Category: South Africa Government

The South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee has kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.75%.

This was announced by Reserve Bank Governor, Lesetja Kganyago on Thursday.

The prime lending rate will also stay steady at 10.25%.

“Two members [of the MPC] favoured a cut of 25 basis points, while four preferred a hold.

“The Quarterly Projection Model continues to forecast gradual rate cuts as inflation subsides. The model interprets the policy stance as moderately restrictive currently, with rates reaching neutral levels during 2027.

“As before, this rate path remains a broad policy guide. Our decisions will continue to be taken on a meeting-by-meeting basis, with careful attention to the outlook, data outcomes, and the balance of risks to the forecast,” he said.

Kganyago added that South Africa’s economic growth “looks steadier”, noting that there has been expansion for four quarters – with available data suggesting that “it grew further in the most recent quarter”.

“This would mark the longest unbroken growth phase since 2018. The main growth driver has been household consumption, up by more than 3% last year, compared to an estimated 1.3% for the overall economy.

“Unfortunately, investment has been weak, contracting during the first half of 2025. However, the third-quarter data showed a rebound. We hope this investment recovery will be sustained, allowing the economy to achieve structurally higher growth.

“Our forecasts continue to show growth moving somewhat higher, approaching 2% over the medium term. We see some upside risks to these projections,” he said.

Inflation came in higher towards the end of 2025 at 3.6% in December but is expected to slow.

“Indeed, our near-term inflation forecast has fallen, with the rand stronger and a lower oil price assumption.

“We are, however, keeping an eye on food inflation, especially meat prices, which are being affected by a serious outbreak of foot and mouth disease. We are also concerned about electricity prices, given that NERSA’s price correction may rise from R54 billion to R76 billion.

“More positively, inflation expectations have fallen, with the latest survey showing longer-term expectations at record lows. We look forward to expectations declining further, as South Africans experience ongoing lower inflation and learn more about the new target,” Kganyago noted.

He described the past year as a “watershed year for the South African economy”.

“Despite a volatile global backdrop, there was significant progress on domestic reforms, including a new inflation target. These efforts have been rewarded with lower borrowing costs, a rapid decline in inflation expectations, and steadier growth.

“It is crucial to sustain this progress. For monetary policy, our main contribution is to deliver on the new target, which means stabilising inflation at 3% over the next few years.

“Further gains in economic performance would come from reaching a prudent public debt level, lowering administered price inflation, and continuing structural reforms that raise potential growth,” Kganyago concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport handed over 130 operating licences to compliant public transport operators on Thursday during a ceremony held at the Koedoespoort Regional Offices in Tshwane.

The handover is part of the provincial government’s ongoing programme to clear the operating licences backlog and stabilise the public transport sector.

Since last year September, the department has issued more than 800 operating licences, demonstrating government’s commitment to strengthening regulation and improving service delivery to both operators and commuters.

The Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, said the licence handover represents another important step towards restoring order and improving compliance within the sector.

“The licence handover reflects our determination to build a licensing system that is transparent, efficient and fair. Our focus is on bringing services closer to operators and ensuring that they are delivered within clear and reliable time frames,” the MEC said.

She further emphasised that operators are expected to comply fully with regulatory requirements, including ensuring that vehicles are roadworthy, operating safely, and refraining from transferring or renting out operating licences.

“We expect operators to respect the rules of the road, provide safe and reliable services, and contribute to a public transport system that the people of Gauteng can trust. This partnership is central to building a stable, modern and accessible transport network,” she said.

The department has committed to continuing to implement targeted interventions to eliminate the remaining backlog and strengthen the regulatory framework, ensuring a safe, reliable and efficient public transport environment for all Gauteng residents. –SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has paid tribute to Ekurhuleni’s Member of the Mayoral Committee for Roads and Transport (MMC) Andile Mngwevu for being a dedicated public servant, whose work in transport planning made a real difference in the lives of residents.

Mngwevu lost his life last week after his vehicle was swept away by floodwaters in Mozambique.

“Those who knew him speak of his humility, compassion and unwavering commitment to serving others.  His integrity and kindness earned him deep respect across the communities he served. 

“His attention to detail, principled leadership and genuine care for people set an example for all of us in local government. To his family – who have lost a beloved son, husband and father – please accept my heartfelt condolences,” Diale-Tlabela said on Thursday.

The MEC also conveyed her condolences to Mngwevu’s colleagues in the Ekurhuleni Municipality and all who knew him.

“We share in your grief. The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport stands with you during this painful time. His contribution to public service, from his days as a student activist in KwaThema to his leadership in municipal government, will be remembered.

“Though his passing leaves an irreplaceable void, his legacy of service, leadership and humanity will forever remain in the hearts of those he touched,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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At least 14 high-ranking South African Police Service (SAPS) and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) officials have been referred for investigation after being identified as possible wrongdoers by the Madlanga Commission.

This according to a statement released by the Presidency on the interim report of the Madlanga Commission, on Thursday.

The Commission submitted its interim report and recommendations to President Cyril Ramaphosa in December last year, which he has since studied and accepted. 

“President Ramaphosa further welcomes the referrals by the Commission of matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution, as well as recommendations on the employment status and recommended suspension of individuals. 

“The Commission, in accordance with its terms of reference, makes several referrals concerning matters that require immediate further investigation by the relevant and impacted law enforcement institutions, including criminal investigations. 

“The Commission also makes recommendations in some instances for disciplinary measures to be taken against individuals alleged to be involved in wrongdoing, including criminal acts and corruption,” the statement read.

The Presidency explained that the Commission made referrals for investigation where it found prima facie evidence of wrongdoing.

These investigations are to be carried out by the SAPS, Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and EMM.

“The matters highlighted for referral concern allegations of criminality, corruption, fraud, murder, perjury and other unlawful actions by officials and officers in the employ of the SAPS, City of Ekurhuleni and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD). 

“Where IPID is already seized with certain matters, the Commission will make a referral to IPID on the status of their investigations and seek explanations for any delays,” the Presidency said.

The referrals relate to the following SAPS officials:

• Major General Lesetja Senona
• Major General Richard Shibiri
• Brigadier Mbangwa Nkhwashu
• Brigadier Rachel Matjeng
• Sergeant Fannie Nkosi

The commission also found prima facie evidence of wrongdoing regarding the following current and former employees of the EMM:

• Suspended EMPD Chief of Police, Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi
• EMPD Officer Bafana Twala
• EMPD Officer Aiden McKenzie
• EMPD Officer Kershia Leigh Stols
• EMM former City Manager, Dr Imogen Mashazi 
• EMM fleet manager/proxy, Mr Chris Steyn
• EMM Head of Department of Human Resources, Ms Linda Gxasheka
• EMM Head of Legal, Adv Kemi Behari
• Mr Etienne van der Walt

“President Ramaphosa expects all law enforcement agencies and other relevant criminal justice institutions to act with speed in implementing the recommendations of the Commission’s interim report.

“Such immediate action will help to restore public trust and strengthen operational capacity in the affected state entities tasked with fighting crime and corruption,” the Presidency said.

Investigations task team

The statement noted that some implicated individuals are expected to “return to the Commission to respond to allegations presented against them and that more witnesses are yet to deliver their evidence”.

“While the Commission emphasises that, with the exception of EMPD Chief, Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi, it has not yet heard the response of some of the relevant persons listed above, the allegations against them remain prima facie allegations only and are not findings of the Commission. 

“The nature of these allegations however warrants the referrals for further investigation and potential disciplinary, prosecutorial or regulatory action right away,” the Presidency said.

Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia and SAPS National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, have been directed to constitute a special investigations task team with its leader to report directly to the Commissioner.

“The task team will institute investigations against people identified by the Commission for investigation. Establishing a special unit is critical to ensure that these investigations take place as a matter of urgency.

“President Ramaphosa would like to express his deepest appreciation to the Commission chairperson, retired Justice Madlanga, Commissioners Baloyi and Khumalo, and to all the Commission staff for their diligent work in the delivery of the interim report. 

“The President looks forward to the finalisation of the Commission’s work and its contribution to the effective functioning of law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Some 23 suspected members of an alleged R1 billion international scam syndicate have appeared in the Johannesburg Commercial Crimes Court on charges of contravention of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS Act).

The suspects were arrested in Gauteng this week, in a multi-agency operation, led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks.

“The arrests were the culmination of prosecutorial, internationally coordinated investigations conducted by the DPCI, the South African Police Service Crime Intelligence, the Financial Intelligence Centre, the United Kingdom National Crime Agency, the United States Department of Homeland Security Service, Australian IFW and CyberTrace investigation companies, working closely with South Africa’s private investigation company, IRS,” National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane revealed.

They are alleged to have “operated call centres that provided financial services, despite not being registered as financial advisers or as representatives of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority”.

“The State alleges that more than 40 unsuspecting victims from abroad, including the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, were scammed into investing more than R1 billion in what they believed to be legitimate investment opportunities.

“It is further alleged that some of these funds were used to sustain the operations of the call centres,” Mjonondwane continued.

The case was postponed to next month for the bail hearing.

“The NPA, working with its partners, continues to make significant strides in tackling and dismantling organised criminal networks.

“The complex and deeply embedded scourge of organised crime continues to plague the country; however, law enforcement agencies remain equipped and committed to dealing effectively with such crimes,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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A multi-disciplinary team of government officials is working around the clock at the Senteeko Dam, near Barberton, to reduce the potential impact should the structure fail.

This follows heavy rains that led to the dam’s safety being compromised.

The dam, registered as My Own Dam and located within the Mbombela Local Municipality, has been placed under close monitoring after recent rainfall caused erosion beneath the spillway, raising the risk of collapse.

In line with government’s commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods, a coordinated response is being led by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), working alongside the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA), the Provincial Disaster Management team, the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), the Ehlanzeni District Municipality, and local authorities.

A follow-up inspection led by DWS Head of Specialist Unit: Dam Safety, Wally Ramokopa, supported by engineers and the Appointed Professional Person (APP), confirmed that the spillway remains at high risk due to ongoing erosion underneath the structure. 

Emergency interventions are currently underway to relieve pressure on the dam while technical assessments and monitoring continue.

Risk-mitigation measures are being implemented by the dam owner, the Shamile Communal Property Association (CPA), together with its APP, under the supervision of the Department of Water and Sanitation.

As part of interventions to further reduce the disaster risk and potential impact, the emergency spillway that was excavated to redirect water out of the dam has been widened to increase the outflow and further reduce the volume of water in the dam.

“Working together with the Irrigation Board and the owners of the dam, we have restricted the flow of water on the existing spillway by opening another spillway, referred to as the emergency spillway channel.

“We have now widened that spillway to ensure that water is restricted on the existing spillway and is redirected to come out on the side. This is a temporary measure that has been put in place. We are still trying to lower the capacity of the dam to reduce the risk even if the dam fails,” Ramokopa said.

He said the department has also conducted a flood-path analysis to determine areas that may be affected in the event of dam failure. The assessment identified only farming communities along the flood path, with no densely populated areas at risk for at least 30 kilometres downstream, up to the R40 provincial road.

The analysis further confirmed that there would be no impact on neighbouring countries such as Mozambique and Eswatini.

Citrus farms affected

Meanwhile, irrigation activities for Senteeko citrus farms have been affected after pumps were submerged due to elevated water levels.

Irrigation is expected to resume once water levels subside and damaged pumps are repaired.

Disaster preparedness and evacuation readiness for downstream farmers remain ongoing. CoGHSTA, working with the Ehlanzeni District Municipality and the City of Mbombela Local Municipality, continues to engage directly with nearby farming communities to communicate flooding implications and safety measures.

While highly concentrated communities such as New Consort or Low’s Creek would not experience any impact, as they are located approximately 25  kilometres away from the dam impact point, government emphasised that all affected stakeholders are being engaged to save lives should the dam fail.

Further, consolidation of reports caused by the devastation of the recent rains and flooding are nearing completion.

The multi-disciplinary team continues to closely monitor developments at the dam and is taking all necessary precautions to protect communities.

Government has urged communities in affected areas to heed and comply to evacuation warnings as the risk of failure remains at the Senteeko Dam, despite mitigation interventions put in place.

Members of the public have also been advised to avoid low-water bridges, unnecessary travel, and activities near rivers as a precaution. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The national Foot and Mouth Disease Response Plan – the first comprehensive roadmap to decisively address FMD in South Africa in 30 years – has been developed by a Ministerial Task Team comprising experts from both the public and private sectors, including scientists, veterinarians, and academics.

The roll out of the plan outlines clear immediate, medium- and long-term interventions to combat the disease.

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen said in a statement on Wednesday, the State had already acquired, monitored and administered two million vaccines from the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) to date.

The issuing of permits for private companies to import vaccines, as local agents, has already commenced.

“Import permits for the Dollvet vaccine was issued to Dunevax and an additional import permit to import the Biogénesis Bagó vaccine is imminent,” said the Minister.

The department rejected calls for what it described as a “vaccine free-for-all”, warning that such an approach was reckless and contrary to established international and local disease-control protocols.

The Minister highlighted the recent illegal importation of vaccines into KwaZulu-Natal by certain farmers as an example of the serious risks posed by unregulated vaccine use.

The scientific pathway to restoring South Africa’s FMD-free status with vaccination is clear and guided by international standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), he said.

“In order to regain the ‘FMD-free status with vaccination’ from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), South Africa must prove there has been no virus transmission for at least 12 months. This requires a strictly controlled vaccination rollout; official surveillance; strict movement controls and systematic vaccination coverage that is able to be documented and verified,” the Minister said.

Without centralised monitoring and State-led control over the process, Steenhuisen warned that the country risks failing to achieve FMD-free status, causing long-term damage to agricultural exports, and negating the entire strategy of vaccination.

The Minister stressed that the private sector and industry bodies have been included throughout the process, from the initial FMD lekgotla, to participation in the Ministerial Task Team, and now through the FMD Industry Coordination Council. The department has also committed to working with private veterinarians and animal health technicians as the vaccination rollout progresses. – SAnews.gov.za

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