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The proposed amendments to South Africa’s eviction laws are set to offer stronger protection for ordinary landlords renting out backyard rooms and small properties, while giving municipalities greater authority to respond to unlawful land occupations. 

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane said the Prevention of Illegal Eviction (PIE) from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Amendment Bill is designed to support everyday South Africans who rely on rental income, particularly in township and informal settings.

Speaking to SAnews following the announcement of the release of the bill for public comment on Thursday in Pretoria, Simelane explained that the bill recognises the realities of small-scale landlords who lease out backyard rooms or informal dwellings as a primary source of income.

“It does not matter the scope or size of what you are leasing. Many people survive by renting out rooms. This bill ensures they are protected and have accessible legal recourse,” the Minister said.

Under the proposed changes, she said disputes between landlords and tenants can be referred to the Housing Tribunal, offering a low-cost alternative to courts. The tribunal will have the authority to mediate, issue legally recognised certificates and sanctions, and make rulings that can be enforced through the courts.

This means landlords could obtain legally binding orders requiring tenants to vacate a property within a specified timeframe, with eviction possible if the order is not complied with.

Stronger role for municipalities

The bill also introduces significant changes aimed at empowering municipalities, particularly in cases where land invasions place pressure on service delivery.

The Minister noted that municipalities often face the burden of providing water, electricity and sanitation to informal settlements that emerge through unlawful occupation, even when the land belongs to other entities.

She said the proposed amendments will allow municipalities to be formally joined in eviction proceedings, even where they are not the landowners.

“For example, where land owned by entities such as Transnet is unlawfully occupied, municipalities will be able to participate in court processes to outline their service delivery plans and constraints. This is a critical shift from the current legal framework, which often limits municipal action when land is not municipally owned.

“This is the first time municipalities will have automatic joinder in such matters. Previously, they were often unable to act, even though they carried the responsibility for providing services,” she told SAnews.

The amendments are also expected to strengthen enforcement of municipal by-laws, particularly in cases where land zoned for agricultural use is unlawfully converted into residential settlements without approval.

She said illegal occupations disrupt planned service delivery and unfairly disadvantage residents who are waiting for housing and basic services through formal processes.

Protecting vulnerable communities

While the bill takes a firmer stance on unlawful occupation, the Minister emphasised that it also seeks to protect vulnerable individuals who may unknowingly purchase or occupy illegally sold land.

“Some community members fall victim to illegal land sales and only discover the illegality when facing eviction or demolition of their homes. 

“The legislation aims to strike a balance between enforcement and fairness, ensuring that evictions are handled within a clear legal framework that considers the rights and circumstances of affected individuals,” she explained.

Public participation underway

The Department of Human Settlements is rolling out public consultations across all provinces, including targeted engagements with property associations, civil society organisations and community groups.

Simelane said the outreach aims to ensure that ordinary citizens, particularly those unfamiliar with legal processes, understand the proposed changes and are able to provide input.

“This bill is about protecting ordinary community members. We want people to understand it, engage with it, and make their voices heard.”

The amendment process forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the legal framework governing evictions and land occupation, while promoting fairness, improving service delivery, and supporting sustainable human settlements. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Government has published the Prevention of Illegal Eviction (PIE) from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Amendment Bill, which seeks to empower municipalities, State entities, and private property owners to respond more decisively to illegal occupations and evictions.

The bill, now published in the Government Gazette, follows its approval by Cabinet two weeks ago.

Announcing the release of the bill for public comments on Thursday, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane said the proposed amendments aim to strengthen the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act of 1998 by making it more effective, easier to interpret and simpler to enforce.

The move comes amid a rise in unlawful land and building occupations across the country, placing a significant financial and administrative burden on both government and the private sector.

“The proposed amendment seeks to empower municipalities, State entities, and private property owners to respond more decisively to illegal occupations and evictions. It will strengthen our ability to address individuals and organised groups who are responsible for orchestrating these invasions,” Simelane said.

The Minister noted that government has identified inconsistent interpretation of the existing law as a key challenge, often resulting in lengthy court processes and escalating costs.

“As part of this process, we have reviewed key provisions of the current Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act of 1998. The new bill aims to close these gaps, thus providing greater clarity for everyone involved.”

Key proposals contained in the bill

Among the proposed changes are:
•    Introduction of additional offence – to include those who incite or organise illegal occupations, even where no money is exchanged.
•    Imposing a fine of R2 million or imprisonment not exceeding two years or both on a person or individuals who incite people to unlawfully occupy land, irrespective of whether it is a building owned by government or a private owner. 
•    A proposal that a court must order that all assets or money acquired using the proceeds of the said offences be forfeited.
•    An expansion on the definition of “Person in Charge” to enable the municipalities to apply for urgent interdict even when it is not the owner of the land that is being invaded.  
•    That the court is also afforded a discretion to stipulate a period for which alternative accommodation or land must be made available to the unlawful occupier.
•    That a court that orders the eviction may make an order for retention or the demolition and removal of improvements or structures on the land.  

Balancing rights and enforcement

While taking a tougher stance on criminality, the bill retains protections for vulnerable groups. It ensures that those who require alternative or temporary accommodation following eviction are treated with fairness and dignity.

The Minister emphasised that the PIE Amendment Bill takes a firm stance against criminality.

“It targets those who unlawfully sell land or property that does not belong to them, and those who incite unsuspecting people to unlawfully occupy land. It proposes stronger measures, including the forfeiture of assets acquired through such illegal means and hefty fines,” Simelane said.

To further improve the system, the bill also introduces new measures, including mandatory involvement of relevant municipalities, provincial department of human settlements, or any organ of state or landowner where the order involves the provision of alternative accommodation, as well as mandatory mediation processes where the municipality owns the land.

“These measures are intended to promote fairness and reduce lengthy and expensive court processes. It provides clearer guidelines on alternative accommodation arrangements,” the Minister explained.

Public participation process

The Minister has called on all South Africans, including, ordinary community members, civil society organisations, and all interested parties to carefully study and review the bill and make their voices heard.

The Department of Human Settlements has allocated 60 days for the public to submit their comments, with submissions expected by mid-June 2026.

“We intend to return to Cabinet with the revised bill by July 2026. This will pave the way for the bill to be tabled before Parliament by late July or early August 2026.”

Public consultation sessions will be held across the country, with the first engagement expected to take place on 05 May 2026, in the City of Ekurhuleni

Simelane called on citizens, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to participate in the process, saying broad input would help ensure the legislation is “balanced, fair and responsive”.

She underscored that the inputs from all the stakeholders and interested parties are vital in ensuring that the legislation is balanced, fair, and responsive to the needs of all who live in our country.

“In developing this bill, we have and continue to consult key stakeholders such as the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Provincial Departments of Human Settlements, affected National Government Departments and other government institutions,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has assured the nation that the security situation remains stable following court proceedings involving Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

In a statement on Thursday, police confirmed that since the morning hours, officers have been closely monitoring gatherings outside various courts across the country, where thousands of EFF members assembled in support of Malema. 

Malema was sentenced to five years direct imprisonment in a firearm handling and discharge case in the East London Regional Court. He was convicted of five counts last October including violating the Firearms Control Act after firing live rounds during his party’s birthday celebrations in 2018.

“Up until this hour, the SAPS has observed that, despite heightened emotions around recent developments, the marches have taken place without incident. 

“This responsible conduct by EFF members and supporters of Mr Malema reflects a shared commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting the rights of others,” the police said.

Public Order Policing units have remained deployed across multiple provinces as part of standard procedures to maintain safety and stability.

Presently, the police said, the situation remains calm and those that have gathered have done so in an orderly and peaceful manner. – SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has announced the publication of the revised Black and White Rhino Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) in the Government Gazette — marking an important step forward for rhino conservation in South Africa.

“The Black and White Rhino BMP provides a holistic strategic framework and detailed action plan to strengthen rhino conservation in South Africa, while also supporting collaboration with relevant range states,” the Minister said on Thursday.

The new BMP builds on earlier policy instruments, namely the Black Rhinoceros BMP (2013) and the White Rhinoceros BMP (2015). 

By consolidating these into a single integrated management framework, the revised plan brings together previous policy and planning efforts into one comprehensive tool.

“This integrated approach is intended to support a whole-of-society effort to safeguard rhino populations, recognizing that successful conservation depends on collaboration between government, conservation authorities, private landowners, communities, and other stakeholders – in the interest of both South Africa’s rhinos and its people,” he said.

The notice was published in terms of sections 43(1)(b) and (c), and 43(3)(a) and (b) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004).

Within this framework, the Minister has, in the interim, assigned responsibility for implementing the Black and White Rhino BMP to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). 

Implementation of the plan will be overseen by the Department until the National Rhino Conservation Coordination Committee is formally established.

“This multi-stakeholder coordinating committee, which will be established under the chairmanship of the DFFE, will play a central role in facilitating the implementation of the BMP and strengthening collaboration across the rhino conservation sector,” Aucamp said.

A copy of the Government Notice can be obtained at: www.environment.gov.za/legislation/gazetted_notices.or www.gpwonline.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za

Government has launched a new strategic plan to align education and skills development with the demands of a technology-driven economy and tackle high unemployment. 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile said rapid changes in how people learn and work, driven by technology, shifting demographics and economic pressures require a renewed focus on skills and human development.

Speaking at the 5th Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) summit in Johannesburg on Thursday, he said South Africa must rethink both job skills and broader human development to respond to a changing world. 

The strategy identifies four catalytic goals with the potential to unlock system-wide impact:

• Improving early learning and schooling outcomes, recognising that foundational capabilities determine life opportunities.
• Improving the employability of youth who are not in employment, education, or training, especially through short courses, work-based learning, and entrepreneurship.
• Enhancing the responsiveness of the post‑school education and training system, particularly to skills demanded by the green, digital, and care economies.
• Building a capable, ethical, and developmental state, without which no reform can be sustained.

“Together, these catalytic goals are designed to trigger system-wide impact, to ignite renewal, and to ensure that our people live and work with dignity in a changing world.

“South Africa does not suffer from a shortage of plans. Our vulnerability lies in implementation gaps, weak coordination, and uneven ownership, which hinder the effectiveness of existing plans and prevent us from achieving our development goals,” the Deputy President said on Thursday in Johannesburg.

The summit marked the launch of the Reconceptualised Human Resource Development Strategy (HRD Strategy) 2025–2035 and its implementation framework, the Master Skills Plan (MSP) 2025–2030.

The strategies aim to reform the country’s skills development system, reduce unemployment, and better align education with economic needs. 

“The Strategy and the MSP are explicit; they are living instruments, and their custodians will be held accountable over the next decade. These instruments will guide and energise our collective efforts to advance human resource development over the coming decade. 

Mashatile appealed to the HRD Council, supported by its Secretariat and Standing Committees, to now intensify its role as convener, monitor, and problem‑solver.

“We need to get things done with no procrastination. Reports to Council must help unblock constraints, leverage partnerships, and demonstrate real progress on the ground. The idea of living and working in a changing world is about agency.

“It is about ensuring that South Africans, especially the youth, are not passive victims of change but active shapers of their futures. Our responsibility is to keep development pathways open, relevant, and dignified,” the Deputy President said

He emphasised that today’s dynamic and uncertain world increasingly depends on human and social capabilities such as analytical thinking, communication, creativity, collaboration, resilience, and adaptability.

“Automation and AI are transforming industries at a speed that often exceeds the ability of education and training systems to respond, leading to a growing skills gap that threatens workforce readiness and economic stability.

“At the same time, South Africa’s youthful population is reshaping workplace culture and expectations, while climate change is redefining how and where people live, learn, and earn, necessitating a shift in educational approaches to better prepare individuals for these evolving challenges,” the Deputy President said.

He pointed out that in this environment, technical competence alone is no longer sufficient. 

“Ethical leadership, critical thinking, and social capabilities are now equally essential. Our challenge, therefore, is not simply one of skills alignment but of capability expansion as well.

“While recent labour force data offers modest encouragement, it also reveals a sobering truth. Millions of discouraged work seekers, particularly young people, have disengaged entirely from the labour market. For them, exclusion from work represents not only an economic loss but also a loss of dignity, purpose, and hope,” the Deputy President said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has activated an urgent response to contain the spread of the invasive Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer following reported sightings in parts of the metro.

The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer is an invasive species consisting of multiple cryptic species of ambrosia beetles.

In a statement on Wednesday, the municipality confirmed that all reported incidents from members of the public are being treated with urgency, with a response plan established and already under implementation through the city’s Public Health Environmental Management sub-directorate.

The sub-directorate is working closely with an expert, who has studied the beetle for approximately seven years, to assist officials with accurate identification and appropriate response measures.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, has urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with the relevant municipal officials whenever they experience or suspect the threat of the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer on their properties or periphery.

“We have activated the municipality’s Public Health Environmental Management sub-directorate to give a special attention to this, as we understand the impact it will have on the environmental sustainability of the city,” Lobishe said.

While the municipality is finalising standard operating procedures to comprehensively address the challenge, Lobishe said environmental management officials are already responding to reported incidents.

The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer is an invasive beetle that attacks a wide range of tree species by boring into trunks and introducing a fungus that blocks the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, often leading to tree death.

The pest spreads easily through the movement of infected wood, making early detection and containment critical.

Containment measures underway

Authorities have implemented temporary measures to limit the spread, including:
•    Felling infected trees and chipping material on-site to prevent reinfestation.
•    Transporting infected wood to designated municipal sites for controlled burning or solarisation.
•    Providing guidance to residents on managing affected trees on private property.

In addition, training programmes are being rolled out to councillors and relevant municipal officials to capacitate them in identifying and managing the beetle.

Plans are also underway to train woodcutters and tree-felling operators to ensure proper handling of infected material.

“Residents who suspect infestation in their yards or surrounding areas are urged to contact the Environmental Management Sub-directorate. NMBM Public Health, in collaboration with communications, is also developing awareness material to educate the public,” the Mayor said.

To mitigate the spread and impact of the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer, residents are requested to observe the following measures:

•    Report any suspected sightings to the municipality.
•    Avoid moving firewood, as this contributes to the spread.
•    Sanitise tools after use to prevent cross-contamination.
•    Do not dispose of infected wood in garden waste.
•    Chip infected wood where possible, as this is a safer disposal method.

Members of the public can call the Parks and Cemetery Sub-directorate at 041 5062770 or Environmental Management at 041 5065464 to report suspected infestations.

The municipality reiterated its commitment to protecting the city’s urban environment, urging all residents to work together in containing this threat. – SAnews.gov.za