Category: Key Issues

Spaza shop owners and vendors have until the end of the day to register their businesses with their local municipalities.

“Spaza shops must be registered to ensure that food safety laws are followed, and dangerous goods are taken off the market, keeping children safe and preventing future outbreaks,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said in an earlier statement.

The deadline for registration of businesses is today, Friday, 28 February 2025.

Application forms for registration or permits to conduct business can be accessed physically at municipal offices or on the municipality’s website.

The registration of a business takes one day.

“Citizens are reminded that registering a spaza shop on behalf of another person is a criminal offense. The Immigration Act of 2002 clearly states that it is a criminal offense to assist an illegal foreigner to conduct any business in the country and to assist an illegal foreigner to obtain a licence to conduct any business,” the GCIS said.

For guidelines on spaza shop registrations visit: https://www.sanews.gov.za/features-south-africa/guide-register-spaza-shops.

Last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa extended the registration deadline for all spaza shops and food handling outlets after initially announcing the registration directive in November 2024.

This extension follows a serious incident involving foodborne illnesses, which resulted in over 890 cases and nearly 30 deaths since September 2024.

In October last year, six primary school children from Naledi, Soweto, died after allegedly eating snacks from a foreign-owned local spaza shop.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a yellow level 2 heavy rain warning for KwaZulu-Natal.

This follows widespread flooding that has claimed the lives of nine people.

In a statement released Monday afternoon, the weather service warned of disruptive rainfall leading to localised flooding in susceptible areas, including formal and informal settlements, roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure in the province’s extreme northeastern regions.

On Tuesday, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli visited the families of those affected by the recent severe weather conditions in the KwaMakhutha Township, south of Durban.

The floods have claimed the lives of three people, including the families’ graves, which were washed away due to the persistent rainfall in eThekwini and surrounding areas of the province.

The three affected families reside in KwaMakhutha, Mbumbulu, and Folweni.

Premier Ntuli expressed his condolences and reassured the public that the provincial government was taking immediate steps to provide assistance.

Ntuli said the MECs have already visited the area to assess the situation and ensure that those affected are not enduring further hardships.

He said the provincial government was committed to providing the necessary support, including temporary shelter and fixing the stormwater drainage system.

The Premier underscored the importance of allocating people in strategic areas, where they would be less vulnerable to floods.

“We asked the traditional leaders, when they allocate land for building houses, to consider flood-prone areas. Even in informal settlements, people must avoid building on land in floodplains,” Ntuli said.

While the provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has a comprehensive disaster response plan in place designed to provide immediate assistance during and after such crises, the Premier stressed that prevention remains a top priority.

“We must prioritise early intervention over waiting until lives are lost. It is essential that people in KwaZulu-Natal observe the warnings given by weather service and CoGTA,” Ntuli said.

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has condemned the brutal murder of Imam Muhsin Hendricks who was gunned down on Saturday while attending a wedding in Gqeberha.

Hendricks is a renowned Muslim scholar and an avid advocate for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) rights having served a number of organisations championing the cause for equality along gender lines within the Muslim faith.

Hendricks became the first Imam in the world to come out as gay in 1996 and was since removed from his position for coming out.

He is the founder of the Inner Circle, a global Muslim community advocating for a society free from discrimination based on religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

He also established the LGBTQIA+ inclusive Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque where there is no gender segregation.

Recently, Hendricks led the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, which provides psycho-spiritual and social support to Muslims marginalised due to sexual orientation, gender identity, and belief.

Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Deputy Minister, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, said the murder of Hendricks was a stark reminder that the LGBTQIA+ community in South Africa continues to experience discrimination and hate crimes, despite the nation’s progressive legislation, such as the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act (2023), enshrined in part to protect the rights of the queer community.

Letsike recalled brave words uttered by Hendricks as he advanced the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights in the Muslim faith, as he said: “The need to be authentic was greater than the fear to die.”

“This brutal murder is not just about Imam Hendricks, it is a direct assault on all movements, organisations and persons advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights in South Africa. We call on the South African Police Services and all law enforcement agencies, to strengthen their investigation, and track the persons responsible for justice to prevail.” Letsike said.

🚨 URGENT: SASSA Gold Cards Will Stop Working Soon – Get Your New Postbank Black Card NOW! 🚨

📅 Deadline: 28 February 2025

Time is running out! If you rely on a SASSA Gold Card to receive your grant, you must switch to the new Postbank Black Card before 28 February 2025 – or you will have trouble with your transactions after the deadline. 

All SASSA Gold Cards will be deactivated on 28 February 2025, regardless of the expiry date printed on them. The SASSA grants payments that started in the week of 4 – 6 February 2025 will be the last payments that will be made with SASSA Gold Cards. After that, you’ll need a Postbank Black Card to access your funds.

✅ How to Get Your Free Postbank Black Card:

Visit your nearest Checkers, Shoprite, Pick ‘n Pay, Usave, or Boxer and collect your card hassle-free.

You only need:
✔️ Your valid South African ID (or temporary ID).
✔️No extra paperwork.

💳 No waiting period!  

✔️ Instant activation – You can use the Black Card immediately!
✔️ It works at ATMs, stores, and anywhere that accepts bank cards.

✔️ Enjoy FREE benefits:

• 1 Free card replacement per year.
• 3 Free withdrawals in stores per month.
• 1 Free monthly statement over the counter.

📍 Find the Nearest Collection Point:

Dial 📲 120218*3#, then:
1. Reply 1 to continue
2. Reply with the number for your province

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Switch today and avoid payment issues.

For help, call Postbank: 0800 53 54 55 or SASSA: 0800 60 10 11.

📢 Spread the word – tell family and friends to switch NOW!

The clock is ticking for spaza shop owners and food businesses to register with their municipalities or face legal repercussions.

The deadline for registration is 28 February 2025.

📢 Why shop owners must register now

In November 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that spaza shop owners and food businesses had 21 days to register their businesses with their respective municipalities.

This followed hundreds of cases of foodborne illnesses in parts of the country, where nearly 30 people, including children, passed away after consuming snacks purchased at some spaza shops last year.

SAnews Report | Law enforcement urged to act on shops selling expired food

After the directive was issued by the President in November, an extension was granted for spaza shops and other food handling outlets to register by 28 February 2025, as reported by SAnews.

READ | Deadline for spaza shop registrations extended to February 2025

The directive to register spaza shops is meant to prevent dangerous foodborne illnesses and protect communities.

📍 Where to register

✅Business owners must visit their municipal registration centre on business days only (public holidays & weekends excluded).
✅ Call the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) at 086 010 3703 or 012 748 9600 for support.

🚫 Non-compliance will not be tolerated. Law enforcement and health inspectors will deal with unregistered businesses and ensure strict food safety regulations are followed.

🚨Register today and protect your business, your customers, and your community.

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced the adjustment to the toll tariffs effective from 1 March 2025.

The tariffs are adjusted annually in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as obtained from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).

The annual toll tariffs will increase by 4.84%, as published in the Government Gazette of 7 February 2025. This rate is less than last year’s 6.25% adjustment.

SANRAL’s General Manager for Communications and Marketing, Vusi Mona, explained that toll revenue is necessary to maintain, operate and improve toll roads, as well as to service debt incurred to implement a toll road project.

“The funds go a long way towards ensuring that SANRAL fulfils its mandate of delivering quality road infrastructure that adds value to the lives of South African citizens,” Mona said on Monday.

He further said that key economic infrastructure, such as the national road network, is a precondition for providing basic services such as electricity, water, sanitation, telecommunications and public transport.

“This road network therefore needs to meet industrial, commercial and household needs. SANRAL is empathetic to the South African public, considering the current state of the economy. However, it is equally important to introduce the adjustments to ensure that the agency continues to deliver safe and quality roads to the benefit of all road users,” Mona said.

SANRAL is an entity of the Department of Transport

The process to identify 13 accident victims killed in a crash along the R40 road near Kapama in Hoedspruit, Limpopo, is set to get underway.

This as the Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provincial Governments will work together to identify victims of the accident that occurred on Saturday, 08 February.

A task team has been established and is scheduled to convene on Tuesday to commence with the identification process.

The fatal collision between a Toyota Quantum and a Ford Ranger, resulted in both vehicles being completely burnt with passengers trapped inside.

According to police reports, the Toyota minibus taxi, which was carrying nine passengers along with the driver, was involved in a head-on collision with the Ford bakkie which had five occupants.

“Sadly, all 10 people in the Quantum perished on the scene. It is believed that the occupants of the Quantum are from Mpumalanga province.

“Three passengers from the Ford Ranger also lost their lives, while three others sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital for medical treatment,” the Limpopo Provincial Government said on Monday.

READ | At least 13 die in Limpopo crash

In response to this tragedy, the Limpopo Provincial Government has established a team comprising officials from the Department of Health and the Department of Transport and Community Safety.

This team will work closely with officials from the Mpumalanga Provincial Government to facilitate the identification process and conduct DNA tests to ensure a dignified handover of the deceased to their families.

Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has commended the MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye and her team for their swift response following the accident.

The Premier has expressed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

She also extended her sympathies to the Mpumalanga government, as some of the deceased were from the neighbouring province.

“This is a heart-breaking tragedy, and our thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this devastating accident. As we mourn, we also call for vigilance on our roads to prevent further loss of life. Our government will provide the necessary support to assist the affected families during this difficult time,” Ramathuba said.

Eskom has issued an alert for a high risk of load shedding “at short notice”.

The power utility has not implemented rolling black outs for at least 10 months owing to the implementation of the Energy Action Plan and Generation Recovery Plan.

Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, explained that there had been several breakdowns over the past week which may result in Stage 4 load shedding over the weekend.

“This is a potentially temporary setback. Load shedding is largely behind us due to the structural improvements in our generation fleet. However, over the past seven days, we have experienced several breakdowns that require extended repair times.

“This has necessitated the use of all our emergency reserves, which now need to be replenished. Consequently, we are closely monitoring the status of our current emergency reserves, and load shedding up to Stage 4 may be implemented over the weekend,” Marokane said.

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, on Wednesday said operations at the Groblers Bridge port of entry into Botswana are still temporarily suspended due to heavy rainfall, which caused significant flooding at the various operational areas.

“We are pleased to announce that the floodwaters have now subsided, allowing for an assessment of the port infrastructure,” Masiapato said.

Masiapato said a thorough inspection was conducted by experts from various engineering disciplines to determine the extent of the damage caused by the flooding.

According to Masiapato, following the assessment conducted at the port of entry, a comprehensive project plan has been developed to address the necessary repairs and ensure the port’s readiness for operational resumption.

The key activities in the project plan include the repairing of identified damages to the port infrastructure. Water quality tests will also need to be conducted to ensure the environment is safe for operations.

Masiapato said water underground will need to be allowed to be completely dry in order to carry the weight of the cargo trucks that pass through the port.

“It is anticipated that the repair and restoration process will take approximately six days to complete.

“Upon completion of these activities, the Groblers Bridge port of entry will be fully operational, resuming its critical role in facilitating cross-border movement and trade between South Africa and Botswana,” Masiapato said.

The BMA remains committed to ensuring the safety and functionality of all ports of entry, recognising their importance in enabling economic activity and connectivity.

Masiapato said the BMA is in continuous engagement with its counterparts in Botswana at all times on these matters and further updates will be provided as progress is made.

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has raised serious concerns about the relentless wave of infrastructure destruction, including the theft of aluminum and cables, the vandalism of traffic lights and railway lines, and the destruction of pylons.

In a recent incident, the department condemned the brazen actions of armed criminals who targeted government properties to steal steel, aluminum, and other valuable materials.

Late last night, security personnel at Public Works House, located in the Central Business District (CBD) of Pretoria, thwarted an attempted robbery by a group of armed intruders. The suspects were attempting to steal aluminum and steel infrastructure, including furniture, from the government premises.

The confrontation resulted in two suspects being shot after the group, armed with dangerous weapons, forcibly infiltrated the guarded property. The attackers are believed to be part of a notorious syndicate involved in the vandalism and theft of metals for sale in the scrap metal market.

Some of the suspects reportedly carried machetes (commonly referred to as pangas) to intimidate and attack security guards. Despite the violent encounter, the security team responded swiftly, wounding two intruders while others managed to escape.

“There have been numerous incidents of vandalism reported at various properties within the CBD area of Tshwane, with Public Works House being a frequent target,” the department stated. It added that fencing had also been repeatedly dismantled and stolen from government properties.

The department expressed concern that some of these crimes may be linked to individuals addicted to substances like nyaope, who sell stolen materials to scrap metal dealers for quick cash.

“The flourishing scrap metal industry and its apparent link to stolen materials are having a devastating impact on critical infrastructure and the broader economy,” the department warned.

The injured suspects were transported to a hospital, while some of the security personnel involved in the incident have been questioned as part of an ongoing police investigation.

“As investigations continue, security measures will be heightened to protect all public assets which must be used for public good,”  the statement concluded.