Category: South Africa Government

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister (CoGTA),  Velenkosini Hlabisa, on Friday gazetted the proclamation of the 2026 Local Government Elections date.

“In terms of section 24(2) of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (Act No. 117 of 1998), I, Velenkosini Hlabisa, Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, hereby call an election of all municipal councils and set 04 November 2026 as the date for such an election,” the Minister said in the Government Gazette dated 7 August 2026.

In terms of Section 159 of the Constitution, read together with the Municipal Structures Act, the Minister of CoGTA is responsible for proclaiming the date of local government elections, which must be held within 90 days after the expiry of a five-year municipal term.

Earlier in the week, the Minister urged all eligible South Africans to register and verify their voter registration details before the proclamation of the 2026 Local Government Elections date on 7 August 2026.

The proclamation and gazetting of the election date sees the closure of the voters’ roll for the 2026 elections.

The gazette can be accessed here: https://www.cogta.gov.za/cgta_2016/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Government-Gazette.pdf

The gazetting of the election date follows a successful voter registration weekend held on 1 and 2 August 2026, during which approximately 1.7 million citizens interacted with the Electoral Commission (IEC). Of these, 291 806 registered as first-time voters, while more than 1.5 million voters updated or confirmed their registration details.

At the time, the Minister reminded voters that, in local government elections, citizens may only vote in the ward where they are registered. 

He encouraged voters to make use of the IEC’s Online Voter Registration Portal and voter verification services to confirm their registration status.

The gazette comes as the Electoral Commission updated the nation on the key dates in the election timetable as the country marches towards the 4 November polls. This is as several hours are left before the midnight deadline for South Africans to register or update their details online ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

In a post on social media platform X, on Thursday, the Commission said: “Your vote starts with registration. Proclamation on 7 August [at] midnight. Online registration closes then.”

Voters who were unable to visit a registration station during the weekend can register or update their details through the IEC’s Online Voter Registration portal before the registration period closes. 

The registration portal can be accessed on: https://registertovote.elections.org.za

Voters can also register via WhatsApp. To use the service, voters can WhatsApp “Hi” to 0600 88 0000. The platform uses secure identity verification, including one-time password authentication, ID document uploads, address verification, and voting-station confirmation.

Citizens can register from the age of 16, although only those who are 18 or older are eligible to vote.

The IEC has also stressed the importance of ensuring that registration details are correct, particularly for voters who have moved. 

In local government elections, voters must vote at the voting station where they are registered, meaning those who have changed addresses should update their details before the deadline.

Voters can check their registration status by SMSing “myID” followed by their ID number to 32810.

The IEC’s contact centre, 0800 11 8000, is also available to assist with registration queries.  –SAnews.gov.za  

 

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Team South Africa has completed a mission to China aimed at unlocking critical investment for South Africa’s energy infrastructure and strengthening cooperation with Chinese industrial players.

Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa led a South African delegation at the South Africa-China Electricity and Energy Investment Conference in Beijing this week, where he advocated for strategic partnerships and investment to secure the country’s energy future, with opportunities underpinned by the Integrated Resources Plan (IRP) 2025. 

The mission sought to align Chinese industrial capability with South Africa’s national priorities under the country’s industrial-led inclusive growth path, anchored by the energy sector.

According to the Department of Electricity and Energy, the mission has solidified a robust pipeline of investment interest, including advance interest from six key Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the energy sector.

The delegation also made significant progress on several long-standing initiatives.

Among the key developments was Sasol’s commissioning of Envision to design a green hydrogen system for its Sasolburg operations.

The project will explore the production of green hydrogen for eMethanol and eventually, sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF), in line with Sasol’s broader strategy to decarbonise its industrial assets. 

The mission also facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between South Africa’s National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute (NRWDI) and the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).

The agreement will see the two institutions collaborate on advanced nuclear waste disposal technologies.

The visit further included technical site visits focused on green hydrogen, green ammonia, green energy supply to data centres, nuclear waste storage and disposal facilities, ultra-high-voltage transmission technologies, as well as Special Economic Zones.

The department said these engagements are focused on strengthening industrial expansion.

“By bridging the gap between policy and implementation, the delegation has established a clear roadmap for the next phase of development,” the department said.

The mission concludes with Team South Africa fully prepared to consolidate and reconcile final commitments, translate technical insights from the site visits into actionable project pipelines, and accelerate the execution of high-impact energy and infrastructure projects.

The Department of Electricity and Energy said the mission represents progress in efforts to attract investment and build partnerships that support South Africa’s energy infrastructure and industrial development priorities. – SAnews.gov.za 

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The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has called on schools registered under the South African Schools Act and registered as VAT vendors to apply to cancel their VAT registration following the legislative change to the VAT treatment of schools with effect from 1 January 2026.

From that date, all supplies made by schools are exempt from  Value Added Tax (VAT), except to the extent that a school conducts qualifying welfare activities.

“Schools may therefore not charge VAT or deduct input tax on supplies made from 1 January 2026 and must correct any VAT returns already submitted for periods from that date where necessary,” SARS said on Friday in a statement.

Affected schools must complete the VAT123e – Application for the cancellation of registration form and indicate the reason for cancellation as: “All enterprise activities have ceased on 31 December 2025”. 

The completed form must be emailed to contactus@sars.gov.za with the subject line: VAT deregistration – Schools. 

Alternatively, schools may make a virtual appointment via the SARS eBooking system by selecting “Other” as the reason category and “VAT and PAYE registration/deregistration” as the reason for appointment.

“Where exit VAT is payable, schools may submit a request for payment arrangements together with the VAT123e form. SARS will cancel the VAT registration once the exit VAT has been declared and paid, or after the school has complied with the payment arrangement that was agreed with SARS.

“Schools that wish to remain registered as VAT vendors in respect of qualifying welfare activities must obtain written confirmation from the Commissioner by way of a ruling,” SARS said.

Further guidance is available on the SARS website in the:

• VAT Reference Guide – Schools Exiting the VAT System; and 
• Schools Exiting the VAT System: Frequently Asked Questions.

–SAnews.gov.za

 

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South Africa is ready to host the 46th Ordinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit of Heads of State and Government, where regional leaders are expected to adopt decisions aimed at accelerating industrialisation, strengthening infrastructure development, enhancing food security, advancing regional integration and promoting gender equality.

Scheduled for 16 to 17 August 2026, in Durban, the Summit will see President Cyril Ramaphosa assume the SADC Chairpersonship for the 2026/27 term, placing South Africa at the helm of the 16-member regional bloc, during a period of complex geopolitical and economic challenges.

Briefing the media in Pretoria on Wednesday, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola said South Africa is honoured to host the summit under the theme: “Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World”.

The summit process officially commenced this week with technical meetings at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

Lamola said the summit follows a structured programme of technical, ministerial and political meetings aimed at preparing decisions for consideration and adoption by Heads of State and Government.
The Standing Committee of Senior Officials meeting on 6 to 10 August will consider reports from sectoral structures before making recommendations to Ministers.

This will be followed by the Finance Committee meeting, where Member States will consider the SADC budget, resource mobilisation, and financial sustainability matters.

On 11 August, officials will finalise documentation before the SADC Council of Ministers convenes from 12 to 14 August under Lamola’s Chairpersonship.

The Council of Ministers will consider recommendations from senior officials and deliberate on issues, including industrialisation, infrastructure, regional trade, food security, health, peace and security, regional financing and institutional reforms.

Advancing gender equality
Gender equality and women’s empowerment will form part of the matters considered through the summit process. This, as South Africa commemorates Women’s Month in August. 

Decision 21 of the Summit Annotated Agenda refers to the Regional Gender Performance, reflecting the region’s continued focus on tracking progress in advancing gender equality commitments.
This follows the meeting of SADC Ministers responsible for Gender and Women Affairs in June, where regional progress on gender equality and women’s empowerment was reviewed.

The Ministers assessed the implementation of regional commitments and considered measures to accelerate progress towards the achievement of the 2030 development agenda.

The summit will also consider broader measures aimed at ensuring inclusive development and strengthening the participation of all sectors of society in regional economic transformation.

Focus on implementation
Minister Lamola said preparations were centred on ensuring that SADC decisions are more effective, measurable and capable of implementation.
Among the issues under consideration is strengthening the quality of Council and Summit decisions through improved monitoring and accountability mechanisms.

Member States will also consider a proposed framework for SADC Presidential Champions, which will see Heads of State champion priority regional development programmes, including infrastructure development, industrialisation, agriculture, mining, resource mobilisation and social development.

Another key priority is advancing implementation of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, which remains SADC’s primary development blueprint.

Key outcomes 
The Heads of State and Government are expected to consider 47 decisions submitted through the summit process, although this number may change following deliberations at preparatory meetings.

Among the expected outcomes are:
•    Accelerating regional industrialisation and regional value chains;
•    Strengthening infrastructure connectivity and transport corridors;
•    Enhancing agricultural productivity and food security;
•    Advancing beneficiation of critical minerals;
•    Improving regional peace, security and stability;
•    Strengthening resource mobilisation through the operationalisation of the SADC Regional Development Fund;
•    Enhancing implementation and monitoring of SADC decisions; and
•    Strengthening institutional effectiveness through the Rationalisation Mechanism and Presidential Champions Initiative.

The summit programme will also feature President Ramaphosa’s SADC Public Lecture on 14 August at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Westville Campus. The lecture is expected to stimulate dialogue on implementing SADC Vision 2050 and strengthening regional integration.

Regional peace and security will also feature prominently through meetings of the Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation on 15 August, followed by the Organ Troika Summit on 16 August.

Heads of State and Government are expected to arrive on 16 August ahead of the official summit opening and a State Banquet hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Minister Lamola said the summit presents an opportunity for Member States to deepen regional cooperation and pursue inclusive economic growth. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has supported 12 cosmetics companies to showcase their products at the Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa at the Sandton Convention Centre in Gauteng.

Being held from 7-9 August as a  hybrid event, the expo presents an opportunity for manufacturers of healthy food and beverages, body and beauty sectors to showcase and promote their organic products.

“The twelve manufacturers are from different provinces, and are using natural, organic and indigenous ingredients to manufacture cosmeceutical, personal care and toiletries,” the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said in a statement.

The manufacturers will have an opportunity to interact with key stakeholders in the sectors, to create networks and partnerships at the expo.

“The dtic’s mandate, through the cosmetics sector strategy, is to promote locally manufactured products. Platforms such as the Africa Expo addresses strategic areas of the industry, which is to help foster the uptake of locally produced products into the retail sector and to promote proudly South African products.

“the dtic deems it important for industry players to transform South Africa’s extraordinary natural wealth into products that can compete in global markets because international buyers are looking for new sources of unique natural products that they can market in their home territories,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and South Africa have signed a USD 500 million sovereign-backed loan to support improvements in the provision of water and sanitation, electricity, and solid waste services in South Africa’s eight metropolitan cities.

South Africa’s metropolitan municipalities are home to approximately 22 million people and generate around 85% of the country’s economic output, yet face mounting challenges from aging infrastructure, rapid urbanization and increasing climate risks. 

The loan will support the Metro Trading Services Program to address these pressures by helping reduce non–revenue water and electricity losses, improve solid waste management and strengthen institutional capacity, contributing to more reliable service delivery and greater climate resilience.

The Program will help improve the financial sustainability, accountability and operational performance of municipal services, including water supply and sanitation, electricity and solid waste management services, while supporting South Africa’s transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient urban development.

“By strengthening municipal governance and improving the performance of essential urban services, the Metro Trading Services Program will enhance infrastructure delivery while supporting South Africa’s climate and development objectives,” AIIB’s Director General, Public Sector Clients Department, Rajat Misra said in a statement on Friday.

The financing marks AIIB’s first investment in South Africa, establishing a new partnership to advance the country’s sustainable infrastructure priorities.

According to National Treasury, by 2031, the Program is expected to enable all eight participating metropolitan municipalities to meet the program’s minimum performance conditions, reduce non-revenue water from 41% to 28% and lower electricity losses from 22% to 12%, delivering more efficient, reliable and sustainable municipal services.

“The AIIB financing strengthens the Government’s broader package of support to improve the governance, financial management and operational performance of trading services in metropolitan municipalities,” National Treasury Director-General Duncan Pieterse said.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is a multilateral development bank dedicated to financing “Infrastructure for Tomorrow,” with sustainability at its core. –SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe has called on all South Africans to rally behind Banyana Banyana as they prepare to face Morocco in a crucial quarter-final match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Saturday.

The senior women’s national team booked their place in the quarter-finals after defeating Burkina Faso 1-0 in Casablanca, Morocco, on Tuesday night.

Congratulating the team on Wednesday, Mabe said their qualification was a powerful demonstration of resilience and determination following a challenging start to the tournament.

“The job is not finished. We have reached the knockout stages, and now we look ahead to the quarter-finals with confidence and determination. I wish the players, the technical team, and the entire squad every success in the next match,” the Deputy Minister said.

The Deputy Minister wished the team every success in the quarter-finals as they continue their pursuit of continental glory.

Banyana Banyana have been training in Rabat ahead of the quarter-final clash against Morocco.

According to the South African Football Association (SAFA), the 2026 edition of WAFCON also serves as a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier, with only the top four teams securing qualification for the tournament in Brazil.

“Banyana Banyana have shown once again that South Africa never gives up. They faced a difficult group-stage campaign, but they continued to fight, believe in themselves, and represent our country with pride.

“This is a remarkable achievement for Banyana Banyana and for South African football. The players understood exactly what was at stake, and they responded with determination and courage when it mattered most,” Mabe said in a statement.

She also congratulated Head Coach Desiree Ellis, the technical team, the players, and the support staff for their collective contribution to guiding the team to the knockout stages of the competition.

The Deputy Minister said the team’s achievement should inspire young girls across South Africa who look up to Banyana Banyana as role models.

“Banyana Banyana continue to demonstrate that resilience, discipline, and hard work can take you to the highest levels of the game. We are immensely proud of this team, and we will continue to support them as they take on the next challenge,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za

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By Sandile Nene

South Africa’s pursuit of sporting excellence is about more than winning medals, lifting trophies or achieving victories on the global stage. It is about building a nation that believes in its potential, invests in its people and creates opportunities for every South African to excel. As we mark Mandela Month, we are reminded of Nelson Mandela’s belief that sport has the unique ability to inspire, unite and bring people together across social, cultural and economic differences.

The recent achievements of our national teams and athletes demonstrate the resilience, discipline and determination that define the South African spirit. From Bafana Bafana’s historic progress at the FIFA World Cup 2026, to the Proteas Men being crowned ICC World Test Championship winners and the continued rise of women in sport, these moments represent more than sporting success; they reflect the power of sport to strengthen national pride, social cohesion and confidence in our collective ability to succeed.

As South Africans gathered in homes, communities and fan parks to cheer on Bafana Bafana at the FIFA World Cup 2026, it was clear that this moment was more than a sporting spectacle or competition. It was a shared national experience that united citizens through hope, pride and confidence in our ability to compete and excel on the global stage.

Bafana Bafana may not have progressed to the Group of 16, but their historic progress to the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup 2026 reminded the country of sport’s rare power to uplift and unite a nation. This achievement is a testament to resilience.

The Proteas Women carried the same spirit in the ICC finals, strengthening the profile of women’s cricket and inspiring many through their commitment and courage. This performance by our athletes and teams teaches us a crucial lesson: success is not measured only by lifting a trophy at the end, but by the determination, discipline and character demonstrated in pursuit of excellence. It reflects the courageous character of South African teams and their ability to deliver when the world is watching.

Together, these achievements tell a deeper story of hope and the unifying power of sport in our nation. Across several sporting codes, including soccer, cricket, rugby, netball, athletics, the Olympics and Paralympics, our national teams and athletes continue to demonstrate South Africa’s talent, resilience and ability to compete on the global stage.

At the 2026 Commonwealth games in Glasglow, Scotland, Team South Africa delivered an outstanding performance as they brought home 28 medals, including 7 gold medals, 11 silver medals and 10 bronze medals. Twenty-two of those medals were achieved by our dynamic swimming squad, with highlights including Pieter Coetze’s win of the men’s 100m backstroke and Lara Van Niekerk successfully defending her women’s 50m breaststroke title. Additional key features came from Chad le Clos making headlines as the most decorated Commonwealth Games athlete of all time, with 21 medals to his name, and from the track, with Sinesipho Dambile winning the men’s 200m. These athletes have participated with excellence and strengthened our belief in what we can achieve together.

We also celebrate various individual achievements that raise the South African flag on the international stage, such as Dricus du Plessis making history as the first South African to win the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight championship, the premier global mixed martial arts organisation. His achievement has inspired local talent and contributed to the growing popularity of combat sports across the country.

Alongside this milestone, Kagiso Rabada’s exceptional 2026 Indian Premier League season, which earned him the coveted Purple Cap as the tournament’s leading bowler; Temba Bavuma’s inclusion in the TIME100 Most Influential Sports People of 2026; Bayanda Walaza’s remarkable victory in the men’s 100 metres at the Ostrava Golden Spike in Czechia and Akani Simbine’s triumph in the men’s 100 metres at the prestigious Fanny Blankers-Koen (FBK) Games in the Netherlands.

Prudence Sekgodiso made history by becoming the first South African woman to win a gold medal at the World Athletics Indoor Championships following her victory in Nanjing, China. The achievements of South African women in sport also reflect our nation’s commitment to inclusion, empowerment and the breaking of barriers. From Banyana Banyana winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in 2022 and making history by reaching the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, to the SPAR Proteas representing South Africa with distinction as the country proudly hosted the Netball World Cup for the first time in 2023, our women continue to inspire future generations and demonstrate the depth of talent within our country.

Banyana Banyana continue to showcase South African excellence on the continental stage. As the reigning Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions, they are representing South Africa at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they are defending their continental title. Their continued participation at the highest level of African women’s football reflects the remarkable progress of the women’s game in South Africa and continues to inspire a new generation of athletes.

Together, these achievements reinforce South Africa’s reputation for producing world-class athletes who inspire future generations and strengthen national pride through excellence on the international stage.

Our legendary Springboks became the first nation to win four Rugby World Cup titles, securing their fourth championship in 2023 and further cementing their place among the world’s greatest sporting teams.

The Springboks remain one of the clearest symbols of South Africa’s ability to rise, unite and lead. As the team prepares to tackle new global challenges, they carry more than a sporting mandate; they carry the hopes of millions and the responsibility to build on a legacy of excellence, resilience and national pride.

This is especially significant in light of our recent commemoration of Mandela Month. The image of President Nelson Mandela presenting the Webb Ellis Cup to Springbok captain Francois Pienaar after the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final remains one of the defining moments of our democracy. It demonstrated that sport could become a powerful instrument for reconciliation, healing and nation-building. That moment showed the world that South Africans could look beyond their differences and rally behind a shared national purpose.

Sport gives South Africans a sense of belonging and community through visible acts of unity such as raising our flag, wearing our national colours and singing the national anthem. It reflects our heritage, humanity and collective identity while bringing people together across language, race, culture, class, gender, geography and generations. In doing so, sport strengthens the social cohesion that is essential for building a united, resilient and prosperous South Africa.

Our sporting journey reminds us that we must never give up in the pursuit of excellence. South Africa must continue to invest in and support sport because its value extends far beyond victories, trophies and results on the scoreboard. Inspired by Madiba’s legacy, we must continue to nurture sporting excellence, support our athletes and use the power of sport to unite South Africans, celebrate our diversity and build a stronger, more resilient nation.

*Nene is the Acting Deputy Director-General at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)

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The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has notified consumers of the recall of certain Mercedes-Benz trucks and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles, as notified by Daimler Truck Southern Africa Limited and Stellantis South Africa (Pty) Ltd.

In a statement on Thursday, the Commission, which is an agency of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, said it was informed by Daimler Truck Southern Africa Limited that it is recalling certain Mercedes-Benz Atego 967, Actros 963, Arocs 964 and eActros 983 trucks that were made available for sale nationwide from 2022 onwards, affecting 153 trucks.

The recall follows a self-disclosure by supplier ZF Friedrichshafen AG, which identified a potential manufacturing deviation in the ball joints installed in the steering components of the affected vehicles.

According to the supplier, some of these components may not have undergone the prescribed hardening process during manufacturing, resulting in insufficient material hardness.

“This may lead to increased wear of the steering components. Over time, the components may lose strength and could fracture, particularly at low speeds when high steering force is required, such as during manoeuvring. If this occurs, the vehicle may no longer be steerable, and there would be a risk of accident,” said the Commission.

Meanwhile, Stellantis South Africa (Pty) Ltd informed the NCC that it is recalling certain Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles equipped with a 1.5-litre engine that were made available for sale nationwide between March 2022 and March 2026, affecting 141 vehicles.

According to the supplier, the affected vehicles may suffer engine damage caused by the bending or breakage of the connecting rods due to engine misfire.

“In the worst case, this could cause a fire in the vehicle while driving. To solve this problem, the engine control module software will be updated.”

Owners of the affected vehicles have been urged to take the vehicles to their nearest authorised Daimler Truck or Stellantis dealership for inspection and the necessary repairs.

“All corrective work will be carried out at no cost to consumers,” it said.

Questions and queries relating to this recall may be directed to: ProductRecall@thencc.org.za. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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As part of efforts to create an enabling learning environment, Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Seiso Mohai, and the Embassy of China will today donate educational equipment and learning materials to the Thiboloha Special School in the Maluti-aPhofung Local Municipality in the Free State.

The visit to the school that caters for learners from Grade R to Grade 12 living with deafness, blindness, autism and intellectual disabilities forms part of government’s commemoration of Nelson Mandela International Day under the 2026 theme: “It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.”

“The school has been identified for developmental support, including learning aids, sports equipment, boarding-house essentials and infrastructure-related improvements.

“As part of preparations for Mandela Month, the Deputy Minister engaged the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to South Africa, His Excellency Wu Peng, regarding possible support for the school and broader cooperation linked to District Development Model (DDM) initiatives in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District,” the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation said ahead of Friday’s visit.

The department said the donation will contribute towards the educational needs of learners.

“The donation will contribute to the educational needs of learners and support teachers in creating an enabling and inclusive learning environment,” said the department. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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