Author: Agency

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,…

South Africa and China are at a crucial juncture in redefining their economic partnership, moving from a focus on raw material trade to a collaborative approach to industrialisation. This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who was speaking during a working dinner with the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) and Standard Bank at the China World Summit Wing Hotel Conference Hall in Beijing. “South Africa and China are at a pivotal moment to redefine our economic partnership, from raw material trade to co-industrialisation. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future that brings prosperity to our…

Government is following through on its commitment to invest more than R1 trillion in infrastructure over the next three years to renew the country’s roads, port, rail, energy and water systems. This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who presented The Presidency Budget Vote for the 2025/2026 financial year in the National Assembly in Parliament on Wednesday. The Budget Vote focused on the 7th administration’s three strategic priorities, including promoting inclusive growth, job creation, tackling poverty and the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. “South Africans benefit when the economy grows, when jobs are created,…

Despite facing ongoing challenges, South Africa’s supply chain sector is experiencing growth fuelled by a surge in e-commerce and advancements in technology. This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who was speaking at the opening ceremony of the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing on Wednesday. “Our business communities have been resilient and adapting through strategies like diversifying suppliers, holding more inventory, and investing in digital transformation,” he told delegates. Mashatile is in China for a strategic working visit, which began on Monday. Its aim is to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance economic cooperation between the two…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured South Africans that government is hard at work to safeguard the integrity and effectiveness of the police service. The President made these remarks in his weekly newsletter to the nation, just a day after announcing the establishment of a commission of inquiry to investigate serious allegations made by SAPS KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. “We have taken this decisive step because we are determined that the important work that has been done to rebuild our law enforcement agencies and security services should not be compromised. “It is necessary that we establish the facts…

Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber says government is laying the foundation for an ambitious plan to create South Africa’s first ever Digital ID system. “Home Affairs will shortly submit a Digital ID policy to Cabinet for approval to conduct public hearings. Beyond the material benefits, such as clamping down on fraud and enhancing inclusion, the Digital ID system will also restore the integrity and pride of our cherished South African identity,” said the Minister. He was delivering the department’s Budget Vote in Parliament on Tuesday. Schreiber said the department plans to deliver digital versions of enabling documents that can…

As the filing season for individuals is underway, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, has encouraged taxpayers to use SARS’s digital channels to engage with the organisation. “Taxpayers do not have to expose themselves to the elements in this cold weather and stand in queues. They can conduct their tax affairs in the comfort of their homes rather than pay taxi fares,” Kieswetter said on Monday. The Commissioner made these comments during his visit to the SARS’s Alberton Taxpayer Service Centre, where he reviewed the state of readiness as Auto Assessment begins, running from 7 to 20…

The Department of Home Affairs’ new identity verification service that enables government users and private sector clients to verify information against the National Population Register (NPR) is making progress since its rollout earlier this month. “The department is proud to report that it has already successfully onboarded government’s entire justice cluster to the upgraded service, which includes key public sector entities like the South African Social Security Administration (SASSA), the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. “This cluster alone is now successfully processing over 180 000 transactions per day through the new service,…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) e-recruitment site is continuing to receive large volumes of applications for the Basic Police Learning Development Programme (BPLDP).  The site, https://erecruitment.saps.gov.za/, was officially launched on Monday. READ | SAPS launches long awaited e-Recruitment drive In the first 24 hours, SAPS received in excess of 67 774 applications from various parts of the country. “SAPS is aware that the website is experiencing a delayed response due to traffic volumes. The Technology Management Services (TMS), inclusive of IT experts, is continuously monitoring the influx of applications. “Applicants are advised to be patient and to continue refreshing the careers…

Statistics South Africa has now commenced with the development of its digital business transformation strategy, which will guide the institution going forward. Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, outlined the institution’s plans when she tabled its Budget Vote in Parliament on Wednesday afternoon. “This strategy aligns with South Africa’s Roadmap for Digital Transformation of government that aims to, amongst others, enhance data exchange for improved access to information for improved service delivery. “Stats SA’s digital transformation journey commenced with the Household Survey programme, transitioning from a paper-based data collection approach to a computer assisted methodology, thereby streamlining survey operations, resulting…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) on Monday launched its much anticipated e-Recruitment drive on its official website for 5 500 aspiring police officers to join its ranks. For the first time in the history of the existence of the organisation, SAPS is utilising an Electronic Recruitment System, through which youth from all walks of life can submit their applications to be considered for entry level Police Trainee posts. The shift to a digital platform is expected to reduce paperwork, curb corruption and nepotism, and prevent lost applications. It will also enhance fairness, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and improve the integrity and…

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, on Monday announced that the department will on 1 July 2025 begin the rollout of an upgraded National Population Register (NPR) verification service to all companies and government users to verify identities with speed and reliability. This enhanced service, which will boost service delivery from government departments and enhance financial inclusion in the private sector, will be accompanied by tariff increases implemented after widespread public consultation and after concurrence was obtained from the Minister of Finance. The department has since 2013 provided the service – known as the online verification system (OVS) – to third…

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained a court order preventing former National Lotteries Commission (NLC) senior manager, Sanele Dlamini, from accessing his pension benefits until the finalisation of a civil case against him. The civil case relates to the alleged illegal disbursement of some R6 million in NLC funds signed off by Dlamini to the Motheo Sports and Entertainment Foundation. “The SIU’s investigation revealed that an NLC-funded project – a sports complex – was never initiated, and supporting documents, including progress reports and financial statements, were falsified. “Mr Dlamini, who facilitated the irregular disbursement of R3 million to the…

The South African government and the World Bank have signed a $1.5 billion or R27 billion Development Policy Loan Agreement that will assist in unlocking key infrastructure bottlenecks, particularly in the energy and freight transport sectors. In a statement on Monday, the National Treasury explained that the loan is aimed at supporting critical structural reforms to enhance the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of the country’s infrastructure services. The loan support is anchored on three key pillars of structural reform: improving energy security, enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of freight transport services, and supporting South Africa’s transition toward a low carbon…

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a freezing order from the Special Tribunal against a property allegedly purchased using funds misappropriated from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC). The funds were initially earmarked for community development initiatives. The tribunal’s order prohibits the sale or transfer of the agricultural holdings property in Centurion, Gauteng, pending the conclusion of civil proceedings to recover the misappropriated funds. SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the property is registered under Black Tshisimba (Pty) Ltd, a company owned by Collin Tshisimba, who has been implicated in other instances of NLC grant misappropriation, as part of ongoing investigations.…

The Special Tribunal has granted the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) an order to freeze assets – including luxury vehicles and property – worth some R20.3 million as part of an investigation into three alleged irregular Transnet property valuation contracts. The contracts have a value of some R89 million. “The order interdicts MM Real Estate (Pty) Ltd, Humphrey Tshepo Moyo, Neo Shown Matlala and any other party from selling, disposing, leasing, transferring, encumbering (including by granting rights of retention), transferring, donating, or dealing in any manner whatsoever to the frozen properties, pending the finalisation of civil proceedings,” the SIU said in…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has warned members of the public about a scam that continues to circulate in various provinces involving fraudulent letters and phone calls that falsely appear to originate from the SAPS. “These fake letters, often distributed via WhatsApp, bear the SAPS logo and contain the names, contact details of senior SAPS officers and the addresses of legitimate SAPS offices. In some instances, the scammers also use the names of police stations that do not exist,” the South African Police Service said in a statement. “The scammers use this information to deceive recipients into sharing personal…