Category: South Africa Government

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Have your say on Draft Report into alleged eFiling Profile Hijacking

Source: Government of South Africa

Have your say on Draft Report into alleged eFiling Profile Hijacking

The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) has invited the public to comment on its Draft Report into alleged eFiling Profile Hijacking.

“The OTO hereby invites written comments on the eFiling profile hijacking draft report. By inviting public participation, the OTO aims to develop a robust and effective response to eFiling profile hijacking, thereby ensuring protection of taxpayers’ rights and enhancing trust in South Africa’s tax administration system,” the OTO said in a statement on Wednesday.

The draft report was drafted by the ombud following its investigation into alleged eFiling profile hijacking.
“Between 3 February and 5 March 2025, the OTO conducted the eFiling Profile Hijacking Survey to capture taxpayers’ experiences and challenges related to eFiling profile hijacking. Preliminary findings from the survey were presented during a public workshop held on 28 May 2025.

“Initially, the OTO planned to publish the draft report for public comment in July 2025. However, SARS formally requested additional time to respond to the draft report and its recommendations. Consequently, on 2 July 2025, the OTO announced that the publication of the draft report would be postponed to 31 August 2025. Due to ongoing and extensive engagements with SARS, the publication was further delayed,” the statement read.

The report’s key findings include:
•    eFiling profile hijacking is most prevalent among tax practitioners and individual taxpayers.
•    The majority of cases involve Personal Income Tax and Value-Added Tax (VAT).
•    Fraudulent transactions typically involve amounts under R10 000 but can reach up to R100 000.
•    Vulnerabilities include inadequate authentication processes, challenges in fraud detection, delayed SARS response times, insider threats, and low digital security awareness among taxpayers.

The key recommendations include:
•    South African Revenue Service (SARS): Enhance authentication protocols, improve fraud detection and refund verification systems, boost taxpayer education, and strengthen collaboration with banks, the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
•    Tax Practitioners: Implement stricter controls on third-party access and uphold high professional conduct standards.
•    Taxpayers: Use strong passwords, activate two-factor authentication, and regularly monitor eFiling profile activities.
•    National Treasury: Amend certain provisions in the Tax Administration Act and establish an Inspector-General as recommended by the Nugent Commission of inquiry.
•    South African Reserve Bank: Investigate banking irregularities linked to eFiling profile hijacking.
The draft report can be accessed at https://www.taxombud.gov.za/oto-draft-report-on-the-investigation-into-alleged-efiling-profile-hijacking/

Please forward written comments via: communications@taxombud.gov.za and for more information, visit www.taxombud.gov.za before the deadline on 31 October 2025. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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Eskom commended for achieving profit before tax

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Parliament’s Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Mineral Resources has commended Eskom for achieving a profit before tax margin of some R23.9 billion for the 2025 financial year – the first turn of profit since 2017.

This after the resurgent power utility posted a net loss before tax of some R25.5 billion the previous year.

“The reinvestment of the profit back into the business is key for strengthening Eskom’s infrastructure and ensuring greater energy security for the country, which is critical for economic growth and attracting investment,” committee chairperson Mpho Modise said.

He noted that the municipal debt owed to the power utility had grown by 27%, despite the implementation of National Treasury’s Municipal Debt Relief Programme.

“The growing municipal debt owed to Eskom, which currently stands at about R103.5 billion is one that we, as a committee, find extremely concerning. This debt needs to be addressed and a viable solution into the matter needs to be identified.

“Public entities must be kept accountable to meet their financial responsibilities,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Parliaments are the ‘voices of the people’, says Minister Kubayi

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has described parliaments as a vital bridge to connect  citizens to the State.

The Minister was delivering a keynote address on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa at the G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) held in Cape Town.

“Parliaments are the voices of the people and as such, aspire to reflect the diversity of their respective societies. Secondly, parliaments are tasked with creating the enabling legal frameworks for the progressive realisation of equality and for passing laws that align with the international commitments of their respective countries.

“Thirdly, parliaments hold governments accountable to their domestic and international commitments. They ensure that the necessary budgets are allocated to reflect these commitments. Beyond being chambers of debate, beyond advancing rights and overseeing executive power, parliaments are the crucial bridge between the citizen and State,” she said.

The P20 is a platform for Speakers and Presiding Officers from Parliaments of the G20 member countries to deliberate on how legislative bodies can contribute to the formulation and implementation of G20 decisions.

The gathering was attended by these leaders as well as Speakers of South Africa’s provincial legislatures, Presidents and representatives of the African Union and European Union and other invited guests.

Kubayi told the audience that as they gather, global solidarity is “far removed from… everyday realities of access to employment, health care, education and to a decent quality of life”.

“We are contending with rising inequalities between and within societies, and between the Global North and Global South. In many parts of the world, rising populism, xenophobia and extreme forms of nationalism threaten to undermine solidarity.

“It is therefore incumbent upon us as parliaments to bring our institutions closer to the people, to restore the bonds of trust and to make all citizens part of the effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

“I am pleased that the G20 Parliamentary Speakers Summit has broadening citizen participation as a standing item, as we seek out new, innovative ways to achieve this,” she noted.

The Minister emphasised that for the commitments made at the G20 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to be translated to reality, “implementation must be felt on the ground”.

“As the bridge between citizen and State, the challenge for parliaments the world over is to translate hope into purpose and promise into action.

“I look forward to our engagement today, and look even further forward to a bold, forward-looking declaration from this year’s Summit.

“One that is matched by tangible steps that will be taken by all the parliaments represented here today to give practical meaning to solidarity, equality and sustainability,” Kubayi concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Dtic partners with automotive industry for Auto Week

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) is supporting the South African Auto Week (SAAW) that kicks off this week.

Now in its fourth year, SA Auto Week has firmly established itself as the premier platform for the automotive sector in South Africa and the African continent, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and global stakeholders under one roof.

Taking place from 1-3 October 2025, the SAAW is being hosted in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape at a time when the country is commemorating Transport Month.

“The event is hosted by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA). Significantly, this year’s gathering will be held in the Eastern Cape, the birthplace of NAAMSA and still the heart of South Africa’s automotive industrial capacity,” said the department in a statement on Wednesday.

The 2025 programme will centre on five key themes:
•    Inclusive Economic Growth and Job Creation – advancing localisation, diversification, digitisation, and decarbonisation.
•    Policy and Regulatory Reforms – accelerating the review of frameworks for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs).
•    Infrastructure and Investment Mobilisation – addressing gaps in manufacturing investment.
•    Justice and Anti-Corruption – strengthening governance and whistleblower protections.
•    Geopolitical Engagement – affirming South Africa’s role in multilateral cooperation and trade diplomacy.

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau, emphasised the importance of the event in advancing the country’s industrial policy objectives.  

“The automotive sector is not only a key driver of South Africa’s manufacturing base, but also a sector that has consistently demonstrated resilience and innovation. SA Auto Week offers a vital platform for government and industry to co-create solutions, embrace new technologies, and position South Africa as a hub for next-generation mobility solutions. Our commitment is to work hand-in-hand with stakeholders to unlock growth, deepen localisation, and secure South Africa’s place in the evolving global automotive value chain,” he said.

He further added that this year’s programme, anchored by the theme “Reimagining the Future, Together: Cultivating Inclusive Growth and Shared Prosperity,” will feature high-level dialogues, thought leadership sessions, and networking opportunities designed to foster bold industrial alliances, recommit to trade diplomacy, and accelerate South Africa’s just energy transition within the automotive ecosystem.

“By connecting industry leaders and policymakers, SA Auto Week will continue to set the benchmark for collaboration and innovation across Africa’s automotive landscape,” said the Minister. –SAnews.gov.za

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Health Committee chair alarmed by R2bn misappropriation at Tembisa Hospital

Source: Government of South Africa

The Parliamentary Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, has expressed serious concern about the Special Investigating Unit’s report revealing the misappropriation of over R2 billion intended for healthcare services at Tembisa Hospital in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.

The interim report released on Monday by SIU Head, Advocate Lekgoa Mothibi, included an analysis of 2 207 procurement bundles that uncovered significant cases of maladministration and procurement fraud.

Mothibi said key officials from the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) and Tembisa Hospital are accused of benefiting from corrupt payments that facilitated the irregular appointment of service providers. 

This involved money laundering and fraud through fronting, and the use of false Supply Chain Management documentation.

The agency emphasised that none of these transactions led to the delivery of goods to Tembisa Hospital, but instead all the money was funnelled through fronts or conduits to beneficiaries, eventually being used to purchase assets.

Dhlomo said the committee views these findings as serious and troubling, highlighting that they reveal acts of criminality. 

He noted that these actions represent a profound breach of public trust and an unacceptable diversion of essential health resources from the most vulnerable members of society.

The chairperson expressed support for the SIU’s ongoing efforts to identify those involved and recover the stolen funds.

“Some of these officials supported the syndicates with impunity, and there must be consequences. Such criminality cannot go unpunished,” he added. 

READ | SIU uncovers syndicates which allegedly looted R2 billion at Tembisa hospital

Dhlomo also welcomed the referral of matters to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and other law enforcement agencies. 

“The committee will monitor the progress of this closely to ensure that accountability is upheld at all levels. It is only through decisive corrective action that public confidence in the healthcare system can be restored.”

The chairperson said the committee will engage with the Department of Health and the SIU to receive further briefings on the findings and progress of this investigation. 

“The law should take its course for those implicated,” said Dhlomo.

The committee said it will maintain its oversight role to prevent such abuses from happening again and to protect the integrity of the health system for the benefit of all South Africans.

Meanwhile, the SIU announced that it will continue to diligently follow the money and seek justice by collaborating with law enforcement partners such as the NPA, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

The SIU is authorised by the SIU Act to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court or the Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigations that arises from acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration.

The SIU has indicated that it expects to complete the investigation by November 2027.

The agency has underscored the vital role of information and evidence provided by whistleblowers, and said it will take the necessary measures to ensure their protection. – SAnews.gov.za

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Second application window for Junior Mining Exploration Fund now open

Source: Government of South Africa

Second application window for Junior Mining Exploration Fund now open

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Council for Geoscience and the Industrial Development Corporation have opened the second window for applications for the Junior Mining Exploration Fund (JMEF).

The fund has been allocated some R240 million for those seeking funding in mining.

“Among other objectives, the JMEF fund enables eligible South African junior mining businesses to access funding so they can conduct prospecting work, increase junior miners’ access to mine ore bodies and promote economic inclusion that will support equitable economic growth,” the three entities said in a joint statement.

The terms of reference have been revised but critical requirements are that the applicants must be junior miners with a valid prospecting or mining right and the applicant’s requirements should exceed R10 million and be capped at a maximum of R50 million.

Other terms of reference require applicants to use funding for the following activities:

  • Early stage discovery exploration activities (detailed activities to be outlined by CGS and agreed between all parties).

Example of services that can be considered by the fund:

  • Drilling and logging.
  • Rock sample analysis.
  • Geophysics surveys.
  • Geochemistry studies.
  • Geo-tech assessment.
  • Geohydrological studies.
  • Environmental studies.
  • Other requisite geo expertise that may include data interpretation and consolidation into a Competent Persons Report (CPR).

Examples of other advanced exploration activities include further resource definition, geotechnical studies, metallurgical testing, environmental-impact assessments, permitting and regulatory compliance and feasibility studies.

Targeted minerals for the second round of applications include tin, tungsten, copper, lithium, titanium, uranium, gold, antimony, arsenic and fluorspar.

The fund will prioritise the greenstone belts for gold and antimony. However, all gold/antimony exploration projects are welcome to apply.

First round

The first window of applications saw some R160 million allocated to eligible applicants.

“Eight applicants drawn from sections of the sector and spread across the country successfully applied for funding, which was duly disbursed. 

“Established in 2023, the JMEF forms part of South Africa’s mineral exploration strategy, whose objective is to, among others, attract exploration investment, reignite mineral development, accelerate new mineral discoveries, while encouraging optimal utilisation of the country’s mineral resources,” the statement read.

Application forms can be found at https://www.idc.co.za/junior-mining/.

The application window opened on 30 September 2025 and will close on 31 October 2025. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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Madlanga Commission appoints Adv Chaskalson SC as chief evidence leader

Source: Government of South Africa

Madlanga Commission appoints Adv Chaskalson SC as chief evidence leader

The Madlanga Commission has announced that Advocate Terry Motau SC has stepped down from his role as Chief Evidence Leader.

Commission spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, said Motau has left the commission “on good terms” with Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC appointed to that position.

“The Commission is grateful for the service Adv Motau SC rendered. The Commission will not be discussing this matter any further as it can only serve to distract it from the task at hand,” Michaels said.

Furthermore, the commission is intently focused on its work.

“The Commission’s priority is to ensure that it is squarely focussed on the job as outlined in the terms of reference, which is to conduct an inquiry into and make ‘actionable recommendations’ regarding the gravely serious allegations that South Africa’s law enforcement agencies have been infiltrated and unduly influenced by criminal syndicates and drug cartels.

“The work of the Commission is critically important for the rule of law in South Africa, and we will continue to vigorously pursue our mission in the interests of the country,” Michaels said.
 – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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CSIR celebrates 80 years with conference on sustainable innovation

Source: Government of South Africa

CSIR celebrates 80 years with conference on sustainable innovation

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an entity within the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, is celebrating 80 years of touching lives through innovation.

To celebrate this milestone, the council will host its 9th Biennial Conference from 8-10 October 2025, at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria. 

The theme of the conference will be: “Science, Technology, and Innovation for a Sustainable Future.” 

This event is organised in collaboration with the Global Sustainable Technology and Innovation Community (G-STIC), which is led by the Belgian Research and Technology Organisation (VITO).

The conference will be held in conjunction with the 8th G-STIC Conference, making it G-STIC’s first conference on the African continent.

The G-STIC Conference aligns with a decision made 10 years ago by the global community to adopt Agenda 2030 and its associated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – an ambitious global action programme aimed at steering the world towards a more economically sustainable, socially equitable and environmentally sound development path.

“For over eight decades, the CSIR has been a catalyst for innovation – advancing industrial development, strengthening state capabilities, and improving lives across South Africa,” said CEO of the CSIR, Dr Thulani Dlamini. 

He believes that the gathering will serve as a dynamic platform to showcase the CSIR’s excellence in science, technology, and innovation, spanning more than 12 key sectors of the South African economy. 

“It also highlights our enduring commitment to driving sustainable development and shaping a future that is inclusive, resilient, and knowledge-driven,” he added. 

The conference will be attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including science experts, academics, government and industry leaders, and members of the public, all coming together to explore how research, development and innovation (RD&I) can be leveraged to strengthen and grow the local and global economy.

The discussions and exhibitions that will be presented during the conference will emphasise the critical role that RD&I plays in driving sustainable economic development and fostering innovation across various sectors.

“Bringing G-STIC to Africa for the first time is a recognition of the continent’s growing role in shaping global innovation for sustainable development. Together with the CSIR and DSTI, we aim to strengthen partnerships that accelerate the deployment of transformative technologies and create solutions that matter both locally and globally,” said General Manager G-STIC, Dietrich Van der Weken. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile

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Postbank affirms Master Services Agreement with SASSA still in place

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Postbank has announced that its Master Services Agreement (MSA) with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) remains firmly in place. 

In a statement on Tuesday, Postbank said this agreement will continue unchanged until an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) has been constituted and has deliberated on the matter.

“This brings certainty and reassurance to millions of social grant beneficiaries, who will continue to use their Postbank Black Cards and SASSA Gold Cards with confidence, enjoying uninterrupted access to their grants and associated banking benefits. 

“Postbank reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting the interests of beneficiaries, by ensuring their continued access to their social grants, which form an essential part of South Africa’s Constitutional promise of social protection for all its citizens,” the statement read. 

The bank said it will continue to stand firmly with beneficiaries, safeguarding their welfare and access to dignified, safe and reliable banking services. 

For more information beneficiaries can contact Postbank’s Customer Contact Center on 0800 53 54 55. – SAnews.gov.za

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Western Cape hosts Disaster Resilience Summit 

Source: Government of South Africa

Enhancing capacity to mitigate the effects of climate-related disasters and other systemic challenges is at the fore of the Western Cape provincial government’s two-day summit.

Held at the Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers in Century City, the Disaster Resilience Summit unites leaders from government, academia, municipalities, and the private sector to collaboratively develop practical, locally relevant solutions for building resilient communities.

Opening the event on Tuesday in partnership with Santam, Anton Bredell, the Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, emphasised the need for urgent action.

“We must shift decisively from reactive disaster management to proactive risk reduction. That is our task, and that is our responsibility.

“Resilience planning allows us to anticipate risks rather than merely respond to them after the fact,” said Bredell. 

The MEC also pointed to compelling international evidence underscoring the economic and social value of resilience investments.

According to the World Bank, every US$1 invested in making infrastructure disaster-resilient in developing countries saves an estimated US$4 in avoided economic losses. 

In addition, the Global Commission on Adaptation has found that strengthening early warning systems can reduce hazard-related damage by up to 30%. 

“When we invest in anticipatory action and stronger social safety nets, communities recover faster and emerge stronger,” Bredell added.

The MEC believes that the summit is an important milestone in the province’s efforts to promote a comprehensive disaster risk reduction agenda. 

This agenda aims to ensure that the Western Cape is better equipped to handle climate risks, protect livelihoods, and safeguard vulnerable communities. 

This initiative is aligned with this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on 13 October, which carries the global theme: “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters.”

The summit’s programme focuses on five key areas, including climate risk and infrastructure resilience, integrated disaster risk management and early warning systems, community-based adaptation and social resilience, governance, financing and institutional readiness, as well as data, innovation, and digital resilience tools.

These will be explored through high-level panels, technical workshops, and a marketplace of municipal innovations showcasing practical solutions.

Head of Department for Local Government, Graham Paulse, highlighted the province’s collaborative approach. 

This summit is not just a conversation – it’s a commitment to action. We are here to identify implementable projects that will make our municipalities safer, smarter, and more responsive.”

Head of Strategy and Investor Relations at Santam, Thabiso Rulashe, reaffirmed the role of partnerships and said building resilience is a shared responsibility that requires an all-of-society approach. 

“As South Africa’s leading general insurer, we are committed to working alongside government and municipalities to close existing gaps, strengthen local capacity, and support practical initiatives such as our Partnership for Risk and Resilience programme, which has already reached more than 29 million people since 2012,” Rulashe added. 

The summit is expected to deliver a practical set of outputs, including case studies, policy recommendations, and investment pathways, that will inform future planning, budgeting, and programme design at provincial and municipal levels. – SAnews.gov.za