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A visit to Washington by a high-profile delegation of ministers, business leaders and unionists lowered tensions around the renewal of South Africa's preferential trade deal with the US, Minister of Trade and Industry Ebrahim Patel has said.

Patel was briefing Parliament on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

The panel, which included Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, visited the US Capitol in July to meet with lawmakers amid fears South Africa could lose access to AGOA in 2024.

The trade deal allows 25% of South African exports to enter the US tariff-free, including around $1.5-billion (R28-billion) in vehicle exports.

In June, a group of US legislators wrote to the White House questioning whether it was appropriate for South Africa to host this year's AGOA forum as it was "in danger of losing AGOA benefits".

The lawmakers said that while South Africa claimed to be neutral in the war in Ukraine, the country had held joint naval exercises with Russia, possibly covertly supplied arms to Russia on the Lady R, and was planning to host Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Brics summit.

Getting better

Since the letter was written, the relationship between South Africa and the US appears to have improved.

Putin, who is the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant, did not attend this year's Brics summit in Sandton.

And the US has already confirmed that South African will host the AGOA summit as planned in Johannesburg in early November.

Patel described the US visit in July as a success. American lawmakers recognised the importance of President Cyril Ramaphosa setting up a panel to probe whether weapons were loaded onto the Russian warship Lady R in December, he said.

"It was also deeply appreciated that, in a country like SA the rule of law is important and that the president took the effort to set up a panel with a very respected retired judge," he said.

"That was recognised as a way in which a democracy deals with issues that have come up."

Earlier this month Ramaphosa said the Lady R panel found no evidence that arms were loaded onto the ship to be transported to Russia. Ramaphosa announced the findings of the probe about seven weeks after Patel and colleagues met with US lawmakers.

The South African delegation also explained the "complexities that SA needs to navigate and a better understanding of our non-aligned status," said Patel.

The minister said he was pleased to see that there was a bipartisan push in South Africa across political parties, unions and the private sector to retain South Africa's eligibility in AGO and have the trade deal extended in 2025 when it expires.

"In matters of international economic diplomacy, we close ranks, we stand together as South Africans," he said.

The AGOA Forum will take place between 2 and 4 November at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.

The renaming of William Nicol Drive to Winnie Mandela Drive has been lauded by the African National Congress (ANC) as a powerful symbol of South Africa's heritage and history.

The City of Johannesburg, on Tuesday, unveiled the name change, the same day as what would have been stalwart Winnie Madikizela-Mandela's eighty-seventh birthday.

The ANC has stressed the importance of acknowledging the significant contributions made by this towering anti-Apartheid activist and leader towards the struggle for democracy in South Africa.

"The ANC's position to rename key streets and buildings in South Africa to honour icons who played pivotal roles in shaping the country's history reflects a broader effort to unite society behind tried and tested icons who tirelessly contributed to the nation's struggle for freedom and democracy. By renaming streets and buildings after these icons, the ANC aims to ensure that their legacies are preserved and that future generations are reminded of the sacrifices and achievements of those who fought against Apartheid and other injustices," said ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri.

The party commended Madikizela-Mandela's "determination and commitment" in the fight for equality and prosperity amidst persecution, imprisonment and hardship. The ANC said Madikizela-Mandela's life and legacy continue to inspire many as a symbol of resistance and resilience.

"The preservation of our history serves as a powerful symbol of South Africa's commitment to acknowledging its oppressive history and valuing the diverse voices and leaders that shaped it. It also reinforces the idea that the past should not be forgotten, but rather be integrated into the nation's identity as a source of inspiration and a reminder of the importance of justice, equality, unity and social cohesion," Bhengu-Motsiri said.

A group of activists fighting for food access and affordability gathered on Thursday to discuss the effects of the worsening food crisis on children, amid severe acute malnutrition and hunger.

The activists hail from the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, Grow Great Zero-Stunting Campaign, DG Murray Trust, Congress of the South African Trade Unions, the South African Council of Churches, civil society groups and include academics.

The group is advocating for highly nutritious foods to be made affordable to poorer households, complementing its proposal for a government subsidy.

"Data from the Department of Health shows that there were over 15 000 cases of severe acute malnutrition requiring hospitalisation in the 2022/23 financial year. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. Malnutrition is the underlying cause of about one-third of all child deaths in South Africa today, this despite Section 28 of the Constitution which guarantees the right to nutrition of every child," said Nelson Mandela Children's Fund CEO Dr Linda Ncube Nkomo.

The group of activists decried the high levels of food insecurity citing this as a catalyst for malnutrition and stunted physical and mental development.

Grow Great Zero Stunting campaign CEO Dr Edzani Mphaphuli expressed caution over the negative effects of food insecurity on the learning outcomes of children and in the development of the economy.

"If we don't stop stunting now we shouldn't expect learning outcomes to improve or our economy to grow," she warned.

In considering the high cost of infant formula, the group has also advised the food formula industry against extracting massive profits from the poorest of mothers, for whom malnutrition often makes breastfeeding difficult.

"We are heartened that Nedlac (National Economic Development and Labour Council) has tasked a multi-sectoral committee to review the viability of the proposal to double-discount ten best buy foods. No sector of society - not government, not labour, not civil society nor industry - should be able to say that substantive proposals to feed South Africa's children are too difficult, without putting a better option on the table," said DG Murray Trust CEO Dr David Harrison.

South African poultry producer Quantum Foods on Friday said nearly 2-million chickens worth R106-million have been killed by a bird flu outbreak, increasing fears of a table egg and meat shortage.

A leading poultry producer on the continent, South Africa is currently grappling with an outbreak of a high-pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), a bird flu which spreads rapidly in an infected flock causing a high death rate.

Quantum said in a trading update it had lost nearly 1.5-million of its laying and breeding birds during the current bird flu outbreak, to add to 420 000 laying chickens lost during an earlier wave of infections in April.

The company expects to report an economic loss in the year to September 30 as the viral disease compounds operational problems caused by South Africa's frequent power cuts.

"The overall impact of the HPAI outbreak on the South African poultry industry, and its full financial effect on the company, is not yet known as this will be dependent on, inter alia, the volume of eggs available for sale going forward," Quantum said.

On Thursday, South Africa's largest integrated poultry producer Astral Foods said the country, which is already experiencing a shortage of table eggs, could be short of chicken meat in the coming weeks due to the bird flu outbreak and the power crisis.

Lawmakers may soon return to their parliamentary offices after the devastating fire last year, and this time they'll walk into brand new offices retrofitted with hybrid boardrooms and corporate style finishes to give it a "corporate look".

On Friday, the Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management of Parliament received a briefing from project managers leading the restoration work on the burned-out buildings and offices.

The parliamentary precinct resembles a massive construction site as work is under way (and on track) at the National Assembly's new wing and the Old Assembly, while new offices for MPs are just about complete.

According to project manager Simon Mashigo, all the work should be completed by the end of this month.

New additions MPs will enjoy:

Two meeting rooms;

Three pause areas with kitchenettes;

Two reception areas;

Three storerooms;

The refurbishment of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system;

20 interpretation booths and two sign language studios.

With the exception of the HVAC system, all the work has been completed. The HVAC system will be completed by 30 September.

Expenditure for the project includes R66 913 792.62 for construction work and the HVAC system, while R10 709 276 was spent on office furniture.

"A vinyl floor, wallpaper were fitted with new lighting at the lift lobbies. The lift lobby opens to a mini reception area. This is intended to give professional support to members' visitors. To be used as a mini-information hub for visitors while waiting for members. The two wings of the offices are divided by fire doors in line with NBR. The fire detection system runs on corridors, offices and common spaces," Mashigo said.

Furthermore, he said the boardrooms had been fitted with hybrid meeting equipment.

"Finishes in offices align to the corporate brand. The furniture has a more corporate look to promote professionalism. The common spaces allow ease of movement and navigation during emergencies. The pause areas also give privacy and can be used for caucuses should boardrooms not be available. The ablutions meet the NBR and Public Work Norms for Prestige Facilities," he added.

On 2 January 2022, a fire ripped through the National Assembly, destroying the main hall, committee rooms and some parliamentary offices.

In October last year, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that R2-billion had been allocated for the repair and refurbishment of Parliament over the next three years.

Parliament has partnered with the Development Bank of Southern Africa to assist with the multibillion-rand project.

Mashigo said the project team was also addressing non-compliance issues, dilapidated infrastructure and design constraints of existing infrastructure.

"This is intended to avoid failures on future operation of assets. Recommendations are being made to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) to note weakness in the systems and provide solutions," he said.

Several MPs from Democratic Alliance and African National Congress raised concerns about the poor state of the parliamentary fencing, but Mashigo said those issues would be addressed as construction progresses.

The Economic Freedom Fighters raised concerns about rubble removal, saying that rubble cannot be stored for long periods of time.

Kholeka Gcaleka's appointment as Public Protector will now be considered by the National Assembly on 19 October at the Cape Town City Hall.

Initially, it was scheduled to take place on 11 September, the same day Busisiwe Mkhwebane was removed from this post by the National Assembly.

However, the National Assembly Programming Committee felt it would take too much time to have both votes on the same date, as the open roll call voting mechanism is used.

Then, it was decided that the vote would be on 21 September, but the Cape Town City Hall was not available on this date, and several MPs would be away, travelling for committee work.

At Thursday's meeting of the National Assembly Programming Committee, it was decided that the debate and vote will take place on 19 October in the City Hall, allowing all 400 MPs to be physically present at the venue.

It is essential for the African National Congress (ANC) that their benches are full. There is a threshold of 60% support for the appointment of the Public Protector.

The Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters and Freedom Front Plus have indicated that they would not support her nomination, and, had it not been for the Inkatha Freedom Party indicating its support, it could have been tough going for the ANC to garner the required 240 votes.

It is thus expected that the ANC will, like it did for the vote on Mkhwebane's removal, call a three-line whip - a strict instruction from a party's whippery that all members must attend a vote and that they must vote according to the party line.

It was decided at an earlier meeting that the open roll call voting procedure would be used.

It requires each MP to indicate their vote in person.

This was the same procedure used in December when the National Assembly voted against impeaching President Cyril Ramaphosa over Phala Phala, and for Mkhwebane's removal. If the 60% threshold is achieved, the president must appoint her as Public Protector.

Mkhwebane's term comes to on end on 14 October. Gcaleka only being appointed five days later shouldn't be an issue.

She remains Deputy Public Protector until her appointment, and is currently acting as Public Protector.

Thus far, Parliament hasn't moved on appointing her successor as Deputy Public Protector.

Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Mondli Gungubele on Thursday assured South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) social grant beneficiaries and the nation that changes to the Postbank board will not impact on any of Postbank's operations or its capacity.

Last week Postbank's board of directors was axed after a forensic investigation found that Postbank maintained contracts with suppliers unlawfully.

Further, a Postbank system glitch earlier this month left at least 600 000 social grant beneficiaries with none or only part of their pension.

Gungubele provided an update on the progress made on payments to Postbank Gold Card Sassa beneficiaries, where he said the root cause of Postbank's system challenges that affected this month's social grants payments to some beneficiaries related to Postbank's migration to a new system.

He said Postbank had provided the Communications and Social Development departments with assurance that all Sassa grant beneficiaries whose accounts were adversely affected by the system challenges had now been corrected.

"These funds are readily available in the accounts of beneficiaries, and if not withdrawn, can be accessed through bank ATMs, retailers, and Post Office branches," he said.

He said the two departments and their agencies understand the "regrettable strain" to beneficiaries owing to the grant payments challenges that were experienced this month.

"We wish to reiterate our sincerest apologies to all social grants beneficiaries who have encountered difficulties accessing their social grants this month," he said.

He highlighted that the departments were actively taking measures to prevent future challenges in the banking ecosystem, and in particular, for social grant account holders.

"Our commitment to the welfare and well-being of our social grant beneficiaries remains unwavering. Noting that we will start with the October payment cycle in less than two weeks, we have started preparing to ensure that we do not encounter challenges that were experienced by our clients this month," he added.

He said the departments and agencies recognised the "invaluable role" that social grants play in the lives of many South Africans, providing essential support and a lifeline to countless families.

"Our commitment is resolute, and we will continue to work diligently to overcome challenges and enhance the reliability and efficiency of our banking system," he promised.

He urged social grant beneficiaries to ignore the "false information" that the September payments challenges were a result of an expired Sassa card. He noted that the Reserve Bank had granted an extension for the Sassa cards to continue to work until December 2023.

Gungubele said Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu and him had seen the need for Postbank and Sassa to embark on more joint communications activities on the ground, targeting outlying areas, including via community radio stations.

Both entities, together with the communications and social development departments, would be engaging on several outreach programmes to ensure that the people served were better equipped with credible information, he said.

The Monetary Policy Committee has kept South Africa's key interest rate steady at 8.25% for a second consecutive meeting.

This was in line with many economists' predictions, and comes after annual consumer price inflation ticked up slightly to 4.8% in August from 4.7% in July. That kept CPI within the Reserve Bank's target range of 3% to 6%, but risks to the inflation outlook are assessed to the upside, said Lesetja Kganyago, governor of the Reserve Bank.

The decision to keep interest rates on hold wasn't unanimous, with two members of the MPC voting to hike the interest rate.

While consumers will be relieved that their loans won't cost them more, there's still a chance that the MPC will raise rates at its November meeting.

Domestic food price inflation is still elevated, Kganyago said, and there's a high risk that food inflation will pick up again next year.

The Reserve Bank's gross domestic product outlook was unchanged, with it forecasting 1% growth this year and 1.1% next year.

The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has published a technical specification to assist local governments and communities in developing plans to respond to climate change.

The South African Technical Specification or SATS 14092, as it is known, sets out requirements and guidance for local government and communities to adapt to climate change, the bureau said in a statement. It is aligned with the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) technical specification, which has the same purpose.

"Floods, heatwaves, droughts, coastal erosion and other climate change effects have been experienced across the globe and will continue into the future.

"South Africa, in consensus with other standards bodies across the globe, have published a technical framework to assist local government and communities to identify risks and to plan for adaptation to ensure the economic, environmental, and social wellbeing of communities," said Sadhvir Bissoon, acting CEO of the SABS.

The technical specification is not a regulation - and does not replace any environmental legislation.

".However, it is a comprehensive document or tool that provides a global standard to ensure the identification and mitigation of risks associated with climate change," said Bissoon.

The technical specification provides examples of adaptation plans and a detailed, step-by-step process for local government to manage and develop plans to reduce or prevent the risks of climate change, the SABS said. The specification also encourages monitoring on the impact of climate change to inform the plans that are developed.

The standard can be purchased from the SABS.

Climate change will make extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts and flooding more severe and frequent. Last year, scientists found that heavy rainfall that led to flooding in KwaZulu-Natal was made worse owing to climate change.

Coastal towns stretching between the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal were recently hit by a storm, with waves as high as 9.5 metres. It had a damaging impact to infrastructure and properties and led to the death of a 93-year-old woman.

The Western Cape government, meanwhile, has said it will establish a task team focused on addressing climate impacts such as extreme and intense droughts and floods.

Democratic Alliance (DA) Shadow Minister for Public Service and Administration Dr Leon Schreiber has urged South Africans to help drive electoral support for the African National Congress (ANC) to below 50% next year, so that his party can pass into law a Bill to end cadre deployment, said to be critical in stifling corruption.

The DA's End Cadre Deployment Bill was rejected by a thin margin of two votes in Parliament on Tuesday.

ANC members, as well as Pan African Congress members, voted against the Bill.

Schreiber believes that the ANC majority in Parliament is the only thing that continues to sustain cadre deployment corruption and he blamed President Cyril Ramaphosa for abandoning any remaining pretence of opposing corruption.

"Were it not for the ANC still having a slim majority based on the outcome of the 2019 election, Parliament would have abolished cadre deployment today. This strikingly confirms the urgency of South Africans registering to vote in 2024, so that we can finally break the ANC majority that is now the only thing that continues to sustain cadre deployment corruption," said Schreiber.

He believes that the outcome of Tuesday's vote confirms "beyond any doubt" that the promises made, and "lip service paid" by Ramaphosa to fighting corruption and State capture were "lies".

The 'Thuma Mina' slogan is yet to produce any tangible results, he said, as corruption persists and people implicated in the State Capture Commission report have not faced the full might of the law.

The DA thanked parties that voted in favour of the Bill, and noted that various opposition leaders spoke strongly in favour of the "lifeline" offered to South Africa through this Bill.