Category: South Africa Government

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has moved to provide clarity on the regulatory requirements for Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG).

This after a media article claimed that members of the public had been threatened with fines or disconnection if they did not register their SSEG systems.

“NERSA wishes to clarify the applicable regulatory position to avoid public confusion and ensure that electricity consumers, installers and other stakeholders are correctly informed of the legal requirements governing embedded generation.

“According to the Electricity Regulation Act of 2006 (as amended), read with the Exemption and Registration Notice, the requirement to register an embedded generation facility is determined by whether the installation has a point of connection to the electricity grid and its installed capacity and not by whether electricity is exported to the grid or consumed on site,” the regulator said in a statement.

What this means

• Small-scale embedded generation facilities with an installed capacity of 100kW or less, and with a point of connection to the electricity grid, are required to register with the relevant distributor (Eskom or the applicable licensed municipality).
• Embedded generation facilities with an installed capacity of more than 100kW and a point of connection to the grid are required to register directly with NERSA.

“Embedded generation facilities without a point of connection to the electricity grid are exempt from registration requirements.

“These regulatory requirements exist to support the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the electricity system, including compliance with applicable technical standards, system planning and network protection.

“While a Certificate of Compliance confirms that an installation meets electrical safety requirements, registration serves a distinct regulatory purpose and does not duplicate safety certification processes,” the statement continued.

The regulator outlined the purpose behind these rules.

“NERSA emphasises that registration is not intended to discourage the uptake of renewable energy technologies, but rather to ensure that the integration of embedded generation occurs in a manner that protects the integrity of the electricity network and the interests of all electricity users.

“NERSA remains committed to enabling South Africa’s transition to a more diverse and sustainable electricity supply while ensuring compliance with the legislative and regulatory framework. Stakeholders are encouraged to engage with their licensed distributors or NERSA directly for accurate guidance on registration requirements,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is “determined to strengthen the regulatory and policy environment to further grow” the tourism sector. 

The President addressed the nation through the weekly newsletter following the Tourism Department’s announcement that South Africa welcomed some 10.48 million international visitors last year, an increase of some 17.6% compared to 2024.

It is also the highest number of arrivals on record – surpassing pre-COVID-19 numbers in a “vote of confidence in a sector that continues to show great potential for further growth”.

“An increase in international visitors is also a vote of confidence in South Africa’s brand appeal, and in our reputation as a safe, reliable, value-for-money tourism destination.

“As government, we are determined to strengthen the regulatory and policy environment to further grow the sector. We are equally committed to deepening collaboration with the private sector, labour and other stakeholders to further bolster the industry,” President Ramaphosa said.

Building blocks

Last year, Cabinet endorsed the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan with initiatives aimed at improving the performance of the sector.

Tourism currently contributes nearly 9% to the South African Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“[Initiatives] include the expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation system, which was successfully piloted during the G20 Summit last year, and is currently being rolled out in key tourism markets.

“We will also be strengthening the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme launched last year, which streamlines visa processes for groups whose applications are submitted by vetted tour operators. A significant number of tourists from key markets like India and China are already using group tour operators for a more structured, tailored travel experience.

“Improving connectivity is also being prioritised. We have seen an increase in direct flight routes to South Africa from key markets such as Australia and France,” he explained.

Additional tourism monitors have been deployed and a crime call centre by the private sector has been established to ensure the safety of tourists.

Furthermore, tourism infrastructure is also under improvement.

“At last year’s inaugural Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit, eight projects worth R1 billion were launched, signalling renewed investor confidence in our tourism sector.

“Our strategic destination marketing efforts continue, as does the focus on niche markets such as halal and green tourism to attract diverse visitors,” the President noted.

Citizens are also being encouraged to “embrace the burgeoning tourism industry”.

“[The] Department of Tourism offers fully funded Mandarin language training for registered freelance and employed tourism guides to enable them to better support tourists from the growing Chinese market. We also continue to support the transformation of the industry through various support programmes.

“Retaining our reputation as a tourism destination of choice is a society-wide effort, one in which communities have a particularly important role to play. 

“Every South African should be a tourism ambassador and every community a potential tourist attraction. Our country is rich in natural beauty, history and culture, with much of this potential untapped,” President Ramaphosa said.

He noted that foreign visitors contribute to the country’s foreign earnings, “support local businesses, bolsters local economies and helps to create and sustain jobs”.

“Working together as government, communities and tour operators, we can popularise and attract more tourists to regions and locations that don’t traditionally feature highly as destinations for tourists.

“Working together as Government, industry, communities and civil society we can realise even greater value from this jewel in our nation’s crown,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has scored big wins in the fight against crime, focusing strongly on taking illegal guns and ammunition out of circulation.

During the nationwide Operation Shanela II, police arrested 14 589 suspects for crimes including murder, rape, sexual assault, robberies, drug offences and illegal mining between 26 January and 1 February 2026. 

Furthermore, 2 032 wanted suspects were also traced and arrested for serious crimes during the same period. 

Police also recovered 119 firearms, including 10 rifles, seven shotguns, and five homemade firearms, alongside 1 144 rounds of ammunition. These recoveries form part of a broader clampdown on violent crime.

In addition, police arrested 100 suspects for illegal possession of firearms; 88 suspects for illegal possession of ammunition; 124 suspects for murder; 164 suspects for rape; 102 suspects for armed robbery, and 532 suspects for drug dealing.

Under confiscations and recoveries, 51 hijacked and stolen vehicles were recovered during the past week; more than 700 dangerous weapons were seized across the country; different types of drugs were recovered, and contraband goods worth more than R1 million were seized.

Communities are urged to continue reporting criminal activities to their nearest police stations, or through Crime Stop (08600 10111) or the MySAPS App. – SAnews.gov.za

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The transfers of suspected criminal mastermind, Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala and convicted rapist and murderer, Thabo Bester, to the super maximum eBongweni Correctional Centre in Kokstad, were done in line with security assessments.

This according to Correctional Services National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale.

The Commissioner was responding to questions during a media briefing held in Pretoria on Monday. 

“On a daily basis, we conduct risk assessments. We also assess threats that have to do with the system. We also assess threats and risks that have to do with each and every inmate that we accommodate in a correctional facility.

“This analysis becomes part of a security plan that each and every correctional facility develops on a daily basis. The transfers of inmate Cat Matlala and Thabo Bester were informed by this security and threats analysis,” Thobakgale explained.

Matlala was transferred to the facility in December while Bester was moved late last month.

Both were previously held at the Kgoši Mampuru II Correctional Centre (C-Max) in Pretoria.

“It is with good reason and for the safety of both inmates. Apart, of course, from ensuring that the safety and security in the correctional system is not undermined by any activity that is associated with both inmates.

“Transfers are administered on a daily basis. For example, yesterday an inmate was transferred from the Eastern Cape to Ebongweni after being reclassified from medium to high security because of activities, criminal, associated [with him] that were detected.

“For us to be able to prevent crime from continuing to happen, including threats and risks that are associated with those that are in our facilities, we have to act and…promptly,” the National Commissioner added.

He emphasised that the department remains “open to engage” with the legal representatives of Matlala who reportedly complained about the quality of consultations.

Engagements with the National Prosecuting Authority and the courts on how to “work together to ensure that…he makes it to court on time” are also on the cards.

“That obligation we have been able to meet. He was able to consult with his lawyers. The primary objective is for us to ensure that at the end of the day, he is still available to appear in court.”

He added that the department was exercising its responsibility as a security department. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Petrol and diesel prices will drop between 50c and 65c from this Wednesday, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has announced.

Paraffin will also decrease, while LP Gas consumers will see increases.

The following price adjustments will apply from Wednesday:

• Petrol 93 (ULP and LRP): 65c decrease.
• Petrol 95 (ULP and LRP): 65c decrease.
• Diesel (0.05% sulphur): 50c decrease.
• Diesel (0.005% sulphur): 57c decrease.
• Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): 53c decrease.
• Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin: 70c decrease.
• Maximum Retail Price of LP Gas: 31c increase (with a 36c increase in the Western Cape).

“The average international product prices decreased due to availability of inventories, despite increase in crude oil prices. These factors led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 36c/l [cents per litre], 24.59 c/l and 21.13 c/l respectively.

“The prices of Propane and Butane increased during the period under review due to the cold weather in the Northern Hemisphere and tighter global supply,” the DMPR said.

The Rand also strengthened against the US Dollar (USD), gaining ground from R16.85 to 16.31 Rand per USD during the period under review.

“This led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and Illuminating Paraffin by 28.52 c/l, 31.62 c/l and 31.86 c/l respectively,” the department explained. – SAnews.gov.za

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A disciplinary hearing into the conduct of Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA) Chief Executive Officer Kedibone Madiehe has commenced today.

Madiehe was placed on precautionary suspension in August following allegations of what the finance department described at the time as “serious misconduct concerning high-value procurement transactions”.

Now, the department said forensic investigations into allegations of “governance irregularities and financial misconduct” within the GPAA have been concluded.

“Madiehe has been formally furnished with the investigative findings and the related charges that will form the basis of the proceedings.

“The public and other stakeholders are advised that the proceedings are being conducted in strict accordance with South African labour laws and established internal protocols.

“To safeguard the legal integrity of the hearings and to ensure that the rights of the suspended CEO are not unduly prejudiced, the specific terms of reference or the full investigative reports will not be published at this stage,” National Treasury explained.

Madiehe was placed on suspension by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in line with the President’s Minute No 191 of 2025 and the applicable Disciplinary Code for Senior Management Services.

“The Ministry and the GPAA leadership remain committed to transparency and the restoration of ethical governance.

“The primary focus of this process is to ensure full accountability and to restore confidence in the governance of the agency,” the department concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has warned young people against substance abuse, cautioning that it threatens their health, safety, education and long-term contribution to South Africa’s socio-economic development.

Chikunga said substance abuse remains one of the most serious challenges confronting South Africa’s youth, contributing to school dropouts, unemployment, crime, mental health challenges, and gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

She emphasised that young people are among the most vulnerable groups, as they are increasingly susceptible to dependence on alcohol and drugs, particularly in communities affected by poverty, unemployment, inequality, and limited access to recreational and economic opportunities.

“This often results in a range of problems, including academic difficulties, health-related problems such as mental health illnesses, poor peer relationships, conflict with the law, and a high rate of accidents. These problems also harm family members, communities, and the entire society.

“Substance abuse robs young people of their potential and undermines the future of our country. It fuels violence, weakens families, destroys communities, and places enormous pressure on social services,” the Minister said.

As part of government’s response, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities will continue working with the Central Drug Authority, Department of Social Development, Department of Health, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organisations to strengthen prevention programmes, awareness campaigns, and psychosocial support services.

“We cannot speak about youth development without addressing the devastating role that drugs and alcohol play in perpetuating abuse, crime, and hopelessness. Prevention must start early, and it must involve individual youth, their families, schools, faith-based organisations and communities,” the Minister said.

She called on young people to make informed and responsible choices; seek help when facing substance-dependency challenges, and participate actively in positive initiatives that reduce risky behaviour and promote healthy living.

“Our youth must understand that saying no to drugs is saying yes to life, dignity, and opportunity. We urge young people to become champions of change and to protect themselves and their peers by resisting the temptations of abusing dependency creating substances,” Chikunga said.

The department reaffirmed its commitment to advancing youth empowerment, social cohesion and community safety in line with the National Development Plan, the National Youth Policy and the National Drug Master Plan. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is expected to institute disciplinary proceedings against senior managers and officials implicated in several – but unrelated – incidents at correctional facilities.

This was announced by DCS National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale during a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday.

Last year, several incidents, including an erroneous inmate release, inmate deaths and attacks on officials, were recorded at correctional centres in the Western Cape, leading to internal investigations.

“These investigations were conducted in terms of the Correctional Services Act, 111 of 1998, with the objectives of establishing facts, determining accountability, restoring public confidence and ensuring appropriate corrective and disciplinary action.

“These matters have been made public because they directly affect public safety, human rights, staff security and the integrity of the correctional system. Transparency is essential to maintaining public trust and demonstrating accountability.

“The department will institute disciplinary proceedings against implicated senior managers and officials, address systemic weaknesses, and ensure that correctional centres are managed in a lawful, ethical and professional manner,” the National Commissioner said.

Thobakgale revealed findings of investigations related to:

• The Oudtshoorn Correctional Centre.
• The erroneous release at the Pollsmoor Remand Detention Facility.
• The stabbing of officials and deaths of remand detainees at Pollsmoor.

“Given the spate of incidents and the prevailing instability in the Western Cape, I, as the National Commissioner, have recommended to the Minister that criminal and disciplinary matters be handled by an independent legal entity external to Correctional Services.

“The nature of these incidents, combined with the province’s high levels of crime and the alleged orchestration of criminal activity within our correctional centres, necessitates the implementation of extraordinary measures,” Thobakgale said.

Oudtshoorn Medium A Correctional Centre

At Oudtshoorn in August last year, a violent altercation left four officials with stab wounds and one inmate, Simphiwe Celise, dead during the execution of a routine search operation.

“The investigation established that offender Simphiwe Celise played a leading role in the attack on correctional officials. Celise subsequently died following physical altercations with officials and his death was classified as unnatural.

“The investigation also found that this situation could have been mitigated, had management anticipated the strong likelihood of retaliation, given the overt warning signs displayed by inmates on the previous day.

“It further established that management at both Area and Centre levels failed to exercise effective command and control of the operation. There was inadequate risk assessment, insufficient coordination of operational responses, and a lack of decisive leadership to stabilise the unit once the initial search had concluded,” Thobakgale noted.

Furthermore, serious failures were identified, including “non-compliance with use-of-force prescripts, unprocedural reporting and systemic breakdowns in oversight”.

“Disciplinary action will be instituted against implicated officials, managers and medical personnel, while [other] offenders involved in the stabbing will face disciplinary processes also,” Thobakgale said.

Pollsmoor Correctional Facility

In September last year, inmate Thembalethu Inganathi Daba was erroneously released under another detainee’s identity.

Daba posed as another inmate who was scheduled to appear in court, managed to bypass identification processes, misrepresented himself before the court and was subsequently released on a warning.

Thobakgale noted that the investigation into the incident found that “this was not an administrative error but a deliberate escape facilitated by impersonation and operational failures”.

“The incident was detected only during a routine roll call. He was re-arrested 12 days later. 

“The investigation identified failures in inmate supervision, advance availability of court lists and management oversight, including the functionality of biometric systems. Criminal and disciplinary processes are underway, alongside corrective measures to prevent recurrence,” the National Commissioner said.

At least a month later (October) at the same facility, two correctional officials were attacked and stabbed by at least three detainees.

The attack on the officials, who called for backup, led to the subsequent deaths of the remand detainees.

Thobakgale noted that the incident followed an “unauthorised departure of several officials from the unit, resulting in a serious breach of security controls”.

“The investigation established that the three inmates… initiated an attack on the two officials, who acted in self-defence. 

“However, it further found that some of the officials, who responded to the incident, applied force outside the prescripts. The investigation also identified significant shortcomings in risk assessment processes, gang management protocols and the supervision of inmates.

“Disciplinary action is being instituted against implicated officials, as well as supervisory and security management for dereliction of duty. Corrective measures include reclassification of inmates, strengthened gang management and tighter controls on inmate labour,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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