SA, World Bank sign $1.5bn loan to support infrastructure reforms

Posted on July 21, 2026July 21, 2026 by Eon Engelbrecht

The South African government and the World Bank have signed a US$1.5 billion Development Policy Loan aimed at supporting infrastructure reforms and boosting inclusive economic growth.

The loan, announced by National Treasury on Tuesday, is intended to help address infrastructure constraints that the government identifies as a major barrier to job creation, amid persistent challenges of low economic growth and high unemployment.

The financing will support reforms in the electricity, freight and logistics sectors, as well as efforts to address challenges in water and sanitation.

Treasury said the funding forms part of the government’s broader programme of structural reforms in the energy, logistics and water sectors, which it described as critical to laying the foundation for faster and more inclusive growth.

The fourth development policy loan under the partnership between South Africa and the World Bank is built around three key areas: strengthening energy competitiveness and security, upgrading freight transport services, and improving the delivery of water and sanitation services.

According to Treasury, these reforms are expected to contribute to economic growth and job creation.

The loan is valued at US$1.5 billion and has a 15-year maturity, including a three-year grace period. The interest rate is set at the six-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 1.35%.

Treasury said the financing terms are aligned with the National Treasury’s borrowing strategy, which seeks to maintain long-term debt sustainability and affordability by securing funding at the lowest possible cost.

It said the loan’s favourable interest rate and flexible repayment terms would help minimise the increase in debt-service costs.

The World Bank loan, together with financing secured from other multilateral development partners, has enabled the government to meet its US$3.2 billion foreign currency borrowing requirement for the 2026/27 financial year, according to Treasury.

National Treasury thanked the World Bank for its continued support, saying the partnership was critical to maintaining momentum on reforms and advancing South Africa’s broader development objectives.

Macpherson requests audit into state-owned properties

Posted on July 21, 2026July 21, 2026 by Eon Engelbrecht

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, has requested the department’s Director-General Sifiso Mdakane to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the 6 238 State-owned residential properties allocated to various user Departments and those occupied by government officials across the country.

Mdakane has also been requested to develop a comprehensive strategy for the disposal of properties that are not required for legitimate operational purposes.

Of these properties, 3 626 are situated in KwaZulu-Natal, 566 in the Western Cape and 407 in Gauteng.

The department further recorded that an estimated R39.6 million was spent from its day-to-day maintenance budget during the 2025/26 financial year, although the available expenditure information relates to only 108 of the 6 238 properties.

The Director-General has been requested to submit a comprehensive report to the Minister within 30 days.

“The report must include a complete assessment of the 3 626 properties situated in KwaZulu-Natal, identifying the user department to which each property has been allocated, its intended purpose and operational need, the capacity in which the current occupant resides at the property and which properties should be retained, repurposed or disposed of,” the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said in a statement.

According to the department, the report must separately identify properties occupied by officials of the department and determine whether the same allocation criteria, governance requirements, rental provisions, housing entitlement checks and tax treatment applicable to other departments have been applied without exception or preferential treatment.

The investigation must further examine:
● The legislative and regulatory basis for the leasing of State-owned residences, including compliance with the Government Immovable Asset Management Act, the Public Finance Management Act and applicable National Treasury regulations.
● Whether the rentals charged are market-related and whether the necessary approvals were obtained for any deviations.
● Whether officials occupying work facility or official housing qualify for such accommodation under their conditions of employment and whether the appropriate fringe benefit tax treatment has been applied.
● Whether user departments have surrendered properties that are no longer required for service delivery and whether any surplus properties should be repurposed, redeveloped, disposed of or released from the State’s portfolio.

“It is my view that the State should not own more than 6 000 residential properties for government officials, particularly when many officials already receive housing allowances, subsidies or other housing-related benefits as part of their remuneration packages.

“Unless there is a clear and compelling operational reason for the State to retain a residential property, it should be sold. The default position cannot be that the State indefinitely carries the maintenance, rates and other costs of thousands of residential properties, while the public fiscus remains under immense pressure.

“We need to establish who is occupying each property, the basis on which it was allocated and whether it still serves a legitimate public purpose. Where properties are underutilised, unnecessary or no longer required for government operations, they should be released from the State’s portfolio through a transparent and legally compliant disposal process.

“Selling properties that the State does not need will reduce unnecessary expenditure, generate value for the public and ensure that government focuses its limited resources on infrastructure and assets that directly support service delivery. This is central to our commitment to use public assets for the public good and build a better South Africa,” the Minister said.

McKenzie explains R31 million World Cup expenditure

Posted on July 20, 2026July 20, 2026 by Eon Engelbrecht

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has provided a breakdown of the approximately R31 million spent on South Africa’s FIFA World Cup 2026 delegation and programme activities linked to fan engagement, activations and legacy initiatives, including artists and cultural participants.

This follows questions raised in Parliament and the media over the past week about spending linked to South Africa’s engagement at the World Cup.

According to the Minister, private sector partners, including Brand South Africa, Coca-Cola, HONOR, Betway, Cell C and Old School, funded Lucky Fans, journalists, podcasters and influencers who travelled as part of the programme, along with further fan mobilisation activities.

“That sponsorship sat outside the department’s own expenditure. The FIFA World Cup was the largest global sports, arts, and culture platform of the year, and it only comes around every four years.

“Spending public money to position South Africa on such a platform is not a deviation from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) mandate – it is exactly the DSAC mandate,” McKenzie explained in a statement on Sunday.

A total of 151 participants were sent to Mexico and the United States for the World Cup, excluding the service provider team.
The breakdown of the R30 945 370.15 spent on the World Cup is as follows:

Official trips and travel-related expenditure – Minister and two support staff, Director-General and Project Team (14 members):
R7 865 134.97
South Africa 2010 Legends Exhibition Match (involving 27 people in total): R6 706 925.00
Suites: R3 361 845.18
Spectator match tickets: R3 011 465.00
Programme activities linked to fan engagement, Aldea Global participation, Atlanta partnership activations, Monterrey and legacy activities, including the costs of 30 artists and cultural participants and the project delivery team from a service provider: R10 000 000.00
The R7.86 million covered the costs of the official delegation responsible for delivering the programme.

This included international flights, accommodation, local transport, travel insurance, daily allowances and all approved travel costs for McKenzie, executive management and officials responsible for logistics, communications, protocol, governance and programme delivery, as well as South African artists and cultural representatives who formed part of the official delegation.
The R6.71 million funded the South Africa 2010 Legends Programme.

“The match between the 2010 Bafana Bafana legends and Mexico’s 2010 legends was filled. Our football legends didn’t just travel to watch football. They represented South Africa in an official exhibition match and legacy events that celebrated our football history and kept the spirit of 2010 alive while promoting South African football on the global stage,” the Minister said.

The R3.36 million funded official hospitality venues in Atlanta and Monterrey.

The R3.01 million covered 294 official FIFA match tickets across three host cities.

“Those tickets formed part of the approved programme and allowed our delegation, stakeholders and programme participants to attend official World Cup fixtures linked to South Africa’s activation and engagement programme,” McKenzie said.

He said R10 million was spent on building South Africa’s physical presence at the FIFA World Cup, including funding the design, construction and installation of exhibition spaces in Mexico City, Atlanta and Monterrey.

It covered branding, décor, lighting, sound, screens, technical equipment, furniture, logistics, transport, security, maintenance and the teams that built, operated and later dismantled the spaces.

“It funded the actual programme that thousands of football fans experienced. South African musicians performed live. Our chefs introduced the world to South African food.

“Local artists and crafters displayed and sold South African products proudly. Businesses promoted South Africa as a tourism destination and an investment destination. Visitors walked away with a better understanding of our country, our people and what South Africa has to offer,” McKenzie said.

Expanding access to water is central to Mandela’s legacy – President

Posted on July 20, 2026July 20, 2026 by Eon Engelbrecht

President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is accelerating efforts to expand access to safe and reliable water to underserved communities as part of honouring the legacy of former President Nelson Mandela.

In his weekly newsletter on Monday following the Mandela Day commemorations on 18 July, President Ramaphosa said celebrating Madiba's birthday through acts of service reflects a commitment to continue the work he devoted his life to.

“For Madiba, the freedom he fought for was not merely the right to vote. It was the freedom to live with dignity, to live in decent conditions and to enjoy the basic necessities of life,” the President said.

He said government had launched the National Water Access Acceleration Programme through decentralised water supply schemes to respond to the need for safe and reliable water in underserved communities.

The initiative forms part of the priorities announced in this year's State of the Nation Address to tackle the country's water crisis, which continues to affect households, communities and businesses.

The programme was launched in Hammanskraal, Gauteng, a community that has faced longstanding water challenges and where lives were lost during a cholera outbreak three years ago.

As part of the intervention, boreholes were handed over to the community, and the Klipdrift Package Water Treatment Plant was officially commissioned.

Similar projects, including borehole drilling, groundwater development, rainwater harvesting and the rehabilitation of existing water supply schemes, have also been rolled out in parts of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

According to the President, the programme is designed to reduce the time between identifying a community's water needs and delivering functioning water supply systems by using solutions suited to local conditions instead of relying solely on large-scale infrastructure projects.

President Ramaphosa noted that expanding access to water has been one of democracy's major achievements, with the 2022 Census showing that more than 82% of households have access to piped water either inside their dwelling or within their yard.

He added that the proportion of households without access to piped water has more than halved since 1996.

However, the President acknowledged that many municipalities continue to struggle with maintaining infrastructure, managing water services and responding urgently to service delivery challenges.

“We must acknowledge that in too many municipalities, government has not succeeded with the maintenance of infrastructure, to manage water services properly and to respond with sufficient urgency. Parts of our country are experiencing worsening water shortages and deteriorating water quality. In some places, ageing water infrastructure has collapsed,” he said.

To address these challenges, President Ramaphosa said government established the National Water Crisis Committee earlier this year to coordinate interventions across all spheres of government.

He said the committee is focused on strengthening municipal water and sanitation services, increasing investment in water infrastructure, reforming water sector institutions, improving the legal and regulatory framework, and tackling corruption and criminality in the sector.

“As we learned during the energy crisis, sustainable solutions require putting the necessary building blocks in place rather than relying on quick fixes. Our response to the water crisis focuses on sustainable, long-term reform,” the President said.

He said the National Water Action Plan brings together national, provincial and local government, water boards, regulators and water service authorities under a single programme of action with clear responsibilities and timelines.

Among the immediate interventions already underway are emergency infrastructure projects, including the boreholes in Hammanskraal, which government intends to expand to more communities.

President Ramaphosa also highlighted ongoing legislative reforms, including the establishment of the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency to coordinate investment in bulk water infrastructure.

He said public hearings on the Water Services Amendment Bill will begin soon to strengthen enforcement and enable municipal managers who fail to manage water infrastructure to be held personally liable.

Over the next three years, government has allocated R156 billion towards water and sanitation infrastructure as part of its broader public infrastructure investment programme.

The President said municipalities remain at the frontline of service delivery and will continue receiving support to improve financial sustainability and reinvest water revenue into infrastructure.

He added that where municipalities or officials fail to comply with environmental and water services legislation, government will use available enforcement mechanisms, including directives, criminal proceedings and, where permitted by law, personal liability.

“Water security is among government's most urgent priorities. Households and businesses experiencing shortages and outages have had enough, and underserved communities across the country still waiting for taps to be installed 32 years into democracy are justifiably tired of waiting,” President Ramaphosa said.

He reaffirmed government's commitment to resolving the water crisis through coordinated action and structural reform.

“Our ultimate goal is not merely to get over the current crisis, but to fulfil Madiba's vision of all South Africans enjoying their constitutionally enshrined right to access to water and of this right being secured for generations to come. Water is dignity and therefore central to Mandela's legacy,” he said.

DA Questions Estimated R31 Million FIFA World Cup Delegation Cost

Posted on July 20, 2026July 20, 2026 by Eon Engelbrecht

The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it has repeatedly asked Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie over the past two months to disclose the full cost of the department's delegation to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to the DA, the Minister's latest written response estimated the delegation's expenditure at R31 million. The party says the figure is an estimate and has called for more detailed information.

The DA says it has submitted two requests seeking details about the delegation's members, the total budget and how the trip was funded. It claims the responses contained limited information, differing expenditure figures and no clear explanation of the funding arrangements.

The party says the Minister later disclosed that the delegation included 20 artists and 18 departmental officials, including the Minister, two support staff, the Director-General and a 14-member project team. It says the officials' travel was estimated to have cost just under R8 million.

The DA says the names of the delegation members and the final cost of the trip have not yet been disclosed. It plans to submit further parliamentary questions requesting the outstanding information and an exact date for when it will be made available.

The party also says it will ask Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture to require Minister McKenzie to account for the expenditure and provide a detailed breakdown of the delegation's costs.

Western Cape offers free vehicle safety checks for scholar and public transport vehicles

Posted on July 20, 2026July 20, 2026 by Eon Engelbrecht

As learners prepare to return to school this week, the Western Cape Government is offering free vehicle safety checks for scholar transport and public transport vehicles from 21 to 23 July 2026. The initiative supports safer journeys for learners and commuters by encouraging drivers and operators to proactively assess the condition of their vehicles.

The free safety checks will be conducted between 8am and 3pm at Gene Louw Traffic College and participating vehicle testing centres across the province, in partnership with municipalities and vehicle testing centres. Operators and drivers are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity before returning to their regular transport services.

The inspections are not full roadworthy tests, but practical safety assessments carried out by qualified vehicle examiners.

Following the inspection, operators will receive a printed report identifying any defects or safety concerns that require attention, enabling drivers and operators to address potential issues before they become a risk on the road. The inspections will cover key vehicle safety components, including: tyres; braking system; lights; suspension; CV joints; exhaust system; windscreen wipers and other critical safety elements.

The initiative forms part of the Western Cape Government's ongoing commitment to improving road safety and promoting a culture of preventative vehicle maintenance. Western Cape Mobility Department’s Chief Director for Traffic Management, Maxine Bezuidenhout, said the timing of the initiative is particularly important as thousands of learners return to school after the holiday period. "For many families, scholar transport is an essential service that they trust every day. These free vehicle safety checks provide operators with an opportunity to identify and address potential safety concerns. While this is not a roadworthy test, it is a practical preventative measure that can make a meaningful difference to road safety. We encourage every scholar transport and public transport operator to make use of this free service and demonstrate their commitment to the safety of the passengers they transport."

Preventative vehicle maintenance remains one of the most effective ways to reduce breakdowns and prevent avoidable incidents. By identifying defects early, drivers and operators can improve the safety and reliability of the vehicles that thousands of learners and commuters depend on every day.

Free vehicle safety checks
Dates: 21–23 July 2026
Time: 08:00–15:00

Participating vehicle safety check centres:

Gene Louw Traffic Training College, Brackenfell Blvd, Brackenfell
Swartland Municipality, St Thomas St, Malmesbury
Swartland Municipality, River Str, Moorreesburg
Cape Agulhas Municipality, 1 Dirkie Uys Str, Bredasdorp
Cederberg Municipality, 2A Voortrekker Str, Clanwilliam
Cederberg Municipality, Citrusdal Traffic Department, Citrusdal
Hessequa Municipality, 48 Mulder Str, Riversdale
Beaufort West Municipality, Lock Way, Newton, Beaufort West
City of Cape Town – Kuils River, Fabriek Str, Kuils River
City of Cape Town – Bellrail, 2 Reed Str, Bellville
AVTS Airport, Boston Circle, Airport Industria
AVTS Bellville, Cnr Duminy and Voortrekker Rd, Bellville
AVTS CBD, 86 Sir Lowry Rd, Cape Town
AVTS Kenilworth, 422 Imam Haron Rd, Lansdowne
AVTS Strand, 3 Calvyn Str, Strand
AVTS Table View, 139 Blaauwberg Rd, Table View
AVTS Wingfield, Olympic Park, Voortrekker Rd, Goodwood
Lansdowne VTS, Unit 21, Cnr Blomvlei Rd and Jan Smuts Drive, Lansdowne

Eskom confirms no radiation leak at Koeberg Unit 2

Posted on July 20, 2026July 20, 2026 by Eon Engelbrecht

Eskom has confirmed that no radiation leak occurred during routine maintenance at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station's Unit 2, assuring the public that there was no risk to employees, surrounding communities or the environment.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the utility said the incident, which occurred during scheduled maintenance inspections in July, was classified as Level 0 (no safety significance) on the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES) – the lowest possible rating.

"The event had no impact on nuclear safety, plant operations, employees, the public or the environment," Eskom said, adding that the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) had been notified in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Unit 2 has been on a planned maintenance outage since April 2026 and remains on schedule to return to service in November. Koeberg's Unit 1 continues to operate normally.

Eskom said highly sensitive radiation monitoring equipment detected two brief and localised airborne radioactivity events inside a controlled work area within the Unit 2 containment building on 2 and 7 July during routine steam generator inspections.

The utility stressed that the detections were confined to the designated work area inside the containment structure and did not result in any release of radioactive material beyond the plant's protective barriers.

As a result, there was no need to administer iodine tablets to employees.

According to Eskom, the airborne activity occurred during Eddy Current Testing (ECT), a standard non-destructive inspection method used worldwide to assess the condition of steam generator tubes.

During the inspection, a minute quantity of microscopic oxide particles, commonly known in the nuclear industry as "crud", became airborne within the enclosed work area.

The inspections are conducted using robotic probes to establish a baseline of the steam generator tubes and identify signs of wall thinning long before they could affect plant performance or safety.

Eskom said minor airborne particulate events of this nature are a recognised phenomenon during steam generator inspections at pressurised water reactors globally and are managed through robust safety systems.

The utility said Koeberg's multiple layers of safety and containment functioned exactly as designed.

These included physical containment barriers, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration operating under negative pressure, continuous airborne radiation monitoring through Constant Air Monitors (CAMs), and comprehensive radiation protection measures for personnel.

When the monitoring equipment detected the temporary increase in airborne activity, it automatically triggered an alarm.

In response, plant personnel immediately halted the inspection, secured the work area, allowed ventilation and filtration systems to remove the airborne particles, and carried out the required radiological assessments before maintenance resumed.

"These actions successfully contained the material within the designated work area and restored conditions to normal operating parameters," Eskom said.

The utility said monitoring confirmed that the airborne particles remained confined to the controlled work area and that no radioactive material was released into the environment.

"The event demonstrated the effectiveness of Koeberg's defence-in-depth approach, with monitoring, containment and radiation protection systems functioning as designed and providing early detection and control of the transient."

Eskom said the incident had no impact on the safe operation of the power station, maintenance activities or the planned completion date of the Unit 2 outage. Personnel involved were also provided with a comprehensive safety debriefing following the incident.

The utility reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of nuclear safety, regulatory compliance and transparency in the operation of South Africa's only nuclear power station.

SA, Namibia strengthens ties with seven agreements

Posted on July 17, 2026July 20, 2026 by Eon Engelbrecht

South Africa and Namibia have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation by signing seven agreements aimed at boosting trade, investment, industrialisation and regional integration during the Fourth Session of the South Africa -Namibia Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Pretoria.

Co-chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the Commission reviewed progress in bilateral relations and adopted measures to accelerate implementation of agreements and programmes that will deliver tangible economic and developmental benefits to the people of both countries.

The Fourth Session was preceded by meetings of senior officials from 14 to 15 July and a ministerial segment on 16 July, where progress on previous decisions was assessed and recommendations prepared for consideration by the two Heads of State.

In a joint communiqué issued after the meeting on Friday, the two Presidents reaffirmed the historic bonds of friendship forged during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid.

“The two Presidents reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction with the steady growth of cooperation between the two countries. They reiterated their commitment to further strengthening political, economic, social and cultural relations for the mutual benefit of their peoples,” the joint communiqué said.

The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and other multilateral forums, while advancing regional peace, security, economic integration and sustainable development.

They underscored the urgency of accelerating implementation of regional and continental frameworks, including the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Namibia also expressed its support for South Africa as host of the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in August 2026.

Recognising the geographical proximity, economic interdependence and complementary resource endowments of the two countries, the Presidents agreed to intensify economic cooperation.

“They agreed to promote greater trade and investment, strengthen cross-border value chains, facilitate private-sector partnerships and pursue opportunities for joint industrial development and beneficiation,” the joint communiqué said.

The two countries also agreed to deepen collaboration in the mining, petroleum and natural gas sectors by expanding cooperation across mineral and energy value chains.

The communiqué said the partnership would place greater emphasis on exploration, research, technology, skills development, local value addition and beneficiation to support industrialisation, economic diversification, energy security and employment creation.

Energy cooperation featured prominently during the discussions, with the two leaders agreeing to strengthen collaboration in electricity generation and transmission, renewable energy and regional energy security.

They also committed to accelerating implementation of the Kudu Gas Power Project.

Transport and logistics were identified as critical enablers of trade, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation on the Trans-Kalahari Corridor and other transport links connecting South Africa, Namibia and the broader Southern African region.

The two governments also agreed to strengthen cooperation in water resource management, agriculture and food security, public health, skills development and public-sector capacity building to improve resilience, service delivery and socio-economic development.

The Commission culminated in the signing of seven bilateral agreements and instruments of cooperation covering:
-Employment and labour;
-Public administration capacity building between South Africa's National School of Government and Namibia's Institute of Public -Administration and Management;
-Bilateral air services;
-Legal cooperation;
-Correctional services;
-An economic partnership agreement between the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and
-Gender equality and women's empowerment.

The two Heads of State also welcomed the convening of the South Africa-Namibia Business Forum, describing it as a strategic public-private partnership platform that will promote greater economic cooperation between the two countries.

Held under the theme: “Driving Regional Industrialisation, Investment and Sustainable Growth Through Strategic South Africa–Namibia Partnerships”, the forum brought together government and business leaders to strengthen trade, investment and industrial partnerships.

South Africa and Namibia already enjoy strong trade and investment relations, with more than 50 South African companies investing in Namibia between 2023 and 2025. These investments contributed approximately US$1.2 billion in capital and created around 4 900 jobs across sectors including mining, banking, insurance, property and renewable energy.

Established in 2013, the Bi-National Commission is the highest formal mechanism for cooperation between South Africa and Namibia. Since its inception, it has become the principal platform for coordinating bilateral relations across political, economic, social, environmental, science and technology, defence and security sectors.

The two countries have concluded 75 agreements and memoranda of understanding covering a broad range of areas, including political and economic cooperation, social development, defence and security, as well as historical agreements relating to the handover of Walvis Bay.

To ensure decisions taken during the Fourth Session are implemented, the two Presidents directed relevant ministries, departments and agencies to develop clear implementation plans with defined responsibilities and timelines.

They further instructed senior officials to monitor implementation regularly and use the Mid-Term Review mechanism to assess progress, address challenges and ensure accountability.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah also invited President Ramaphosa to undertake a working visit to Namibia to co-chair the Fifth Session of the Bi-National Commission at a mutually agreed date. President Ramaphosa accepted the invitation.

SASSA dismisses four officials over R33 million social grants fraud

Posted on July 17, 2026July 20, 2026 by Eon Engelbrecht

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has dismissed four officials from its Nebo Local Office in Sekhukhune after they were found guilty of involvement in a R33 million social grants fraud scheme.

In a media statement issued on Thursday, SASSA said an internal investigation revealed that the officials manipulated the social grants system in collaboration with external syndicates, resulting in fraudulent activities valued at R33 million.

Following the investigation, disciplinary proceedings were instituted, leading to the dismissal of the four employees.

The officials appealed the sanction, but SASSA said its Appeals Committee upheld the dismissals, citing the seriousness of the misconduct and the need to protect public resources.

The agency reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on fraud and corruption, saying it remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of the social grant system and ensuring that grant funds reach the rightful beneficiaries who depend on them.

Regional Executive Manager Mapupula Pheeha said fraudulent activities undermine public trust in SASSA and deprive vulnerable communities of much-needed support.

"Fraudulent activities undermine the trust placed in SASSA and deprive vulnerable communities of much-needed support. We will continue to act decisively against any employee found guilty of misconduct," Pheeha said.

SASSA added that it is strengthening measures to prevent similar incidents in future. These include enhanced monitoring, stricter internal controls and ongoing staff ethics training aimed at protecting the integrity of the social grants system.

The agency said the dismissals demonstrate its commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability among its employees while protecting public funds intended for South Africa's most vulnerable citizens.

Temporary Reinstatement will see Meiringspoort Reopen by December 2026

Posted on July 17, 2026July 20, 2026 by Eon Engelbrecht

This week Premier Alan Winde, Minister Tertuis Simmers and Minister Anton Bredell visited parts of the Meiringspoort Pass and received a briefing from Department of Infrastructure officials on progress made towards restoration of this critical road.

“Vital routes such as Meiringspoort are economic and mobility lifelines for regional communities. Our focus is on ensuring that we restore this route as soon as possible, to protect jobs and livelihoods. Subject to favourable conditions, a temporary solution will be in place within the next 6 months, which will see the road reopened to vehicles with strict access control measures in place,” said the Premier.

Meiringspoort was severely damaged in recent severe weather, with flood lines double the height of the 1996 flood. This heritage pass, which connects the Klein and Groot Karoo regions, consists of 20 river crossings, all of which were damaged in some way.

Four major sections of the road were completely washed away. As soon as it was safe to do so following the storm events, procurement and emergency reinstatement work commenced with contractors on site from the end of June.

Several environmental, engineering and heritage considerations guide the reinstatement and restoration of the road, making this work particularly sensitive and complex. The full and permanent restoration of the pass will take at least two years and will cost hundreds of millions of rand, but the Western Cape Government is committed to delivering a temporary solution as soon as possible this year.

Minister Simmers outlined that debris is being cleared on the De Rust-side, with teams working tirelessly to reopen the road.

“Currently, our teams have started with clearing debris on the De Rust-side of the poort and similar works will soon start from the Klaarstroom-side. The Western Cape Government understands that circumstances for residents and local businesses are extremely difficult. That is why we are doing everything we can to restore access through temporary works, while permanent restoration continues,” said Minister Simmers.

Minster Bredell said, “The Western Cape Government is balancing environmental and engineering priorities to ensure that we build back better, while preserving the natural heritage of this route.”

Premier Winde thanked residents and officials for their resilience under incredibly difficult circumstances. “Our officials were on the ground as soon as it was safe to do so. Under incredibly difficult circumstances, officials worked their way up the pass, often on foot, to assess damage and map out the rebuild. Safely reopening this road is key to growth and jobs – this remains our absolute priority. Thank you to residents and officials for everything you are doing to support and rebuild our communities.”

The Premier and Ministers Simmers and Bredell concluded the visit with a public meeting in Klaarstroom, where communities were able to hear directly from the Western Cape Government about restoration efforts and timelines.

Meanwhile, the Swartberg Pass remains closed after a truck overturned.