Category: South Africa Government

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has officially opened a call for applications to eligible South African students for a fully funded scholarship to study in Germany at the Constructor University. 

 The scholarship is for a fully funded Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD studies, under the Funda Germany Scholarship Programme, commencing in September 2026.

“Constructor University is an English-medium, campus university in Bremen, ranked among the top 30% globally.  With students from around 120 different nations, it is among the world’s most international universities, offering Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees in a wide variety of fields,” the department said.

Who can apply for the scholarship?

• South African citizens in good health.
• Students with a strong academic record.
• Bachelor applicants require a minimum average of 65% or above in their NSC (including Life Orientation as well as Mathematics and 1 other STEM subject).
• Postgraduate applicants should have performed well in their previous studies, with a minimum of 60% average mark or above achieved in their previous studies.
• Must have an interest to study in Germany and demonstrate commitment to the development of South Africa.
• Available and eligible to study full-time in Germany from September 2026.
• Meet the entry criteria for the selected study programme at Constructor University.

Fields of Study

• A wide range of study fields is available for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and PhD projects, including various engineering fields, robotics, management, mathematics, fuel cell development, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, computational systems biology, nano electronics, specialist areas in physics, chemistry, applied mathematics and geosciences, social data sciences, cognitive psychology, computer science, biotechnology, accounting and auditing, political sciences, international logistics, computational drug discovery, communication science, history, economics, sociology and many more.

Deadline for receipt of applications

• 15 February 2026

A comprehensive list of fields of study for the Bachelor’s degree is available at https://constructor.university/programs/undergraduate-education and for Master’s programmes at https://constructor.university/programs/graduate-education.

A comprehensive list of fields of study for the PhD can be accessed via https://constructor.university/phd-degrees-constructor-university

What the scholarship offers

The scholarship will cover the following:

• Return airfare to Germany.
• Tuition fees.
• Monthly stipend for living expenses.
• Accommodation.
• A once-off settlement allowance.
• Annual flights at the end of the academic year for Bachelor’s students. Master’s students may qualify for annual flights if accommodated on campus.
• Mid-term flights after 18 months (PhD students).
• Medical insurance allowance.
• An annual allowance at the beginning of each academic year.
• Academic support for qualifying postgraduate students.
• Psychosocial support.
• Pre-departure orientation.
• SAQA verification of qualification and one professional board examination (if applicable).

Application process

Application for the scholarships is strictly online via the application portal.

Applicants at the Bachelor’s and Master’s level are required to complete the online application on the Constructor University application portal, accessible on the website by the deadline indicated and fulfil all requirements as stipulated.

Successful awardees who withdraw from the programme after signing the Constructor University contract will be liable for the full costs as stipulated in the Constructor University student contract. 

More information about the scholarship is available on: https://www.internationalscholarships.dhet.gov.za/index.php/scholarships/undergraduate-scholarships/496-germany-dhet-funda-germany-scholarship-programme-2026-2027. – SAnews.gov.za

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Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) Chief Executive Officer, Percy Sechemane, has raised concern over the high levels of water losses in South Africa, particularly at municipal level.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the department of Water and Sanitation’s oversight visit to Lesotho to monitor progress on Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), Sechemane said while major infrastructure projects, such as the LHWP are critical, the country must also address inefficiencies within existing systems to avoid unnecessary costs.

“We are losing too much water in South Africa at municipal level, and ordinary citizens end up paying higher tariffs because the municipalities add on and then we just bail.

“If we were to bring those efficiencies wherein every drop we can actually account for, then we don’t need to be doing all these other phases, and because the infrastructure is there already, then the cost of water in terms of tariffs would not be escalating as it does,” Sechemane said.

He noted that while it is nice to come and look at the project like LHWP and highlight the amount of money spent on them, it would be nice not to come and build another dam on the other side.

According to Sechemane, much of the required infrastructure is already in place in South Africa, and that proper maintenance could significantly reduce water losses and help stabilise water tariffs.

“What we need to do is ask how do we look at those losses and find out what are we doing [to manage] them. What is a use of building those infrastructure when the water gets lost once it reaches South Africa and the tariffs are going up. We need to look at what we already have, and if you maintain [and optimise] what we already have, we don’t have to spend more money on operating additional assets,” Sechemane said.

Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority is a state-owned entity charged with financing and implementing bulk raw water infrastructure projects. It is an agency of the National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), which is responsible for the country’s water resources in respect of usage, equitable allocation and distribution.

TCTA assists the government in its pursuit of water security for South Africa and in realising its constitutional obligation of ensuring universal access to this essential resource for all citizens. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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As South Africans travel to various holiday destinations during the festive season, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, has reiterated her call for the public to use water sparingly.

“Ensure that you close all your taps when you leave home. Don’t pump your swimming pools and avoid irrigating when it is not necessary, especially during the day. [Rather] irrigate in the evening or early morning,” Majodina said.

She added that municipalities also have a responsibility to assess and manage water usage within their jurisdictions.

The Minister also urged members of the public to harvest rain water, noting that government is trying to focus on expanding access to ground water, particularly in rural areas where communities still lack reliable water supply.

“Identify springs that communities grew up using. We want to protect those springs, install pipes, build reservoirs next to them and provide water to communities,” Majodina said.

She cited an example in Mhlontlo in Qumbu, Eastern Cape, where three springs were protected, resulting in water supply to 22 communities.

“When the President said water must be priority number one, that is why we are here. Water is a social and economic need and a catalyst for development. Let us all be committed to that,” she said.

Majodina also warned that water-saving efforts would be undermined if challenges such as leaks, illegal connections, non-payment for services, and unregulated car wash outlets persist.

“It does not matter how many cubic litres are saved if there are leaks, illegal connections and a lack of enforcement of municipal by-laws. This will not assist our country,” she said.

The Minister was speaking on the last day of her two-day oversight visit to Lesotho to monitor progress on Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP).

During the oversight on 14 and 15 December 2025, the Minister visited the construction site of Polihali Dam, and the Katse Dam Outfall Tunnel system and the Senqu bridge, among other infrastructure associated to the project.

She expressed satisfaction with the progress made across the project, adding that houses built for affected communities are expected to be handed over to the beneficiaries by May next year.

“The feeder roads are progressing well. The only outstanding issue is the amendment of the Treaty to allow the project to be handed over to the Lesotho Government for maintenance,” she said.

Majodina also emphasised the need to actively market the recently revamped, state-of-the-art lodge at Katse to ensure its productive use, including the conference facilities.

“Having botanical garden demonstrates our commitment to protect and preserve our environment, and indigenous plants. These [infrastructure projects] have created about 16 000 jobs, and more jobs are to be created. We are packaging a progress report for the next Cabinet meeting,” Majodina said.

The Minister said government wants South Africa to be fully prepared for Phase II of the project, which will significantly increase the volume of water supplied to the country.

She stressed the importance of building reservoirs, fixing leaks and ensuring that water from Phase II benefits additional provinces, including parts of the North West, Free State and Mpumalanga.

“Rand Water is ready for more water to come. They have built enough infrastructure,” Majodina said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has successfully obtained a preservation order from the Special Tribunal, allowing it to freeze R2.7 million, including accrued interest, from the sale of land that Tintswalo Patience Chauke received as part of her divorce settlement. 

Chauke was previously married to Alfred Muzwakhe Sigudla, a recipient of multiple grants from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), until their divorce in 2021.

“This order prohibits Chauke from withdrawing or transferring the funds until the SIU completes a review application to cancel the grant funding that enabled the purchase of the land, thereby ensuring that the potentially misappropriated funds are secured,” the SIU said on Wednesday.

In 2018, the SA Youth Movement NPC, chaired by Sigudla, received approximately R23 million in funding from the NLC for the construction of old-age homes in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State. 

“However, evidence collected by the SIU reveals that, after receiving these funds, Sigudla transferred a portion to his own companies’ bank accounts and subsequently used them to acquire two luxurious properties, namely in Midstream Estate and Copperleaf Golf Estate. 

“Notably, the Midstream property has been frozen pending completion of the review application into the legitimacy of the grant funding to recover misused NLC funds.

“The primary mission of the SIU is to recover proceeds from beneficiaries of NLC grant funding who are involved in unlawful activities, thereby restoring the State’s financial losses,” the SIU said.

Authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa through Proclamation R32 of 2020, the SIU is dedicated to investigating allegations of corruption and maladministration within the NLC and to recovering financial losses incurred by the State. 

The order from the Special Tribunal represents an important step in the SIU’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability and transparency in the management of public funds. –SAnews.gov.za

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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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