Category: Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has used the weekly newsletter to galvanise South Africans to dedicate their Mandela Day to acts of service, including feeding the hungry and comforting those who need it the most.

International Mandela Day is commemorated annually on Former President Nelson Mandela’s birthday, July 18.

“In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly declared 18 July Nelson Mandela International Day… It is a global day of action to harness Madiba’s legacy in service of a challenge that confronts most nations: the fight against poverty, inequality and injustice. 

“This year, we ask every South African to heed that call. Let us give our 67 minutes through acts of service that feed the hungry, comfort the lonely or support the elderly. Let us lend our skills and time to the organisations that serve our communities every day. These acts matter because they change lives,” President Ramaphosa said.

He noted that overcoming poverty, as the former President said, is not an act of charity but an “act of justice”.

“On this Mandela Day, let us also recommit ourselves to the difficult task of ending poverty and inequality in our country and in our world. 

“Among other things, this means transforming the rules and institutions that govern the world’s finances so that they serve the needs of developing economies, not only the wealthiest. It means ensuring that the commitments made to the countries bearing the heaviest burden of climate change are honoured and strengthened,” the President said.

A government at work

On the world stage, the South African government used its G20 Presidency last year to put inequality firmly on the global agenda, commissioning the first ever-report on global inequality to G20 to world leaders. That work continues.

“We are now working with other countries and institutions to establish an International Panel on Inequality to monitor global inequality, assess its causes and consequences and recommend the policies needed to reverse it.

“No nation can overcome inequality alone. We need coordinated multilateral action, rooted in solidarity and shared responsibility,” President Ramaphosa said.

Locally, the President said Mandela Day serves as a reminder to refocus efforts by sustaining investment in education, health and “prioritising the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable”.

“We must continue to direct energy and resources towards strengthening early learning in our schools and completing the overhaul of our skills development system. At the same time, we must continue to build a health care system that provides quality care to all who need it, regardless of their ability to pay. 

“To tackle poverty and inequality, we must ensure that our laws and policies protect workers and that our regulatory environment encourages investment.

“At the same time, we are continuing to improve our social protection system and helping people build livelihoods, gain skills and find work through our public and social employment programmes,” President Ramaphosa said.

He called on South Africans to work with government to renew resolve to “tackle the poverty and inequality that make such service necessary in the first place”.

“Madiba taught us that building a just, caring and inclusive society is not the work of governments alone. It is the work of ordinary people performing extraordinary acts of compassion, courage and service. As Madiba said: ‘It is now in your hands’.

“Let the acts of service that we undertake this week be part of the foundation on which we build a better country and a better world for all,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has opened the broader phase of the 2026 tax filing season, allowing provisional and non-provisional taxpayers to submit their income tax returns.

The filing season began on 1 July with the auto-assessment period, which ran until 12 July 2026 for taxpayers with less complex tax affairs.

Provisional taxpayers and trusts have until 22 January 2027 to file their returns.

“SARS encourages taxpayers to do a pre–Filing Season health check by confirming that their personal details, banking particulars, contact information, and tax affairs are up to date. A closed bank account, missing third-party data submission, or an outstanding return from a previous year can all delay an otherwise smooth outcome.

“By resolving these matters early through SARS’s digital channels, taxpayers place themselves in the best position for a seamless Filing Season experience.”

The revenue service said there is no need for taxpayers to take a day off work or take a taxi to visit a SARS Service Centre.

Taxpayers are urged to use enhanced digital channels first before considering a visit to a SARS Service Centre. 

In case taxpayers need to visit a Service Centre, they can book an appointment online via the SARS website; by calling 0800 00 7277 and selecting option 0; or by sending an SMS to 47277 with “Booking” followed by an ID or passport number. 

Although taxpayers are encouraged to book appointments before visiting a Service Centre, those without an appointment will be served after those who have made an appointment.

SARS has also cautioned taxpayers to remain vigilant against scams during the filing season.

“You need to be aware of email and SMS scams. In the run-up to Filing Season, there will be many attempts from scammers to mimic what we do and try and get your personal details, or to pay money into an account,” the revenue service said.

SARS said it will never request passwords, one-time PINs (OTPs), banking PINs or eFiling login credentials through email, SMS, social media or telephone.

“Taxpayers must use only official SARS channels and verify the credentials of any tax practitioner before sharing personal information,” the revenue service said.

The income tax return filing dates are as follows:

• Auto Assessments: 1 July to 12 July 2026
• Non-provisional individuals: 13 July to 23 October 2026
• Provisional taxpayers: 13 July 2026 to 22 January 2027
• Trusts: 19 September 2026 to 22 January 2027

SARS has advised provisional taxpayers to file early, gather supporting documents in advance and submit accurate returns on time.

A provisional taxpayer earns additional income, such as from a business, freelance work, investments or rental property, and pays tax in advance in two or more instalments based on estimated income.

A non-provisional taxpayer typically earns a salary or wage from an employer, with PAYE deducted, and usually files one tax return a year.

The revenue service said taxpayers should prepare well ahead of the deadline to avoid rushed or incomplete submissions.

Changes for the 2026 filing season include:

• Less capturing, more prefilled data: Some information, such as investment income, will already be filled in on the form, saving taxpayers time.
• Simpler, easier-to-understand questions: The form has been simplified with fewer repeated questions and clearer wording to help taxpayers complete it correctly.
• Better guidance on residency status: New questions and date fields will help taxpayers provide the correct information about their residency.
• Easier medical aid selection: A dropdown list of approved medical aid schemes will help taxpayers choose the correct option and avoid mistakes.
• WhatsApp access: Taxpayers can check their auto-assessment status through WhatsApp. Auto-assessed taxpayers who do not use email or eFiling can also receive their Notice of Assessment (ITA34), Statement of Account (SOA) and upload supporting documents through WhatsApp.
• Improved eFiling experience: The Income Tax Return (ITR12) has been updated with a new look and feel to make navigation easier. Taxpayers will also find quick links to their Notice of Assessment (ITA34) and clearer messages if a return is overdue.
• Fewer verification issues: A new declaration alert questionnaire will help identify and resolve issues earlier, reducing the chances of a return being selected for verification.

SARS said the changes are aimed at making the filing experience smoother and helping taxpayers get it right the first time.

Taxpayers who need assistance can use the following channels:

• Those unsure whether they need to submit a return can use the “Do you need to submit a return?” tool on the SARS website (https://www.sars.gov.za/types-of-tax/personal-income-tax/do-you-need-to-submit-a-return/).
• Taxpayers can watch tutorial videos on the SARS YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/sarstax) for guidance on how to file.
• Taxpayers who need to visit a SARS Service Centre should book an appointment before their visit (https://www.sars.gov.za/contact-us/make-an-appointment/).
• Taxpayers may also visit SARS Mobile Tax Units and pop-ups in different regions.
• Those who have forgotten their password can reset it online through the eFiling website by selecting “Forgot Password” or “Forgot Username”.

–SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast partly cloudy conditions over the central and eastern parts of the country, with isolated rain and showers possible over the eastern parts on Monday.

A warning for possible severe thunderstorms over the Mpumalanga Highveld has been issued for Monday afternoon.

The thunderstorms may cause localised flooding of low-lying areas, roads and bridges, as well as large amounts of small hail and damaging winds. This could damage settlements and infrastructure across most of Mpumalanga, except the Lowveld.

“A surface high-pressure system is expected to dominate over the central and eastern parts of the country, with a cold front slipping south of the country on Friday, and a surface trough over the west coast into the northern interior of the country,” SAWS said. –SAnews.gov.za

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The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has in a statement placed on record the correct facts regarding media reports alleging that it is investigating the Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane.

“The DPCI confirms that it is not investigating the Acting National Commissioner,” the DPCI said in a statement.

“The complaint received by the DPCI is linked to an existing matter that is currently handled by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).

“In accordance with established procedures and to prevent duplication of investigations, the complaint submitted to the DPCI was referred to IDAC for further consideration and the complainant was informed accordingly,” the DPCI said.

The DPCI explained that the referral of the complaint does not constitute the registration of a criminal case or the initiation of a criminal investigation by the DPCI.

“It was merely referred to the IDAC because of the existing investigation,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim has formally handed over written complaints and enquiries from students at the University of South Africa (Unisa) to the institution’s management.

These highlight concerns over delays in National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Personal Care Allowance payments and the discontinuation of monthly data allowances.

The complaints, submitted through the Deputy Minister’s Helpdesk, detailed widespread frustration among students over delayed July’s Personal Care Allowance payments and ongoing data and connectivity challenges, which remain critical for distance-learning students. More than 93 000 Unisa students have been affected by the delays.

During a recent meeting attended by Cassim, Unisa management, student leaders, and NSFAS representatives, it was confirmed that NSFAS transferred the required funds to Unisa on 2 July 2026. However, the university experienced a system glitch that delayed the processing of payments for some students.

According to Unisa, the technical issue was resolved on Monday, 6 July 2026, and outstanding payments are currently being processed.

The Deputy Minister said students should not have been subjected to delays, particularly given the limited value of the Personal Care Allowance.

“If we are being honest, R316 per month for a distance-learning student, which is less than the Social Relief Grant, is simply not enough, given the resources students need to succeed academically. However, these are policy issues, which can only be changed through the annual NSFAS policy review process,” Cassim said.

Key outcomes and action items

The engagement resulted in several commitments aimed at addressing immediate challenges and improving coordination between NSFAS and Unisa.

Cassim will write to NSFAS Administrator Professor Hlengani Mathebula, requesting a comprehensive briefing on allowance payment schedules to institutions.

Cassim noted that the Unisa incident exposed weaknesses in the current process, with NSFAS transferring funds only after the start of each month, leaving institutions with limited time to process student payments. He called for a review of payment schedules to ensure better alignment.

NSFAS also committed to deploying its finance department team to Unisa next week to reconcile outstanding payments and resolve other financial matters affecting the two institutions.

Unisa management further undertook to arrange a direct engagement between Cassim and the Unisa student body to provide Cassim with an opportunity to listen to students directly and understand the issues first-hand.

Policy review opportunities

Cassim said the annual NSFAS policy review process, together with the forthcoming review of the NSFAS Act, presents an opportunity to address several longstanding issues affecting distance-learning students.

These include the exclusion of Unisa students registered for fewer than 10 modules from receiving allowances, the insufficiency of the R316 Personal Care Allowance, the absence of additional allowances beyond Personal Care and once-off book allowances, and the funding model of distance learning institutions like Unisa.

Cassim said the visit has strengthened his understanding of these challenges, which will guide his contributions to the processes at the appropriate time.

Call to restore monthly data support

Cassim also urged the Unisa Council to reconsider its decision to discontinue monthly data allowances, emphasising that affordable and reliable internet access is essential for academic success in a distance-learning environment.

While welcoming the Council’s efforts to negotiate with private sector partners to provide low-cost data, Cassim maintained that a sustainable solution is needed to ensure that students receive regular monthly data allocations.

Cassim reaffirmed his commitment to the Helpdesk, describing it as a vital “helping hand” that provides swift, personalised support to students by escalating queries and grievances and driving meaningful solutions.

“The concerns of our students are valid and must be addressed with urgency and empathy. We will continue to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to find sustainable solutions that ensure that no student is left behind,” he said.

The Deputy Minister also raised additional complaints received through the DM’s Helpdesk, including allegations that some students had received less than the full R316 Personal Care Allowance.

The university denied the allegations, despite being presented with evidence during the meeting, and requested that all reported cases be forwarded to assess each case individually and provide responses where necessary. – SAnews.gov.za

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By Sihle Manda

When Sipho Manzini completed matric in 2007, he envisioned a life as a geologist. Growing up on a farm near White River in Mpumalanga, he never imagined that he would one day become an award-winning educator whose innovation would help transform the way teachers work in schools.

Today, the Mfuleni High School teacher is the developer of WebAdmin, an artificial intelligence-(AI) powered digital platform that is helping educators streamline administrative tasks, improve organisation and integrate technology into their daily work. His innovation earned him national recognition at the 2025 National Batho Pele and Innovation Awards, where he received the bronze award in the category of Innovations Harnessing Technology for Frontline Services. He also received the Special Ministerial Award – Public Sector Trailblazers.

The awards, hosted by the Department of Public Service and Administration and the Centre for Public Service Innovation, recognise public servants who go beyond the call of duty to advance front-line service delivery through innovation, ethical conduct and dedication.

For Manzini, however, the journey to this achievement began far from the bright lights of the awards stage.

Humble beginnings

Born and raised in Mbombela, he attended primary school on a farm, but because there was no nearby high school, he had to relocate to the village of Mgaduzweni, situated between White River and Hazyview, where he completed his secondary education.

After matriculating, he secured admission at Stellenbosch University in 2010, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in geology.

“In my final year, we had a programming module. I liked it and, after I graduated, I decided to take it further and explore the technology space,” he recalls.

Although he graduated in 2016 with aspirations of becoming a geologist, the path ahead proved challenging. He had a short-lived stint working in the industry before attempting entrepreneurship, which ultimately did not succeed.

“I was advised that I could do a PGCE [Postgraduate Certificate in Education], which would allow me to become an educator.”

In 2020, he enrolled in the PGCE – a decision that would ultimately change the course of his career. Two years later, he completed a postgraduate qualification in Business Administration and entered the teaching profession.

His transition into education was eye-opening.

“The teaching journey has been very interesting. Every day I get to deal with the different personalities of teenagers. It is a different world to the one I was anticipating when I pursued my degree.”

Outdated systems

What struck Manzini most was how little school administrative processes had changed over the years. The profession, he realised, still operated much as it had when he himself was a learner – with paper-heavy, manual systems that often made the work feel disorganised and difficult to manage. Rather than accept that as the norm, he saw an opportunity to use his technical skills to improve the way schools functioned.

That realisation planted the seed for what would later become WebAdmin – a digital system that could bring greater structure and organisation to everyday school processes.

What started as a simple idea gradually evolved into a comprehensive solution. Drawing on the programming skills he had developed after university, Manzini spent nearly two years building the platform.

“It was not a fully fledged idea from the start. It was very small. It just kept growing and growing until I had a fully developed digital system.”

Innovative solutions

The AI-powered platform gives educators access to digital workstations through their smartphones or laptops, making daily administrative tasks far easier to manage. Integrated with a customised smart card – also developed by Manzini – the system allows teachers to handle class registers, staff attendance, learner activities and a range of other administrative functions from one central platform.

By reducing the school’s reliance on paperwork, the platform has made administration more efficient, accessible and organised.

What began at Mfuleni High School has since grown into a wider district initiative. The platform is now being used in 13 schools across the Metro North District, with more than 250 teachers actively using it to improve teaching and streamline their workflow.

But despite its success, the journey has not been without obstacles.

According to Manzini, one of the biggest challenges has been encouraging educators to move away from long-established paper-based systems and embrace a new way of working.

“I may have developed the system, but on the ground it is very hard to get other schools to buy into it or make them understand that there might be a better alternative to paper”.

*This article first appeared in Public Sector Magazine
 

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