Cabinet updates: trade, NDC, Giyani water progress

Cabinet announced multiple decisions including approval to publish South Africa’s second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for consultation and accession to the Afreximbank Establishment Agreement.

• Climate and water infrastructure actions (confirmed): Cabinet approved publication of the second NDC proposing a GHG emissions target range of 320 – 380 mt CO2 eq in 2035; approved a government-wide approach led by the dtic on CBAM engagement. The Giyani Water Services Project comprises 325 km of bulk pipelines to supply 55 villages, is 90.23% complete, with pressure testing/commissioning remaining, expected completion by September 2025; prior works (Nandoni-Nsami pipeline and WTWs refurbishment) were completed in Dec 2023/June 2024 and the completed interventions cost an estimated R6 billion funded by DWS.

• Trade and economic measures (confirmed/planned): Cabinet noted 30% tariffs against South Africa expected from 7 August 2025 (to be reviewed once a Framework Deal with the USA is reached); President Ramaphosa contacted President Trump to bolster negotiations. Government actions include establishing an Export Support Desk, a Localisation Support Fund (LSF), an Export and Competitiveness Support Programme (ECSP) with working-capital and plant/equipment facilities, and publishing a draft Block Exemption for Exporters by end of the week. Nigeria committed to finalise commercial terms for crude oil allocations to South Africa by end of August 2025.