Category: South Africa Government

The Department of Military Veterans (DMV) has urged all eligible applicants in KwaZulu-Natal and across the country to participate in its verification drive to finalise their status and gain access to benefits.

The department, through the Database Verification, Cleansing and Enhancement (DVCE) Work Stream under the Presidential Task Team, is continuing its national verification programme aimed at validating applications for inclusion in the National Military Veterans Database.

The DVCE Work Stream verifies and validates applications to ensure that the DMV maintains a credible and reliable database. The process confirms eligible military veterans so they can access benefits provided by the department.

The programme mainly targets non-statutory force (NSF) members, who did not integrate into the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), as well as applicants who submitted applications between 2016 and 28 February 2022.

In a statement, the DMV said the programme has already been implemented in Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, North West, Free State, Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape.

“The verification process will now proceed to KwaZulu-Natal from 2 February 2026 to 18 July 2026,” the department said.

KwaZulu-Natal verification schedule:
•    Newcastle: 2 February 2026 – 5 SAI Battalion.
•    Pongola: 3–4 February 2026 – OPS Corona Base.
•    Ulundi: 5–6 February 2026 – OPS Corona Base.
•    Richards Bay: 7 and 9 February 2026 – 121 SAI Battalion.
•    Port Shepstone: 10–12 and 16–17 February 2026 – Banana Beach Resort.
•    Durban: 18 February–1 June 2026 – Army Support Base KZN.
•    Pinetown: 2–3 June 2026 – Venue to be confirmed.
•    Pietermaritzburg: 8 June–16 July 2026 – Ingoma-Makhosi Base.
•    Esigodini: 17–18 July 2026 – Ingoma-Makhosi Base.

Applications will be assessed from members of the following groups:
•    Former Umkhonto weSizwe (MK);
•    Azanian People’s Liberation Army (APLA);
•    Azanian National Liberation Army (AZANLA);
•    Self-defence units; and
•    Former political prisoners with prison numbers.

The department noted that applicants who already have force numbers or Certified Personnel Register (CPR) numbers are not required to attend the verification process.

Verification requirements
•    Applicants must attend in person for face-to-face verification.
•    A valid South African ID document or ID card must be presented.
•    Only applicants with complete and submitted files will be invited.

Sessions will be scheduled according to location and submitted applications.

Definition of a military veteran

In terms of the Military Veterans Act 18 of 2011, a Military Veteran is a South African citizen who rendered military service, completed training, no longer serves, and was not dishonourably discharged. More information is available at www.dmv.gov.za – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has moved to provide clarity on the regulatory requirements for Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG).

This after a media article claimed that members of the public had been threatened with fines or disconnection if they did not register their SSEG systems.

“NERSA wishes to clarify the applicable regulatory position to avoid public confusion and ensure that electricity consumers, installers and other stakeholders are correctly informed of the legal requirements governing embedded generation.

“According to the Electricity Regulation Act of 2006 (as amended), read with the Exemption and Registration Notice, the requirement to register an embedded generation facility is determined by whether the installation has a point of connection to the electricity grid and its installed capacity and not by whether electricity is exported to the grid or consumed on site,” the regulator said in a statement.

What this means

• Small-scale embedded generation facilities with an installed capacity of 100kW or less, and with a point of connection to the electricity grid, are required to register with the relevant distributor (Eskom or the applicable licensed municipality).
• Embedded generation facilities with an installed capacity of more than 100kW and a point of connection to the grid are required to register directly with NERSA.

“Embedded generation facilities without a point of connection to the electricity grid are exempt from registration requirements.

“These regulatory requirements exist to support the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the electricity system, including compliance with applicable technical standards, system planning and network protection.

“While a Certificate of Compliance confirms that an installation meets electrical safety requirements, registration serves a distinct regulatory purpose and does not duplicate safety certification processes,” the statement continued.

The regulator outlined the purpose behind these rules.

“NERSA emphasises that registration is not intended to discourage the uptake of renewable energy technologies, but rather to ensure that the integration of embedded generation occurs in a manner that protects the integrity of the electricity network and the interests of all electricity users.

“NERSA remains committed to enabling South Africa’s transition to a more diverse and sustainable electricity supply while ensuring compliance with the legislative and regulatory framework. Stakeholders are encouraged to engage with their licensed distributors or NERSA directly for accurate guidance on registration requirements,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is “determined to strengthen the regulatory and policy environment to further grow” the tourism sector. 

The President addressed the nation through the weekly newsletter following the Tourism Department’s announcement that South Africa welcomed some 10.48 million international visitors last year, an increase of some 17.6% compared to 2024.

It is also the highest number of arrivals on record – surpassing pre-COVID-19 numbers in a “vote of confidence in a sector that continues to show great potential for further growth”.

“An increase in international visitors is also a vote of confidence in South Africa’s brand appeal, and in our reputation as a safe, reliable, value-for-money tourism destination.

“As government, we are determined to strengthen the regulatory and policy environment to further grow the sector. We are equally committed to deepening collaboration with the private sector, labour and other stakeholders to further bolster the industry,” President Ramaphosa said.

Building blocks

Last year, Cabinet endorsed the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan with initiatives aimed at improving the performance of the sector.

Tourism currently contributes nearly 9% to the South African Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“[Initiatives] include the expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation system, which was successfully piloted during the G20 Summit last year, and is currently being rolled out in key tourism markets.

“We will also be strengthening the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme launched last year, which streamlines visa processes for groups whose applications are submitted by vetted tour operators. A significant number of tourists from key markets like India and China are already using group tour operators for a more structured, tailored travel experience.

“Improving connectivity is also being prioritised. We have seen an increase in direct flight routes to South Africa from key markets such as Australia and France,” he explained.

Additional tourism monitors have been deployed and a crime call centre by the private sector has been established to ensure the safety of tourists.

Furthermore, tourism infrastructure is also under improvement.

“At last year’s inaugural Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit, eight projects worth R1 billion were launched, signalling renewed investor confidence in our tourism sector.

“Our strategic destination marketing efforts continue, as does the focus on niche markets such as halal and green tourism to attract diverse visitors,” the President noted.

Citizens are also being encouraged to “embrace the burgeoning tourism industry”.

“[The] Department of Tourism offers fully funded Mandarin language training for registered freelance and employed tourism guides to enable them to better support tourists from the growing Chinese market. We also continue to support the transformation of the industry through various support programmes.

“Retaining our reputation as a tourism destination of choice is a society-wide effort, one in which communities have a particularly important role to play. 

“Every South African should be a tourism ambassador and every community a potential tourist attraction. Our country is rich in natural beauty, history and culture, with much of this potential untapped,” President Ramaphosa said.

He noted that foreign visitors contribute to the country’s foreign earnings, “support local businesses, bolsters local economies and helps to create and sustain jobs”.

“Working together as government, communities and tour operators, we can popularise and attract more tourists to regions and locations that don’t traditionally feature highly as destinations for tourists.

“Working together as Government, industry, communities and civil society we can realise even greater value from this jewel in our nation’s crown,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has scored big wins in the fight against crime, focusing strongly on taking illegal guns and ammunition out of circulation.

During the nationwide Operation Shanela II, police arrested 14 589 suspects for crimes including murder, rape, sexual assault, robberies, drug offences and illegal mining between 26 January and 1 February 2026. 

Furthermore, 2 032 wanted suspects were also traced and arrested for serious crimes during the same period. 

Police also recovered 119 firearms, including 10 rifles, seven shotguns, and five homemade firearms, alongside 1 144 rounds of ammunition. These recoveries form part of a broader clampdown on violent crime.

In addition, police arrested 100 suspects for illegal possession of firearms; 88 suspects for illegal possession of ammunition; 124 suspects for murder; 164 suspects for rape; 102 suspects for armed robbery, and 532 suspects for drug dealing.

Under confiscations and recoveries, 51 hijacked and stolen vehicles were recovered during the past week; more than 700 dangerous weapons were seized across the country; different types of drugs were recovered, and contraband goods worth more than R1 million were seized.

Communities are urged to continue reporting criminal activities to their nearest police stations, or through Crime Stop (08600 10111) or the MySAPS App. – SAnews.gov.za

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The transfers of suspected criminal mastermind, Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala and convicted rapist and murderer, Thabo Bester, to the super maximum eBongweni Correctional Centre in Kokstad, were done in line with security assessments.

This according to Correctional Services National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale.

The Commissioner was responding to questions during a media briefing held in Pretoria on Monday. 

“On a daily basis, we conduct risk assessments. We also assess threats that have to do with the system. We also assess threats and risks that have to do with each and every inmate that we accommodate in a correctional facility.

“This analysis becomes part of a security plan that each and every correctional facility develops on a daily basis. The transfers of inmate Cat Matlala and Thabo Bester were informed by this security and threats analysis,” Thobakgale explained.

Matlala was transferred to the facility in December while Bester was moved late last month.

Both were previously held at the Kgoši Mampuru II Correctional Centre (C-Max) in Pretoria.

“It is with good reason and for the safety of both inmates. Apart, of course, from ensuring that the safety and security in the correctional system is not undermined by any activity that is associated with both inmates.

“Transfers are administered on a daily basis. For example, yesterday an inmate was transferred from the Eastern Cape to Ebongweni after being reclassified from medium to high security because of activities, criminal, associated [with him] that were detected.

“For us to be able to prevent crime from continuing to happen, including threats and risks that are associated with those that are in our facilities, we have to act and…promptly,” the National Commissioner added.

He emphasised that the department remains “open to engage” with the legal representatives of Matlala who reportedly complained about the quality of consultations.

Engagements with the National Prosecuting Authority and the courts on how to “work together to ensure that…he makes it to court on time” are also on the cards.

“That obligation we have been able to meet. He was able to consult with his lawyers. The primary objective is for us to ensure that at the end of the day, he is still available to appear in court.”

He added that the department was exercising its responsibility as a security department. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Petrol and diesel prices will drop between 50c and 65c from this Wednesday, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has announced.

Paraffin will also decrease, while LP Gas consumers will see increases.

The following price adjustments will apply from Wednesday:

• Petrol 93 (ULP and LRP): 65c decrease.
• Petrol 95 (ULP and LRP): 65c decrease.
• Diesel (0.05% sulphur): 50c decrease.
• Diesel (0.005% sulphur): 57c decrease.
• Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): 53c decrease.
• Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin: 70c decrease.
• Maximum Retail Price of LP Gas: 31c increase (with a 36c increase in the Western Cape).

“The average international product prices decreased due to availability of inventories, despite increase in crude oil prices. These factors led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 36c/l [cents per litre], 24.59 c/l and 21.13 c/l respectively.

“The prices of Propane and Butane increased during the period under review due to the cold weather in the Northern Hemisphere and tighter global supply,” the DMPR said.

The Rand also strengthened against the US Dollar (USD), gaining ground from R16.85 to 16.31 Rand per USD during the period under review.

“This led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and Illuminating Paraffin by 28.52 c/l, 31.62 c/l and 31.86 c/l respectively,” the department explained. – SAnews.gov.za

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A disciplinary hearing into the conduct of Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA) Chief Executive Officer Kedibone Madiehe has commenced today.

Madiehe was placed on precautionary suspension in August following allegations of what the finance department described at the time as “serious misconduct concerning high-value procurement transactions”.

Now, the department said forensic investigations into allegations of “governance irregularities and financial misconduct” within the GPAA have been concluded.

“Madiehe has been formally furnished with the investigative findings and the related charges that will form the basis of the proceedings.

“The public and other stakeholders are advised that the proceedings are being conducted in strict accordance with South African labour laws and established internal protocols.

“To safeguard the legal integrity of the hearings and to ensure that the rights of the suspended CEO are not unduly prejudiced, the specific terms of reference or the full investigative reports will not be published at this stage,” National Treasury explained.

Madiehe was placed on suspension by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in line with the President’s Minute No 191 of 2025 and the applicable Disciplinary Code for Senior Management Services.

“The Ministry and the GPAA leadership remain committed to transparency and the restoration of ethical governance.

“The primary focus of this process is to ensure full accountability and to restore confidence in the governance of the agency,” the department concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has warned young people against substance abuse, cautioning that it threatens their health, safety, education and long-term contribution to South Africa’s socio-economic development.

Chikunga said substance abuse remains one of the most serious challenges confronting South Africa’s youth, contributing to school dropouts, unemployment, crime, mental health challenges, and gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

She emphasised that young people are among the most vulnerable groups, as they are increasingly susceptible to dependence on alcohol and drugs, particularly in communities affected by poverty, unemployment, inequality, and limited access to recreational and economic opportunities.

“This often results in a range of problems, including academic difficulties, health-related problems such as mental health illnesses, poor peer relationships, conflict with the law, and a high rate of accidents. These problems also harm family members, communities, and the entire society.

“Substance abuse robs young people of their potential and undermines the future of our country. It fuels violence, weakens families, destroys communities, and places enormous pressure on social services,” the Minister said.

As part of government’s response, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities will continue working with the Central Drug Authority, Department of Social Development, Department of Health, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organisations to strengthen prevention programmes, awareness campaigns, and psychosocial support services.

“We cannot speak about youth development without addressing the devastating role that drugs and alcohol play in perpetuating abuse, crime, and hopelessness. Prevention must start early, and it must involve individual youth, their families, schools, faith-based organisations and communities,” the Minister said.

She called on young people to make informed and responsible choices; seek help when facing substance-dependency challenges, and participate actively in positive initiatives that reduce risky behaviour and promote healthy living.

“Our youth must understand that saying no to drugs is saying yes to life, dignity, and opportunity. We urge young people to become champions of change and to protect themselves and their peers by resisting the temptations of abusing dependency creating substances,” Chikunga said.

The department reaffirmed its commitment to advancing youth empowerment, social cohesion and community safety in line with the National Development Plan, the National Youth Policy and the National Drug Master Plan. – SAnews.gov.za

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