Category: South Africa Government

In response to recent heavy rains that caused widespread road damage and debris buildup, Makgetsi Construction Enterprise has stepped in to assist the Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality with urgent road rehabilitation and clean-up operations in affected areas.

The black female-owned local construction company deployed teams and equipment to support the municipality by removing storm debris and patching damaged road surfaces to restore access, improve safety for residents and motorists, and ensure the continuity of essential services.

Speaking on the initiative, Sekibela Mahalefa, founder of Makgetsi Construction Enterprise, said the decision was driven by a strong commitment to community development and responsible business leadership.

“We were deeply concerned by the impact the heavy rains had on our community. As a local business, we could not stand by while roads became unsafe and access was disrupted. Supporting the municipality in times of need is part of our responsibility to the people of Tzaneen,” Mahalefa said. 

The company confirmed that multiple teams were deployed to address the most affected streets, with priority given to high-traffic and high-risk areas.

“This was not just about road repair; it was about restoring dignity, safety, and mobility for residents. We believe that when business and local government work together, recovery happens faster and more effectively,” Mahalefa added.

Makgetsi Construction Enterprise said the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen partnerships with the Greater Tzaneen Municipality in preparation for future emergency responses and ongoing infrastructure support.

“This initiative reflects our values of giving back and being part of long-term solutions. We remain committed to supporting efforts that build resilience and strengthen local infrastructure,” Mahalefa said. 

Residents have welcomed the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful in addressing the challenges posed by the recent storms.

“Makgetsi is highly commendable for this strong commitment to social and corporate responsibility. This ethical business practices, and care for the Tzaneen community, demonstrates that success goes beyond profit. This sets a positive example for others and shows a genuine desire to make a lasting difference in society,” expressed a community member on one of the local digital platforms.

Makgetsi Construction Enterprise is a South African-based construction company providing infrastructure development, road maintenance, and civil construction services. – SAnews.gov.za

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is set to launch a probe into the affairs of the uMzinyathi District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal to investigate allegations of serious maladministration and improper or unlawful conduct.

“The probe covers allegations of serious maladministration; misconduct by officials or employees; illegal appropriation or spending of public funds or assets; irregular acts involving state property; intentional or negligent loss of public funds or damage to public property; relevant offences under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (Act No. 12 of 2004); and any unlawful or improper conduct resulting in harm to the public interests,” the SIU said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation authorising the corruption busting unit to investigate the municipality.

“Proclamation 305 of 2026 empowers the SIU to probe matters relating to procurement and contracting by the municipality, including the supply, installation and maintenance of ground dual static tanks and fuel, as well as the lease and subsequent purchase of a generator for the Vants Drift Water Treatment Plant in Nquthu.

“The investigation will determine whether these contracts and related payments were conducted in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable or cost-effective.

“The SIU will also probe any potential violations of applicable legislation, National Treasury guidelines, and the municipality’s own policies and procedures,” the unit added.

The Proclamation covers the time between 1 November 2020 and 23 January 2026 and empowers the unit to “investigate any conduct before or after this period that is relevant or connected to the matters under investigation, including contracts where services were paid for but not delivered”.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.

“The SIU is also authorised to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation and to recover financial losses suffered by the State, including funds paid for services not rendered,” the SIU stated. – SAnews.gov.za

Eskom, together with the Government of the Netherlands and the Mpumalanga provincial government, have officially launched the Grootvlei Climate Smart Horticulture Centre at the Grootvlei Power Station.

The move marks a milestone in linking the country’s Just Energy Transition to “new local economic opportunities in climate-smart food production and skills development”.

“The project is already delivering tangible outcomes. Eight community members from the Dipaleseng Municipality are currently being trained as greenhouse facilitators.

“Additionally, 75 agripreneurs, who are also community members, will participate in the Agripreneur Development Programme, commencing in April 2026.  Each agripreneur is expected to employ members from the community, and taken together, the programme is projected to support the creation of substantial sustainable jobs by 2030,” a joint statement said.

The centre serves as one of Eskom’s pilot initiatives under its Just Energy Transition (JET) Programme.

“[It is] demonstrating how repurposed energy-related infrastructure can support future-oriented economic activity beyond the energy sector.

“The focus is on practical training, skills development, and value-chain development in climate-smart horticulture rather than large-scale commercial production at this stage,” Eskom stated.

Eskom Board Chairperson, Mteto Nyati, described the project as an exciting example of partnerships bearing success.

“This project is an exciting early example of key stakeholders coming together to develop new economic activities that protect livelihoods and the local community as South Africa moves from a high-carbon to a lower-carbon economy.

“We are grateful for the leadership by the Minister of Electricity and Energy as the primary convener of JET, the significant investment by the Government of the Netherlands and its partners and the support of the Mpumalanga Premier and the Dipaleseng Local Municipality,” Mteto said.

The future development of the centre remains a priority.

“Looking ahead, the Grootvlei Climate Smart Horticulture Centre is intended to inform the development of a broader agri-economic hub, integrating agriculture, skills development and logistics, with increasing private-sector participation.

“The Grootvlei project reinforces that South Africa’s energy transition is not only about changing power sources, but about creating new economic futures for people, land and local communities,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has formally commenced a process to rebuild and stabilise the governance of basketball in South Africa.

This follows the de-recognition of Basketball South Africa due to prolonged governance and administrative failures that undermined the development of the sport.

The intervention is being undertaken in partnership with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), through FIBA Africa, and the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC). 

The process aims to establish a new, properly governed national basketball federation that protects athletes, restores confidence in the administration of the sport, and secures basketball’s long-term future in South Africa.

“Basketball is more than a game. It is a global sport and a way of life that resonates across communities, generations and social boundaries. In South Africa, it is played and followed by people of all ages, from children and youth to senior citizens, and presents significant opportunities for youth development, social cohesion and international participation,” Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie said on Wednesday.

According to the department, the sport is uniquely accessible, requiring minimal infrastructure to introduce at community level while offering pathways to compete at the highest professional and international standards. 

The growth of street basketball and the global rise of the 3×3 format have further expanded participation and opened new possibilities for innovation, inclusion and partnerships with corporate South Africa.

However, the Minister acknowledged with concern that persistent governance and administrative failures have eroded these opportunities and compromised the credibility and growth of basketball in the country.

“Basketball holds enormous potential for South Africa, particularly for our youth. It is precisely because of this potential that we could not allow continued governance failures to undermine the future of the sport. Our responsibility is to the athletes, the development pipeline and the long-term interests of South African basketball,” McKenzie said.

FIBA Africa, DSAC and SASCOC have been formally tasked with supporting a structured recovery and reconstitution process. This includes:

• The formulation of a comprehensive roadmap for the revival and sustainable development of basketball in South Africa; and
• The implementation of clear steps and interventions towards the establishment of a new national basketball federation, culminating in the election of a credible and representative executive leadership.

To support this process, FIBA Africa has appointed a member of its Board as its official representative to work closely with the department and SASCOC, providing oversight and technical guidance aligned with international best practice.

“This process is about restoring integrity, transparency and good governance. Working with FIBA and SASCOC, we are committed to rebuilding basketball in a way that serves players, administrators and supporters, and positions South Africa to compete successfully on the African continent and in major international competitions,” the Minister said.

The DSAC and SASCOC will provide periodic public updates on progress made, in line with the shared objective of ensuring that basketball reclaims its rightful place within South African sport and achieves sustained excellence at both continental and global levels. – SAnews.gov.za

Correctional Services Minister, Dr Pieter Groenewald, has referred the decision to grant parole to the infamous Griekwastad murderer to the Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board (CSPRB) – for review.

The offender is serving a 20-year sentence for the 2012 murder of his mother, father and sister, as well as rape.

The Correctional Supervision and Parole Board (CSPB) in Upington had granted the 29-year-old parole.

He was a teenager at the time the crimes were committed and cannot be named.

“The CSPB in Upington approved the offender’s parole placement with effect from 25 March 2026 until the expiry of his sentence on 13 March 2034. Following careful consideration of the matter, the Minister has resolved that the decision be subjected to a review process in accordance with the provisions of the Correctional Services Act, 111 of 1998.

“Accordingly, the parole placement decision taken by the CSPB in Upington is suspended, pending the outcome of the review by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board, which is required to consider the full record of proceedings and either confirm or substitute the decision in accordance with the Act,” the department said in a statement.

Section 75(8) of the Correctional Services Act states: Any decision of a Correctional Supervision and Parole Board is final, except that the Minister, the National Commissioner or the Inspecting Judge may refer the matter to the Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board for reconsideration, and pending the outcome of the decision of the Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board, the decision of the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board is suspended.

“The Minister emphasises that this referral is not a determination of the merits of the case, but a lawful step to ensure that parole decisions are subjected to proper oversight, comply fully with legislative requirements, and uphold public confidence in the correctional system.

“The department will communicate the outcome of the review process once it has been finalised,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Employment and Labour has invited public comment on a proposal to classify performers in South Africa’s advertising, artistic and cultural sectors as employees — a move aimed at strengthening protections for vulnerable workers in the creative industries.

Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has signed a notice, published in the Government Gazette, setting out the department’s intention to extend full labour protections to performers, who are currently classified as independent contractors. The notice was published on 23 January 2026. 

READ | Employment and Labour moves to bolster worker protection

If adopted, the proposal would see performers covered by key labour laws, including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), the National Minimum Wage Act (NMW) and the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA), granting them the same rights and benefits as employees in other sectors.

The department said the move forms part of government’s broader efforts to address persistent challenges in the creative and cultural industries, such as income insecurity, unsafe working conditions and limited access to social protection.

“These processes are aimed at ensuring that any regulatory intervention is evidence-based, consultative and responsive to the realities of the industry,” the department said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the notice, the proposal is informed by widespread evidence and stakeholder submissions showing that many performers work under conditions that resemble employment relationships. These include fixed working hours, supervision and payment for services rendered, despite being formally classified as independent contractors.

As a result, many performers are excluded from basic labour protections, the department said. The proposed measure seeks to close this gap, improve regulation and enforcement, and promote decent work within South Africa’s growing creative economy.

Interested stakeholders and members of the public have 30 working days from the publication date to submit written representations to the Director-General of the Department of Employment and Labour, either by post or via email at SDinvestigations@labour.gov.za

. — SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has issued a record 4 002 964 smart ID cards in the 2025 calendar year — the highest rate of delivery in the history of the department. 

This milestone represents a 17% increase on the 3 427 468 Smart IDs issued during 2024, which was itself a new record at the time. 

The 2025 performance is about 1.3 million more than the number of Smart IDs issued during the 2023 and 2022 calendar years.

This historic breakthrough represents the latest milestone under the department’s vision to deliver Home Affairs @ home through the pursuit of digital transformation.

The focus on technology upgrades and improved efficiencies at both the Department of Home Affairs and Government Printing Works (GPW), which physically produces the smart ID, has led to this improvement.

One of the key upgrades has been the department’s investment in repairing the Online Verification Service (OVS), which was previously underfunded and abused by some external users. 

Correcting this has led to higher uptime and better performance of the population register at Home Affairs offices, directly contributing to giving more South Africans access to smart IDs than ever before.

“The milestone of delivering over four million smart IDs in a calendar year for the very first time demonstrates how our commitment to digital transformation is expanding inclusion and access at a scale never seen before. 

“Smart IDs are vastly more secure than the fraud-prone green barcoded ID book. Thanks to the ongoing digital transformation of Home Affairs, over four million more people gained the ability to securely open a bank account, access employment, and obtain social grants in 2025,” said Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber.

“The accelerated rollout of smart IDs is a cornerstone of the department’s Medium-Term Development Plan targets. The green bar-coded ID book, which the smart ID is intended to replace, has become a soft target for fraudsters and is estimated to be 500% more vulnerable to fraud than the smart ID.”

To further enhance access to smart IDs, the department is currently in the final phase of preparatory work for the rollout of a new digital partnership with South Africa’s banking sector, which will enable even more citizens to access smart IDs at hundreds more bank branches around the country, close to where they live. – SAnews.gov.za

Government leaders have gathered at an extended Cabinet meeting to assess plans and priorities for the year ahead, placing an emphasis on fiscal discipline, economic stability and targeted funding to support government’s key priorities.

This is according to the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who addressed members of the media on the sidelines of a Cabinet Lekgotla that has been convened by President Cyril Ramaphosa with leaders in all spheres of government.

The meeting noted that when the 2025 Budget process began, South Africa’s borrowing costs were above 13%. This has since declined to approximately 9%, demonstrating the positive impact of fiscal prudence and sound financial governance.

Furthermore, South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by 0.5% in the third quarter of 2025, following an increase of 0.9% in the second quarter of 2025.

“The cost of borrowing for the government of South Africa has reduced drastically… showing that our fiscal prudence and fiscal management is strengthening. The performance of the rand has stabilised. We have considered these factors to determine the fiscal envelope that will guide our priorities and funding decisions. These are the issues currently under discussion,” Ntshavheni said.

The work of the seventh administration is guided by the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024-2029, in pursuit of three key priorities: driving inclusive economic growth and job creation; reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living; and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

The MTDP provides a whole-of-government framework which aligns planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation across all spheres of government.

“We will also be engaging on the country’s industrial policy, focusing on how, as part of our inclusive growth and development plan, we can define an industrial policy that anchors and drives this growth agenda.

“We presented the implementation plan for inclusive economic growth and development in the country. We will now finalise the revised timelines for its implementation. We will also focus on how to drive skills development across the country.

“Any economy that seeks to grow must be anchored in a strong national skills base. We are therefore reviewing how to realign our approach, and we will receive a joint presentation from the Departments of Labour and Higher Education on how existing funding mechanisms and platforms for skills development can be better utilised and streamlined. 

“This will ensure they are more effective in driving skills development and creating employment opportunities, particularly for young people,” the Minister said.

She emphasised that economic growth cannot be achieved in an environment undermined by crime and criminal activity.

“To address this, we will receive a presentation tomorrow from the Justice and Security Cluster outlining a strategy to combat organised crime and deal decisively with these challenges,” the Minister said.

The recent announcement by British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA) that it will close its Heidelberg manufacturing plant by the end of 2026 due to the illicit trade market, has also been placed on the agenda for discussion.

“We will also have a conversation about the future of the country in addressing the gender-based violence pandemic and how we mobilise society to respond to the scourge,” Ntshavheni said.

The Cabinet Lekgotla comes ahead of the State of the Nation Address (SONA), which will be delivered by the President on 12 February 2026 and will be followed by the Budget Speech by the Minister of Finance on 25 February 2026. 

The President will outline government’s strategic priorities for the year, while the Budget Speech allocates financial resources to implement these plans. – SAnews.gov.za

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has welcomed the recovery of R1.7 billion by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which has been returned to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

The recovered amount forms part of R2 billion that the SIU has so far reclaimed from universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, as well as unqualified former NSFAS beneficiaries.

The funds, which were unallocated between 2016 and 2021, represent financial resources originally earmarked for students who qualified for funding but later changed institutions or deregistered.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Manamela said the recovered funds will be redirected towards meeting the needs of deserving students at institutions of higher education and training.

“The recovery of these funds is a significant step in restoring integrity, accountability and public confidence in the administration of student financial aid. Every rand allocated to NSFAS is public money intended to support students from poor and working-class families, and it must be protected and used strictly for that purpose,” Manamela said.

The SIU commended NSFAS for strengthening its systems and moving towards better governance.

READ | SIU returns R1.7bn to the NSFAS purse

As part of the broader recovery effort, the SIU has collected R126 478 184.64 from 1 055 parents and unqualified former NSFAS beneficiaries who signed acknowledgements of debt (AoDs), agreeing to repay the funds over time.

The SIU has urged unqualified NSFAS beneficiaries, who have not yet made contact to with the unit, to come forward and make arrangements for repayment.

Manamela reaffirmed his support for the SIU’s mandate to investigate corruption, fraud and maladministration within Post-School Education and Training (PSET) institutions, and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State. – SAnews.gov.za