City of Ekurhuleni decides to insource essential services to strengthen internal capacity
The insourcing of workers has been a key debate in Ekurhuleni for years, with some parties believing the city needs to reduce its reliance on contractors.
ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni budget: Residents to pay more for water, electricity, sanitation & refuse removal
Finance MMC Jongizizwe Dlabathi announced during his budget speech on Thursday that the metro wanted to do away with outsourcing some essential services.
Dlabathi said the city must strengthen its internal capacity.
"This budget will give effect to the recruitment of 700 permanent cleaners and 290 permanent EMPD officers, who will look after our strategic offices and buildings. R303 million will be allocated over the MTREF towards equipping the staff with essential tools of trade, necessary to optimise performance."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
19 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
City of Ekurhuleni allocates R275m to fix roads, drains and signage
The City of Ekurhuleni has committed R275m in its 2025/26 financial year budget for urgent maintenance and upgrades of critical infrastructure including roads, stormwater systems, road signage and bridges. 'The allocation is crucial to make progress in road maintenance, including repairs of potholes, clearing of drainages and restoration of damaged bridges,' said the city. It said teams have started work across parts of the metro, clearing blocked stormwater drains and ensuring the systems remain free-flowing ahead of the rainy season to minimise the risk of flooding. During his budget speech in May, Ekurhuleni finance MMC Jongizizwe Dlabathi promised a more aggressive approach to addressing the city's deteriorating road infrastructure. Last year the metro reported more than 1,700 potholes across its roads. The city said it launched its pothole repair blitz in May in a wide-ranging maintenance drive which it said has seen more than 50km of roads repaired, more than 7,800 stormwater systems cleaned and more than 3,600 road signs and markings refurbished. The city said regular maintenance and clearing of stormwater systems is essential to: Prevent flooding that damages property and disrupts daily life. Protect public health by reducing stagnant water that breeds mosquitoes and bacteria. Prolong the lifespan of roads and infrastructure by reducing water erosion and structural wear. Improve environmental health by stopping polluted runoff contaminating rivers and streams. At a recent drainage clearing operation in Edenvale, municipal workers removed large volumes of debris including plastic waste, bottles, hazardous substances such as motor oil and general litter. 'The materials obstruct water flow, increase the risk of flooding and cause environmental pollution,' said the city. Residents are being urged to play their part in keeping the city clean and functional. 'We urge residents to join us in protecting stormwater systems by disposing of waste responsibly and keeping streets and drains litter-free. The focused, team-driven initiative is improving road safety and mobility while boosting investor confidence and economic growth across our city.'
The Citizen
23-07-2025
- The Citizen
Tax season opens with expanded auto assessments, faster refunds
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has opened the 2025 tax filing season. Individual taxpayers can file returns from July 21 to October 20, while provisional taxpayers have until January 19, 2026. This year marks a significant expansion of SARS' auto assessment process, with 5.8 million taxpayers receiving automated assessments – up from 5 million in 2024. Of these, 99.6% have not been changed by taxpayers, reflecting accuracy and trust in the system. SARS has already paid out R10.6b in refunds within 72 hours of assessment. ALSO READ: SARS 2025 Tax Season: What's new on eFiling The auto assessment process uses third-party data to evaluate taxpayer returns without requiring further input from most individuals. Taxpayers only need to take action if their information is incomplete, which they can correct via eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter praised the ongoing digital transformation of SARS, calling the auto assessment process 'a game changer' that aligns with the vision to 'make tax just happen'. ALSO READ: Get ready: SARS tax season starts July 7 He added that the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and data science continues to reduce the need for in-person visits to SARS service centres. Following the auto assessment period, which ran from July 7 to 20, the broader tax filing season is now underway. Most online submissions receive an assessment outcome in less than five seconds, with SARS using advanced AI to detect risks and prevent fraudulent refunds. Digital engagement with SARS continues to rise. More than 10.2 million unique users accessed the SARS eFiling platform or the MobiApp since July 4. SARS handled over 2.1m queries digitally – 1.1 million via the SARS Online Query System, 707 000 through WhatsApp, and 290 000 with the Lwazi Chatbot. To ensure a smooth filing season, SARS urges taxpayers to file accurate information promptly. ALSO READ: EMPD brokers peace between taxi drivers and scholar transport operators Only refunds over R100 will be automatically paid into taxpayers' verified bank accounts within 72 hours of assessment. Taxpayers who owe SARS should pay promptly or make arrangements to avoid penalties. SARS also warned the public to remain vigilant against scams. SARS reminds taxpayers that it will never send clickable links via SMS or email to request sensitive information. Report suspicious messages to [email protected], and the latest scam alerts are available at Kieswetter emphasised the convenience of digital platforms and advised taxpayers to avoid unnecessary visits to service centres. He encouraged all taxpayers to use eFiling and other digital services for quicker and more secure compliance. For more information, visit or contact SARS via WhatsApp on 0800 117 277, or dial 1347277#. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
21-07-2025
- IOL News
Electricity costs are turning into a luxury for many South Africans, says Ramokgopa
Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has vowed to tackle unaffordable electricity pricing, warning it is disproportionately affecting the country's most vulnerable communities. Image: Cape Argus Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has issued a stark warning about the escalating cost of electricity in South Africa, labelling it 'unsustainable' and a significant contributor to the growing energy poverty affecting many households. In an interview with a TV broadcaster at the weekend, Ramokgopa said, 'We are revising the electricity pricing policy to address the issue of the cost of electricity. It's unaffordable.' His comments highlight the urgent need for reform as South Africans grapple with the financial strain of rising energy costs. 'I mean, it's dealing a major blow to the disposable income of households.' He said that for many families, the choice comes down to buying a loaf of bread or replenishing electricity units. 'The choice is easy. They are going to buy a loaf of bread,' he said. Ramokgopa reiterated the government's responsibility to intervene. 'The state has got a duty not to be retrenched, but to be at the forefront of the resolution of this preeminent problem,' he said. His comments come after the National Energy Regulator of South Africa's (Nersa) decision to approve a 12.74% electricity tariff increase for Eskom earlier this year. The increase was effective from April 1, 2025. The increase is part of a multi-year revenue determination process, which will also see tariffs rise by 5.36% in the 2026 and 2027 financial year and by 6.19% in 2027 and 2028. Nersa said the tariff hike aims to stabilise South Africa's energy supply by improving Eskom's financial position, which has been weakened by aging infrastructure, delayed maintenance, and ongoing load-shedding. However, the move has sparked criticism from civil society groups, business owners, and ordinary citizens who argue that consistent increases are adding pressure to an already stretched cost of living. Ramokgopa emphasised that electricity pricing reform is necessary, particularly for poor and rural communities. 'That is disproportionately affecting your peri-urban areas, villages, and, if you like, poor areas… and that's something that is receiving our attention,' he said. Meanwhile, residents of Tembisa have taken to the streets to protest high electricity costs and the new tariff hike introduced by the City of Ekurhuleni. Angry residents began gathering around midnight Sunday and vowed to shut down the township on Monday. Protesters blocked major roads with burning tires, rocks, debris, and even mobile toilets. 'The following routes are affected following yesterday's protest action in Tembisa - Link Road, Sam Molele Drive, Brian Mazibuko Drive, George Nyanga Drive, RTJ Namane Drive, and Jabu Mdunge Drive are still barricaded,' said Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) spokesperson Katlego Mphahlele. Mphahlele said EMPD and South African Police Service (SAPS) officers remained on the scene Monday morning to monitor the situation. 'No participants have been reported thus far,' Mphahlele added. In an updated statement, the EMPD said, 'The situation is still volatile. All main roads are still barricaded with burning tires. They're throwing moving vehicles with stones. Please be cautious.' The protest comes after the recently approved tariffs by the metro, which include fixed monthly fees of under R109 for single-phase connections and more than R200 for three-phase connections. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
