Parks Tau
Parks Tau is a South African politician who serves as Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition. He is a member of the African National Congress and has held various senior positions in government and party structures. Tau previously served as Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, a role in which he oversaw the implementation of government programmes and policy coordination. Before entering national government, he was executive mayor of Johannesburg from 2011 to 2016, where he led the city's administration during a period of significant infrastructure development and economic challenges. His tenure as mayor saw him engage with issues of urban governance, service delivery and municipal finance. Tau has been involved in trade and industrial policy matters, particularly concerning tariffs, trade agreements and South Africa's participation in multilateral trade frameworks including the African Continental Free Trade Area and engagements with the World Trade Organisation. He works alongside Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and other Cabinet members on economic policy coordination. Tau's portfolio encompasses oversight of bodies such as the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa, which administers trade remedies and tariff policy. He has been active in negotiations with trading partners including the European Union, United Kingdom and United States, and in promoting sectors such as steel, renewable energy and battery manufacturing. His background in local government and national planning informs his approach to industrial strategy and trade policy.
Parks Tau Updates
EU aims to use investor roadshow to convert €12bn pledge into South African projects 
By: Terence Creamer 1st June 2026 The EU, which announced a €12-billion investment package for South Africa in October, is undertaking investment roadshows in Johannesburg, Cape... →
SABS outlines actions being taken after forensic probe confirms serious breaches
By: Terence Creamer 29th May 2026 The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) says it has accepted the findings of a much-delayed forensic investigation confirming many of the... →
Economy still highly concentrated, but positive trends abound, report shows
By: Tasneem Bulbulia 12th May 2026 South Africa’s economy remains highly concentrated, with about one-third to one-half of 228 economic subsectors still ranked as highly or... →
SA: Cyril Ramaphosa: Address by South Africa's President, at the South32 Hillside Aluminium anniversary (07/05/2026)
8th May 2026 When President Nelson Mandela opened the smelter in April 1996 he said: “The ultimate yardstick by which we must measure our efforts is the extent... →
Minister Parks Tau welcomes China’s temporary zero-tariff preference scheme for South African exports
8th May 2026 The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau welcomes the announcement by the Government of the People’s Republic of China... →
BLSA CEO calls for scrapping of BBBEE amendments to support manufacturers
By: Tasneem Bulbulia 4th May 2026 Business organisation Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) CEO Busi Mavuso has warned of possible consequences for manufacturers, from the... →
Daily Podcast – April 29, 2026
29th April 2026 Making headlines: South Africa law firms ask court to quash industry equity code Shortlists of nuclear regulator board candidates released by... →
South Africa law firms ask court to quash industry equity code
By: Bloomberg 29th April 2026 Some of South Africa’s biggest law firms have asked a court to set aside the nation’s policy governing Black ownership and representation in the... →
SA: Cyril Ramaphosa: Address by South Africa's President, at the SA- Spain business forum, during working visit to the Kingdom of Spain (17/04/2026)
17th April 2026 This visit reflects the strength of our longstanding partnership and our shared commitment to building a modern, dynamic and mutually beneficial... →
Minister Parks Tau on Northern Cape Investment and Jobs Conference
15th April 2026 The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau has described the Northern Cape as strategically placed to be South Africa's next... →
