Category: News

The South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has decided to reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points, with effect from 30 May.

This reduces the prime lending rate from banks to 10.75 %.

Five members favoured this action, while one preferred a cut of 50 basis points.

“Looking forward, we have revised down our inflation forecasts. This reflects the lower starting point, as well as a stronger exchange rate assumption and lower world oil prices.

“These factors offset pressure on fuel costs from the higher fuel levy announced in the Budget. In addition, our previous forecast included VAT increases, which have since been cancelled,” SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago said on Thursday, while delivering the Monetary Policy Committee statement.

The inflation was below 3% again in April. The undershoot of the target mainly reflects falling fuel costs, but underlying inflation is also well contained. Core inflation came in at 3%, at the bottom of SARB target range.

“Now that inflation has slowed, we have a chance to lock in lower inflation at low cost. This scenario illustrates that opportunity,” Kganyago said.

While the inflation outlook appears benign, the MPC considered an adverse scenario, which illustrates the upside risks.

“This was based on a global slowdown, triggered by escalating trade tensions, where the rand depreciates sharply. The scenario showed how a country with some fundamental vulnerabilities, like South Africa, risks stagflation, with growth moving lower while inflation rises due to currency weakness. In these conditions, monetary policy tightens to stabilise the macroeconomy.

“The threat of rand depreciation that we warned of at our last meeting, given both global and domestic factors, manifested last month, with the currency briefly touching a multi-year low against the US dollar. However, the exchange rate has since recovered, and conditions seem more settled than they did in March, even if the global environment remains uncertain,” he said.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) projections were trimmed and the growth was currently expected at 1.2% this year, rising to 1.8% by 2027.

“The global environment remains difficult, which makes domestic reform critical for achieving healthy growth. The SARB’s main contribution is to deliver price stability, and we see scope to lock in low inflation and clear the way for sustainably lower interest rates.

“Additional measures that would improve economic conditions include reaching a prudent public debt level, further repairing and strengthening network industries, lowering administered price inflation, and keeping real wage growth in line with productivity gains,” Kganyago said.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is encouraging all applicants for the disability grant to use their online platform to book for disability-related assessments.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Agency said the platform allows beneficiaries to access SASSA services in their comfort zone, save money on transport, and avoid long queues.

“This programme is not meant to prevent beneficiaries and applicants from going to SASSA offices. Those who do not have access to the internet are encouraged to visit SASSA offices to book for their assessment.

“After the assessment, the applicant can complete the application online and submit it. Before uploading the required documents, the applicant must ensure that all documents are certified, valid within six months, and that the information in the documents is accurate,” SASSA said.

To avoid scammers, beneficiaries are urged not to seek assistance from strangers and avoid exposing personal information to unreliable people.

“If an applicant fails to access SASSA services online, they can visit the SASSA office for assistance,” the Agency said.

The requirements for the disability grant are as follows:

• Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee permanently residing in South Africa
• 18-59 years of age
• Undergo a medical assessment confirming disability
• Provide a referral form duly completed by a treating facility
• Applicant and spouse must be subjected to the means test
• Not be maintained or cared for in a state-funded institution
• Not be in receipt of another social grant in respect of themselves
• Submit a 13-digit barcoded identity document for self and spouse. In the absence of an ID card or birth certificate, an alternative identification prescribed by SASSA will be acceptable

For more information, beneficiaries can contact toll-free during working days/hours at 0800 60 10 11 / [013] 754 – 9428/9363 during working hours Monday – Friday, and WhatsApp 082 046 8553.

Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike, has condemned the alleged rape of a trainee by a police instructor at the South African Police Service (SAPS) Training Academy in Tshwane.

According to reports, the trainee was walking with her platoon to their sleeping quarters when the police captain, who is also an instructor, called her to his office.

Once inside, he allegedly locked the door and threatened her with a misconduct charge related to a previous incident in April, where the police captain accused the trainee of failing to salute him.

Letsike commended the swift action taken by SAPS in arresting and removing the accused officer, who was taken into custody following the incident, which allegedly occurred on Tuesday, 6 May 2025.

“We welcome the swift action taken by [Police] Minister, Senzo Mchunu, in calling for the arrest and removal of the perpetrator from the SAPS institutions,” Letsike said.

Letsike described the incident as a “despicable act of violence”, emphasising that such abuse against any vulnerable member of community, particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities, must be addressed with the utmost seriousness.

“The perpetrator must be brought to book, and let it be a clear and resounding message that no one is above the law,” the Deputy Minister said.

The Deputy Minister reiterated the department’s call for the protection of vulnerable groups by all members of society, especially law enforcement agencies entrusted with safeguarding the public.

She joined voices with Mchunu in calling on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to expedite the investigation processes and ensure that internal disciplinary procedures are strictly followed.

She also urged the IPID to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is served, and that internal processes are followed diligently.

The suspect made his second appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate’s court last week Thursday.

The case against suspect was postponed to Friday, 23 May 2025, to allow IPID to conduct further investigation into other alleged sexual assault incidents against the police officer.

South Africa has suspended imports of live poultry, eggs and fresh (including frozen) poultry meat from Brazil following an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The decision comes after a report from Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, confirming an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1 – clade 2.3.4.4b) on 15 May 2025.

The virus was detected in breeding chickens at an establishment located in the municipality of Montenegro, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Department of Agriculture announced that no new import permits will be issued for the affected products.

However, the department noted that the import of consignments containing poultry products that were packed in their final packaging, on or before 30 April 2025, and heat-processed poultry products, where the risk of transmitting the virus has been mitigated, will still be allowed.

“An urgent Chief Veterinary Officer to Chief Veterinary Officer meeting was held on 19 May with the purpose of getting an update on the outbreak from Brazil and the deployed disease control strategy. It was agreed in this meeting that Brazil will provide additional information for South Africa’s consideration,” the department said.

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) will inject over R381 million into the Post Office to save nearly 6 000 jobs, Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has announced.

This comes after an agreement was signed by the South African Post Office (SAPO) and the UIF to provide immediate financial relief to 5 956 employees while enabling the post office to implement a sustainable turnaround strategy.

Through the Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (TERS), the UIF will inject over R381 million into SAPO over a six-month period.

“This is a bold and necessary step to protect workers and restore confidence in our public institutions. The TERS programme is not just a financial mechanism, it is a strategic tool to stabilise employment, support economic recovery, and ensure that no worker is left behind,” Meth said on Sunday.

The UIF and the post office have formally entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), marking the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two entities.

The Minister emphasised that the funding will be disbursed in monthly tranches through a dedicated TERS bank account, with strict governance, auditing, and compliance measures in place.

SAPO is required to submit regular reports, maintain transparent accounting records, and implement a detailed turnaround strategy as a condition of the funding.

This intervention follows a rigorous adjudication process by the TERS Single Adjudication Committee (TERS SAC), which includes representatives from the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), the Department of Higher Education, the Department of Small Business Development, and other key stakeholders.

The Minister has reaffirmed government’s commitment to working with all social partners to drive inclusive economic growth and protect the dignity of workers across the country.

Home Affairs offices have extended their operating hours in May due to the uptake of Smart ID cards by naturalised citizens and permanent residents from visa exempt countries.

The extension on Saturdays came into effect on 17 May and will continue until 31 May 2025.
This means that offices will open from 8 am until 1 pm.

“The Department of Home Affairs will extend its operating period by five hours on Saturdays in May 2025 at front offices to assist naturalised citizens and permanent residents to apply for Smart ID Cards.

“Extended hours over the specified weekends will allow for processing of Smart ID Card applications from naturalised citizens and permanent residents from listed countries, in possession of green barcoded ID books,” said the department in a statement.

READ | Home Affairs commends uptake of Smart IDs for naturalised citizens, permanent residents

The department encouraged naturalised citizens and permanent residents from listed countries to make use of this opportunity.
“This will take us closer to fully adopting the more secure Smart ID Card and doing away with the green bar-coded ID book.

The listed countries can be found here: : https://bit.ly/smartidcards-naturalised-and-pr

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it will continue with its appeal of the Timothy Omotoso acquittal judgement despite his departure from South Africa.

Omotoso, who was acquitted of charges including rape, racketeering and human trafficking, left South Africa on Sunday.

“The South African legal system does not require active participation or presence of an accused person during the hearing of an appeal by a court. An appeal process requires the involvement of the legal teams of the appellants and respondents, the Registrar of the High Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), as well as the judiciary.

“Timothy Omotoso is not a fugitive from justice; there are no legal grounds to prevent him from leaving the country. His departure means that person considered undesirable, is no longer enjoying his life in this country, pending the outcome of the appeal, which could take a long time to finalise,” the NPA said in a statement on Monday.

Furthermore, if successful, the prosecutorial body will apply for his extradition back to the country.

“The NPA will utilise all existing bilateral, regional and international cooperation treaties and mechanisms to ensure he is extradited to South Africa. These include our bilateral extradition treaty with Nigeria and the Commonwealth Scheme for extradition,” the statement concluded.

READ | NPA to appeal Omotoso judgement

At a recent media briefing, Cabinet noted and welcomed the NPA decision to appeal the recent acquittal of Omotoso and his two co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho.

Meanwhile, the Department of Home Affairs has noted Omotoso’s departure.

READ | Omotoso faces contravention of Immigration Act charges

The department had taken the controversial pastor to court for alleged contravention of the Immigration Act.

“This comes after the Minister of Home Affairs rejected an application submitted by Omotoso in terms of section 8(7) of the Immigration Act that sought to overturn an earlier decision of the Department to declare Omotoso as a prohibited person. The Minister’s decision meant that Omotoso was illegally in the Republic of South Africa.

“Upon his departure, Omotoso was still a prohibited person and given that he was illegally in the country, he was issued with a notification as an undesirable person, meaning that he will not be able to return to the country for five years.

“On expiry of that five-year ban, he will have to apply for his prohibition to be uplifted in terms of section 29 of the Immigration Act. The Department of Home Affairs continues to be guided by our unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law without fear or favour,” the department said.

Yesterday marked a milestone in South Africa’s fight against corruption with the inaugural meeting of the Water Sector Anti-Corruption Forum (WSACF).

The WSACF is based on Pillar Six of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS), which emphasises the protection of vulnerable sectors and the enhancement of integrity management and anti-corruption mechanisms.

This pillar aims to reduce corruption and unethical behaviour in the sectors most at risk by implementing effective risk management strategies and establishing consequences for non-compliance.

The initiative aligns with Priority Three of the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG), which seeks to enhance and mobilise the inclusive participation of the public sector, private sector, civil society, and academia to prevent and combat corruption.

The WSACF is a strategic intervention aimed at developing tailored solutions to address corruption risks in the water sector.

By adopting a risk-based approach, the forum will focus on investigation, prevention, and enforcement to safeguard South Africa’s water resources, which are essential for sustainable development.

“The establishment of the forum follows the findings from 14 Special Investigating Unit (SIU) proclamations related to the Department of Water and Sanitation. With eight investigations completed and five still active, the need for a coordinated anti-corruption response in water management has never been clearer,” the Special Investigating Unit said in a statement.

“The inaugural meeting follows the 15th Commonwealth Regional Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa, held in Cape Town from May 5-9, 2025,” the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) said.

During the conference, chairpersonship of the association transitioned from Ghana to South Africa, with Advocate Andy Mothibi of the SIU assuming the role for 2025–2026.

The theme was: “Enhancing Inclusive Participation of State and Non-State Actors to Prevent and Combat Corruption”, highlighting the need for collaboration in the fight against corruption.

The WSACF also aligns itself with the goals of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, which focuses on water security and sustainable development.

It also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of clean water and sanitation for everyone.

The WSACF embodies the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 vision of a corruption-free South Africa while supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which ensures access to clean water and sanitation for all.

The forum brings together a broad coalition of stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, Chapter 9 institutions, civil society organisations and water activists, the public sector, regulators, traditional and religious leaders, organised labout and water conservation and environmental groups.

This collaborative model strengthens accountability, closes gaps, and implements measurable and actionable prevention plans. Importantly, the forum will also hold anti-corruption agencies accountable, ensuring transparency and effectiveness in their operations.

The WSACF supports anti-corruption initiatives in the water sector and fosters collaboration among stakeholders to combat corruption effectively.

The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, called for and welcomed the establishment of the WSACF.

Police have launched an investigation into allegations of corruption at the Mthatha High Court in the Eastern Cape.

This after reports that officials at the court are allegedly embroiled in a bribery scheme – soliciting payments from advocates to perform tasks already within the ambit of their jobs, including finding files that have seemingly gone missing, transcriptions and allocating dates for trial.

According to the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ), Chief Justice Mandisa Maya visited the court on Monday and met with Acting Judge President of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Judge Zamani Nhlangulela, on Tuesday.

“The Chief Justice received a briefing on the ongoing investigation by the OCJ pertaining to allegations of corruption the department first became aware of in December 2024.

“In this regard, the Chief Justice was assured a case had been opened with the South African Police Service and that the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation [the Hawks] had launched an enquiry into the matter. This process is running concurrently with internal investigations by the department,” the OCJ said.

READ | Office of Chief Justice has zero-tolerance for corruption

The Chief Justice has also requested the expedited implementation of the Court Online System in the Eastern Cape in a bid to protecting the integrity of the court.

“The Chief Justice has requested that the implementation of a Court Online System – an end-to-end e-filing, digital case management and evidence management system – in the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court be expedited.

“The Court Online System is currently being rolled out by the OCJ in all Superior Courts and will be implemented in the Eastern Cape Division within the next month. The operationalisation of the system will have the effect of protecting the integrity of court operations, enhancing access to justice, minimising manual processes and curbing the allegations of improprieties,” the OCJ said.

The OCJ said it is currently working to “review and strengthen internal controls” in the Eastern Cape Division in a bid to “safeguard the credibility of the court through the prevention and early detection of fraud and corruption”.

“The OCJ affirms that integrity and ethical behaviour are at the heart of its operations, guided by the department’s Fraud Prevention and Anti-Corruption Policy. The organisation is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct, acting with honesty and being accountable to the public.

“The organisation treats complaints on alleged acts of fraud and corruption with the seriousness they deserve. The leadership of the OCJ will spare no effort, within its delegated powers, to prevent, detect, punish and eradicate wrongdoing in the organisation,” the OCJ said.

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is calling on farmers across the province to step forward and take part in shaping the future of agriculture by registering their farming enterprises on the department’s official farmer database.

MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, is championing the initiative as a vital move toward preparing the sector for the next wave of skilled agricultural professionals.

“This is more than just a registration process,” Sambatha said. “It’s about opening doors for young people who are ready to make their mark in agriculture.”

The database, managed by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), is designed to build a detailed and inclusive picture of farming activity in the province. More importantly, it will serve as the backbone of the department’s 2025/2026 internship programme, where registered farms will double as training grounds for qualified agricultural graduates.

“Farmer participation is key to the success of this programme. We want to see every farm become a platform for growth, not only for its productivity but also for nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders,” said Sambatha.

By registering, farmers will not only gain access to support services but also have the opportunity to host and mentor motivated young interns eager to apply their knowledge and bring new ideas into the sector.

“By registering, farmers are helping shape the sector’s future, offering mentorship, and gaining access to motivated interns, who bring fresh skills and innovation to the field,” Sambatha said.

The internship programme aims to bridge the gap between academic training and real-world experience, giving graduates hands-on learning opportunities, while boosting the capacity of participating farms.

Farmers are advised to complete the registration form with care, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and up to date. The department has assured that all submitted data will be kept strictly confidential and used solely to enhance planning and improve support services across the province.

Registration is quick and can be done online via the department’s official website at https://dard.nwpg.gov.za/. For assistance, farmers can also contact their nearest agricultural office.

This initiative is part of a broader provincial push to build a sustainable, inclusive, and skills-driven agricultural economy rooted in innovation, collaboration, and the strategic development of human capital.