Category: News

Saldanha Bay shellfish fall below safety limits

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has advised the public that paralytic shellfish toxin levels in mussels and oysters from monitored production areas in the Saldanha Bay Aquaculture Development Zone have dropped below the regulatory safety limits for human consumption. 

The latest monitoring results confirmed that shellfish from these approved areas are within safe levels and may be harvested, marketed and consumed, provided they remain compliant with the official shellfish monitoring and control programme.
The programme is implemented in line with local and international standards.

The department said it will continue to monitor toxin levels and issue further advice should conditions change. 

Reserve Bank keeps interest rate unchanged

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has kept the repo rate unchanged at 7%.
This was announced by Reserve Bank Governor, Lesetja Kganyago on Thursday.

The prime lending rate will also stay steady at 10.50%.

“Four members preferred a hold, while two favoured an increase of 25 basis points.

“The committee agreed that the outlook is uncertain, and with the rate increase at our previous meeting, the policy stance is appropriate for now, with rates somewhat restrictive,” Kganyago said.

Turning to growth, the Governor said that while first quarter growth stood “stronger than expected”, the MPC expects sluggish growth through the second and third quarter.

“Consumer confidence has fallen sharply, and business confidence has also weakened. Sectoral data show generally lower activity, since the start of the war. Prices for our export commodities have also fallen, although terms of trade are better, given lower prices for imports.

“We started this year with good momentum, but households have suffered from higher fuel prices, while uncertainty has weighed on investment. It is also increasingly clear that municipal dysfunction has become a binding constraint on growth,” he said.
Kganyago added however that domestic reforms can propel the economy toward a “rising growth trend, as global conditions stabilise”.

“Our baseline forecast is that the economy starts to recover in the second half of this year, as the shock fades. But the outlook is uncertain. We see downside risks to growth,” he noted.

Stabilising inflation

On Wednesday, Statistics South Africa revealed that the inflation rate hit its highest reading since June 2024, reaching 5% in June.
Kganyago highlighted that this was driven by higher fuel costs as a result of the war in the Middle East.

“Petrol and diesel prices eased this month, but global prices have now risen again. We expect headline inflation to stay above 4% until early next year.

“Aside from fuel, goods prices have been relatively contained. The exchange rate has been resilient, with the rand close to where it started the year against the dollar, and stronger against the euro. This has helped with import prices.

“Food inflation has also slowed recently, which reflects good harvests, as well as fading effects from the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. El Niño may start affecting food supply next year, but this is still a risk factor, not part of our baseline,” he explained.

The Governor reiterated that while inflation outlook has “improved slightly” it still remains too high with slow growth.

“We are setting policy to achieve 3% inflation over time, ensuring the current supply shock does not de-anchor inflation expectations.

“At the same time, we recognise that South Africa’s growth prospects will be driven mainly by domestic reforms. This covers structural interventions, such as fixing local government, and improving productivity in the network sectors, like transport and energy. It also includes the macroeconomic goals of sustainable debt and permanently lower inflation.

“Our main contribution is to stabilise inflation in line with our 3% target, over time, and the MPC will act as needed to achieve that,” Kganyago concluded. 

Western Cape businesses urged to apply for export support programme

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Western Cape Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism MEC, Dr Ivan Meyer, has encouraged businesses across the province to apply for the Export Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (ECEP), an initiative aimed at helping businesses expand into international markets and grow their export potential.

Meyer said applications for the programme are now open, offering practical support to both existing and aspiring exporters to improve their competitiveness, overcome technical barriers to trade and meet global market requirements.

Meyer said growing exports remains one of the most effective ways to create jobs, attract investment and stimulate economic growth.

“Through the Export Competitiveness Enhancement Programme, we are investing directly in the competitiveness of Western Cape businesses and unlocking new opportunities for them to succeed in international markets,” Meyer said.

The programme offers a range of support measures to help businesses become export-ready and strengthen their competitiveness in global markets.

These include assistance to comply with international standards, certification and regulatory requirements; support to improve products through reformulation, testing, labelling, packaging and registration; support to improve products through reformulation, testing, labelling, packaging and registration; help to improve products through reformulation, testing, labelling, packaging and registration; and help with export compliance requirements, including specialised permits and nutritional analysis.

Businesses may also receive support to access e-commerce platforms, diversify into new export markets, assistance with equipment, machinery and technology that can improve production capacity and export competitiveness; and opportunities to grow exports, reach new customers and contribute to job creation in the Western Cape.

Meyer encouraged businesses with ambitions, whether they are established exporters or entering international markets for the first time, to submit their applications as soon as possible.

"Whether you are already exporting or planning to enter international markets for the first time, the Export Competitiveness Enhancement Programme can provide the support needed to strengthen your business and unlock new growth opportunities. I encourage qualifying businesses to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to grow their exports and their contribution to the Western Cape economy," the MEC said.

The department has advised applicants to review the programme guidelines, eligibility criteria, exclusions and supporting document requirements before submitting their applications to https://www.westerncape.gov.za/edat/export-competitiveness-enhancement-programme-ecep 

DA lodges Public Protector complaint against Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has lodged a complaint with the Public Protector, calling for an investigation into Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie over allegations of unethical conduct, maladministration and abuse of power.

In a statement released on Wednesday, DA spokesperson on Sports, Arts and Culture Leah Potgieter said the complaint alleges that McKenzie may have breached the Executive Members' Ethics Act and the Executive Ethics Code. The party is also requesting an investigation into possible conflicts of interest and the alleged improper use of public funds.

The DA claims McKenzie appointed members of his own political party, the Patriotic Alliance (PA), to the six-member adjudication panel responsible for allocating nearly R110 million through the 2025/26 Mzansi Golden Economy funding programme.

According to the DA, three of the six panel members were active members of the Patriotic Alliance at the time of their appointment, including the party's national spokesperson. The party alleges that McKenzie personally determined the panel's requirements and made the appointments.

The DA further claims there has been no full public account of how the R110 million in funding was distributed, alleging that the process resulted in some cultural festivals losing financial support.

The second part of the complaint relates to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture's reported expenditure of nearly R31 million linked to the FIFA World Cup, including R7.9 million on official travel for an 18-member delegation.

The DA has questioned the travel costs, including the Minister's reported personal travel expenses of more than R1 million, and has called for the spending to be investigated.

The party says the Public Protector should determine whether the Minister's actions complied with applicable ethics rules and whether public funds were used appropriately.

McKenzie has not publicly responded to the latest complaint.

Small Claims Court limit raised to R30 000

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The monetary jurisdiction of Small Claims Courts across South Africa will increase from R20 000 to R30 000, effective from 1 August 2026, in a move aimed at increasing access to justice. 

The first adjustment in seven years aims to ensure access to legal recourse depends on the merits of a dispute, not a citizen’s financial standing. 

Small Claims Courts offer a simple, affordable and efficient platform for citizens to resolve civil disputes without the need for legal representation.

Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel highlighted that the practical reform strengthens government’s constitutional commitment to equality before the law.

“By increasing the monetary jurisdiction to R30 000, we are enabling more South Africans to enforce their rights without having to embark on costly and time-consuming litigation.

“This measure forms part of government’s broader programme to build a people-centred justice system that is accessible, affordable, efficient and responsive to the needs of every person in our country.

“For many South Africans, justice begins in the Magistrates’ Courts and the Small Claims Courts. Every practical step we take to remove financial and procedural barriers brings us closer to fulfilling the constitutional promise that everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law,” Nel said.

He noted the importance of the move as South Africa marks the 30th anniversary of the Constitution this year.

“Access to justice is one of the cornerstones of our constitutional democracy. Small Claims Courts demonstrate that justice does not have to be expensive or complicated to be effective. They ensure that ordinary people can resolve everyday disputes fairly, speedily and with dignity.

“As we celebrate thirty years of our Constitution, we reaffirm that its promise must be measured not only by the rights it proclaims, but by the extent to which those rights can be exercised by every person, regardless of their means.

“Expanding access to the Small Claims Courts is one practical way in which we continue to translate that constitutional promise into everyday reality,” Nel added.

The people’s court
According to the Justice department, the impact of South Africa’s 418 small claims courts is “significant”.

Over the past financial year, some 36 000 cases with a value of R257 million were registered, while in the first quarter of this financial year, 8 825 cases have been registered with total claims of R64 million.

A wide range of civil matters are heard in the courts, including:

-Unpaid loans and personal debt recovery.
-Consumer claims regarding faulty products or incomplete contractor services.
-Vehicle-related disputes, such as damages from poor repairs or minor traffic accidents.
-Claims relating to goods, delivery of property, and credit agreement disputes.

“Anyone wishing to institute a claim may approach the Clerk of the nearest Small Claims Court, situated at a Magistrates’ Court, for assistance in completing and serving the necessary documentation.

“Small Claims Court matters are presided over by Commissioners appointed by the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development. Commissioners include practising attorneys, advocates, legal academics, Legal Aid South Africa attorneys and magistrates, who provide their services pro bono in the public interest. 

“Further incremental increases [in monetary jurisdiction] will be considered in the near future,” the department stated. 

Langebaan SAPS named Neatest Police Station

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Well-kept gardens. Clean and newly painted buildings. Proper signage and lighting. New furniture. A welcoming space for local communities. This is the result of a public-private partnership with Indawo Construction which saw R700 000 raised to fund the revamp of the Langebaan Police Station, which was recently named the neatest police station in the Saldanha Bay Local Municipality.

Premier Winde visited the station on 21 July 2026, joined by Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety Minister, Anroux Marais and West Coast District SAPS Commander, Major-General SW Dyantyi.

The "Neatest Police Station" project in the Western Cape is an initiative driven by the West Coast District Municipality in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the provincial Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety.

The Premier said, “Langebaan SAPS is a breath of fresh air and must become the standard we hold every police station to. When SAPS infrastructure is properly maintained, morale improves and residents have a better experience when engaging with the police. I call on all SAPS stations in the Western Cape to look to Langebaan for inspiration. I would like to thank Major-General Dyantyi and his team for their efforts.”

Notwithstanding this station revamp, the nationwide policing resourcing shortages impact Langebaan SAPS. Challenges include shortages of vehicles, insufficient members to meet demand and vacant leadership posts. The Premier called on the national leadership of the SAPS to urgently address declining personnel numbers and vehicle shortages in the Western Cape.

Consumer inflation rises

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Annual consumer inflation rose to 5% in June 2026 from 4,5% in May, reaching its highest level in two years, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has announced.

Stats SA said the June figure was the highest inflation reading since June 2024, when the rate stood at 5,1%. 

Prices rose by 0,7% on average between May and June, the same increase recorded between April and May.

“Transport was the largest contributor to both the annual and monthly changes in the consumer price index (CPI), mainly underpinned by higher fuel prices. The annual rate for transport accelerated to 12,7% in June from 9,4% in May. Fuel prices climbed by 34,3% in the 12 months to June, driven by increases of 50,8% in diesel prices and 31,7% in petrol prices,” Stats SA said on Wednesday. 

Higher fuel prices also pushed up passenger transport inflation, which rose by 8,1% month on month in June.

As a result, the annual rate for the category increased to 12,5% from 4,0% in May.

Sharp monthly increases were recorded for minibus taxi fares (+11,5%), e-hailing services (+8,7%), long-distance bus fares (+8,4%) and school transport (+3,7%).

“Annual food and non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) inflation slowed further in June, dipping to 1,6% from 1,9% in May and 2,9% in April. Cereal products recorded a fifth consecutive month of deflation at -1,5%. Several notable products are cheaper than a year ago, including white rice (-13,4%), maize meal (-5,9%), samp (-1,5%) and porridge (-1,3%).

“Meat inflation also extended a downward trend, moderating further to 5,1% from a peak of 13,5% in January 2026. Inflation for beef products is settling, with the annual rate for beef mince cooling to 3,9% from May’s 10,6%. Stewing beef entered deflationary territory, with its annual rate declining to -2,7%,” Stats SA said.

Pork inflation eased for the third consecutive month but remained in double digits at 13,9%.

The annual rate for mutton and lamb rose to 8,4%. Processed meat products that experienced high rates in June include sausages at 11,8%, corned meat at 10,2% and bacon at 8,6%.

Hot beverages inflation, which has remained above 6,0% since June 2022, reached 7,4% in June 2026.

The annual rate for black tea was 8,3% in June 2026, while instant coffee was 7,0%.

The graph below shows the food and beverage products that recorded the sharpest price changes. Pork, tomatoes, sausages, corned meat and hake registered the largest annual increases in June, while seasonal fruit, beetroot, white rice, potatoes and dried beans saw the largest decreases over the same period.

Actual housing rents and owners’ equivalent rent are included in the CPI calculation at the end of each quarter.

In June, actual rents rose by 1,1% from the March quarter, bringing the annual increase to 4,1%.

Over the past 12 months, rent increased by 5,4% for townhouses, 4,6% for flats and 3,7% for houses. 

Home Affairs Minister directs efforts to reducing red tape, digitalisation

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says South Africa is accelerating efforts to build a digital-first department, with expanded access to identity services, a growing electronic travel authorisation system and further reforms planned for the country's immigration regime.

Speaking at the Xpatweb Annual Global Mobility Conference on Tuesday, Schreiber said the department was moving beyond plans for reform and was now focused on implementation, positioning Home Affairs as an economic enabler that could support investment, tourism, critical skills and economic growth.

The Minister said the department's latest milestone was the expansion of its Trusted Employer Scheme, which has been broadened to include major infrastructure projects, companies establishing headquarters in South Africa and the financial services sector.
The scheme is also being streamlined through reduced red tape and greater digitalisation.

Companies interested in participating have until 4 September to apply.

Schreiber said the broader reform programme, known as Home Affairs @ home, was aimed at using technology to decentralise access to government services and reduce the need for people to visit Home Affairs offices.

A key part of the programme has been a partnership with the banking sector, which has enabled South Africans to apply for Smart ID Cards at participating bank branches without paperwork or appointments.

According to Schreiber, 422 119 applications had been processed through the partnership in just over four months.

The number of locations where citizens can obtain replacement Smart IDs has increased from 214 Home Affairs offices to 541 sites, with more than 750 bank branches expected to offer services by the end of the year.

The Minister said the expansion had been achieved without additional staff, budget or cost to taxpayers.

By the end of the year, passports and first-time Smart ID applications for adults and minors are also expected to become available at participating bank branches.

Schreiber said citizens would additionally have the option of having their IDs and passports delivered by courier to their homes before the end of 2026.

The Minister said the expansion of Smart ID services would also pave the way for the eventual discontinuation of the green identity document, which he said would help combat fraud and identity theft.

Another major pillar of the department's reforms is the development of a voluntary Digital ID system. Schreiber said South Africans would eventually be able to access secure digital versions of Home Affairs documents on their mobile devices, while retaining the option of using physical identity documents.

The digital transformation is also being extended to immigration.

Schreiber described the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) as the department's flagship immigration reform, saying it was designed not merely to digitise existing processes but to replace the country's outdated visa operating model with a modern platform using machine learning, biometric verification and automated risk analysis.

The ETA, initially piloted for travellers from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico, has already processed more than 203 000 applications, according to the Minister.

More than 5 700 fraudulent applications were rejected after the system detected fraudulent passports, manipulated documents and other indicators of fraud.

Schreiber said the system would be expanded to additional countries and visa categories, with study visas among the categories expected to be added by the end of the year.

The department has also activated an extension module that will allow qualifying visitors already in South Africa, including visa-exempt travellers, to apply digitally for an additional 90 days.

Schreiber said the long-term goal was to turn the ETA into a comprehensive digital immigration platform covering a broader range of immigration services.

He also pointed to Cabinet's adoption of the Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection as an important policy milestone.

Government intended to introduce legislation giving effect to the revised policy framework in Parliament at the beginning of the next financial year.

Western Cape speeds up flood-damaged road repairs

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has assured residents and farmers that a temporary crossing at the flood-damaged Smalblaar Bridge will be in place before the end of the year, while the  permanent restoration of the bridge is expected to take more than 12 months.

The bridge serves as a vital transport link for farms, residents and businesses in the Rawsonville area and was one of the sites Winde visited during a two-day oversight visit to flood-damaged infrastructure in the Central Karoo and Cape Winelands Districts on 16 and 17 July 2026.

During the visit, the Premier met members of the farming community in Rawsonville to discuss progress on the bridge's reconstruction and the measures being implemented to restore access as quickly as possible.

"These bridges and passes enable businesses to thrive and residents to access opportunities. I understand their importance and am focused on ensuring we get safe solutions in place as quickly as possible," Winde said.

Winde also assessed damage to the Meiringspoort and Swartberg passes, which were severely affected by recent record-breaking floods. The infrastructure is critical to connecting communities and supporting economic activity across the Klein and Groot Karoo regions.

Meiringspoort, which links De Rust and Klaarstroom, sustained extensive damage during the floods. The route comprises 20 river crossings, all of which were affected, while four major sections of the road were completely washed away.

According to the provincial government, permanent restoration of the pass is expected to take at least two years and cost hundreds of millions of rand.

Restoration work has already started from the De Rust side, with a temporary route expected to be completed by December 2026. Once opened, the road will operate under strict access controls.

Winde also inspected the Swartberg Pass, which was closed following the floods before reopening in June after emergency repairs. During the visit, Department of Infrastructure officials briefed the Premier at the Teeberg Lookout Point on the progress of ongoing restoration work.

The Premier acknowledged infrastructure teams currently working across the province to restore roads and other public infrastructure damaged by the severe weather.

“These recent severe weather events were unprecedented, with hundreds of thousands of people affected, and many hundreds of roads closed. The Western Cape road network connects communities, businesses and families, driving growth and jobs in every town and city.

“There are people on site across the province restoring roads in just about every district. Thank you for the hard work. We have a long way to go still, but we are moving in the right direction,” Winde said.

He also urged road users adhere to road regulations, warning that heavy vehicles should not use the Swartberg Pass.

“The Swartberg pass is not designed for use by heavy motor vehicles, such as semi-trailers and trucks. These vehicles must find alternative routes, via Laingsburg or Willowmore. While we rebuild bridges, passes and roads, I urge road users to follow road signs and adhere to warnings,” the Premier said.

The Premier is expected to continue receiving regular progress briefings from provincial officials, with further oversight visits to flood-affected districts. 

Operation Shanela strikes blow against organised crime

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has intensified its nationwide fight against organised crime, arresting more than 17 500 suspects during its latest high-density Shanela operations conducted between 13 and 19 July 2026.

The week-long operations targeted violent crime, drug trafficking, illegal firearms, illicit trade, immigration offences and wanted suspects, resulting in the arrest of 17 583 people for various crimes across the country.

"In just seven days, 17 583 suspects were arrested for various offences. In addition, detectives traced and arrested 1 777 wanted criminals linked to violent offences including murder, attempted murder, rape, carjackings, illegal possession of firearms, house and business robberies," SAPS said in a statement.

Illegal immigration enforcement
Police also stepped up the enforcement of immigration laws, arresting 3 622 illegal migrants in operations conducted across the country.
The Western Cape recorded the highest number of arrests, with 1 484, followed by Gauteng with 1 257.
According to SAPS, the operations form part of ongoing efforts to enforce the Immigration Act and dismantle criminal networks linked to illegal immigration.

Millions of rands worth of illicit goods seized
The operations also dealt a significant blow to illicit trade and counterfeit goods.
In the Western Cape, a joint operation involving SAPS, the Western Cape Liquor Board and the SARS Customs Unit seized illicit liquor worth an estimated R12 million in Stellenbosch on 16 July.
In Gauteng, the Provincial Counterfeit Unit confiscated contraband and counterfeit goods valued at R5 million during a three-day enforcement operation.
Meanwhile, in Acornhoek, Mpumalanga, police intercepted a truck transporting illicit cigarettes worth an estimated R1.9 million and arrested a 45-year-old suspect.

Drug trafficking remains a key focus
SAPS also intensified its campaign against drug-related crime, arresting 320 suspected drug dealers and 3 113 people for possession of drugs.
The Western Cape accounted for the highest number of drug possession arrests, with 1 800 suspects taken into custody.
In another major breakthrough, SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority secured a High Court preservation order on 19 July against a Rietfontein property linked to a R100 million crystal meth laboratory.
The order authorises the seizure and sale of the property, together with R27 800 in cash confiscated during a raid conducted in November 2024.
A Mexican national was previously arrested in connection with the operation, which police described as a significant blow against international drug syndicates.

Hundreds arrested for violent and serious crimes

Among those arrested during the week were:
156 suspects for murder.
99 for attempted murder.
147 for rape.
1 223 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
639 for the illegal dealing of liquor.
84 for illegal possession of firearms.
75 for illegal possession of ammunition.
586 for possession of dangerous weapons.
744 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Police also confiscated 138 unlicensed firearms, including handguns, shotguns and rifles, seized 1 178 rounds of ammunition, recovered various types of drugs and traced 60 hijacked and stolen vehicles.

Provincial operations
Several provinces recorded significant breakthroughs during the week.

In the Free State, the Provincial Tracking Team rearrested 45-year-old Tshidiso Michael Mokhuane, who had been wanted for rape since 2020. He was apprehended in Bloemspruit on 15 July.

In the Eastern Cape, police arrested three suspects for murder and attempted murder following a mob justice incident in Soweto-on-Sea on 14 July that claimed two lives. In a separate operation in Lusikisiki, Crime Intelligence officers arrested a 35-year-old suspect found in possession of three homemade firearms.

In Gauteng, two suspects were arrested in Mamelodi East on 14 July for allegedly extorting residents by demanding payments for illegal electricity connections.

In a separate intelligence-led operation on 17 July, police arrested two suspects, aged 54 and 59, in Tembisa and Ivory Park in connection with ATM bombings. Officers seized two 9mm pistols, three magazines and 26 rounds of live ammunition.

Operation Dig Deep in the Northern Cape led to the arrest of four foreign nationals in Kuruman and Postmasburg, where controlled purchases and raids resulted in the seizure of mandrax and tik worth R15 000.

In Mpumalanga, police arrested a 44-year-old suspect in Bushbuckridge on 19 July in connection with the murder of a police sergeant and the attempted murder of a police constable. The officers had come under attack after responding to a domestic violence complaint the previous evening.

In the North West, a 52-year-old Lesotho migrant was arrested in Seraleng after being found in possession of dye-stained banknotes linked to ATM bombings.

In Limpopo, intelligence-driven operations in the Capricorn District led to several arrests and the recovery of stolen property. Four suspects were arrested following a business robbery at a lodge in Lebowakgomo, where police also recovered two pistols and ammunition.
error: eRadio is protected !
Scroll to Top