 grams dagga. Police confiscated the drugs, two scales and an undisclosed amount of cash. A 33 year old woman found at the premises was arrested on a charge of dealing in drugs.
Oudtshoorn
Meanwhile, later the same day, Dysselsdorp Crime Prevention unit members, armed with a search warrant, descended on a premises at Paradise View, Dysselsdorp outside Oudtshoorn. A search of the premises led to the confiscation of 40 Full Mandrax and 15 Bankies consisting of tik.
 
Furthermore, Conville police members arrested a 53 year old man on charges of dealing in drugs and possession of drugs on Tuesday, 11 November 2025 at Marakeni Street, Lawaaikamp in George. The members operationalised the information and conducted a search of the premises. The search led to an area on the premises where drugs were concealed under the topsoil in plastic bottles. The members confiscated 160 grams of tik, seven bankies of tik and seven mandrax tablets.
 
The suspects will appear in court once charged.
 
Substance abuse remain on of the contributors to serious and violent crime and these arrests and confiscations forms part of concerted efforts to close down illicit drug outlets.
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