Category: South Africa Government

The Department of Social Development (DSD) has warned South Africans, particularly young people, to be cautious of fake online job offers that are increasingly being used by human trafficking syndicates to lure victims into exploitation.

The warning coincides with World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed on 30 July under the global theme: “Trapped Behind the Scam”, which highlights how organised criminal networks use fraudulent employment opportunities, often advertised on social media, to recruit victims.

Departmental Trafficking in Persons Manager Buti Kulwane said an increasing number of young South Africans have fallen victim to trafficking after accepting what appeared to be legitimate job opportunities in Thailand.

Instead of securing employment, victims are allegedly transported across the Thailand-Myanmar border, where they are forced to work in scam compounds carrying out cyber-enabled financial crimes under abusive conditions.

Kulwane said several groups of South African victims have been rescued and repatriated since 2024 through coordinated efforts involving the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), the Border Management Authority, the Department of Home Affairs and civil society organisations.

He said survivors receive psychosocial support, family reunification and reintegration services upon their return to South Africa.

According to the department, traffickers typically lure victims with promises of lucrative salaries, free travel and overseas employment. However, victims reportedly endure long working hours, intimidation, violence and debt bondage once they arrive at their destinations.

The department also warned that many victims are forced to recruit friends and family members, allowing trafficking syndicates to expand their criminal operations.

The department urged young people to verify all overseas employment opportunities, research prospective employers and recruitment agencies, consult family members before accepting job offers and avoid relying solely on information shared on social media.

Parents, caregivers, educators and communities have also been encouraged to engage young people in discussions about the dangers of online recruitment scams and human trafficking.

Anyone who suspects human trafficking or exploitation is urged to report it to SAPS by calling 10111 or contact the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428. – SAnews.gov.za
 

By Dr Salomon Hoogenraad-Vermaak
The fight to safeguard public resources cannot be won only through arrests and prosecutions alone. While accountability for wrongdoing remains essential, the most effective strategy is one that prevents misconduct before public funds are misused and public trust eroded.

This is where lifestyle audits in the public service are playing a significant role. Far more than a routine compliance check, it represents a shift in how government strengthens integrity, manages risk and builds capable institutions. These audits move the public service from merely reacting to corruption towards identifying early warning signs to prevent it before it takes root.

Corrupt acts are often concealed through complex arrangements, undisclosed business interests, unexplained wealth, and off-book transactions that can remain undetected for years. By the time investigations commence, as seen in the various commissions established by government to uncover misconduct, public funds have often already been diverted, confidence in institutions has been undermined, and the cost of recovery is substantial.

Lifestyle audits are helping rebalance this equation by annually assessing whether a public servant’s standard of living is reasonably consistent with their known income, assets and declared financial interests. Introduced by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) as an objective risk management tool, it assists in identifying financial anomalies that may warrant further inquiry, while reinforcing transparency and ethical conduct across government.

This preventative approach reflects international best practice in public sector governance. Strong institutions are built not only on enforcing the law but also through systems that detect risks early, discourage misconduct, and make corruption significantly more difficult to conceal. Lifestyle audits strengthen accountability long before disciplinary or criminal processes become necessary.

Importantly, they also reinforce a culture of ethical leadership. Public office carries a constitutional responsibility to act in the interests of citizens and not personal enrichment. Lifestyle audits give practical expression to Section 195 of the Constitution, which requires a high standard of professional ethics throughout the public service. It sends a clear message that transparency, accountability and responsible stewardship of public resources are non-negotiable principles of public administration.

The introduction of the audits form part of government’s broader programme to professionalise the public service. 

Announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the 2018 State of the Nation Address, lifestyle audits were institutionalised through the adoption of a Guide to implement Lifestyle Audits in the Public Service (March 2021), providing a framework for conducting lifestyle audits in the public service and have since become mandatory across all national and provincial departments. They are now firmly embedded within Strategic Priority 3 of the Medium-Term Development Plan 2024–2029, which seeks to build capable state institutions founded on professionalism, ethics and accountability.

The progress achieved thus far demonstrates that this reform is moving from policy into practice. By March 2025, 91% of national and provincial departments were implementing lifestyle audits, a significant increase from 61% in 2023. During the 2025 reporting cycle, lifestyle reviews were conducted on 8 982 members of the Senior Management Service (SMS) and more than 160 000 other public servants. Where unexplained financial discrepancies were identified, the matters were referred for further investigation.

These statistics are more than mere performance indicators. They demonstrate that accountability is becoming institutionalised across government. Importantly, the true value of lifestyle audits lies not simply in the number of assessments completed, but in the establishment of governance systems that continuously monitor risk, strengthen ethical conduct, and reinforce public confidence in state institutions.

Lifestyle audits in the public service are part of a broader integrity system alongside financial disclosures, ethics management, consequence management, internal controls, whistle-blower protections and independent investigations. All these mechanisms create interlocking safeguards that make corruption harder to commit, easier to detect, and quicker to address.

Government is now building on this momentum. Working alongside the Special Investigating Unit, departments are strengthening investigative capacity through using specialised investigators capable of supporting complex lifestyle audit enquiries. At the same time, a single regulatory framework is being developed under the Public Administration Management Act to make lifestyle audits compulsory across all three spheres of government. These reforms will improve consistency, strengthen oversight, and ensure that ethical governance becomes embedded throughout the public administration system.

Every improvement in integrity strengthens investor confidence, supports economic growth, and reinforces the credibility of the state. When citizens trust that public resources are managed responsibly, confidence in democratic institutions grows, creating a stronger foundation for inclusive development.

Building a capable state requires institutions that consistently uphold ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability. Lifestyle audits play a vital role in making this possible, demonstrating that the development of a professional, ethical, and capable developmental state that earns and deserves the trust of all South Africans is within our grasp.

*Hoogenraad-Vermaak is head of the Public Administration Ethics, Integrity and Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit at the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA)
 

The Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, has reappointed Naheem Essop as the Deputy Pension Funds Adjudicator (DPFA) at the Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (OPFA) for a period of three years, effective from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2029.

In a statement on Thursday, the Minister said Essop’s reappointment provides continuity at a time when the retirement funds environment continues to undergo legal, operational and regulatory change.

These changes include the implementation of the two-pot retirement system, persistent complaints relating to employers’ non-payment of retirement fund contributions, and the anticipated evolution of the Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator.

Godongwana first appointed Essop as Deputy Pension Funds Adjudicator on 1 August 2023, in terms of section 30C of the Pension Funds Act, 24 of 1956.

Essop is an admitted attorney and holds an LLB degree. Before joining the OPFA, he practised as an attorney and later served in the Pension Funds Department of the Financial Services Board, which later became the Financial Sector Conduct Authority. –SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa has endorsed a landmark report by the Eskom Restructuring Task Team (ERTT), setting out the framework for establishing a fully independent state-owned Transmission System Operator (TSO).

The report sets the stage for a restructuring of the electricity sector to “create competition, unlock investment, reduce electricity prices and ensure energy security for sustained economic growth and job creation.”

“This report shows how government can ensure that the architecture of the electricity sector can change as the sector continues to evolve, creating the foundation for South Africa’s growth.

“It is welcomed that all the key stakeholders are aligned on this objective,” President Ramaphosa said in a statement on Friday.

According to the Presidency, the report sets out recommendations for an “independent Transmission System Operator separate from Eskom.”

“The TSO is a key enabler of a successful competitive wholesale electricity market that is expected to deliver reliable and cost-effective electricity. This reform will support higher rates of economic growth, investment and job creation,” the Presidency said.

The report includes recommendations that:

• show that the restructuring is feasible, in line with international best practice, and can be done in a manner that does not compromise Eskom’s financial sustainability.
• highlight that the growth in municipal arrear debt to Eskom needs to be addressed because of the threat it poses to Eskom and the broader electricity sector.
• identify several actions that can be taken immediately to enable the restructuring.

“In Phase II, which starts immediately, the detailed transaction structure and implementation plan will be developed. Phase II will proceed over the next three months.

“The ERTT has proposed that a working group develop a consolidated action plan, encompassing all initiatives aimed at arresting the growth in municipal arrears and identifying those to be scaled up and accelerated.

“Such initiatives include stronger enforcement of credit controls, rolling out smart meters and Distribution Agency Agreements (DAAs), and stricter license enforcement, as well as the continued implementation of the Municipal Debt Relief Programme, Metro Trading Services Reform and the Electricity Distribution Industry (EDI) Reform Roadmap,” a Presidency statement noted.

Actions that can be implemented immediately include:

• strengthening interim measures to support the existing National Transmission Company of South Africa’s (NTCSA’s) independence and the internal ring-fencing of the NTCSA’s different licensed activities.
• taking first steps toward unbundling tariffs.
• clarifying the payment waterfall within the restructured market environment.
• developing mechanisms to insulate market participants from non-payment.

“The proposals to strengthen NTCSA’s independence during the interim period until the TSO is established include various requirements to ensure good governance and strengthened regulatory oversight.

“Directors serving on the Eskom board will not be appointed to the board of the NTCSA or serve on the boards of both the NTCSA and Eskom. The appointment of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and senior management of NTCSA will be the sole responsibility of the NTCSA Board,” the statement read.

Furthermore, there will be “clear delegation of authority from Eskom to the NTCSA of all decision-making related to the market, financial and operational ring-fencing of NTCSA from Eskom”. 

“Decisions on access to the transmission network are to be relocated to the NTCSA and eventually to the TSO. This includes cases in which connections are at the distribution level but have implications for the market or transmission network.

“Eskom Distribution will retain a Grid Access Unit to manage connections to its distribution network where projects connect at this level,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

A comprehensive reset of the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) has begun in the wake of damaging allegations presented at the Madlanga Commission against members of the directorate. 

This was announced by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi during a media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday.

Testimony at the commission has raised allegations of wrongdoing on the part of now former IDAC head Advocate Andrea Johnson and IDAC members Dylan Perumal, Brian Padayachee and Suneel Bellochun.

“IDAC requires internal operational improvements to strengthen accountability, efficiency and effectiveness.

“We have commenced a process aimed at facilitating a comprehensive reset of the [IDAC], aimed at rebranding and repositioning the Directorate to enhance its effectiveness, strengthen its institutional identity, and ensure its long-term success in delivering on its mandate,” the Minister announced.

Remedial activities are already underway to strengthen the directorate including, amongst others:

• Human Resource Management and Development (HRM&D) has been tasked to commence the process of analysing the job profiles against the CVs of the post holders in IDAC. The analysis of all 146 staff members in IDAC will be completed by 14 August 2026. 
• All the employees at IDAC will undergo lifestyle audits as a matter of urgency. 
• A skilled, experienced investigator is being appointed by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to be seconded to the National Prosecuting Service (NPS) to conduct a full case audit on all cases. In the interim, the NPS is finalising the consideration of the Crime Intelligence Division (CID) cases enrolled. All section 28(1) and (13) authorisations will be evaluated against mandate, intake criteria and referral mechanism. There will be an evaluation of all cases currently on the court roll to ensure that people are correctly charged. 
• A process to improve operational management of the directorate is underway, which includes a review of standard operating procedures and related issues. 
• IDAC will ensure that they build a sustainable in-house capacity to deal with digital forensic matters. 

“I have placed Dylan Perumal on suspension from his position as the chief investigator at South Africa’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) pending disciplinary processes. 

“Disciplinary processes for employees within the purview of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) who have been found wanting at IDAC have commenced. Brian Padayachee and Suneel Bellochun have already been suspended pending disciplinary proceedings against them,” Kubayi added.

Earlier this week, Johnson resigned from her position with immediate effect.

The Minister cautioned against calls for the directorate to be disbanded following the “revelations” at the Madlanga Commission.

“Those who are making these calls must disabuse themselves of the tendency to reduce institutions to individuals. Individuals come and go, but institutions remain, and we must defend and protect institutions because they are formed to fulfil a societal need rather than the agendas of individuals.

“Individuals within institutions who either abuse their power or violate their oath of office or deviate from operational norms and standards at whatever level must be held accountable.

“What has also come to light is that there are individuals who deliberately deviated from established norms and standards, deviated from written standard operating procedures to achieve their own ends within IDAC,” Kubayi said.

She emphasised that accountability measures will ensure that “there is no impunity and rogue elements can be decisively dealt with”.

Under review

Kubayi acknowledged that there is a need for a policy review of the IDAC, noting that a similar review of the National Prosecuting Authority Act is already underway.

According to the Minister, the review must address the following issues, amongst others:

• The term of office of the Directors of Public Prosecutions (DPPs) and the head of IDAC. We believe that rather than being permanent as is currently the case, these positions should have a limited and defined term of office.
• Strengthening checks and balances and accountability mechanisms within the NPA in its entirety to ensure that we minimize abuse of power or process.
• Elimination of conflict of interest. What has emerged is that prosecutors find themselves in a position where they have to make a decision on the arrest warrants against their own colleagues, which is a clear case of conflict of interest.
• The legislative review has to address this challenge in a manner that promotes justice and fairness.

The Minister reminded South Africans of the importance of the NPA as the “only agency responsible for instituting criminal proceedings on behalf of the state”.

“We all have the responsibility to protect and defend the NPA, including IDAC, so that we can strengthen our democracy and ensure its stability.

“IDAC is an 18-month-old institution that has huge opportunities for both growth and stability. As a Minister, I believe that in the organisation there are still Men and Women of integrity who have kept to their oath of office as both investigators and prosecutors, and they deserve our support,” Kubayi concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Motorists have been advised to continue renewing expired driver’s licence cards for light motor vehicles and motorcycles until a new law extending the validity period from five to 10 years comes into effect.

This follows Cabinet’s approval of the extension of the validity period for driving licences for Codes A, A1, B and EB, a decision welcomed by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa.

“The Cabinet approval serves as an endorsement for the draft notices for the extension of the driving licence validity period to be submitted to the Shareholders Committee and also to the Secretary of Parliament for public comments, and also to the office of the State Law Adviser for legal scrutiny.

“Motorists must therefore continue to renew expired driving licence cards until the new law takes effect,” the Department of Transport said in a statement on Thursday.

According to the department, the implementation of the extension requires the amendment of regulation 108 of the Road Traffic Regulations by the amendment of paragraph (a) of sub-regulation (5) of the following: (5) (a) Subject to regulation 101(2) –

1. a driving licence card for codes A1, A, B, and EB licence shall expire [five] 10 years from the date on which it has been ordered from the Card Production Facility; and
2. a driving licence card for codes C1, C, EC1, and EC licence shall expire five years from the date on which it has been ordered from the Card Production Facility.

“The 10-year renewal period will apply only to light motor vehicles. Heavy commercial and public transport vehicles will remain subject to the existing five-year renewal cycle, and Professional Driving Permits (PrDPs) will remain on a two-year renewal cycle.

“The change was informed by a study undertaken by the Road Traffic Management Corporation, which recommended that extending the validity period would align with international best practice, enhance administrative efficiency, reduce the frequency of renewals for motorists, and ease service demand pressures within the licensing system,” the department explained. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa has reaffirmed its support for the long-standing decision of the African Union to convene a continent-wide conference on migration, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said.

“Following a decision by the 49th Ordinary Session of the African Union’s (AU) Executive Council not to discuss migration at the upcoming AU mid-term review meeting, South Africa reaffirms its support for the long-standing decision of the African Union to convene a continent-wide conference on migration,” the department said in a statement on Thursday.

The 25th African Union Assembly held in Johannesburg in 2015 called for an African migration conference to discuss, among others, approaches to accelerate mobility and development within the continent while also addressing the challenges posed by increased irregular migration and developing capacity to manage migration flows within the continent.

“South Africa supports the implementation of this decision and believes that a continent-wide convening on migration should consider migration holistically, including its relationship with peace and stability, economic development, regional integration and democratic governance.

“It should also provide space for Member States to discuss the root causes of anti-migrant sentiment and develop a collective continental approach to preventing violence, discrimination, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance,” it said.

The department added that the need for the dialogue has become increasingly urgent. 

“Migration is a continental phenomenon whose consequences extend beyond the jurisdiction of any single state. The urgency is further underscored by recent research indicating that almost six in 10 Africans aged between 18 and 25 have considered emigrating, primarily in search of better opportunities.

“At the same time, African migration remains predominantly intracontinental, with most African international migrants moving to another country on the continent. Research also points to growing negative attitudes towards migrants across the continent and globally, driven in part by prevailing economic hardship.”

Although Africa has participated in discussions on migration with other regions of the world, the continent has yet to convene a comprehensive forum of its own at which Member States can collectively examine Africa’s migration challenges and opportunities.

Such a conference would provide a platform for African countries to exchange experiences, reflect on best practices, share lessons and develop cooperative responses grounded in the continent’s unique circumstances.

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola said: “Attacks on migrants of African descent, and on migrants generally, are an affront to our democracy and a betrayal of our Constitution’s promise to build a society founded on human dignity, social justice and fundamental human rights. The South African Government is seized with this matter and is coordinating efforts to ensure that those responsible for assault, intimidation, looting, robbery and other criminal acts face the full might of the law.”

The department said a lasting solution to migration pressures cannot be achieved through selective approaches that single out or denigrate individual Member States. 

“It requires honest dialogue about the push and pull factors driving movement in countries of origin, transit and destination as well as the responsibilities that all states must discharge.

“South Africa remains firmly committed to Pan-Africanism and African solidarity. The collective concerns, interests and aspirations of the continent remain at the heart of South Africa’s foreign policy and identity as a democracy.”

This commitment is demonstrated through South Africa’s efforts to advance peace and stability, economic integration, pandemic preparedness and a just response to Africa’s debt burden.

“It is the path South Africa has consistently followed and will continue to tread,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za