Category: Government Opinion Pieces

The Presidency has addressed a misunderstanding regarding President Cyril Ramaphosa’s remarks at the SA-Nigeria Bi-National Commission on Tuesday, clarifying changes to the visa application process for Nigerian nationals.

South Africa has implemented modernised and streamlined visa application procedures as part of ongoing visa reforms to enhance economic activity, boost tourism and protect national security. These reforms aim to improve efficiency and convenience, without compromising the integrity of the visa system.

According to the Presidency, South African missions in Nigeria have introduced measures that simplify the process for prospective travellers. This forms part of the work underway to modernise and streamline visa application processes worldwide.

Applicants are no longer required to submit their physical passports at the time of application. Instead, they only need to provide certified copies of their passport biopage for initial processing. However, applicants must present their physical passports during the application process for verification and confirmation.

“Prospective travellers can apply for their visas without submitting their passports, along with their applications. At the time of application, they are only required to submit certified copies of the biopage of their passports, and their actual passports should also be availed during the application process for verification and confirmation.

“Once a visa has been approved, they are required to submit their passports for the process to be completed and for the visa to be affixed in the passport,” The Presidency explained.

The Presidency further explained that these changes have improved the customer experience, while ensuring the security and integrity of the overall visa application process.

With the public gearing up for the festive season, consumers will have to dig deeper into their pockets as the price of all grades of petrol has increased by 17 cents a litre.

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) announced the price increase of 93 (ULP & LRP) and 95 (ULP & LRP) by 17 cents on Tuesday.

As of Wednesday, a litre of 95 petrol now costs R21.47 in Gauteng from the R21.30 seen in November.

In the coast, a litre of 95 petrol now cots R20.68 from R20.51 seen in November.

Diesel (0.05% sulphur) has increased by 54.88 cents per litre while the price of Diesel (0.005% sulphur) has increased by 55.88 cents per litre.

The price of Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale) has risen by 48.88 cents per litre and the Single Maximum National Retail Price for illuminating paraffin (SMNRP) has increased by 66 cents per litre. Meanwhile, the maximum LPGas retail price has increased by R1.72.

The department said the average Brent Crude oil price decreased from 73.28 US Dollars (USD) to 72.70 USD during the period under review.

“The main contributing factors are the OPEC+ decision not to increase production in December and increased production from non-OPEC countries amid stagnant economic growth globally,” said the department.

In a statement, the department added that the average international product prices of petrol were affected by lower demand, a switch to cheaper winter gasoline as well as higher inventories.

“On the other hand, diesel and illuminating paraffin increased because of higher seasonal demand given the upcoming winter season in the Northern Hemisphere. LPG prices increased due to the increase in the prices of propane and butane. These factors led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 19.69 c/l, 23.83 c/l and 16.86 c/l, respectively.”

“The Rand depreciated on average, against the US Dollar (from 17.53 to 17.93 Rand per USD) during the period under review when compared to the previous one. This led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 22.35 cents a litre, 23.74 cents a litre and 23.62 cents a litre, respectively.”

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, has emphasised to his Nigerian counterpart the necessity for both nations to elevate investment and trade relations to a higher level.

“One of the overriding imperatives of our bilateral relations is the need to increase our investment and trade relations to higher levels.

“The relatively large sizes of our economies logically dictate that our economic collaboration should be yielding much bigger results,” Lamola said on Monday.

The Minister was speaking in Cape Town, where he co-chaired the Ministerial Meeting of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) with the Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

To enhance economic cooperation and build on established sectors that both investors have in the markets, Lamola said identifying bankable projects, especially in infrastructure development, is a key priority they should pursue together.

Lamola stressed the importance of expanding trade relations between South Africa and Nigeria, as well as utilising opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“Our bilateral trade needs to reflect the enormous potential that is abundant in our countries,” he added.

Lamola said strengthening people-to-people relations is essential for fostering understanding, friendship, and shared values.

He is of the view that this approach also promotes tourism, creative industries, sporting events, and collaboration in education and science.

“This will also allow our citizens to appreciate the rich tapestry of diverse cultures and heritage that exists in our respective countries.”

South Africa and Nigeria are this year marking 30 years of diplomatic relations, established in February 1994.

This morning’s session focused on strengthening relations and reviewing and evaluating the progress made in implementing the decisions from previous meetings.

“As we deepen bilateral collaboration, our countries cannot avoid the historical responsibility bestowed on us to be responsive to the challenges in our regions, the continent, and the international sphere,” Lamola said.

Nigeria has consistently advocated for an international system focused on peace in global relations among nations, Lamola said.

“Nigeria, like South Africa, puts a high premium on the promotion of dialogue and peace in resolving disputes among countries.

“[Nigeria’s] current and previous leadership of ECOWAS [Economic Community of West African States] illustrates this track record of highlighting the supremacy of diplomacy over confrontation.”

Lamola expressed concerns about the state of peace and security in some parts of Africa and globally.

“The world is becoming fragmented and fragile, challenging the foundations that are important for anchoring a peaceful world.

“Multilateralism is under threat as the temptation to resort to force is becoming a feature of inter-state relations in certain regions. Our continent is also grappling with a few conflict and war situations in some regions.”

As leaders seek to strengthen global institutions to be responsive to the needs of all States, Lamola said reform of some institutions has become paramount.

“It is important that progress is realised in the current engagements aimed at reforming the United Nations Security Council. This organ of the United Nations needs to be more inclusive.”

He also assured his counterpart that South Africa’s Group 20 (G20) Presidency, which the country assumed on Sunday, is committed to ensuring that African developmental priorities are highlighted.

“Once again, Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu, I welcome you and your delegation with open arms of friendship as we open this Ministerial segment.

“I look forward to the report of the officials and hearing your insights and perspectives on the matters we are about to deliberate upon.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa will co-chair the 11th Session of the BNC between South Africa and the President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday.

Government has appealed to South Africans not to block those people who want to register their spaza shops.

This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for all spaza shops and food-handling facilities to register with their respective municipalities as part of decisive measures to address the recurring foodborne illnesses that have claimed the lives of children across the country.

The interventions, the President explained, include getting hazardous pesticides off the street, protecting children from exposure to these substances, and the prevention of future outbreaks.

To ensure compliance, the President ordered that all spaza shops and food-handling facilities must register with their respective municipalities within 21 days.

Speaking during a media briefing hosted by Ministers leading the multidisciplinary teams in government responsible for the national response to instances of foodborne illnesses, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, appealed to the people of South Africa not to take the law into their own hands.

“We know some of them might have seen something wrong being done by South Africans assisting foreign nationals to register the spaza shops, but our call and our request [is] let us not take the law into our hands,” Hlabisa said.

Hlabisa assured that the system was not going to allow a spaza shop to be operated by a foreign national, even if the spaza shop is registered by a South African and given to a foreign national to operate.

“A person whom we registered as the owner of a spaza shop, is the one who must operate the spaza shop. If a person opts to allow another person to operate his or her spaza shop, [they] will have to go back to the municipality and get the approval.

“That is why we are appealing to the law enforcement agencies to assist in dealing with those who want to take the law into their hands…but that must be the last thing to do,” Hlabisa said.

READ I Government simplifies the process to apply for spaza shop permits

Hlabisa maintained that the 21 days given to the owners to register their businesses is sufficient.

“It takes only one day to register a business [and] people must not wait until the last day to register. If you want to do it on day 21, you might have some outstanding documents and cannot register.

“Twenty-one days is enough, but the call is go and register your business today, not tomorrow, then you won’t have a problem in terms of 21 days…it will be done,” the Minister assured.

The government has introduced a new standard draft by-law for township economies, which offers a simplified permitting and registration process.

The move is aimed at creating an enabling environment for small businesses in townships and supports conomic inclusion, job creation and community empowerment.

The by-law was issued in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act of 2000 by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs on 7 November 2024.

Work to establish a R500 million joint fund to support township and rural businesses – including local convenience shops – is underway.

This is according to Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Thembi Simelane who briefed the media on interventions to mitigate the uptick in foodborne illnesses in South Africa.

She said the departments tasked with overseeing the joint fund are already hard at work drafting standard operating procedures and guidelines on the use and accountability of the fund.

This work is expected to be completed within the next two weeks.

“In the short term, approved rural and township businesses will be supported through this fund to improve their infrastructure, regulatory compliance and capacity building.

“The operational fund application and disbursement process will commence as soon as the registration process is completed and will be subjected to ongoing auditing processes as an early warning system against potential anomalies and fraudulent activities,” she said.

The Minister explained that to qualify for the fund, a business owner must, among others, be “a South African citizen operating within the borders of the country and serving local communities”.

“The business must be registered with local municipality in accordance with the relevant by-laws and have valid registration with SARS. Funding will prioritise entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 years old with much emphasis on female-owned businesses.

“The Department of Small Business Development has started a process to create a nerve centre with geo-mapping capacity to centralise data on the township and rural economy.

“A national database of registered small businesses and spaza shops will strengthen our capacity to regulate the sector and to ensure effective compliance to avoid the recurrence of future outbreaks,” she said.

Delving further into the issue of the registration of small businesses and spaza shops, Simelane emphasised that lawfully, “every shop owner who is a legitimate trader and meets the legal requirements” is allowed to conduct business.

“In processing these applications for registration, the government will make every effort to ensure that account is taken of every legal prescript that allows people to do business in the country,” she said.

Since the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa that all spaza shops must be registered within 21 days, reports have surfaced of South Africans registering these localised shops on behalf of illegal foreign nationals.

This, Simelane said, is a concern.

“This is clear fronting, and we would like to warn everyone who is involved in this illegal activity to stop. The Immigration Act prohibits any person from aiding, abetting, assisting or enabling an illegal foreigner to obtain a licence on his or her behalf, to conduct any business or carry on any profession or occupation.

“Landlords are obliged by law to ensure that those who rent their premises to conduct businesses, comply with the provisions of the Immigration Act and the standard by-laws regulating local business in the municipalities in which they operate,” she said.

Turning to allegations that civil servants are also involved in the fraudulent processing of registrations, Simelane warned that the law would take its course.

South Africans are urged not to interfere with spaza shop registrations.

“The law enforcement agencies will clamp down heavily on extortionists who want to use this process to enrich themselves. Members of the public are urged to report any suspected corrupt activities through the National Anti-Corruption Hotline 0800 701 701.

“We want to appeal to the members of the public not to disturb the process of registration by blocking certain shop owners from participating in the process. This includes conducting unlawful inspections by members of the public, and other unauthorised bodies,” she said.

Due to load shedding being suspended for over seven months, Eskom’s diesel savings have reached R13.7 billion year-on-year.

In a statement on Friday, Eskom said load shedding has remained suspended for over seven months (219 consecutive days) since 26 March 2024.

“Investments in the Generation Recovery Plan have been instrumental in maintaining a stable power supply across South Africa, driving efficiencies, and achieving R13.7 billion in year-on-year diesel savings.

“On Monday, 28 October 2024, Eskom achieved a significant milestone in operational efficiency, moving closer to its goal of a 70% Energy Availability Factor (EAF) by end March 2025.

“This achievement is marked by a reduction in unplanned outages, which are measured by the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) and Other Capacity Loss Factors (OCLF), to 7 299MW. The last time Eskom reached a comparable UCLF milestone was four years ago,” the power utility said.

This achievement follows Eskom’s recent milestone of delivering the longest stretch of uninterrupted power supply in five years, reaching Day 206 of loadshedding suspension on Saturday, 19 October 2024.

“The reduction in unplanned outages means that more generation capacity is available to meet the country’s electricity demand. Additionally, it provides Eskom with the necessary capacity to conduct more planned maintenance activities, which are crucial for further improving the reliability and stability of the generation fleet,” Eskom said.

Eskom’s EAF increased to an average of 65 % over the past week and 63.1% year-to-date, with top-performing stations — including Grootvlei, Camden, Medupi, Lethabo, and peaking facilities — achieving over 70% EAF.

Five other power stations recorded EAFs above 60%.

“By Monday evening, an additional 4 030MW is expected to return online, with six units on cold reserve this weekend to manage supply and demand balance,” Eskom said.

In August, Eskom shared its Summer Outlook for the period from 1 September 2024 to 31 March 2025, predicting a likely scenario of a load shedding-free summer due to structural generation improvements. This outlook remains unchanged.

Illegal connections

While load shedding remains suspended, Eskom continues to face network overloading issues in certain local areas due to illegal connections, vandalism, meter tampering, unauthorised network operations, theft of network equipment, and purchasing electricity from unlicensed vendors.

“To prevent public safety hazards and the risk of network overloading which can lead to load reduction measures and extended unplanned power outages, Eskom strongly urges customers to avoid illegal connections, as this can negatively impact the entire local community. It is also essential for customers to ensure they purchase electricity only from authorised vendors,” the power utility said.

Eskom urged the public to help protect the integrity of the power network by reporting any illegal activities to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.

Meter updates

In addition, as the 24 November 2024 deadline approaches, Eskom has reminded customers to update their pre-paid meters to avoid them expiring and losing electricity.

READ | Eskom calls on prepaid customers to update meters before 24 November deadline

The simple, DIY process involves buying credit tokens from authorised vendors. Customers will receive two 20-digit codes to enter into their meters for the update.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) has advised the public that the Mpumalanga High Court will be open for business on Monday.

The Mpumalanga High Court was recently closed after an inspection by the Department of Labour and the subsequent findings that highlighted health and safety issues with the building.

On Saturday, the DOJ&CD met with the Departments of Employment and Labour (DEL), Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), Independent Development Trust (IDT) and the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) to determine a course of action in response to issues identified during a recent inspection of the Mpumalanga High Court conducted by DEL.

The prohibition notice was issued on 30 October 2024.

“Following representation made by the departments in relation to the areas identified to be addressed, it was resolved that the prohibition notice shall be suspended for a period of seven working days commencing on Monday, 04 November 2024.

“The suspension of the implementation of the prohibition notice will provide an opportunity for the department to address the issues raised in the prohibition notice,” DOJ&CD said.

The concerns raised by DEL relate to the following specific three areas:
•    Ensuring proper ventilation.
•    Provision of a report confirming the integrity of the structure.
•    Provision of the occupancy certificate.

The departments provided extensive feedback to DEL on matters relating to the prohibition notice and progress thereof.

“It is on the basis of the above that the extension was granted. The department remains committed to resolve the issues raised by DEL including ensuring the safety of staff, judiciary and members of the public.

“The discussions are still ongoing between the parties including the exchange of expert and technical reports to find a long-term solution to matters that were raised. During the suspension period, the department wishes to advise the public that the court will remain open on Monday, 04 November 2024,” DOJ&CD said.

The Standing Committee on the Auditor-General (AG) has welcomed the recovery and prevention of the R3.47 billion in financial losses by the Office of the Auditor General (AGSA) through the Material Irregularities (MIs) process.

This as the committee received a briefing from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) on its integrated annual report for the 2023/24 financial year.

“The AG has recovered R1.55 billion in financial losses; R1.14 billion in financial losses in the process of recovery and has prevented the financial loss of R0.78 billion for government departments, municipalities and entities.

“These successes show the importance of the execution of the new powers of the AG obtained through the amended Public Audit Act. In the year under review, the AG identified 626 MIs on non-compliance and suspected fraud,” the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on the Auditor-General Wouter Wynand Wessels said on Friday.

This resulted in 500 MIs on material financial loss, 51 MIs on substantial harm to the general public, 66 MIs on substantial harm to public sector institutions and 9 MIs on misuse on material public resource.

An MI is any non-compliance with legislation, fraud, theft or breach of fiduciary duty that could result in a material financial loss, misuse of public funds or substantial harm to a public sector institution or the public.

The amended Public Audit Act introduced the concept of MIs and expanded the powers of the AG to refer the MIs to relevant bodies for investigation if the accounting officer or authority does not take appropriate action to address them.

“The committee welcomes the AGSA’s culture shift strategy. This entails plotting auditees not only according to mere compliance, but also focusing on service delivery performance.  This shows that 23% of government departments and entities and 45% of municipalities are currently doing harm, while 40% of departments and entities and 43% of municipalities are not doing the basics.

“The committee commends the AG for receiving a clean audit opinion for the year under review. A functional office of the AG is important as it results in a positive shift towards accountability and public sector performance,” Wessels said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed a new National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) to oversee South Africa’s arms trade, in line with international standards.

The committee, chaired by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, includes 11 Ministers and Deputy Ministers, who will serve a five-year term, with Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, as the Deputy Chairperson.

In a statement on Monday, the Presidency said the appointments were made in terms of Section 5(1) of the National Conventional Arms Control Act of 2002.

In terms of Section 4 of the Act, the mandate of the NCACC is to implement government policy regarding trade in conventional arms in order to establish, apply and ensure a legitimate, effective and transparent control process, which conforms to international law, and the guiding principles and criteria set out in the same law.

“The committee is responsible for the control and regulation of trade in conventional arms, and the protection of South Africa’s economic and national security interests by ensuring adequate control of trade in conventional arms,” the Presidency said.

The NCACC is also tasked with fostering national and international confidence in South Africa’s arms control procedures.

The committee may conduct investigations, inspections and research related to conventional arms trade within or outside the country as needed.

President Ramaphosa has assigned these responsibilities to the newly appointed National Conventional Arms Control Committee which comprises:

– Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister in The Presidency (Chairperson);
– Andries Nel, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development (Deputy Chairperson);
– Angie Motshekga, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans;
– Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation;
– Thembi Simelane, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development;
– Senzo Mchunu, Minister of Police;
– Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation;
– Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition;
– Gen (Ret) Bantu Holomisa, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans;
– Dr David Masondo, Deputy Minister of Finance, and
– Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.

President Ramaphosa has extended his best wishes to the committee in fulfilling their mandate and contributing to South Africa’s commitment to responsible arms control.

With climate-driven events such as droughts and floods disrupting agricultural production across the continent, and leading to increasing food insecurity, government has called on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to act now against climate change.

“To counter this, it is essential to promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve irrigation systems, invest in agricultural research and technology, and develop resilient crop varieties,” Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, said on Wednesday in Durban.

He pointed out that Africa’s reliance on natural resources, rain-fed agriculture, and inadequate infrastructure makes it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The Deputy Minister was addressing the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA) Regional Conference, which is taking place under the theme: “SADC Sustainable  Synergies”.

Singh said integrated environmental management and social tools provide a comprehensive framework for sustainable development, one that balances economic growth, environmental conservation and social equity.

“This integrated approach is vital for addressing the many environmental challenges our continent faces, while simultaneously promoting inclusive growth and resilience. By embracing this method, we ensure that development is not only sustainable but also equitable, benefiting both present and future generations.

“The time to act is now. The environmental challenges we face do not respect borders or timelines, and every day we delay, the cost to our region and our people increases.

“As we transition our key economic sectors towards low carbon, climate resilient and a just society, it is important that our strategic, integrated and environmental impact assessments pay attention to the balance in social, economic and environmental aspects of sustainable development path and ultimately the achievement of our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC),” the Deputy Minister said.

He emphasised the importance of prioritising a sustainable just transition path that pays attention to addressing the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

South Africa’s just transition path

He said South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET) programme has emerged as a crucial response to the climate crisis, setting an ambitious course for the nation to shift away from coal, while building a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.

“The JET programme has already made strides in diversifying our energy mix by investing in renewable energy sectors such as solar, wind, and green hydrogen.

“We have closed some coal plants and retrained workers, ensuring that the transition is just and inclusive. This transformation is more than just an energy strategy; it is a fundamental reimagining of our future, one that presents profound opportunities for collaboration with SADC countries.

“By working together on cross-border energy projects, technology sharing, and capacity building, we can build a united front that not only mitigates climate change but also spurs economic growth and energy security across the region,” the Deputy Minister said.

He touched on the significance of regional cooperation, which is essential in the quest to balance environmental sustainability with economic development.

“This year marks six years since the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment appointed EAPASA as the sole registration authority under Section 24H of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).

“It is truly remarkable to witness how, in just six years, this young organization has successfully convened SADC members for the third time in such a short period. This achievement speaks to the tremendous commitment to our region and the greater cause of environmental stewardship.

“As we implement our individual laws and regulations, we must remain mindful that our true success will be measured by how well we collaborate. I urge you to envision the SADC region as a unified entity, one where our systems are integrated and harmonised to enable development that benefits not only our generation but those to come,” the Deputy Minister said.