Category: South Africa Government

The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, has encouraged South Africans to submit written comments on the Draft Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection.

The Draft Revised White Paper outlines a vision for the most fundamental reform to South Africa’s citizenship, immigration and refugee protection frameworks in a generation. 

“It is designed to clamp down on fraud and abuse, enhance national security, improve service delivery, and promote economic development.

“Members of the public are encouraged to provide their inputs on the content of the Revised White Paper, thus playing a critical role in shaping the future governance of citizenship, immigration and refugee protection in South Africa,” the Department of Home Affairs said on Friday.

The Draft Revised White Paper updates the existing White Paper. 
It reviews and enhances certain policy propositions and adds the necessary detail to proposals contained in the original version.  

Key reforms proposed in the Draft Revised White Paper include:

•    Refugee management reforms
The refinement and implementation of the “First Safe Country Principle,” which states that asylum seekers who have been granted refugee status or lawful protection in another country, or who pass through safe third countries to reach South Africa, are ineligible for asylum in South Africa.
This is designed to combat the phenomenon of applicants “picking and choosing” South Africa as their preferred destination to claim asylum, while passing through other safe countries on the way. In order to mitigate the risk of refoulement, this reform will require the Minister of Home Affairs to, on an annual basis, designate safe third countries that have ratified the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, and to withdraw such designation as and when the need arises.

•    Citizenship reforms
These reforms introduce merit-based criteria for naturalisation and an annual window period for the submission of applications to prevent backlogs, a Citizenship Advisory Panel (CAP) to objectively consider and advise on applications, and a point-based system for economic pathways to citizenship. This is a new, merit-based approach to the granting of citizenship, as opposed to basing qualification solely on the number of years a foreigner has resided in the country. This new system will operate in parallel to the existing principle that a child with at least one parent who is a South African citizen at the time of birth automatically becomes a citizen, while a child born to non-South African parents has to apply for naturalisation.

•    Immigration reforms:
Reforms to the immigration system are designed to ensure alignment of the visa system with the recommendations of Operation Vulindlela (OV) and to the department’s digital transformation agenda. This includes the introduction of new visa categories for remote-work, start-ups, skilled workers (which combines the existing critical skills and general work visas into one category), sports and culture, and the replacement of corporate visas with sectoral work visas for specific industries. It also introduces a new, merit-based points-based system for certain visas and permanent residency and supports the rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to record biometrics for every foreigner in South Africa.

•    Civil registration reforms
Civil registration reforms are anchored in the transformation of South Africa’s National Population Register (NPR) into a modern, digitally enabled Intelligent Population Register (IPR) as the foundation for a Digital ID system. Unlike the existing NPR, which simply records basic information, including names, births, and deaths, an IPR uses advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, biometrics, interoperability and real-time data integration, to improve governance, integrated service delivery, and national planning. Further detail on key elements and the functionality of the IPR will be covered in a standalone policy on Digital ID that is under development by the department.

The priorities of the Government of National Unity (GNU), the visa review done through OV, and the Department of Home Affairs’ digital transformation agenda have all been incorporated into the revised version. 

“In keeping with a directive by Cabinet to maximise public participation beyond the festive season, the period for public comment will be open until 31 January 2026. 

“The publication of the Draft Revised White Paper opens a formal public consultation period from 12 December 2025 to 31 January 2026, during which individuals, organisations, and interested parties are invited to submit written comments and participate in provincial and national public consultation sessions,” the department said.

Consultation 

A series of public consultations will take place between 15 and 30 January 2026, covering all nine provinces. 
A national stakeholder consultation session will also be convened to engage government departments, Chapter 9 institutions, business, labour, academia, civil society, and multilateral organisations. 

The Department of Home Affairs will work closely with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), provincial governments, and social partners to ensure that the public is informed about the consultation processes and opportunities to participate.

The Draft Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection is available on the department’s website and through the
Government Gazette, which can be accessed on: https://www.dha.gov.za/images/gazettes/53853-12-12-HomeAffairs.pdf  

How to submit comments: 
•    Comments may be submitted in writing between 12 December 2025 and 31 January 2026 to: Email: Whitepaper@dha.gov.za
•    Postal: The Director-General, Department of Home Affairs, Private Bag X114, Pretoria, 0001 

–SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Information Regulator says it will study the judgement dismissing its application to block the publication of matric results.

In a statement on Friday, the regulator noted the decision by the full bench of the Pretoria High Court to set aside its Enforcement Notice.

The Enforcement Notice was issued against the Department of Basic Education (DBE) on 18 November 2024 following a finding from an assessment of how the department processes the personal information of learners who sit for matriculation exams.

The assessment found that the DBE’s practices were in violation of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) provisions, particularly the manner of publication of the results, which the regulator deems likely to compromise the personal information of learners. 

The Enforcement Notice ordered the DBE to provide an undertaking “that it will not publish the results of the 2024 matriculants in the newspapers” within 31 days from the date on which the order was served. 

It also ordered that the department “must not publish the results for the 2024 matriculants in newspapers and must make these results available to the learners using methods that are compliant with POPIA.”

However, the DBE did not comply with the Enforcement Notice, thus forcing the Regulator to issue an Infringement Notice against DBE, in which it ordered the DBE to pay an administrative fine of R5 million following its failure to comply with the Enforcement Notice.

The regulator approached the Pretoria High Court for an interdict against the publication of the matriculation results, while the DBE appealed the decision of the regulator, and the matter was argued in the High Court (Gauteng Division, Pretoria).
“Naturally, the regulator is disappointed that the Court’s judgment was not in its favour. We will study the judgment in order to determine the next course of action. Further announcements will be made in due course.

“The Regulator has previously expressed the importance of judicial processes that may help to illuminate certain aspects of the Protection of Personal Information Act, particularly on the issue of the obligations of responsible parties in complying with the orders of the Regulator and in protecting personal information that they hold about data subjects, such as the matriculants in this case,” the Information Regulator said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Transnet’s interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2025 reflect an improved financial performance, driven by higher volumes across the business, which boosted revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), while reducing the loss for the period. 

This is according to Transnet’s interim results, which were released on Friday.

“Transnet’s volume performance has been on an upward trajectory since the 2024 financial year, “Transnet Group Chief Executive, Advocate Michelle Phillips, said.
According to the interim results, revenue for the reporting period increased by 8.8% to R45.2 billion (2024: R41.5 billion), in line with an increase in rail, container and petroleum volumes and weighted average tariff increases in the port and pipeline businesses.

“The company continues to show sustained improvements, as the rail volume performance is higher than the prior period, reflecting an increase of 4.4% to 81.4 mt (2024: 78.0 mt). 

“Performance improvements are evident through increased tonnage throughput, with the financial month of September 2025 recording an annual high of 14.8 mt, the highest month performance achieved since the 2022 financial year, despite the annual maintenance shutdown affecting manganese volumes. This resulted in a 17.7% improvement in the reported net loss of R1.8 billion (2024: R2.2 billion),” Phillips said.

She said the company will leverage private sector participation (PSP) to improve efficiency and fund capital investment requirements. 

“Transnet remains committed to its role in supporting South Africa’s economic recovery and is focused on delivering efficient, world-class logistics services for the benefit of the country.

“Projects focused on improving rolling stock availability and the rail infrastructure condition will be prioritised while building on improved efficiencies. The acquisition of key port equipment has gained significant momentum, contributing to notable performance improvements within the port business.

“The Board and management continue to implement the Reinvent for Growth Strategy, and direct significant focus on resolving operational challenges to ensure that the tangible gains made thus far are translated into sustainable profitability,” Phillips said.

Theft, vandalism and security incidents continue to pose a challenge to the business, and Transnet, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, will continue to address this matter.

Key highlights also include:
•    The capital investment for the interim period amounts to R11.0 billion, representing a 5.0% increase in capital expenditure compared to the prior period.
•    The expansion of capacity accounted for 18,3% of the expenditure, while 81,7% was invested to maintain current capacity.
•    Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation increased to R15.7 billion, a 15.6% increase from the prior period. The EBITDA margin at 34.8% is accordingly also above the prior period (32.8%), owing to volume improvements.
•    Net finance costs increased by 7.7% to R7.7 billion (2024: R7.1 billion), resulting mainly from the increase in total debt compared to the prior period.
–SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has called on motorists to exercise extreme caution when driving in inclement weather this weekend.

This comes as heavy rainfalls have been experienced in several parts of the country.

“Motorists are advised to delay their trips when they encounter heavy rainfalls and desist from crossing flooded bridges. Traffic officers will be deployed along the routes that are likely to be affected by severe weather patterns and motorists are urged to cooperate with them and obey their instructions,” the RTMC said on Saturday.

Traffic volumes have increased on many routes as travellers head to different destinations to spend the festive season with families, relatives, and friends.

“The RTMC reiterated its call for caution, patience, and respect for the rules of the roads. Pedestrians are warned to stay away from busy roads and only use pedestrian bridges to cross.

“Traffic officers together with members of the South African Police Service have been deployed on all busy routes to ensure free flow of traffic and to deal with those who break the rules of the road,” RTMC said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has reiterated a call for motorists to exercise caution on the roads this festive season after 12 people died in two separate accidents this weekend.

On Saturday, seven people, including a baby, died when an SUV and a light delivery vehicle collided head-on on the N12 between Kimberly and Warrenton in the Northern Cape.

Both vehicles caught alight.

Five other people died on the N12 in Fochville, Gauteng, when two vehicles were also involved in a head-on collision. Three people died on the scene, while two others died later in the hospital.

The exact causes of these crashes are not yet known. The RTMC crash investigation unit is working with the police to probe factors that may have contributed to these fatal crashes.

“Motorists are further advised to take regular rest stops when travelling on long-distance trips. They must also reduce speed and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol,” RTMC said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, will lead a South African delegation to the world’s largest international gathering dedicated to combating corruption.

The Minister will lead the delegation to the 11th Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CoSP11) to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), taking place from 15 to 19 December 2025 in Doha, State of Qatar.

“Fighting corruption remains a central priority for South Africa and has strengthened alignment with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards and signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, deepening its commitment to addressing corruption, cyber-enabled crime, and international financial offences,” the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development said on Saturday.

More than 2 000 participants, including high-level officials from governments, regional and international organisations, civil society, and the private sector, are expected to attend.

CoSP11, also known as the UN Anti-Corruption Conference, is the world’s largest international gathering dedicated to combating corruption and serves as the main policymaking body of the Convention.

Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003, UNCAC remains the only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument, offering a comprehensive global framework through its mandatory provisions.
The Convention entered into force in December 2005 and currently has 192 States Parties. 

“Convened every two years, the CoSP strengthens the capacity of and cooperation among States Parties in fulfilling the objectives of UNCAC.
“The Minister and delegation will share South Africa’s progress and experiences in combating corruption, while learning from and collaborating with other States,” the Ministry said.

Held under the theme “Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”, CoSP11 will focus on five core thematic areas of the Convention: preventive measures, criminalisation and law enforcement; international cooperation; asset recovery; and technical assistance and information exchange, while also addressing emerging global threats.

Key topics include the use of artificial intelligence and new technologies to detect and prevent corruption; the links between corruption, economic crime, and organised crime; strengthening public financial systems to reduce illicit financial flows; advancing integrity in the private sector; and safeguarding investigative journalism, media professionals, and whistle-blowers.
Delegates will further reflect on progress since the 2021 UN General Assembly Special Session on Corruption.

A major milestone of the session will be the launch of the second phase of the Mechanism for the Review of Implementation of UNCAC, through a resolution to be tabled by the State of Qatar.

The South African delegation comprises of officials from the Departments of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO); Public Service and Administration (DPSA); the South African Police Service (SAPS); the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA); Special Investigating Unit (SIU); the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) and the Public Protector. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has called on members of the public and organisations to nominate suitable candidates for appointment to serve as commissioners on the Commission for Gender Equality.

The candidates must be South African citizens, who are fit and proper persons for appointment to the Commission and who are broadly representative of the South African community. 

The commission’s constitutional mandate is to promote respect for gender equality and the protection, development and attainment of gender equality.

“They must also have a record of commitment to the promotion of gender equality and have applicable knowledge of and experience in matters connected with the objectives of the Commission,” the portfolio committee said on Friday.
The President will, on recommendation of Parliament, appoint a member to the Commission for a term of office not exceeding five years. 

“Commission members may be appointed as full-time or part-time commissioners. Any person whose term of office as a member of the Commission has expired may be reappointed for one additional term,” the portfolio commission said.
Nominations must contain the full name, address/email address and contact details of the person or organisation making the nomination, along with their signature, as well as a signed acceptance of the nomination by the nominee.

All applicants/nominees will be required to complete an online application, (https://forms.gle/PY6GQQVjZDNsRh1u9) on the parliamentary website or submit by hand at the Parliamentary Visitors Centre, 100 Plein Street, Cape Town City Centre, 8000. 
All applicants and nominees are required to submit a full curriculum vitae and certified copies (not older than three months) of their identity documents and academic qualifications.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 1 February 2026. –SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has welcomed the arrest of eight motorists for allegedly attempting to bribe officers since the start of the festive season.

In a statement on Saturday, the RTMC said it is encouraged to witness the courage shown by traffic officers to deal with bribery and corruption.

“This is a new and refreshing attitude which shows a determination by traffic officers have adopted a zero tolerance to clean up their image and enforce the law without favour.

“The RTMC is pleased with the no-nonsense attitude displayed by the officers and is hoped that it will lead to a reduction in road crashes and fatalities.”

Two of arrests were made in the Western Cape, three in the Eastern Cape and three in Gauteng since 1 December 2025. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina is this weekend leading a South African delegation to Lesotho for an oversight visit to assess progress on Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP).

The Minister is accompanied by Deputy Minister David Mahobo and Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Seiso Mohai.

The delegation is scheduled to meet Lesotho’s Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko.

Majodina will be joined on the two-day visit beginning on Saturday, 14 December 2025, by representatives of the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission, on behalf of the two countries, as well as the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), which is the implementing agency for the project.

The oversight visit will include inspections of key infrastructure sites, including the Polihali Dam construction site, the Katse Dam Outfall Tunnel system, and the Senqu Bridge, among other infrastructure associated with the project.

The Minister will also lead bilateral consultation meetings to discuss project progress and ensure the continued success of the landmark initiative.

The LHWP remains central to strengthening bilateral relations between South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho, while advancing development and economic prosperity in both countries.

The project involves the construction of a network of tunnels and dams to transfer water from the Orange–Senqu River in the Lesotho highlands to South Africa, and to use the water-delivery system to generate hydro-electric power in the Kingdom of Lesotho.

Phase II of the water transfer component includes the construction of an approximately 165-metre-high concrete-faced rockfill dam at Polihali, located downstream of the confluence of the Khubelu and Senqu-Orange Rivers, as well as an approximately 38 kilometre concrete-lined gravity tunnel linking the Polihali and Katse reservoirs.

Upon completion, Phase II will increase the annual water transfer from Lesotho to South Africa by an additional 490 million cubic metres, raising total transfers from the current 780 million cubic metres per year to make it 1260 million cubic metres per year. The additional water will feed into South Africa’s Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS).

“The IVRS is the biggest system in the country, which supplies water to our economic hub of Gauteng and comprises 14 dams with catchments in four provinces, namely Free State, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, and North West, with the Polihali dam becoming the 15th dam in the system,” the department said in a statement on Saturday.

Earlier this month, the Ministers responsible for water from the four Orange–Senqu River Basin states have reiterated their shared commitment to safeguarding the river basin as a strategic resource underpinning regional water security, climate resilience, economic development, and ecological sustainability.

The visit will conclude on Sunday, 15 December 2025.  – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has signed a 25-year Terminal Operator Agreement with WASAA CEF SOC Ltd to develop and operate a new liquefied petroleum gas terminal at the Port of Durban’s Island View Precinct.

With an investment value of approximately R1.4 billion, the execution of the project is crucial for advancing South Africa’s Just Energy Transition programme, which aims to shift the gas sector from fossil fuels to cleaner energies whilst supporting the decarbonisation of key sectors. 

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Port of Durban LPG Terminal on Friday, TNPA Board Chairperson Tshokolo Nchocho said the agreement formed part of the developmental mandate of transforming the South African ports system by creating opportunities that will translate into the economic growth of the country.

“In keeping with this mandate and the concession framework stipulated in Section 56 of the Ports Act, we are here today to celebrate a milestone of great significance,” Nchocho said.

In July 2024 TNPA issued an award letter for a 25-year concession for the design, development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance and transfer of a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) terminal in the Island View precinct of the port.

“A rigorous journey has brought us to this long-awaited and proud moment. I am immensely proud of the teams that have contributed their expertise to this transaction.

“Today is a clear reflection of TNPA’s strategic direction as we work to transform and modernise our port system, unlock infrastructure investment and support South Africa’s evolving energy and logistics landscape.

“This Terminal Operator Agreement represents a partnership that is aligned with national priorities, market demand and global energy dynamics. The development of the first LPG terminal in the Port of Durban is a timely and necessary response to where the world is moving,” Nchocho said.

The signing of the agreement reflects TNPA’s commitment to ensuring that Durban remains competitive, efficient and ready to attract future investment.

“The WASAA CEF Joint Venture brings together a level 1 black-owned and black-women-led entity with a national energy institution that carries a mandate to support security of supply and long-term energy development.

“This is transformation that is grounded in capacity, performance and in a vision for expanding South Africa’s strategic role in the regional energy market. It is the type of collaboration we want to see driving future concessions and infrastructure development across the port system.

“This agreement further demonstrates the value of a transparent, competitive and well-governed Section 56 process,” he said.

Advocate Michelle Phillips, Transnet Group Chief Executive, said the signing ceremony between TNPA and the Preferred Bidder comes at a time when the country is implementing strategies to ensure the Just Energy Transition, which is a framework that guides the transition of the economy from fossil fuels to cleaner energies and accelerate the decarbonisation of key sectors.

“At Transnet, we have been very clear about the direction in which we are steering the organisation. We are building a business that is stronger, more resilient, and fundamentally more capable of supporting national growth,” Phillips said.

Phillips said TNPA’s goal is to rebuild trust in its operations, attract investment and develop partnerships that will introduce new capacity and expertise into the logistics system.

“This new agreement reflects exactly the type of partnership we envision for the future. It brings together an experienced state-owned energy company and an emerging transformation-driven operator, both committed to delivering value at the highest standard,” she said.

eThekwini Mayor, Cyril Xaba, in his message of support congratulated TNPA and the WASAA CEF SOC LTD Joint Venture on reaching this significant milestone.

“For us as a city, this is a welcome development, as it will greatly enhance Durban’s position as a leading energy and logistics hub. It will also boost our economy and create much-needed jobs,” Xaba said.

He said he has no doubt that the development of the first-ever LPG gas terminal in the Port of Durban will support the city’s Climate Action Plan by reducing carbon emissions, an essential component to climate change.

“This project will also help us accelerate our programme to develop new electricity generation capacity. As you know, the Minister of Electricity and Energy has authorised the city to procure 400 megawatts of renewable energy from Independent Power Producers. 

“This includes 300 megawatts of gas-to-power and 100 megawatts of solar PV. Therefore, the timing of this project could not be more fitting,” the Mayor said.

Xaba said the city remains committed to working with Transnet, particularly TNPA, to unlock the full potential of the Port of Durban.

The construction of the LPG terminal in Island View, which will be known as LOT 100 Terminal, follows the company’s procurement of bp Southern Africa’s liquid bulk fuels import terminal in East London in 2022 which considerably entrenched WASAA’s position as an emerging commodity trader in the sub-Saharan region where it has regularly supplied LPG for over 10 years.

The East London terminal serves key customers such as Shell, bp, and Engen and boasts 55 million litres of operational storage capacity.

The construction and operation of the LPG terminal in Island View is expected to diversify the ports of entry for LPG imports into South Africa which are currently limited to Richards Bay, Saldanha Bay, and Port Elizabeth. The three ports collectively account for 97% of all imports coming into South Africa between 2010 and 2022. 

Once operational, the Port of Durban terminal will also reinforce the port’s status as a major hub for the SADC region and a key transhipment point connecting global markets.

The agreement supports Transnet’s Reinvent for Growth strategy, which focuses on transforming the business through strategic partnerships and leveraging collaboration between public and private sectors to meet growing market demand.

It follows a successful competitive bidding process under Section 56 of the National Ports Act No 12 of 2005, which led to TNPA appointing WASAA Gases and Central Energy Fund Joint Venture (JV) as a preferred bidder. The JV will develop, construct, operate, maintain and transfer the LPG terminal at the Port of Durban.

The agreement will result in a 50 000 m³ liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) terminal storage and handling capacity, a comprehensive solution addressing the growing demand, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape hinterlands. 

The terminal, which is expected to be completed by 2027, will have capacity to dispatch up to 800m³ per hour of heated LPG mix. This, according to TNPA, will provide essential supplies to various industrial markets and produce specific grades suitable for residential use.

Women participation

Nokwande Qonde, founder and Managing Director of WASSA, told SAnews that the signing ceremony not only marks an important turning point for the company, but also carves a path for the meaningful participation of women in the oil and gas sector. 

“I strongly believe that having women playing a key-role in the industry cannot continue to be an aberration, we need to be intentional about dismantling the age-old, patriarchal, and exclusionary culture that views female entrants as an anomaly at best, and intrusive at worst,” she said. 

Qonde said it’s worth noting that LPG is being widely used for large-scale power generation in other parts of the world, especially in remote areas and developing regions which are unable to connect to the natural gas network.

“Through this signed 25-year concession agreement, the Port of Durban will enhance its strategic position as a key national logistics hub.

“The terminal will not only benefit the local economy, but it will also enable access to clean energy and help reduce carbon emissions in the energy sector,” said TNPA Acting Chief Executive, Mohammed Abdool. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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