The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says it is still conducting public consultations on the potential introduction of electronic voting (e-voting) in the country.
The consultation process began in March and is expected to conclude at the end of September. The commission is reviewing the feasibility and policy implications of implementing e-voting in South Africa and also studying other countries' experiences.
IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo recently confirmed that while e-voting is likely to be introduced in the future, it will not be implemented in the upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections.
Mamabolo says, “We’ve issued a discussion document and the aim of the discussion document primarily is to create a common, national understanding of what e-voting is. And also in the discussion document, we are looking at the international experience. So we are currently in a consultation mode on the discussion document and that process closes at the end of September.”
He adds, “Thereafter, we will integrate all the public input and hand over a proposed draft policy to the Minister of Home Affairs, who will then have to present it to Parliament for eventual debate and consideration.”
*This article was first published by SABC News
The EFF has written to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, with an ultimatum, demanding the withdrawal of the proposed fuel levy increase, citing constitutional and legislative obligations or face more court action.
The party argues that the increase, effective June 4, 2025, is a regressive tax that will disproportionately affect the working class and poor.
Godongwana was given 48 hours to respond to the Red Berets' demands, or risk further escalation of the Budget crisis.
Godongwana’s spokesperson, Mfuneko Toyana, declined to comment on the matter; however, confirmed that the department had received the letter.
The Budget is, however, yet to be passed in the National Assembly.
The EFF's letter comes amid the ongoing drama surrounding the 2025 Budget.
The party, with the help of the Government of National Unity (GNU) aligned DA, had previously successfully challenged the Value-Added Tax (VAT) increase in court, which was declared invalid and withdrawn.
However, the National Treasury has now proposed to increase the general fuel levy by 16 cents per litre on petrol and 15 cents per litre on diesel, as outlined in the May 2025 Budget Review.
In a lengthy letter penned by party treasurer-general, Omphile Maotwe, the EFF argues that the fuel levy increase will have a devastating impact on the working class and poor, exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis and placing undue pressure on households already struggling with rising food and transport prices, stagnating incomes, and unemployment.
"The proposed fuel levy increases, though seemingly modest in nominal terms, will have disproportionate effects on the working class and poor, as they cascade through transport, food, and essential goods pricing," Maotwe wrote.
The EFF also argues that the fuel levy increase is unconstitutional, as it seeks to impose a national tax through executive regulation rather than through a legislative process governed by the Constitution and relevant statutes.
"The fuel levy is a national tax, paid by every South African, directly or indirectly. It cannot be increased through a Government Gazette notice or regulation," the party said.
The EFF has formally requested that the minister withdraw the proposed increase.
The party has also demanded that the minister refrain from issuing any Gazette or regulatory notice under the Customs and Excise Act until this tax measure has been lawfully processed via a Money Bill.
The EFF has warned that failure to follow these demands may cause further legal action.
"The Economic Freedom Fighters reserves its right to seek appropriate relief before a court of law should the Minister proceed with implementing this tax measure outside the bounds of the Constitution and applicable legislation," the party said.
*This article was first published by IOL
The number of South Africans relying on social grants has increased to 40.1% in 2025, totalling 25.4 million individuals. This is according to the latest General Household Survey released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).
The data also shows that the country’s official unemployment rate rose to 32.9% in the first quarter of 2025.
Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke says the data reflect a steady rise in social grant dependence over the years.
“The percentage of individuals that benefitted from social grants increased steadily from 12.8% in 2003 to approximately 31% between 2017 and 2019 before increasing to 40.1% in 2024… pensions sitting at 2.2 percent,” says Maluleke.
The survey also revealed a decline in salaries as the main source of income. In 2024, salaries accounted for 54.5% of household income, down from nearly 60% in 2009.
*This article was first published by SABC News
The White Polo used in Olorato Mongales death has been found. PHOTO: SAPS
The South African Police Service(SAPS) National Crime Intelligence Unit has found and seized the wanted VW polo that was allegedly used in the murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale.
A multidisciplinary team led by the SAPS anti-kidnapping task team seized the vehicle at a panel beater workshop in Phoenix, Durban.
The investigation first led the team to a lodge in Kew, Johannesburg where two suspects had booked a room.
Further intelligence led them to KwaMashu in Durban to the home of one of the suspects. The suspects vehicle was later found at this panel beater workshop. Upon inspection by SAPS forensic experts, traces of blood were found inside the vehicle.
An elderly man believed to be the owner of the vehicle has been arrested but police are still searching for two men believed to have been directly involved in the murder of Olorato.
The two suspects are on the run and members of the public are urged to distribute their photos far and wide to assist police investigations.
The police are searching for Fezile Ngubane and Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya
The pair is considered to be dangerous and members of the public are cautioned not to come near them. If seen, immediately call Brigadier Nama on +27 (82) 778-9035.
The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola has thanked the team working on the case including SAPS Gauteng Provincial Investigation Unit(PIU), DPCI KZN Tracking Team and the Durban Metro Police K-9 unit as well as private security for assisting the SAPS anti-kidnapping task team.
These suspects are warned to hand themselves over at their nearest police station.
Court proceedings in mitigation and aggravation of sentence got under way earlier today in the High Court in Saldanha.
Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno Van Rhyn were found guilty in the disappearance of the little girl in the Middelpos Informal Settlement in Saldanha Bay, in February last year.
In mitigating for sentence, lawyer Fannie Harmse submitted that Appollis was not in his logical thinking because he was high on drugs and shouldn’t be regarded as not being remorseful.
He told the court that his client did not participate in the sale of Joshlin.
“That was in a state of being intoxicated with drugs. In practical terms, one must bear in mind that he was not in the right logical thinking, not in the logical mind. I think that can be sufficiently assumed and accepted.”
Sentencing in Joshlin Smith case expected on Thursday.
*This article was first published by SABC News
The number of South Africans relying on social grants has increased to 40.1% in 2025, totalling 25.4 million individuals. This is according to the latest General Household Survey released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).
The data also shows that the country’s official unemployment rate rose to 32.9% in the first quarter of 2025.
Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke says the data reflect a steady rise in social grant dependence over the years.
“The percentage of individuals that benefitted from social grants increased steadily from 12.8% in 2003 to approximately 31% between 2017 and 2019 before increasing to 40.1% in 2024… pensions sitting at 2.2 percent,” says Maluleke.
The survey also revealed a decline in salaries as the main source of income. In 2024, salaries accounted for 54.5% of household income, down from nearly 60% in 2009.
*This article was first published by SABC News
