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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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Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has notified the University of Venda Council of his intention to appoint an independent assessor following escalating governance challenges and leadership instability at the institution.

The move follows allegations levelled against the university’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, as well as its Chief Operating Officer, and comes amid reports of the precautionary suspension of both executives.

According to the Department of Higher Education and Training, Manamela met the university’s Executive Management and Council on 5 June 2026, after anonymous letters containing allegations against the two officials led to strained relations within the institution, threats of suspension and subsequent litigation.

The meeting concluded with a resolution that the parties would resolve the matters through the university’s governance structures, rather than through continued litigation, with the Council expected to report back to the Minister on progress.

However, the department said the matters have not been resolved but have instead escalated.

Recent developments, including the reported precautionary suspensions of the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer, have raised serious concerns about governance, leadership, and institutional stability.

Manamela has expressed his deep concern about these developments, which have implications for the effective functioning of the university and, most importantly, the academic project.

“The continued instability risks undermining the university’s ability to fulfil its mandate of providing quality teaching and learning,” Manamela said in a statement on Tuesday.

In light of the seriousness of the situation, and in order to prevent any further deterioration of governance at the institution, the Minister has invoked Section 44(1) of the Higher Education Act, by notifying the University Council of his intention to appoint an independent assessor to investigate the matter.

If appointed, he said the independent assessor will investigate among others, various allegations against the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, assess the current state of governance at the university, and evaluate the effectiveness of the institution’s governance and executive management structures.

In line with the Higher Education Act, the University Council has been given 14 days to make representations to the Minister regarding his intention to appoint an Independent Assessor.

The Minister has urged the public and the media to allow the statutory process to run its course without interference or undue speculation.

“The appointment of an Independent Assessor is a legislated governance mechanism intended to establish the facts and make recommendations that will enable the university to restore stability and strengthen institutional governance,” the Minister said.

Manamela reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the university’s academic programme and assured students, staff and other stakeholders that the Department of Higher Education and Training will continue to support the institution to ensure that its core academic and administrative functions continue without disruption during this process. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has assured residents and farmers that a temporary crossing at the flood-damaged Smalblaar Bridge will be in place before the end of the year, while the  permanent restoration of the bridge is expected to take more than 12 months.

The bridge serves as a vital transport link for farms, residents and businesses in the Rawsonville area and was one of the sites Winde visited during a two-day oversight visit to flood-damaged infrastructure in the Central Karoo and Cape Winelands Districts on 16 and 17 July 2026.

During the visit, the Premier met members of the farming community in Rawsonville to discuss progress on the bridge’s reconstruction and the measures being implemented to restore access as quickly as possible.

“These bridges and passes enable businesses to thrive and residents to access opportunities. I understand their importance and am focused on ensuring we get safe solutions in place as quickly as possible,” Winde said.

Winde also assessed damage to the Meiringspoort and Swartberg passes, which were severely affected by recent record-breaking floods. The infrastructure is critical to connecting communities and supporting economic activity across the Klein and Groot Karoo regions.

Meiringspoort, which links De Rust and Klaarstroom, sustained extensive damage during the floods. The route comprises 20 river crossings, all of which were affected, while four major sections of the road were completely washed away.

According to the provincial government, permanent restoration of the pass is expected to take at least two years and cost hundreds of millions of rand.

Restoration work has already started from the De Rust side, with a temporary route expected to be completed by December 2026. Once opened, the road will operate under strict access controls.

Winde also inspected the Swartberg Pass, which was closed following the floods before reopening in June after emergency repairs. During the visit, Department of Infrastructure officials briefed the Premier at the Teeberg Lookout Point on the progress of ongoing restoration work.

The Premier acknowledged infrastructure teams currently working across the province to restore roads and other public infrastructure damaged by the severe weather.

“These recent severe weather events were unprecedented, with hundreds of thousands of people affected, and many hundreds of roads closed. The Western Cape road network connects communities, businesses and families, driving growth and jobs in every town and city.

“There are people on site across the province restoring roads in just about every district. Thank you for the hard work. We have a long way to go still, but we are moving in the right direction,” Winde said.

He also urged road users adhere to road regulations, warning that heavy vehicles should not use the Swartberg Pass.

“The Swartberg pass is not designed for use by heavy motor vehicles, such as semi-trailers and trucks. These vehicles must find alternative routes, via Laingsburg or Willowmore. While we rebuild bridges, passes and roads, I urge road users to follow road signs and adhere to warnings,” the Premier said.

The Premier is expected to continue receiving regular progress briefings from provincial officials, with further oversight visits to flood-affected districts. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

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