Category: South Africa Government

The Office of the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) Oversight Judge has confirmed receipt of complaints relating to IDAC Head, Advocate Andrea Johnson.

The public acknowledgment comes amid growing media interest and public scrutiny regarding leadership integrity within IDAC, following allegations against Johnson at the Madlanga Commission. 

“The Office does not ordinarily comment on complaints received or matters under consideration. However, given the exceptional public interest in this matter, the numerous media enquiries received, and the fact that the existence of the complaints is already in the public domain, the Office considers it appropriate to confirm their receipt.

“The complaints are receiving attention through the Office’s established processes and are being assessed in accordance with its statutory mandate and the applicable legal framework,” the office said in a statement.

The ombud insisted that it remains committed to protecting whistleblowers and complainants who make “disclosures in good faith”.

“The reporting of alleged corruption and misconduct is an essential feature of constitutional accountability and the rule of law.

“The Office will take all reasonable measures within its mandate and the bounds of the law to ensure that individuals who raise concerns are not discouraged from doing so by fear of prejudice, intimidation, or retaliation,” the statement continued.

Furthermore, the Office explained that there is no “hard-and-fast rule” on the protection or publication of the identity of “persons against whom complaints have been lodged”.

“Whether such information is disclosed or remains confidential depends on the particular circumstances of each case, including considerations of public interest, procedural fairness, legality, the rights and interests of affected parties, and the integrity of the IDAC Oversight Judge Office’s processes.

“These considerations are carefully weighed and balanced on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Office’s constitutional and statutory mandate,” the statement read.

The public is cautioned against drawing premature conclusions regarding Johnson’s conduct.

“The Office emphasises that the receipt of a complaint does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing, nor should it be interpreted as evidence of misconduct. Every complaint is considered independently, objectively, and in accordance with the principles of procedural fairness.

“To protect the integrity of the Office’s processes and the rights of all concerned, the Office will not comment further on the substance of the complaints or any assessment or investigative steps that may or may not be undertaken while the matter remains under consideration,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Banyana Banyana are fine-tuning their preparations in Morocco ahead of their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) opening match against Tanzania.

“We’ve had two sessions now trying to acclimatise to the heat as we are coming from a cold South Africa, but fortunately, for now, it’s not as hot as it was last year. We had really good sessions, and now we are looking forward to the rest of the week,” Head Coach, Dr Desiree Ellis said, on Tuesday. 

The tournament will be staged in Morocco from 26 July to 16 August 2026, with South Africa drawn in Group B alongside Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania.

Banyana Banyana head coach, Dr Desiree Ellis, recently announced a final 26-player squad to represent South Africa at the continental showpiece.

The 2022 African champions will make their 14th appearance at the tournament.

According to the South African Football Association (SAFA), Ellis and her technical team have retained the core group of players who have featured for the senior women’s national team in recent matches.

Of the players selected, 17 were part of the WAFCON 2024 squad, while nine additions have been included for the upcoming competition: Katlego Moletsane, Isabella Ludwig, Asanda Hadebe, Antonia Maponya, Zoe October, Robyn Moodaly-Salgado, Nthabiseng Majiya, Thembi Kgatlana and Ronnel Donnelly.

Six players will make their tournament debuts: Moletsane, Hadebe, Maponya, Phila, Ludwig and October, with October the youngest member of the squad at 18.

“We have a nice mixture of youth and experience, and that was key in making our selection because while we have immediate goals, we still need to look beyond the tournament and not be found wanting. 

“We are under no illusion that this competition will be tough, but we believe we have a balanced squad and are well prepared for what lies ahead of us,” Ellis said.

Ellis said the team’s immediate mission is to qualify for the World Cup.

“That means the focus for now is the opening game against Tanzania as it will set the tone for the tournament. We also depart with the full knowledge of the weight of expectations from all South Africans, and we promise not to disappoint,” Ellis said.

WAFCON 2026 kicks off on Sunday, with South Africa in action the following day, Monday, 27 July, when they face Tanzania in their opening game. They will then meet Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso in the group stage.

The top four nations will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. –SAnews.gov.za

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South Africans now have more than double the number of locations where they can apply for a Smart ID Card, following the expansion of the Department of Home Affairs’ Digital Partnership with Absa, which also includes the launch of the country’s first bank-based Home Affairs mobile unit.

Absa becomes the fourth banking partner to join the Department’s Digital Partnership, with the new mobile unit set to bring secure Smart ID services directly to remote, peri-urban, and previously underserved communities. The initiative is aimed at extending access to Home Affairs’ digital services beyond traditional departmental offices.

Launching the partnership in Tembisa on Wednesday, Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, said the reforms are designed to make identity services more accessible.

“For far too long, accessing Home Affairs meant taking a taxi or a bus, missing a day of work, standing in long queues, and spending hours simply to apply for an identity document. Our Home Affairs @ Home reform programme is changing that forever by bringing Home Affairs to where people live, work and bank,” Schreiber said.

The launch builds on the rapid expansion of the Digital Partnership, which went live on 9 March 2026.

The Minister highlighted that in just four and a half months, the department has expanded to 327 participating bank branches.

“Together with the department’s 214 modernised Home Affairs offices, South Africans can now access Smart ID services at 541 locations, compared to just 214 before the partnership began.

“This is the fastest expansion of access to Home Affairs services since the dawn of democracy, with the Digital Partnership already adding more Smart ID service points than the entire modernised Home Affairs network that existed when the reform programme began,” Schreiber said.

The Minister said the Digital Partnership is expected to expand to approximately 750 participating bank branches by the end of the year.

Together with Home Affairs offices, he said this will give South Africans access to around 1 000 locations where they can apply for a Smart ID Card – nearly five times the number of access points that existed just two years ago.

Schreiber added that the Digital Partnership will also be expanded before the end of the year to include applications for adult and minor passports, first-time Smart ID Cards applications and, in the next major milestone, home delivery of identity documents directly to citizens’ homes.

“Through Home Affairs @ home, we are making it easier than ever before for South Africans to replace the fraud-prone green barcoded ID book with the secure Smart ID Card. Together, we are closing the chapter on the fraud-prone green barcoded ID book and opening a new chapter of secure, digitalised identity services that delivers dignity for all,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says South Africa is accelerating efforts to build a digital-first department, with expanded access to identity services, a growing electronic travel authorisation system and further reforms planned for the country’s immigration regime.

Speaking at the Xpatweb Annual Global Mobility Conference on Tuesday, Schreiber said the department was moving beyond plans for reform and was now focused on implementation, positioning Home Affairs as an economic enabler that could support investment, tourism, critical skills and economic growth.

The Minister said the department’s latest milestone was the expansion of its Trusted Employer Scheme, which has been broadened to include major infrastructure projects, companies establishing headquarters in South Africa and the financial services sector.

The scheme is also being streamlined through reduced red tape and greater digitalisation.

Companies interested in participating have until 4 September to apply.

Schreiber said the broader reform programme, known as Home Affairs @ home, was aimed at using technology to decentralise access to government services and reduce the need for people to visit Home Affairs offices.

A key part of the programme has been a partnership with the banking sector, which has enabled South Africans to apply for Smart ID Cards at participating bank branches without paperwork or appointments.

According to Schreiber, 422 119 applications had been processed through the partnership in just over four months.

The number of locations where citizens can obtain replacement Smart IDs has increased from 214 Home Affairs offices to 541 sites, with more than 750 bank branches expected to offer services by the end of the year.

The Minister said the expansion had been achieved without additional staff, budget or cost to taxpayers.

By the end of the year, passports and first-time Smart ID applications for adults and minors are also expected to become available at participating bank branches.

Schreiber said citizens would additionally have the option of having their IDs and passports delivered by courier to their homes before the end of 2026.

The Minister said the expansion of Smart ID services would also pave the way for the eventual discontinuation of the green identity document, which he said would help combat fraud and identity theft.

Another major pillar of the department’s reforms is the development of a voluntary Digital ID system. Schreiber said South Africans would eventually be able to access secure digital versions of Home Affairs documents on their mobile devices, while retaining the option of using physical identity documents.

The digital transformation is also being extended to immigration.

Schreiber described the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) as the department’s flagship immigration reform, saying it was designed not merely to digitise existing processes but to replace the country’s outdated visa operating model with a modern platform using machine learning, biometric verification and automated risk analysis.

The ETA, initially piloted for travellers from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico, has already processed more than 203 000 applications, according to the Minister.

More than 5 700 fraudulent applications were rejected after the system detected fraudulent passports, manipulated documents and other indicators of fraud.

Schreiber said the system would be expanded to additional countries and visa categories, with study visas among the categories expected to be added by the end of the year.

The department has also activated an extension module that will allow qualifying visitors already in South Africa, including visa-exempt travellers, to apply digitally for an additional 90 days.

Schreiber said the long-term goal was to turn the ETA into a comprehensive digital immigration platform covering a broader range of immigration services.

He also pointed to Cabinet’s adoption of the Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection as an important policy milestone.

Government intended to introduce legislation giving effect to the revised policy framework in Parliament at the beginning of the next financial year. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has transferred the management of seven state plantations to beneficiary communities in the Nqadu area, with a further four plantations set to be transferred during the financial year.

To build communities’ capacity to manage plantations, the department is facilitating partnerships between beneficiary communities and strategic forestry companies, which will provide investment, technical expertise, skills transfer and access to markets.

“We anticipate concluding these partnerships before the end of this financial year. One of the government’s priorities is to ensure that communities become meaningful participants in the forestry economy. 

“However, the transfer of plantations alone is not enough. Communities must also receive the technical, financial and business support required to operate commercially viable forestry enterprises,” Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts said at the Nqadu Great Place in the Eastern Cape.

The Deputy Minister said the Eastern Cape remains one of South Africa’s priority provinces for forestry expansion, with more than 100 000 hectares identified as having afforestation potential.

Swarts stressed that the potential is subject to technical assessments, market availability, and strategic partnerships. 

“Working together with the Kingdom, we have an opportunity to identify suitable land within the Nqadu area and bring it into production, subject to the necessary assessments. 

“Such investment has the potential to create employment during plantation establishment and, over time, support downstream industries such as timber processing, furniture manufacturing and biomass energy,” she said.

Swarts was speaking during the nature-based carbon dioxide removal and rural development initiatives event, where she announced that the DFFE will donate 2 000 indigenous and fruit trees to the Nqadu Kingdom as part of government’s efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Of these, 750 indigenous trees were delivered on Tuesday, while the remaining 1 250 fruit trees will be delivered by 15 August 2026.

Swarts said President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed the department to implement the National Greening Programme, which aims to plant one billion trees within five years.

The Presidential One Billion Trees Programme seeks to mobilise South Africans from all walks of life — including government, the private sector, business, interfaith formations, the diplomatic corps, traditional leaders, NGOs, youth formations and communities — to plant trees.

“In the 2025/26 financial year, the DFFE, working with stakeholders including Traditional Authorities, managed to plant 1 303 930 trees in one day – on 24 September 2025.

“Following this achievement, the department will be facilitating and coordinating the planting of 10 million trees across the country on 24 September 2026 as part of the broader goal of achieving the One Billion Trees target,” the Deputy Minister said.

According to Swarts, the department has already implemented six successful community projects across the Eastern Cape under the Global Environment Facility.

These projects have restored degraded land, promoted indigenous tree planting, strengthened agroforestry and improved food security, while creating temporary employment and building skills in rural communities.

The Deputy Minister urged the Nqadu Kingdom to work with government to introduce the E-Waste Programme to collect and recycle electronic waste.

“Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, but it is also one of the greatest opportunities for creating green jobs. Through our national E-Waste Programme, more than 108 tonnes of electronic waste have been collected, and approximately R400 000 has been received by communities as incentives.

“We believe that similar programmes can be introduced within the Nqadu Kingdom. Working together, we can establish community-based e-waste collection and recycling enterprises that create employment, particularly for young people and women, while protecting the environment,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

 

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By Michael Currin
South Africa’s investment story is increasingly moving beyond pledges and conference commitments. It is taking shape on factory floors, industrial parks and manufacturing hubs, where production lines are being modernised, facilities expanded, workers retained and upskilled, and businesses positioned for long-term growth and global competitiveness.

Investor confidence is increasingly being reinforced by evidence that commitments are translating into implementation. This demonstrates that South Africa’s investment story is becoming more compelling because it is grounded in delivery, not promises. Because of its extensive infrastructure, industrial capacity, skilled labour force, advantageous location, policy backing, and access to both African and international markets, South Africa continues to be a desirable place for investment.

South Africa’s automotive industry provides a powerful example of how investment commitments are translating into real economic activity. Toyota South Africa Motors’ R10.4 billion investment in the production of the ninth-generation Hilux at its Prospecton plant in eThekwini is a strong vote of confidence in the country’s economic potential. The investment will support the modernisation and expansion of manufacturing capabilities, strengthen local production capacity, retain jobs, enhance skills development and reinforce South Africa’s position as a competitive vehicle manufacturing and export hub.

The significance of this investment is reflected in the broader contribution of the automotive sector to the economy. The sector contributes around 5% of South Africa’s gross domestic product and supports more than 115 000 direct manufacturing jobs, making it a key driver of industrial development, economic growth and export earnings.

The value of this investment extends well beyond new machinery or production capacity. Every manufacturing investment creates opportunities for workers, strengthens supplier networks, supports young people entering the workforce and bolsters small businesses connected to manufacturing value chains. In this way, the benefits ripple throughout the economy, reinforcing manufacturing value chains and enhancing the country’s competitiveness.

Chery’s decision to acquire Nissan’s former Rosslyn manufacturing facility in Gauteng reinforces this point. The company has committed to retaining 692 employees, while the project is expected to create nearly 3 000 direct and indirect opportunities across manufacturing, logistics, supply chains and related services. Its vision of transforming Rosslyn into an African manufacturing, export, research and development, supply chain and skills hub shows that investors see South Africa not only as a market, but as a platform for regional growth.

A crucial part of the success of South Africa’s automotive sector rests on two of government’s long-term industrial policy interventions. Firstly, the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) has helped position South Africa as a globally competitive automotive manufacturing hub. Through this programme, the country has attracted leading international manufacturers, including Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, BMW and Volkswagen, while strengthening the domestic automotive value chain and creating an enabling environment for sustained investment, production growth and job creation.

Secondly, South Africa’s network of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) has become a key pillar of the country’s industrialisation, investment attraction and regional economic development strategy. SEZs are designated geographic areas where government provides targeted support, including serviced industrial land, infrastructure, regulatory assistance and other incentives, to attract businesses and encourage production. By creating an enabling environment for companies to establish and expand operations, SEZs help channel investment into strategic locations, stimulate local economies, create jobs, develop supplier networks and promote inclusive industrial growth.

South Africa’s designated SEZs are already showing measurable progress. They host 224 companies with a combined investment of about R31.7 billion and have supported more than 28 000 direct jobs. These figures matter because they show that the SEZ model is moving beyond policy design into operational impact. Investment is becoming visible in buildings, production activity, logistics networks, exports and livelihoods.

The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone is an excellent illustration of what can happen when infrastructure, policy, and anchor investors come together. The zone provides enormous efficiencies by bringing together automobile manufacturers, component suppliers, logistics businesses, and skills institutes in a single ecosystem, lowering manufacturing costs, increasing competitiveness, and strengthening local supply chains.

This is why SEZs remain at the centre of South Africa’s investment and industrialisation strategy. They are essential to attracting foreign and domestic investment, accelerating industrial growth, promoting beneficiation, strengthening exports and bringing micro, small and medium enterprises into industrial value chains. At a time when South Africa must grow its economy more rapidly while ensuring that growth is more inclusive. SEZs provide a practical bridge between investment and inclusive development.

South Africa remains committed to strengthening the conditions that ensure investors choose our country. That means reliable infrastructure, efficient logistics, faster approvals, policy certainty, competitive incentives, skills development and stronger partnerships between government, business and labour. Investment attraction cannot be treated as an event; it must become a continuous delivery system.

The opportunity is to now convert the country’s investor confidence into long-term competitiveness. Sustained manufacturing-led growth creates demand for suppliers, raises the need for technical skills, supports logistics services and gives young South Africans a route into advanced industries. 

The investments by Toyota and Chery and the continued expansion of SEZs all point to a country that can manufacture at scale, expand its export base, innovate with confidence and create jobs. The task ahead is to build on this momentum by ensuring that every investment strengthens the country’s productive capacity and lays the foundation for faster, more inclusive and more resilient economic growth.

*Currin is Deputy Director-General at the Government Communication and Information System.
 

 

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Social Development Minister Dina Pule says government will review more than 350 000 social grants during the 2026/27 financial year as part of efforts to protect the integrity of the social assistance system and save an estimated R1.5 billion for the fiscus.

Addressing a media briefing on Tuesday, Pule assured beneficiaries that the review process is aimed at ensuring grants are paid only to eligible recipients, while also addressing widespread frustrations over long queues at South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offices.

“I must say in the few days in office, I received complaints regarding our people standing in long queues in most of our offices and had to step in urgently to understand the course and seek immediate intervention to bring back dignity and respect,” the Minister said.

Pule said SASSA is legally required, in terms of the Social Assistance Act, to regularly review social grants to confirm beneficiaries’ continued eligibility, while beneficiaries are obliged to report any material changes in their financial or marital circumstances.

“Simply put, social grant reviews help ensure that the right grant is paid to the right person, at the right time,” the minister said. 

She explained that the reviews also protect the system against fraud, abuse and incorrect payments. 

“We must indicate that our grant system has matured over time and integrated with other financial institutions and departments to a point where, through data verification and a validation process, the agency flagged over 420 000 in 2025/26 up for reviews, over 240 000 completed reviews and about 160 000 failed to review. 

“For 2026/27, we are targeting to review over 350 000 projecting to save about R1,5b for the government fiscus which can be redirected to fund other government priorities,” she said. 

The Minister sought to reassure the public that social grants remain a cornerstone of government’s efforts to reduce poverty and support vulnerable households.

“Social grants are not merely payments, they are a lifeline to remove poverty from many households, the vulnerable, the child who depends on a grant, grandmother who holds a household together, the young person searching for dignity and work,” Pule said. 

She noted that South Africa’s social assistance programme has expanded significantly over the past two decades, growing from 2.7 million beneficiaries in 1994 to around 19 million people receiving social grants today.

To improve the administration of grants and curb fraud, Pule said SASSA has strengthened its biometric verification programme, which interfaces with the Department of Home Affairs’ systems in real time.

“Our biometric verification programme has significantly strengthened identity authentication for new applications and grant reviews especially since it also interfaces with systems of the Department of Home Affairs on real-time basis. This technology helped prevent identity theft, duplicate claims and other forms of fraud that undermine public confidence in the system,” the Minister said. 

She said government is also expanding the use of e-Life Certification, which enables beneficiaries to verify their continued eligibility through secure digital processes.

“This intervention is particularly important for older persons, persons with disabilities and beneficiaries living in remote areas who may struggle to travel to a SASSA office. We call upon clients to make use of digital platforms to avoid long queues at different offices,” she said. 

Pule announced that SASSA is modernising its services by expanding digital channels, including enhanced online platforms, WhatsApp and a mobile application, to reduce the need for beneficiaries to visit offices.

She added that more than 1 000 contract workers are being recruited nationwide to provide frontline support, process applications and grant reviews, and reduce waiting times. Operating hours at SASSA offices will also be extended, while home visits will continue for beneficiaries over the age of 75 and those who are frail.

“As the Minister of Social Development, I want to assure every eligible beneficiary that government remains committed to safeguarding social grants and continuously improving the systems through which they are delivered,” she said. 

Pule said she will visit SASSA offices across the country in the coming days to monitor the implementation of the interventions and engage with communities on improving service delivery. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has referred governance and leadership concerns at the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) to the National Skills Authority (NSA) for assessment.

The referral follows recent developments relating to the SETA’s Accounting Authority and executive management, including the resignation of senior executives.

According to the Department of Higher Education and Training, the National Skills Authority has been tasked with conducting a rapid governance assessment to establish the relevant facts, evaluate governance processes and recommend any interventions required to safeguard institutional stability, service delivery, and good governance.

The department stressed the importance of ensuring that governance issues are addressed promptly, objectively and in accordance with the law, given the strategic role of MICT SETA within South Africa’s post-school education and training system.

“Accordingly, the Minister has referred the matter to the National Skills Authority to conduct a rapid governance assessment and advise on a way forward. The assessment will establish the relevant facts, evaluate governance processes, and identify any interventions necessary to safeguard institutional stability, service delivery, and good governance,” the department said.

The department said the Minister expects the National Skills Authority to engage all relevant stakeholders, and provide an interim briefing on urgent matters, followed by a comprehensive report with recommendations within the prescribed timeframe.

The referral forms part of the department’s broader programme to strengthen governance, accountability and institutional effectiveness across the Sector Education and Training Authorities, as government advances the implementation of the Skills
Revolution.

“The objective is to ensure that every SETA remains focused on its core mandate of developing the skills required for inclusive economic growth, industrialisation and employment creation,” the department explained.

Manamela emphasised that the referral should not be interpreted as a finding against any individual or institution but rather reflects “government’s commitment to resolving governance concerns through transparent, fair and evidence-based processes.”

The department said it will not speculate on matters subject of assessment and will consider the National Skills Authority’s recommendations before deciding whether any further action is necessary.

It also assured stakeholders that the work of MICT SETA’s, including support to learners, employers and skills development programmes, is expected to continue without interruption during the process. – SAnews.gov.za 
 

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Government’s digitisation efforts across the public service continues to gain momentum, with the Department of Home Affairs having launched Phase II of its highly successful Trusted Employer Scheme (TES).

Monday’s launch is a step in modernising South Africa’s immigration system to reduce red tape, attract investment and support economic growth and job creation.

In South Africa’s Roadmap for the Digital Transformation of Government foreword, written by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the President said important steps to improve the quality of and access to services have been taken and that digital platforms have expanded in many areas, making it possible to file taxes, apply for grants and access some services online. He flagged the experience of accessing public services as a time-consuming and expensive exercise with information being hard to find in some instances.

“These issues affect everyone, but they are most challenging for the poor and those who reside far from government service centres. This roadmap is government’s commitment to change this situation. It sets out a focused plan to modernise how we deliver services by investing in shared systems, improving coordination and removing the barriers that make it difficult for people to get what they need. The roadmap outlines better ways to verify identity, reduce fraud, share data safely, make and receive payments and access services through a single trusted platform,” he said.

The Roadmap for the Digital Transformation of the South African Government addresses the urgent need for a transformative shift in governmental operations by unifying previously fragmented digital initiatives into a comprehensive, whole-of-government vision. The roadmap aims to modernise public service delivery.

This as it leverages contemporary technologies and methodologies to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and quality of services for all. The roadmap sets out the government’s vision for an inclusive, secure and people-centred digital government by 2030 as government moves away from fragmented systems and creates seamless digital services that allow citizens to access information, apply for services, receive payments and verify their identity through trusted digital channels.

Central to this vision is the MyMzansi (https://www.mymzansi.gov.za/) platform, which aims to provide a single access point to government services and information.

While the roadmap was launched in May 2025, work has been ongoing to digitalise the public service.

Government remains committed to inclusion, ensuring rural communities and vulnerable groups continue to access services through multiple channels.

Through digital identity, trusted online platforms and digital payment systems, South Africans will increasingly be able to apply for services, receive payments, verify their identity and access government information remotely.

The digital transformation programme is expected to improve service delivery by reducing paperwork, lowering travel costs for citizens, improving access to services, strengthening security, reducing fraud and enhancing coordination across government.

Government believes digital transformation will also contribute to economic growth by reducing administrative burdens, supporting innovation and creating more opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship.

In addition, the move to digitisation will not leave others behind, as government remains committed to ensuring that rural communities and vulnerable groups continue to access public services through multiple service channels as digital services expand.

Government has already introduced several digital services across departments that demonstrate the progress being made towards this vision.

With tax filing season underway allowing provisional and non-provisional taxpayers to submit their income tax returns, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) enables taxpayers to manage their tax affairs online through eFiling, the SARS MobiApp, online tax submissions, query management and tax compliance verification without the need to visit branches.

The Department of Home Affairs has expanded digital access through eHomeAffairs, allowing citizens to complete much of the Smart ID and passport application process online, including payments and appointment bookings before biometric verification.

In addition to the launch of Phase II of the TES, National Treasury in the Budget Review in February released in February said, supported by R3 million, Phase 2 of SA Connect will be completed in 2025/26.

Phase 2 of SA Connect prioritises unserved and underserved communities and government facilities.

“The project will deploy about 1 180 kilometres of fibre infrastructure to expand broadband coverage to about 5.6 million households through community Wi-Fi hotspots. In addition, upgrades to the network led by the State Information Technology Agency will extend connectivity at 6 343 government facilities,” said the Review at the time.

Earlier this month, Home Affairs said Absa had gone live with digital Smart ID applications. This as it joined other banks where South Africans can now access Smart ID services through a network of 296 participating bank branches across the country. 
 
In addition, young people are able to connect with employment, skills development, entrepreneurial opportunities and digital skills resources through the South African Youth Platform (SAYouth).

Motorists also benefit from digital services offered through the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s NaTIS platform, where vehicle licence renewals and other vehicle administration services can be completed online. –SAnews.gov.za 

 

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The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved $13 million in emergency grants to strengthen efforts to contain the Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.

The funding is aimed at reinforcing national emergency responses, curbing the spread of the virus and reducing deaths and illness in the most affected and vulnerable communities.

The outbreak was first reported by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on 15 May in the Ituri province in the country’s east, with cases also reported in Bunia, Rwampara and Mongwalu.

Since then, the outbreak has spread to the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.

Under the funding package, $10 million will be drawn from reallocated resources within the African Development Bank Group’s existing DRC portfolio and channelled through the World Health Organisation.

A further $3 million will come from the bank’s Multi-Country Emergency Assistance Project covering the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, with implementation led by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

The DRC, which is at the centre of the outbreak, will receive $11 million, while Uganda and South Sudan will each receive $1 million.

The funds will be used in coordination with national health ministries to strengthen early diagnosis, epidemiological surveillance, community engagement, public awareness and regional coordination, according to a statement issued by the AfDB.

“This emergency support reflects the African Development Bank Group’s commitment to supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo and countries in the region in protecting human lives, strengthening the resilience of health systems and preventing the spread of the epidemic,” said Mohamed Cherif, Deputy Director General for Central Africa and DRC country manager at the African Development Bank Group.

“Through this support, the Bank Group reaffirms its commitment to standing by regional member countries in times of crisis,” he added.

The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. The strain is described as particularly virulent, and there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for it.

The AfDB said the emergency funding forms part of its Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak Response Plan and is intended to help countries halt transmission while reducing mortality and morbidity, particularly in areas facing the greatest risks. – SAnews.gov.za

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