Category: South Africa Government

With just hours to go before the midnight deadline for South Africans to register or update their details online ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, the Electoral Commission is set to provide an update on key dates in the election timetable.

Electoral Commission Chairperson, Commissioner Mosotho Moepya, will  brief the nation today on key dates in the election timetable as the country marches towards the 4 November polls.

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.

In terms of Section 159 of the Constitution, read together with the Municipal Structures Act, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) is responsible for proclaiming the date of local government elections, which must be held within 90 days after the expiry of a municipality’s five-year term.

The proclamation and gazetting of the election date will result in the closure of the voters’ roll for the 2026 elections. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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As the country moves to celebrate Women’s Day, the South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to profile the work of female officers who give their all to protect the nation.

Sergeant Ilze Fan, an investigator attached to the De Aar Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in the Northern Cape, has a passion for investigating crimes committed against women and children.

The 43-year-old began her policing career in 2006 as a constable at Victoria West Police Station. Recognised early on for her ability to take quality statements and conduct thorough investigations, she pursued a career in the detective environment. 

It was there that she discovered her passion for investigating crimes committed against women and children, leading to her transfer to the De Aar FCS Unit.

Among her many career highlights, one case stands out above the rest. In March 2024, the De Aar Regional Court sentenced 47-year-old Coert Botha to 66 years’ imprisonment on 13 charges, including rape, sexual violation, exposing and displaying pornographic material to children, causing a child to witness self-masturbation, and attempted sexual violation.

Between 2019 and 2021, Botha lured young boys between the ages of nine and 14 to his home, where he sexually assaulted and raped them.

The matter was assigned to Sergeant Fan for further investigation. Leaving no stone unturned, she meticulously gathered and analysed the evidence, building a watertight case that ultimately secured the offender’s conviction and lengthy prison sentence.

In another notable success, the De Aar Regional Court, on 29 January 2026, sentenced 26-year-old Hilton Jafta to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for kidnapping, rape and statutory rape. The court also ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

On 26 October 2024, Jafta forcibly took his girlfriend to his home in Sunrise, where he assaulted and raped her. Community members alerted police after hearing the victim’s cries for help, leading to Jafta’s immediate arrest.

During the investigation, Sergeant Fan established that Jafta had fathered a child with the victim while she was still a minor. This crucial discovery resulted in an additional charge of statutory rape being added to the case.

A mother of two, Sergeant Fan says she is proud to serve in the South African Police Service because it gives her the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of victims.

“Every case docket that lands on my desk is an opportunity to restore the dignity of a victim, identify the perpetrator and ensure that justice is served. Our women and girl children deserve to live and walk freely in their communities without fear,” Sergeant Fan said.

Fan’s unwavering commitment to protecting the vulnerable, pursuing justice and serving with integrity embodies the professionalism, accountability and service excellence that lie at the heart of the SAPS Reset Agenda.

The SAPS  Women’s Month campaign, “Women Leading the Reset Agenda,” honours women in blue.

This year’s campaign recognises the dedication, resilience and professionalism of female police officers who protect women, children and other vulnerable groups while advancing the SAPS Reset Agenda through ethical leadership, accountability, service excellence and professionalism.

South Africa commemorates Women’s Month annually in August to honour the 1956 Women’s March, when 20 000 women walked to the Union Buildings in protest against apartheid pass laws.

The country will celebrate Women’s Day on Sunday, 9 August, 2026.  – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Employees of the National Student Fund Aid Scheme (NSFAS) have opened a case of theft against a former board member for stealing laptops earmarked for under-resourced schools in the Eastern Cape.

The board member, who was leading the scheme’s delegation, kept ten laptops instead of delivering them to the already identified schools during the Eastern Cape Donation Drive in March 2026.

NSFAS said the 30 laptops were earmarked for distribution to six high schools, with each receiving five laptops for communal use.

“It is shocking that, particularly a board member of an organisation designed to alleviate hardships from economically deprived communities, would be responsible for such an act,” NSFAS Administrator, Professor Hlengani Mathebula, said on Thursday.

Mathebula added that he was pleased that NSFAS’s employees have decided to pursue justice on behalf of the voiceless learners, noting that “criminality can only thrive when witnesses turn a blind eye to such matters.”  

Mathebula also emphasised that the scheme must only be associated with a certain calibre of leaders and employees.

“This act by our colleagues is exemplary. It testifies to the fact that we are turning the corner as an organisation, as employees are reclaiming their organisation from the grubby hands of those who have been manipulating it for their own self-enrichment while our children suffered the indignity wrought on by poverty.

“Children from impoverished backgrounds need all the help they can get from all of us. It is therefore appalling to learn that someone used his position of privilege, being a board member, to steal from the same needy children. It does not get worse than that,” Mathebula said.

Mathebula expressed his full confidence in the South African Police Service to speedily secure justice for the intended beneficiaries. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Administrator, Professor Hlengani Mathebula, has submitted the Administration’s Stabilisation Plan to the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Kgwaridi Manamela, for consideration.

The submission, which follows the requirements of the relevant Government Gazette, was made this week in the presence of the two Deputy Ministers, the Director-General, Deputy Directors-General, and Ministerial advisors.

Mathebula explained that the plan is a product of a collaborative effort between the Administration and management team, who have forged ties to produce the work. 

The plan details a carefully considered catalogue of interventions for NSFAS, which has been systemically hollowed out to the extent that its resources have been stripped of required robust institutional safeguards. 

“Co-creation is the only path for my Administration, as our tenure is only for a specified period. This means that management and staff must have enough acumen to lead NSFAS post our time,” Mathebula said.

He said the stabilisation approach will be practical, sequenced and evidence-based. It will distinguish between immediate containment actions, diagnostic work, remedial implementation, monitoring, escalation and the transition back to ordinary governance.

Mathebula said his Administration has therefore endeavoured to steer clear of analysis paralysis and focus on results-oriented actions, stating that NSFAS cannot afford to remain trapped in endless cycles of diagnosis.

The Administrator emphasised that “the time for implementation is now”, noting that a governance structure premised on workstreams has been created to drive execution throughout the organisation.

The workstreams have been tasked with carrying out specific responsibilities to address key risks, implement corrective measures and resolve critical operational challenges.

“The top priorities include governance, audit and consequence management, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), data integrity and analytics, student support, appeals and fair access, TVET colleges, reconciliation, student accommodation and stakeholder confidence. This state of our organisation is parlous, which has facilitated selfish interest to take root.

“Therefore, my Administration’s decisive actions against the rot have provoked spirited opposition from those whose interest is being threatened. We have witnessed an emergence of media attacks which are fueled by the so-called internal sources who are unfortunately manipulating the sacred journalistic tradition to drive their own agendas of looting the resources earmarked for our children,” Mathebula said.

He added that President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa’s intervention via the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) was an apt acknowledgement of NSFAS’s governance failures, with both Supply Chain safeguards and Internal Audit capacity being significantly eroded.

“NSFAS has 66 major audit findings with a disclaimer audit opinion from the Auditor-General and 115 overdue internal audit findings, respectively. Special Investigation Unit findings are a matter of public record.

“There are nine material irregularities: Deceased Funding, Income Threshold Breaches, Academic Progression Ignored, Duplicate Grant Payouts, Unresolved Appeals, Procurement and Tender Maladministration, Data Verification Breakdowns, Accommodation Contract Breaches, Accommodation Contract Breaches and Weak Consequence Management,” the Administrator said.

According to Mathebula, ICT is NSFAS’s biggest operational risk, as it is fragmented, manual and not fit for purpose.

“It holds everything up to peak frustration of students and partners, including institutions.”

The Administration said he is prioritising data analytics measures that directly improve funding accuracy, payment reliability, fraud prevention, audit readiness, and student service outcomes.

“Student accommodation has also been identified as a high-risk area both operationally and reputationally. It requires tighter controls, clearer visibility, faster claims processing and stronger provider oversight. Students deserve a financial aid scheme that not only meets but exceeds its stated mandate,” Mathebula said.

He also called on stakeholders to work with the Administration to rebuild NSFAS, strengthen accountability, and restore public confidence in the institution. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Sasol’s Secunda Operations in Mpumalanga, on Thursday, where he received a comprehensive briefing on the company’s integrated operations and their contribution to South Africa’s economic growth, industrial development, energy security and job creation.

“The visit provided the President with a first-hand view of one of South Africa’s largest industrial complexes, where approximately 35 million tonnes of locally mined coal are beneficiated each year to produce a wide range of fuel and chemical products that support key sectors of the economy,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The President was briefed on Sasol’s integrated value chain, spanning mining, gasification, proprietary Fischer-Tropsch technology, refining, logistics and chemical production.

The briefing also highlighted the company’s role in supporting local manufacturing, strengthening supply chains, driving innovation, developing critical skills and sustaining employment.

Discussions also focused on the company’s ongoing investment in maintaining a competitive industrial base, enhancing operational efficiency and advancing its transition initiatives, while ensuring a reliable supply of liquid fuels and chemical products that underpin economic activity.

The visit reaffirmed the strategic role of large-scale industrial investments such as Sasol’s Secunda Operations in promoting inclusive economic growth, strengthening South Africa’s industrial competitiveness, attracting investment and supporting the country’s long-term development objectives.

During his visit, President Ramaphosa told the  Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) that  Sasol is one of South Africa’s key industrial and economic contributors.

READ | President Ramaphosa visits Sasol Secunda plant

The President was accompanied by the Premier of Mpumalanga, Mandla Ndlovu, and was hosted by Sasol President and Chief Executive Officer, Simon Baloyi, Sasol Independent Non-Executive Director and Chairperson of the Board, Muriel Dube, together with members of the Sasol Group Executive Committee. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has told the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) that Sasol, the global chemicals and energy company, remains a great contributor to the country’s economy. 

“Sasol is a great contributor to our economy, and I’ve been very pleased to come and see the real industrial actor in our economy and one of the key players that…propels the economic development that we have,” the President told GCIS during a visit to Sasol, in Secunda, Mpumalanga, on Thursday.

Taking a guided tour of the plant, President Ramaphosa described the company as a “national treasure”.

“Sasol is…almost like a National Key Point. Government owns quite a good portion of Sasol through our various structures of investment. We are very proud of what Sasol is; the standing that it has in our economy; the contribution it makes and the number of people that it employs.

“It’s so impressive that from a rock of coal, they can make wonderful products. They convert coal that we all look at and kick around…into diesel, petrol, gas, sulphuric substances and products as well as plastics,” the President told GCIS. 

Earlier this year, Sasol pledged a mammoth R60 billion during the South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) held in Johannesburg, indicating the company’s confidence in the South African economy.

At the sixth SAIC held in March, Sasol announced a R60 billion investment across its chemicals and packaging operations, with the investment set to be rolled out across all provinces.

The company has a diverse base of small and medium enterprises who contribute to economic activity in the area.  At the Secunda plant alone, Sasol employs some 6 000 people, excluding service providers.

With service providers, at least 40 000 people can be on site at any given time.

“They have many customers. But what’s also impressive is that they work with many other companies…small and medium enterprises, and they give opportunities to small businesses that do a lot of work here with Sasol, partnering with a gigantic company.

“Sasol is a great contributor to our economy, and I’ve been very pleased to come and see the real industrial actor in our economy and one of the key players that…propels the economic development that we have.

“They also make products that go into contributing to our infrastructure, like the building of roads, [and] people buy products that they can build houses with. It is one of, if not the biggest industrial complexes in the world. So, as South Africa, we should be proud of a company like Sasol. It’s a job creator and great contributor to our economy,” President Ramaphosa said. 

First-hand view 

“The visit provided the President with a first-hand view of one of South Africa’s largest industrial complexes, where approximately 35 million tonnes of locally mined coal are beneficiated each year to produce a wide range of fuel and chemical products that support key sectors of the economy,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The President was briefed on Sasol’s integrated value chain, spanning mining, gasification, proprietary Fischer-Tropsch technology, refining, logistics and chemical production.

The briefing also highlighted the company’s role in supporting local manufacturing, strengthening supply chains, driving innovation, developing critical skills and sustaining employment.

Discussions also focused on the company’s ongoing investment in maintaining a competitive industrial base, enhancing operational efficiency and advancing its transition initiatives, while ensuring a reliable supply of liquid fuels and chemical products that underpin economic activity. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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By Aobakwe Motsokwane

South Africans must celebrate the gains of democracy, while remaining committed to addressing the challenges that continue to confront communities across the country.

This was the message delivered by Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong during the provincial launch of the Milestones of Freedom Campaign, in KwaZulu-Natal, on Thursday.

Speaking at the Chief Albert Luthuli Campus of uMfolozi TVET College in the iLembe District, Morolong said the campaign is an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the achievements of the democratic era and recommit themselves to building a better future for all.

The campaign, launched nationally by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June 2026, is being commemorated under the theme: “Honouring the Past. Delivering the Future.” It marks four significant anniversaries in South Africa’s democratic journey – 30 years of the Constitution, 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprising, 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March and 60 years since the forced removals from District Six.

Morolong said the Constitution remains one of South Africa’s greatest achievements, providing a foundation for equality, human dignity and freedom while safeguarding the rights of all citizens.

“The Constitution remains the cornerstone of our democracy and ensures that all laws align with the values and spirit of our democratic order,” he said.

He noted that South Africa’s constitutional framework has enabled landmark advances in human rights, strengthened democratic institutions and ensured accountability through the separation of powers and the work of Chapter 9 institutions.

Reflecting on the progress achieved since 1994, Morolong highlighted significant improvements in access to basic services and social protection.

This is as access to piped municipal water increased substantially, while millions more South Africans now benefit from social grants and improved housing opportunities.

In KwaZulu-Natal, he said, progress has also been evident through expanded access to water and sanitation services, as well as strong participation in the education system, with the province accounting for one of the largest shares of school attendance in the country.

READ | Celebrating the country’s milestones of democracy

Advancing women’s rights

As South Africa commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Women’s March during Women’s Month, Morolong paid tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956, in opposition to apartheid pass laws.

He acknowledged the role played by women from KwaZulu-Natal, including struggle icons Dorothy Nyembe and Mary Thipe, whose activism contributed to one of the defining moments in the country’s liberation struggle.

Morolong said government has made notable progress in advancing women’s rights and representation in leadership structures since 1994.

Women now make up approximately 43.5% of Members of Parliament, while women occupy senior positions across government, Parliament and the judiciary. The appointment of Justice Mandisa Maya as South Africa’s first female Chief Justice in 2024 stands as a milestone in the country’s pursuit of gender equality.

Despite these gains, he cautioned that women continue to face significant challenges, including poverty, unemployment, gender-based violence, unequal economic opportunities and barriers to leadership and land ownership.

Land restoration

Turning to the 60th anniversary of the forced removals from District Six, Morolong said freedom must also be measured through the restoration of dignity, land and belonging.

He said government has settled more than 83 000 land claims nationally since 1995, resulting in the restoration of 3.9 million hectares of land to dispossessed individuals and communities. In KwaZulu-Natal, 16 903 land claims have been settled, representing nearly 890 000 hectares of land restored through restitution processes.

“These gains are not just about land; they are about justice, healing and building a more inclusive future for our people,” he said.

Youth Uprising

Morolong also reflected on the legacy of the 1976 generation, whose resistance against apartheid helped shape South Africa’s democratic future.

He said government has sought to honour their sacrifice by expanding access to education and opportunities for young people. The national matric pass rate increased from 58% in 1994 to a record 88% in 2025, while KwaZulu-Natal emerged as the country’s best-performing province with a 90.6% pass rate in the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations.

He further highlighted the contribution of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which has funded more than five million students from low-income and working-class families, expanding access to higher education and supporting transformation within the sector.

Looking to the future

As the Milestones of Freedom Campaign rolls out across the country, Morolong said South Africans should use the commemorations as an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of previous generations while remaining focused on building a more prosperous, inclusive and united nation.

“The Milestones of Freedom Campaign calls on us to honour the past, draw strength from it, and deliver the future our people deserve,” he said.

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In the year marking 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution; 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprising; 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March and 60 years since the forced removals in District Six – government is engaging communities across the country to celebrate the gains, achievements and milestones of 32 years of democracy.

“Today’s launch forms part of the wider rollout of the Milestones of Freedom campaign, which was launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June this year,” Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Kenny Morolong said.

Speaking at the provincial launch of the Milestones of Freedom campaign at the uMfolozi TVET College in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, Morolong said the first provincial launch took place in Sharpeville, Gauteng, in July 2026, where the GCIS, together with provincial government structures, hosted a memorial lecture marking the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Constitution.

The Milestones of Freedom campaign is being commemorated through a year-long programme under the theme: “Honouring the Past. Delivering the Future.” The campaign seeks to promote social cohesion, inspire national pride and encourage reflection on South Africa’s democratic journey by highlighting key milestones the country is commemorating this year.

The Deputy Minister said South Africa has recorded many achievements since attaining democracy in 1994.

“The 30-Year Review Report of South Africa’s Democracy (1994–2024), supported by the findings of Census 2022, reminds us that our country has recorded many achievements since 1994 that have uplifted our nation.

“These achievements also reflect the four areas or milestones we are commemorating this year, beginning with the adoption of the Constitution. 

“The Constitution enshrines equality, human dignity and freedom from discrimination, laying the foundation for one of the world’s most progressive legal frameworks. It remains the cornerstone of our democracy and ensures that all laws align with the values and spirit of our democratic order,” the Deputy Minister explained.

This as South Africa’s Constitution is respected across the world for its commitment to human rights, judicial independence and accountable governance.

He said that Former Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, praised the Constitution as a modern and carefully crafted charter of governance, noting its deliberate commitment to protecting fundamental human rights and securing an independent judiciary.

“Its promise has been affirmed through landmark court decisions that have protected fundamental rights, advanced equality and strengthened our democracy. These include the prohibition of capital punishment and the advancement of equality for women and LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more) persons,” he said.

Morolong explained that a defining feature of the constitutional order is the separation of powers between the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, which ensures that each branch exercises oversight over the others, reinforcing accountability and the rule of law.

“This framework is further strengthened by the Chapter 9 institutions, which play an indispensable role in protecting democracy, promoting good governance, and providing independent mechanisms through which citizens can seek redress and hold public institutions accountable.

“The courts and Chapter 9 institutions have over the years helped defend the rights of vulnerable and marginalised communities. South Africa has also held seven successful national and provincial elections, reaffirming the legitimacy and resilience of our democratic system,” he said.

The democratic gains have supported efforts to improve people’s quality of life through wider access to education, healthcare, housing, clean water, electricity, roads, social protection, and improved wages.

“According to the 2025 General Household Survey, access to improved sanitation increased from 61,7% in 2002 to 84,0% in 2025, while electricity access increased from 76,7% to 90,6%. 

“Households with piped municipal water increased from 9.2 million in 2004 to 15.4 million in 2024, and 84,1% of households lived in formal dwellings in 2024. 

“Social protection has also expanded, with the percentage of individuals benefiting from social grants increasing from 12,8% in 2003 to 39,5% in 2025,” the Deputy Minister said.

Honouring Chief Luthuli

The gathering was also attended by the family of prominent anti-apartheid activist, Chief Albert Luthuli.

“Chief Albert Luthuli taught us that we must not live only for ourselves but for other people. He always said that when we reach out to those who have less than us, that is where we find true joy. As we look around today and see the development in this community, we are grateful that his legacy continues to make a difference,” Luthuli’s daughter-in-law, Veli Luthuli, said.

Speaking on behalf of the family, she further added that the activist was an exceptional communicator.

“He was also an exceptional communicator and strategist who knew how to unite and inspire people, and his message remains relevant today,” she said.

The day’s programme began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Groutville United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, where Deputy Minister Morolong, joined by members of the Luthuli family, as well as provincial and local leadership, paid tribute to Chief Albert Luthuli.

The Milestones of Freedom Campaign was launched at the Union Buildings on 18 June 2026. 

Earlier this week, the GCIS said it had begun rolling out the campaign to provinces. The campaign is also being launched today in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, in the Northern Cape. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Judicial Matters Amendment Bill seeks to remove legal uncertainty and improve the administration of justice across a range of areas, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, said.

“The Bill amends a number of statutes administered by the Department, addressing practical implementation challenges, responding to Constitutional Court judgments, removing legal uncertainty and improving the administration of justice across a range of areas,” the Deputy Minister said in his opening statement at a briefing to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on Wednesday.

Introducing the Bill to the Committee, the Deputy Minister said South Africa’s constitutional democracy has demonstrated remarkable resilience.

“Our institutions have matured, our courts have developed a rich body of constitutional jurisprudence, and Parliament has continued to refine our legislative framework to ensure that it remains responsive to constitutional developments and practical experience.

“That is precisely the purpose of the Judicial Matters Amendment Bill. Unlike legislation that introduces an entirely new policy framework, this Bill performs an equally important constitutional function. It ensures that our justice legislation remains current, coherent, constitutionally compliant and capable of supporting an effective justice system,” he explained.

He added that the bill demonstrates that the rule of law is not static and requires continuous maintenance, careful refinement and responsible legislative stewardship.

While the amendments deal with different Acts, they are united by a common objective of building a justice system that is more effective, more accessible, more accountable and better able to serve the people of South Africa.

Components of the Bill

According to the Deputy Minister, the Bill strengthens judicial accountability.

“The amendments to the Judicial Service Commission Act expand the capacity of the Judicial Conduct Committee by enabling additional judges to be appointed where necessary to address backlogs, deal with urgent complaints and ensure that disciplinary matters are finalised more expeditiously. 

“Judicial independence and judicial accountability are not competing principles. They reinforce one another. An independent judiciary must also be a judiciary that is accountable through fair, credible and efficient constitutional mechanisms.

Secondly, the Bill strengthens openness and transparency in that amendments to the Promotion of Access to Information Act improve access to information, simplify administrative arrangements and give effect to the Constitutional Court’s judgment in Arena Holdings v SARS concerning access to tax records in circumstances where disclosure is demonstrably in the public interest. 

Thirdly, the Bill strengthens the fight against corruption.

“It closes technical gaps in the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act by ensuring that appropriate penalties apply to the offence of failing to prevent corruption within private entities and state-owned companies.

This gives further legislative effect to reforms arising from the recommendations of the State Capture Commission and reinforces South Africa’s broader anti-corruption agenda,” he explained.

In addition, the Bill promotes a more humane and developmental child justice system.

The amendments ensure that children who are alleged to have committed cannabis-related offences are dealt with through the child justice framework rather than unnecessary arrest, thereby aligning our legislation with more appropriate child-centred interventions. 

“A particularly significant component of the Bill concerns the Legal Practice Act. The proposed amendments seek to modernise aspects of the legal profession, remove unnecessary barriers and improve access to legal services.

“Among other reforms, the Bill provides for the automatic right of appearance for legal practitioners in all courts, rationalises provisions relating to practical vocational training, expands opportunities for legal practice within public institutions and improves the functioning of Legal Aid South Africa and other public legal services.”

These amendments support transformation within the legal profession while promoting greater access to justice for ordinary South Africans.

The Bill also modernises our legislative response to cybercrime as criminal activity increasingly migrates into the digital environment. Nel said South Africa’s law enforcement framework must evolve accordingly.

“The proposed amendments clarify investigative powers and improve the legal framework governing cybercrime investigations while preserving appropriate safeguards. 

Taken together, these amendments demonstrate that maintaining the rule of law requires continuous legislative adaptation to changing social, technological and constitutional realities.”

The Deputy Minister said the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has carefully considered the submissions received from stakeholders, including Judges Matter, the Information Regulator, the Legal Practice Council, the Law Society of South Africa and members of the public.

Where persuasive proposals have strengthened the Bill, the department has recommended amendments accordingly. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), in partnership with the International Trade Institute of Southern Africa (ITISA), has launched a free Online Export Course aimed at equipping businesses with the skills and knowledge needed to compete in international markets. 

The initiative forms part of the Western Cape Government’s Growth for Jobs Strategy, which seeks to drive economic growth, expand market access, and create sustainable employment opportunities.

The department said the self-paced course has already attracted strong interest from businesses across the province, with 518 participants registering since its launch.

To date, more than 70 participants have successfully completed the course, with many going on to access additional export support initiatives offered by the provincial government.

Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, said export growth is one of the most effective ways to stimulate economic growth and create jobs. 

“Through this free Online Export Course, we are equipping entrepreneurs and businesses with the practical skills they need to access new markets, grow their customer base, and contribute to the Western Cape’s export-led growth agenda,” Meyer said.

Supporting export-ready businesses

The department said the course is already helping entrepreneurs and export professionals strengthen their capacity to participate in international trade. 

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Imbali Nature’s Crown, an emerging agro-processing business, Alicia Somdaka, said the programme provided valuable insights into export compliance and international trade requirements.

She said the training enhanced her understanding of export documentation, tariff classification and accessing international markets.

“Following the course, I registered a business domain and dedicated company email, redesigned my product labels to meet export requirements, and I’m currently preparing my business for export opportunities in Europe and the Middle East,” Somdaka said.

She added that the programme provided a practical roadmap that she continues to use as she builds an export-ready business.

Another participant, Sandiswa Masimini, described the course as an enriching learning experience that provided a comprehensive understanding of export operations, including documentation, compliance, logistics, customs procedures and international trade requirements.

Masimini said the programme had boosted her confidence in managing export processes, improved her efficiency, and strengthened her contribution to her organisation’s export activities. 

“I would highly recommend the course to anyone seeking to build or advance a career in exports and international trade,” Masimini said. 

Practical export training 

According to the department, the course combines practical tools, expert guidance, and real-world case studies to help businesses develop effective export strategies and navigate the complexities of international trade. 

The programme caters to both emerging and experienced exporters and offers flexible, self-paced learning through videos, downloadable resources and assessments. 

Its nine modules cover key aspects of the export journey, including export readiness, international marketing, global trade, transport and logistics, cargo insurance, Incoterms® 2020, export administration, financial risk management, customs procedures, product classification, and compliance requirements.

The course is aimed at entrepreneurs and small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) looking to enter international markets, business development professionals, trade facilitators, and export managers seeking to strengthen their export strategies and operational capabilities. 

Entrepreneurs, business owners and export managers can access the free Online Export Course through the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s website at https://www.westerncape.gov.za/edat/online-export-course 

For more information, interested participants can contact the department at Khanya.Gcolotela@westerncape.gov.za – SAnews.gov.za
 

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