Category: English

Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni says government is committed to creating an environment that enables small businesses to thrive.

“Over the course of this seventh administration, we will, as the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) and the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEDFA), provide financial and non-financial support to one million Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs),” Ndabeni said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the 14^th Annual Proudly SA Buy Local Summit and Expo held at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, Ndabeni said the government will implement the Red Tape Reduction Framework and continue to support municipalities in adopting the E-Registration System.

The Red Tape Reduction Framework provides municipalities and businesses with practical tools and resources to address municipal red tape issues to improve the business environment for small businesses. 

The E-Registration System Program intends to reduce significant red tape and to create a more straightforward, efficient, and easily accessible business registration system across districts and local governments. 

“We will improve access to enabling business infrastructure and equipment and will scale-up access to finance for MSMEs across all segments, working closely with other Development finance institutions (DFIs), banks and non-bank financial institutions,” Ndabeni said. 

Ndabeni said government will be looking to better integrate financial offerings with improved market and investment readiness support, as well as with post-investment support for business sustainability.

“MSMEs play a crucial role in addressing some of our country’s biggest challenges, including unemployment and inequality. Every rand spent at a local business helps circulate money within our economy, enabling businesses to grow, employ more people, and build communities. 

“MSMEs employ millions of people, with most reports suggesting this could be as high as 60% of employed persons in the country. They create pathways for young people entering the workforce, they empower women entrepreneurs, and they prop up local economies across the length and breadth of South Africa.

“They give innovative ideas the chance to grow into commercially thriving enterprises. But these MSMEs can only succeed when communities support them,” she said.

The Minister emphasised that when locally produced products are purchased, it helps a small business owner to pay wages, expand their operations and reinvest in the community. 

“That purchase might help someone hire a new employee, train an apprentice or open another store. We will ensure that the new Business Licensing Bill makes it easier, not more difficult, to start and operate a small business in South Africa. 

“We have the talent and the quality but still seem enamoured with global brands. This is where Proudly SA plays such an important role, and I encourage you to pick up your promotional and advocacy work to profile our local brands,” the Minister said.

Ndabeni urged the government to support e-commerce platforms that promote locally produced goods.

“The global online platforms that offer our consumers cheap mass- produced goods at a fraction of our production costs are a real threat, and we have engaged with relevant countries through our bilateral trade negotiations. 

“We have also intensified our war on the illicit goods which leak through our ports of entry and are produced in backyard factories here at home,” the minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

73 views

Convicted murderer and rapist Thulani Gcaleka has been rearrested following his escape from custody just over a month ago.

According to the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Gcaleka was rearrested in Gauteng during the early hours of Tuesday after escaping from the Sevontein Correctional Centre, under the Pietermaritzburg Management Area in KwaZulu-Natal.

“The National Commissioner, Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, established a dedicated Track and Tracing Team within his office to focus on high-profile and high-risk escapees.

“This specialised team works to augment and support existing regional capabilities, ensuring a coordinated and intensified response to such incidents. The rearrest of offender Gcaleka is a direct result of these strengthened efforts,” the department said.

The offender escaped while he was part of a cleaning work team assigned to duties at the prison farm.

He is serving a life sentence for attempted murder, attempted rape, rape, common robbery and housebreaking with the intent to commit an offence.

“The department reiterates that escaping from lawful custody is a serious offence and will not be tolerated. Escapees pose a significant risk to public safety, and the department remains resolute in ensuring that all those who evade custody are swiftly traced and returned.

“Offender Gcaleka will face additional criminal charges arising from his escape from lawful custody. Internally, he will be reclassified to a higher security category and transferred to a maximum-security correctional facility,” the DCS added.

Following the escape, DCS announced that an internal investigation was underway to determine the circumstances leading to the incident.

“[Now], the Department confirms that disciplinary processes related to the circumstances surrounding the escape are ongoing, to ensure that appropriate action is taken against those found to have been negligent or complicit,” the DCS stated. – SAnews.gov.za

 

26 views

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the keynote address at the News24 On the Record Summit kicking off on Thursday.

The summit will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) under the theme: “5 million jobs in 10 years”.

“The aim of the summit is to find practical solutions that will reach this employment target in 10 years.

“In support of the National Dialogue announced by President Ramaphosa, this News24 gathering involves small groups of expert practitioners in areas that have an impact on growth and jobs,” a Presidency statement on Tuesday said.

A wide range of participants including South African businesspeople, civil society representatives, civil servants, trade union leaders, key international stakeholders and political leaders are expected to attend.

“The On the Record summit follows a nine-month research project undertaken by News24 and the Africa Centre to consult around 60 influential South Africans across academia, business and civil society on tangible solutions that could be implemented to create five million jobs in the next decade,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

21 views

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has executed search and seizure and preservation orders to secure evidence and assets against six people alleged to have under-declared taxable income exceeding R45 million, resulting in income-tax prejudice of about R18 million.

SARS has been investigating allegations that customs-inspection teams colluded with clearing agents and importers to manipulate physical inspections in exchange for cash bribes.

The latest actions taken by SARS relate to six current and former SARS employees and related taxpayers and traders.

According to SARS, the persons in question allegedly failed to comply with their statutory obligations as taxpayers by participating in a corrupt scheme that has directly prejudiced all honest taxpayers and traders and the fiscus.

“We cannot tolerate any acts of corruption. This is a red line that no one must cross, and no position inside or outside SARS places anyone above the law.

“Where evidence points to criminality, SARS will detect and pursue it, disrupt the scheme, and recover what is owed to the fiscus,” SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said on Tuesday in a statement.

The law enforcement operation demonstrates that SARS is fully behind the National Illicit Economy Disruption Programme announced by President Ramaphosa in his  State of the Nation Address (SONA). 

“SARS is committed to eradicating all forms of corruption, collusion, and criminal subversion of customs and tax processes, internally and externally. SARS’s Illicit Economy Strategy prioritises corruption and fraud in government departments.”

The revenue service said it is disrupting and dismantling the illicit economy, organised corruption, and fraud linked to customs and tax processes. 

“These crimes damage and displace legitimate economic activities. Economic growth, job creation, and prosperity for all South Africans are at stake. 

“SARS’s enforcement actions align with the organisation’s strategic objective to make compliance easier and noncompliance hard and costly. 

“To give full effect to the National Illicit Economy Disruption Programme, SARS will work with  South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority to yield successful criminal investigations and prosecutions.”

Kieswetter praised teams involved in the investigation and reiterated that SARS exists to serve South Africans. 

“Far too many of our employees work diligently, with utmost dedication and integrity, in pursuit of that higher purpose, for their efforts to be undermined by a few who choose to collude with criminals,” he said.

The Commissioner stressed that corrupt officials betray public trust and undermine the state. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

 

 

64 views

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to preside over the presentation of title deeds to claimant groups who were previously dispossessed of their land rights in KwaZulu-Natal.

The ceremony will be held on Friday at uMzimkhulu in the province’s Harry Gwala District Municipality.

“The handover ceremony, which represents the reinstatement of the affected communities’ rights in terms of the Restitution of Land Rights Act. 

“The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, led by Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso, will restore over 17 000 hectares of land to four claimant communities: the St Paul Community, the Ngunjini Community, the Ndzimankulu/Vierkant Community, and the Lawrence Family,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The statement noted that the handover marks a “significant milestone in government’s ongoing efforts to redress historical land dispossession and restore land rights to rightful beneficiaries”.

Furthermore, the ceremony will also demonstrate government’s commitment to “advancing human dignity, freedom, and an inclusive economy grounded in equitable spatial justice”.

“The event will also acknowledge progress made in resolving land claims and transferring land ownership to beneficiary communities.

“Land restitution remains a critical mechanism for addressing the injustices of the past by restoring access to land rights, including ownership and opportunities for sustainable development.

“This contributes to improved household welfare, economic growth, poverty alleviation, and a better quality of life for affected communities,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

54 views

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has dismissed as false and misleading a social media claim alleging that a student received a payment of R630 434.44 from the scheme.

In a statement, NSFAS said preliminary verification indicates that the image circulating online has been manipulated and appears to be AI-generated and does not correspond with any legitimate NSFAS transaction.

The scheme confirmed that no such payment has been made by NSFAS.

According to NSFAS, the student in question created this content for social media purposes, likely to gain traction as part of content creation opportunities on digital platforms.

NSFAS further clarified that the scheme does not disburse large lump-sum payments directly to students. Funding allocations are paid directly to universities, which then administer approved student allowances in accordance with established funding guidelines.

“These systems are governed by strict financial controls and oversight mechanisms,” NSFAS said.

The scheme has assured students, institutions, and the public that its systems remain secure and that no irregular payment or breach associated with this claim has occurred.

NSFAS added that the creation and circulation of false or misleading information that misrepresents its operations is taken seriously. The scheme warned that it reserves the right to pursue appropriate legal action against individuals who deliberately create or distribute misinformation that harms its reputation and integrity.

Members of the public have been urged to rely on official NSFAS communication platforms for verified information. – SAnews.gov.za

36 views

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecast shows that cloudy and cool conditions will persist over the eastern parts of the country, with scattered rain and showers possible over Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng on Tuesday. 

Otherwise, partly cloudy and warm conditions are expected with isolated showers and thundershowers over the central and southern parts of the country, but scattered over the Western Cape and the western half of the Eastern Cape.

For Wednesday and Thursday, cloudy and cool conditions are expected in the east. 

Otherwise, partly cloudy and warm to hot with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers possible over the central and eastern parts of the country.

“Members of the public and stakeholders are strongly urged to continuously monitor official SAWS forecasts and warnings, as warnings will be updated as the likelihood and severity of impacts become clearer. The public is also advised to remain cautious of unauthorised or unverified information sources and refrain from distributing such information further,” the weather service said.

Possible flooding due to heavy downpours:

Tuesday – low to medium chance of heavy rain in the Northern Cape, Western Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. 

Wednesday –  Medium chance of heavy rain in the Eastern Cape, eastern parts of the Western Cape and eastern parts of the North West. 

Thursday –  Low to medium chance of heavy rain in Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, eastern parts of the Western Cape and Mpumalanga. 

Friday – Medium chance of heavy rain in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and southern parts of the Free State. 

Saturday – medium chance of rain in the Free State, eastern half of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. 

Sunday – Low to medium chance of heavy rain in the northern parts of the Northern Cape and North West. 

Possible severe thunderstorms:

Tuesday – low to medium chance of severe thunderstorms in the Northern Cape, Western Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

Wednesday – Low chance of severe thunderstorms in the Eastern Cape, eastern parts of Western Cape and eastern parts of North West.

Thursday – Low to medium chance of severe thunderstorms in the Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, eastern parts of the Western Cape and Mpumalanga.

Friday – Medium chance of severe thunderstorms in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and southern parts of the Free State.

Saturday – Low to medium chance of severe thunderstorms in the Free State, eastern half of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Sunday – Low to medium chance of severe thunderstorms in the northern parts of the Northern Cape and North West. 

–SAnews.gov.za

 

47 views

What started as a response to persistent waste and sanitation challenges in Sondela informal settlement has evolved into a beacon of hope, dignity, and sustainability through the Phepafatso Project.

Spearheaded with the support of Community Development Worker (CDW), Deliwe Makhuba, the initiative is changing lives by turning waste into opportunity, improving sanitation, promoting environmental awareness, and strengthening food security within the community.

The Community Development Workers – under the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) in the North West – continue to play a pivotal role in driving such grassroots development.

Acting as a bridge between government and communities, CDWs empower residents, facilitate access to services, and promote self-reliance through community-led solutions.

In Sondela, Makhuba’s hands-on approach and close collaboration with residents have been instrumental in shaping the Phepafatso Project into a sustainable and impactful initiative.

“Through this programme, the organisation conducts awareness campaigns in schools and within the community on responsible waste management and the importance of waste separation.

“Community members are also mobilised to participate in clean-up campaigns and to transform illegal dumping sites into productive green spaces, including vegetable gardens that contribute to improved household food security,” said Ipeleng Mokotelakwena, Project Coordinator.

A standout feature of the project is its innovative sanitation solution, designed to address the challenges associated with basic sanitation in informal settlements. The system separates liquid and solid waste, enabling solid waste to be safely processed and converted into fertiliser for use in community gardens, closing the loop between sanitation and food production.

This approach not only addresses critical sanitation challenges but also promotes environmental sustainability and supports local agriculture development.

The project was initially established with the support of Doctors Without Borders, an international humanitarian organisation that previously implemented a Gender-Based Violence programme in Rustenburg.

Upon concluding its intervention, the organisation sought to leave behind a sustainable initiative that would continue to support former employees, beneficiaries, and residents of the Sondela community.

The success of the Phepafatso Project has drawn national attention. It was recently showcased to Community Development Workers from different provinces during the Quarterly National Coordinators Forum held at Sun City Resort.

The forum serves as a key national platform where Community Development Workers showcase successful community-based initiatives that have been established and nurtured through their direct engagement with communities.

The Quarterly National Coordinators Forum engaged on strengthening the Community Development Worker Programme and sharing best practices that advance community-driven development.

As the Phepafatso Project continues to grow, it stands as a testament to how local leadership, community participation, and innovative thinking can turn everyday challenges into lasting solutions. – SAnews.gov.za

20 views