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The seventh administration aims to push rail as the "backbone of transport" in the country, with President Cyril Ramaphosa urging that rail lines transport at least 250-million tonnes of freight a year by 2029.

With Transnet set to finalise its Network Statement by year-end, Ramaphosa noted that this would help increase the volume of goods transported by rail, while also allowing access to third-party operators on the State's rail network.

"The efficient, safe and affordable movement of people and goods around the country is essential for economic growth and jobs. Goods that are produced by our workers need to move from mines, factories and farms to our country's markets and international markets through our ports. People need to be transported to workplaces, clinics, hospitals and schools. When our transport system works well, then the cost of doing business is lowered and our country's products and services are more competitive," Ramaphosa stated, as the country celebrates Transport month in October.

In marking the progress made in the rail sector, he pointed to the collaboration between government, business and labour to increase freight volumes on the rail network and said the National Logistics Crisis Committee's Freight Logistics Roadmap would assist with security, operational improvement and capital investment.

In public transport, the President noted the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa's achievement in the restoration of 31 of 40 priority rail corridors back to operation.

He pointed to a nearly three-fold increase in the use of public trains since last year, with 40-million passengers accounted for in March.

He acknowledged a lack of maintenance, and vandalism, of the public rail sector as hindrances to providing quality transport to South Africans, and assured that restoring public rail transport could play a significant role in reducing the cost of living for the poor.

Further, the National Rail Masterplan touted for completion by the end of 2025, aims to introduce high-speed rail across cities. But Ramaphosa acknowledged the need for considerable investment and new technology to see this come to fruition.

"The government alone will not be able to carry the scale of the investment needed. That is why we are working to mobilise private-sector investment in rail and port operations, while ensuring that the infrastructure remains State-owned," he explained, adding that public transport integration was also being studied, to allow passengers to seamlessly move between destinations.

With South Africa aiming for zero emissions by 2050, Ramaphosa said rail would also help in achieving environmentally sustainable transport methods.

"We are now on the right track towards a public transport system that is safer, more efficient and more affordable - and that supports the growth of an inclusive economy, reduces poverty and creates employment," he said.

South Africa's rand has further room to strengthen if the government in Pretoria pushes ahead with reforms and prudent policies, the country's central bank chief Lesetja Kganyago told Reuters.

The currency of Africa's most industrialised nation has been a top emerging market performer, strengthening some 2.5% against the US dollar since the start of the year while most of the rand's peers have suffered losses against the greenback.

"There should be positive momentum and that positive momentum is not going to be something just driven by the markets," Kganyago, the governor of the South African Reserve Bank, said in an interview on Thursday on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings in Washington.

"It's going to be whether government continues to act with resolve and stays the path in terms of prudent policies and structural reforms going forward," he said, adding that momentum for reforms would not just bolster the currency but could also support the country's bonds and stocks.

South Africa's National Treasury announced over the summer a number of reforms in the energy, freight, water, and telecommunications sectors, and has pledged to reduce spending and raise revenue as well as take further steps to lower borrowing over the medium-term period.

The rand has enjoyed broad gains since the African National Congress was forced to forge alliances with other political parties after failing to win a parliamentary majority in an election in May - its first such defeat since the 1994 election that marked the end of white minority rule and apartheid.

"If you restore investor or consumer confidence, it's like a free stimulus for you," he said.

Asked about efforts by South African policymakers to lower the inflation target from the current 3%-6% range, Kganyago said work was underway between the National Treasury and the central bank on arriving at the target, and he was hopeful the process would be concluded next year.

"Where there is absolutely no disagreement on is that the target must be lower. But how far lower?" he said, adding that the out-of-line target meant the country was losing competitiveness.

Democratic Alliance (DA) police spokesperson Ian Cameron on Friday called for policing functions to be shared between national, provincial and local authorities, to allow the South African Police Services (Saps) to more efficiently allocate its resources and focus on national concerns.

Cameron said he was "deeply appalled" by the "senseless" killings that have gripped Western Cape communities in Athlone, Bishop Lavis and Mamre over the last two days, where 17 people lost their lives, in what he called "a disturbing wave of violence".

He said a shared policing approach would empower well-equipped local authorities to deliver region-specific policing solutions.

It will also improve response time to investigations and address endemic issues, such as gang violence, he believes.

Cameron noted that until the Saps crime intelligence functioned at full capacity, the country would continue to witness the tragic loss of life in society.

He called on Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and the Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC to urgently strengthen the cooperative policing model.

"We must work towards a robust, intelligence-led policing framework that preserves the safety of all South Africans without putting additional strain on our national budget," he said.

Over a week after announcing her resignation from the Economic Freedom Fighters, former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane has joined the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), along with former KwaZulu-Natal premier Willies Mchunu.

Making the announcement at a media briefing on Friday, MKP secretary-general Sifiso Maseko revealed that Mkhwebane would take up the role of convenor in Mpumalanga, and Mchunu would take up the same role in the party's stronghold, in KwaZulu-Natal.

Mkwebane announced her resignation from the red berets a year after joining the party, she said, to spend time with her family.

Now, she will lead the MKP, the second biggest party in Mpumalanga, as it seeks to appoint leadership structures at provincial and regional levels.

"Advocate Mkhwebane is a seasoned public servant and a true fighter for justice and equal rights. She is the former public protector who was unlawfully removed from office for confronting the status quo and asking necessary and relevant questions to the sitting head of State. Advocate Mkhwebane's consistency, composure and professionalism will guide the province of Mpumalanga into absolute stability and progress," Maseko said.

Meanwhile, Mchunu, will identify leaders for the MKP in KwaZulu-Natal, with Maseko stating that all current MKP leadership structures will "cease to exist" with the former premier's appointment.

"He will play a leading role in reversing the devastating effects of the right-wing government of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Inkatha Freedom Party. KwaZulu-Natal deserves a progressive government of forces that are not associated with apartheid," Maseko said.

He added that Mchunu had the "necessary political ideology and organisational capability" to steer the party into a "stable, responsible and responsive movement in the province".

Maseko stressed the importance of the KwaZulu-Natal province, which the MKP clinched from the ANC in the 2024 national and provincial elections.

"KZN is important to the party because we will in the foreseeable future constitute a government in the province," Maseko stated.

He asserted the MKP's opposition to the Government of National Unity (GNU), taking shots at the DA, in particular.

"We as MKP stand opposed to the so-called GNU. We reiterate our statement that this neo-liberal commission spearheaded by the DA and sustained through an alliance with apartheid-era beneficiaries symbolises a betrayal of the working class and the people of South Africa. It is time for all progressive forces to come together and resist the neo-liberal agenda. We are led by a president that is a chess master. We need to appreciate that," Maseko said.

He pointed to the growth in MKP's support since it launched in December 2023 and attributed it to "disillusioned patriotic South Africans".

"Most South Africans are still reeling from the trauma caused by them by the brutal apartheid system engineered by those who are currently in alliance with the ruling party, within the GNU. MKP is the only party that is consistently on the side of the people," Maseko stated.

ActionSA president Herman Mashaba said on Thursday that the return of more than 50 Gauteng ActionSA activists serves as a reminder of the need for "transparency and accountability" in politics.

He marked the occasion as a "homecoming" as he welcomed back over 50 community leaders and activists who had left ActionSA after the 2021 local government elections.

The party said the community leaders and activists agreed to return to the party following recent discussions with Mashaba.

The ActionSA leader said the return of activists was also aligned with the party's commitment to refining its candidate selection policy, to ensure that the party prioritised those with a "proven track record of results and strong community backing".

Mashaba argued that this was not a bureaucratic exercise, but that the party recognised that future electoral success hinged on the party's ability to connect with and uplift its constituencies.

Mashaba said the return of the more than 50 community leaders and activists was a strategy to strengthen the party's presence in Gauteng's townships.

"These activists, who previously left or were dismissed, have chosen to rejoin us after considerable reflection, reaffirming that ActionSA remains their political home. The importance of this reunion cannot be overstated. As we approach the next electoral cycle, it is imperative that we acknowledge the realities of the political landscape in Gauteng, especially in our townships. In recent months, we have seen a shifting tide in public sentiment, and it is crucial for ActionSA to reconnect with the grassroots leaders who understand the unique challenges and aspirations of their communities," he said.

Party constituents must feel heard and empowered to hold leaders accountable, Mashaba said.

"This is a core principle of ActionSA, and we are committed to upholding it in every aspect of our work," he stated.

ActionSA will also focus on creating platforms for dialogue between elected representatives and the communities they serve.

"...this will help foster a sense of ownership among residents regarding the decisions that impact their lives. It is crucial that our activists feel empowered to voice their opinions and contribute to the shaping of policies that affect their communities," he said.

The insights and experience of activists would be invaluable as the party worked to reclaim ground in areas where it had previously struggled, Mashaba argued.

"These activists' deep-rooted connections and credibility in their respective communities will enhance our outreach efforts, making our party more relatable and accessible to the voters we need to engage with most. By reintegrating these community leaders into our ranks, we are not only bolstering our organisational capacity but also amplifying the voices of those who have been at the forefront of fighting for change. They understand the pulse of their communities and can help us craft solutions that resonate with voters' concerns," he explained.

Mashaba noted that the party wanted to empower these activists to not only represent their communities but to actively shape the policies that affected their lives.

"Our objective is clear: we want to make ActionSA a formidable force in the upcoming local government elections. We recognise that winning in the townships is not just about mobilising votes; it's about building authentic relationships and partnerships within these communities. The return of these activists is a vital part of this strategy, and we are committed to empowering them to take on leadership roles that reflect their expertise and dedication," he stated.

South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago said the nation's inflation target was overdue for review and it should be adjusted lower.

"South Africa's inflation target is out of sync with emerging market peers," he told Bloomberg Television on Thursday during the annual International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings in Washington.

"What is clear is that if we revise the target, the target can only be revised lower."

The central bank aims to anchor expectations around the midpoint of its 3% to 6% inflation target. South African annual inflation slowed to 3.8% in September and is forecast by the central bank to remain below 4% over the next three quarters.

The SARB adopted inflation targeting in 2000. The National Treasury said in February that the goals were under review and Kganyago argued in a October 17 speech that any changes should result in the target being lowered.

While South Africa was an early adopter of the target range it is relatively high compared with its emerging market peers and has never been reformed. The SARB says this is why the country's inflation rate has been higher on average than its emerging market peers, and should be lowered.

Still, in a nation distorted by massive income inequalities in which more than 33% of the workforce is unemployed, the central bank will likely face stiff political opposition to any changes viewed as leading to more hawkish monetary policy.

The SARB, whose independence is enshrined in the South African constitution, has faced longstanding criticism from labour unions and some lawmakers, who say it keeps rates too high in the pursuit of low inflation at the expense of jobs.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday that existing global institutional mechanisms need to be strengthened and reformed to play a constructive role in international peace and security.

Ramaphosa was speaking during the sixteenth Brics Heads of State Summit in Russia, where he stated that the world cannot afford a region-wide escalation of conflict.

He pointed to the conflicts in Gaza, Sahel and Great Lakes regions, calling for lasting solutions.

This as Brics ally Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, in a conflict that has continued for over two years.

Criticism has been levelled at Ramaphosa for calling for peace in the Middle East while conflict continues in Ukraine.

Ramaphosa expressed concern on behalf of South Africa at the military aggression by Israel against Gaza, claiming genocide.

He said this led South Africa to approach the International Court of Justice with a case of genocide, with a view to stop the killing of women and children in Gaza.

"We believe the world cannot sit by and watch the suffering. South Africa has been unwavering in advocating for a two-State solution that would see an independent Palestinian State along the borders set out in 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This would be in line with UN resolutions, international law and internationally agreed parameters," Ramaphosa explained.

He called on the international community and the United Nations Security Council to address the "spiralling conflict", highlighting the need to safeguard the ability of States to pursue independent foreign policy.

"In our quest for a more interconnected, just and prosperous world, we have the ability to foster an environment of peace through a focus on sustainable development. We must continue to support nations and peoples who seek to end the cycle of conflict and choose the path of peace," he said.

He urged negotiation and inclusive dialogue, as well as the safeguarding of a multilateral system, which he said was the cornerstone of international relations, and fostered an environment of peace and development.

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa congratulated the Russian Federation and President Vladimir Putin on chairing a "successful" Brics Summit, as well as leading countries on adopting an "excellent declaration".

"The Brics Outreach and Brics Plus engagements are important platforms for developing strong ties among countries from the greater Global South and emerging markets. We should use these platforms to foster meaningful engagement," he said.

He said the Brics platform should be used to contribute to social, economic and cultural development of people.

"We welcome the Russian initiatives that are aimed at strengthening a number of Brics countries through the various networks aimed at improving the future of Brics countries' transport networks and connectivity under the theme 'Innovation and Digitalisation of Transport'," Ramaphosa said.

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen said his party distances itself from recent comments made by President Cyril Ramaphosa during engagements with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where Ramaphosa described Russia as "a valuable ally and friend".

Ramaphosa held bilateral talks with Putin on Tuesday, where he led South Africa's participation in the XVI Brics Summit.

On the sidelines of the Brics summit, Ramaphosa said South Africa continues to see Russia as a valued ally and friend, who supported the country since the days of apartheid.

The summit is being held between October 22 and 24, where leaders of Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates are meeting for the first time since new members were invited to join Brics during the last Summit.

"The Democratic Alliance, as a key partner in the Government of National Unity (GNU), rejects this characterisation in no uncertain terms. The Democratic Alliance does not consider Russia, or Vladimir Putin, to be an ally of our nation," said Steenhuisen.

He said the DA saw Russia as an authoritarian regime, that was "currently violating" international law by waging an "imperialist war of aggression" against a sovereign State.

Steenhuisen said that at a time when South Africa was experiencing "renewed optimism" owing to the GNU, government cannot make statements that could jeopardise international relations and trade opportunities.

"As leader of the Democratic Alliance in the GNU, I reiterate the importance of positions expressed on behalf of the GNU being subject to full and proper debate within the government mechanisms before being announced as positions of the GNU to ensure maximum consensus and agreement amongst the parties to the GNU," he said.

South Africa's inflation dropped sharply in September, hitting its lowest level in more than three years and bolstering expectations for another interest rate cut by the central bank next month.

Annual consumer price inflation slowed to 3.8% from 4.4% in August, Statistics South Africa data showed.

Economists polled by Reuters had forecast inflation would drop to 3.9%, well below 4.5% - the mid-point of the South African Reserve Bank's 3%-6% target range.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.1% month-on-month in September, the same as a month before.

"Inflation is well under control in South Africa, this is really the start of a period of about 6 months in which the headline CPI should be below 4%," said independent economist Elize Kruger.

The central bank struck a measured tone at its September meeting when it trimmed its main interest rate by 25 basis points to 8%, saying there were still risks on the horizon.

Analysts expect the bank to continue easing policy in quarter point increments, taking the repo rate to 7% by the middle of next year.

"Larger 50 bps moves are unlikely, in our view," Standard Chartered's Razia Khan said in a research note. "We think the SARB will want to proceed cautiously, monitoring global risks and any consumption boost from South Africa's recent Two Pot Pension Reforms, which allow earlier pension withdrawals," she said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday that Brics has a "vital" role to play in advancing change as he advocated for global peace, calling for the right of Palestinian people to self-determination, while calling out the United Nations Security Council.

Ramaphosa was speaking during the Brics Summit plenary in Russia, where he said as the plight of the Palestinian people continued, South Africa was compelled to show a spirit of solidarity.

He said lasting peace and security would not be achieved until Palestinians realised their aspirations for Statehood, justice and freedom.

This as Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, in a conflict that has continued for over two years.

Ramaphosa said judging from the many conflicts raging across the world, the Security Council had not fulfilled its mandate to maintain international peace and security.

"…it does not represent the interests of the global community, and therefore does not have the means to give effect to the global desire for peace. Just as Brics has a vital role in shaping a new multipolar world order, so too must it use its voice to advance change," he stated.

The International Court of Justice had made it clear that the international community had a duty to prevent genocide by Israel, he stressed.

As an interconnected world, the challenges faced by one nation affect all nations, he added.

"Through solidarity, we seek to advance a unified effort and mutual support among nations. By advancing equality we seek to ensure fair treatment, opportunities and advancement for all individuals and nations," he said.

Ramaphosa expressed his belief that countries had a responsibility not to fund or facilitate "Israel's genocidal actions".

"As the UN General Assembly has now resolved, the countries of the world have a responsibility to promote the realisation of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination," he said.

Ramaphosa pointed out that sustainable development was about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Meanwhile, he said South Africa would seek to mobilise the countries of the world to take practical steps to resolve global challenges while strengthening international cooperation within a rules-based system, when it assumed the Presidency of the G20 next year.

South Africa is expected to take over from Brazil as the Chair of the G20 from December 1.