Category: News

Over 8 000 foreign nationals arrested in law enforcement operations

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The South African Police Service (SAPS), in close collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority (BMA), and other government departments, has sharpened its focus on immigration enforcement with 8 896 foreign nationals arrested.

In a statement on Wednesday, the police said the foreign nationals were arrested nationwide in the past 14 days for contravening the Immigration Act (Act No. 13 of 2002). 

Some of these individuals are also facing additional charges involving serious and violent crime, including murder, rape, and the possession of unlicenced firearms. 

These figures reflect government’s commitment to deal decisively with illegal immigration and related offences across the country. 

Just last week, multiple operations conducted across the Gauteng province resulted in the arrest of more than 800 undocumented foreign nationals. In one of the operations, police, supported by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and other stakeholders, arrested 217 suspects at Losberg Kloof Mine in Westonaria on 07 July 2026. 

The operation targeted illegal mining activities and other related criminal offences in the area.

In Reitz in the Free State, intelligence led officers to a biscuit manufacturing factory on 03 July 2026, where nine undocumented foreign nationals were arrested. The suspects remain in custody pending immigration verification. 

The municipality has been engaged, and the factory faces closure while investigations continue. Authorities are weighing further action against the owner for alleged non-compliance.

Meanwhile, the Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has issued a stern warning against unlawful intimidation and harassment of foreign nationals. 

This follows the arrest of five suspects in Lephalale, Limpopo, who posed as Home Affairs officials and unlawfully demanded the removal of foreign nationals from Marapong township. Verification by the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that the targeted Nigerian national was legally documented and permitted to operate his business.

In addition, a multidisciplinary team has been appointed to investigate the murder of March and March Gauteng leader, Andile Mvuyiselwa Somgaxa, who was shot in the driveway of his home in Greenfield, Johannesburg, on 04 July 2026 and succumbed to his injuries in hospital on 09 July 2026.

“Violence, whether perpetrated by South Africans or foreign nationals, destroys communities, erodes trust, and will never be tolerated as a solution to resolve disputes. We urge communities to not take matters into their own hands. Our men and women in blue are hard at work in arresting those who contravene the laws of our country,” said Dimpane. 

The SAPS also reminded the public that only authorised law enforcement officials may conduct inspections and verify the legal status of individuals within South Africa. Acts of intimidation, vigilantism or violence will be met with decisive action. 

Swartberg Pass Closed Following Overturned Truck

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Emergency services responded to a heavy motor vehicle accident at approximately 07:30 this morning on the Swartberg Pass.

A truck transporting grain overturned approximately 14 km before the pass in the direction of Prins Albert, resulting in a substantial grain spillage and a minor diesel leak on the roadway.

Due to the nature of the incident and the ongoing recovery operation, the Swartberg Pass is closed to all traffic until further notice.

The Oudtshoorn Municipality Fire & Rescue Services are on scene and are working in close coordination with the Garden Route District Municipality Fire & Rescue Services, the South African Police Service (SAPS), Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Provincial Traffic to secure the area and clear the roadway.

Members of the public are urged to avoid the area, as no vehicles will be able to travel over the Swartberg Pass towards Prins Albert while recovery operations are underway.

Please note that the Cango Caves remain open and accessible.

Further updates will be communicated as soon as more information becomes available.

Home Affairs expands Digital Partnership as Absa launches Smart ID applications

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The Department of Home Affairs has expanded its Digital Partnership with the banking sector after Absa became the fourth bank to offer Smart ID card applications.

Absa joins Capitec, Standard Bank and First National Bank in providing the service, bringing the total number of participating bank branches to 296 nationwide.

Initially, 12 Absa branches will offer Smart ID services, with another 60 branches expected to be added before the end of 2026.

Absa will also introduce a mobile service, called Bank on the Move, to extend Home Affairs services to more communities.

The department says more than 385,000 Smart ID applications have already been processed through the Digital Partnership, reflecting growing demand for digital services and encouraging South Africans to replace the green barcoded ID book with the more secure Smart ID card.

Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber says the expansion is part of the Home Affairs @ home reform programme, which aims to increase the network to 750 participating bank branches by the end of the year and improve access to secure Home Affairs services across the country.

Minister Meyer launches Western Cape Export Strategy 2035 to drive growth, investment, and jobs

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, launched the Western Cape Export Strategy 2035 on 14 July 2026, positioning market access as a key driver of economic growth, investment and job creation in the province. 

Speaking at the launch, Minister Meyer said the strategy provides a practical roadmap to implement the Western Cape Government's Growth for Jobs Strategy, which aims to build a R1 trillion, inclusive economy growing at between 4% and 6% annually. 

"Growth for Jobs is our vision. The Export Strategy is our roadmap. Market access is the bridge that connects Western Cape businesses to global opportunity, investment and jobs," said Minister Meyer. 

The strategy recognises that the domestic market alone is insufficient to achieve the level of economic growth required to create sustainable employment opportunities. By increasing exports, Western Cape businesses will be able to access new customers, improve competitiveness, drive innovation and strengthen resilience in a rapidly changing global economy. 

The province is already home to world-class exporters across agriculture, manufacturing, technology and services. The strategy seeks to expand these successes by supporting more businesses to enter export markets and helping existing exporters grow their international footprint. 

By 2035, the Western Cape aims to significantly increase the value of exports, grow the number of active exporters by 1 000, unlock at least 10 new export product opportunities and drive broader economic growth through export-led expansion. 

Minister Meyer emphasised that market access remains the central priority of the strategy.

"Market access is about opportunity. It is about ensuring that a Western Cape farmer, entrepreneur, manufacturer or service provider can successfully connect with customers around the world. When businesses gain market access, they gain the opportunity to grow. And when businesses grow, jobs follow." 

The strategy focuses on improving access for international buyers, strengthening compliance with global standards, leveraging trade agreements, enhancing logistics and export infrastructure, and advancing advocacy efforts to remove trade barriers. 

Minister Meyer highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, business, and industry stakeholders.

"Government does not export. Businesses export. Businesses invest. Businesses innovate. Businesses create jobs. Our role is to create the conditions that enable exporters to succeed." 

He thanked Wesgro, provincial departments, municipalities, export councils, industry associations and exporters for their contribution to the development of the strategy and their continued role in growing the provincial economy. 

Concluding his remarks, Minister Meyer said success would ultimately be measured not by the publication of a strategy document, but by tangible outcomes.

"Our success will be measured by new markets opened, new exporters supported, new investment secured and new jobs created.

The Western Cape Export Strategy 2035 is a commitment to action and a commitment to building a more competitive, resilient and inclusive economy." 

A copy of the strategy can be downloaded here

Western Cape crowned SA Schools Winter Games champions for 4th consecutive year

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, congratulated Team Western Cape on being crowned the 2026 SA Schools Winter Games champions, securing the provincial title for a fourth consecutive year.

The team recorded 18 losses and nine wins on a challenging opening day before  regrouping, improving its performances on day two, and entering the final day determined to convert qualifying performances into medals.

The team delivered an outstanding performance, winning three gold medals, three silver medals and one bronze medal to finish ahead of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng and claim the overall Winter Games title.

The victory also secured a lead in the 2026 national school sport programme. Since the start of the current competition cycle on 1 April 2026, the Western Cape has been crowned national champions in Swimming, LSEN Schools Athletics and the Winter Games, while finishing as runners-up in High Schools Athletics. With only the Summer Games remaining in December, Team Western Cape has already done enough to be declared the overall 2026 SA School Sport Champions.

Minister Mackenzie said the results reflect the strength of the Western Cape's school sport system and the resilience of its young athletes.

"Congratulations to every athlete who wore the Western Cape colours with pride. To recover from a difficult opening day and finish as champions demonstrates resilience, discipline and teamwork. These qualities define not only successful athletes but also future leaders."

The Minister thanked coaches, team managers and technical officials for their dedication to developing young talent.

"Your commitment extends far beyond competition. You help young people discover their potential, develop confidence and learn the values of discipline, respect and perseverance through sport."

He also acknowledged the vital role played by schools, parents and guardians.

"Thank you to every school, parent and guardian who supports our learners. Together we are creating opportunities for young people to participate, grow and succeed. Your encouragement makes these achievements possible."

Minister Mackenzie said the Western Cape Government remains committed to investing in school sport because it builds healthier communities and gives young people the opportunity to achieve with dignity.

"As a caring government, we believe that every learner deserves the opportunity to participate in sport, develop their talents and compete with dignity. This year's results show what is possible when government, schools, families and communities work together to support our young people."

The Western Cape Government congratulates Team Western Cape on another historic achievement.

Minister urges stronger collaboration to curb illegal fisheries trade

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh has urged authorities to strengthen collaboration to ensure the successful prosecution of those involved in the illegal trade of fisheries resources.

Addressing South African authorities, including prosecutors, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Coastal Marine Task Force (CMTF), at a training session in KwaZulu-Natal, Singh said every purchase of unlawfully harvested marine resources contributes to the depletion of a national asset.

The training comes amid reports of the persistent illegal sale of crayfish (East Coast rock lobster) along the N2 near Hibberdene.

“What may seem like a simple roadside transaction is often the visible end of a longer criminal chain involving unlawful harvesting, storage, transport, and sale. These activities place unsustainable pressure on our marine resources, undermine lawful fishers, endanger enforcement officers and the public, and erode respect for the law,” the Deputy Minister said in Scottburgh.
Singh emphasised that protecting South Africa’s marine, coastal and natural resources cannot be the responsibility of any single institution, sphere of government or category of official.

He said this requires seamless, well-coordinated synergy across the entire enforcement and prosecutorial chain.

“Coordinated intelligence, lawful and careful investigation, properly preserved evidence, sound charge sheets, informed prosecutorial decisions, and consistent court follow-through must all function as integrated parts of a single, effective system,” Singh said.

Through the Small-Scale Fisheries Policy, government has allocated long-term fishing rights to 172 cooperatives representing approximately 10 000 fishers.

“We are now shifting focus towards practical support - markets, infrastructure, cold storage, processing facilities, governance, and business development - so that lawful users can thrive.

“Effective enforcement protects the space for these lawful participants to succeed. When we fail to prosecute transgressors robustly, we undermine the very opportunities we are creating for coastal communities and future generations,” Singh said.

During the period April to June 2026 alone, joint operations opened six case dockets under the Marine Living Resources Act, led to nine arrests, issued 22 admission-of-guilt fines totalling R42 000, and resulted in significant confiscations, including 352 linefish valued at R176 000, East Coast rock lobster valued at R31 500, and 47 illegal gillnets valued at R21 150.

“These outcomes demonstrate the power of coordinated intelligence-led enforcement. Yet we must be honest: while progress has been made, challenges remain. Gillnetting continues to devastate estuaries, and complex cases involving undocumented foreign nationals add layers of difficulty. 

“Illegal development in sensitive coastal areas such as Umgababa, forestry transgressions, and other offences all require the same integrated response across the enforcement chain,” the Deputy Minister said.

Singh said these successes, as well as persistent challenges, underscore a central truth: effective environmental enforcement is not measured only by arrests and confiscations, but ultimately by successful prosecutions, appropriate sentencing and the ability to protect resources for present and future generations.

“This requires every link in the chain - investigators, compliance officials, and prosecutors - to understand each other’s operational realities, evidentiary requirements, and procedural needs,” he said.

Over the two-day training, authorities will cover key areas, including the Marine Living Resources Act; illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; the Integrated Coastal Management Act; off-road vehicle controls; municipal development enforcement; forestry legislation; mining and water-use compliance; biodiversity offences; and Marine Protected Areas.

Minister Sileku experiences return of passenger rail to the Garden Route

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, this week joined residents on a heritage passenger train journey from George to Great Brak River, marking the return of passenger rail to the line for the first time in 16 years.

The initiative by Ceres Rail Company attracted strong public support, with all four weekend trips sold out. Each trip carried approximately 350 passengers along the 35-kilometre route, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to experience rail travel through the Garden Route once again.

Welcoming the return of passenger rail, Minister Sileku said the strong public response demonstrates the important role rail can play in connecting communities, supporting tourism and providing residents with affordable transport options.

"It is fantastic to see trains back on these tracks and residents embracing the opportunity to travel by rail again. Strong rail connections can bring towns closer together, support local economies, improve access to opportunities and attract more visitors to our rural communities.”

Rick Botha, Managing Director of Ceres Rail Company, said the successful return of passenger rail to the Garden Route followed years of planning and collaboration.

"Running passenger trains from George for the first time in 16 years was the culmination of a multi-year process to secure all the necessary approvals, particularly with Transnet Freight Rail and Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager. We are grateful for their support and for the progress being made to bring rail in South Africa back to life. The positive strides made in recent years are significant and will have a lasting impact. We look forward to growing rail in the Western Cape, welcoming more residents aboard, and continuing to explore new opportunities to bring rail back to life.”

While the heritage trips have now concluded, Minister Sileku encouraged residents to continue supporting rail initiatives, noting that strong public demand helps demonstrate the case for future services.

"The more residents use and support train services, the stronger the case for bringing more passenger rail services back to the Western Cape. We remain committed to restoring rail as the backbone of our public transport system, and every successful rail journey brings us one step closer to that goal."

The Western Cape Government continues to work with rail partners and stakeholders to advocate for the revitalisation of passenger rail, recognising its important role in improving mobility, growing the economy and connecting communities across the province.

Start Strong This Mandela Day: Help Give South Africa’s Children the Best Beginning

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Every child deserves the chance to grow, learn and thrive. Yet in South Africa, far too many children are being held back before they even reach school.

This Mandela Day, SA Harvest is calling on South Africans to help change that through its Start Strong campaign, which focuses on one of the most important periods in a child's life – the first 1,000 days, from conception to their second birthday.

Research shows that this window shapes everything that follows, influencing brain development, physical growth, immunity and long-term health. When children do not receive the nutrition and care they need during this critical period, the effects can last a lifetime.

A crisis that can't be ignored

Around one in four South African children under the age of five are stunted, meaning they are not growing as they should due to chronic undernutrition and deprivation. Some estimates suggest the true figure may be even higher.

Stunting is about far more than a child's height. It can permanently affect brain development, learning ability, immune function, school readiness and future earning potential. Once established, recovery becomes extremely difficult.

The challenge isn't food – it's access

South Africa produces enough food, but millions of families still struggle to access nutritious meals.

Food insecurity is driven by a combination of poverty, rising food costs, maternal health challenges, poor sanitation, infection and limited support for young mothers and caregivers.

That's why addressing hunger means more than simply providing food. It requires supporting families during the earliest and most important stage of a child's development.

What helps children start strong?

Giving children the best start begins with:
Good maternal nutrition and antenatal care.
Breastfeeding support.
Safe and nutritious complementary feeding.
Clean water, sanitation and infection prevention.
Growth monitoring, immunisation and community support.

These simple interventions can lead to healthier pregnancies, healthier birthweights, fewer infections and stronger brain development.

Pack a Bucket. Back a Beginning.

This Mandela Day, SA Harvest is inviting South Africans to make a lasting impact by supporting its "Pack a Bucket. Back a Beginning." campaign.

Each bucket provides practical nutrition support to mothers, babies and caregivers through trusted community networks, helping families during the first 1,000 days when it matters most.

It's a simple way to honour Nelson Mandela's legacy by investing in South Africa's future - one child, one family and one community at a time.

This Mandela Day, your 67 minutes can help give a child the strongest possible start in life. Because when children start strong, South Africa grows stronger too.

For more information or to become involved, click here

‘Cat’ Matlala withdrawal will not impact case – NPA

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
NPA Head, Advocate Andy Mothibi, has assured that the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) remains confident in its case against alleged underworld boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his 16 co-accused in respect of the allegedly fraudulent Medicare24 contract case.

This after Matlala withdrew from a plea and sentence agreement he had entered into with the State after the Magistrate rejected the proposed sentence before the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria.

“We assure the members of the public that a plea and sentence agreement is a legally recognised and legally viable strategic mechanism of preventing a protracted trial by concluding same with a cooperating accused person against whom the State has a formidable case and to get evidence that was not readily available. It is certainly not an indication of the State’s lack of confidence in its case.

“The IDAC is now focusing on ensuring that the pending trial proceeds without hinderance,” Mothibi assured.

NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago noted that the “genesis of the proposed plea and sentence agreement is that Matlala voluntarily approached… IDAC to propose a plea deal, which ultimately led to discussions between him, through his attorneys, and the State”.

“This turn of events meant that the matter had to be postponed to 11 September 2026, wherein Mr Matlala will rejoin his co-accused as the plea and sentence agreement being declared null and void. 

“The NPA holds the firm view that his withdrawal will not negatively impact the IDAC’s case against the 17 accused, as we believe there is sufficient evidence to sustain the charges preferred against all the accused in this matter,” Kganyago stated.

Tax filing season enters broader phase

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has opened the broader phase of the 2026 tax filing season, allowing provisional and non-provisional taxpayers to submit their income tax returns.

The filing season began on 1 July with the auto-assessment period, which ran until 12 July 2026 for taxpayers with less complex tax affairs. Provisional taxpayers and trusts have until 22 January 2027 to file their returns.

“SARS encourages taxpayers to do a pre–Filing Season health check by confirming that their personal details, banking particulars, contact information, and tax affairs are up to date. A closed bank account, missing third-party data submission, or an outstanding return from a previous year can all delay an otherwise smooth outcome.

“By resolving these matters early through SARS’s digital channels, taxpayers place themselves in the best position for a seamless Filing Season experience."

The revenue service said there is no need for taxpayers to take a day off work or take a taxi to visit a SARS Service Centre.
Taxpayers are urged to use enhanced digital channels first before considering a visit to a SARS Service Centre. 

In case taxpayers need to visit a Service Centre, they can book an appointment online via the SARS website; by calling 0800 00 7277 and selecting option 0; or by sending an SMS to 47277 with “Booking” followed by an ID or passport number. 

Although taxpayers are encouraged to book appointments before visiting a Service Centre, those without an appointment will be served after those who have made an appointment.

SARS has also cautioned taxpayers to remain vigilant against scams during the filing season.

“You need to be aware of email and SMS scams. In the run-up to Filing Season, there will be many attempts from scammers to mimic what we do and try and get your personal details, or to pay money into an account,” the revenue service said.

SARS said it will never request passwords, one-time PINs (OTPs), banking PINs or eFiling login credentials through email, SMS, social media or telephone.

“Taxpayers must use only official SARS channels and verify the credentials of any tax practitioner before sharing personal information,” the revenue service said.

The income tax return filing dates are as follows:

Auto Assessments: 1 July to 12 July 2026
Non-provisional individuals: 13 July to 23 October 2026
Provisional taxpayers: 13 July 2026 to 22 January 2027
Trusts: 19 September 2026 to 22 January 2027

SARS has advised provisional taxpayers to file early, gather supporting documents in advance and submit accurate returns on time.
A provisional taxpayer earns additional income, such as from a business, freelance work, investments or rental property, and pays tax in advance in two or more instalments based on estimated income.

A non-provisional taxpayer typically earns a salary or wage from an employer, with PAYE deducted, and usually files one tax return a year.

The revenue service said taxpayers should prepare well ahead of the deadline to avoid rushed or incomplete submissions.

Changes for the 2026 filing season include:

-Less capturing, more prefilled data: Some information, such as investment income, will already be filled in on the form, saving taxpayers time.
-Simpler, easier-to-understand questions: The form has been simplified with fewer repeated questions and clearer wording to help taxpayers complete it correctly.
-Better guidance on residency status: New questions and date fields will help taxpayers provide the correct information about their residency.
-Easier medical aid selection: A dropdown list of approved medical aid schemes will help taxpayers choose the correct option and avoid mistakes.
-WhatsApp access: Taxpayers can check their auto-assessment status through WhatsApp. Auto-assessed taxpayers who do not use email or eFiling can also receive their Notice of Assessment (ITA34), Statement of Account (SOA) and upload supporting documents through WhatsApp.
-Improved eFiling experience: The Income Tax Return (ITR12) has been updated with a new look and feel to make navigation easier. Taxpayers will also find quick links to their Notice of Assessment (ITA34) and clearer messages if a return is overdue.
-Fewer verification issues: A new declaration alert questionnaire will help identify and resolve issues earlier, reducing the chances of a return being selected for verification.

SARS said the changes are aimed at making the filing experience smoother and helping taxpayers get it right the first time.
Taxpayers who need assistance can use the following channels:

Those unsure whether they need to submit a return can use the “Do you need to submit a return?” tool on the SARS website.
Taxpayers can watch tutorial videos on the SARS YouTube channel for guidance on how to file.
Taxpayers who need to visit a SARS Service Centre should book an appointment before their visit
Taxpayers may also visit SARS Mobile Tax Units and pop-ups in different regions.
Those who have forgotten their password can reset it online through the eFiling website by selecting “Forgot Password” or “Forgot Username”
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