Category: South Africa Government

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that the Western Cape and Northern Cape will experience very hot to extremely hot temperatures due to heat wave conditions this week.

“This follows a brief period of cooler weather. Heat wave conditions are characterised by prolonged periods (at least three consecutive days or more) of temperatures exceeding the average of the hottest month by 5°C or more,” the weather service said.

These weather conditions started on Monday and will persist until Friday. 

The heat wave conditions are due to a strong, slow-moving high-pressure system in the upper levels of the atmosphere. 

The air in upper-air high-pressure systems sinks and warms as it descends, leading to higher temperatures at the surface. The system will be accompanied by offshore wind flow along the western coastline of South Africa.

“Very hot to extremely hot temperatures (36°C to 42°C) are expected across the coastal areas and adjacent interior of the Northern Cape and the western parts of the Western Cape, from Monday. 

“The highest temperatures will occur on Tuesday and Wednesday over the western parts of both the Northern Cape and Western Cape. The heat wave will spread to parts of the Central and Little Karoo on Tuesday.

“Residents are advised to be aware of the prolonged period of hot weather, which may lead to health riskssuch as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” SAWS said.

The weather service has  recommended the following precautionary measures to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses:

Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.

• Limit outdoor activities, especially during the hottest hours (12h00-15h00).
• Wear loose, light-coloured clothing.
• Stay in the shade or in well-ventilated areas as much as possible.
• Keep an eye on vulnerable individuals, especially the elderly and babies.
• Never leave children or animals in parked cars, even for a short time.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity during the hottest part of the day.

The SAWS will continue to monitor this system closely and will issue updates as new information becomes available. 

The public and relevant authorities are urged to follow official weather warnings and advisories from reliable sources. –SAnews.gov.za

50 views

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) has advised motorists of temporary road and lane closures associated with the replacement of bridge parapets at the uMngeni Interchange in Durban. 

“As part of the bridge repair works, several temporary lane closures will be implemented at the interchange and on its immediate feeder roads within the defined construction area,” KwaZulu-Natal SANRAL Project Manager Serisha Sukraj said on Tuesday.

The planned construction period is from 12 March 2026 to 15 April 2026. 

The first phase of the construction programme includes ongoing parapet replacement works along the length of the uMngeni Bridge on the northbound on-ramp from the N2, as well as parapet replacement along the southbound on-ramp from Inanda Road. 

The works will also involve the demolition and replacement of the median barriers separating the northbound and southbound lanes on the N2.

Temporary lane closures will occur sequentially, beginning with the northbound N2 off-ramp, followed by the southbound N2 on-ramp from Inanda Road, the southbound fast lane on the N2, and lastly the northbound fast lane on the N2.

During this period, traffic will be accommodated within narrow lanes through the designated construction area. 

Motorists are advised to plan their routes accordingly and anticipate possible delays. 

Allowing additional travel time is recommended to ensure a smoother journey through the affected area.

“We urge all motorists to adhere to posted road signage and observe the reduced speed limits when approaching and travelling through the construction zone. Compliance with these measures is critical to ensuring the safety of both road users and construction personnel during the ongoing repair works,” Sukraj said.

Lane closures are as follows:

• Northbound N2 off-ramp: Temporary lane closures will occur on the flyover from Springfield Park, as well as on the N2 glide-on onto the off-ramp, along the bridge over the uMngeni River and beyond the bridge.
• Southbound N2 on-ramp from Inanda Road: Temporary lane closures will occur on the approach to the bridge over the uMngeni River, along the bridge, and beyond the bridge.
• Southbound fast lane on the N2: Temporary lane closures will take place along the southbound fast lanes of the N2.
• Northbound fast lane on the N2: Temporary lane closures will take place along the northbound fast lanes of the N2.

–SAnews.gov.za

 

 

58 views

The Electoral Commission has called on all South Africans eligible to vote to register for the Local Government Elections where they live.

“In a Local Government Election, there is no legal facility to vote outside of the voting station of registration. This is a necessary requirement as it ensures that voters vote in a ward election that has a relationship with their place of ordinary residence,” said the Commission at a media briefing on Tuesday.

The Commission announced that a national voter registration weekend will take place on 20 and 21 June 2026.

It said there has been a steady increase in the number of South Africans utilising the online self-registration platform, RegisterToVote.org.za.

More citizens are also taking advantage of outreach initiatives to register and update their details, reflecting a growing confidence in both the digital and in-person registration channels.

Between November 2025 and March 2026, a total of 260 205 new registrations were recorded, according to the Commission.

Of these, 128 113 voters registered through the Voter Management Devices (VMDs), while 132 092 registered via the online self-service portal.

“The steady increase in registrations can also be attributed to the Online Registration Campaign, which encouraged citizens to register, update and verify their details remotely.

“This campaign ran throughout the month of February 2026 and demonstrated that South Africans are heeding the call to register early and proactively participate in the democratic process.”

The Commission has also scaled up its contact centre to better assist persons requiring information on electoral processes, voter registration and related enquiries.

Government moves to remove barriers to acquiring an ID 

Meanwhile, the Department of Home Affairs’ partnership with banks on Smart ID cards, aims to make it easier for citizens to ensure they have the necessary Identity Documents.

The partnership on Sunday officially entered its live operational phase, allowing people to apply for Smart ID cards directly at participating bank branches.

Through the programme, South Africans can complete a secure Smart ID application at selected bank branches within minutes using integrated digital systems.

The system allows banks to connect directly to the department’s systems through a secure digital gateway, enabling applications to be processed within five to ten minutes without completing paper forms or making prior bookings.

Instead of travelling long distances to one of the country’s 349 Home Affairs offices, applicants will be able to access services at bank branches in their communities. – SAnews.gov.za

 

105 views

The Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, has underscored South Africa’s commitment to advancing partnerships and collective action to drive inclusive development.

“At a time when the world faces converging crises, partnerships that are anchored in shared values and practical cooperation matter more than ever. Through partnerships and collaboration, we can accelerate progress on developmental priorities while contributing meaningfully to global solutions,” the Minister said on Tuesday.

She made these remarks during a phone call with the United Kingdom (UK) Minister of State for International Development and Africa, Baroness Chapman, ahead of the Global Partnerships Conference. 

South Africa, alongside the UK, independent philanthropic organisation Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), and the development finance institution British International Investment, will co-host the Global Partnerships Conference from 19 May to 20 May 2026 in London.

This Conference will bring together a diverse coalition of governments, international organisations, philanthropists, investors, innovators, civil society, business, and technology leaders to examine how collaborative action can effectively drive inclusive development and address shared global challenges. 

Last year, Ramokgopa chaired the Development Working Group of South Africa’s Group Twenty (G20) Presidency, which culminated in the Skukuza Development Ministerial Declaration that emphasised the importance of leaving no one behind and upholding multilateralism in efforts to achieve inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development. 

 “The Global Partnerships Conference reflects the enduring bond between South Africa and the United Kingdom, and our shared commitment to advancing inclusive growth, sustainable development, and a more equitable world.

“As co-host of the Global Partnerships Conference, South Africa looks forward to continuing to deepen cooperation that strengthens institutions, mobilises investment and delivers tangible outcomes, which leave no one behind,” the Minister said.

 More information about the Global Partnerships Conference will be communicated in due course. –SAnews.gov.za

 

62 views

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has reassured South Africans that the country currently faces no immediate risk of fuel shortages, despite rising global oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting international markets.

In a media statement issued on Tuesday, the department said it remains in constant communication with oil companies operating in the country to ensure the stability and security of fuel supply. 

The department is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on global oil markets and fuel prices.

“While prolonged geopolitical tensions may exert pressure on international oil prices, the department wishes to assure the public that there is currently no immediate risk of fuel shortages in South Africa,” it said.

Despite the closure of several refineries in recent years, South Africa currently has two operational crude oil refineries, namely NATREF and Astron Energy, in addition to the Sasol Secunda coal-to-liquids plant, which continues to play a critical role in domestic
fuel production. 

These facilities rely on crude oil imports sourced primarily from West Africa and increasingly from other countries across the African continent.

The department confirmed that the Astron Energy refinery is currently undergoing a planned maintenance shutdown. However, the company has secured sufficient fuel imports as part of standard operational planning to meet supply requirements during the maintenance period.

The department said the continued rise in international crude oil prices is expected to result in higher fuel prices at the pump from April 2026. The under-recovery on fuel prices has been fluctuating since the onset of the conflict. 

It said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates before the official fuel price adjustments for April are announced. 

“Oil companies that currently import refined petroleum products from countries affected by the conflict are actively exploring alternative supply sources to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability in the domestic market. 

“The department remains optimistic that the tensions will de-escalate in the near future, which would help stabilise global oil markets and contribute to improved fuel price conditions.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

11 views

Unit 2 at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station has successfully operated for 365 consecutive days – at an average of 99.4% Energy Availability Factor (EAF) – since major upgrades were completed.

This is according to Eskom, who said in a statement on Tuesday that the unit delivers about 946MW of reliable electricity to the national grid.

Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom Group Executive for Generation, said: “This milestone follows major upgrades to Unit 2, which returned to the grid on 30 December 2024 and has operated continuously since 9 March 2025.

“It showcases the strength of South Africa’s nuclear skills base. The successful installation of the new steam generators highlights the skill and dedication of the Koeberg team, engineers, technicians, operators, and support staff, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the unit runs safely and efficiently.”

The last time Unit 2 achieved a record-breaking performance run was on 18 January 2022, when it operated for 454 consecutive days.

The current run will not reach that milestone because the unit is scheduled to be taken offline for planned maintenance on 26 April 2026. By that date, projections indicate it will have achieved 412 consecutive days of continuous operation.

Eskom said although this figure has not yet been reached, the unit’s present performance already reflects strong reliability and operational stability.

“It also stands as proof of Eskom’s ongoing success in reducing unplanned outages and strengthening the dependability of its generation fleet.”

The continuous operation of Koeberg Unit 2 is not just a technical achievement; it has a direct impact on the daily lives of South Africans.

“For Cape Town and the rest of the Western Cape, Koeberg provides a local source of electricity, reducing dependence on power lines that stretch from coal‑fired stations in the north.

“This results in a more stable and reliable supply for households and businesses. For the country, Koeberg strengthens the grid by acting as a steady anchor, helping to prevent instability and reducing the need to run more costly power stations,” said the power utility.

Nuclear power also produces electricity without greenhouse gas emissions, supporting a cleaner environment while keeping costs affordable.

Eskom added that Unit 2’s nonstop run is a reminder of Koeberg’s vital role in supporting economic growth, protecting jobs, and ensuring energy security for South Africa.

To maintain this performance, the unit will enter its next planned outage on 26 April 2026, allowing Eskom to safeguard recent investments and ensure continued reliability for the next 20 years. – SAnews.gov.za
 

82 views

Government has in a statement on Tuesday corrected claims that the Department of Home Affairs’ partnership with banks on Smart ID cards is “new and driven by a political party”.

A statement issued by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on Tuesday said the partnership with the banks was started as part of the multi-channel access model to increase the Department of Home Affairs’ footprint.

The Department of Home Affairs on Sunday officially entered its live operational phase, allowing people to apply for Smart ID cards directly at participating bank branches.

Through the programme, South Africans can complete a secure Smart ID application at selected bank branches within minutes using integrated digital systems.

The system allows banks to connect directly to the department’s systems through a secure digital gateway, enabling applications to be processed within 5 to ten minutes without completing paper forms or making prior bookings.

Instead of travelling long distances to one of the country’s 349 Home Affairs offices, applicants will be able to access services at bank branches in their communities.

“The Smart ID digitisation programme was initiated in 2015 under the then Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Malusi Gigaba, as part of government’s broader efforts to modernise the national identification system and enhance service delivery.

“At the time of its launch, the partnership included ABSA, FNB, Nedbank and Standard Bank and Investec. Discovery Bank joined in 2019 under the then Minister of Home Affairs Dr. Siyabonga Cwele,” said GCIS in its statement.

GCIS said the collaboration with banks forms part of the government’s multi-channel access model aimed at expanding the Home Affairs service footprint and making digital ID services more accessible to citizens across the country through the use of bank staff.

The initiative with banks is regulated by Memoranda of Understanding signed between Department of Home Affairs and the banks.

The security guarantees are assured because the ABIS database has the biometrics to ensure that no photo swaps can be facilitated at banks, said the GCIS.

There were 30 bank branches that participated in this initiative before the recent joining of Capitec to the programme. These branches were spread as follows: Gauteng (17), Western Cape (5), Eastern Cape (2), KwaZulu-Natal (3), Mpumalanga (1), Limpopo (1) and Northern Cape (1).

Government said it welcomed that Capitec has ultimately joined the initiative, under Dr Leon Schreiber, the current Minister of Home Affairs, and the upgrading of technologies in banks such as Standard Bank and FNB and the progression to the stage of applications being done at the banks.

“The advancement of this system will support government’s initiative to eradicate the green-barcoded ID books and move South Africans to a more fraud-proof digital IDs,” said the GCIS. – SAnews.gov.za

15 views

The Border Management Authority (BMA) has dismissed more than 50 immigration officials found to be involved in corrupt activities at ports of entry across the country.

Speaking to SAnews.gov.za on the sidelines of an Anti-Corruption Forum in Ladybrand on Tuesday, BMA Commissioner Micheal Masiapato said a further 38 immigration officials are currently under investigation.

Masiapato said the affected ports of entry include the Beitbridge, Lebombo, Oshoek and Maseru Bridge border posts, as well as OR Tambo International Airport.

The Commissioner highlighted the authority’s capacity challenges.

“In terms of capacity, we are operating at 25%. We are supposed to be at 11 200 and we are currently operating at 2 600. We have a 75% vacancy rate which is interpreted at 8 000 posts that are supposed to be filled within the Border Management Authority,” he said.

Masiapato welcomed the intervention of President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana, who have allocated more than R900 million to the BMA to recruit over 700 individuals from 1 April 2026.

As part of ongoing efforts to root out fraud and corruption at South Africa’s ports of entry, the BMA and the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum (BMIACF) took their anti-corruption campaign to the Maseru Bridge port of entry.

Leaders publicly signed a pledge against corruption and called on officials at the border to follow suit. After the official programme, officials conducted a walkabout at the border post.

Masiapato said the initiative aimed to ensure that every official understands what constitutes corruption.

“It is not just about large sums of money. As outlined in our Code of Conduct, it includes receiving any gratification, favouring relatives and friends, or abusing your position for personal gain,” Masiapato said.

He said the visit was intended to send a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated.

“There is no place for corrupt officials in the BMA. We are working with the Hawks and the Special Investigating Unit to ensure that those who tarnish our badge face the full might of the law.

“We cannot fix the borders if we are busy breaking the law ourselves. Our mandate is to facilitate legitimate trade and travel, not to erect barriers of bribery,” he said.

Masiapato warned that officials who accept bribes not only break the law but also enable criminal activity, deprive the state of revenue and compromise national security.

He warned corrupt officials that they would become “clients” of Correctional Services.

“You just need to be very careful that you don’t find yourself doing the wrong things,” he said, encouraging whistleblowers to come forward so that the officials can be dealt with accordingly. 

Special Investigating Unit (SIU) Acting Head and Chairperson of the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum Leonard Lekgetho said corruption erodes service delivery and robs citizens of opportunities for socio-economic development.

He said the recent investigations by the Special Investigating Unit had revealed disturbing realities. “These findings paint a grim picture, citizenship was made cheap, integrity betrayed, and the nation’s borders auctioned off one permit at a time,” he said.

Lekgetho said officials entrusted with safeguarding the immigration system have instead turned it into a marketplace where permits and visas were sold to the highest bidder.

He therefore called on government, business, civil society and labour to unite in a whole-of-society approach to confront this threat.

“Officials earning less than R25 000 per month received deposits amounting to over R16 million, funnelling bribes through spouses’ accounts to disguise their illicit gains.

“Some built mansions, purchased luxury vehicles, and enriched themselves by unlawfully approving fraudulent permits. Syndicates operated with precision, exploiting weaknesses in verification processes,” he said.

Lekgetho added that the SIU, under Proclamation 154 of 2024, has referred hundreds of matters for criminal prosecution, disciplinary action and administrative review.

“Officials implicated in fraudulent visa schemes have been dismissed and will soon be enrolled for prosecution and exposed,” he said.

The Border and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum (BMIACF) was established in 2025. 

Lekgetho said the SIU has also developed the National Corruption Risk Management and Prevention Framework, which introduces proactive measures such as lifestyle audits, employee vetting, data analytics and the use of technology like artificial intelligence to detect irregularities before they occur.

“Prevention must stand alongside consequence management,” he said.

Major General Mogadi Bokaba of the Free State Hawks said tackling corruption requires collaboration with other stakeholders.

He said the Hawks were focussed on serious organised crime and commercial crime, adding that strides have been made.

Bokaba urged citizens to safeguard their identify documents.

“Corruption is intentional, people know what they are doing. There is no joy reading our colleagues their rights,” he said.

Dr Nicholas Funda from the South African National Parks (SANParks) said they were infiltrating the criminal syndicates but needed more capacity.

“We need to work together to infiltrate the criminal networks. Criminals don’t have boundaries, more boots are needed on the ground and more high-level convictions.”

Funda said harsher sentences must be imposed on these criminals to serve as a deterrent. – SAnews.gov.za

238 views