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The Department of Home Affairs has delivered another important reform to advance equality and fairness for the Muslim faith community by ensuring that Muslim marriage officers are recognised on the same basis as other religious marriage officers under the Marriage Act 25 of 1961.

Following the introduction in 2024 of marriage certificates that recognised Muslim marriages for the very first time, a new directive issued by the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, now means that Muslim religious leaders – certified as Marriage Officers – will no longer be required to reapply for certification every five years. 

This brings their recognition in line with other faith communities, which are also certified for an unlimited period, without the need for administratively burdensome renewals.

“For many years, Muslim marriage officers were subject to a renewal requirement that did not apply to other religious groups. The five-year limitation was originally introduced as a temporary measure, while new marriage legislation was being developed,” the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement.

In the statement on Thursday, the Ministry added that the Marriage Bill is still to be promulgated.

The Minister’s decision follows engagement with relevant stakeholders, who raised the issue with him.

“This decision ensures that all marriage officers, including Muslim marriage officers, are treated on equal terms. Coming in the wake of our implementation of marriage certificates recognising Muslim marriages for the first time in 2024, this reform reaffirms the commitment of Home Affairs under the Government of National Unity to deliver dignity for all members of our diverse South African society, including the Muslim faith community,” Schreiber said.

The Department of Home Affairs will communicate further administrative guidance to stakeholders regarding the implementation of the decision. – SAnews.gov.za

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has underscored the critical role of academic institutions in shaping solutions to South Africa’s water challenges.

Delivering the keynote address at a recent Water Imbizo hosted by the University of South Africa (UNISA), Mahlobo described the country’s water challenges as structural and systemic in nature, saying that coordinated and science-based interventions are essential to addressing the crisis.

While South Africa remains water-scarce, Mahlobo noted that current shortages are largely driven by ageing and deteriorating infrastructure, weak governance, declining municipal capacity, pollution, and persistently high levels of non-revenue water, which stands at approximately 47%.

“This is not just a resource challenge. It is a governance, infrastructure and capability challenge that demands coordinated action across the entire system,” the Deputy Minister said.

Mahlobo emphasised that water security is both a constitutional obligation and a developmental and economic imperative, underpinning public health, food security, industrial growth and human dignity.

He warned that without decisive intervention, increasing demand, climate variability and inefficiencies will place growing strain on already vulnerable water systems.

The imbizo was positioned as a key national platform, bringing together government, academia and sector stakeholders to advance practical, evidence-based responses to the country’s water crisis.

Highlighting the importance of academia, Mahlobo said the country’s response must be firmly grounded in scientific evidence, innovation and technical expertise.

“Universities and research institutions must be at the centre of our national response. We need solutions that are informed by data, guided by science and capable of being implemented at scale.”

He called for a decisive shift from research to implementation, arguing that while South Africa has sufficient knowledge and innovation, it faces challenges in translating these into tangible outcomes.

“We must close the gap between knowledge and delivery. Scientific capability must find expression in municipal systems, infrastructure operations and the daily management of water services.” 

The Deputy Minister also reiterated that government cannot achieve water security alone, calling for a whole-of-society response that brings together government, academia, industry and communities in a coordinated national effort.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to stabilising the sector through infrastructure investment, improved municipal performance, strengthened oversight and coordinated interventions under the National Water Crisis Committee chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Mahlobo urged all South Africans to recognise water security as a shared national responsibility, and to actively support efforts to protect and sustain the country’s limited water resources. – SAnews.gov.za

Three suspects were fatally wounded in a high-speed chase and shootout out with the Hawks Tactical Operations Management Team in Crystal Park in Gauteng, said the Hawks.

In a statement on Thursday, the Hawks said the trio were being pursued for hijacking, attempted murder and kidnapping, where the victim managed to escape unscathed.

“The members received information about suspects who allegedly were committing hijacking/kidnappings on Elm Road in Crystal Park. The members tactically patrolled the road. Around 20:30, the Hawks members from TOMS [Tactical Operations Management Section] spotted the described vehicle, a silver-grey Opel Astra, just after they pulled a female victim out of her Fiat and bundled her into their getaway vehicle.

“A high-speed chase ensued and the suspects opened fire on the police. The suspects’ vehicle hit the side barrier into an embankment.”

The victim was rescued with no injuries. Two firearms and some of the possessions belonging to the victim were found in the suspects’ vehicle. – SAnews.gov.za

Bringing essential government services and opportunities directly to young people will be at the core of Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli’s visit to Kuruman in Northern Cape.

The Deputy Minister will host a Youth Services Expo at the Kuruman Town Hall on Friday, 20 March.

“The outreach programme will provide young people with access to information on employment opportunities, skills development, entrepreneurship support, and a range of government services,” the Presidency said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the Presidency, the initiative brings together key stakeholders including government departments, agencies, local mining companies and private sector partners — all contributing to youth empowerment through exhibitions and programme presentations.

The Deputy Minister will deliver remarks and conduct a walkabout engaging directly with exhibitors and young attendees.

The programme will include presentations from key institutions such as the National Youth Development Agency, the Department of Employment and Labour, the South African Police Service, Sector Education and Training Authorities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges, local mining stakeholders and other organisations supporting youth empowerment initiatives. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africans can be assured that fuel supply in the country remains stable in the immediate term.

This according to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR).

“The department wishes to assure all South Africans that the country’s fuel supply remains stable in the immediate term, notwithstanding heightened volatility in global energy markets arising from ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

“Government is actively coordinating with industry stakeholders to secure both crude oil and refined petroleum products from a diversified range of sources, and a comprehensive plan is in place to manage potential supply risks,” the DMPR said in a statement.

Furthermore, fuel consignments scheduled for this month and April were “secured prior to the recent escalation in global tensions”. 

“These deliveries have commenced and are expected to adequately sustain national supply over the coming weeks,” the statement read.

The department noted that recent developments have “already exerted upward pressure on fuel prices”.

Crude oil prices have already surged, exceeding the $100 per barrel mark.

“[This is] driven by supply disruptions and heightened uncertainty affecting critical global shipping routes. 

“As a net importer of petroleum products, South Africa remains inherently exposed to these external dynamics. Sustained increases in international oil prices, coupled with exchange rate fluctuations, are expected to translate into higher domestic fuel prices in the months ahead.

“The department emphasises the critical importance of pricing transparency across the fuel value chain, particularly in respect of unregulated products, such as jet fuel. Industry stakeholders are expected to ensure that pricing practices are fair, justifiable, and fully compliant with applicable competition and consumer protection laws,” the statement said.

Engagements between government and industry stakeholders are continuing to “monitor supply, assess emerging risks, and coordinate timely and appropriate interventions where necessary”.

“While the short-term outlook remains stable, government is actively advancing measures to strengthen long-term energy security. These interventions include the diversification of fuel import sources, the enhancement of strategic storage capacity, and the acceleration of key infrastructure investments. 

“South Africa will continue to honour its regional supply obligations, while ensuring that the security of domestic fuel supply remains paramount. 

“The department will keep the public duly informed as developments unfold, and remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the country’s energy security and broader economic stability,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za