South Africa

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on Wednesday reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.5% in line with market expectation.

The Eastern Cape’s Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC, Fikile Xasa, has welcomed the arrest of 12 Mnquma Local Municipality officials on allegations of fraud, corruption and money laundering.

Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has called for increased vigilance on health and safety in the sector.

Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba has approved the extension of operational hours for selected ports of entry during peak periods such as the Easter weekend.

An Independent Police Investigation Directorate (IPID) investigator appeared before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for fraud.

The recent Listeriosis outbreak in South Africa has led to several countries banning exports of affected products from SA.

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) Minister Senzeni Zokwana says the department will be triggering its diplomatic channels and legal remedies to have the funds held in the trusts abroad returned to South Africa.

The Gauteng Department of Education has called on law enforcement to hunt down and arrest those responsible for stock theft at schools.

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) says while it is on a path to financial recovery, a payment plan is in place to prioritise funds and pay suppliers.

Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba says the department will this year introduce an electronic VISA application system in order to curb fraudulent permits from foreign nationals.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation says it is seized with the matter of downgrading SA’s embassy in Israel, Deputy Minister Luwellyn Landers said on Tuesday.

Twelve municipal officials from Mnquma municipality appeared before the Butterworth Magistrate court on Tuesday for fraud, corruption and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) worth millions.

International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Luwellyn Landers says government is in the process of submitting documentation and the Tripartite Free Trade Agreement to Parliament for ratification.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers’ two-day meeting, which reviewed the implementation of summit decisions and budget for the year ahead, concluded in Tshwane on Tuesday.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is ready to implement the increase in Value-Added Tax (VAT) which comes into effect on 1 April.