Category: South Africa Government

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts has called on all sectors of society to help reduce air pollution, emphasising that cleaner air requires collective action by government, industry, communities and individual citizens.

“We can reduce pollution by avoiding the burning of waste, using cleaner energy sources where possible, reporting illegal pollution activities, maintaining vehicles properly, and supporting environmental programmes in our communities,” Swarts said on Thursday.

Speaking during the Ehlanzeni Clean Air Community Dialogue and handover of an air quality sensor in Mbombela, Swarts said children need to be educated about environmental responsibility because they are the future custodians of the country’s natural resources.

Swarts said the sensor forms part of government’s efforts to strengthen community-based air quality monitoring and environmental awareness.

Contributors to air pollution include agricultural machinery and transport vehicle emissions, mining activities, crop residue burning, biomass burning for land preparation, and dust generated by farming activities.

The Deputy Minister said these sources often contribute significantly to local particulate matter concentrations and can have direct health impacts on households. 

“Through partnerships with local communities, schools, municipalities and development partners, we are expanding access to air quality information and empowering citizens to become active participants in environmental governance,” the Deputy Minister said.

She said government is also building a new generation of environmental leaders who understand the importance of clean air and healthy communities.

“The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is committed to expanding air quality awareness programmes across South Africa.

“Through initiatives such as the Air Quality Governance Lekgotla, school competitions, community dialogues and the South African Air Quality Information System, we are bringing environmental information closer to the people.

“Our vision is simple: informed communities, accountable institutions and collaborative action for cleaner air,” Swarts said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has cleared Gauteng South Director of Public Prosecutions Adv Andrew Chauke to continue in office after an independent panel of inquiry found no basis to conclude that he was unfit to hold the position. 

The Presidency announced on Thursday that President Ramaphosa had informed Adv Chauke that he had been exonerated by the Nkabinde Panel of Enquiry, which was established to probe his fitness to hold office.

President Ramaphosa established the enquiry on 29 September 2025 in terms of Section 12(6)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act of 1998.

The enquiry was mandated to investigate and determine whether Adv Chauke was fit and proper to continue holding office in light of serious allegations relating to his fitness and propriety.

President Ramaphosa placed Adv Chauke on suspension with effect from 20 July 2025, pending the finalisation of the enquiry.

The panel, chaired by Justice Baaitse Elizabeth Nkabinde, considered extensive oral evidence, documentary evidence, expert opinions, witness statements and legal submissions before reaching its findings.

According to the Presidency, the panel found that there was no credible evidence upon which it could conclude that Adv Chauke had taken prosecutorial decisions as alleged in respect of the Cato Manor matter, or that he had acted unlawfully in the performance of his coordination functions.

The panel also found that Adv Chauke’s decision to provisionally withdraw the murder and related charges against former Crime Intelligence head General Richard Mdluli, and to refer the matter to an inquest, was not irrational.

“In view of these and other findings that exonerate Adv Chauke, President Ramaphosa is satisfied that there is no basis upon which to conclude that Adv Chauke is unfit to hold office as Director of Public Prosecutions,” the Presidency said.

The President thanked Adv Chauke for his cooperation throughout the enquiry process and expressed confidence that the conclusion of the matter would enable him to continue carrying out his constitutional and statutory responsibilities with dedication and integrity in service of the National Prosecuting Authority and the nation.

President Ramaphosa also reiterated his appreciation to enquiry chairperson Justice Nkabinde, assisted by Adv Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere SC and Attorney Matshego Ramagaga, for the manner in which they undertook their task. – SAnews.gov.za 

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The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has advised the public that paralytic shellfish toxin levels in mussels and oysters from monitored production areas in the Saldanha Bay Aquaculture Development Zone have dropped below the regulatory safety limits for human consumption. 

The latest monitoring results confirmed that shellfish from these approved areas are within safe levels and may be harvested, marketed and consumed, provided they remain compliant with the official shellfish monitoring and control programme.

The programme is implemented in line with local and international standards.

The department said it will continue to monitor toxin levels and issue further advice should conditions change. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, will lead a career expo in uMkhanyakude District, KwaZulu-Natal, as part of efforts to expand access to science, technology and innovation (ST&I) opportunities for learners and young people in one of the province’s rural districts.

The expo, held at the Manguzi Sports Centre in the Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipality on 24 July 2026, forms part of National Science Month, which Gina launched earlier this month at the Vaal University of Technology.

National Science Month is an initiative of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, implemented through the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement to promote public interest in science, technology and innovation and demonstrate their impact on everyday life.

The event will bring together government departments, science councils, higher education institutions, and other stakeholders to provide learners and out-of-school youth with information on career opportunities, bursaries, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-related study fields, training pathways, and future-oriented skills.

It will feature interactive exhibitions and demonstrations that will also give attendees an opportunity to engage with science and technology through practical, accessible and exciting ways.

The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, which is conducting outreach activities in the district as part of the implementation of the Broadcast Digital Migration Programme, will also participate in the career expo, while Gina will visit households where the analogue to digital switch is being rolled out. – SAnews.gov.za

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Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia will chair the second statutory meeting of the Minister and Members of the Executive Council (MINMEC) for Police in White River, Mpumalanga, this weekend.

The two-day meeting, taking place on 24 and 25 July 2026, aims to strengthen coordination within the police service and enhance cooperation between the three spheres of government on matters relating to safety and security in the country.

Held under the theme: “Advancing a National Reset Agenda for Policing”, the meeting will review progress on implementing the nine MINMEC priorities adopted during the sitting on 6 March 2026.

The priorities seek to improve crime prevention and policing, with a particular focus on combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), reducing firearm-related crime, and increasing public trust in the police. 

According to the Ministry, the nine priorities form the foundation of a national reset agenda that will guide the strategic direction of policing in South Africa. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Spaza shop owners looking to grow their businesses can apply for support through the Spaza Shop Support Fund.

Launched in 2025 by the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), the fund is aimed at supporting eligible spaza shops and other food-handling outlets across South Africa.

The programme seeks to help township and rural enterprises improve their operations, increase their competitiveness, create jobs and contribute to local economic development.

The fund offers qualifying businesses funding of up to R100 000. Funding above R50 000 is provided as a blend of 50% grant and 50% loan.

The financial support can be used for shop upgrades, business training and stock purchases.

Business owners who would like to access the funding are encouraged to follow these steps:

Step 1: Check if your business qualifies

Before applying, visit the fund’s website and review the eligibility requirements to ensure that your business qualifies for support.

To qualify, the spaza shop owner must be a South African citizen or have been naturalised as a South African citizen before 1994. The business must operate in a township or rural area and serve the local community.

The business must also be registered with the local municipality in line with relevant by-laws and licensing requirements. In addition, applicants must be registered with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) or qualify for a six-month transitional period.

Spaza shops must comply with all relevant legislation, including food preparation, health and safety requirements. The owner must actively manage the business.

Step 2: Gather the required documents

Applicants should prepare all the necessary supporting documents before starting the online application process. These include:

•    A certified copy of a South African identity document.
•    Business registration documents.
•    Proof of business address.
•    Proof that the spaza shop or food-handling outlet is operational.
•    Bank account confirmation documents.
•    A business permit issued by the municipality.

Applicants seeking funding above R80 000 will also be required to register with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) within six months of receiving funding.

Step 3: Submit your application online

Once all the required information and documents have been gathered, applicants can submit their applications through the online portal at https://systemsnew.sefa.org.za/SMMEPortal/.

Applicants should ensure that all information provided is accurate and that supporting documents are uploaded correctly.

Step 4: Await assessment

Applications will be assessed according to the programme requirements. Applicants may be contacted if additional information is needed during the assessment process.
Priority groups

The fund gives priority consideration to young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35, women-owned businesses and businesses owned by people with disabilities.

For more information visit ww.spazashopfund.co.za. 

*This article first appeared in Vukuzenzele
 

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The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to Pan-African solidarity, the rule of law and constructive continental dialogue on migration following the final communiqué issued at the 69th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government.

In a statement on Thursday, DIRCO said South Africa regards ECOWAS as a vital pillar of continental integration and remains committed to engaging with the regional bloc on issues of mutual concern, particularly regional stability and migration management. 

The department reiterated South Africa’s firm opposition to all forms of discrimination, saying the country “categorically” rejects xenophobia, racism, homophobia, intolerance and discrimination in all their manifestations.

DIRCO said upholding the dignity of every person within South Africa’s borders is both a constitutional obligation and a moral responsibility.

“South Africa remains steadfast in maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that those who perpetrate violence or unlawful acts are held fully accountable under our judicial system,” the department said. 

While South Africa continues to address specific bilateral issues with West African countries, such as Ghana and Nigeria, the department noted that the country’s largest migration flows are concentrated within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola said migration should be elevated to the highest decision-making level of the African Union to address its underlying causes.

“Establishing a dedicated agenda item at the African Union to address the primary push-and-pull factors and root causes of irregular migration, focusing squarely on good governance, democracy, and economic stability, will enable a pragmatic, comprehensive approach to continental migration challenges,” Lamola said. 

He said discussions at the African Union Heads of State Summit could help ensure that migration across the continent becomes a choice rather than a necessity.

DIRCO also responded to a petition submitted to the International Criminal Court (ICC) by two Ghanaian civilians, describing it as opportunistic and saying it does not meet the legal thresholds required for the court to take action. 

The department said the petition fails to satisfy the ICC’s statutory legal triggers and jurisdictional requirements, adding that South Africa has confidence in its domestic legal framework under the principle of complementarity.

DIRCO highlighted the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act, saying it gives effect to the country’s constitutional and international human rights obligations by criminalising hate crimes and hate speech, and ensuring the prosecution of those found guilty of such offences. – SAnews.gov.za

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The monetary jurisdiction of Small Claims Courts across South Africa will increase from R20 000 to R30 000, effective from 1 August 2026, in a move aimed at increasing access to justice. 

The first adjustment in seven years aims to ensure access to legal recourse depends on the merits of a dispute, not a citizen’s financial standing. 

Small Claims Courts offer a simple, affordable and efficient platform for citizens to resolve civil disputes without the need for legal representation.

Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel highlighted that the practical reform strengthens government’s constitutional commitment to equality before the law.

“By increasing the monetary jurisdiction to R30 000, we are enabling more South Africans to enforce their rights without having to embark on costly and time-consuming litigation.

“This measure forms part of government’s broader programme to build a people-centred justice system that is accessible, affordable, efficient and responsive to the needs of every person in our country.

“For many South Africans, justice begins in the Magistrates’ Courts and the Small Claims Courts. Every practical step we take to remove financial and procedural barriers brings us closer to fulfilling the constitutional promise that everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law,” Nel said.

He noted the importance of the move as South Africa marks the 30th anniversary of the Constitution this year.

“Access to justice is one of the cornerstones of our constitutional democracy. Small Claims Courts demonstrate that justice does not have to be expensive or complicated to be effective. They ensure that ordinary people can resolve everyday disputes fairly, speedily and with dignity.

“As we celebrate thirty years of our Constitution, we reaffirm that its promise must be measured not only by the rights it proclaims, but by the extent to which those rights can be exercised by every person, regardless of their means.

“Expanding access to the Small Claims Courts is one practical way in which we continue to translate that constitutional promise into everyday reality,” Nel added.

The people’s court

According to the Justice department, the impact of South Africa’s 418 small claims courts is “significant”.

Over the past financial year, some 36 000 cases with a value of R257 million were registered, while in the first quarter of this financial year, 8 825 cases have been registered with total claims of R64 million.

A wide range of civil matters are heard in the courts, including:

• Unpaid loans and personal debt recovery.
• Consumer claims regarding faulty products or incomplete contractor services.
• Vehicle-related disputes, such as damages from poor repairs or minor traffic accidents.
• Claims relating to goods, delivery of property, and credit agreement disputes.

“Anyone wishing to institute a claim may approach the Clerk of the nearest Small Claims Court, situated at a Magistrates’ Court, for assistance in completing and serving the necessary documentation.

“Small Claims Court matters are presided over by Commissioners appointed by the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development. Commissioners include practising attorneys, advocates, legal academics, Legal Aid South Africa attorneys and magistrates, who provide their services pro bono in the public interest. 

“Further incremental increases [in monetary jurisdiction] will be considered in the near future,” the department stated. – SAnews.gov.za

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Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has emphasised that South Africa must define its own just energy transition on its own terms, prioritising economic survival, energy security and poverty reduction.

The Minister delivered an address at the 8th edition of the Coal and Energy Transition Day held in Johannesburg.

“For many years, the global energy transition debate has been shaped by complex geopolitical considerations, where developed nations often seek to prescribe the pace and scale of transition for developing nations. Such a one-size-fits-all approach is neither practical nor equitable.

“The conversation is too often reduced to a choice between coal and renewable energy. That is the wrong debate.

“The real debate should be about how we transition from high-carbon emissions to low-carbon emissions while maintaining energy security, industrial competitiveness, and economic growth,” Mantashe asserted.

He added that ecology and the economy are not mutually exclusive.

“Environmental sustainability and economic development must reinforce one another. Sustainable development cannot exist where millions remain unemployed, without electricity, or trapped in poverty,” the minister noted.

A pillar of the economy

Mantashe highlighted that for South Africa, coal remains a foundational pillar for both industry and grid stability.

He highlighted that abroad, International Energy Agency research indicates that global coal demand increased by 1.5% in 2024 while production grew by 1.4%.

“These figures demonstrate that while many talk of moving away from coal, the world continues to depend on coal to power economies and industries.

“Here at home, coal remains one of the pillars of our economy. It supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs, generates valuable export earnings, underpins industrial activity, and continues to provide the bulk of South Africa’s electricity supply,” Mantashe said.

Furthermore, the department’s study on the state of mining indicates that “at current production rates, our coal reserves could sustain the country for the next 200 years”.

“It is for this reason that our Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy recognises coal as a critical mineral capable of supporting inclusive economic growth, employment creation, and poverty eradication.

“While some continue to argue that coal has no future, we recognise the substantial progress that has already been made. More importantly, we recognise the enormous opportunity to leverage our coal resources to drive inclusive development for generations to come.

“Equally encouraging is the transformation that has taken place within the sector itself. After decades of coal mining, the coal sector is today largely black-owned and black-managed. This demonstrates that mining remains one of the fastest-transforming sectors of our economy,” he added.

Turning to the absence load shedding, the Minister insisted that this is as a result of “deliberate investment by Eskom to improve the Energy Availability Factor of its power stations, the majority of which continue to be powered by coal”.

“This reality reminds us that South Africa’s energy transition must be responsible, carefully managed and firmly grounded in energy security.

“At the same time, we are fully aware that coal combustion produces carbon emissions. For that reason, government continues to invest in technologies and programmes that reduce emissions while extending the responsible use of coal,” he said.

The Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage Pilot Project at Leandra in Mpumalanga.

“The project is now positioned to enter the pilot-scale injection phase, where it will validate geological storage potential, generate critical scientific evidence to support future regulatory frameworks, and demonstrate the commercial viability of CCUS technologies in South Africa.

“Equally exciting is the Coal Reimagined Programme being led by Mintek. Through this initiative, South Africa is not simply recycling historical waste. We are unlocking new economic opportunities, strengthening our resource sovereignty and positioning ourselves as an important participant in the global critical mineral value chains,” Mantashe said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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By Sihle Manda

For Nkanyiso Eric Ngobese, receiving R40 000 worth of stock for his spaza shop is more than a business transaction. It is a milestone in his journey as a Durban township trader.

Based in the city’s Umlazi K Section, Ngobese recently received stock support through the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund, a government initiative aimed at increasing the participation of South African-owned spaza shops in township and rural retail trade.

Speaking shortly after receiving the stock, Ngobese expressed appreciation for the excellent service and support he received from the fund.

“I will be taking it to my shop to replenish my inventory and ensure that my shelves are fully stocked,” he said. The stock includes cool drinks, flour, rice, chips, eggs and other essential goods that are in regular demand at township shops.

For Ngobese, the value of the support is significant.

“The total cost of all the stock I received was R40 000. I never thought that I would one day purchase stock worth such a large amount. It is a significant milestone for me and I am grateful,” he said.

Upon receiving the stock, he anticipated that it would last for about six weeks, giving his business a stronger base from which to trade, generate income and plan for growth.

The Spaza Shop Support Fund was launched in 2025 to support eligible spaza shops and other food-handling outlets. The scheme offers funding of up to R100 000 per shop through a combination of grants and low-interest loans.

The support includes funding for initial stock purchases, infrastructure improvements, business development tools and the adoption of point-of-sale systems. It also assists shop owners in meeting hygiene and regulatory standards so that they can provide safe, quality products to their communities.

Importance of compliance

Ngobese’s own experience reflects the importance of compliance.

He said he heard about the programme through EasyPay and later went to Stop-to-Shop, where he was required to submit his identity document, proof of residence and other supporting documents.

When applying for his permit from eThekwini Municipality, he was also required to obtain a letter from his ward councillor. 
His premises were assessed to determine whether they were suitable for trading and, after six months, he received his permit.

The support has strengthened his plans to expand.

“The stock will help me grow and expand my business. As the business grows, I will be able to create employment opportunities and hire additional staff to meet the increased demand,” he said.

Ngobese currently employs four people and hopes to create more jobs as the business grows.

His shop opens at 6:30am and closes at 9pm, reflecting the long hours required to keep a township retail business running.

“My advice to small business owners is that they should love their businesses, protect them and focus on growing them. For a business to succeed, perseverance is important so that one day they too may become eligible for funding,” he said.

South African-owned spaza shops

In May, the Department of Small Business Development said it had approved about R179.6 million in support through the Fund, benefiting 2 369 qualifying South African-owned spaza shops across the country.

Of this amount, the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency, better known as SEDFA, approved 1 316 applications worth R79.6 million, while the National Empowerment Fund approved 1 053 enterprises worth R99.9 million.

The fund has received 4 522 complete applications, with 4 240 already assessed.

However, compliance remains a major obstacle.

Only 58% of applicants are linked to valid business licences or temporary municipal permits.

The approved support covers stock purchases, point-of-sale devices, infrastructure upgrades, inventory support and business development services.

Ngobese is proof that, with support and an entrepreneurial spirit, small businesses can help uplift township and rural economies to new heights. 

For more information on the programme, visit www.spazashopfund.co.za.

For direct assistance on the programme guidelines and enquiries, call 011 305 8080 or email spazafund@nefcorp.co.za.

To submit an application, visit: https://systemsnew.sefa.org.za/SMMEPortal/.

*This story was first published in Vukuzenzele
 

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