Category: South Africa Government

As the Easter Holiday period gets into full swing, the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) urgers the cross-border road transport operators to remain alert while transporting passengers and goods across the borders to various parts of the continent.

This as the agency has heightened the deployment of its law enforcement unit, the Road Transport Inspectorate (RTI)  to major corridors that lead to border posts which link South Africa with neighbouring countries. 

“It is our collective  responsibility as law enforcement authorities, motorists and general road users to ensure accident-free roads during the Easter period and beyond. It is for this reason that we have deployed our RTI and heightened our law enforcement operations and related activities on all major routes in the country to ensure compliance,” said CEO of the C-BRTA, Lwazi Mboyi.

This  heightened deployment is meant to match the expected high traffic volumes in respect of freight and passenger vehicles as well as to ensure compliance to relevant road rules. 

At the launch of the 2026 Easter Season Road Safety Campaign in March, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy called on the C-BRTA to heighten its law enforcement activities and for the RTI to increase its visibility along all major corridors that lead to border posts. 

The Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) facilitates the unimpeded flow of freight and passenger cross-border movements and plays a critical role in the implementation of cross-border road transport agreements and issuing of cross-border operator permits. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy has urged South Africans travelling during the Easter holidays to use the roads responsibly and show respect to all road users.

The Easter holidays are marked by an increase in traffic on major corridors as travellers embark on various religious and holiday destinations.

Studies show that over 80% of road crashes are the direct result of human behaviour.

“We are calling on every driver, passenger, and pedestrian to take ownership of their conduct on our shared roads. I urge those who will be undertaking long-distance journeys to stagger their travel times to avoid peak congestion and to stop every two hours to combat fatigue.  To the pedestrians, be visible, and do not cross major highways while under the influence,” the Minister said.

She was addressing the recent launch of the 2026 Arrive Alive Easter Road Safety Campaign under the theme: ‘It Begins With Me’, which is an appeal for personal accountability.

“This year, there will be a targeted focus on preventing pedestrians from crossing and walking on highways. We will also patrol areas of entertainment near highways to prevent inebriated pedestrians from running across major roads. Pedestrians currently account for almost half of all road deaths.

“Traffic Authorities, for the first time this year, are instructed to deploy their students to patrol these national critical pedestrian locations and not release students to go home,” the Minister said. 

Law enforcement will be visible in and around pedestrian accident-prone areas, assisted by the communities, and supported by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The transport industry and motorists have been encouraged to ensure vehicle roadworthiness. 

“Vehicles found with defective brakes, smooth tyres, or steering faults will be impounded immediately to protect passengers.

“We continue our intensified focus on drunken driving. We are currently pursuing legislative amendments to Section 65 of the National Road Traffic Act to further tighten these restrictions,” the Minister said.

High-risk routes, including the N1, N2, N3, and N4, will see an unprecedented saturation of mobile and static checkpoints, as the government intensifies traffic policing on critical corridors together with the deployment of the National Traffic Police.

“I call upon the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency to intensify monitoring and enforcement along key corridors to ensure full compliance with permit conditions, regulatory requirements and overloading of freight and passengers. 

“We will also prioritise vehicle roadworthiness and fatigue management, and clamp down decisively on illegal operations and non-compliance,” Creecy said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile will today step into Ellis Park Stadium not just as a government leader, but as a symbol of unity—carrying a message that places families at the centre of South Africa’s healing.

Invited by Bishop Marcelo Pires, Deputy President Mashatile is set to attend the Amandla Ngawethu Good Friday service hosted by the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG), marking his first appearance at the church’s Easter gathering in his official capacity.

Framed by the 2026 theme, “The Family at the Foot of the Cross”, the event seeks to confront some of the country’s deepest social challenges—violence, abuse, and fractured communities—by strengthening the family unit as the foundation of resilience.

The Deputy President’s presence reflects his broader mandate to lead government’s engagement with interfaith communities, a role that has seen him visit diverse religious groups across the country. From mosques to temples and churches, his outreach has been aimed at reinforcing social cohesion in a nation still grappling with inequality and division.

Friday’s service signals a deliberate effort to partner with faith-based organisations in addressing societal issues beyond the reach of policy alone.

The gathering will also bring together key provincial leaders, including Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Social Development MEC Faith Mazibuko, highlighting a coordinated approach between government and community structures.

As South Africa observes Good Friday, the message expected to echo through Ellis Park is one of reflection and responsibility: that rebuilding the nation may well begin at the foot of the cross—but must continue at the heart of every home. – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says Cabinet has approved the publication of the draft South Africa AI policy for public comment.

The aim of the AI policy is to ensure that both the benefits and risks brought by AI are evenly distributed across society and generations.

During a media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday, the Minister said the policy aims to strengthen government’s ability to regulate and adopt AI responsibly, while encouraging local innovation, supporting job creation and improving access to AI skills.

“The policy is structured around six core pillars aimed at promoting the responsible development and ethical deployment of AI.

“These core pillars are capacity and talent development; AI for inclusive growth and job creation; responsible governance; ethical and inclusive AI; cultural preservation and international integration; and human centred deployment,” said the Minister.

The policy recognises that a phased approach should be adopted, as AI deployment and risk profiles differ across sectors. – SAnews.gov.za

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Cabinet has expressed “disgust” at the so-called coronation of a Nigerian national as an alleged chief in KuGompo City, in the Eastern Cape.

During a post-Cabinet media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday, Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said this was “a mere kindergarten gimmick” and that it “has no legal effect”.

She said Cabinet confirmed that the establishment, recognition, and functioning of any traditional leadership structure are strictly governed by the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, which provides clear and non-negotiable procedures for legitimacy and recognition.

“Cabinet noted the apology from the Nigerian High Commission on this matter and directed the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to continue engaging with the High Commission on the unacceptable conduct of Nigerians in South Africa that is unbecoming of visitors,” said the Minister.

She said it was deeply concerning that legitimate grievances over this matter have resulted in the acts of violence and criminality.

“Cabinet reminds citizens that the right to protest comes with responsibility, it must be exercised peacefully and within the confines of the law,” added the Minister. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service for a period of five years with effect from 1 May 2026.

President Ramaphosa has made this appointment in terms of section 6 of the South African Revenue Service Act of 1997, following a unanimous recommendation by a selection panel convened by Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana.

Dr Makhubu, who has held the position of Deputy Commissioner: Taxpayer Engagement and Operations since 2023, succeeds Commissioner Edward Kieswetter whose two-year contract ends on 30 April 2026.

“The incoming Commissioner is a seasoned public and private sector executive with more than 17 years of senior leadership experience spanning tax administration, commercial, finance and operations management.

“He has worked in complex, regulated and large-scale organisations across multiple industries including fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), mining, power generation and public revenue services,” said the Presidency in a statement.

Dr Makhubu has worked on the formulation of the SARS strategic direction since 2020 and has actively worked to implement the Vision 2024 strategy together with the current Commissioner.

The implementation of Vision 2024 achieved revenue collections with a compounded annual growth rate of 7.6% while voluntary compliance increased by 3.4 percentage points.

“President Ramaphosa congratulates Dr Makhubu on his appointment to lead the revenue service as the institution that provides the financial resources necessary for the government to function, fund infrastructure, and pay for social services,” said the Presidency.

It added that President Ramaphosa has expressed his appreciation and high regard for Commissioner Kieswetter’s “incisive and innovative leadership that has positioned SARS as a critical enabler of fiscal stability, social delivery, trade facilitation, and the enablement of domestic and foreign investment”.

President Ramaphosa said the change in the leadership of SARS shows how sound succession planning contributes to the capability of the state. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has wished the South African Jewish community as they celebrate Pesach.

“President Ramaphosa wishes the South African Jewish community a Chag Pesach Kasher v’Sameach as they celebrate the festival of Pesach, which begins today, Wednesday, 1 April 2026,” the Presidency said.

The President said the Jewish community is valued in South Africa.

“The Pesach holiday reminds us all to cherish freedom. We pray alongside you for freedom for all peoples, and for peace. We value the Jewish community and are enriched by your role in our society. We wish you a time of strong connection to family and community. Good yomtov to all,” said President Ramaphosa. – SAnews.gov.za 
 

 

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Cabinet has called on citizens to prioritise road safety and act responsibly as traffic volumes increase ahead of the Easter long weekend.

Speaking during a post Cabinet briefing on Thursday in Pretoria, Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the period was marked by increased travel as many people visit family, friends and religious gatherings.

“Cabinet calls on everyone to act responsibly when driving, ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy before driving, and everyone in the car, including children, must fasten their seat belts,” she said. 

Cabinet also extended well wishes to all South Africans and visitors for a safe and joyous Easter, while stressing that individual responsibility remains key to ensuring a smooth and incident-free holiday period.

“Cabinet wishes all the South Africans a safe and joyous Easter long weekend…We also welcome visitors to our country and reassure South Africans and visitors alike that fighting crime remains one of the priorities of South Africa’s government,” the Minister said. 

Increased law enforcement and crime prevention

Cabinet reassured both citizens and visitors that safety remains a priority, with heightened deployment of law enforcement agencies during the Easter period.

Ntshavheni said the country continues to make steady progress in the fight against crime, with declining statistics recorded over time.

“Our country remains committed and is continuously registering declines, year-on-year, quarter-on-quarter on the crime statistics that are recorded by the police. We assure everyone on our shores that they will be safe, but they must take precaution, they must not act recklessly,” the Minister said. 

She added that additional security has been deployed at popular tourist attractions. 

Border readiness for holiday traffic

The Border Management Authority (BMA) is on high alert to facilitate the smooth movement of people and goods across the country’s 71 ports of entry.

Cabinet said measures are in place to ensure efficient and secure border operations, while preventing illegal crossings through strengthened monitoring systems supported by security forces.

“Be warned, the BMA is seriously advanced and our borders are effectively being managed and monitored by our National Defence Force,” the Minister said. 

Call for responsible animal movement

Cabinet has appealed to farmers and transporters to exercise caution in the movement of livestock to curb the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease. 

The Minister warned that the irresponsible movement of animals could worsen the outbreak, impacting the agricultural sector and food security.

“Due to the Food and Mouth Disease situation in the country, Cabinet is appealing for responsible animal movement to prevent the further spread of the disease in our country,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is urging motorists to prioritise road safety amid changing weather conditions expected across the country as South Africans prepare to travel for the Easter period.

SAWS has forecast partly cloudy conditions with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers on Thursday and Friday. 

In its latest weather outlook, the weather service said conditions will be cool to warm in most areas, but hot in some regions, with a higher likelihood of scattered showers in the western parts of the country.

The forecast comes as increased traffic volumes are expected on major routes, with authorities calling on motorists to plan their journeys carefully and remain weather aware.

With changing weather conditions, SAWS is encouraging travellers to prioritise safety on the roads, particularly in areas prone to thunderstorms and reduced visibility.

The weather service is encouraging travellers to download its WeatherSmart App, which can help detect weather conditions ahead of time.

“Headed somewhere this Easter? Our WeatherSmart App helps you know when to stop, stay safe from lightning and arrive relaxed. Your safe travel this Easter is only as good as your data,” SAWS said in a post on X.

The weather service also highlighted the importance of using reliable weather data to make informed travel decisions.

The app enables users to monitor weather patterns in real time, identify when it may be safer to delay travel, and stay alert to lightning risks.

Lightning awareness and verification
As thunderstorms are expected in some areas, SAWS has also emphasised the importance of lightning awareness, particularly for those travelling long distances or leaving property unattended.

The weather service offers a Lightning Verification Report at a fee, which can confirm whether a lightning strike occurred at a specific location, a tool aimed at helping citizens protect valuable assets and support insurance claims if needed.

SAWS has urged the public to stay updated through official weather platforms and adjust travel plans where necessary.

With variable conditions expected over the Easter period, travellers are advised to remain cautious, take regular breaks, and ensure their journeys are guided by up-to-date weather information to arrive safely at their destinations. – SAnews.gov.za

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