Category: South Africa Government

Individuals whose identity documents (IDs) were blocked prior to November 2022, have until 10 July 2026 to submit representations to unblocking their documents, the Department of Home Affairs said.

in a statement on Monday, the department said it was launching a nationwide campaign to assist individuals whose IDs were blocked prior to November 2022 and to ensure the integrity of the National Population Register.

“In accordance with section 3 of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA) of 2000, affected individuals are invited to submit representations explaining why their identity numbers should be unblocked,” it said.

It added that it is committed to ensuring that all affected individuals are afforded a fair opportunity to present their case.

“Individuals with blocked IDs must visit any Home Affairs office, excluding refugee reception centres and banks, to submit representations by 10 July 2026. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the affected identity numbers following the completion of the administrative process,” the department said.

A number of IDs were blocked in terms of Section 19 of the Identification Act (Act no.68 of 1997), including those classified as duplicates and cases where an individual’s status requires verification. To date, 2 202 368 identity numbers have been unblocked.

Affected individuals must appear in person at any Home Affairs front office to provide written and oral representations. 

Where available, applicants should bring supporting documentation, including, but not limited to:
•    Original Birth Certificate (or handwritten birth certificate).
•    Original Clinic Card or Confirmation of Birth.
•    Copy of Hospital Register or other proof of birth.
•    Parents’ Identity Documents, Reference Books, or Death Certificates.
•    Primary School extract and a copy of the School Register.
•    House Permit or a letter from the relevant Traditional Authority.
•    Affidavit from parents or the original informant, together with a copy of the informant’s identity document.
•    Any other document that may assist in confirming your identity, citizenship, or legal status.

As part of its investigation, the department may cancel identity documents or records where it is found that they:
•    Were issued to individuals who do not qualify for inclusion in the National Population Register.
•    Contain incorrect personal particulars.
•    Were obtained through fraud, false statements, misrepresentation, or the submission of incorrect information.
•    Have been forged, altered, stolen, or otherwise unlawfully manipulated.
•    Persons fail to visit and appear in person with the required supporting documents at front offices.

The department has urged all affected individuals to respond promptly and utilise this opportunity to regularise their status.

For more information on blocked IDs, please follow the link below: https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/civic-services/blocked-ids-26   – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Eskom has complied with a recent Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) judgement to disclose certain contracts to AfriForum in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA).

In a statement on Monday, the power utility said it has fulfilled the SCA’s 23 March 2026 court order, upholding the earlier High Court judgment, to supply Afriforum with the historical primary energy and electricity supply contracts which were active as at July 2022,and requested in terms of the PAIA.

These contracts fall into four distinct categories of legacy operational contracts:
•    Independent Power Provider (IPP) list: A list of all IPPs that, in terms of schedule two of the Electricity Regulation Act of 2006, as gazetted by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy in August 2021, were feeding electricity into the national grid. 
•    Active Coal Distribution, Transport and Coal Purchasing Contracts: Copies of all active contracts that Eskom or any of its subsidiaries had concluded for the purchasing, transportation and distribution of coal.
•    Active Diesel Purchasing Contracts: Copies of all active contracts that Eskom or any of its subsidiaries had concluded for the purchasing, transportation and distribution of diesel; and
•    Supply of Electricity to Neighbouring Country Contracts: Copies of all unredacted contracts that Eskom or any one of its subsidiaries had with neighbouring countries of South Africa for the supply of electricity.

In March, the power utility said it had noted the court’s ruling and was at the time, studying the judgment

“Eskom notes the judgment… by the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein in the matter between Eskom Holdings SOC Limited and AfriForum NPC, which was heard on 20 February 2026.

“The Court dismissed Eskom’s appeal with costs, upholding the Gauteng High Court’s order directing Eskom to provide AfriForum with access to certain coal, diesel and transport contracts,” it said at the time.

Meanwhile, the power utility also gave an update on the investigation into diesel procurement and storage contract tender MWP2197GX.

“Separate from this PAIA disclosure, Eskom’s Group Investigations and Security (GIS) function is finalising a forensic investigation into the diesel procurement and storage contract under tender MWP2197GX.

“The investigation examines possible irregularities and was initiated by Eskom following the monitoring of contract performance during operational emergencies involving load shedding in 2025, as well as information received through established reporting and whistleblowing mechanisms.”

In Monday’s statement, Eskom said the investigation reflects its evolving controls in relation to identifying risks, transparently escalating them and enforcing accountability.

The final report is expected in mid-June 2026. It also added that it will pursue criminal or civil recoveries where appropriate.

The investigation was initiated in March 2025 following the monitoring of contract performance during operational emergencies that involved load shedding in early 2025, as well as information received through established reporting and whistleblowing mechanisms. –SAnews.gov.za

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Sibongiseni Ngoma has been appointed Deputy Auditor-General of the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA), becoming the second woman to hold the position in the institution’s 115-year history.

Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke announced Ngoma’s appointment this week, following consultation with Parliament’s Standing Committee on the Auditor-General (Scoag). 

The appointment took effect on 1 June 2026 after what AGSA described as a rigorous recruitment process endorsed by the parliamentary committee.

Ngoma has been serving in the role in an acting capacity since February this year and will now formally assume responsibility as the national audit office’s accounting officer, overseeing operations in support of the auditor-general’s vision.

Her appointment marks another significant milestone for women in leadership within South Africa’s public sector accountability institutions.

A chartered accountant with more than two decades of experience, Ngoma has built an extensive career in both the public and private sectors. 

After completing her training at Ernst & Young, she joined the Industrial Development Corporation, where she held several positions, including head of internal audit.

She joined AGSA in 2012 as a corporate executive responsible for strategic units including finance, human capital and legal services. In 2015, she was appointed chief financial officer and went on to earn widespread recognition for her leadership.

In 2021, Ngoma was named CFO of the Year and Public Sector CFO of the Year at the annual CFO Awards. She also received accolades from African Women Chartered Accountants and the Association for the Advancement of Black Accountants of Southern Africa, which named her Executive of the Year.

Welcoming the appointment, Maluleke said Ngoma’s promotion reflected the strength of the institution’s internal talent pipeline and her contribution to AGSA’s long-term transformation strategy.

“We are very pleased to have a leader of Ms Ngoma’s calibre take this critical role in the year that we celebrate 115 years of public auditing and providing illuminating insights for a better South Africa,” Maluleke said.

She added that Ngoma’s experience and deep institutional knowledge would help the organisation continue fulfilling its constitutional mandate while advancing a culture of accountability, transparency and integrity.

Maluleke said AGSA had benefited from developing talent from within its ranks and expressed confidence that Ngoma was well positioned to lead the organisation’s operations during the next phase of its development. – SAnews.gov.za

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Government is prepared to strengthen regulation and enforcement against plastic pollution, including targeting companies that fail to comply with waste management obligations, says Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Willie Aucamp.

Addressing industry leaders, environmental organisations and government stakeholders in Cape Town on Monday evening, Aucamp said South Africa had made significant progress in tackling plastic waste through collaboration between government, business and civil society, but warned that stronger measures may be required to drive further change.

“We now know that if we do not address problematic plastic products, they threaten the reputation and the future of all plastic products,” Aucamp said, speaking at the launch of the South African Plastics Pact’s 2030 targets.

He said regulatory instruments would be needed to ensure greater compliance and to remove problematic plastics from the country’s ecosystem, while also compelling companies that have not joined voluntary initiatives such as the Plastics Pact to contribute to broader industry reforms.

The launch of the SA Plastics Pact’s new 2030 targets marks the next phase of an initiative that was first established in January 2020 to reduce plastic waste and promote a circular economy. 

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has been a partner in the initiative since its inception.

Aucamp described plastic pollution as one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing South Africa and the world, despite the material’s important role in modern society.

“The result is growing pressure on our environment, our oceans, our communities, and our waste management systems,” he said.

The Minister said government had adopted a proactive and evidence-based approach to the issue, combining policy reforms, scientific research, public awareness campaigns and partnerships across sectors.

Among the achievements highlighted were the continued implementation of EPR regulations, increased industry investment in recycling and collection infrastructure, and efforts to improve the working conditions of waste reclaimers who play a key role in South Africa’s recycling economy.

Government is also exploring deposit return schemes to improve collection rates and increase material recovery, while amendments to plastic carrier bag regulations are expected to stimulate demand for recycled materials through the introduction of recycled-content targets.

Aucamp credited collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition for supporting investment and innovation through initiatives such as the Plastics Sector Master Plan and the Industrial Policy Action Plan.

The Minister praised the growing support for the South African Plastics Pact from businesses across the plastics value chain, saying their commitment to improved product design, recyclability and resource efficiency was helping to drive meaningful change.

“The launch of the SA Plastics Pact 2030 is a declaration of intent to achieve more,” he said. 

“It signals our collective determination to move beyond business as usual and towards a future in which economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion go hand in hand.”

Aucamp thanked GreenCape, which serves as the secretariat of the Plastics Pact, as well as participating businesses and stakeholders for their continued support. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa is successfully maintaining key livestock export markets despite the ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, says Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen.

Speaking at a media briefing in Parliament on Monday, Steenhuisen said retaining and expanding export markets was critical for supporting farm incomes, sustaining processing facilities and protecting jobs across the agricultural value chain.

The Minister said South Africa’s response to FMD had entered a new phase, with record vaccine acquisitions, intensified vaccination efforts and sustained engagement with international trading partners.

Since February, South Africa has procured 13.5 million doses of FMD vaccine and vaccinated nearly 4.4 million animals nationwide, making it the largest vaccine acquisition programme ever undertaken by the state. 

A further 3.5 million vaccine doses arrived in the country last week, while regulatory approval has been granted for the importation of an additional 14 million doses to support booster vaccinations.

Government has invested R494 million in vaccine procurement and deployment to date.

“Protecting the national cattle population, safeguarding jobs, preserving food security and restoring confidence in the livestock economy are national priorities,” Steenhuisen said.

While acknowledging the significant hardship experienced by farmers due to movement restrictions, higher feed costs and market uncertainty, the Minister said government had shouldered the financial burden of the vaccination campaign to reduce the impact of the outbreak on producers.

He paid tribute to farmers who had complied with movement controls and vaccination programmes despite facing severe financial pressure.

“Their cooperation has been essential to containing the outbreak and protecting the broader livestock industry,” he said.

A key focus of government’s response has been ensuring that disease-control measures do not unnecessarily disrupt trade.
Steenhuisen said South Africa had worked extensively with international trading partners to maintain market access for livestock products through science-based risk management measures.

As a result, Jordan remains open to South African exports and shipments are already taking place. 

The United Arab Emirates continues to accept South African products under updated certification arrangements, while Hong Kong remains open for red meat exports. Kuwait also remains open under agreed conditions, and discussions with Qatar are progressing positively.

South Africa is expected to engage additional markets this week, including Tunisia, Lebanon, Egypt, Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia, with proposals aimed at facilitating continued trade.

The livestock sector forms part of a broader agricultural industry that continues to perform strongly despite disease outbreaks, severe weather events and logistical challenges.

Agricultural exports grew by 7% over the past year, while the sector generated a trade surplus of approximately US$7.3 billion in 2025, an increase of 18% compared with the previous year. 

The citrus industry recorded one of its strongest export performances on record during the same period.

Steenhuisen highlighted South Africa’s role in strengthening regional cooperation on animal health following a recent Southern African Development Community (SADC) ministerial meeting in Zimbabwe.

South Africa welcomed the decision by SADC Ministers and livestock experts to prioritise the development of a Regional Coordination Framework for Foot and Mouth Disease control.

The proposed framework aims to improve cooperation across borders through progressive buffer zoning, coordinated vaccination efforts, strengthened surveillance systems, biosecurity corridors and compartmentalisation models designed to limit the spread of disease while protecting trade.

“In a region where livestock mobility, wildlife interfaces and cross-border trade are deeply interconnected, stronger regional coordination is critical,” Steenhuisen said.

He added that the framework would help move Southern Africa away from fragmented national responses towards a coordinated and preventative regional biosecurity system.

Domestically, government is also expanding diagnostic capacity through additional laboratory resources, recruitment of veterinary personnel and improved provincial coordination.

Steenhuisen said the country was steadily transitioning from a reactive disease-control system to a proactive and risk-based biosecurity model, supported by growing collaboration between government, producers, veterinarians, feedlots, processors and commodity organisations.

A public-private biosecurity framework is expected to be launched in the coming weeks to formalise these partnerships and strengthen future disease preparedness. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have arrested 36 people, including illegal immigrants, and confiscated more than 800 rounds of live ammunition and 16 unlicensed firearms during law enforcement operations in Gauteng.

Authorities also recovered illegal mining equipment, including phendukas, gas cylinders, generators and steel pot crushers, during the joint operation known as Operation Prosper, which was conducted across the West Rand, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni between 25 and 31 May 2026.

The intervention forms part of a national initiative announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa to intensify efforts against criminal networks linked to illegal mining and gang violence.

Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, said the operation’s aim is to uphold the rule of law, with SAPS leading enforcement while the SANDF acts as a force multiplier.

“Police and soldiers have tightened the net on gangs and illegal miners in Gauteng and in other places in Gauteng. The intelligence-driven operation is targeting gang violence and illegal mining across the West Rand, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni,” Nevhuhulwi said.

Nevhuhulwi said the operation is aimed at disrupting criminal networks and restoring stability in communities affected by gang crime and illegal mining.

She said law enforcement teams will remain on the ground as part of ongoing efforts to remove illegal firearms, arrest suspects and dismantle criminal operations.

Police have called on communities to help by reporting criminal activities at their nearest police stations or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or send anonymous tip-offs through the MySAPS App. – SAnews.gov.za

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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has tabled a series of resolutions adopted during the provincial Workers’ Parliament, aimed at addressing unemployment, promoting decent work and strengthening economic participation across the province.

The Workers’ Parliament, held at the Greytown Civic Centre in the uMvoti Local Municipality under the uMzinyathi District Municipality on Friday, 29 May, brought together representatives from government, organised labour, workers’ formations and other key stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting workers, economic development and employment creation in the province.

The sitting took place against the backdrop of recent labour market statistics released by Statistics South Africa. According to the latest statistics, the national unemployment rate has increased to 32.7%, leaving an estimated 8.1 million South Africans without work. Youth unemployment remains a significant concern, with 45.8% of people aged between 15 and 34 currently unemployed.

Addressing delegates, Ntuli acknowledged the severity of the unemployment crisis and its impact on households, communities and the broader economy. He emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among government, organised labour, business and civil society in finding sustainable solutions to unemployment and economic exclusion.

Despite the challenging national economic environment, Ntuli highlighted encouraging developments within KwaZulu-Natal.

“The province recorded the creation of more than 6 000 new jobs, contributing to a decline in the provincial unemployment rate from 32.3% to 31.2%,” Ntuli said.

Ntuli attributed the improvement to targeted government interventions aimed at stimulating economic growth, supporting investment, strengthening industrial development and expanding opportunities for job creation across key sectors of the provincial economy.

“The resolutions adopted by the Workers’ Parliament will assist government in shaping responsive policies and programmes that promote decent work, protect workers’ rights and strengthen economic participation, particularly among young people and vulnerable groups,” the Premier said.

The Workers’ Parliament reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to working closely with organised labour and social partners to accelerate economic growth, improve living conditions, and create sustainable employment opportunities for the people of KwaZulu-Natal. – SAnews.gov.za

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The eThekwini Council has officially adopted the Municipality’s 2026/2027 Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF), approving a R75.3 billion budget aimed at accelerating service delivery, renewing infrastructure, and advancing turnaround strategies for the city’s trading services.

The adopted budget comprises an operating budget of approximately R69 billion and a capital budget of R6.3 billion. The budget was developed within an overall planning framework aligned to the city’s strategic objectives, with a strong focus on sustainable service delivery and long-term financial stability.

Addressing Council during the adoption of the budget, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said the budget represents a practical and sustainable financial plan for the city.

“The 2026/2027 budget is not an aspirational document. It is a funded, credible, and sustainable plan, assessed as such by National Treasury. It prioritises the acceleration of repairs, the upgrading of bulk infrastructure, and the full implementation of our trading services turnaround strategies,” Xaba said.

Xaba said the budget followed an extensive public participation process after the draft budget was tabled in March 2026. Between 13 April and 11 May 2026, the city hosted 12 public budget hearings, including dedicated engagements with business stakeholders, disability organisations, and ratepayer associations, as well as regional hearings covering all municipal wards.

“The hearings were well attended, with most inputs reflecting the real challenges faced by our communities. The process was widely advertised through radio, print, and social media, inviting public participation and written submissions,” he said.

The city noted that several public inputs were incorporated into the final budget to provide relief to residents amid ongoing economic pressures.

“As a result, we have made meaningful adjustments to the draft budget. However, not all requests could be accommodated within the available financial envelope. This budget therefore balances service delivery, infrastructure renewal, job creation, affordability, and financial sustainability,” the mayor said.

Following engagements with stakeholders and national government, Council approved revised tariff increases for the 2026/2027 financial year, including reductions to the proposed increases for water, sanitation, electricity, refuse removal, and property rates.

The revised tariff adjustments are as follows:
•    Domestic water tariff increase reduced from 15% to 12%
•    Business water tariff increase reduced from 16% to 13%
•    Domestic sanitation tariff increase reduced from 13% to 8%
•    Business sanitation tariff increase reduced from 14% to 9%
•    Average property rates increase reduced from 5% to 2%
•    Refuse tariff increase reduced from 13% to 9.5%
•    Electricity tariff increase reduced from 10.5% to 9%

Xaba said the revised tariffs are intended to provide much-needed relief to residents and businesses.

“As a caring city, we certainly hope that this brings some relief to our ratepayers and consumers,” he said.

Council also approved amendments to the City’s Indigent Support Policy to ensure more targeted assistance for vulnerable households. 

The threshold for exemption from property rates for indigent households has been increased from R350 000 to R400 000, while pensioner rebate qualification thresholds have been raised from R2.5 million to R2.75 million.

The Mayor said the main sources of funding for the operating budget are service charges, property rates, and grants and levies. Key areas of expenditure include bulk purchases, employee-related costs, contracted services, and operational expenditure.

The adopted budget places significant emphasis on upgrading ageing infrastructure, improving the reliability of water, sanitation, and energy services, and driving spatial transformation initiatives across the city.

“The main focus of the budget is to ensure efficient and effective service delivery to our residents in order to uplift their quality of life,” he said.

Improved access to basic, infrastructure services

The Mayor highlighted the significant progress made over the past five years, including improved access to basic services and major infrastructure delivery.

“There has been improved access to basic services, with more than 21 000 new electricity connections, mostly in previously underserved areas, bringing electricity coverage to almost 100%. 

“We have built 7 910 housing units and issued 3 200 title deeds, restoring dignity and providing security of tenure to families who previously had no shelter, and we have successfully rehabilitated more than 500 kilometres of roads,” the mayor said.

An emphasis has also been placed on good governance and internal controls to drive productivity and value for money. 

This includes interventions to reduce overtime abuse, improve response times, and the use of artificial intelligence and digitalisation to improve efficiency and effectiveness. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has commended members of the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and the Commission Recommendations Task Team (CRTT) for their investigative work following the denial of bail in two high-profile cases.

While all accused persons remain innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, SAPS Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, welcomed the courts’ decisions, saying they reinforce public confidence in the criminal justice system and send a strong message that serious crimes, including murder, corruption and fraud, will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.

Dimpane said the denial of bail in both matters reflects the quality of the investigations conducted by the respective teams and demonstrates the strength of the cases presented before the courts.

The first case relates to the murder of Marius van der Merwe (Witness D). Accused Matipandile Sotheni appeared before the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court, where bail was denied.

The second case involves Janitha van Reneen, an employee of Emfuleni Local Municipality, who is facing fraud charges linked to transactions involving the municipality. 

She was also denied bail by the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court.

“The decision by the courts to deny bail is an indication that compelling evidence was placed before the court. 

“It demonstrates the diligence, professionalism and commitment of our investigators and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) prosecutors in ensuring that those accused of serious crimes are held accountable through the criminal justice process,” Dimpane said. –SAnews.gov.za

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