SOUTH AFRICA — The South African Cabinet has announced significant national progress across public health, energy reliability, and economic development, highlighted by preparations for a new tuberculosis (TB) vaccine and major operational milestones at Eskom. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni briefed the media on Friday, detailing how these strategic advancements are positioning South Africa […]
SOUTH AFRICA — The South African Cabinet has announced significant national progress across public health, energy reliability, and economic development, highlighted by preparations for a new tuberculosis (TB) vaccine and major operational milestones at Eskom. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni briefed the media on Friday, detailing how these strategic advancements are positioning South Africa for sustained economic growth and improved public services.
Public Health and TB Vaccine Development
South Africa is actively preparing for the potential registration and rollout of a new TB vaccine currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials. Minister Ntshavheni confirmed that the government is ready to introduce the vaccine pending successful trial outcomes, a development that could substantially aid in eliminating TB as a public health threat. Additionally, the Cabinet endorsed a new agreement with the Serum Institute of India to manufacture TB vaccines for global distribution. This partnership is designed to bolster South Africa’s domestic vaccine manufacturing capabilities, foster innovation, and stimulate job creation and economic growth.
Eskom Achieves Load Reduction Milestones
The Cabinet reported substantial improvements in Eskom’s generation performance, noting that the power utility has surpassed a critical milestone in its load reduction eradication program. Eskom has achieved load reduction status in seven provinces ahead of the October 2026 target. According to Minister Ntshavheni, approximately 1.2 million customers have been restored to normal supply conditions, lowering the proportion of affected customers to just 6.8% of Eskom’s total customer base.
Furthermore, Eskom has drastically cut its diesel reliance, with year-on-year expenditure plummeting by over 83%—from R5.92 billion to R992 million—while Open Cycle Gas Turbine usage decreased from 8.67% to 1.10%. This sharp decline in diesel consumption underscores sustained fleet performance improvements and a more resilient power system. Consequently, South Africa has recorded 467 consecutive days without loadshedding since 16 May 2025. The Energy Availability Factor has also reached its highest point since 2020, returning approximately 6,100 megawatts of generation capacity to the national grid and reducing unplanned outages by nearly 40% year-on-year.
The Cabinet has also urged citizens to submit comments on the Draft Revised Electricity Pricing Policy, which aims to lower electricity costs while maintaining cost-reflective tariffs and safeguarding vulnerable households and strategic economic sectors.
R1.99 Trillion Infrastructure Pipeline
Highlighting domestic economic development, the Cabinet commended South Africa’s successful hosting of the 5th Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa (SIDSSA) in Cape Town. The symposium identified 263 infrastructure projects valued at R1.99 trillion, currently in various stages of development and implementation. Over the preceding 18 months, 37 of these projects, valued at R69 billion, have been successfully completed, directly supporting job creation and economic expansion.
Trade and Investment Expansions
In international trade, the Cabinet welcomed the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until 31 December 2028. This extension secures preferential market access for eligible South African products to the United States, providing certainty for local exporters and fostering deeper trade and investment ties.
Domestically, a landmark agreement between South Africa and India will expand treatment options for South African fresh citrus exports, concluding nearly a decade of negotiations. This accord grants citrus producers enhanced logistical flexibility to boost exports to India. In 2025, South Africa exported 2.9 million tonnes of citrus, generating US$2.1 billion in revenue.
Digital Visa System Implementation
Finally, the Cabinet announced the launch of South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) platform, marking a major step in the digital transformation of the nation’s visa and immigration systems. By replacing manual visa processes with a streamlined digital framework, the ETA integrates biometric verification and advanced technology. This upgrade is designed to strengthen border security, optimize migration management, and elevate South Africa’s competitiveness as a premier destination for tourism, business, and foreign investment.
