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Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, says preliminary assessments indicate that the province may require close to R10 billion for comprehensive recovery efforts following the recent floods.

The provincial government has allocated R800 million towards recovery while it awaits a response from the National Disaster Management Centre.

Speaking in Polokwane on Thursday during a media briefing, the Premier said the provincial government, in collaboration with the disaster management teams and relevant stakeholders, is actively assessing and responding to the needs of affected communities.

“Our primary focus remains the safety and well-being of residents, which involves ongoing damage assessments, relief interventions and urgent restoration of essential services,” Ramathuba said.

Over the past weeks, members of the Executive Council have visited several flood-affected areas.

“Just yesterday, we were in Blouberg, Old Longsine and Inveran where the #DikgerekgereWednesdays team begun the process of restoring access to the road and regravelling parts that were not accessible.

“Whilst there we also mourned the loss of five lives. Many households have been displaced.The crisis extends to critical infrastructure. For instance, the R521 highway from Polokwane to Mogwadi (Dendron) reflects the severe impact of the rains, riddled with hazardous potholes,” Ramathuba said.

Consequently, the provincial government is actively engaging with the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) to expedite repairs on this road and other critical routes to ensure the safety of communities.

The Premier said Limpopo requires a comprehensive overhaul to restore normalcy to the lives of residents.

“We welcome the national declaration of these floods as a disaster, which has enabled access to much-needed assistance from the national departments. Many have already initiated processes to support our recovery efforts,” the Premier said.

Since December 2025, the province has experienced tragic losses, with 27 fatalities reported thus far, alongside approximately 3 194 houses affected and around 439 roads rendered unusable, measuring an estimated 600 kilometres.

“We remain hopeful that we will successfully rebuild Limpopo from this disaster with the resources we are beginning to mobilise while we await further intervention from the National Disaster Management Centre,” Ramathuba said. 

Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the flood-stricken parts of the province to assess the extent of the damage and the response of government. 

The President’s thoughts are with families who have lost loved ones, people who have been injured and individuals, businesses and organisations who have lost property. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

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The Limpopo Province recorded a 14% reduction in road crashes and a 10% decline in road fatalities during the festive season when compared to the same period last year.

According to Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, the province recorded 125 fatal crashes, which is a significant decrease from 145 the previous year.

“Such statistics reflect the efficacy of our committed road safety interventions. Behind these numbers lie the stories of lives saved and families preserved from the anguish associated with road fatalities,” the Premier said on Thursday in Polokwane.

She was addressing the media on the status of floods in Limpopo, the Marula Festival 2026 and the release of the Limpopo 2025/26 Road Safety Report for the festive season.

Ramathuba said during the festive season, the N1 corridor emerged as the deadliest route, claiming 25 lives.

“This essential economic thoroughfare demands heightened attention and rigorous enforcement to enhance safety. 

“The data analysis further confirms that driver behaviour is the predominant factor leading to these tragic incidents, with reckless driving – particularly unsafe overtaking – culpable in 115 of these fatalities,” the Premier said.

Ramathuba expressed concerns about the safety of pedestrians.

“The statistics reveal that 48 pedestrians lost their lives during this period; many of these incidents are classified as hit-and-runs, which reveals a distressing disregard for human life and the law,” she said.

Despite intensified law enforcement during the festive period, 259 motorists were apprehended for driving under the influence of alcohol, while an additional nine were detained for excessive speeding.

“We have acted decisively to safeguard public transport passengers by impounding 20 overloaded taxis and buses due to roadworthiness issues and non-compliance with required documentation.

“While it is encouraging to witness a decrease in crashes and fatalities, we must remain vigilant and dedicated to our mission. Each life lost on our roads is a tragedy that resonates deeply within our communities. 

“We pledge to further fortify our law enforcement efforts, enhance road safety education, and work collaboratively with road users and stakeholders to continue reducing road-related incidents,” the Premier said.

Ramathuba thanked all the traffic officers, law enforcement agencies and all partners who have worked diligently, often under difficult conditions during the festive season to ensure safety on the province’s roads. 

“Together, we can achieve a safer Limpopo, not only during festive occasions but throughout the entire year,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) says a total of R3.6 billion has been successfully disbursed to universities for allowance payments whilst R679 million was disbursed to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges for tuition payments. 

“Upfront payments were made on 2 February 2026, with allowance disbursements to TVET college students scheduled for 13 February 2026, followed by a second disbursement on 27 February 2026, due to extended registration periods,” NSFAS Acting CEO Wassem Carrim said on Thursday.

Giving an update of NSFAS’s appeals process for the 2026 application cycle, Carrim reported that 91 937 appeals have been lodged for the 2026 cycle.

To date, 10 445 appeals have been approved; 27 893 are in process; 3 209 are awaiting documents; 5 407 have been rejected and 44 983 have been closed, deleted, finalised or withdrawn.

The NSFAS Appeals process provides applicants and current beneficiaries with the opportunity to request a review of their application outcome should they feel that their circumstances have not been fully considered, or if additional information has become available that may affect their eligibility.

“NSFAS remains committed to processing all appeals fairly, transparently, and efficiently. We encourage all applicants to ensure that their contact information and supporting documentation are up to date, and to monitor communication from NSFAS regarding the status of their appeal.”

He also reminded students that once an outcome is communicated, they have a maximum of 30 days to finalise their appeal.

WATCH | NSFAS media briefing

Student accommodation 

On student accommodation, Carrim emphasised that access to safe and suitable accommodation is fundamental to academic success, personal development and student well-being.

To continually enhance the student accommodation process, the scheme is actively engaging closely with students, institutions, and key stakeholders, including the Department of Higher Education and Training, the South African Union of Students (SAUS) and the South African TVET Student Association (SATVETSA). This is so as to ensure that accommodation criteria remain relevant and that challenges experienced by students are addressed collaboratively.

In response to requests from institutions for additional guidance on accommodation, the Acting CEO reported that NSFAS has developed a comprehensive guidance circular to clarify accommodation requirements and processes.

“For the upcoming academic year, higher education institutions participating in the student accommodation project will continue to have their accommodation payments managed directly by NSFAS, while institutions that have historically managed accommodation payments independently will maintain their current arrangements during this transitional period,” Carrim said.

According to the figures, a total of 194 071 applications has been received across universities and TVET colleges. Of these, 55 653 have been approved, 90 794 are pending institutional review, and 53 864 are awaiting landlord approval.

Carrim said NSFAS continues to work closely with both institutions and landlords to expedite approvals and prioritise student needs and well-being.

Addressing recent concerns around accommodation at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and other institutions, he clarified that CPUT manages accommodation independently.

He said NSFAS has engaged with the university to understand its challenges, including the wellbeing of NSFAS beneficiaries and will support the institution in remedying the situation.

Carrim also warned accommodation providers against housing students without confirming their NSFAS funding status and subsequently submitting claims, as well as relocating students without due process.

“NSFAS will take a zero-tolerance approach on these matters. NSFAS further encourages any students who may be facing issues with accommodation to report these to NSFAS via our official channels.”

Carrim confirmed that the allowances and accommodation rates for 2026 are currently under review. Adjustments to allowances and rates are informed by factors such as consumer price inflation, student academic progression, enrolment figures for first-time entering students, and budget allocations through the budget process.

He said NSFAS will recommend the 2026 rates once the budget allocations aligned with the National Budget process has been finalised.

READ | NSFAS makes progress in clearing backlogs

– SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) says its intensified social grant review process has saved government approximately R44 million per month, translating to about R0.5 billion annually, as it tightens controls to ensure that social assistance reaches only eligible beneficiaries.

Providing an update during a media briefing in Cape Town on Thursday, SASSA CEO Themba Matlou said the review process, introduced at the start of the 2025/2026 financial year, is aimed at strengthening the effectiveness, reliability and integrity of the social assistance system, while guarding against wasteful expenditure in a constrained fiscal environment.

“The social grant review process is an important step not only to safeguard the integrity of the social assistance programme but to also ensure that public funds are directed to those who need them most, including reducing [the] level of fraud and misuse of public funds,” Matlou said. 

The agency said the process is closely monitored by National Treasury, which has set conditions to accelerate implementation, including income verification, biometric checks, inter-agency data cross-referencing and quarterly reporting obligations. 

“These measures are intended to enhance service delivery, improve operational efficiency, and ensure the cost-effective administration of social assistance, while safeguarding the system so that social grants are paid only to eligible beneficiaries. 

“We must appreciate the cooperation of all affected beneficiaries who understood this process and came forward to review their social grants,” Matlou explained. 

SASSA said that for the current financial year, it planned to undertake 420 000 grant reviews and that by the third quarter just under 400 000 beneficiaries had been notified to come forward. To date, approximately 240 000 grants have been reviewed, while about 70 000 grants were suspended due to beneficiaries failing to conduct reviews. 

The agency emphasised that the review process is conducted in line with Regulation 30 and Section 14(5) of the Social Assistance Act, 2004, which requires SASSA to regularly review social grants to confirm beneficiaries’ continued eligibility, while beneficiaries are legally obliged to report any material changes in their circumstances, including financial or marital status. 

As part of efforts to modernise the system and ease pressure at local offices, SASSA has rolled out compulsory biometric enrolment for all new grant applications, implemented life certification for identified beneficiaries, and introduced a self-service portal that allows beneficiaries to complete life certification remotely through e-Life Certification.

“Going forward, SASSA will progressively make the social grant review process available through self-service platforms to improve accessibility, efficiency, and convenience for beneficiaries,” Matlou said. 

Enhancing verification

The CEO said that the agency has also strengthened partnerships with credit bureaus, banks, the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and other institutions to enhance income verification and detect irregular grant access patterns.

Through data matching with SARS, the agency identified 495 296 clients who appear not eligible to receive grants, with verification already underway. A further 162 574 clients were identified through income verification testing involving NSFAS and other entities, while 291 581 individuals were flagged across various government payroll systems.

“Beneficiaries identified through this process are required to present themselves for review and disclosure. Failure to comply may result in grant suspension,” Matlou cautioned. 

SASSA also acknowledged challenges linked to beneficiaries not updating contact details, which can result in missed review notifications. To address this, the agency introduced a fourth payment date in the social grants’ payment cycle as a signal for beneficiaries to contact SASSA if payment is not received during the normal first three payment days.

Consequences for non-compliance

The agency stressed that grant reviews and life certification are critical to preventing payments to deceased individuals or ineligible beneficiaries, detecting fraud, protecting public funds and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the social assistance system.

“Beneficiaries who fail to comply with [the] review or life certification requirements may have their grants suspended, with continued non-compliance potentially resulting in the lapsing of grants.

“Beneficiaries are therefore reminded of their obligation to inform SASSA of any changes to their personal circumstances, including contact information, marital status, and income to avoid their grants being suspended or lapsed.”

SASSA reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of beneficiaries, noting that grants are not cancelled solely on the basis of checks. 

“SASSA remains committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all beneficiaries by ensuring that no person who qualifies for social assistance is unfairly disadvantaged. However, it is important to note that SASSA does not cancel any grant on the basis of these checks. 

“The beneficiary is notified that they are under review, and it is only if they fail to conduct the review within the legislated time period that their grant will be suspended and eventually lapsed if they do not come forward for a review after suspension,” the CEO said. 

The agency said it has increased capacity at local offices to manage the expected influx of beneficiaries presenting themselves for reviews, as it continues to scale up efforts to ensure that social assistance reaches those who need it most. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised the South African Revenue Service (SARS) as a cornerstone of the country’s democratic and economic development, describing the institution as “the engine room of the South African state”.

The President was speaking on Thursday during an oversight visit to the SARS National Command Centre in Brooklyn, Pretoria, where he was briefed on the organisation’s operations and ongoing modernisation initiatives.

“It is an honour and privilege to be here at the SARS National Command Centre, which is the engine room of the South African state,” President Ramaphosa said.

He emphasised the unique role SARS plays in building a capable state and sustaining democracy, noting that the institution has been central to funding public services, infrastructure development and inclusive economic growth.

“The South African Revenue Service occupies a unique and critical role in the life of our nation; it is at the heart of our efforts to build a capable state,” the President said.

By strengthening compliance, the President said SARS ensures that government has sufficient, predictable resources for the delivery of public services, to invest in infrastructure to better the lives of the people, and to drive inclusive growth.

President Ramaphosa highlighted SARS’ contribution since its establishment in 1997, noting that the institution has collected more than R23 trillion in tax revenue over nearly three decades.

“SARS is a creation of our democracy. And for nearly 30 years, it has sustained our democracy,” he said.

He commended SARS for embracing innovation, saying that by harnessing new technologies and better understanding taxpayers, the organisation has positioned itself at the forefront of global best practice in tax administration.

“This organisation stands as a shining example of global tax collection best practice. It is one of the most effective, best run and trusted state institutions in our country,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa noted that public trust in SARS has grown significantly in recent years, increasing from 48 percent to 75 percent in just five years. He added that improvements in business and investor confidence are linked to the work of the revenue service.

“The regulatory environment is a key consideration for investors looking to bring their business to our country. They seek certainty in tax policy and honesty and efficiency in tax administration,” he said.

The President linked SARS’ performance to South Africa’s first sovereign credit rating upgrade in nearly two decades, noting that strong value-added tax and corporate income tax receipts were among the factors cited by S&P.

He further acknowledged SARS’ role in the multidisciplinary efforts that led to South Africa’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list in October last year.

Reflecting on the institution’s past challenges, President Ramaphosa said SARS, like other key state institutions, had been severely affected during the era of state capture.

“Like a number of other key state institutions, SARS was severely impacted by the state capture era, with political meddling, mismanagement and corruption hampering its efficiency,” he said.

He commended the organisation for implementing the recommendations of the Nugent Commission of Inquiry and for its ongoing transformation.

“Eight years later, the majority of the recommendations have been implemented as the organisation continues along its transformative journey to become ‘a smart, modern SARS with unquestionable integrity that is trusted and admired’,” the President said.

While acknowledging early signs of economic recovery, President Ramaphosa said revenue collection remains challenging amid slow growth and rising living costs. He stressed the importance of SARS in supporting the priorities of the Government of National Unity.

“We need to have the fiscal space to drive inclusive economic growth and job creation, reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living, and build a capable, ethical developmental state,” he said.

The President welcomed the launch of Project AmaBillions, a SARS initiative aimed at recovering an estimated R300 billion in legally due outstanding taxes and reiterated the institution’s role in combating corruption and illicit economic activity.

“Through lifestyle audits, enforcement actions directed at the illicit economy and other efforts, SARS is playing a leading role in this fight,” he said.

President Ramaphosa expressed appreciation to SARS staff across the country, acknowledging the difficulty and pressure associated with enforcing tax compliance.

“Thank you for doing what is one of the state’s most difficult jobs: enforcing tax compliance and taking tough decisions with fairness and integrity, often under immense pressure and criticism,” he said.

He also thanked partner institutions within the compliance and enforcement ecosystem, including the Financial Intelligence Centre, the South African Police Service, the National Prosecuting Authority and the Special Investigating Unit, as well as financial institutions and data providers.

In concluding his address, President Ramaphosa paid tribute to SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter for his leadership since 2019.

“Your leadership has been vital to restoring the credibility and integrity of this critical South African institution.

“You leave an organisation that is much more cohesive, efficient, capable and trusted than when you took office. The real measure of your contribution is not how much revenue SARS collected during your tenure, but by how well prepared it is for a challenging future,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said he was impressed by the visit and confident in SARS’ continued progress. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Water and Sanitation has issued a dam safety directive to address serious and ongoing safety risks at My Own Dam, publicly known as Senteeko Dam, in Mpumalanga.

The directive, issued in terms of Section 118 of the National Water Act, was served on the dam owner, Shamile Communal Property Association (CPA), on Tuesday, 3 February 2025.

It compels the owner to take immediate, time-bound action to stabilise the dam and prevent further deterioration in order to protect lives, livelihoods and property downstream.

This intervention follows a series of technical assessments which confirmed that the dam is still in a compromised and partially failed condition, and that without urgent remedial action, further deterioration is likely to continue.

As outlined in the directive, these conditions pose an unacceptable level of risk that cannot be adequately managed through monitoring alone.

The department said it is acting decisively to ensure that the dam owner fulfils their legal obligation to maintain the dam in a safe condition.

The department warned that continued deterioration of the dam presents a direct threat to downstream farming communities, including the risk of loss of life and damage to homes, agricultural land and infrastructure.

“These risks are heightened during periods of rainfall and cannot be ignored or deferred. The department is clear that the risk associated with the Senteeko Dam has not yet been averted, and regulatory enforcement will remain in place until that risk is meaningfully reduced,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.

Engineers have consciously avoided lowering water levels too rapidly, as a sudden drawdown could trigger further structural failure of the already compromised dam wall.

To address the prevailing risk, the dam owner’s Appointed Professional Engineer (APP) has been instructed to urgently assess the dam’s condition and determine the remedial measures required to prevent further deterioration and reduce the risk of failure.

“These determinations must be completed within seven days from the date of the directive and submitted to the department’s Dam Safety Office for review and approval. Once the proposed measures are approved, the department will require the dam owner to immediately commence urgent repair works, including the appointment of a competent and suitably qualified contractor.

“All repair works must be carried out [with] the supervision of the APP and continue until the department is satisfied that the dam no longer poses an unacceptable risk to downstream communities.”

The department said all required engineering designs and technical submissions must be received on or before 13 February 2026, in strict accordance with the timelines set out in the directive.

“Failure to comply with these instructions will result in further enforcement action, as provided for by the law.”

The department said it would prioritise all necessary regulatory approvals to ensure corrective work proceeds without delay, adding that protecting human life, property and livelihoods downstream of the Senteeko Dam remains its foremost concern.

The department will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates as developments occur.

 – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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