Category: Africa

Government is working to transform the country’s housing model by developing integrated human settlements that bring people closer to employment, public services and economic opportunities. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa said this at the Cornubia Integrated Human Settlement Project milestone celebration in eThekwini on Thursday.

The President said this approach is necessary to reverse apartheid-era spatial planning, which displaced black communities to townships and settlements far from economic centres.

“We have sought to build not just houses, but human settlements. We have sought to build integrated neighbourhoods, where residents have what they need to live comfortable lives,” he said. 

The President said integrated human settlements bring together homes, schools, clinics, shops, parks and transport infrastructure, while enabling people from different income groups to live in the same neighbourhoods. 

Such developments also reduce the time and money working people spend commuting, while helping to build cohesive communities.

This year marks 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution, which affirms everyone’s right to access adequate housing.

Since the advent of democracy, government has delivered more than five million housing opportunities, with census figures showing that the proportion of households living in formal dwellings increased from 65% in 1996 to more than 88% in 2022.

However, the President acknowledged that the need for housing remains significant, with nearly four million individuals still on the national housing needs register.
“Yet the need remains great,” he said, citing population growth and rapid urbanisation as factors contributing to the demand. 

President Ramaphosa said government was pursuing new approaches to housing delivery, including expanding affordable housing, revitalising commuter rail and releasing well-located public land for housing.

Government is also introducing a model that provides subsidies for home ownership and rental in suitable areas, while supporting people to build, buy or rent their own homes.

The President said government was working to unblock stalled housing projects to ensure people were not left waiting for homes that had been promised.

Integrated housing

Cornubia is one of the developments intended to demonstrate the benefits of integrating housing with social and economic infrastructure.

Covering more than 1 300 hectares, the development includes Solomon Mahlangu Primary School, community retail facilities, sports facilities, a multi-purpose hall and a clinic, with provision for early childhood development and transport infrastructure.

READ | Flood victims to receive homes in Cornubia by mid-2027

The wider Cornubia development is expected to accommodate more than 110 000 people over the next 10 to 15 years.
Its framework plan also envisages additional social infrastructure, including schools, clinics, libraries, community halls, places of worship and police stations.

Economic activity is already emerging around the development, with construction of Phase I of the Cornubia Business Park having created around 300 jobs.

The wider project is expected to create more than 2 000 jobs.

“eThekwini is a rising star in attracting investment into KwaZulu-Natal. And with investment comes new economic opportunity for our people,” President Ramaphosa said. 

He stressed that affordable housing close to employment opportunities was particularly important at a time when many households were under pressure from the high cost of living and transport expenses.

The President called for faster implementation of the development, saying construction problems and other delays needed to be resolved.

“To get there, we need to work faster, better and smarter,” he said.

He also called for local participation in the development’s economic opportunities, including construction, maintenance and community facilities, while warning against corruption, extortion and patronage.

“We are determined that this must be done through transparent processes. We will not allow corruption, extortion or patronage,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President also called on residents to exercise their democratic right to vote in the local government elections scheduled for 4 November.

He said municipalities should maintain infrastructure, provide basic services and stand firm against construction mafias. 

“My message to incoming councillors is clear. Listen to communities and treat them as partners. Because it is through partnership that we make progress,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, has, pursuant to the powers vested in him in terms of the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995, initiated the process to appoint a National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks.

In a statement on Thursday, the Police Ministry said the Minister seeks to appoint Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi who is the Police Commissioner in KwaZulu-Natal.

In accordance with Section 17CA(1)–(3) of the Act, the appointment of the National Head of the DPCI is made by the Minister of Police, with the concurrence of Cabinet. The Act further provides for the reporting of the appointment to Parliament.

The Acting Minister has submitted a Cabinet Memorandum seeking Cabinet’s concurrence for the appointment of Mkhwanazi as the National Head of the DPCI. The Memorandum will be presented at the earliest opportunity during a Cabinet sitting.

“The DPCI plays a critical role in South Africa’s fight against organised crime, corruption, and other serious priority offences. This is a priority for the Police Reset Agenda.

 “The appointment of a National Head is important in ensuring strong leadership, strategic direction and operational effectiveness in addressing these crimes,” said the Ministry.

Currently, Lieutenant General Siphesihle Nkosi, serves as the Acting National Head of the Hawks.
– SAnews.gov.za

Employers who have not yet submitted their 2026 Employer Interim Reconciliation Declaration (EMP501) to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) are urged to do so before the closing date on 31 October 2026.

Employers are required to reconcile: 
•    Payroll information for the six months from 1 March to 31 August 2026, including Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE)
•    Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Skills Development Levy (SDL) amounts, 
•    Ensure that employee information and IRP5/IT3(a) certificates are accurate and complete.

“SARS cautions employers against leaving submissions until the final hours and urges them to allow sufficient time to address validation errors, rejected submissions, or discrepancies that could prevent them from meeting their obligations by the deadline.

“Importantly, submission does not necessarily mean completion; after submitting an EMP501, employers should check their submission status and PAYE Dashboard to confirm the reconciliation has been successfully processed.

“SARS’ message to employers is simple: submit, verify and complete, adding that employer compliance supports South Africa’s fiscal resilience,” SARS said in a statement on Thursday.

The deadline comes against the backdrop of the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), which set forth renewed focus on the sustainability of the country’s public finances.

“Employer reconciliation is more than a filing obligation but an important part of the integrity of South Africa’s revenue system.

“Every accurate declaration strengthens the quality of the information the tax system depends on and contributes to our country’s fiscal resilience,” the statement read.

The revenue service noted that it has set about modernising tax administration to make compliance progressively easier, but “with that ease comes a clear expectation that employers meet their obligations”.

“Our message ahead of 31 October is simple: submit accurately, verify the outcome and finish the job.

“The 2026 Employer Interim Filing Season also reflects SARS’ continuing work to modernise tax administration. Enhancements for the current interim PAYE filing season include changes to EMP201 and EMP501, new source codes, revised validations and enhancements to e@syFile™ Employer,” the statement continued.

Late or inaccurate compliance may expose employers to penalties and interest.

“The revenue service’s compliance approach is designed to make it easy for taxpayers to meet their obligations voluntarily, while detecting non-compliance and making non-compliance hard and costly.

“SARS thanks employers who have already fulfilled their obligations and calls on those with outstanding EMP501 declarations to act now,” the statement concluded.

Further information on the Employer Interim Reconciliation process and submission requirements can be obtained from the SARS website at www.sars.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has urged motorists to renew their vehicle licence discs ahead of the festive season, with more than 2.2 million discs due to expire in November and December.

“With traffic volumes expected to increase significantly during the festive season, motorists are urged to renew their vehicle licence discs and driving licences before their expiry dates to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure compliance with road traffic legislation,” RTMC said in a statement.

A total of 2 248 795 vehicle licence discs are due to expire over the two months. Motorists are also urged to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and that all driving and vehicle documentation is valid and up to date.

According to the RTMC, Gauteng accounts for the largest number of vehicle licence discs due for renewal, with 851 687 expected to expire in November and December.

The Western Cape follows with 374 761 discs, while KwaZulu-Natal accounts for 327 014.

Motorists can renew their vehicle licence discs online at Online.natis.gov.za and arrange for delivery to their homes or workplaces.

The RTMC said its online platform has become a preferred renewal system for many motorists, recording eight million transactions since its launch in 2022.

“Motorists are also encouraged to take advantage of the extended operating hours at RTMC Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) centres, which operate seven days a week, from Sunday to Monday, between 07:00 and 21:00.

“These extended hours provide motorists with additional opportunities to renew their driving licences ahead of the busy festive season,” RTMC added.

In addition to renewing their licences, motorists are urged to have their vehicles inspected and serviced before embarking on long-distance journeys.

Particular attention should be paid to tyres, brakes, lights, windscreen wipers and other essential safety components.

Heavy vehicle drivers are also encouraged to undergo appropriate health checks to ensure they are medically fit to drive before undertaking long-distance journeys.

“Drivers must ensure that they are adequately rested, avoid driving while fatigued, and take regular breaks during long journeys. Transport operators have a responsibility to ensure that drivers are fit for duty and that vehicles are in a safe operating condition before being dispatched.

“We emphasise that road safety begins before a journey starts. Proper planning, responsible driving behaviour, and regular vehicle maintenance are essential to reducing road crashes, injuries, and fatalities during the upcoming festive season period,” RTMC said.

Motorists are reminded to obey speed limits, maintain safe following distances, never drive under the influence of alcohol and ensure that all vehicle occupants wear seat belts.

“The road safety agency is making a special plea to all motorists to make road safety a priority this festive season. Renewing vehicle licence discs, checking vehicle roadworthiness, and ensuring that drivers are fit to travel are essential steps towards safer roads for all and reducing the carnage on our roads.” –SAnews.gov.za

The Waste Management Bureau has extended the deadline to nominate suitable persons for members of the Interim Industry Advisory Committee (Interim IAC).

“Members of the public are therefore herein notified that the date of submission of written nominations of suitable persons to be appointed to serve as members of the Interim IAC has been extended to close 30 calendar days following the publication of this Notice in the Government Gazette,” the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) said in a statement on Tuesday.

The call for nominations was published in the Government Gazette No. 54907 of Government Notice R.7636 on 26 June 2026. 

“The call is for the nomination of suitable members to serve in the Interim IIAC to advise on governance and operational matters pertaining to the management of waste tyres, until a new Industry Waste Tyre Management Plan is approved, in terms of section 28 or section 29 of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008), ” the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) said on Thursday.

The Bureau manages South Africa’s waste tyre sector and End-of-Life Tyres (ELTs), funded through a national tyre environmental levy. 

The purpose of the extension of the call for nominations is because the department received very low responses to the initial call for nominations, which responses are insufficient for the establishment of the Interim IAC. 

“Written nominations of suitable persons to be appointed to serve as members of the Interim IAC may therefore be submitted to the addresses, and in line with the requirements, depicted in the now extended Government Notice published in the Government Gazette. 

Members of the public who have already submitted their written nominations do not have to resubmit. 

For a copy of the initial call for nominations and/or the extension Notice published in the Government Gazette, and for any other enquiry in connection with this media statement, kindly contact Mr D Vukela via email: Dvukela@dffe.gov.za / Cell: 076 178 9263 

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (Act No. 4 of 2013). 

Comments received and responses thereto will be included in the comments and response report, which may be made available to the public. 

“If a commenting party has any objection to his or her name, or the name of the represented company/organisation, being made publicly available in any comments and responses report, such objection should be highlighted as part of the comments submitted,” the department said. –SAnews.gov.za

The Police Ministry has intensified its engagements with key stakeholders to assess and strengthen policing readiness ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE), with the primary objective of ensuring that the elections take place in a safe, secure and peaceful environment.

The LGE will be held on 4 November, 2026.  

The Ministry has been receiving regular briefings from the South African Police Service (SAPS) top management, led by the National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, as well as the NATJOINTS Co-Chairperson, Lieutenant General Mosikili, on the state of readiness and the measures being implemented to ensure effective coordination among law enforcement agencies.

The Ministry has also broadened its stakeholder engagements beyond law enforcement structures. 

On Monday, 26 October 2026, a virtual meeting was held with Premiers and Members of Executive Councils (MECs) responsible for community safety across the country. This engagement was aimed at strengthening intergovernmental cooperation and ensuring a coordinated approach to election security across all provinces.

On Wednesday, the Ministry further engaged with representatives of the private security industry through the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA), recognising the important role that private security companies can play, within their respective mandates, in complementing broader efforts to maintain safety and security during the electoral period.

“These engagements will continue in the lead-up to the Local Government Elections to assess provincial preparedness, identify potential risks and ensure that appropriate operational plans are in place to address emerging challenges. 

“The Ministry remains committed to supporting all efforts to ensure that eligible voters can exercise their democratic right to vote freely and without fear, intimidation or disruption,” the police Ministry said in a statement.

Cancer patients in the Eastern Cape will have improved access to specialised treatment, following the opening of a R416 million oncology centre at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha.

The state-of-the-art facility brings chemotherapy, radiotherapy, brachytherapy and specialised inpatient care closer to patients, particularly those from OR Tambo, Alfred Nzo, Chris Hani and Joe Gqabi districts.

Previously, patients requiring radiotherapy had to be referred from Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital to oncology centres in KuGompo City and Gqeberha, resulting in long-distance travel and extended periods away from their families during treatment.

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government, led by Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane and Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa, will officially open the facility later today.

Equipped with two linear accelerator (LINAC) machines, the centre has 68 dedicated inpatient beds, comprising 30 beds for female oncology patients, 30 for male patients and eight paediatric and neonatal oncology beds.

The facility also includes an outpatient department with consultation rooms, counselling facilities and resuscitation capacity, as well as a dedicated oncology pharmacy with chemotherapy mixing and dispensing areas.

Additional facilities include chemotherapy treatment areas, isolation rooms, procedure and treatment rooms, nursing stations, patient holding areas and recovery facilities to support patients throughout their treatment.

A suspended link bridge connects the new centre to the existing hospital, providing access to supporting services such as radiology, laboratories, theatres and the Central Sterile Services Department.

The provincial government said the building has been designed to accommodate two additional floors in future, allowing for expansion as demand for specialised cancer treatment grows.

The opening marks a significant step in expanding access to specialised healthcare in the province, particularly for communities that have historically had to travel long distances to receive cancer treatment. – SAnews.gov.za