Category: South Africa Government

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Sangoni-Diko, has welcomed Postbank’s milestone achievement of successfully registering as a licensed Financial Services Provider (FSP) with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority. 

This means that Postbank is now authorised and regulated to provide financial services that meet the standards set by the regulator, under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS Act).

Diko described the development as a significant milestone in the ongoing journey to transform Postbank into a fully-fledged State-owned bank, capable of advancing financial inclusion and supporting economic participation for all South Africans.

“This is a moment of great progress and affirmation. The licensing of Postbank as a financial services provider signals that the institution is steadily meeting critical regulatory requirements and strengthening its capacity to operate within South Africa’s financial sector,” said Ms Diko.

She further noted that the achievement reflects sustained efforts by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and Postbank to rebuild governance, enhance compliance and restore public confidence in the institution.

“As the committee, we have consistently emphasised the importance of strong governance, accountability and regulatory compliance. This milestone demonstrates that Postbank is moving in the right direction and lays a solid foundation for its evolution into a fully-fledged state-owned bank,” she added.

Diko highlighted Postbank’s strategic importance in extending affordable and accessible financial services, particularly to underserved and rural communities. 

She said that a properly capacitated Postbank has the potential to play a transformative role in deepening financial inclusion, reducing the cost of banking and ensuring that no South African is left behind in accessing essential financial services.

While welcoming the progress, Diko stressed that more work remains to be done to secure a full banking licence and achieve operational readiness. 

She commended all stakeholders involved in achieving this milestone and looks forward to further progress in the establishment of a state-owned bank that serves the developmental needs of the country. – SAnews.gov.za

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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has underscored the critical role of voluntary community safety structures in combating crime, describing them as essential partners in strengthening local-level prevention efforts.

Ntuli was addressing delegates at the Provincial Community Safety Structures Leadership Training session currently underway at the Mfolozi Casino in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

The two-day programme, held from 18 to 19 March 2026, is hosted by the Office of the Premier in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Community Safety and Liaison.

The gathering has brought together leaders of community safety formations from across the province to strengthen their capacity, coordination, and effectiveness in supporting crime prevention initiatives.
The training also aims to strengthen community policing, enhance rural safety and improve collaboration between communities and law enforcement agencies in crime prevention efforts.

The initiative forms part of ongoing provincial efforts to empower communities to take an active role in safeguarding their environments.

The programme is designed to ensure that community safety structures are not only operational, but are also equipped with the necessary knowledge, discipline, and practical tools needed to serve with distinction and contribute meaningfully to the fight against crime.

In his address the Premier emphasised that community safety structures serve as a critical link between residents and law enforcement agencies, enabling early detection of criminal activity and improving response mechanisms.

“Volunteerism, local knowledge and community trust place these structures at the forefront of preventative policing. Strengthening leadership within these formations is essential to ensuring that they operate efficiently, ethically and in alignment with broader provincial safety strategies,” Ntuli said.

He urged participants to apply the skills and knowledge gained during the training to enhance coordination, improve reporting mechanisms and support law enforcement efforts to maintain safer communities.
The provincial government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and capacitating community safety structures as part of a broader and integrated approach to crime prevention across KwaZulu-Natal.

The first day of the training programme covered key areas including the foundations of community safety leadership, legal framework and leadership management, collaboration, governance and ethical leadership, as well as crime prevention strategies and the development of community leadership action plans. – SAnews.gov.za

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Government has introduced an incentive grant that will unlock R100 billion investment to encourage metropolitan municipalities to deliver reliable water, electricity, sanitation and refuse removal services. 

“Over the past decade, we have witnessed the steady erosion of municipal capabilities in many parts of the country: infrastructure failures, unreliable services, financial stress, and declining public confidence,” National Treasury Director-General Dr Duncan Pieterse said on Wednesday in Pretoria.

In an effort to restore the cities ability to deliver services effectively, the National Treasury has introduced a comprehensive package of local government reforms for South Africa’s eight largest cities.

The Metro Trading Services Reform is targeted at stabilising and strengthening service delivery through implementing interventions to stabilise municipal governance and strengthen financial management.

The reforms include legislative changes, stronger enforcement of funded budgets and financial recovery plans. 

They also include targeted investments in municipal infrastructure and smart metering, and new approaches to ensure that public funds are matched to credible delivery.

“The Metro Trading Service Reform targets a specific problem. Many of our cities are failing to provide services or to collect revenue adequately. Even when they do, the revenue they collect goes into the general municipal pot instead of being invested to maintain and upgrade infrastructure. 

“As a result, the water leaks, the lights go out, the rubbish piles up. Bankers will not lend, and investors will not invest.

“The Metro Trading Service Reform aims to ensure those services are run like integrated businesses. It creates a single unit of management accountability to deliver core trading services. It will ringfence the revenues and reinvest them in those services,” Pieterse explained.

When the budget was tabled in February, National Treasury included a new proposal: where municipal capacity to spend becomes a problem, instead of the funds being lost, they will be transferred to entities such as the Development Bank of South Africa and Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent, to ensure the spending takes place in that municipality to benefit the residents who live there. 

“National Treasury has worked closely with the cities and with departments across government to design the reform, including the Department of Cooperative Governance. And instead of penalising metros that don’t implement it, we will incentivise those who do. 

“Government will mobilise R54 billion in performance-linked incentives, with R27.7 billion allocated over the medium term, to restore the operational and financial sustainability of metro trading services,” Pieterse said.

To access the incentives, metros will have to meet the performance targets they have set for themselves in the Performance Improvement Action Plans they have developed for each of the trading services: water, electricity and solid waste services.

The Metro Trading Services Reform aligns with Operation Vulindlela, which focuses on implementing structural reform priorities to remove constraints to economic growth.

“The health of the cities is closely linked with the fate of our national economy. It is in the cities that the bulk of South Africa’s population is concentrated and the bulk of its economic activity takes place. 

“Our cities are the engines of national economic growth, inclusion and innovation. Those of you who have visited some of the other major cities around the world will know how these cities drive economic activity in those regions. If our cities do not work, South Africa cannot grow,” he said.

The Metro Trading Services Reform programme is a national government initiative, endorsed by Cabinet, and one of the government’s priority programmes to support economic development and improve social outcomes during the current administration.

 National Treasury has introduced a performance-based grant that creates an incentive for the eight metropolitan municipalities to turn around the long-term decline in the provision of three municipal trading services: electricity, water and wastewater, and solid waste management.

Participation in the incentive programme is voluntary. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s (dtic) Furniture Master Plan’s objectives of strengthening local manufacturing capability and expanding opportunities for small enterprises and emerging entrepreneurs will come to the fore at the annual Furniture Design Competition Awards.

To be addressed by Deputy Minister Alexandra Abrahams, the annual competition is this year being held under the theme: “Alien Invasive Species Wood.”

The dtic said the theme reflects a deliberate alignment with the objectives of the Furniture Master Plan. 

“By challenging designers to transform invasive timber into high-value, market-ready products, the competition advances key priorities of the Plan, namely strengthening local manufacturing capability, deepening skills development and expanding opportunities for small enterprises and emerging entrepreneurs. 

In doing so, this competition promotes innovation and sustainability within the sector and contributes to the development of more resilient and competitive value chains. Participants are therefore actively contributing to an industry-wide effort to unlock inclusive growth and create sustainable employment across design, manufacturing, and retail,” the department said in a statement on Thursday.

The Deputy Minister said the competition showcases the creativity of students and professionals.

“The Furniture Design Competition showcases the creativity of our students and professionals, introduces new products to the market, and elevates South African furniture on the global stage. The theme of this year’s competition, using invasive wood species, is a powerful example of how design can provide innovative solutions to national challenges while promoting sustainability.”

She added that at a strategic level, the furniture sector offers a compelling illustration of how design, innovation, and industrialisation intersect. 

“Design is more than aesthetics, it is a driver of competitiveness, differentiation, and value creation,” she said.

The ceremony which will be held on Friday, 27 March, will honour winners in two categories: Student and Established Manufacturers. 

The Student category is open to design students registered at South African educational institutions, while the Established Manufacturers category is open to manufacturing businesses with in-house design capabilities.   

The furniture industry plays a pivotal role in advancing economic growth, industrialisation and creating jobs. 

As a significant contributor to the country’s manufacturing sector, which accounts for 0.95% of manufacturing Gross Domestic Product and 1.6% of manufacturing employment, the dtic supports and promotes the industry’s role in boosting trade, small businesses, and positioning South Africa as a globally competitive market for both furniture manufacturing and design.

The ceremony will be held at the Homemakers Fair in Kyalami Grand Prix and International Expo Centre in Midrand. It will be held in partnership with industry stakeholders including the South African Furniture Initiative (SAFI), the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), and Proudly South African. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Home Affairs has delivered another important reform to advance equality and fairness for the Muslim faith community by ensuring that Muslim marriage officers are recognised on the same basis as other religious marriage officers under the Marriage Act 25 of 1961.

Following the introduction in 2024 of marriage certificates that recognised Muslim marriages for the very first time, a new directive issued by the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, now means that Muslim religious leaders – certified as Marriage Officers – will no longer be required to reapply for certification every five years. 

This brings their recognition in line with other faith communities, which are also certified for an unlimited period, without the need for administratively burdensome renewals.

“For many years, Muslim marriage officers were subject to a renewal requirement that did not apply to other religious groups. The five-year limitation was originally introduced as a temporary measure, while new marriage legislation was being developed,” the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement.

In the statement on Thursday, the Ministry added that the Marriage Bill is still to be promulgated.

The Minister’s decision follows engagement with relevant stakeholders, who raised the issue with him.

“This decision ensures that all marriage officers, including Muslim marriage officers, are treated on equal terms. Coming in the wake of our implementation of marriage certificates recognising Muslim marriages for the first time in 2024, this reform reaffirms the commitment of Home Affairs under the Government of National Unity to deliver dignity for all members of our diverse South African society, including the Muslim faith community,” Schreiber said.

The Department of Home Affairs will communicate further administrative guidance to stakeholders regarding the implementation of the decision. – SAnews.gov.za

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Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has underscored the critical role of academic institutions in shaping solutions to South Africa’s water challenges.

Delivering the keynote address at a recent Water Imbizo hosted by the University of South Africa (UNISA), Mahlobo described the country’s water challenges as structural and systemic in nature, saying that coordinated and science-based interventions are essential to addressing the crisis.

While South Africa remains water-scarce, Mahlobo noted that current shortages are largely driven by ageing and deteriorating infrastructure, weak governance, declining municipal capacity, pollution, and persistently high levels of non-revenue water, which stands at approximately 47%.

“This is not just a resource challenge. It is a governance, infrastructure and capability challenge that demands coordinated action across the entire system,” the Deputy Minister said.

Mahlobo emphasised that water security is both a constitutional obligation and a developmental and economic imperative, underpinning public health, food security, industrial growth and human dignity.

He warned that without decisive intervention, increasing demand, climate variability and inefficiencies will place growing strain on already vulnerable water systems.

The imbizo was positioned as a key national platform, bringing together government, academia and sector stakeholders to advance practical, evidence-based responses to the country’s water crisis.

Highlighting the importance of academia, Mahlobo said the country’s response must be firmly grounded in scientific evidence, innovation and technical expertise.

“Universities and research institutions must be at the centre of our national response. We need solutions that are informed by data, guided by science and capable of being implemented at scale.”

He called for a decisive shift from research to implementation, arguing that while South Africa has sufficient knowledge and innovation, it faces challenges in translating these into tangible outcomes.

“We must close the gap between knowledge and delivery. Scientific capability must find expression in municipal systems, infrastructure operations and the daily management of water services.” 

The Deputy Minister also reiterated that government cannot achieve water security alone, calling for a whole-of-society response that brings together government, academia, industry and communities in a coordinated national effort.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to stabilising the sector through infrastructure investment, improved municipal performance, strengthened oversight and coordinated interventions under the National Water Crisis Committee chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Mahlobo urged all South Africans to recognise water security as a shared national responsibility, and to actively support efforts to protect and sustain the country’s limited water resources. – SAnews.gov.za

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Three suspects were fatally wounded in a high-speed chase and shootout out with the Hawks Tactical Operations Management Team in Crystal Park in Gauteng, said the Hawks.

In a statement on Thursday, the Hawks said the trio were being pursued for hijacking, attempted murder and kidnapping, where the victim managed to escape unscathed.

“The members received information about suspects who allegedly were committing hijacking/kidnappings on Elm Road in Crystal Park. The members tactically patrolled the road. Around 20:30, the Hawks members from TOMS [Tactical Operations Management Section] spotted the described vehicle, a silver-grey Opel Astra, just after they pulled a female victim out of her Fiat and bundled her into their getaway vehicle.

“A high-speed chase ensued and the suspects opened fire on the police. The suspects’ vehicle hit the side barrier into an embankment.”

The victim was rescued with no injuries. Two firearms and some of the possessions belonging to the victim were found in the suspects’ vehicle. – SAnews.gov.za

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Bringing essential government services and opportunities directly to young people will be at the core of Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli’s visit to Kuruman in Northern Cape.

The Deputy Minister will host a Youth Services Expo at the Kuruman Town Hall on Friday, 20 March.

“The outreach programme will provide young people with access to information on employment opportunities, skills development, entrepreneurship support, and a range of government services,” the Presidency said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the Presidency, the initiative brings together key stakeholders including government departments, agencies, local mining companies and private sector partners — all contributing to youth empowerment through exhibitions and programme presentations.

The Deputy Minister will deliver remarks and conduct a walkabout engaging directly with exhibitors and young attendees.

The programme will include presentations from key institutions such as the National Youth Development Agency, the Department of Employment and Labour, the South African Police Service, Sector Education and Training Authorities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges, local mining stakeholders and other organisations supporting youth empowerment initiatives. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africans can be assured that fuel supply in the country remains stable in the immediate term.

This according to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR).

“The department wishes to assure all South Africans that the country’s fuel supply remains stable in the immediate term, notwithstanding heightened volatility in global energy markets arising from ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

“Government is actively coordinating with industry stakeholders to secure both crude oil and refined petroleum products from a diversified range of sources, and a comprehensive plan is in place to manage potential supply risks,” the DMPR said in a statement.

Furthermore, fuel consignments scheduled for this month and April were “secured prior to the recent escalation in global tensions”. 

“These deliveries have commenced and are expected to adequately sustain national supply over the coming weeks,” the statement read.

The department noted that recent developments have “already exerted upward pressure on fuel prices”.

Crude oil prices have already surged, exceeding the $100 per barrel mark.

“[This is] driven by supply disruptions and heightened uncertainty affecting critical global shipping routes. 

“As a net importer of petroleum products, South Africa remains inherently exposed to these external dynamics. Sustained increases in international oil prices, coupled with exchange rate fluctuations, are expected to translate into higher domestic fuel prices in the months ahead.

“The department emphasises the critical importance of pricing transparency across the fuel value chain, particularly in respect of unregulated products, such as jet fuel. Industry stakeholders are expected to ensure that pricing practices are fair, justifiable, and fully compliant with applicable competition and consumer protection laws,” the statement said.

Engagements between government and industry stakeholders are continuing to “monitor supply, assess emerging risks, and coordinate timely and appropriate interventions where necessary”.

“While the short-term outlook remains stable, government is actively advancing measures to strengthen long-term energy security. These interventions include the diversification of fuel import sources, the enhancement of strategic storage capacity, and the acceleration of key infrastructure investments. 

“South Africa will continue to honour its regional supply obligations, while ensuring that the security of domestic fuel supply remains paramount. 

“The department will keep the public duly informed as developments unfold, and remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the country’s energy security and broader economic stability,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za

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