Category: News

Rising fuel prices drive higher inflation

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The Consumer Price Index (CPI), known as inflation, has risen by some 1.1% in April to reach some 4% mainly driven by rising fuel prices.

According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), this is the highest inflation has been since August 2024 when it stood at 4.4%.

“Consumers were dealt a painful fuel price blow in April. The index for fuel rose by 18.2% from March, the steepest monthly increase since the current CPI series began in 2008.

“Petrol prices were up by 15.2% and diesel by 35.4%. The price for inland 93-octane petrol rose from R20.19 per litre in March to R23,25 per litre in April. This is the fifth-largest increase for this grade in 50 years, and the biggest this century. Motorists using diesel felt the most pain. The average price for a litre of diesel jumped from R21.28 in March to R28.80 in April,” Stats SA said.

Furthermore, passenger transport services index climbed by some 3.1% between March and April, the “largest monthly rise since July 2022”.

“Following a 14.3% hike in March, the price of an air ticket jumped by a further 24.5%. This is the largest monthly increase in airfares since March 2008, when ticket prices rose by 32.4%,” the statistical service said.

Contrastingly, annual food and non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) inflation slowed for the third month in a row, decreasing from 3.6% in March to 2.9% in April.

“Meat registered the largest decline, easing from 11.6% in March to 9.4% in April. Beef mince inflation slowed from 22.2% to 15.3% and stewing beef from 22.6% to 8.7%. The rate for pork moderated from 19.5% to 17.7%.

“The cereal products category recorded its third consecutive month of deflation. Five of the 19 items in the category are cheaper than a year ago. These include white rice, maize meal, porridge, basmati rice and bread flour.

“Milk, other dairy products and eggs recorded its first annual increase since May 2025. The rate was 0.1%, up from March’s -0.5%. Powdered milk and eggs continue to occupy deflationary territory, at -3.4% and -5.8% respectively,” Stats SA highlighted.

The insurance index rose by some 1.3% owing to increase in medical aid contributions.

“Health insurance recorded a monthly rise of 1.8%, taking the annual increase to 8.3%.

“Several medical schemes increased their contributions earlier in the year, with the remainder implementing new premiums in April,” Stats SA noted. 

Eskom warns it will interrupt power to Joburg

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Eskom has issued a notice of intent to reduce, interrupt and/or terminate electricity supply to certain bulk supply points in the City of Johannesburg (CoJ).

The power utility said this was due to the R5.2 billion owed by the city and City Power (CP) to Eskom. 

The debt does not include the R1.5 billion that is due to Eskom in June.

“Eskom has been working with CoJ and/or CP for over two years to support the metro in meeting its payment obligations.

“As a result of CoJ/CP’s continued failure to honour its Electricity Supply Agreement with Eskom, including repeated defaults, Eskom has been forced to issue a notice of its intention to reduce, interrupt and/or terminate the supply of electricity to certain bulk supply points against the City of Johannesburg and City Power,” Eskom said.

The power utility maintained that it “cannot be acceptable to the City’s residents and all South Africans” that the city is “failing to pay over Eskom’s share” of electricity revenue collected.

“While Eskom continues to focus on being cost-efficient, escalating municipal and metro arrear debt undermines these efforts.  Eskom’s financial sustainability and ability to supply electricity at affordable prices are dependent upon its ability to improve its balance sheet by increasing revenue and reducing expenses. Revenue can only be increased by collecting electricity debts and/or increasing electricity tariffs.

“Across the country, many municipalities and metros are working with Eskom to develop sustainable debt solutions and Eskom is continuing to accelerate its support for this approach.  Eskom announced on 5 May that nine municipalities have received council resolutions to sign Distribution Agency Agreements following consultation processes,” Eskom said.

Furthermore, the power utility has also developed the Distribution Agency Agreement (DAA), a “long-term, non-permanent contract between a municipality or metro and Eskom, as part of the Active Partnering initiative”.

“This agreement offers a suite of services and solutions aimed at restoring the sustainability of electricity provision in a municipality or metro by enhancing its technical and financial sustainability.

“The services include skill development and training, replacement or installation of smart meters, as well as Eskom collecting revenue on behalf of the municipality.  Eskom is working nationwide to assist in the rollout of this initiative,” Eskom said. 

SA officials to crack down on illegal plastic waste trade at sea

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SA Government has, for the first time, provided international training to officials to equip them with the skills needed to manage the complex global trade in hazardous waste and plastic pollution at sea.

While the government has intensified efforts to curb plastic pollution through stronger waste regulations, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, said legislation and policy frameworks alone were not enough and had to be supported by skilled officials.

“Real impact depends on skilled, knowledgeable and committed officials who can translate legal requirements into practical action. It depends on competent authorities correctly administering prior informed consent and other transboundary controls. 

“It depends on customs officers and Border Management Authority officials who can identify suspicious shipments, apply appropriate risk management, and facilitate legitimate trade while intercepting illegal waste movements,” the Deputy Minister said on Tuesday.

Singh was addressing the opening session of the training programme in Cape Town, where he highlighted the need for Environmental Management Inspectors to have both legal expertise and technical knowledge to effectively combat hazardous pollution at sea.

According to the recent Custos Viridis operational report, environmental crime generates annual losses estimated between 80 and 230 billion Euros. 

The report also points to growing links between waste trafficking, organised crime syndicates, document fraud, illicit financial flows and other forms of transnational crime.

The Deputy Minister said seamless collaboration among regulators, scientists, investigators and prosecutors was critical in combating environmental crime, which is ranked as the world’s fourth-largest organised criminal activity.

“This training programme has been specifically designed to strengthen precisely these capabilities. Through its combination of technical sessions, practical exercises and international perspectives, it will equip participants with the knowledge and networks necessary to enhance implementation and enforcement effectiveness,” he said.

Singh described plastic pollution as one of the defining environmental crises of our time.

“Our oceans, rivers, estuaries, coastlines and terrestrial ecosystems are under growing pressure from plastic waste and microplastics. 

“The consequences extend far beyond environmental degradation: marine plastic pollution threatens fisheries, biodiversity, tourism, coastal livelihoods, and, ultimately, human health and food security. With its extensive coastline and vibrant ocean economy, South Africa is acutely aware of these risks,” he said.
Government has therefore intensified efforts to curb plastic pollution through stronger waste regulation, Extended Producer Responsibility schemes, waste diversion and recycling programmes, and the promotion of circular economy principles. 

“We are equally committed to broader ocean governance initiatives aimed at protecting marine ecosystems and advancing sustainable blue economy outcomes. 

“The Plastic Waste Amendments provide an essential international framework to support these domestic actions and to prevent the dumping of problematic plastic wastes on developing countries,” Singh said.

 The training was aimed at addressing a critical gap in enforcing the Basel Convention and its Plastic Waste Amendments. 

For the first time, international experts and officials came together to strengthen cross-border controls on illegal waste trafficking and marine plastic pollution.

The training brought together officials and experts involved in environmental regulation, customs coordination, compliance monitoring and enforcement, with a particular focus on implementing the Basel Convention Plastic Waste Amendments and measures to address the growing global challenge of plastic pollution at sea.

EMS, Communities Unite in 40+ Flood Rescues Across Province

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“When access is cut off due to flooding, you rely on your training, your team and your community to make sure no one is left without care, you make a plan.”

This was how Mrs Janine Ruiters‑Makier, EMS Ladismith Station Manager, described the moment when rising floodwaters cut off access to a pregnant patient due to give birth and community members in Calitzdorp and surrounding areas.

During the severe storm conditions that affected parts of the Garden Route and Central Karoo, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), healthcare teams and local community members, including Kannaland farmers, worked together under challenging circumstances to safely deliver a baby and support communities isolated by flooding.

In the aftermath of the floods, areas in Warmbad, Calitzdorp, were left completely cut off. Through coordinated efforts, 60 households received food supplies and blankets. “The reality is many people at that point may not have had the opportunity to buy food yet and local organisations made a plan,” Janine shared.

This response was made possible through collaboration between Western Cape Emergency Medical Services, Air Mercy Services (AMS), Garden Route Fire Services, Gift of the Givers, Provincial Traffic Services, Karoowater Guest Farm and local partners, who assisted with receiving and distributing supplies once access was possible.

The relief effort formed part of a broader response that began earlier that day, under urgent and restricted conditions.

A birth delivery guided across distance
On the afternoon of the incident, EMS were dispatched to a maternity case on a farm outside Calitzdorp. Floodwaters prevented ambulance access, while adverse weather conditions meant AMS could not respond by air.

On the ground, Calitzdorp EMS Shift Leader Mr Norman Swartz worked closely with Janine to assess access routes and coordinate the response. Their efforts were supported by local farmers, who were monitoring river levels and road conditions in the area.

“We knew there was flooding. We know the river and thought if we could just find a road to get through, or get a ladder from the local fire station, we could reach the mom and baby. But after assessing, we realised this would not be possible,” said Janine.

At the patient’s side was Mrs Cornelle Meiring, a local teacher from Calitzdorp, who stepped in to assist. Together, Janine and Norman made the decision to provide remote clinical support. Working with the local emergency control centre and healthcare colleagues, including the Oudtshoorn Hospital maternity unit, arrangements were made to support the patient as best as possible under the circumstances. The maternity team also made telephonic contact to check on the mother and offer additional support.

Janine guided Cornelle through preparing for the delivery, using available resources to ensure basic safety measures. ‘We asked her to get the supplies needed. If there were gloves, scissors and some other supplies, we asked her to get them ready.”

As labour progressed, a video call was made to guide the process. At approximately 17:15, the patient went into active labour. With calm, step-by-step support, the baby was successfully delivered.

“When I saw the baby for the first time, I was so grateful. I could see the pink cheeks and that the baby was okay. We asked them to check the fingers and toes to make sure everything was fine,” Janine said.

She remained in contact to monitor both mother and baby until further assistance could be arranged.

A shared effort, rooted in community
Once weather conditions improved, AMS airlifted the mother and baby for further care. EMS teams, including Norman and on-duty staff, then supported the coordination and loading of food parcels for distribution to affected households.

Janine emphasised that the response was a collective effort: “In rural areas, you help each other. Because we know each other, everyone comes together and does their part,” she said.

She highlighted the role of local farmers, including farmers from Kannaland, and community members, who provide early warnings and critical local knowledge. “They tell us when the rivers are coming down and when flooding starts. They help us stay aware of what is happening on the ground.”

Expressing her appreciation, she added: “To the community of Calitzdorp, the farmers in Kannaland and beyond, and all the EMS staff and local municipality, I can only thank them. I can only be the manager I am because of them, they are my hands and my eyes.”

Provincial EMS Manager, Mrs Shameem Modack‑Robertson, commended the collective response: “This incident demonstrates the extraordinary resilience of both our EMS teams and the communities we serve.

When access was impossible and conditions were at their worst, our staff and community partners worked together to ensure a safe delivery and continued support to those cut off by the floods. We are incredibly proud of Mrs Ruiters‑Makier, Mr Swartz, Mrs Meiring, and all partners involved.”

Mr Craig Wylie, Western Cape EMS Director added, “In total, we, alongside our partners, were involved in more than 40 rescues affecting the lives and well-being of more than 650 people during the floods. This is in addition and above the day-to-day work that continued in the background. My personal thanks go out to everyone involved. I remain proud of our EMS team.”

From a delivery guided across distance to coordinated support reaching isolated households, this response reflects the strength of relationships between EMS, healthcare services and the communities they serve.

SA car hijackings remain high: These are the targeted cars and hotspots

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South Africa’s latest crime data for the past two reporting quarters paints a familiar but troubling picture: vehicle hijackings remain persistently high, with no meaningful decline in key hotspots or in the overall national trend.

While law enforcement and tracking data show shifting tactics and evolving targets, the core pattern remains unchanged. Hijacking continues to be driven less by luxury demand and more by the market value of everyday vehicles and their parts.

Everyday cars, not luxury vehicles, remain prime targets

Analysts note that the most frequently targeted vehicles are still the country’s best-selling models. These are not necessarily high-end cars, but those with strong resale value and a thriving second-hand parts market.

The Toyota Hilux remains one of the most consistently targeted vehicles nationwide, largely due to demand for its engines and components across borders and in informal repair networks.

The Volkswagen Polo and Polo Vivo also continue to feature heavily in hijacking reports, reflecting their dominance on South African roads.

More recent data points to a growing focus on models such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Corolla Cross, both of which have seen strong sales growth and, in turn, rising black-market demand for parts.

Other vehicles increasingly appearing in hijacking trends include the Kia Picanto, Isuzu D-Max and Suzuki Ertiga, the latter linked in some reports to ride-hailing use patterns.

In addition, the Nissan NP200 has become more vulnerable following its discontinuation, with scarcity of legitimate parts pushing demand into illicit channels.

Security specialists say the logic behind these trends is simple: criminals prioritise “liquid” vehicles - those that are easy to strip and resell quickly through established networks.

Persistent danger zones remain unchanged

Geographically, hijacking hotspots have also remained largely consistent.

In Gauteng, areas such as Mamelodi East, Alexandra and Ivory Park continue to report high volumes, while Honeydew and Midrand are often associated with so-called “follow-home” incidents targeting commuters.

In the Western Cape, Delft, Nyanga and Lingelethu West remain major problem areas. The N2 corridor leading toward Cape Town International Airport - particularly the stretch between Somerset West and the city - continues to carry a reputation among motorists for elevated risk, especially after dark. The R300 is also frequently flagged in safety discussions due to recurring incidents in heavy traffic conditions.

KwaZulu-Natal sees similar patterns, with Umlazi, Inanda and parts of Durban Central repeatedly identified as higher-risk zones, particularly during congestion at major intersections.

Criminal tactics adapt to traffic and time

Recent analysis suggests that hijacking methods are becoming more situational, often depending on traffic flow and time of day.

During peak congestion hours, typically late afternoon, offenders often take advantage of slow-moving traffic to box in vehicles, limiting escape options. Minor collision setups have also been reported, where drivers are encouraged to exit their vehicles in unsafe conditions.

Outside of peak traffic, other opportunistic methods have been noted in various crime reports, including attempts to force vehicles to stop on isolated stretches of road or exploiting driver confusion in poorly lit areas. Authorities consistently advise motorists to avoid unnecessary stops in unsafe locations and to prioritise reaching secure, populated areas when something feels wrong.

There are also ongoing warnings about impersonation cases involving fake traffic officials or security personnel, where criminals attempt to pull vehicles over under false pretences.

Expert advice: vigilance is the strongest defence

According to MasterDrive CEO Eugene Herbert, motorists often underestimate their exposure to risk.

“The most important thing to understand is that no person, vehicle or area is immune to carjacking risk,” Herbert said. “Complacency is one of the biggest vulnerabilities drivers have.”

He stressed that awareness and defensive driving habits remain essential, especially for those commuting through known high-risk areas or during busy travel periods.

Practical recommendations from road safety specialists include maintaining safe following distances, staying alert at intersections and in slow-moving traffic, and keeping doors locked with windows closed when conditions feel uncertain. Where possible, drivers are also encouraged to position themselves in lanes that allow for easier manoeuvring and escape options.

Hijacking risk is generally understood to peak during late afternoon and early evening travel periods, when traffic density and reduced visibility create favourable conditions for criminals.

A continuing national challenge

Despite increased awareness campaigns, improved vehicle tracking technology and ongoing policing efforts, vehicle hijacking remains a deeply entrenched issue shaped by economics, opportunity and organised criminal networks.

For motorists, the message from analysts and law enforcement remains consistent: risk is not limited to specific cars or specific areas, and routine journeys can quickly become vulnerable without warning.

Severe weather impacts the agriculture sector across the Western Cape

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The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) is assessing the significant impact of severe weather conditions that affected the province between 10 and 13 May 2026.

A series of intense cold fronts resulted in widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to farming communities across key agricultural regions. The agricultural sector has been particularly hard hit, with extensive damage reported in areas such as the Hex River Valley, Grabouw/Elgin, and the Ceres and Worcester regions. Flooding has devastated vineyards, orchards, and cropland, with some farmers reporting the complete loss of harvests, including apple crops in Grabouw.

In addition to crop losses, farms have sustained serious infrastructure damage. Irrigation systems, access roads, and bridges have been compromised, while power disruptions have affected irrigation, storage, and packhouse operations. In several instances, farms have been cut off entirely due to flooded rivers and damaged transport routes.

The knock-on effects are expected to impact the province’s agricultural economy, particularly fruit and wine export supply chains. Delays in harvesting and transport are likely to reduce yields, affect export quality, and increase financial losses across the sector.

To support response efforts, the WCDoA has deployed its Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Damage Assessment App to improve the collection of real-time data from affected farming areas. This digital tool is playing a critical role in strengthening situational awareness and coordinating recovery efforts, despite challenges such as power outages, poor connectivity, and limited access to some rural communities.

The Department is currently consolidating preliminary damage reports gathered through the app, extension officers, and industry stakeholders. As conditions stabilise and access improves, teams will conduct on-site verification visits to assess crop losses, infrastructure damage and broader impacts on livelihoods, with priority given to high-value agricultural regions.

Western Cape Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr. Ivan Meyer, said that the Western Cape Department of Agriculture met with the agricultural sector on Monday afternoon, 18 May 2026, together with the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure, to assess road and infrastructure damage and to prioritize critical agricultural regions.

Minister Meyer: “In several affected areas, contractors have already been appointed to begin repairing critical road infrastructure. Mopping-up operations, including the clearing of roads and ongoing humanitarian support, will continue as part of the coordinated provincial response.”

The Provincial Government will meet on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, to consider classifying the event as a provincial disaster. Following this, the Western Cape Government will approach the National Disaster Management Centre to seek a formal declaration, thereby unlocking additional national resources to support recovery efforts.

“The scale of this event presents a complex and evolving challenge for the agricultural sector,” said Dr Ivan Meyer. “Our immediate priority is to ensure accurate damage assessment and to support farmers through a coordinated, data-driven recovery process.”

“I want to thank the many farmers, organised agriculture, thousands of volunteers, and law enforcement agencies for their support during this recent disaster in the Western Cape. The WCDoA remains committed to working closely with farmers, industry bodies and government partners to mitigate the impacts of the disaster and to support the recovery of affected agricultural communities,” the Minister concluded.

Register to make your mark in the 2026 Local Government Elections

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Eligible South Africans have been urged to use the available registration opportunities and play an active role in shaping the future of their communities through the 2026 Local Government Elections democratic process.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced last month that the elections will take place on 4 November 2026.

Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said at the time that the announcement had provided certainty for planning and should encourage citizens to ensure their voter registration details are up to date.

“The announcement of the election date provides clarity for all role players and certainty of planning for the Electoral Commission as we continue our work to deliver free and fair municipal elections,” Mamabolo said.

The commission urged South Africans who have not yet registered, as well as those who may have changed their residential address, to register in the voting district where they ordinarily live.

To qualify for registration, citizens must be South African citizens, be at least 16 years old - although voting is only permitted from the age of 18 - and possess either a green barcoded ID book, a smartcard ID, or a valid Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC).

The IEC warned that voters are only permitted to vote at the station where they are registered, making it critical for citizens to verify and update their details ahead of election day.

Citizens can register online through the commission’s Online Voter Registration Portal until the official proclamation of the election date. 

The platform also allows users to update their registration details, confirm their address, locate voting stations, and apply for special votes.

Voter registration can also be completed in person at local IEC offices during office hours, at voting stations during national registration weekends, during targeted communication and registration drives, and at civic and democracy education events.

The commission has advised citizens to contact their local IEC office before visiting to make an appointment for registration.

A national voter registration weekend has been scheduled for 20 and 21 June 2026, during which citizens will be able to register and update their information at voting stations nationwide.

The IEC said voters should update their registration details if they have moved to a new address, have incomplete address information, received a new ID number, or if ward or voting district boundaries have changed.

South Africans can check their voter registration status through the IEC website, by SMSing their ID number to 32810, via the IEC WhatsApp chatbot, through the mobile app, or by calling the commission’s toll-free call centre on 0800 11 8000 during designated periods.

While the President has announced the intended election date, the official legal proclamation will still be made by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa. 

Once proclaimed, the national voters’ roll will formally close.

Understanding the Drivers Behind Recent Extreme Weather in the Southern Cape

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Recent extreme weather events in the Southern Cape have raised serious concern among residents, infrastructure managers, and environmental practitioners.

GREF Convener, Cobus Meiring, requested Knysna-based climate systems expert, Peter du Toit, from FutureClimateIQ to shed some light on why the Southern Cape increasingly experience such extreme weather events.

“The region’s recent experience of intense rainfall, flooding, and an unprecedented period of gale force winds is consistent with evolving atmospheric and oceanic conditions affecting southern Africa”, says Du Toit.

Du Toit explains that the Southern Cape sits at the intersection of several dynamic weather systems. The region is influenced by mid-latitude frontal systems moving in from the South Atlantic, as well as moisture-laden air masses driven by warmer ocean temperatures. When these systems interact under unstable atmospheric conditions, they can generate highly concentrated storm events with strong wind fields and intense precipitation over short periods.

One of the key contributing factors highlighted is the increasing variability in large-scale climate drivers such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. These oscillations influence rainfall distribution and storm tracks across southern Africa, often intensifying weather extremes when atmospheric conditions align unfavourably.

The recent gale force wind event, described by local authorities as unprecedented in its sustained intensity and spatial reach, is linked to a deep low-pressure system that intensified rapidly offshore before making landfall along the Southern Cape coastline. This created a strong pressure gradient, resulting in damaging wind speeds across exposed coastal and inland areas.

Du Toit further notes that while these large-scale climate systems are natural, their behaviour is being modified by a warming global climate. Warmer sea surface temperatures increase atmospheric moisture and energy availability, which can enhance storm development and severity.

However, he cautions that climate drivers alone do not fully explain the scale of impacts experienced on the ground. Local factors such as land-use change, degraded catchments, and invasive alien vegetation significantly amplify run-off, windthrow, and infrastructure vulnerability during extreme events.

The combination of these global and local influences is making the Southern Cape increasingly susceptible to high-impact weather events, requiring improved understanding, preparedness, and long-term resilience planning.

Written by: Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)
The GREF is a public platform for environmental practitioners and a climate change think tank (grefecsf.co.za).

Major routes reopen in W Cape after severe weather

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Major national routes in the Western Cape, including the N1 and N2, have been reopened and are operating close to normal capacity following recent severe weather, signalling significant progress in recovery efforts across the province.

Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, said progress has been made in recovery, with mop-up operations and infrastructure restoration continuing in several affected areas.

“Restoration efforts are ongoing, particularly in areas affected by infrastructure damage, electricity outages, and displacement of communities. Electricity restoration remains a key focus area, with approximately 62% of affected areas now reconnected.

“Eskom teams are actively working to restore supply in the Cape Winelands and Theewaterskloof areas, where high-voltage infrastructure sustained significant damage,” Bredell said.

He added that humanitarian relief efforts are continuing across the province, with thousands of residents receiving relief in the form of food parcels, cooked meals, water, blankets, and hygiene supplies.

Emergency shelters also remain operational in several districts, providing support to displaced individuals and families.

“Government acknowledges the challenges still faced by affected communities, particularly regarding access to clean drinking water, electricity and safe shelter. Municipalities and disaster response teams are working closely with partners, including NGOs and community organisations, to address these needs,” the MEC said.

While conditions are expected to remain stable over the weekend, the South African Weather Service has indicated the possibility of another weather system developing early next week, with rainfall expected primarily in the Overberg and Garden Route regions.

Officials said the situation is being closely monitored, with preparedness measures being strengthened in anticipation of further adverse conditions.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Bredell are scheduled to conduct an aerial assessment of the affected areas on Monday. This will be followed by a formal briefing and media engagement to guide decisions on recovery, reconstruction and funding support.

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant, follow official advisories, and make use of available support services.

The Western Cape Provincial Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all affected communities receive the necessary assistance as recovery operations continue. 

Home Affairs records highest-ever Smart ID output

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Home Affairs Deputy Minister, Njabulo Nzuza says the department issued a record-breaking number of Smart ID cards during the 2025/26 financial year, while accelerating efforts to digitise civic records and improve access to services across the country.

Delivering the Home Affairs Budget Vote Debate in the National Assembly on Friday, Nzuza said the department’s progress reflects an ongoing institutional culture shift aimed at building a modern, efficient and citizen-centred Home Affairs system.

“The Budget we are tabling today is shaped by clearly visible gains that our citizens continue to reap from the Department of Home Affairs.

“The progress we are making demonstrates that meaningful transformation is only possible through a deliberate shift in organisational culture,” Nzuza said.

He said the department remains focused on building “a Home Affairs that is modern, secure, efficient, and truly citizen-centred”.

Record Smart ID card issuance
Nzuza told Parliament that Home Affairs issued more than four million Smart ID cards during the 2025/26 financial year, significantly exceeding its target.

“In the 2025/26 financial year, we issued a record-breaking number of Smart ID Cards of just above four million, far exceeding the target of 2 750 000. This is the highest single-year output in our department’s history,” he said.

The Deputy Minister added that first-time Smart ID issuances have also increased sharply over recent years.
“The first time issues over the past financial years have grown from 622 539 in the 20/21 financial year to 1 032 327 in the 25/26 Financial Year, far surpassing our targets,” he said.

According to Nzuza, the department has expanded mobile office services and community outreach programmes to improve access in rural and underserved communities.

“It is through collaborative partnerships, community outreach and the expansion of mobile offices that we continue to take services directly to the people, particularly those in rural, remote and historically underserved communities,” he said.

More than 60 million civic records digitised
Nzuza said the digitisation of civic records remains one of the department’s most significant reform initiatives.

“As part of our Digital Transformation Journey, the digitisation of Civic Records is a remarkable achievement that stands among the most significant administrative reform efforts undertaken in the democratic era.

“Since the inception of the project, more than 60 million civic records have been digitised, with a further 25 million records targeted for digitisation during the 26/27 Financial Year,” he said.

He described the project as more than simply converting paper records into digital files.

“This is not merely the transfer of paper to digital platforms; it is the construction of a modern, efficient and accessible state capable of responding to the needs of its people with speed, dignity and integrity,” Nzuza said.

The Deputy Minister, however, acknowledged ongoing staffing and budgetary pressures affecting the department.

“Whilst we celebrate this progress, we must equally acknowledge the persistent human resource and budgetary pressures confronting the project and the department more broadly,” he said.

Early birth registration exceeds target
Nzuza said Early Birth Registration continues to play a critical role in strengthening the country’s identity management system and protecting children’s rights.

“A legal identity secured at birth is not merely an administrative process; it is the first recognition of citizenship, dignity and belonging,” he said.

He told Parliament that the Civic Services Branch exceeded its annual target by registering more than 680 000 babies within 30 days of birth.

“I am proud to report that the Civic Services Branch exceeded its target of 677 000 by successfully registering 680 555 babies within 30 days of birth,” Nzuza said.

The Deputy Minister announced that the department plans to automate birth registration processes at health facilities during the 2026/27 financial year.

“In 2026/27 financial year, we intend to automate birth process at health facilities, which will be implemented for first registrations of citizens.

“This will improve the security of the process by minimising fraud and corruption and turnaround time for issuing birth certificates. This will also end the unsustainable generation of paper records,” he said.

Mobile offices expand services to schools and vulnerable communities
Nzuza said Home Affairs mobile offices exceeded their annual target, conducting more than 6 300 visits during the year under review.

“Our mobile offices exceeded the annual target, visiting 6 304 sites. This included 5 010 visits to public schools and 516 to special schools, providing vital services to young citizens – the inheritors of our future,” he said.

He highlighted the impact of the programme through individual success stories, including that of 94-year-old Mandla Mziwabantu, who received his first Smart ID card during a departmental outreach in Matatiele

The Deputy Minister also said mobile units continue to assist communities affected by disasters.
“When fire engulfed Du Noon in Cape Town earlier this year, destroying hundreds of structures, the department responded with urgency and compassion.

“Through a targeted cost waiver intervention, affected residents were able to replace lost identity documents and birth certificates free of charge,” he said.

He added that the department is prepared to deploy mobile units to disaster-affected areas in Gqeberha and the Northern Cape.

Passport services outperform targets
Nzuza said Home Affairs continues to improve passport turnaround times to support South Africans travelling for work, study and leisure. 

“To enable South Africans to travel-wide for business, study, work and leisure, Home Affairs strives to issue 90% of passports in the country within 13 working days for adults and 18 days for minors,” he said.

According to the Deputy Minister, the department exceeded both targets during the year under review.
“In the year under review, Home Affairs surpassed its target by issuing 98.72% of Passports for minors within 18 days, and 96.32% of adult passports within 13 days,” he said.

He added that passport services have also been expanded to some South Africans living abroad.

Preparing for 2026 local government elections
Nzuza urged South Africans to collect their identity documents ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

“As we look toward the 2026 Local Government Elections, I encourage all citizens to collect their IDs. Your identity is your Voice. It is your Heritage. It is your Freedom,” he said.

The Deputy Minister said Home Affairs will continue working with stakeholders to support free and credible elections.

“Through strengthened collaboration, efficient service delivery, and expanded access to identity services, we remain committed to supporting free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of the people,” he said.

Culture change and digital skills development
Nzuza said the department is implementing a culture change strategy focused on ethics, innovation and citizen-centred services.

“Key milestones from the past financial year include digital upskilling, with 2 861 officials completing mandatory Digital Literacy training, thus exceeding our target of 2 500,” he said.

He added that the department also established five provincial virtual training hubs and launched e-learning modules in ethics and client relations.

“Women represented over 65% of training beneficiaries. We also implemented targeted measures to improve disability representation and gender parity at Senior Management level,” Nzuza said.
He reaffirmed the department’s commitment to institutional reform.

“We’re resolute in our mission to transform Home Affairs into a professional, ethical, high-performing institution serving all people with dignity,” he said. 
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