Author: Agency
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…
South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant beneficiaries using the black Postbank cards as well as the gold SASSA cards have been urged to be wary of rising fraud scams targeting their cards and PIN information. In a statement on Friday, Postbank said a recent scam involves fraudsters impersonating Postbank officials and targeting social beneficiaries in their homes. “The beneficiaries are then duped into handing over their Postbank grant cards and PIN information under the pretext that there is something that requires fixing on the cards; or fear is instilled in them that they will not receive their future grant payments…
Cabinet has welcomed the launch of Operation New Broom, the latest technology-driven initiative by the Department of Home Affairs to combat illegal immigration. Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, launched the initiative last week. READ I Home Affairs launches programme to tackle illegal immigrants challenge Addressing the media in Cape Town on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said this demonstrated government’s commitment to fighting crime and maintaining the rule of law. Ntshavheni explained that the initiative uses technology to arrest, convict and deport illegal immigrants from the country. “The operation, has in its first phase, led to the arrest…
Government has so far disbursed R6 million out of R500 million in funding through the Spaza Shop Support Fund (SSSF) to eligible spaza shops and other food-handling outlets. The fund, aimed at increasing the participation of South African-owned spaza shops in the townships and rural areas retail trade sector, was launched last month. “This is moving in a slow pace due to all the parties that are involved in coordinating the work, which includes inspections, verification of citizenship as well as site and health inspections. “The fund will assist shop owners that met the deadline for the registration of an operating…
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is poised to launch separate investigations into the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) and Bushbuckridge Local Municipality in Mpumalanga Province. This after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed two proclamations authorising the corruption busting unit to probe the two entities. At the SITA, the SIU will investigate allegations of maladministration and corruption focusing on the procurement of a Turnkey Software Asset Management Solution and Integrated Logistics Support Services. “The SIU will assess whether the procurement process adhered to National Treasury guidelines or if it was tainted by irregularities, lack of transparency, or wasteful expenditure. Additionally, the investigation…
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has engaged its United States of America (USA) counterparts on the resettlement of South Africans claiming refugee status in that country. This follows reports that the US is preparing to fly at least 50 Afrikaaner South Africans to the US as early as this coming week. In a statement, DIRCO revealed that Deputy Minister Alvin Botes on Friday held a cordial discussion and raised concern with US Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, in this regard. DIRCO noted the internationally recognised definition of refugees, as set out in the 1951 Refugee Convention…
South Africa’s Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) is a “defining moment” not only for the country but for the entire African continent. This is according to Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, who was delivering remarks during the opening of the second G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting held in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday. “South Africa’s very proud to host the G20 for the first time on African soil. It’s a defining moment for South Africa and for the rest of the continent because the G20 nations represent 85% of the globally economy, 75% of international trade and 67% of the…
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has reiterated government’s commitment to an energy transition that is just and inclusive for all. The Minister was delivering the opening remarks at the G20 Energy Transitions Working Groups (ETWG) Technical Teams meeting held in Cape Town on Thursday. “We must affirm, unequivocally, that a successful transition is one that does not displace workers but rather, transforms their prospects. It must prioritise reskilling, protect livelihoods and anchor new industries that generate quality jobs. “The transition must not extract from the many to enrich the few but [it must] expand opportunity in a…
Great news for millions of South African grant beneficiaries is that SASSA Gold Cards will remain operational beyond 31 May 2025, ensuring uninterrupted access to social grants. The announcement made last week, comes as a relief for beneficiaries who have not yet migrated to the new Postbank Black Cards, putting an end to any uncertainty about payment disruptions. In a statement, Postbank reassured users that Gold Cards will continue to function across all payment platforms, including ATMs, retail stores, and POS devices. This means beneficiaries can still withdraw cash, make purchases, and access their funds as usual – no immediate…
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has encouraged all Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant beneficiaries to ensure that they do an identity verification. In a statement issued on Friday, SASSA Mpumalanga spokesperson Senzeni Ngubeni urged all beneficiaries that are required to go through this process to do so to avoid any delays. “There is no short cut. All beneficiaries that are required to go through this process, they must do it to avoid delays and disappointment of not receiving the grant. The main reason one would receive a “identity verification” status message is that the agency suspects fraudulent…