Category: South Africa Government

As the 2026 tax filing season gets underway, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced a range of digital tools to improve the taxpayer experience, with millions of South Africans being auto-assessed.

In a statement on Thursday, SARS said the enhancements are designed to make tax compliance simpler, faster and more secure for millions of taxpayers. 

“As at the end of 1 July 2026, more than 1.9 million taxpayers were auto-assessed, with about R8 billion refunds paid out in 72 hours.

“The improvements form part of SARS’s commitment to excellent service and its vision to build a smart, modern SARS with unquestionable integrity. SARS aims to give clarity and certainty, and to make it easy for taxpayers to comply with their obligations,” the revenue collector said.

SARS added that enhancements aim to “create a seamless end-to-end filing experience that covers every stage of the taxpayer journey”.

“The improvements are expected to reduce administrative burdens, shorten turnaround times, and improve taxpayer satisfaction.

“SARS expects more than six million taxpayers to receive Auto Assessments this year. By using information from employers, banks, medical schemes, retirement funds, and other third-party providers, SARS can pre-populate returns and significantly reduce the information taxpayers need to capture themselves.

“Taxpayers selected for Auto Assessment between 1 and 12 July 2026 should not rush to SARS Service Centres. Instead, they should wait for official SARS communication and review their assessments through eFiling, the SARS MobiApp, or other authorised digital channels,” the revenue service said.

Key enhancements introduced include: 

• More accurate Auto Assessments driven by expanded third-party data sources.
• Expanded digital self-service capabilities through eFiling, SARS MobiApp, and SARS Online Query System.
• Enhanced profile security through biometric authentication, two-factor authentication, and device-level security controls.
• Expanded support through the Lwazi AI virtual assistant.
• The ability to upload supporting documents through WhatsApp.
• Delivery of Notices of Assessment and Statements of Account through WhatsApp and other digital channels.
• Improved integration of taxpayer information and enhanced pre-population of returns.
• SARS has created necessary capacity to cater for increased volumes of taxpayers interacting with it through the various channels

“Our goal is to make compliance effortless for honest taxpayers. Every enhancement introduced this Filing Season is designed to improve service, reduce complexity, and give taxpayers greater confidence when engaging with SARS.

“We want taxpayers to spend less time dealing with administration and more time benefiting from our modern digital services,” SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu said.

The Commissioner warned that although security systems have been bolstered, taxpayers should remain vigilant against scams and criminality.

“Taxpayers should be cautious of anyone who guarantees a refund or requests sensitive information without proper verification. Protecting personal information remains a shared responsibility between SARS and taxpayers.

“Filing Season 2026 demonstrates the progress SARS continues to make in modernising tax administration and improving the taxpayer experience.

“Through enhanced Auto Assessments, stronger digital platforms, improved security, expanded self-service channels, and innovative solutions such as WhatsApp functionality, we are making compliance easier than ever before,” Makhubu said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Eskom has received a report on the independent investigation into possible irregularities relating to the procurement of diesel fuel and storage contracts.

According to Eskom, the investigation was originally launched in March 2025 by the power utility’s Group Investigations and Security (GIS) function following “monitoring of contract performance during operational emergencies” involving load shedding early last year, as well as tip-offs.

“The independent forensic firm has delivered its comprehensive report, and the matter is progressing through the required internal corporate governance, legal review and quality assurance processes to ensure that all findings strictly meet the necessary evidentiary and procedural standards to support any disciplinary and legal action.

“As part of strengthening the evidentiary base of the investigation, Eskom previously expanded the scope of work associated with the management of the contracts following the interim report, to include further document analysis, supplementary interviews, and digital forensic reviews of key records,” the power utility explained.

Eskom Group Chief Executive (GCE) Dan Marokane has assured the public that the power utility is handling the matter with precision.

“We remain committed to taking the corrective actions on the findings of this investigation with the appropriate level of legal thoroughness given what is at stake.

“We will update stakeholders at the end of the quality assurance process, which is expected to be by the end of July,” Marokane said.

The matter has been reported to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) for investigation.

Eskom stated it will temporarily withhold specific details of the findings due to the sensitive ongoing legal and disciplinary procedures.

“Considering the internal processes currently underway as well as the consequence management steps Eskom is already taking, and may need to further take, to address the identified procurement and contract management breaches relating to this matter, and the possibility of criminal prosecution…Eskom is not in a position to engage on the details or comment further at this stage, so as not to jeopardise the next stage of the process.

“Eskom supports and encourages the reporting of any concerns or alleged wrongdoing through its established whistleblowing and reporting mechanisms and treats all such information with the necessary seriousness and confidentiality,” the power utility said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Sixteen people have been killed in a bus accident on the N1 in Touwsriver in the Western Cape, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said.

According to the RTMC, the bus was transporting approximately 78 passengers, including children, from Cape Town to Idutywa in the Eastern Cape on Thursday.

“The crash resulted in 16 fatalities, 20 occupants sustained injuries and were transported to Worcester Hospital, and 43 occupants refused medical treatment,” said the RTMC of the overturned bus. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has reiterated government’s commitment to a whole-of-government approach to managing irregular migration.

The approach includes strengthening border security, upholding the constitutional principle of the rule of law, stamping out corruption in the immigration system, cracking down on violence and lawlessness, and refining the country’s legislative framework.

It also involves collaboration with fellow African nations to forge a broader and more cohesive response to migration challenges across the region and the continent.

Cachalia said this work is being implemented through the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration, with dedicated work streams addressing key areas, including law enforcement and strategic communications.

The Acting Minister was addressing a meeting on Wednesday attended by the Deputy Ministers of Police, the Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), and Premiers of all nine provinces, following recent demonstrations against illegal immigration.

Also present were MECs responsible for community safety, executive mayors of metropolitan municipalities, Deputy National Commissioners, Provincial, Divisional and District Commissioners, and chiefs of the various metro police departments.

While welcoming the peaceful outcome of the recent demonstrations, Cachalia said vigilance must be maintained, noting indications from organisers that protests may continue every Thursday until the local government elections.

He stressed the importance of sustained collaboration between political and law enforcement leadership.
Cachalia also called on provincial governments and Provincial Commissioners to strengthen their partnerships on safety and security matters.

Meeting participants expressed appreciation to members of the South African Police Service for their professionalism, dedication and service.

During discussions, concerns were raised about challenges associated with the repatriation of undocumented foreign nationals, along with calls for additional support from the IMC in provinces where repatriation centres have been established.

In response, Cachalia reaffirmed the government’s whole-of-government approach through the IMC on Migration and its dedicated work streams.

He undertook to convey the concerns raised during the meeting to the Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mamoloko Kubayi, when it convenes on Friday. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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As excitement builds ahead of the Hollywoodbets Durban July, the eThekwini Municipality has intensified clean-up operations across key routes, public spaces, and event precincts to welcome thousands of visitors, racegoers and stakeholders.

The Hollywoodbets Durban July will be held on Saturday, 4 July 2026, at the Greyville Racecourse in KwaZulu-Natal.

Municipal teams have been deployed to remove litter, clear illegal dumping hotspots, and improve the cleanliness and appearance of areas expected to experience high volumes of pedestrian and vehicle traffic during the event.

According to the municipality, the initiative forms part of the city’s preparations for one of Durban’s flagship annual events, and aims to ensure that public spaces are clean, safe, and welcoming for residents and visitors.
The municipality said the clean-up campaign also underscores the municipality’s environmental sustainability and responsible urban management.

“By enhancing the condition of public spaces, the initiative not only improves the city’s image but also promotes shared responsibility for keeping Durban clean and attractive.

“Residents and visitors are encouraged to support these efforts by disposing of waste responsibly, using the street litter bins provided, and refraining from littering and illegal dumping,” the municipality said in a statement on Thursday.

The municipality reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a culture of cleanliness and environmental stewardship before, during and after major events.

“Through sustained service delivery and partnerships with communities and stakeholders, the city continues to promote civic pride while ensuring Durban remains a safe, clean, and welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike.”

Repatriation operation

Meanwhile, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba has overseen the clean-up of the drive-in site, which had been used as a processing centre for Malawian nationals awaiting repatriation.

Xaba thanked all stakeholders, who played a role in the successful operation, including national, provincial and local government departments, non-profit organisations, law enforcement agencies, and the Malawian government.

According to the municipality, more than 20 000 Malawian nationals have been processed and repatriated from the Sherwood and drive-in sites. – SAnews.gov.za

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Government has processed over 500 buses for the repatriation of thousands of individuals back to their respective countries, Home Affairs Minster Dr. Leon Schreiber said.

“In terms of the repatriation process overall, there were over 30 000 individuals out of eThekwini alone that we’ve repatriated. The latest number of buses from the government side that we have processed is 525 buses, so indeed, we’re looking at tens and thousands that’s already been successfully repatriated,” the Minister said.

Schreiber, who is also part of government’s Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration, visited the Beitbridge border post in Musina on Wednesday.

“It’s a massive operation. It’s really impressive to see how we have managed to do this as the IMC as the collective. What we have done is to say, instead of having these decentralised locations across the country, where people have to be processed by Home Affairs and by the SAPS [South African Police Service], let’s create one facility where one can go, where we have a secure space where we can have all of the different government departments on site,” Schreiber said.

Speaking to media, the Minister described the process as complex.

“It is a major logistical operation and we’ve moved all of that work to Musina. At the moment, we have about 4000 people still at the Showgrounds. Our intention is to work through that and for all new arrivals to go to the temporary repatriation facility built by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. I visited both sites earlier,” he said.

Schreiber described the sites as offering a much better environment that is dignified.

“We are going to have ablutions, water, food and all of the processing work  in one location. The message is the work continues,” he said.

The Minister’s visit follows planned demonstrations across the country, which took place on Tuesday, 30 June.

Earlier this week, government assured citizens that it is actively managing migration through lawful, coordinated and constitutional measures.

READ | Government reaffirms commitment to managing migration

“Our objective remains clear: a South Africa where immigration laws are respected and enforced, where borders are secure, where communities are safe, where businesses compete fairly, and where human dignity and constitutional values are upheld,” a statement issued by the IMC said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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A Limpopo councillor, initially arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigator, has been rearrested on an outstanding Makhado warrant for theft by false pretence.

Thulamela Municipality councillor Netshivhumbe Gumani was arrested on Monday after being granted R10 000 bail for the alleged bribery matter, which was heard in the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mahikeng. 

“Gumani was arrested by the Makhado police on an outstanding Makhado warrant for theft by false pretence.

“The charges stem from allegations that Gumani solicited funds from several businesspeople in Limpopo to finance political activities linked to the 2014 youth league conference in Sekhukhune District,” the SIU said. 

He is scheduled to appear in court again on 18 September 2026.  

On the bribery allegations, the corruption-busting unit explained that Gumani attempted to offer a senior SIU investigator R70 000 to “obstruct justice in the ongoing investigation into tenders at the Mahikeng Local Municipality”.

“It is alleged that Gumani was facilitating the bribe on behalf of Anacot Trading, a company associated with questionable financial activities involving municipal contracts.

“The SIU investigation… found that the appointed service provider received approximately R179 million from Mahikeng Municipality for two lease agreements.

“Immediately after receiving the payment, the service provider transferred R28 million to Anacot Trading, owned by Shahzaad Mohamed Hussein. When the SIU contacted Hussein to explain why he received R28 million, he allegedly sent Gumani to the SIU to influence the outcome of the investigation,” the unit said.

Acting SIU Head, Leonard Lekgetho, assured that the unit maintains confidence in the strength of the case against Gumani.

“The alleged attempt to bribe an SIU investigator is a serious attack on the integrity of South Africa’s justice system and on the fight against corruption. No amount of intimidation or inducement will deter the SIU from fulfilling its mandate.

“We commend the investigator for acting with professionalism and integrity, and we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure that the matter is prosecuted to its conclusion,” Lekgetho said. – SAnews.gov.za

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A 56-year-old foreign national, alleged to have been housing undocumented individuals, has appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court in the Free State, police said.

Guesthouse owner, Lyndon Adentuji Odili, was arrested for contravening the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act 13 of 2002). Odili was granted R10 000 bail, and his case has been postponed to 31 July 2026 for further investigation.

Hs arrest followed a swift intelligence driven response by law enforcement on Tuesday after a tip-off was received by the South African Police Service (SAPS) of several undocumented individuals having been spotted at a guesthouse along Raymond Mhlaba Street in Bloemfontein.

“The information suggested that the individuals were allegedly being hidden at the premises in reaction to the multidisciplinary operation targeting anti-foreigner sentiments during a planned (protests) on the same day.

“Upon arrival at the establishment, police conducted a thorough search of the premises. A total of 18 undocumented foreign nationals were found inside without the necessary legal authorisation to reside in the Republic of South Africa.”

This as government assured citizens that it is actively managing migration through lawful, coordinated and constitutional measures, as planned demonstrations against illegal migration took place across the country on Tuesday.

“The owner of the guesthouse, Mr. Odili, was subsequently summoned to the scene. Following a consultation, he was arrested under Section 40(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act 51 of 1977),” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement on Wednesday.

Odili faces 18 counts of aiding, abetting, assisting, enabling, or helping illegal foreigners in contravention of the Immigration Act.

Separate dockets have also been opened against the 18 undocumented individuals for illegal entry and stay within the country.

The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General, Thabang Lesia, has commended officers for their swift reaction to the information, reiterating that business and property owners, who deliberately bypass the country’s immigration laws to harbour undocumented individuals will face the full might of the law. – SAnews.gov.za

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Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson will launch the National Built Environment and Construction Safety Framework at the second Public Works and Infrastructure Summit.

“The National Built Environment and Construction Safety Framework is a multi-sector approach aimed at improving construction safety, prevention of building collapses, and fight against illegal building activities,” the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) said ahead of Friday’s launch.

Hosted by the Council for the Built Environment (CBE), the Summit will be held under the theme: “From Collapse to Confidence.” 

The summit will also strengthen regulatory systems, improve accountability, and embed a culture of safety across the sector. 

“This year’s Summit will bring together government, municipalities, regulators, financiers, academia, industry leaders, contractors and built environment professionals to drive practical solutions for safer, more accountable infrastructure delivery. 

“The Summit aims to strengthen collaboration, improve infrastructure management, and accelerate sustainable reform across the built environment sector,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Bafana Bafana received a hero’s welcome when they landed at OR Tambo International Airport after their historic 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

The national senior men’s team was greeted by supporters, who turned out in large numbers to celebrate the team reaching the knockout rounds of a FIFA World Cup for the first time in its history.

Addressing a media briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday, captain Ronwen Williams thanked South Africans for supporting the team throughout the tournament.

“Thank you everyone for your support and for this incredible welcome. To experience the unity of the country at a moment like this is amazing.

“The prayers, the support and all the well wishes that were sent our way meant so much to us as a team. We went out there carrying the support, love and belief of [millions of] South Africans,” Williams said.

Bafana Bafana’s journey came to an end on Sunday after a 1 – 0 defeat to tournament co-hosts Canada in a last-32 match at Los Angeles Stadium.

“It’s been a wonderful journey. When we look back at how far we’ve come as a team, especially under Coach Hugo Broos, we can be proud. This achievement at the World Cup is the cherry on top because we’ve been doing excellent work for a long time. We’re just proud and happy that the country is happy,” Williams said.

The team’s coach said he was pleased with their performance during the World Cup.

“It was not easy, but we made it. It is historic for South African football that the team reached the second round of the World Cup, and that was our goal from the beginning. We worked hard. It was not easy, but we succeeded. That’s the most important thing,” Broos said.

Broos said the experience gained at this World Cup would help the team improve and prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

 “That has to be our next objective. And, of course, we want to qualify again for the 2030 World Cup. I think if South Africa can achieve that over the next three or four years, you will immediately see how far South African football has progressed.

“When you’re competing at that level, you learn a lot, and you learn quickly. I think that’s exactly what happened to us at this World Cup,” the coach said. –SAnews.gov.za

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