Author: Agency

The South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 7%, with the prime lending rate to also remain at 10.5%. This was announced by SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago following a meeting of the bank’s MPC. “Four members preferred to keep rates on hold, while two favoured a cut of 25 basis points. Since September last year, we have reduced rates by 125 basis points, and we want to see how this is affecting the economy, how expectations evolve, and how inflation risks are resolved. “The forecast has rates easing gradually, as…

Fresh off the introduction of its first electric vehicle (EV) fleet, Eskom has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with BYD Auto South Africa to support South Africa’s growing EV ecosystem. The MoC – dubbed a “Bold step in South Africa’s move toward cleaner mobility” by Eskom – will pave way for the support of the BYD Dolphin Surf Electric Vehicle and expand charging infrastructure for all South Africans. “Having successfully rolled out EVs within our fleet on 9 September 2025, we are ready to enable wider adoption by bringing practical and accessible charging infrastructure to South Africans. “Eskom is…

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has signed a landmark agreement with leading e-commerce business, Takealot Group, to expand youth skills development, bridge education-to-employment gaps, and support workforce growth in South Africa. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, at Takealot Group’s Distribution Centre in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, seeks to bridge the gap between education and employment by offering industry-relevant skills training and e-commerce business opportunities to young people through the Takealot Township Economy Initiative. Speaking at the signing ceremony on Wednesday, Gondwe welcomed the partnership, describing it as…

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has allocated R82 million for the procurement and implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system for South African football. “This initiative aims to enhance the integrity, fairness, and overall quality of domestic competitions by addressing ongoing concerns over refereeing decisions that have led to fan dissatisfaction and which stand to impact South Africa’s future standing among footballing nations if VAR is not adopted,” the department said on Thursday. This project is being implemented by the department, in close collaboration with the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Premier Soccer League…

Transnet has welcomed the arrest of five suspects for allegedly being in possession of copper cable worth approximately R3 million at an unregistered scrapyard in Gauteng. The arrest followed an intelligence-driven operation by a multidisciplinary team, which led them to a scrapyard in De Deur.  The team discovered large quantities of copper cable and seized homemade stoves, reportedly used to burn the copper. Preliminary investigations further established that the copper cable belonged to Transnet. The five suspects will soon appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on charges of possession of stolen infrastructure, dealing with second hand goods without a license…

A new wave of 45 000 job and training opportunities is coming to Gauteng as the provincial government prepares to launch the second round of the Nasi Ispani programme this Saturday. The initiative, described as a “transformative” tool to combat unemployment, develop skills and deter crime while building state capacity, specifically targets youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET). “In this year’s State of the Province Address, the Gauteng government reaffirmed its commitment to tackling unemployment as a primary focus. As a key part of this effort, the Nasi Ispani initiative will be relaunched on September 6. “Originally launched…

Some relief will be felt at the pumps this month when all grades of petrol and diesel record decreases from Wednesday. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has announced the following price adjustments: •    Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): 4 cent decrease. •    Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP): 4 cent decrease. •    Diesel (0.05% sulphur): 56 cent decrease. •    Diesel (0.005% sulphur): 57 cent decrease. •    Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): 37 cent decrease. •    Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin: 49 cent decrease. •    Maximum Retail Price of LPGas: R1.32 decrease and R1.51 decrease in the Western Cape “The average Brent Crude oil price…

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has instituted disciplinary proceedings against the department’s Director General (DG), Advocate Doc Mashabane. This as the department grapples with the circumstances leading to the delay in the commencement of the Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System – known as the Madlanga Commission. The Minister made the announcement during a media briefing on Tuesday afternoon. She explained that she was notified on Friday that the commission would not be able to commence hearings on 1 September as previously announced due to delays on the side of…

Chief Executive Officer of the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA), Kedibone Madiehe, has been placed on precautionary suspension with full pay while an investigation into allegations of misconduct concerning high-value procurement transactions is being conducted. According to media reports, Madiehe is being investigated for alleged procurement breaches costing the GPAA more than R1.2billion. The Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana on Friday, 22 August 2025, placed the Chief Executive Officer on suspension effective immediately. To ensure continuity of operations and effective leadership during this period, Job Stadi Mngomezulu, the Deputy Director-General of Corporate Services at National Treasury, has been seconded to…

Africa – and South Africa – must harness its rich endowment of critical minerals to create an industrial powerhouse which can lead the green energy revolution. This according to Gauteng Growth and Development Agency executive, Sthembiso Dlamini, who addressed the African Critical Minerals Summit in Johannesburg on Monday. The continent boasts vast deposits of minerals such as platinum, manganese and lithium which are critical for renewable energy technology. Dlamini noted that these minerals stand at the “centre of the global energy transition, technological advancement, and industrial development”. “From cobalt and lithium to rare earth and platinum group metals, Africa holds…

As a significant step towards opening South Africa’s rail network to private operators and reforming the rail sector, Transnet has completed the adjudication process of selecting new Train Operating Companies (TOCs). The participation of private operators will go a long way in increasing Transnet rail volumes and assist producers in the mining and agriculture sector meet rail cargo volume expectations to exporters as well as encourage the upgrade of the rail infrastructure. Briefing the media on the outcome of the application process for third-party participation of TOCs onto the Transnet rail network, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy said the Transnet…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape says it has noted with concern the increase in reports of ATM-related scams. “Criminals continue to target unsuspecting community members, particularly at busy cash points,” the South African Police Service said in a statement. The public is urged to remain vigilant and exercise caution when using ATMs. The following safety guidelines are strongly recommended: Always remain alert and aware of your surroundings before and after using an ATM. Never disclose your card or PIN (Personal Identification Number) to anyone. Do not write your PIN on your card or keep it…

While the tax administration is undergoing significant digital transformation globally, the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) has highlighted the critical role of the Ombud in ensuring fairness, equality and accountability in the evolution of tax administration. “As we look to the future, we must remember technology is a tool, not an end. A truly modern tax system is not only fast and efficient it is inclusive, transparent, and just,” Office of the Tax Ombud’s Acting CEO Mmamelao Malakalaka said on Monday. Addressing the 12th Annual Tax Indaba in Johannesburg, Malakalaka said research shows while urban taxpayers may benefit from…

After thorough consideration and consultation, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has upheld the 2017 decision to grant Eskom Environmental Authorisation to construct and operate a new nuclear power station in Duynefontein, Western Cape. The decision was upheld after appeals were made by various environmental organisations. “In considering these appeals, I have carefully reviewed the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAr), as well as the independent peer review conducted in respect of the project. “In the end, my decision was made in respect of the principles of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107…

South Africa cabinet has reaffirmed government’s commitment to finding constructive and sustainable solutions through ongoing engagements with the United States, including at a Presidential level. This follows the recent decision by US President Donald Trump to impose a 30% tariff on South African imports, effective 7 August 2025. The tariffs are expected to affect a number of key sectors, especially the automotive and agriculture. Briefing the media on Thursday in Pretoria, following Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting in Cape Town, Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, confirmed that Cabinet received an update on the Framework Deal with the US.  The agreement includes…

Petrol consumers will breathe a sigh of relief at the pumps this month, as the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has announced a decrease in the price of fuel for the month of August. Those who use diesel and paraffin, however, will have to dig deeper into their pockets, with prices set to increase. The fuel price adjustments for August are as follows: •    Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): 28 cent decrease. •    Petrol 95 (ULP &LRP): 28 cent decrease. •    Diesel (0.05% sulphur): 65 cent increase. •    Diesel (0.005% sulphur): 63 cent increase. •    Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): 32 cent increase. •    Single Maximum…

Government is creating an economic response package to address job losses and lessen the impact of the United States’ decision to impose a 30% unilateral tariff on its imports. This package will include the establishment of an export support desk and a localisation fund. This announcement was made in a joint media statement by the Ministers of the Departments of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) and International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). In May, South Africa submitted a comprehensive and ambitious framework deal aimed at addressing trade deficits and promoting mutually beneficial relations. The tariffs, set to take effect from 8…

Government has approved two additional guarantees totalling R94.8 billion for Transnet to help the state-owned logistics company meet its debt obligations, maintain adequate liquidity, and mitigate the risk of further credit rating downgrades. The first guarantee, worth R48.6 billion, is intended to ensure Transnet can meet all debt redemptions over the next five years, and ensure that the entity also maintains sufficient liquidity levels. “Government has also considered the impact of the credit downgrades on Transnet’s existing debt, and has therefore also approved R46.2 billion for it to mitigate the risks of such ratings actions on its debt. This additional…

South Africa and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have signed a $474.6 million loan agreement aimed at supporting the implementation of the Just Energy Transition (JET). The loan agreement with the AfDB follows the first policy loan concluded in 2023 to support South Africa’s Just Energy Transition. “This new agreement highlights the importance of South Africa’s partnership with the AfDB in advancing South Africa’s development agenda. It strengthens efforts to improve energy security measures, accelerate the decarbonisation of the economy, and enhance the socio-economic benefits of the energy transition enabling inclusive economic growth and fostering job creation,” National Treasury said…

National Treasury has isolated servers that were compromised by a malware intrusion on its Infrastructure Reporting Model (IRM) website, the online infrastructure reporting and monitoring system. Treasury will assess the IRM servers for the magnitude of the compromise and to ensure the security of its systems. “Considering recent media reports since Sunday regarding security incidents affecting Microsoft platforms in the United States, National Treasury has requested Microsoft’s assistance in identifying and addressing any potential vulnerabilities within its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) environment. “Despite these events, National Treasury’s systems and websites continue to operate normally without any disruption. “National Treasury’s…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded BMW South Africa’s launch of the locally produced BMW X3 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) as a significant leap toward a low-carbon future and a boost for South Africa’s industrial and economic growth. Speaking at BMW’s Rosslyn plant in Tshwane on Thursday, the President praised the milestone as a symbol of trust in the country, as well as a demonstration of BMW Group’s long-standing commitment to the South African market. The President highlighted that this world-class facility was the first BMW plant to be built outside of Germany and has been at the centre of…

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is making “significant progress” in clearing obstacles, with a clear view to enhance economic growth. Last week, government released the report on Operation Vulindlela, detailing the government-wide initiative, which is aimed at accelerating progress on economic reform. “This report shows that the economic reform programme is making steady progress, opening the way to more rapid, inclusive and sustainable growth and job creation. We established Operation Vulindlela in the Sixth Administration to remove the binding constraints that have long held back our economy’s growth: an unreliable energy supply, inefficient rail…

Parents and guardians have been reminded that the Gauteng Department of Education’s (GDE) 2026 Online Admissions Application period for Grades 1 and 8 will open in the new week. The admission system is only meant for parents and guardians with children going to Grade 1 and/or Grade 8 in 2026. It will go on live on Thursday, 24 July 2026, at 8am for Grade 1 and 8 applications. “Parents with children that are currently in Grade R must also apply online for their children to be admitted to Grade 1 for 2026 in line with Admissions Regulations. There is no…

The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) has warned the public of fake social media accounts falsely claiming to be that of Chief Justice Mandisa Maya. “We wish to categorically state that Chief Justice Maya does not have any personal or official social media accounts on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter/X or TikTok. “It is not advisable to engage with any social media accounts/profiles claiming to be that of Chief Justice Maya,” the OCJ said in a short statement. The public is urged to report the fake profiles. “If any communication is received, purported to be from the Chief Justice,…

With the surge in natural disasters in the last decade, the Governor of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), Lesetja Kganyago, has called on leaders in the Group of Twenty (G20) to bridge the gap in the natural catastrophe insurance protection gap. The gap refers to the difference between total economic losses and insured losses caused by natural catastrophe (NatCat) events. “Addressing the Natural Catastrophe Insurance protection gap is both urgent and consequential for both developed and emerging market economies. “The frequency and intensity of natural disasters are increasing, causing significant damage to property and infrastructure, impacting lives and livelihoods,…