Category: English

Source: Government of South Africa

While the tax administration is undergoing significant digital transformation globally, the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) has highlighted the critical role of the Ombud in ensuring fairness, equality and accountability in the evolution of tax administration.

“As we look to the future, we must remember technology is a tool, not an end. A truly modern tax system is not only fast and efficient it is inclusive, transparent, and just,” Office of the Tax Ombud’s Acting CEO Mmamelao Malakalaka said on Monday.

Addressing the 12th Annual Tax Indaba in Johannesburg, Malakalaka said research shows while urban taxpayers may benefit from these advances, those in rural or underserved areas may struggle with internet connectivity, device access, or digital literacy.

“Also, this digital divide is not just about internet access it’s about the capacity to navigate, trust, and benefit from digital systems. The elderly, rural communities, low-income taxpayers, and small businesses may face barriers.

“As an institution mandated to safeguard taxpayer rights, the OTO must take proactive steps to ensure that digitisation does not come at the expense of fairness, transparency or access to justice,” the Acting CEO said.

She warned that as tax systems modernise; they bring both efficiency and new risks.  

“While the South African Revenue Service (SARS) advances toward a more digitised, Artificial intelligence (AI) driven tax environment, fraudsters are also evolving, exploiting new loopholes in the system. Oversight bodies like the OTO must ensure that innovation does not come at the cost of taxpayer rights, transparency, or accountability.

“One major example is our current investigation into eFiling profile hijackings, a growing form of identity theft where fraudsters gain control of a taxpayer’s profile, change key details, and divert refunds,” Malakalaka said.

The OTO is currently investigating a number eFiling profile hijacking cases.

“The OTO is actively monitoring this matter, conducting investigations, collaborating with SARS and stakeholders, and has expanded its systemic investigation team to respond effectively to these emerging digital risks.

“Tax practitioners and taxpayers have reported to the OTO that the SARS eBooking system is frequently inaccessible due to errors, timeouts, or technical issues, and that there is limited availability of appointment slots.

“The OTO is listening closely to SARS’s response and … is committed to monitoring this situation. If improvements are not made, the OTO may consider opening a systemic investigation next year,” she said.

This demonstrates the OTO’s commitment to actively listening and addressing challenges to ensure digitisation does not create barriers to fairness and access.

“As part of the global Tax Administration 3.0 evolution, SARS and other tax authorities are exploring the use of AI technologies for audits and assessments. Tax practitioners have expressed concern about the potential for bias and error in AI algorithms. From experiences in banking and other sectors, we know that AI algorithms can sometimes be biased or incorrect.

“The OTO is aware of these risks and is preparing to oversee the use of AI within tax administration to ensure transparency and fairness are maintained,” Malakalaka said.

She emphasised that the evolution of tax administration in developed countries offers valuable lessons, but also serves as a cautionary tale. 

“We must adopt best practices, adapt them to our unique context, and guard against the unintended consequences of digital transformation.

“We too are modernising and digitising our own complaint-handling systems, improving online access, and investing in data analytics to better detect systemic issues. But in doing so, we are determined not to create new barriers for taxpayers who may have limited digital access or skills.,” the Acting CEO said. –SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

As the country observes Women’s Month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is celebrating the specialised units and teams who go above and beyond the call of duty to protect women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

Today, the spotlight is on the Port Alfred Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit in the Eastern Cape.

Since August 2024 to date, the investigators have collectively placed 39 sexual offenders behind bars with five life terms sentences and an additional 382 years’ imprisonment.

Constable Sandra Catherine is one of the investigators attached to the Port Alfred FCS unit, with a conviction rate of 78.57% for 2024/2025 financial year. 

She is responsible for investigating serial rape cases, including sexual cases against children across Eastern Cape.

Her thorough investigation and high work ethic secured two life terms and an additional 25 years’ imprisonment that was imposed against the convicted serial rapist, Nkosikona Sandi (28), in the Makhanda High Court on 30 May 2025. 

Sandi, infamously known as the Nemato Serial Rapist, was convicted on multiple counts of rape and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Catherine’s investigation led her to link Sandi with the DNA evidence to a broader pattern of violent criminal conduct, including several rapes and aggravated robberies spanning from 2016 to 2019 in Nemato Township, Port Alfred. 

Her high moral standing and immeasurable desire to serve and protect vulnerable groups, especially women and children, serve as an inspiration to Catherine’s colleagues, victims of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), and the greater community of Ndlambe.

“I have a passion to seek justice for victims of gender-based violence and femicide, and to protect vulnerable members of society as well as ensure that those who commit crimes against them are brought to justice,” the Constable said. 

“I will always be the voice to the voiceless and pillar for those who need it. I hope that this sentence will bring comfort and a certain degree of closure to the survivors, families, as well as the communities,” she said.

Furthermore, Unit Commander Captain Candice du Preez emphasised that the Port Alfred FCS unit continues to demonstrate unwavering commitment to fight for justice for victims of GBVF and to put behind bars individuals who commit heinous crime against vulnerable group, especially women, children and people underscore the critical work of this team.

“To secure lengthy sentences against perpetrators of GBVF, it takes hard work, dedication, teamwork, and working long hours piecing evidence together as well as to present watertight cases before the court of law.  I am so proud to be a commander of this unit,” said du Preez. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, August 11, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

The National Convention Organising Committee has stressed that the upcoming National Convention, set to kick off on Friday, will be driven by ordinary South Africans, not government.

Briefing the media on Monday on preparations for the first national convention of the National Dialogue, Chairperson of the Convention Organising Committee, Boichoko Ditlhake said the convention would be a citizen-led process. 

“The most important thing is that South Africans must take over the process, refine it, determine and perfect it starting with the convention going forward,” Ditlhake said. 

He explained that every ward in South Africa will become a space for democratic engagement, as it is expected that each of the 4 300 wards will have at least three dialogues. These will be small, accessible dialogues in community halls, schools, churches and open spaces. There will also be thousands of sectoral and theme-based dialogues. 

“To ensure that the National Dialogue has real impact, the outcomes framework of the public dialogues will focus on radical change, rapid response and rebuilding the nation. An important part of the discussion will be on how to institutionalise the outcomes of the National Dialogue.

“We call upon on all South Africans to join this process as we seek to address the challenges that face our country and define a better future for all our people,” he said. 

The first National Convention which will be held on 15 and 16 August 2025 at the UNISA main campus, marks the start of the National Dialogue process. The National Dialogue itself will take the form of public dialogues across the country in communities and sectors over several months. 

The first National Convention is intended to discuss the need for and value of a National Dialogue, outline and agree on the key themes for discussion in the National Dialogue and establish a Steering Committee. 

It is also intended to agree on the approach and modalities for the nation-wide public dialogues at sectoral and community level.

Ditlhake explained that provision has been made for 1000 delegates and to date, 755 individuals have been invited from over 30 sectors and over 200 organisations. 

He added that as at yesterday, 557 people from 28 sectors had confirmed attendance. 

Responding to a question about whether any activities were redirected following the withdrawal of some foundations from the Preparatory Task Team, he said none had been redirected. Instead, they had accelerated certain initiatives that had previously been moving slowly. 

Ditlhake explained that a Convention Organising Committee has now been formed comprising representatives from civil society, social partners, NEDLAC, UNISA and the Presidency to undertake the outstanding work to organise and run the convention. 

He said a number of structures work together to support and coordinate the process. 

An Inter-Ministerial Committee, which is chaired by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, comprises all relevant government departments to coordinate government’s contribution.

“A Steering Committee will be established at the first National Convention. Comprised of various sectors, the Steering Committee will set the strategic priorities and coordinate the implementation of the National Dialogue process.

“A Secretariat, housed at Nedlac, is responsible for the day-to-day management of National Dialogue activities and will report to the Steering Committee,” he said. 

Since April 2025, a Preparatory Task Team has been responsible for preparing for the first National Convention. It was established as an interim structure pending the establishment of a broadly inclusive Steering Committee representing all sectors. It has been composed of members of the foundations of struggle stalwarts and representatives of the President.

The Convention Organising Committee includes volunteers from around 20 civil society organisations.

“As the Convention Organising Committee, our task is to ensure that this National Dialogue process is handed over to a broadly representative Steering Committee that will be established at the first National Convention. 

“There is no need for unnecessary delays.  We must move swiftly to hand over the process to civil society and citizen organisations that have genuine interest in solving the challenges our country is facing.  We must not allow any grouping to control a process that should truly belong to citizens and society in general,” he said. 

Budget and costs for the National Convention

Since embarking on this journey, the Chairperson explained that they have witnessed and received overwhelming support and contributions from many stakeholders which has helped to reduce the costs of the National Convention. 

He announced that UNISA will be hosting the first National Convention and provide associated goods and services free of charge. 

“Donations have been received for the National Dialogue digital platform. Other goods and services, such as the venue, screens for public viewing, and rail and road transport, are being provided at no cost,” he said. 

The reduced costs associated with the hosting of the National Dialogue and the funding plan are done with the intention to reduce the burden on the fiscus.

“The total budget for the National Dialogue will be developed as the structure and form of the community dialogues are finalised by the convention, and will depend on in-kind contributions, donations and other resources that can be mobilised from various stakeholders across all sectors of our society.

“All budgetary processes regarding the National Convention adhere to the Public Finance Management Act. The main costs for the upcoming convention are funded from the existing budgets of NEDLAC and the Presidency for secretariat support, communications and logistics,” he said. 

Spokesperson for the National Convention Rev Zwoitwaho Nevhutalu said the R700 million that was being reported on was a budget prepared by the PTT. 

“It’s not a government budget. The conceptual framework of how the dialogue is going to be funded was that 60% will be funded by the government, from the fiscals, and 40% will be funded in cash and in kind by donors. It’s still a budget; there’s no finality because, in terms of the government components, Treasury is still discussing it in the state.” 

Nevhutalu said most of the money was going to fund community dialogues at ward and sectoral levels. He emphasised that no procurement process would be abused. 

“The government has given those guarantees. I think we should be able to take their commitment in good faith,” Nevhutalu said. He added that the most significant donation made so far was from Unisa. 

“We also know, for instance, other NGO’s have donated in kind, their time, resources, travelling, Kagiso Trust has also donated. They have made a donation so far of about R2 million that they have put into the process,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Police operations have led to the arrest of 74 suspects across Gauteng, said the South African Police Service (SAPS).

In a statement on Monday, Gauteng police said the arrests were made from 1-7 August 2024.
“The members took part in a number of concentrated operations, vehicle checkpoints, secure escorts and intensive patrols throughout Gauteng. 

“These activities resulted in 33 arrests for serious offenses, such as common and GBH [grievous bodily harm] assault, possession of suspected stolen property, malicious property damage, driving under the influence of alcohol, violating the Immigration Act, robbery, contempt of court, bribery, domestic violence, shoplifting and theft,” said the SAPS.

About 49 hijacked and stolen motor vehicles were recovered with six arrests for the possession of these vehicles. One unlicensed firearm was recovered accompanying two arrests.

“In additional policing, 33 suspects were arrested for drug possession and trafficking. These distinct instances resulted in the seizure of cocaine, heroin, dagga crystal methamphetamine, and mandrax,” the police said.

Meanwhile, from 6-8 August 2025, Benoni Flying Squad members arrested four suspects and recovered one motorcycle.

On Wednesday at around 3pm, police followed up community information which led to a filling station on Atlas Road, Lakefield, Benoni. 

They assisted security personnel in the arrest of a 39-year-old suspect, the rider of a white Bigboy motorcycle allegedly reported stolen in an Akasia case in June.

On Thursday, police patrolling the R555 arrested a 40-year-old suspect after they found him carrying a bag containing ten plastic bags of dagga with a street value of around R2 000. 

A 35-year-old friend of the suspect approached members of Etwatwa SAPS while they were holding the suspect. He was detained after offering police R1 000 in exchange for the dagga suspect’s release.
Additionally, a 35-year-old suspect was taken into custody by police after they discovered him in possession of mandrax tablets in October Drive in Ivory Park.

Investigations are ongoing with the suspects due to appear in court. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has reaffirmed its commitment to long-term investment in Durban and the broader KwaZulu-Natal region.

The commitment was made during a recent high-level meeting with eThekwini Municipality leadership.

The meeting, attended by Mayor Cyril Xaba and TSAM President and CEO Andrew Kirby, focused on strengthening collaboration in infrastructure development and economic growth.

It also focused on critical enablers for industrial growth, including road upgrades, stable electricity supply, and improvements to water and sanitation infrastructure in the Prospecton Precinct, which is home to TSAM’s manufacturing plant.

During a meeting, Xaba was joined by City Manager Musa Mbhele, Economic Development Chairperson Thembo Ntuli, Trading Services Chairperson Mduduzi Nkosi, and Executive Committee (EXCO) member Andre Beetge.

To support industrial activity in Prospecton, Xaba said the municipality is investing over R450 million in road infrastructure projects currently at various stages of implementation.

A major water infrastructure upgrade is also underway. The project includes the replacement of a 375mm asbestos cement pipeline with a new 400mm steel pipeline to improve water supply in the area.

“In response to flood damage, over R120 million has been allocated to repair and upgrade sewer networks and pump stations. Additionally, the city has invested in refurbishing power substations that service TSAM and surrounding industries,” Xaba said.

A partnership built on trust and shared growth

Xaba described TSAM as one of eThekwini’s most significant investors, with a partnership spanning more than five decades.

“We are not taking this relationship lightly. That is why we are committed to accelerating current infrastructure projects by shortening lead times for construction and repair work,” the mayor said.

He also emphasised that the city’s dedicated support team, led by the City Manager, will continue working closely with TSAM to resolve infrastructure challenges and ensure regular progress updates.

TSAM President Andrew Kirby echoed the company’s long-standing commitment and assured the mayor that they will continue to be part of the solution to grow the city’s economy.

“Even after the catastrophic floods, it was never a consideration to leave Durban. The strength of our relationship with the city has always been a key factor,” Kirby said.

Kirby noted that TSAM contributes R18 billion in national taxes annually, with the municipality collecting over R6 million in rates from the company each year.

The municipality has pledged to collaborate with TSAM on strategic initiatives to further promote automotive manufacturing in eThekwini, reinforcing the city’s position as a hub of industrial innovation and resilience. – SAnews.gov.za