Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber says the department has expanded access to Smart ID replacement services by 47% within two months through its new digital partnership with banks.

The Minister said there are plans to roll the service out to at least 750 bank branches by the end of 2026.

Delivering the Home Affairs Budget Vote in the National Assembly on Friday, Schreiber said the digitalisation of the long-standing partnership between Home Affairs and the banking sector is already changing how citizens access critical services.

“After only eight weeks, a total of 167 bank branches across the length and breadth of South Africa now offer Smart ID replacement services, with more branches going live every week,” the Minister said.

He said the application process has been fully digitalised, allowing citizens to apply for IDs in as little as five minutes without bookings or paperwork.

“Gone are the days of spending a whole day in a queue. At these 167 bank branches, it now takes as little as five minutes to apply for an ID. No prior bookings are required. No paperwork is needed. And there is no official discretion, completely sealing the system off from manipulation and fraud by relying on the power of biometric technology,” Schreiber said.

According to the Minister, 118 434 Smart ID applications have already been processed through the new system for people replacing lost cards or switching from the Green ID book.

He said the project is key to migrating the estimated 16 million South Africans still using Green ID books to Smart IDs.

“The Green ID is the most defrauded document on the African continent and sits at the heart of financial fraud and identity theft in our country,” he said.

Schreiber also announced that first-time Smart ID and passport applications will soon be introduced through the banking platform, alongside a new doorstep delivery service.

“And we will introduce doorstep delivery of IDs and passports for the first time in South African history.
“Thanks to our laser focus on digital transformation, South Africans will shortly have the option of having their enabling document securely couriered right to their own doorstep, without the need to travel anywhere just to do a collection,” he said.

ETA system blocks nearly 4 500 illegitimate travellers

Schreiber said the department’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system has already processed more than 75 000 applications since being introduced for tourists from China, India, Mexico and Indonesia ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit last year.

The ETA allows travellers to apply for visas through smartphones or laptops and receive outcomes within 24 hours.

“This new system uses biometric and machine learning technology to enable prospective travellers to apply for a tourist visa on their laptop or smartphone and receive their visa within just 24 hours,” Schreiber said.

He explained that the system checks 40 parameters to verify passport authenticity and uses facial recognition and liveness detection technology to strengthen border security.

“Even with the rollout initially limited to just four countries, I can report today that the ETA has already processed over 75 000 applications, resulting in more than 71 000 approvals and nearly 4 500 rejections.

“Think about that for a moment. That’s almost 4 500 people who were prevented by the ETA from obtaining a visa, who may otherwise have entered our country illegitimately under the old manual and paper-based system.”

The Minister said the system will soon be expanded to more countries and eventually cover all visa categories.

Draft Digital ID regulations published for public comment

Schreiber announced that draft regulations for the department’s new Digital Identity system have been published for public comment until 6 June 2026.

READ | Have your say on digital identity draft regulations

The Digital ID forms part of the Home Affairs @ home programme and is expected to enable citizens to securely access Home Affairs services remotely through their smartphones.

“For our third flagship reform, Digital ID, we have recently published draft regulations in terms of the Identification Act.

“I invite all stakeholders to comment on these draft regulations before the closing date of 6 June, so that we can implement an appropriate and fit-for-purpose regulatory framework for this new system that will enable South Africans to securely access Home Affairs services in the palm of their own hand,” he said.

The Minister said the reforms are being supported by a digital training programme aimed at preparing thousands of officials for the future world of work.

Crackdown on corruption

Schreiber said corruption-related dismissals, arrests and convictions are now taking place at a “near-weekly basis” across the department and the Border Management Authority (BMA).

He told Parliament that since the start of the current administration, the Department of Home Affairs has secured 10 criminal convictions, 14 arrests and 65 dismissals, while the Border Management Authority has secured an additional 26 arrests and 34 dismissals.

“We are now carrying out dismissals, arrests and convictions on a near-weekly basis. Crooked officials are no longer asking whether they will be caught.

“They are spending all their time wondering when it will be their turn. My answer to them is simple: sooner than you think,” he said.

Schreiber said the department will continue rooting out corruption while intensifying immigration enforcement operations.

He said Home Affairs conducted 10 700 enforcement inspections during the past financial year under Operation New Broom, exceeding its annual target of 4 000 inspections.

“Over the past two financial years, Home Affairs has carried out nearly 110 000 deportations – an increase of 46% compared to previous years.

“This is in addition to the over 945 000 people that the BMA has prevented from entering into South Africa, either illegally or because they did not have the required documentation, since its establishment.”

R12.5 billion investment planned for border infrastructure

The Minister also announced that the Border Management Authority has selected bidders for a R12.5 billion public-private partnership to rebuild South Africa’s six busiest land ports of entry.

“Last month, the BMA announced the bidders that have been selected for a R12.5 billion public-private partnership to demolish and rebuild our country’s six busiest land ports of entry,” he said.

Schreiber said Cabinet has also approved the Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection, which introduces the first-safe-country principle aimed at preventing asylum seekers from bypassing other safe countries to seek refuge in South Africa.

“By implementing the Revised White Paper, we will introduce the first-safe-country-principle to end the practice of asylum seekers ‘picking and choosing’ South Africa as their only destination in the region,” he said.

The Minister said the reforms were strengthened by a recent Constitutional Court judgment confirming that asylum seekers cannot submit endless repeat applications after their original applications are rejected.

IEC receives additional R1.1 billion for elections

Schreiber said the Home Affairs Budget Vote includes an additional R1.1 billion allocation for the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to prepare for the upcoming local government elections.

“The national voter registration campaign will officially launch on 27 May 2026 under the message: ‘Get Up, Show Up, Vote,’” he said.

He added that more than 6 100 field workers have already been deployed across five provinces to assist with registration activities in municipalities affected by ward delimitation and voting district changes.

The elections will be held on 4 November 2026.

The Home Affairs budget totals R13.8 billion for the 2026/27 financial year, R12.8 billion for 2027/28, and R13.3 billion for 2028/29. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Agriculture has allocated R3.2 billion to food security and farmer support programmes, the largest share of its 2025/26 Budget Vote, as government intensifies efforts to drive inclusion, productivity and job creation across the sector.

Presenting the department’s Budget Vote in Parliament on Friday, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said the allocation to Programme Three, Food Security and Support, underscores the central role of farmer support and extension services in unlocking productivity and inclusion. 

Programme Two, covering biosecurity, research and natural resource management, has been allocated R2.5 billion, with a significant portion directed towards strengthening research, diagnostics and export compliance systems.

“Of this amount, approximately R494 million has already been spent, with a remaining balance of R1.607 billion earmarked for the continuation and expansion of the vaccination programme,” the Minister said.

Programme Four, Economic Development, Trade and Marketing, was allocated R924 million to continue driving market access, addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers, and supporting the integration of producers into higher-value segments of the market.

Unlocking jobs across the value chain

Steenhuisen said the budget is aligned with government’s broader target of expanding agricultural value-add by 30% and unlocking 300 000 jobs across the value chain.

He highlighted that the sector already supports close to 950 000 jobs across the value chain, with additional employment gains driven through targeted interventions. 

The Blended Finance Scheme, implemented in partnership with development finance institutions, has supported over 14 000 jobs, including about 7 869 through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), and more than 6 480 via the Land Bank.

Further employment is being created through government’s extension support initiatives, with 370 Assistant Agricultural Practitioners already deployed to strengthen frontline advisory services to farming communities across the country. 

A total of R306 million has been set aside over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework toward the employment of Assistant Agricultural Practitioners working alongside provincial departments.

Steenhuisen highlighted the role of agro-processing and energy-linked initiatives in driving future employment. 

The Agro-Energy Fund is supporting investment in irrigation and cold-chain infrastructure, while the proposed biofuels blending programme could generate up to 25 000 jobs, particularly in rural areas.

“Growth in agriculture must translate into real opportunities on the ground. This budget is directed at deepening value chains, expanding market access and ensuring that more South Africans participate meaningfully in the sector.”

Agricultural exports reached R268.7 billion

The Minister also noted continued export growth as a key driver of economic activity. 

Agricultural exports reached R268.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting a 9% year-on-year increase and a trade surplus of R24.6 billion for the period.

South Africa has also expanded its global footprint, securing new market access for products including citrus, table grapes and stone fruit in countries such as China, the Philippines and Vietnam. 

The country recently became the world’s largest citrus exporter by volume, shipping 2.9 million tons in 2025.

Government is investing in regulatory reform and biosecurity to sustain export competitiveness.

The Minister said the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), which received the largest share of entity funding, is scaling up local vaccine production to support disease control, including efforts to combat foot-and-mouth disease.

He emphasised the importance of strengthening domestic capacity to safeguard the livestock industry and ensuring long-term sustainability.

The budget also prioritises smallholder integration into formal markets. 

Through the SA-GAP (South African Good Agricultural Practices) certification programme, implemented with the Perishable Products Export Control Board, 740 producers have been supported, with plans to reach 1 700 more farmers in the coming year.

Despite progress, the Minister acknowledged that structural challenges remain, including uneven transformation and concentration in key subsectors.

“Agriculture has always been a sector of quiet resilience. But in the years ahead, it must become a sector of deliberate growth. Growth that is inclusive, export-oriented, and translates into jobs, investment, and opportunity,” Steenhuisen said.

He added that government would continue to focus on improving infrastructure, expanding market access and strengthening partnerships across the value chain to ensure that growth translates into jobs, investment and broader economic opportunity. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is stepping up for sports supporters travelling to soccer and rugby matches at stadiums this weekend by offering a convenient and affordable transport service.

“A big weekend of sport deserves a big response from us. We are proud to be the most affordable mobility partner of choice for South African sports fans, bringing people to the game safely, affordably and on time. Whether you’re heading to Orlando Stadium, Loftus Versfeld — PRASA is there for you,” Group CEO Hishaam Emeran said on Friday.

On Saturday, Orlando Pirates will take on Durban City FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto. 

PRASA trains will transport Orlando Pirates supporters to Orlando Stadium for the Betway Premiership clash against Durban City FC, with shuttle services operating from the Midway, Naledi and Johannesburg corridors.

Services begin at 12 pm from the Johannesburg–Midway corridor, with additional shuttles from 13:15 on the Naledi–New Canada and Midway–New Canada routes, all running until 19:00.

Meanwhile, the Vodacom Bulls will face Benetton Rugby in Pretoria at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday in the United Rugby Championship.

Rugby fans travelling to Loftus Versfeld for the Vodacom United Rugby Championship match can board a PRASA train every 20 minutes between 13:00 and 19:30, with seamless connections available via the Gautrain or e-hailing services at Pretoria Station.

On Sunday, Mamelodi Sundowns will take on AS FAR in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld.

PRASA will operate special services from the Saulsville, Pienaarspoort, De Wildt and Mabopane corridors to Pretoria Station, with shuttle trains to Loftus Station running every 20 minutes from 13:00 to 19:30. –SAnews.gov.za

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The 11 suspects arrested in connection with an alleged large-scale illegal drug manufacturing facility will appear in the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court again in the North West next week, the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (HAWKS) said on Friday.

“The eleven suspects’ case was postponed for seven days for interpreters, verification of immigration status and possible formal bail application during their first appearance before the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court this morning, 15 May 2026, facing charges related to drug manufacturing, illegal possession of precious metals, illegal possession of hazardous materials and contravention of the Immigration Act,” the Hawks said.

The case has been postponed to next Friday, 22 May. 

READ | North West drug accused 11 to appear in court 

The 11, who are made up of five Mexican nationals, two Mozambican nationals, one Zimbabwean national, and three South African citizens were nabbed on Wednesday, 13 May 2026.

Their arrest follows an intelligence-driven operation conducted by Crime Intelligence Head Office, Organized Crime Head Office, and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s (DPCI) South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) based at Head Office and other stakeholders.

The operation led to the discovery of a large-scale illegal drug manufacturing facility believed to be involved in the production of methamphetamine. During the operation, law enforcement officers seized tons of equipment and chemicals used in the manufacturing of illegal drugs, as well as three firearms.

“They were remanded in custody,” said the Hawks adding that forensic experts are still processing the crime scene.

“However, approximately 481 kilograms of methamphetamine with an estimated street value amounting to millions of rands has thus far been confiscated. It is anticipated that the quantity may increase once the entire scene has been thoroughly processed. The estimated value of the illicit drug laboratory exceeds R1 billion.”

In addition, preliminary investigations indicate that the discovered laboratory is the fourth drug laboratory in South Africa with alleged Mexican links.

“At this stage, the owners of the property have not yet been located. However, the owner’s son and other relatives were among those arrested. The owners are currently required for questioning as investigations continue,” said the Hawks. – SAnews.gov.za 
 

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has noted with serious concern a video circulating on social media depicting women allegedly handling and cocking firearms inside a house.

“From the video, it appears that the women may not be properly trained or authorised to handle firearms. SAPS therefore warns that the reckless handling and misuse of firearms pose a serious danger to both the individuals involved and members of the public,” the police said in a statement on Friday.

It further added that in terms of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000, any person handling or using a firearm must be legally authorised to do so and must be in possession of a valid firearm licence or permit where applicable.

Firearm owners also have a legal responsibility to ensure that their firearms are not accessed or used by individuals who do not possess the necessary competency certificates or firearm licences.

“The registered owner of a firearm may face criminal charges if found to have allowed unauthorised persons access to the firearm. The implications may also be significant where the object involved is a toy gun, imitation firearm, or blank gun, particularly if it is used in a manner that creates fear, intimidation, or the reasonable perception that it is a real firearm,” it explained.

The SAPS reminded the public that firearms are not toys and should never be used recklessly, displayed irresponsibly, or handled for entertainment purposes, including for social media content.

The public can report any illegal possession, misuse, or reckless handling of firearms to their nearest police station or anonymously through the Crime Stop number 08600 10111. – SAnews.gov.za

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With South Africa’s municipalities buckling under myriad challenges, President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that local government is “the axis on which our entire economy turns” and that it must now “rise anew from the ground up”.

The President delivered an address at the closing session of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Taking Parliament to the People programme, held in the Matlosana Local Municipality in the North West province.

He did not mince words about the scale of the crisis, declaring that poor municipal performance is not just a service delivery problem but a direct threat to jobs, investment and national prosperity.

“Local government is critical in ensuring that people have water and sanitation, electricity, roads, clinics and community services. Local government is critical in determining where companies choose to establish their offices, factories, shops and outlets. 

“When companies choose to close down and move elsewhere because of poor services, jobs and livelihoods are lost and the local economy suffers. When local government works, when municipalities are well-managed and deliver on their mandates, cities, towns and villages thrive,” President Ramaphosa said.

As such, the President added, local government isn’t just a platform for development, but it is the “axis on which our entire economy turns”.

“We are determined that local government must rise anew from the ground up. Municipalities must be able to fulfil their role of building inclusive communities, expanding opportunity and upholding the dignity of all.

“To do so, it is not enough to merely paper over the cracks. Simply allocating more budgets or hiring more people is not enough, important though these may be. We have to fundamentally transform the way local government works and how it is structured. The structures developed in the past may not serve us anymore.

“We have to change how local government coordinates with national and provincial government for proper planning. We have to relook at the manner in which accountability and consequence management has been enforced in instances of non-performance,” he said.

Furthermore, government must “reclaim the constitutional spirit that is meant to guide all the affairs of local government”, where the citizenry is central through consultation and active participation in decision-making.

The President told the gathering of the draft White Paper on Local Government that proposes four major reforms, including binding intergovernmental coordination, stricter financial accountability and the professionalisation of municipal appointments.

“When there have been failures, municipalities have been able to blame each other. The aim now is to create a system where roles, responsibilities and lines of accountability are clear.

“The second issue is to make intergovernmental coordination binding, in line with the Constitution. The different spheres of government will be expected to work together on resolving problems at local level instead of in silos.

“The third issue is to reform and tighten municipal finance systems. Municipalities will be held to a stricter account on how and where they spend public money, particularly on maintaining essential infrastructure. The draft White Paper also proposes an overhaul of municipal billing and revenue collection,” President Ramaphosa explained.

The fourth challenge will be to “bring local government into the digital age” through digitisation and strengthening of data systems that are “able to facilitate and monitor service delivery”.

Rooting out corruption, ingraining accountability

The President reiterated government’s stance that corruption will not be tolerated, vowing that there will be “tougher consequence management for corruption and maladministration”.

“We must declare the days of patronage and factional politics in local government over.

“The days of those with political ambition colluding with corrupt business people to loot municipalities are over. We can no longer allow municipal infrastructure to be deliberately ruined so that preferred private companies can take over critical functions like providing water.

“This is the people’s government. Our task is to make it work for the people. Not for politicians. Not for connected businesspeople. Not for vested interests,” he warned.

Now, the President added, meaningful participation with citizens will be a hallmark with communities, businesses, civil society organisations and traditional leaders roped in as meaningful partners in rebuilding municipalities.

“Meaningful public participation in local government must be a structured partnership. We are going to be looking at the different ways in which all of society can play a more direct role in shaping how local government is administered. 

“Our country has entered a new era of hope and promise. Our economy is recovering. Investors are increasingly seeing South Africa as a favourable place in which to do business.

“Over the past few years, we have faced moments where our resolve has been sorely tested, including a global pandemic and an energy crisis. By working together, we have been able to weather these storms and emerge stronger,” the President stated.

Citing the recent flooding events in the country and how South Africans pooled together to assist those in need, the President said this proves without doubt that “we will fix local government so it can assume its rightful place as the beating heart of our democracy”.

“We must take our people’s concerns back to our offices, our legislatures and our councils, and act on them. When the next session of Taking Parliament to the People comes around, we must be able to show what we have done.

“This is about restoring confidence and trust in our government and our democracy.

“A government based on the will of the people is the promise of our democracy. It is the promise of our Constitution. And as all South Africans, we must be determined to honour it, now and into the future,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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