Category: South Africa Government

The Companies Tribunal has welcomed the appointment of five judges saying their appointment will enhance the tribunal’s capacity to resolve matters swiftly.

“With their appointment, the Tribunal is poised to elevate its arbitration and alternative dispute resolution functions. Their backgrounds in complex decision-making, mediation of high-level disputes, and the application of principled judgment will enhance the Tribunal’s capacity to resolve matters swiftly, impartially, and in a manner that strengthens confidence in the Tribunal’s ADR mechanism,” the Tribunal said on Monday.

This as Cabinet has appointed the following Judges to serve as members of the Companies 
Tribunal (The Tribunal):

•    Judge Mohammed Navsa, 
•    Judge Kathleen Satchwell, 
•    Judge Robert Nugent, 
•    Judge Boissie Henry Mbha, and 
•    Judge Visvanathan Ponnan.

The tribunal said their collective expertise distinguished judicial careers, and deep commitment to justice bring renewed strength to the Tribunal at a pivotal time in its evolution.

“These esteemed members share a reputation for integrity, fairness, and sound legal reasoning. Each has made a significant contribution to South Africa’s jurisprudence, particularly in areas closely aligned with the Tribunal’s mandate – commercial law, administrative justice, and dispute resolution.

“Their combined experience positions the Tribunal to further entrench a culture of accessible, efficient, and equitable justice for companies and stakeholders across the country,” said the Tribunal.

The Tribunal said it looks forward to the “wisdom, leadership, and innovation, they will undoubtedly contribute towards advancing the Tribunal’s mission of promoting fair, transparent, and developmental business practices in South Africa.”

Judge Dennis Davis, Chairperson of the Companies Tribunal, expressed confidence that the newly appointed Judges will further enrich the Tribunal’s jurisprudence, particularly in the arbitration of company disputes.  –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Seven Kenyan nationals were arrested for allegedly working at a centre, despite entering the country on a tourist visa.

They were arrested after the Department of Home Affairs, in collaboration with other arms of law enforcement, executed a routine, lawful operation in Johannesburg, targeted at suspected violations of South African immigration law.

The operation followed after intelligence reports indicated that a number of Kenyan nationals had recently entered South Africa on tourist visas and had illegally taken up work at a centre that processes the applications of so-called “refugees” to the United States (US). 

“This was despite the fact that earlier visa applications for Kenyan nationals to perform this work had been lawfully declined by the department. They were arrested and issued with deportation orders and will be prohibited from entering South Africa again for a five-year period,” the department said on Thursday.

The operation was carried out according to the same procedures that have seen Home Affairs dramatically intensify deportations over the past 18 months, as the South African government works to turn around the longstanding abuse of the country’s immigration and visa system. 

The department said no US officials were arrested in the process; the operation was not conducted at a diplomatic site, and no members of the public or prospective “refugees” were harassed.

“The operation reinforces Home Affairs’ commitment to enforcing the rule of  law without fear or favour, as no person or entity is above these laws. It also  showcases the commitment that South Africa shares with the United States to combat illegal immigration and visa abuse in all its forms.

“The presence of foreign officials apparently coordinating with undocumented workers naturally raises serious questions about intent and diplomatic protocol. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has initiated formal diplomatic engagements with both the United States and Kenya to resolve this matter,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has reiterated to trustees the importance of voluntary compliance in maintaining trust in the country’s tax system.

All trustees and provisional taxpayers should submit both ITR12T trust and provisional tax returns by 19 January 2026.

“This reminder aligns with SARS’ strategic intent to improve compliance across all taxpayer segments and protect the country’s fiscus. 

“SARS encourages trustees to gather all supporting documents, verify beneficiary information, and use SARS eFiling tools or online guides. This approach aims to make the process straightforward and instill confidence in submitting accurate returns,” the revenue service said.

SARS is committed to safeguarding taxpayer information and offers support for updating banking details. 

“Trustees who need to verify changes in person can visit a SARS branch, ensuring they feel supported throughout the process. 

“Trusts with fewer than 10 beneficiaries that are not registered for eFiling can submit returns at a SARS branch. Trustees can also book an appointment in advance via SARS contact channels and prepare all required documents, such as trust deeds and beneficiary lists, to ensure a smooth submission process,” SARS said.

Trustees are reminded that compliance is mandatory, and non-compliance can result in fines and penalties. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has warned motorists that there will be zero tolerance for unroadworthy vehicles, reckless behaviour, or criminality on Gauteng’s roads.

“Our enforcement teams are acting decisively to protect commuters and ensure full compliance by public transport operators. Road safety is not negotiable, and those who undermine it will be dealt with without exception,” Diale-Tlabela said on Wednesday.

With a dedicated team of 96 officers, the MEC said the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) remains committed to enhancing road safety, clamping down on illegal operations, and upholding the rule of law across the province.

The Gauteng Provincial Government continues to intensify road safety enforcement through high-impact stop-and-search operations led by the GTI, in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).

These operations form part of a coordinated strategy to curb lawlessness, combat criminal activity, and improve compliance with traffic legislation, particularly within the public transport sector.

“Stop-and-search operations remain a key pillar of the province’s road safety and law-enforcement programme, strengthening compliance through sustained visibility and reinforcing the message that lawlessness on Gauteng’s roads will not be tolerated,” she said.

Between 08 and 14 December 2025, intensified enforcement operations were conducted across the Cities of Johannesburg and Tshwane, focusing on major public transport corridors during the long-week operational cycle.

Key enforcement outcomes recorded include:
•    64 unroadworthy minibuses discontinued from operation.
•    89 vehicles issued with discontinuation notices for non-compliance with road safety regulations.
•    Over 800 manual infringement notices issued and
•    1174 electronic infringement notices processed via GTI e-Force devices.
•    Two vehicles impounded for failure to comply with road safety requirements.

Further non-compliance identified during the operations revealed:
•    168 minibus taxi operators driving without valid driving licences; and
•    147 minibuses operating without valid licence discs.
•    In addition to traffic-related offences, the operations also targeted broader criminal activity. 

Arrests were affected for serious offences, including:
•    Driving under the influence (two arrests).
•    Contraventions of the Immigration Act (four arrests).
•    Fraud-related offences (four arrests).
•    Obstruction of officers in the execution of their duties (one arrest); and
•    Reckless and negligent driving (one arrest).

–SAnews.gov.za
 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa will in his capacity as the interim Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) address the opening and participate in a virtual Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government on Wednesday afternoon.

This afternoon’s virtual Extraordinary SADC Summit is taking place under the theme: “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC,” and will be preceded by meetings of Senior Officials and Council of Ministers respectively. 

The Summit will consider the fact-finding mission report on the political situation in the Republic of Madagascar and the interim Incoming Chairperson of SADC. President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola.   –SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has announced the appointment of additional Preferred Bidders to deliver 890 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity, marking a significant expansion of South Africa’s renewable energy programme and a R16 billion investment injection into the economy.

With the latest announcement, total capacity procured under Bid Window 7 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) now stands at 3 940MW, to be delivered through 18 solar PV independent power producer (IPP) projects.

Addressing media in Pretoria on Monday, Ramokgopa said the additional capacity forms part of government’s drive to stabilise electricity supply, while supporting economic growth and job creation.

“South African equity participation of 49% across all the Preferred Bidders and average Black Economic Empowerment participation of 40% have been committed by these projects,” Ramokgopa said, adding that these commitments will be formalised through Implementation Agreements between the department and the project companies.

The Minister said the additional projects in Bid Window 7 emerged from strong market interest, which attracted 48 bidders offering a combined 10.2 gigawatts — more than double the capacity originally requested.

“They were giving us twice the number of megawatts that we had called for,” Ramokgopa said, noting that government initially prepared preferred bidders for about 1 760MW of solar PV, close to the 1 800MW target.

He explained that when Bid Window 7 did not yield sufficient wind energy bids, government successfully converted that capacity allocation to solar PV, enabling the appointment of additional bidders.

“We were able to get six additional bidders that were going to add another 1 290 megawatts. After further engagements on pricing and compensation, we are now able to ensure that four of these projects go over the line, giving us an additional 890 megawatts,” he said.

Ramokgopa said the new projects are expected to reach the grid within the next 24 months, reinforcing government’s commitment to expanding generation capacity as economic activity picks up.

“The more the economy grows, the more electricity consumption we need to support that growth. We have to give the country assurance that electricity will be there,” he said.

The Minister confirmed that three of the four newly announced projects were awarded to Red Rocket, and that the solar PV facilities will be located in the Free State and Northern Cape — provinces well suited to renewable energy development.

Ramokgopa reiterated that South Africa remains an ideal destination for renewable energy investment, with energy seen as a key enabler of economic recovery.

“We want the South African economy to grow. We want investors to come into this space, we want to get people into employment, and we are going to use energy to get the economy going,” he said.

The Minister said the R16 billion investment linked to the newly announced projects would flow directly into the South African economy, supporting industrial development, employment and long-term energy security. – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina has assured that there will be full accountability for the R53 billion allocated for the implementation of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP).

“We will account at the right time. When the project is completed, the books will be audited… We will be transparent to both countries, showing what has been done and how much has been spent. If contingency funds were used, we will account comprehensively,” Majodina said.

The Minister was speaking to media on Monday during the second day of an oversight visit to Lesotho to assess progress on LHWP Phase II.

As part of the oversight programme, Majodina visited the newly upgraded Katse Lodge, which now has 81 rooms, including single quarters and dormitories, as well as conference facilities. She also toured the Botanical Garden, campsite and caravan park, Tunnel Access Adit, and the Katse Dam.

While acknowledging delays in the project’s completion, Majodina said some challenges were unavoidable.

“Some of these challenges are common to construction projects anywhere in the world. Lesotho receives a lot of rain, and when rainfall is excessive, work has to stop. Employees are withdrawn from sites because there is nothing that can be done,” she said.

She noted that delays were experienced particularly on feeder roads and housing construction. “We cannot build when it is raining,” she added.

Despite some challenges, the Minister said government was satisfied with how the project is being managed.

South Africa ‘not stealing water’

Meanwhile, Majodina has dismissed claims that South Africa is stealing water from Lesotho, emphasising that South Africa pays royalties for the water it receives under the LHWP agreement.

Her comments come amid opposition from some quarters in Lesotho, who argue that the project benefits South Africa at the expense of the host country.

“We want to [assure] all Basotho that we are not stealing any water here. We are paying royalties on a monthly basis. But those royalites were not meant for a particular village, but for the country [as a whole] .

“They go to the national fiscus and get distributed in accordance with the plan of the government of Lesotho, and we don’t enter into that space. What we do is to meet our requirement of payment,” the Minister said.

Majodina said South Africa and Lesotho are close to finalising discussions on hydropower arrangements linked to the project.

“While we are paying royalties, the question is how Lesotho will pay for hydropower services on our side,” she said.

She confirmed that Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, is expected to visit Lesotho soon, as the Bi-National Commission (BNC) has set a deadline for progress reports ahead of its next meeting.

“By now I am certain that we are going to give a more positive report to the BNC,” Majodina said. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has cautioned against misinformation and false narratives that seek to portray South Africa as a deeply divided society, warning that such narratives are designed to sow fear, hatred and division. 

Speaking at the National Day of Reconciliation commemoration at the Ncome Museum in Nquthu on Tuesday, President Ramaphosa said there are individuals and groups, both inside and outside the country, who deliberately misrepresent the state of race relations and democracy in South Africa.

“There are those who are trying their utmost to paint a false picture of us as the South African people,” he said.

The President said detractors often ignore evidence showing that most South Africans remain hopeful about the country’s democracy and believe race relations have improved since 1994.

“They do not show the pictures of African, white, Indian and coloured children learning together, studying together and playing together. They do not want to talk about the friendships, neighbourliness and kindness shown by black and white towards each other,” he said.

President Ramaphosa pointed to everyday examples of social cohesion, including cross-cultural friendships, shared communities and young South Africans embracing each other’s languages, music and traditions.

“They don’t want to play all the social media clips we are seeing of young Afrikaners in veldskoens dancing to amapiano, and white teenagers speaking fluent isiZulu with their friends.

“Our country’s detractors are not talking about successful land restitution, communities sharing the land and successful black farmers. Instead, they are painting a false picture designed to sow fear and hatred,” he said.

He urged South Africans not to allow misinformation to undermine unity, stressing that the country’s diversity should be a source of strength rather than division.

The President reiterated the importance of the National Dialogue process, which aims to bring together all sectors of society to forge a shared vision for the future.

“No person, no group and no community must be excluded from that dialogue. Let us use the National Dialogue to resolve our differences and to find common ground,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said open engagement and honest conversation were essential to addressing South Africa’s persistent challenges, including poverty, inequality, crime, corruption and gender-based violence.

“We must not try to hide our differences. We must speak about them and continue to work to bridge them,” he said.

Reflecting on the historical significance of Ncome the President said hosting the 2025 commemoration at the heritage site reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to transforming painful symbols of the past into platforms for dialogue, healing and shared nationhood.

Ncome Museum is a tribute to the Battle of Ncome of 16 December 1838, where thousands of Zulu warriors lost their lives defending their land. 

“As we continue and together build our nation as South Africans, there will be no one who will be able to plant the seed of discrimination and exclusiveness amongst us,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to reaffirm their commitment to reconciliation, unity and nation-building, saying the country’s democratic foundation was built on choosing healing over vengeance.

Delivering the keynote address at the national commemoration of the Day of Reconciliation at the Ncome Museum in Nquthu on Tuesday, President Ramaphosa said the 16th of December remains a powerful moment for the nation to confront its painful past honestly while committing to a shared and peaceful future.

“This year, we return to eNcome not to reopen old wounds, but to reaffirm our promise to future generations that South Africa shall never again be divided by hatred, injustice or exclusion,” the President said.

The commemoration took place under the theme: “Reaffirming Reconciliation for Future Generations” and was led by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government. 

President Ramaphosa reflected on the Battle of Ncome in 1838, where thousands of Zulu warriors lost their lives defending their land. He said the day symbolised the complexity of South Africa’s shared history. 

“Commemorating the 16th of December provides us with an opportunity to confront our past with honesty, acknowledge the complexities of our shared history and commit ourselves to building a peaceful future together,” he said.

He recalled the many historical events that marked brutal repression against black South Africans, including Sharpeville, Langa, Boipatong and the political violence that engulfed KwaZulu-Natal in the 1980s and 1990s.

Despite centuries of dispossession and oppression, the President said South Africans chose reconciliation at the dawn of democracy.

“Where others wanted to break, they chose to build. Where others wanted to sow division, they chose reconciliation,” he said, quoting former President Nelson Mandela’s call to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that reconciliation remains an ongoing process, noting that poverty, inequality, crime, corruption and gender-based violence continue to undermine social cohesion.

“For as long as the majority of black South Africans live in poverty, for as long as inequality persists, our country will not find true reconciliation. Our pursuit of inclusive economic growth and job creation, our efforts to reduce poverty and bring down the cost of living, are essential for reconciliation.

“We cannot be reconciled as a people if our communities are terrorised by criminals and deprived of what is due to them by corrupt officials,” he said.

He also called on men to play a decisive role in ending violence against women and children, urging them to “harness the warrior spirit” to protect the most vulnerable in society.

“Real men do not abuse women and children. Real men protect women and children,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa concluded by encouraging South Africans to use the festive season to reconcile within families and communities, saying healthy families are the foundation of a healthy nation.

“Our pursuit of inclusive economic growth and job creation, our efforts to reduce poverty and bring down the cost of living, are essential for reconciliation. 

“We cannot be reconciled as a people if our communities are terrorised by criminals and deprived of what is due to them by corrupt officials,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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