Latest news with #NtsweMokoena
IOL News
11-08-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Home Affairs expands smart ID and passport services through partnership with Capitec and FNB
Home Affairs has teamed up with Capitec and FNB to offer Smart ID and Passport services at hundreds of bank branches across South Africa, Image: Ntswe Mokoena/GCIS Home Affairs has teamed up with Capitec and FNB to offer Smart ID and Passport services at hundreds of bank branches across South Africa. The partnership was confirmed by the Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, in a statement released to the media late on Monday, saying he was "proud to announce Capitec Bank and First National Bank as the first banks that have elected to sign up to the Department's new digital partnership model. "That will expand access to Smart ID and Passport services from the existing 30 to hundreds more bank branches in both urban and rural areas across South Africa, as well as to digital banking applications". According to Schreiber this move is part of the Medium-Term Development Plan, which sets a target for Home Affairs to expand its services to 1,000 bank branches by 2029. The department added that, in line with this, Director-General Tommy Makhode also invited the CEOs of major banks, including ABSA, African Bank, TymeBank, Discovery Bank, Investec Bank, Nedbank, and Standard Bank, to participate in this next phase of digital collaboration on April 30 2025. According to the department, this "collaboration dates back more than a decade and has, until now, seen the successful delivery of Smart ID and Passport services at only 30 branches across five different banks". The Department also noted that previous delivery of these services at bank branches relied on duplicating Home Affairs staff and equipment, which was costly and limited the scale of service delivery. "As the first banks to respond positively to the invitation to further enhance the longstanding partnership between Home Affairs and the banking sector, Minister Schreiber will visit Capitec and FNB this week to provide further information on how this reform will benefit all South Africans" [email protected] IOL Business Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
IOL News
07-08-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni delivers Cabinet update on governance and economic resilience
Cabinet update: Strengthening governance and economic resilience in South Africa Image: Ntswe Mokoena/GCIS Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni delivered the Cabinet update to the media on Thursday, outlining the key outcomes from recent Cabinet meetings held on July 22 and August 6, 2025. On Thursday, the briefing held in Pretoria highlighted the government's concerted efforts across various sectors to strengthen governance, boost economic resilience, and foster social cohesion amidst ongoing national and international challenges. The Cabinet announced that it welcomes the appointment of the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption within the criminal justice system. Ntshavheni explained that the gazetting of the Terms of Reference reflects the government's resolve to harness constitutional mechanisms to investigate allegations of wrongdoing, uphold institutional integrity, and restore public trust. 'This inquiry is a crucial step toward ensuring accountability and transparency within our justice system,' she stated. In its fight against crime, the government reported that Operation Shanela 2 led to over 17,000 arrests nationwide between July 27 and August 2, 2025. Nearly 2,911 suspects have been linked to serious offences such as murder, attempted murder, carjacking, rape, and robbery, while 1,763 individuals were apprehended for assault and grievous bodily harm. Ntshavheni highlighted the ongoing efforts in Mpumalanga's Barberton area, where authorities arrested 550 suspected illegal miners during Operation Vala Umgodi. 'Although some suspects have been granted bail, this operation exemplifies our unwavering commitment to tackling illegal mining activities that threaten both safety and economic stability,' she affirmed. On the international front, the cabinet provided an update on negotiations with the United States regarding impending 30% tariffs that will take effect on August 7. Ntshavheni reassured that the government remains dedicated to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. 'President Ramaphosa has personally engaged with US President Trump to bolster diplomatic efforts, emphasising the importance of maintaining open channels for constructive dialogue,' she said. To cushion industries' impact from the tariffs, the government is deploying targeted interventions such as establishing an Export Support Desk, a Localisation Support Fund, and the Export and Competitiveness Support Programme. She stated that these measures aim to strengthen affected sectors, protect jobs, and expand exports across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. She added that a significant stride in economic diplomacy involves the development of the South Africa-China Trade and Investment Package (2025–2029) by the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC). The plan prioritises trade in the top 100 products, establishing a permanent expo in China, and increasing investments in key sectors, including steel, tyres, automotive, batteries, pharmaceuticals, and the digital economy. Ntshavheni added that Deputy President Paul Mashatile's recent visit to China, which included engagement with major state-owned enterprises and the launch of the South African National Pavilion at the China International Supply Chain Expo, reflects efforts to position South Africa as a regional trade gateway. Looking ahead, the cabinet reviewed progress toward convening South Africa's first National Dialogue, scheduled for August 15–17 at UNISA. Ntshavheni said this initiative aims to mobilise over 13,400 ward dialogues and 50,000 citizen-led engagements over the coming year, laying the groundwork for a more united and inclusive nation. 'This dialogue is not simply about discussion but about action, laying the foundation for a more resilient South Africa,' she said. On climate change, the government is prioritizing South Africa's transition to a low-carbon economy. 'Our commitment to a low-carbon economy is central to our sustainable development goals. This analysis will guide our policies to balance economic growth with climate responsibility, ensuring a resilient and green future for South Africa.' Furthermore, the cabinet approved the publication of the country's second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for public consultation, proposing a 2035 emissions target range of 320–380 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, affirming South Africa's dedication to climate action and a just energy transition. She stated that the cabinet received a report on the Ministerial Roundtable on Natural Diamonds held on July 30, 2025. Additionally, a proposal was approved for the industry to contribute 1% of its rough diamond sales revenue to support marketing efforts to foster economic growth and job creation. She announced legislative priorities, including the submission to Parliament of the Water Services Amendment Bill and the National Water Amendment Bill, which were designed to enhance water management and promote sustainable resource use. The Draft Children's Amendment Bill was also approved for public comment, seeking to strengthen protections against violence, neglect, and exploitation of children. She also stated that the cabinet approved the withdrawal of the South African Airways Soc Limited Bill from Parliament's legislative agenda, citing the collapse of negotiations as the reason for the decision. 'Ensuring legislative clarity moving forward is essential,' Ntshavheni noted. According to Ntshavheni, South Africa is preparing to host the African Union Water Investment Summit in Cape Town from August 13 to 15. 'The summit aims to mobilise investments in water security, climate resilience, and sustainable sanitation, aligning with G20 efforts to increase climate finance flows to developing countries,' she stated. 'We are committed to building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable South Africa - one that faces challenges head-on and seizes opportunities for all its citizens,' she said. IOL Politics
IOL News
26-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Public sector leave payouts could drain R16 billion from state coffers
The Public Service Commission has revealed that the government is sitting on a backlog of more than R16 billion Image: Ntswe Mokoena/GCIS. The Public Service Commission has revealed that government is sitting on a backlog of more than R16 billion in unpaid leave benefits owed to almost 190,000 public sector employees. According to the entity, the money is linked to more than nine million days of vacation leave that were accumulated before July 1, 2000, when the policy still allowed employees to keep unused leave and convert it into cash later. In an interview with public broadcaster SABC earlier this week, PSC Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya said that the figure reflects a potential future cost, not money that has already been paid out or lost. 'The money that we're talking about, the R16 billion that we're talking about, is the contingent liability, which means the leave that was accrued, if you convert it into cash, for now, it amounts to that R16 billion,' Gxoyiya told the public broadcaster. 'So it's not actually the rands and cents that have been lost by the state, but rather the money of the state or the money of the employees that is in the state.' He said this only applies to leave that was saved before the new policy was introduced in July 2020. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'After 2020, then, they are compelled to take that particular leave every year before the end of June,' he said. 'All employees who have not taken their leave before the end of June, then they will have forfeited their leave.' Gxoyiya confirmed that the money would only be paid out if employees retire, resign, or die. 'That's exactly what it means when we speak about the contingent liability. It's the eventuality. So it's not the money that has already been lost.' He also said this is not a result of mismanagement, but was allowed under the law at the time. 'The monies that were accumulated it was within the rights of the employees to do that,' he said. 'I wouldn't call it mismanagement, because at that time, they were legally allowed to do that.' IOL Business Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Capitec supports identity verification fee increase amid TymeBank criticism
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber described the changes as a 'matter of national security, plain and simple.' Image: Ntswe Mokoena/GCIS Capitec has come out in support of the Department of Home Affairs' plan to raise fees for identity verification, stating that the upgrades are necessary to improve security and fight fraud. This comes after criticism from TymeBank CEO and Co-founder Coenraad Jonker, who described the fee increase as a 'catastrophic 6,500% increase in indemnity verification fees.' 'We are calling for a phased, performance-linked model that enables planning and protects financial access for underserved communities. This decision puts the Department on the wrong side of history. Digital transformation should open doors, not close them,' Jonker said. In a statement to IOL, Capitec said it 'supports the Department of Home Affairs' initiative to upgrade the National Population Register and enhance the stability and reliability of its Online Verification System.' The bank emphasised that the changes were crucial for developing a secure digital economy and tackling identity fraud. They also said that they would cover the extra costs internally, so customers would not see an increase in banking fees. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ "While we understand these crucial upgrades require a fee increase from the Department, we have decided to absorb the additional costs. This means our clients will see no change to their banking fees as a result of this initiative for the current financial year," the bank said. "The digital identity verification service is a critical building block to prevent fraud, which ultimately comes at a significantly higher cost to all South Africans. By ensuring this system remains robust, we are helping to build a safer and more accessible financial future for everyone. "Capitec remains committed to working with the government to advance secure digital banking and protect our clients from evolving threats". IOL previously reported that the Department of Home Affairs said it was acting to stop the abuse of the identity verification system, accusing some private companies of overusing the National Population Register for profit while paying fees too low to sustain the service. IOL Business Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Here's why South African identity checks are about to become more expensive
Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber has announced major reforms to the identity verification system, including new tariffs to prevent abuse and protect national security. Image: Ntswe Mokoena/GCIS The Department of Home Affairs has moved to stop what it calls the exploitation and profiteering of South Africa's identity verification system, accusing some private entities of overwhelming the National Population Register (NPR) for profit while paying rock-bottom fees that left the state unable to maintain the system. For more than ten years, registered users, including major banks and private companies, have paid as little as 15 cents per identity check, a price the department now says enabled abuse, degraded public services, and posed a serious risk to national security. 'The artificially-low pricing structure has led to such severe under-investment in the NPR that it now poses a direct threat to financial inclusion, to the ability of the government to combat identity and financial crime, and to national security,' the department said. Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber announced that a new pricing model will take effect from July 1, raising the cost of real-time identity verifications to R10 per check. To ease the transition and avoid overloading the system, a low-cost R1 batch verification option will also be introduced for off-peak use. The move follows years of complaints about Home Affairs' 'system offline' issues, which the department now links directly to unchecked demand from underpaying institutions. Some users reportedly made massive profits by building private services on top of the state's database, while the system itself crumbled under pressure. 'Some users then went on to exploit the unreliability of the system created by their excessive use, to create third-party verification services that charge prices vastly in excess of those paid to Home Affairs,' the department said. The failure rate of the current system had skyrocketed to over 50%, defeating the purpose of real-time identity checks and crippling services at frontline offices. But a modernised verification platform, now rolling out nationwide, brings that failure rate down to under 1%, the department said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Minister Schreiber was blunt in his assessment. 'This is a matter of national security, plain and simple. Every responsible State on earth must take the necessary steps to ensure a functional population register.' He said the reform would also support South Africa's financial system by addressing weaknesses flagged by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which placed the country on its grey list due to inadequate safeguards against financial crime. Calling on all users of the verification system to act in the national interest, Schreiber added; 'I thank the many stakeholders who expressed support for this vital reform… and call upon all users of the OVS to rise above narrow profiteering to support the safeguarding of national security.' The overhaul is also a critical step toward the government's goal of establishing a Digital ID system, with the upgraded NPR expected to serve as the foundation. 'A healthy NPR is also a prerequisite for a functional Digital ID, this investment in the NPR is an investment in national security, in financial inclusion, and in the value of our cherished South African identity,' Schreiber said. IOL News
