Africa's richest country sees farm exports to the US jump 26% before tariff hit
South Africa's agricultural exports to the US increased by 26% to $161 million in Q2 due to a strong harvest and elevated global commodity prices.
Agricultural exports overall rose 10% to $3.71 billion year-on-year, driven by citrus, wine, fruit juices, and nuts.
Washington imposed a 30% tariff on South African imports on August 7, posing challenges to the agricultural sector.
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The South African
a minute ago
- The South African
KwaZulu-Natal to face mixed weather with showers and rising heat
Forecasters predict a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms in KwaZulu-Natal this week as a weak cold front brushes the eastern parts of the country. While the rainfall may be scattered, it could provide relief from the rising heat in the northern areas of the province. 'We expect some showers and thunderstorms, mainly in the interior and northern regions of KwaZulu-Natal,' said forecaster Mpho Rasimphi. 'However, these will not be widespread, and some areas will remain hot and dry.' Motorists are urged to be cautious as fog patches are expected in the mornings, reducing visibility in parts of the interior. Eastern towns and low-lying areas could be most affected. 'Morning fog could cause hazardous driving conditions, especially during peak travel hours,' Rasimphi warned. 'Drivers should reduce speed and keep safe distances.' Despite the chance of rain, parts of KwaZulu-Natal will still heat up as the week progresses, with coastal cities like Durban and Richards Bay expected to record lows of 16°C overnight and hot afternoons. 'While we do expect isolated rainfall, the broader trend remains hot afternoons, especially moving towards the northern interior,' said Rasimphi. Residents are advised to prepare for fluctuating conditions between cloudy mornings and hot, dry afternoons. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

The Age
an hour ago
- The Age
Heaviest ODI defeat in Australia since 1991: Proteas spinner's brilliance triggers Aussie collapse
Latest posts Pinned post from yesterday 9.54pm Proteas spinner's brilliance triggers Aussie collapse A career-best haul from veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj has inspired South Africa to a crushing 98-run win over Australia in the first ODI in Cairns. With Australia cruising at 0-60 chasing the Proteas' 8-296, Maharaj wreaked havoc during a stunning spell as the hosts lost 6-29 in 55 balls at Cazaly's Stadium. The 35-year-old bowled his 10 overs unchanged - at one stage having 5-9 - to finish with 5-33. It was the first five-wicket haul of his ODI career and he was aptly named player of the match. Maharaj's efforts were the fourth-best ODI numbers by a South African bowler in Australia. Debutant Prenelan Subrayen, a right-arm off-spinner, started Australia's collapse by getting the dangerous Travis Head stumped for 27. Captain Mitch Marsh played a lone hand from the top as none of Australia's middle-order reached double figures. While Marsh remained at the crease, Australia had an outside chance of pulling off a remarkable win. But when Marsh fell for 88 to Nandre Burger (2-54), it was only a matter of time before the Proteas secured victory and bowled Australia out for 198 in the 41st over. Spin, unexpectedly, dominated in Cairns, after Travis Head's part-timers also proved hard to handle. Australia's aggressive opening batter took 4-57, claiming opener Ryan Rickelton (33), as well as Tristan Stubbs (0) and rising star Dewald Brevis (6) within three balls. The Proteas need no reminder of Head's bowling capabilities after he took two crucial wickets in Australia's thrilling World Cup semi-final win in 2023. Rickelton made a productive start with World Test Championship final hero Aiden Markram, the pair putting on 92 for the opening wicket. Markram (82) played flawlessly for his first 80 balls, but fell to a stock-standard delivery from Ben Dwarshuis (2-53) when seemingly headed for a fourth ODI century. WTC-winning captain Temba Bavuma returned for his first match since the historic final at Lord's two months ago, crafting a patient 65 before being bowled by Dwarshuis when trying to lift the run-rate with four overs left. Allrounder Wiaan Mulder, fresh off his extraordinary 367 not out in a Test against Zimbabwe last month, delivered in the final overs with a blazing unbeaten 31. Earlier, South Africa suffered a major blow, losing spearhead Kagiso Rabada for the three-match series. The 30-year-old will miss the 50-over games in north Queensland due to an ankle injury. Australia fielded first after Marsh won the toss and elected to send the Proteas in to bat. When captaining Australia, Marsh has won the toss 21 times and chosen to field every time. Australia opted to play Alex Carey as a specialist batter, electing to use Josh Inglis as the wicketkeeper instead of their Test gloveman. But Carey and Inglis both fell to Maharaj, playing poor shots to get out. The second ODI will take place in Mackay on Friday. yesterday 9.45pm That's a wrap Thanks for joining us tonight. A brilliant win for South Africa, who take a 1-0 lead in the best of three series. Half centuries from Aiden Markram (82 from 81), captain Temba Bavuma (65 from 74) and Matthew Breetzke (57 from 56) helped the Proteas to 8-296, before left-arm orthodox spinner Keshav Maharaj delivered the fourth best ODI figures by an overseas bowler in Australia. There will certainly be plenty of questions for Australia's top order to answer after losing 6-29 from overs eight to 17. Labuschagne (1), Green (3), Inglis (5), Carey (0) and Hardie (4) all missed out. We'll be back for more blog action on Friday. Catch you then. Cheers! Marsh reacts to Australia's heaviest defeat on home soil since 1991 yesterday 9.23pm Australia bowled out for 198 as South Africa seal 98-run win There it is. Adam Zampa is bowled by Lungi Ngidi for 11. Australia have slumped to a 98-run loss after Keshav Maharaj (5-33) tore through their top order. That's four defeats on the trot for Australia against South Africa in ODIs. It's also Australia heaviest ODI defeat on home soil (in terms of runs) since 1991. Ouch. yesterday 9.20pm Ellis is out but it was missing leg Ellis is given out lbw. But replays show it was missing leg. Australia don't have any reviews left. Not ideal, but it wouldn't have made a difference. Could have if Mitch Marsh was still in and the game was on the line. Australia 9-197 yesterday 9.17pm Australia need 101 off the last 10 overs Anyone up for a miracle? Ellis and Zampa are doing their best but they're 100-1 to get the job done here. Good stat from the Fox crew. Australia haven't lost an ODI in Australia by more than 100 runs since 1991 against India. Mark Waugh reckons this was always a bat first deck. Keep in mind Mitch Marsh has never won the toss and elected to bat as a captain in international cricket. Maybe time to re-think that strategy? Ellis whacks a six over long-off from the final ball of the 40th over, which is bowled by Prenelan Subrayen. Australia 8-196 after 40 overs yesterday 9.05pm Marsh is out for 88 Oh dear. Australia's run chase is in tatters as Marsh edges behind for a well-made 88. Tried to pull Burger but gets a top edge that flies through to Rickelton with the gloves on. He doesn't look happy. Didn't get a lot of assistance from his mates at the top, so can't be too hard on himself. A little kid goes for a fist bump near the fence but Marsh isn't having a bar of it and fair enough. Australia 8-174, require 123 off 82 balls. yesterday 8.57pm A look at Mitch Marsh's best ODI knocks Can the man affectionately known as 'Bison' make it four ODI centuries? yesterday 8.52pm Ellis almost departs Ellis survives an LBW shout. Firstly on field. Then a DRS which was umpire's call to a ball clipping the stumps. He'd better get a wriggle on. Now one off nine balls, with Marsh on 79 from 85 balls. yesterday 8.44pm Dwarshuis is out for 33 A decent innings from Dwarshuis comes to an end as he pulls one to mid-wicket. Burger, after unflattering figures of 0-48 from five, gets the breakthrough. Dwarshuis may have been lucky to survive a stumping shout too. It's a big ask now for Australia. All falls on Mitch Marsh as Nathan Ellis comes to the crease.

IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Indian Embassy in Pretoria Celebrates 79th Independence Day, Showcasing Strong India–South Africa Partnership
Bilateral trade between South Africa and India has reached USD 18 billion, making South Africa India's top trading partner in Africa. Image: File The Embassy of India in South Africa celebrated India's 79th Independence Day on 15 August 2025 with patriotic pride, cultural vibrancy, and renewed emphasis on strengthening the India–South Africa partnership. The day's events brought together diplomats, South African dignitaries, parliamentarians, and the Indian diaspora in Pretoria, underscoring the enduring friendship between the two nations. The celebrations began with the hoisting of the tricolour at India House, where around 200 members of the Indian community and friends of India gathered to pay tribute to the nation's freedom fighters. Later in the day, the High Commission hosted a National Day Reception at the chancery. The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, H.E. Solly Malatsi, graced the occasion as the chief guest, representing the Government of South Africa. The South African National Defence Force's National Ceremonial Guard Band captivated the audience with stirring renditions of Indian and South African patriotic songs, setting the tone for an evening of camaraderie and pride. Welcoming the gathering, India's High Commissioner to South Africa, H.E. Prabhat Kumar, reflected on India's remarkable economic journey. 'From a USD 270 billion economy three decades ago to USD 4 trillion today, India now stands as the world's fourth-largest economy. By 2047, when we celebrate 100 years of independence, India aims to become a USD 30–35 trillion economy. We invite South Africa to be a key partner in this journey,' he said. Ambassador Kumar emphasised that India and South Africa's friendship is rooted in a shared struggle against colonial oppression, inspired by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. He highlighted ongoing collaborations in digital technology, defence, and energy, as well as thriving people-to-people connections. Bilateral trade has already reached USD 18 billion, making South Africa India's leading trading partner in Africa. He also noted recent milestones in cooperation, including agreements between Eskom and Tata Power, the Gandhi–Mandela Centre of Specialisation in Pretoria providing skills to South African youth, growing defence engagements such as the IBSAMAR maritime exercise, and expanding cultural and tourism exchanges. In his keynote address, Minister Malatsi praised India's achievements and enduring spirit. He began by extending condolences to the people of India for the recent tragic aircraft crash. Reflecting on history, he noted: 'It was here in South Africa that Gandhi refined satyagraha, the philosophy of non-violent resistance, which later inspired Nelson Mandela. These ideals continue to guide our nations in pursuing justice, dignity, and equality.' The minister highlighted India's leadership in technology, space exploration, and innovation. 'India's expertise enriches our bilateral relations, particularly in digital technology and infrastructure, which hold the promise of new opportunities and the hope of improving the lives of millions of South Africans,' he said. The celebration concluded with traditional Indian cultural performances and cuisine, fostering a spirit of cultural exchange and friendship. Closing the evening, Ambassador Kumar affirmed: 'Together, India and South Africa are amplifying the voice of the Global South and building a future of shared prosperity.'