Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

The Group of 20 (G20) is uniquely positioned to respond to the complex and interconnected crises shaping today’s world – from economic instability and inequality to climate change and geopolitical tension.

This was the key message from Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, during her opening remarks at the fourth meeting of the G20 Development Working Group (DWG) held at Skukuza Lodge in the Kruger National Park on Monday.  

Addressing delegates gathered in one of Africa’s largest national parks, Ramokgopa emphasised the symbolic importance of the venue, saying it reflects South Africa’s rich natural and archaeological heritage, and its commitment to sustainable development. 

“This meeting takes place ahead of the DWG Ministerial Meeting on the 24th and 25th of July. Therefore, this week is crucial for the advancement of the shared commitment to confront the global development challenges of our time. 

“This week, we gather not just as Ministers, officials, and multilateral representatives, but as stewards of a common ambition to build a world in which progress does not bypass the most vulnerable,” the Minister said.

Ramokgopa reflected on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted a decade ago, noting that it now faces its “toughest test”.

The G20, as reaffirmed in past summits such as Rio de Janeiro, has a critical role to play in leading global action.

“The G20 is uniquely placed to respond to the vast and interlinked crises shaping our world – from economic instability to environmental peril.

“In this spirit, we echo the longstanding dedication of the Development Working Group, which since 2016, has championed a people-centred development model rooted in justice, sustainability, and resilience,” the Minister said.  

The Minister identified key priorities for the DWG, starting with the need to prioritise inclusive well-being and the establishment of social protection systems.

“Social protection must be seen not as charity, but as a cornerstone of development, through fostering economic vitality, societal unity, and gender parity. The urgency to take action is underscored by the current unacceptable and persistent global gender disparities,” she said.

Citing data from UN Women, Ramokgopa highlighted persistent gender disparities:

• Women, on average, earn 20% less than men, 

• Globally, over 2.7 billion women are legally restricted from having the same choice of jobs as men, and 

• Nearly 60% of women’s employment globally is in the informal economy, while in low-income countries, it is more than 90% (this means that women are overrepresented in informal and vulnerable employment)

She called for universal access to social protection, recognition of invisible care work, and targeted support for historically excluded groups. 

While such initiatives must be primarily funded by domestic fiscal capacity, the Minister stressed the importance of international solidarity and innovative financing mechanisms. 

“We emphasise that these efforts must largely be supported by a country’s own fiscal capabilities. Yet, we recognise that innovative financing mechanisms and international solidarity have a vital role to play, particularly in helping nations navigate moments of fiscal strain or external shocks,” she said. 

Turning to the issue of public finance, Ramokgopa described domestic resource mobilisation as “non-negotiable”. 

“It begins with fair, efficient, and transparent tax systems. It also requires resolute action to stop the loss of wealth through illicit financial flows (IFFs),” she said.

She reaffirmed South Africa’s support for outcomes of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development and commit to the actions it outlines, which include empowering governments to raise and wisely spend revenue; curbing financial opacity; and ensuring global tax norms reflect the needs of all, especially those of developing nations. 

“The scourge of IFFs undermines trust, drains essential funds, and destabilizes economies, both in origin and destination. We urge all partners to embrace comprehensive measures, such as automatic data sharing, robust beneficial ownership registries, digital identity tracking, and capacity-building for law enforcement and financial regulators alike. Only by shining light into these shadowy corners of the financial system can we hope to finance sustainable futures,” the Minister said. 

Ramokgopa said that only 15% of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are on track to be achieved by 2030, with rising debt, economic shocks, hunger, and climate-related threats worsening the development outlook.

“The resource gap now spans trillions annually. Bridging that divide demands action, creativity, and unity,” she said.

She called on the international community to “reimagine how the world responds to problems that ignore borders,” advocating for a new era of cooperation centred on global public goods, equitable governance, and inclusive multilateralism.

Among the ideas under discussion are strengthened global institutions, transparent decision-making, shared but differentiated responsibilities, and the innovative use of technology. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Members of the National Assembly (NA) will this week conclude their business for the second parliamentary programme, before the start of the constituency period which is scheduled from 28 July to 1 September.

The constituency period provides Members of Parliament (MPs) with an opportunity to engage directly with communities through their constituency offices across the country. 

“This period is essential as it facilitates meaningful interaction between elected representatives and the public they serve,” said a statement issued by Parliament.

The seventh Parliament has adopted a rotational approach to its parliamentary programme, organising its work into three distinct components, including committee oversight, constituency work, and plenary sittings.

“This structure allows members to focus on each of Parliament’s core functions in turn, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and impact of parliamentary work.” 

The Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, will lead a five-member multiparty parliamentary delegation to the Fifth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP). 

The session is scheduled to take place in Midrand, Johannesburg, from 21 – 31 July 2025 and aligns with the African Union’s theme for 2025: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations”.

Members of the PAP will deliberate on a range of issues of continental significance and present their respective countries’ perspectives. 

Scheduled debates include discussions on the state and financing of the African Union, the status of governance, peace, and security on the continent, as well as reports from the African Peer Review Mechanism.

The South African delegation comprises Mdumiseni Ntuli, Mergan Chetty, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, and Vuyani Pambo. 

The PAP serves as a legislative organ of the African Union (AU), established under the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community (Abuja Treaty).

Plenary sittings

On Tuesday this week, the National Assembly will discuss two motions during its plenary session. The first motion aims to revive the investigation into the issue of statutory rape, while the second motion concerns the replacement of representatives on the Board of Trustees for the Political Office Bearers Pension Fund.

Later that day, the NA will deliberate on four Bills, including the Eskom Debt Relief Amendment Bill, the Revenue Laws Amendment Bill, and the National Gambling Amendment Bill.

On Wednesday, the NA will conclude its second term programme with a plenary sitting to consider the Appropriation Bill. This Bill provides for the appropriation of funds from the National Revenue Fund for the 2025/26 financial year. It outlines allocations to national departments and public entities. 

“It also includes transfers to provinces and municipalities through conditional grants, equitable shares and other funding mechanisms to support the fulfilment of their constitutional obligations.” 

On Thursday, the NCOP will hold a plenary session during which it will consider reports from select committees and Trade, Industry, and Competition’s debate Budget Vote. 

In addition, 26 committee meetings are scheduled for this week. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, July 21, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, has announced the rollout of game-changing new Home Affairs service centres abroad.

The centres are set to assist South Africans living overseas, who have often waited 12 to 18 months just to obtain a new passport. With the opening of these new service centres, access to services is being expanded and turnaround times have been cut to just five weeks.

Minister Schreiber launched the first two service centres in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, last week, with another set to open in Perth by the end of September. Two centres also went live in Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand. 

“This is in addition to the service centre in London, UK, which is already operational. Over the coming months, the Department of Home Affairs will open additional service centres in the United Arab Emirates and China, followed by France, Germany and The Netherlands later this year, and North America in the new year. Further announcements will follow in due course when these service centres open their doors,” the department said. 

While the department’s ultimate aim is to deliver “Home Affairs @ home” by making its services available online all around the world, the opening of service centres around the world brings immediate relief to South African citizens living in other countries.

The new service centres abroad will offer:
•    Application intake and processing for adult and minor passports, both for new passports and renewals, ending the need to travel or wait indefinitely for consular appointments.
•    Birth registration applications.
•    A new online appointment booking system that brings predictability, structure, and transparency to planning, while also accommodating walk-ins.
•    Email support and SMS-based application tracking so that clients are kept informed every step of the way.
•    Opening hours from Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 12:00, and 13:00 to 17:00; and
•    services offered will have a five-week turnaround time, compared to the current turnaround time that can take between 12 and 18 months. 

The department added that it is also working to upgrade the eHomeAffairs live capture platform, which will enable these centres to also offer Smart ID services and eliminate the use of paper forms. An announcement will be made in due course once this upgrade is complete. 

“The rollout of these service centres is yet another step on our journey towards delivering ‘Home Affairs @ home.’ Home Affairs is now closer than ever before for South Africans living abroad. These improvements are not just about better service; they are about delivering dignity to South Africans – wherever they live in the world.

“Home Affairs is now delivering for South Africans – including those living abroad – like never before,” Minister Schreiber said. 

Bookings to use the newly-opened facilities in Australia can be made here: https://services.vfsglobal.com/aus/en/zap/attend-centre  

Bookings to use the newly-opened facilities in New Zealand can be made here: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/nzl/en/zaf/attend-centre  – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Sixteen undocumented foreign nationals, who were arrested during an anti-illegal mining crackdown, are expected to appear at the Pilgrim’s Rest Periodical Court today.

The suspects were arrested during a joint law enforcement operation under the banner of Operation Vala Umgodi.  

In a statement on Monday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said the police arrested the 16 suspects at Diggings in Pilgrim’s Rest in Mpumalanga for Contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa on Sunday.  

“The foreign nationals, aged between 18 and 42, were apprehended by the team assigned for Operation Vala Umgodi in Mpumalanga. They were nabbed during a disruptive operation at the said area after being found without valid documentation to be in the country. A generator fitted with a water pump was also found abandoned,” the SAPS said. 

The police investigation team is working in collaboration with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of the arrested suspects. 

The Acting Provincial of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, thanked officers for their relentless efforts in tackling illegal mining activities in the province.

Operation Vala Umgodi is government’s initiative to combat and prevent illegal mining activities, as well as to safeguard economic growth by addressing the root causes of illegal mining and enforcing the law. 

Conducted in seven provinces – Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, and Northern Cape – the operation is supported by a Central National Command Centre. 

In collaboration with various departments and institutions — including SAPS, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, Home Affairs, South African National Defence Force, National Prosecuting Authority, Department of Correctional Services, Department of Social Development, Department of Health and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation — the operation targets the criminal networks and environmental degradation linked to illegal mining activities. 

Since its inception in December 2023, more than 27 000 suspects have been arrested, while over 700 firearms, including imitation firearms (toy guns) and 16 553 rounds of ammunition have been seized through Vala Umgodi operations nationwide. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is making “significant progress” in clearing obstacles, with a clear view to enhance economic growth.

Last week, government released the report on Operation Vulindlela, detailing the government-wide initiative, which is aimed at accelerating progress on economic reform.

“This report shows that the economic reform programme is making steady progress, opening the way to more rapid, inclusive and sustainable growth and job creation. We established Operation Vulindlela in the Sixth Administration to remove the binding constraints that have long held back our economy’s growth: an unreliable energy supply, inefficient rail and ports, high data costs, and a visa system that had deterred investors and tourists.

“We have made significant progress since then in clearing these obstacles, with a clear view to enhance economic growth,” he said.

The President cited the reduction in load shedding, a downturn in the cost of mobile data, quickening turnaround times for approval of water use licenses and clearing of the visa backlog as some examples of progress.

Now, the second phase of Operation Vulindlela will “build on these successes and initiate a second wave of reform”.

The targeted areas include:

• Moving towards a competitive electricity market, which will introduce greater competition in electricity generation and reduce the chances of experiencing load shedding again. The reform underway in the energy sector will introduce greater choice for consumers and drive down costs.
• The Rail Infrastructure Manager was established as a separate operating division of Transnet with its own management and reporting structure. It has made capacity available across the freight rail network to private train operating companies and has received 98 requests for access to date.
• A request for information for private sector participation projects in the rail system and ports has received a strong response from the market and will enable government to mobilise new investment to modernise and expand logistics infrastructure.
• An Electronic Travel Authorisation system has been developed by the Department of Home Affairs and is being prepared to go live in September 2025.

Critically, the local government system is also eyed for reform to “ensure that basic services such as water and electricity – which are essential for economic growth – are delivered efficiently and reliably”.

“Several metros have submitted plans for the turnaround of their water and electricity utilities that outline a clear pathway for the ring-fencing of water and electricity services. 

“Progress against these action plans will enable these municipalities to access a new performance-based incentive from National Treasury to drive much greater investment in water and electricity infrastructure,” the President explained.

He emphasised that the reforms are targeted at boosting economic growth and job creation.

“The claims by some opposition parties that these reforms represent a form of privatisation are baseless and misguided. The measures we are taking are common sense reforms that will preserve public ownership of key infrastructure, while introducing greater competition, dynamism and investment. 

“A number of our peer countries introduced similar reforms, which have powered their economies to higher levels of growth.

“Even as the world faces difficult economic headwinds, our economic reform agenda will create the conditions for higher growth and investment, while renewing our infrastructure for generations to come,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, July 21, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa is currently experiencing significant and ongoing challenges with widespread outbreaks of Foot and Mouth disease (FMD), affecting several provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and, most recently, the Free State.

The resurgence of the disease has resulted in livestock movement restrictions and significantly impacted the country’s red meat trade on international markets.

In response to this escalating crisis, the Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), the University of Pretoria, and Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), is hosting a national Foot and Mouth Disease Indaba.

The two-day event, starting Monday, 21 July 2025, will take place at the ARC-VIMP Campus in Roodeplaat, northeast of Pretoria.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa will lead the Indaba, which aims to bring together top veterinary scientists, agricultural experts, and key industry stakeholders, to deliberate on and develop long-term solutions to combat FMD.

“Having already inflicted significant damage to the multibillion-rand livestock sector, the disease continues to threaten South Africa’s broader economy. Therefore, the Indaba presents a vital opportunity to unite expertise and resources to effectively eradicate this devastating disease.

“The Indaba will convene a range of multidisciplinary specialists to develop a coordinated and comprehensive approach to controlling and ultimately eradicating foot and mouth disease,” the department said in a statement.

The key areas of discussion will include strengthening biosecurity measures at farm level, enhancing vaccination programmes, and reinforcing animal movement controls.

The Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council, emphasised its committed to identifying and implementing sustainable solutions to FMD.

The department added that the Indaba signifies a crucial advancement in the ongoing efforts to combat the disease.

“By cultivating strong partnerships between government entities, academic institutions and industry leaders, the Department of Agriculture is committed to developing precise and effective measures that will eradicate the disease and safeguard the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s agricultural sector.” – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

As the 2025 filing season gets underway in the new week, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced that 5.8 million taxpayers received Auto Assessments, which is up from last year’s five million.

“Importantly, 99.6% of Auto Assessments issued to date have remained unchanged by taxpayers. Equally impressive is that R10.6 billion in refunds due to taxpayers have already been paid within 72 hours,” SARS said.

The successful completion of the Auto Assessment period ran from 7 to 20 July 2025.  

It will be followed by the tax filing period via eFiling and the SARS MobiApp for individual taxpayers from Monday, 21 July–20 October 2025.  Provisional taxpayers can also file from 21 July 2025–19 January 2026.

With Auto Assessment, SARS uses data sourced from third-party data providers to assess taxpayers. 

This is in keeping with the revenue service’s aspiration to “make tax just happen,” which enables taxpayers to not to do anything when they are issued an auto assessment.

For the few taxpayers that may need to update their tax returns with changes in case of outstanding information, which SARS does not have, this can be done via eFiling or the SARS Mobi App.

SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter expressed his satisfaction with the Auto Assessment as it has been a game changer in making tax easy for taxpayers to comply. 

“SARS is working hard to give taxpayers the best service. Ultimately, our aim is to make the best service to be no service at all. As we start with Filing Season for those not auto assessed, from Monday, 21 July, I encourage taxpayers rather to use our digital channels than come queue at our Service Centres.”

He noted that the improvement of SARS’s digital platforms is saving taxpayers’ time and eliminating the need to travel to SARS Service Centres.

“For the majority of those who submit a return online, an assessment outcome is issued in under five seconds if all is in order. This world class service is done whilst managing the risk of impermissible or fraudulent refunds with sophisticated machine learning and AI [artificial intelligence] models.

“To avoid penalties, taxpayers must submit accurate information promptly. Taxpayers are using SARS’s digital channels successfully. There is no need to visit SARS Service Centres. If you must, book an appointment first to avoid long queues.

“Taxpayers who owe SARS are urged to make payments as soon as possible or make payment arrangements. Only refunds more than R100 due to taxpayers will be automatically paid into their bank accounts within 72 hours once the assessment is completed,” the revenue service said.

Call for vigilance

SARS urged taxpayers to remain extremely vigilant and keep their details confidential. 

“There have been many attempts by scammers to defraud taxpayers. Taxpayers are reminded that SARS will never ask taxpayers to use any link to engage with it. Taxpayers must protect their eFiling login details and use only registered tax practitioners,” SARS said.

Information on the latest scams can be found on the SARS website: www.sars.gov.za. 

To report or request information on phishing, taxpayers can send an email to phishing@sars.gov.za.

For smooth Filing Season 2025, taxpayers are urged to use the following communication channels with SARS:
•    SARS Website: visit www.sars.gov.za and click on the “Individuals” tab.
•    SARS Online Query System (SOQS): https://tools.sars.gov.za/soqs.
•    SARS WhatsApp: send “Hi” or “Hello” to 0800 117 277.
•    AI Virtual Assistant: available 24/7 on the SARS website to answer queries.
•    Dial *134*7277#: to access SARS services.
•    SARS YouTube: visit @sarstax for how-to videos.

READ | Taxpayers urged to use digital platforms to communicate with SARS

–SAnews.gov.za 

Source: Government of South Africa

Parents and guardians have been reminded that the Gauteng Department of Education’s (GDE) 2026 Online Admissions Application period for Grades 1 and 8 will open in the new week.

The admission system is only meant for parents and guardians with children going to Grade 1 and/or Grade 8 in 2026. It will go on live on Thursday, 24 July 2026, at 8am for Grade 1 and 8 applications.

“Parents with children that are currently in Grade R must also apply online for their children to be admitted to Grade 1 for 2026 in line with Admissions Regulations. There is no automatic placement from Grade R to Grade 1. Applications to all other grades must be made directly at your desired school(s) in your immediate area,” Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane said at a media briefing on Sunday.

All parents need to register new profiles, old profiles and previous login details will not work.

After registering on www.gdeadmissions.gov.za, the system will prompt parents to create login credentials (username and password).

“Parents must keep these credentials safe as they will use them to access the Online Admissions System, and view and manage their profile and application details.

“Parents must accept the POPI [Protection of Personal Information] disclaimer, enter their correct ID number and details, and remember to read and accept the Terms and Conditions,” Chiloane advised.

Once parents have gained access to the system, they must begin with the application process and ensure that they complete the 5 Step Application Process. 

“It is essential for parents and guardians to fill in correct and accurate details in every step of the application process as prompted by the system. Documents must be uploaded or submitted within seven days of applying.

“Registering a profile without completing every step of the 5 Step Application Process will result in an incomplete application and the applicant not being considered for placement,” he said.

To receive important SMS notifications and updates regarding their application(s), applicants must provide one reliable and correct cellphone number when registering.

“Every step of the application process will be confirmed via SMS for security and verification purposes. There will be weekly pop-up messages on the system and SMS notifications sent to registered applicants as reminders to complete their application.

“SMS notifications will also be sent to parents to acknowledge submission and verification of documents. Therefore, parents are encouraged not to change or lose their cellphone numbers, but in unforeseen cases the department must be contacted for assistance,” the MEC explained.

He encouraged parents to use the Home Address Within School Feeder Zone option when applying on the system to see schools with feeder zones that cover their home address.

To increase the chances of placement closer to the parent’s home address, parents should select schools with feeder zones that cover the parent’s home address.

When applying, parents are urged to select a minimum of three schools and a maximum of five schools.
All schools will remain open and accessible on the system for applications during the application period.
Closing date 

No new applications will be accepted once the application period closes on 29 August 2025 at midnight.
Parents are advised to not fall for scams that charge a fee to assist with applying online.

“Bogus operators are scamming parents by falsely promising guaranteed placements in exchange for money. All scams and illegal placements must be reported to the GDE.

“The GDE does not charge any fees for assisting parents with the application process — all official support is completely free,” the MEC emphasised.

For more information, assistance or comments:
•    Call 0800 000 789
•    WhatsApp 060 891 0361 or
•    Email: gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
–SAnews.gov.za