Star 2025-05-16

The government is poised to reshape the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) landscape with the recent approval of the Mineral Resources Development Bill of 2025 for public comment. This significant move by Cabinet marks a proactive step towards reforming a sector long burdened by regulatory ambiguities. Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said on Thursday that this landmark legislation was set to enhance investor confidence and stimulate economic growth through the reduction of bureaucratic obstacles and the provision of regulatory certainty. The Bill is part of a wider amendment to the existing Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act of 2002, and it proposes a comprehensive approach to address the regulatory gaps that have stunted the mining industry’s potential for years. “The Bill seeks to address key regulatory gaps, streamline licensing…

Industry leaders and government officials descended at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Thursday as the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) Conference kicked off. The event highlighted Africa’s growing significance in the global fresh produce industry while addressing critical issues such as food security, climate change, and the modernisation of markets. The conference, themed “The African Edition: Shaping the Future of Fresh Produce through Sustainability, Innovation and Inclusivity,” was hosted by Joburg Market, the largest fresh produce market on the African continent. Joburg Market plays a central role in South Africa’s agricultural economy. In the 2023/24 financial year, it reported sales of R11.3 billion and processed 1.4 million tons of produce. The market holds a 46% share of the national market, surpassing competitors in Tshwane, Durban, and Cape…

Standard Bank has partnered with Metair Investments to facilitate a comprehensive restructuring of the South African automotive components and energy storage group's approximately R4 billion debt. The biggest bank in Africa by assets acted as Mandated Lead Arranger and Global Coordinator for the balance sheet restructure including refinance of existing debts, enabling Metair to rebalance a shareholder at one of its subsidiaries (Hesto) and achieve their long-term financing turnaround strategy. The restructured debt framework is designed to reduce Metair's liabilities and adjust repayment plans, ensuring they are in harmony with earnings growth and cash flow, thereby supporting the company's long-term financing turnaround strategy. Metair operates through two segments: Automotive component manufacturer and Aftermarket Parts and Services. The company is valued at over R1.1bn on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. “We always…

The South African mining sector, characterised by its energy-intensive nature, is facing numerous challenges that threaten its export potential and overall viability. Data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Thursday showed that mining production shrank by 2.8% year-on-year in March following a 9.7% plunge in February. The latest reading pointed to the fifth consecutive month of annual decline in the sector, although much softer than in February, it will drag economic growth in the first quarter of 2025 as the March mining release concluded the results for the first three months of the calendar year. Jean-Pierre Terblanche, principal service statistician at Stats SA, said four out of 12 mining divisions recorded annual declines in March, but platinum group metals (PGM) and gold were the largest negative contributors. “Seasonally-adjusted mining…

The Nampo Harvest Day 2025 has been declared a resounding success by Grain SA, highlighting the event's significance as a premier platform for agricultural innovation and industry collaboration. The first two days of the 57th edition drew impressive crowds and notable guests, underscoring both the event's enduring popularity and its vital role in advancing agricultural dialogues in South Africa. Grain SA on Thursday highlighted that the annual event commenced with a moving wreath-laying ceremony at the Wall of Remembrance, honouring those who have contributed meaningfully to the agricultural community. Dr Dirk Strydom, managing director of Nampo, said discussions touched on several urgent topics, including the challenging production conditions faced by South African producers, the troubling levels of farm crime and issues of rural safety, and the need to improve…

The government is ramping up its initiatives aimed at economic recovery by creating unprecedented opportunities for private sector involvement. This was highlighted by Deputy Minister of Finance, David Masondo, and Minister for Transport Barbara Creecy during their addresses at the Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) Think Summit on Thursday. Masondo shared insights on the new phases of Operation Vulindlela, stating that a significant stride towards reform is the establishment of the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA). This independent body will focus on designing, planning, financing, and managing bulk water infrastructure, having the capacity to leverage its balance sheet for robust financial backing in infrastructure projects. The government’s commitment to improving water services is further underscored by the introduction of a Water Partnerships Office. This initiative aims to foster private sector…