Author: Agency

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is calling on aspirant economists who will be entering their first year of undergraduate studies in the 2027 academic year to apply for its external bursaries programme. “The SARB, as part of addressing the severe shortage of skills in South Africa, provides scholarships and bursaries to students in relevant fields of study who are from disadvantaged backgrounds,” the central bank said. The closing date for the submission of applications is Wednesday, 30 September 2026. In support of the corporate social initiatives of the SARB and its External Bursary Scheme, several external scholarships and bursaries…

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, on Monday launched a new online service that makes it easier for South Africans to find their nearest participating bank branch to apply for a Smart ID Card. Available at myhomeaffairsonline.dha.gov.za, the new platform enables citizens to instantly locate participating bank branches across South Africa, the Department of Home Affairs said in a statement. As additional branches join the department’s digital partnership with the banking sector, they will automatically be added to the website in real time, ensuring South Africans always have access to the latest information. The launch comes as the department’s digital…

South Africa has reached 441 consecutive days without load shedding, as Eskom reports continued improvements in generation performance, reduced reliance on diesel and lower levels of unplanned outages. According to Eskom, the country has been without load shedding since 16 May 2025. Between 1 April and 30 July 2026, electricity demand was met 100% of the time, while the utility’s Winter Outlook for the period to 31 August continued to project no loadshedding. Eskom said the sustained period without load shedding forms part of a broader improvement in the performance of the power system, with stronger generation availability and additional…

The EThekwini Municipality’s Electricity and Energy Directorate has welcomed a landmark conviction in a major electricity cable theft case, marking a decisive victory in the city’s fight against infrastructure crime.  This follows the sentencing of three suspects who were convicted for damaging critical electricity infrastructure and possessing stolen municipal property valued at approximately R1 million. The convictions stem from a 2022 incident when members of the Umkhomazi South African Police Service (SAPS) acted on intelligence regarding electricity cables being stripped and burnt at a homestead near the Umkhomazi Police Station. Investigators from eThekwini Municipality’s Electricity and Energy Directorate later confirmed…

The South African business delegation who participated in the largest international business and multi-sector exhibition in Angola are returning home with a strong pipeline of promising trade leads. The delegation showcased proudly South African products and services at the Feira Internacional de Angola (FILDA), held in Luanda from 21 to 26 July 2026, with support from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic). The exporters represented the agro-processing, steel and metal fabrication, engineering and mining, and chemical sectors. Speaking on his experience, owner of La RicMal Wines, Malcolm Green, said he received positive responses from importers and distributors…

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has emphasised that South Africa must define its own just energy transition on its own terms, prioritising economic survival, energy security and poverty reduction. The Minister delivered an address at the 8th edition of the Coal and Energy Transition Day held in Johannesburg. “For many years, the global energy transition debate has been shaped by complex geopolitical considerations, where developed nations often seek to prescribe the pace and scale of transition for developing nations. Such a one-size-fits-all approach is neither practical nor equitable. “The conversation is too often reduced to a choice between…

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says the R326 million freezing order granted by the Gauteng High Court demonstrates government’s determination to ensure that criminals are stripped of their illegal gains. The order authorises the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit to seize assets belonging to the alleged members of the Maumela syndicate implicated in the R2 billion Tembisa Hospital looting scandal. Assets forfeited include high end residential property in affluent areas and luxury vehicles. “This significant outcome follows an extensive forensic investigation and a review of Tembisa Hospital’s Basic Accounting System by the Specialised Audit Services Unit of…

National Treasury has announced the launch of an investigation into allegations of improper conduct involving a former National Treasury employee. The investigation comes after testimony given at the Madlanga Commission and will be conducted by external forensic investigators. “It has been alleged at the Madlanga Commission that a former employee improperly influenced the awarding of various transversal contracts during his time at the National Treasury. In light of the seriousness of the allegations presented, the National Treasury has initiated an investigation into the awarding of transversal contracts concluded during this period. “The investigation will test the veracity of the allegations…

Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has blacklisted seven companies implicated in serious unethical and unlawful conduct. This after the company, assisted by the Special Investigating Unit, conducted forensic investigations which uncovered financial misconduct, kickback schemes, bribery, theft of company assets, collusion and the submission of false information. Disciplinary action has also been taken against officials at the State-Owned Entity (SOE) who colluded with the companies. TPT Chief Executive, Jabu Mdaki said: “Transnet Port Terminals remains committed to upholding the principles of good governance and conducting its business with the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability. Unlawful conduct will not be…

The Department of Home Affairs says it is moving to strengthen immigration enforcement capacity through the recruitment of an additional 301 immigration officers. At present, the department has only 868 immigration officers. “This limited capacity is expected to support immigration enforcement across the entire country. Despite the severe resource constraints that the department continues to face, reprioritisation work has been done to enable the recruitment of this cohort of additional Immigration Officers. “The increase from 868 to 1 169 officers will enhance enforcement capacity by 35%,” the department said in a statement on Monday. This is being done in conjunction…

An independent investigation into the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) by the Public Service Commission (PSC), covering the period 2020 to 2025, has found serious weaknesses in spending controls, contract management and governance. The findings have prompted a set of reforms aimed at stabilising the organisation and ensuring that SITA is fit for purpose in a modern digital state. The report found that SITA was flagged for irregular expenditure by the Auditor-General across four audited years. It also found weak accountability for officials responsible for irregular spending, a high number of tenders abandoned or cancelled before completion, and long delays…

The Department of Home Affairs has reached another historic milestone on its path-breaking journey of digital transformation, with 203 bank branches now live in the new digital partnership model with the banking sector. Additionally, over a quarter of a million people have already used this service to obtain a replacement Smart ID card since it was launched on 9 March. Given that, under the previous model, only 248 Home Affairs offices and 32 bank branches offered Smart ID replacement services, the addition of 203 bank branches means that access to this critical service has been expanded by 73% in a…

Transnet has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to two shortlisted bidders for the establishment of a rolling stock Leasing Company (LeaseCo), marking a key milestone in South Africa’s rail reform programme. This follows the successful conclusion of the Request for Qualification (RFQ) process, which was launched in April 2025 and received 14 submissions. In a statement on Monday, Transnet said the RFP marks another step towards a more competitive, inclusive and efficient rail ecosystem that supports growth and improves logistics performance. LeaseCo will acquire, manage and lease rolling stock to domestic and regional markets, helping address shortages in reliable…

The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has announced that board Chairperson, Deputy Minister of Finance Dr David Masondo, will refer the Acupulco investment transaction matter to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). This follows a legal review following of the findings of a PwC forensic investigation into the transaction. The PIC had provided funding to the company to acquire a stake in the Lanseria Airport. “After receiving legal advice on 20 June 2026 regarding the implications of the PwC findings, the chairperson concluded that the matter should be referred to the SIU for further investigation and any action within its statutory mandate.…

Government will establish an Intelligent Population Register containing biometric data for every person in South Africa and introduce new regulations to prevent the misuse of Traffic Registration Numbers (TRNs). This is part of a broader effort to strengthen migration management while upholding constitutional values and human dignity. Addressing the nation on migration and illegal immigration on Sunday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa said government was taking decisive steps to strengthen identity management systems, close loopholes in immigration controls and improve enforcement against undocumented migration. At the centre of the reforms is the creation of an Intelligent Population Register that will use…

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…

President Cyril Ramaphosa says government will intensify efforts to grow the economy, create jobs and attract investment, despite growing global uncertainties that threaten South Africa’s economic recovery. Delivering the Presidency Budget Vote in the National Assembly on Tuesday, President Ramaphosa said the Presidency remains focused on driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and the cost of living, and building a capable and ethical State. The President said South Africa’s economic outlook has improved following years of challenges. “Following years of challenges, our economy is on the mend. The macroeconomic environment has improved, tax collection revenues remain strong, public…

The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (DMPR) has announced that petrol will increase by R1.43 this Wednesday, while the prices of diesel, paraffin and LP gas will decrease. The adjusted prices for this month are as follows: Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): R1.43 increase. Petrol 95 (ULP &LRP): R1.43 increase. Diesel (0.05% sulphur): R3.24 decrease. Diesel (0.005% sulphur): R2.61 decrease. Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): R5.96 decrease. Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin: R7.95 decrease. Maximum Retail Price of LP Gas: 17c per kg decrease and 20c per kg decrease in the Western Cape. “The average Brent Crude oil…

Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has outlined the government’s plans to combat misinformation, disinformation and malinformation, including proposals for a public fact-checking platform, restrictions on fake news broadcasts, and mandatory disclosure of AI-generated content on digital platforms. Tabling the Government Communication and Information System’s (GCIS) Budget Vote in Parliament on Wednesday, the Minister warned that digital media and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly being used as tools to spread false information. “South Africa’s situation is exacerbated by the fact that South Africans are rated as the topmost people propagandised people in the world in the Ipsos Perils of Perception…

Nearly 15 000 people have applied for the Gautrain’s discounted KlevaMova affordability product within its first year, with the initiative now accounting for approximately 11% of all Gautrain passenger trips. Launched in May 2025, KlevaMova offers qualifying passengers a 50% discount on Gautrain fares. The product is aimed at households earning R350 000 or less annually, as well as scholars, pensioners and South African Social Security Agency disability grant recipients. According to the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport and the Gautrain Management Agency, around 6 000 approved users are actively using the system after completing the required verification process.…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in terms of section 91(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, has removed Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, from her position.  Section 91(2) of the Constitution empowers the President to appoint and dismiss members of the Cabinet at his/ her discretion. In a brief statement issued on Thursday, the Presidency confirmed the immediate dismissal and announced an interim appointment to ensure continuity in the department’s operations. President Ramaphosa appointed Sindisiwe Chikunga to serve as acting Minister of Social Development with immediate effect, while a permanent appointment is expected to be made…

The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) is expected to receive almost R31 billion this year to maintain, rehabilitate, upgrade and expand the road network. “These funds will be used for capital expenditure on the non-toll network, the Gauteng Freeway Improvement project operations; the N2 Wild Coast route for ongoing construction on major bridges, and new road sections on our national highways as well as the development of the Moloto Road corridor,” Minister of Transport  Barbara Creecy said on Tuesday in Parliament. The Minister was tabling the Department of Transport’s R102 billion Budget Vote, aimed at building a transformed, inclusive and…

President Cyril Ramaphosa says he will not resign following last week’s Constitutional Court judgment on the Section 89 impeachment process linked to the 2020 theft at his Phala Phala farm. Addressing the nation at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Monday evening, the President said nothing in the Constitutional Court ruling compels him to step down from office, adding that resigning would undermine constitutional processes and efforts to renew the country’s institutions. “I, therefore, respectfully want to make it clear that I will not resign. To do so would be to preempt a process defined by the Constitution. To do…

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is inviting interested parties to submit bids in response to the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the appointment of a terminal operator to finance, operate, maintain, refurbish and/or construct a Liquid Bulk Terminal at the Port of Cape Town for a 25-year concession period. The project site is an existing brownfield development comprising a tank farm with eight storage tanks offering a combined storage capacity of approximately 44,430 m³, including an adjacent storage warehouse and admin building. The site allows for the interface with common-user berths at Tanker Basin 1 and Tanker Basin 2, supporting…

Cabinet has condemned the viral circulation of fake videos and images claiming to be of attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa. “The fake videos and images… are intended to undermine the good reputation of South Africa internationally and undermine South Africa’s pursuit of a better Africa agenda. “South Africans are within their right to protest against the spiralling illegal immigration challenge, but violence linked to those protests in the past is not acceptable and law enforcement must deal with the instigators of such violence,” said Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on Thursday at a post Cabinet briefing in…