AGRICULTURAL

LAW AND TYPE OF NOTICE

ANIMAL DISEASES ACT:

Draft Scheme relating to Foot and Mouth Disease Routine Vaccination: Comments invited

G 54476 GoN 7361

– Comment by 17 Apr 2026

10 April 2026

APPLIES TO: 

Owners who voluntarily enrol their cloven‑hoofed animals, those animals themselves, the veterinarians and technicians who vaccinate and oversee them, the traceability systems and laboratories used, and the national Committee governing the scheme.

FULL TEXT

SUMMARY

1. What this notice is about

To establish a Routine Vaccination Scheme for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). The scheme sets out how voluntary FMD vaccination may be lawfully conducted across South Africa.

Stakeholders are invited to submit comments within 7 calendar days from publication.

2. Purpose of the scheme

The RVS‑FMD aims to:

• Enable lawful, standardised vaccination against FMD
• Reduce the risk of FMD outbreaks
• Support business continuity for livestock producers
• Improve traceability, surveillance, and data integrity
• Ensure vaccines used are effective against circulating strains
• Create clear roles, responsibilities, and oversight structures

3. Scope and participation

• Applies to domesticated cloven‑hoofed animals (e.g. cattle, sheep, goats, pigs)
• Voluntary participation, available nationwide
• Applies only to owners who enrol and comply with the scheme requirements
• Non‑participants remain fully subject to normal FMD controls under the Act

4. Governance: the RVS‑FMD Committee

A national committee is established by the Minister to oversee the scheme. It includes:

• National and provincial state veterinarians
• Private veterinarians (livestock and wildlife sectors)
• Onderstepoort (OVR‑TAD) representation
• Agricultural industry representatives
• Academic experts in virology and vaccinology

Key functions of the Committee:

• Oversee enrolment, certification, compliance, and traceability
• Approve vaccines and testing protocols
• Issue SOPs and an FMD manual
• Monitor surveillance, data quality, and vaccine performance
• Issue compliance and non‑compliance notices
• Grant exemptions where justified
• Submit quarterly reports to the Minister

5. Requirements for owners to enrol

To participate, an owner must:

• Ensure all animals are traceable and recorded on an approved traceability system
• Register the farm/property location with defined boundaries
• Appoint an authorised veterinarian or animal health technician
• Maintain biosecurity measures and submit to audits and inspections
• Keep detailed vaccination, movement, morbidity and mortality records
• Comply with SOPs and inspection checklists issued by the Committee

6. Vaccination and veterinary control

Vaccination must be performed under controlled conditions, including:

• Cold‑chain monitoring
• Proper vaccine storage and batch recording
• Supervision of vaccination technique
• Post‑vaccination surveillance
• Immediate reporting of suspect FMD cases
• Investigation of vaccine failures, mortality and morbidity

Only authorised persons may oversee or perform controlled veterinary acts.

7. Traceability, identification and records

Participants must:

• Permanently identify animals (branding/tattoo + tags)
• Record all vaccinations, movements, births, deaths, sales and inspections
• Maintain records for at least 5 years
• Use approved traceability systems
• Ensure animals can be certified as validly vaccinated based on recorded data

8. Compliance and enforcement

• The Committee may issue non‑compliance notices with a 14‑day correction period
• Failure to comply can result in withdrawal from the scheme
• Participation is suspended if FMD is suspected or confirmed
• On termination, quarantine obligations still apply under the Act

9. Legal status and commencement

• The scheme comes into effect on publication of the final notice
• It remains in force until amended or withdrawn by the Minister
• Although participation is voluntary, mandatory control measures may still be imposed by the Minister in specific circumstances

10. Key implications

• This scheme provides a formal legal framework for routine FMD vaccination
• Strong emphasis on traceability and data systems
• Increased role for public–private cooperation
• Significant compliance obligations for participating livestock owners
• Likely to affect livestock movement, certification, and market access going forward

DETAILS

LINK TO FULL NOTICE

Animal Diseases Act: Draft Scheme relating to Foot and Mouth Disease Routine Vaccination: Comments invited

G 54476 GoN 7361

– Comment by 17 Apr 2026

10 April 2026

54476gon7361.pdf

ACTION  

Ensure that you submit your comments before 17 April 2026.

COMPETITION

LAW AND TYPE OF NOTICE

Competition Act

Complaint Referrals, Decisions and Reports.

LINK TO FULL NOTICE

Competition Act: Notification of complaint referral

G 54470 GeN 3877

10 April 2026

54470gen3877.pdf

Statement on the latest decisions by the Competition Commission

Date: 10 April 2026

Read more

Statement on the latest decisions by the Competition Commission

Date: 02 April 2026

Read more

Commission releases second cost of living report

Date: 01 April 2026

Read more

ENERGY AND PETROLEUM

LAW AND TYPE OF NOTICE

NATIONAL ENERGY ACT:

Draft Regulations on the Mandatory Provision of Energy Data: Comments invited

G 54470 GeN 3876

– Comment by 07 Jun 2026

10 April 2026

APPLIES TO: 

1. Industrial, Mining & Manufacturing Entities

2. Household Appliance Manufacturers and Importers

FULL TEXT

SUMMARY

This draft introduces updated regulations and detailed reporting requirements for mandatory energy data submission in South Africa, covering industrial, mining, manufacturing, and household appliance sectors. Its core objective is to standardise national energy-use data collection, support energy efficiency policy, and enable monitoring, planning, and compliance across the economy.

Purpose of the Draft

The draft gives effect to the Regulations on the Mandatory Provision of Energy Data by:

• Defining who must submit energy data
• Prescribing what data must be submitted
• Setting deadlines, frequency, and submission mechanisms
• Providing sector-specific questionnaires aligned to SIC codes
• Supporting energy efficiency initiatives, including Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for appliances

Who Is Required to Comply 

1. Industrial, Mining & Manufacturing Entities

• All legal entities that consume energy above prescribed thresholds
• Entities operating within listed Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes, including:
  • Mining (coal, gold, platinum, diamonds, iron ore, manganese, chromite, vanadium)
  • Cement, lime and plaster
  • Iron and steel
  • Basic and other chemicals
  • Pulp and paper
  • Ferroalloys and non-ferrous metals
  • Other energy-intensive industrial activities

2. Household Appliance Manufacturers and Importers

• Legal entities operating under SIC Code 36 (Industry Group 363)
• Entities that manufacture or import household appliances, such as:
  • Refrigerators and freezers
  • Washing machines and dryers
  • Dishwashers
  • Air conditioners (≤5 kW)
  • Electric ovens
  • Water heaters (geysers)
  • Lamps and selected electronic equipment

Key Compliance Obligations

Energy Management Plans and Data Submission

• Entities must develop and maintain an Energy Management Plan
• Energy-use data must be submitted for the preceding financial year

Submission Deadlines

• Initial submission: Within 90 days of the regulations coming into operation
• Ongoing submissions: Within 60 days after the end of each financial year

Frequency and Period Covered

• Frequency: Annual
• Reporting period: 1 January – 31 December

Submission Platform

• Data must be submitted via the Energy Efficiency Monitoring System (EEMS):
  • http://www.eems.gov.za (effective upon commencement)

Types of Data Required (Industrial & Mining)

Across the various sector-specific questionnaires, entities must report:

1. Entity and facility details
2. Reporting period
3. Annual energy consumption, per energy carrier:
   • Electricity
   • Coal
   • Natural gas
   • Petroleum products
   • Off-grid renewables
4. Physical production output
5. • e.g. tonnes produced, ore mined, metal smelted
6. Energy-consuming activities
7. • e.g. surface vs deep mining, smelting, casting, blending
8. In some cases:
9. • Economic output (gross output in Rand)

Each facility exceeding the threshold must submit its own questionnaire.

Household Appliance Reporting (Annexure C)

Objective

To support the Standards and Labelling (S&L) Project, ensuring:

• Improved appliance efficiency
• Reduced national energy consumption
• Measurement of energy savings from MEPS-compliant products

Data Required

Manufacturers/importers must report, per appliance model:

• Brand and model details
• Energy consumption (kWh/year)
• Operating and standby power
• Capacity and dimensions (where applicable)
• Verified energy class
• Annual units introduced into the SA market
• Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

Separate tables are provided for each appliance category (TVs, fridges, ovens, geysers, air conditioners, etc.).

Annexures Overview

• Annexure A: SIC codes covered by the regulations
• Annexure B: General framework for energy-use and consumption data reporting
• Annexure C: Household appliance reporting requirements and questionnaires
• Annexure D: Categorisation of national energy data variables across sectors

DETAILS

Please click on the link provided below to view the full draft Regulation.

LINK TO FULL NOTICE

National Energy Act: Draft Regulations on the Mandatory Provinsion of Energy Data: Comments invited

G 54470 GeN 3876

– Comment by 07 Jun 2026

10 April 2026

54470gen3876.pdf

ACTION

Ensure that you submit your comments before 07 June 2026.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION

LAW AND TYPE OF NOTICE

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS ACT:

Draft Policy Direction on matters relevant to Electronic Communications Network Deployment pursuant: Comments invited

G 54473 GoN 7360

– Comment by 25 Apr 2026

09 April 2026

APPLIES TO: 

• Electronic Communications Network Service (ECNS) Licensees
• Infrastructure owners
• Municipalities & organs of state
• ICASA

FULL TEXT

DETAILS

Original Draft policy can be found here – National Policy on Rapid Deployment, 2023

LINK TO FULL NOTICE

Electronic Communications Act: Draft Policy Direction on matters relevant to Electronic Communications Network Deployment pursuant: Comments invited

G 54473 GoN 7360

– Comment by 25 Apr 2026

09 April 2026

54473gon7360.pdf

ACTION

Ensure that you submit your comments before 25 April 2026.

ENVIRONMENTAL

LAW AND TYPE OF NOTICE

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT:

Integrated Coastal Management Act: Application for Pre-Approval for Reclamation of Land from Coastal Waters: Transnet, Port of Durban

G 54470 GoN 7357

10 April 2026

DETAILS

LINK TO FULL NOTICE

National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act: Application for Pre-Approval for Reclamation of Land from Coastal Waters: Transnet, Port of Durban

G 54470 GoN 7357

10 April 2026

54470gon7357.pdf

ACTION

Ensure that you submit your comments within 60 days.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

LAW AND TYPE OF NOTICE

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT:

Regulations: Certificate of Competency, 2026 and draft Regulations Concerning the Certificate of Competency, 2026: Comments invited

G 54468 RG 11981 GoN 7353

– Comment by 25 Jun 2026

10 April 2026

APPLIES TO: 

Certificated engineers, engineering professionals, employers operating machinery‑intensive workplaces, training institutions, industry bodies and regulators under the OHS Act

FULL TEXT

SUMMARY

1. Enabling legislation and legal framework

What changed

Practical effect

• The 2026 draft modernises the regulatory foundation, removing references to repealed legislation and integrating the certificate regime into the current OHS enforcement system, including the authority of the Chief Inspector under the OHS Act.

This is a foundational legal update, not merely cosmetic.

2. Definitions and terminology

What changed

• Definitions are largely carried over, but updated for consistency with the OHS Act.
• Gender‑neutral language introduced (“he/she” instead of “he”).
• References to obsolete departments (e.g. Department of Manpower; Department of Education and Culture) removed.

New alignment

• References now match:
  • Department of Employment and Labour
  • Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)

3. Issuing of certificates (Regulation 2)

Key changes

Mandatory qualifying examination

The discretionary alternative route is removed.

Updated equivalence clause

• 1990: Linked to General Machinery Regulations of 1988
• 2026: Linked to General Machinery Regulations, GN R.6352 of 22 August 2025

This ties certificated engineers to the new GMR framework, affecting legal recognition and site authority.

4. Suspension and cancellation of certificates (Regulation 3)

What changed

 Procedural fairness is strengthened and aligned with modern administrative‑law standards.

5. Replacement of lost or damaged certificates (Regulation 4)

Key changes

The system moves from fixed, outdated administrative practices to delegated fee‑setting and affidavit‑based proof.

6. Commission of Examiners (Regulation 5)

Major structural changes

Composition of the Commission

 Membership expanded

• Inclusion of:
  • Certificated engineers under the Mine Health and Safety Act
  • Separate mechanical and electrical practitioner quotas
  • Engineering Council of South Africa nomination

This shifts the Commission from an administrative body to a professionally representative, peer‑driven structure.

7. Governance and procedure of the Commission

What changed

Transparency, accountability and legitimacy are significantly strengthened.

8. Appeals process 

What stayed the same

• Right of appeal to the Chief Inspector
• 60‑day appeal period
• Decision of Chief Inspector is final

What improved

• Clearer drafting
• Explicit consultation with the Commission before decision
• More structured appeal grounds

9. Qualifying examination (Regulation 6)

Major changes

This raises the standard and uniformity of certification, removing discretionary exemptions entirely.

10. Acceptance as a candidate (Regulation 7) 

Key changes

Candidate eligibility is tightened and professionalised.

11. Repeal and transition (Regulation 8) 

What changed

• 1990: Withdraws older pre‑1990 machinery regulations
• 2026: Explicitly repeals the 1990 Regulations once promulgated

This ensures:

• No dual legal regime
• Clean legislative handover

12. Certificates (Annexures)

What changed

13. Overall policy intent shift 

From → To

• Administrative discretion → Standardised competency
• Mining‑centric oversight → Cross‑sector engineering governance
• Legacy procedural law → Constitutionally compliant administration
• Informal exemption routes → Exam‑based professional assurance

Bottom line

The 2026 draft Regulations are not incremental amendments—they are a substantive overhaul that:

• Raises the professional threshold for certificated engineers
• Strengthens governance, fairness, and transparency
• Aligns the system with modern OHS enforcement, DHET oversight, and ECSA participation
• Removes historical exemptions and informal pathways

DETAILS

DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR

NO. R. 7353 10 April 2026

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT (ACT NO. 85 OF 1993)

DRAFT REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY: 2026

INVITATION OF PUBLIC COMMENTS ON DRAFT REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY ,2026

I, Nomakhosana Meth, Minister of Employment and Labour, hereby give notice that, I, intend in terms of section 43 (1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, (no. 85 of 1993) give an approval to receive public comment on the schedule of these Regulations.

The electronic copy of the draft Regulations Concerning the Certificate of Competency is available on the website at www.labour.gov.za.

Affected and interested parties or persons are invited to submit comments on the draft regulations in writing (Annexure 1) within 90 days from the date of the publication of this notice.

All representations and comments must be sent to the Director-General of the Department of Employment and Labour:

• By hand: The Department of Employment and Labour, Laboria House 215 Francis Baard Street, Pretoria CBD, 0001

• By post: The Director-General

The Department of Employment and Labour – Attention: Matlala

Sathekge/Mphakanyana Moloto

Private Bag X117, Pretoria, 0001

• By mail: DraftComments.GCC@LABOUR.gov.za

DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR

Government Notice. R xxx xxxx 2026

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT, 1993 (ACT NO. 85 OF 1993)

Draft Regulations Concerning the Certificate of Competency: 2026

The Minister of Employment and Labour, under section 43 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993), made the regulations contained in the Schedule.

SCHEDULE 

1. Definitions

In these regulations, “the Act” means Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993), and unless the context otherwise indicates any word or expression to which a meaning has been assigned in the Act shall have the meaning so assigned, and –

“certificate of competency” or “certificate” means a certificate of competency as a mechanical or an electrical engineer, as the case may be, issued in terms of regulation 2(1);

“Commission of Examiners” or “Commission” means the commission established in terms of regulation 5(1);

2. Issue of certificates

(1) Certificates of competency shall be issued by the chief inspector in accordance with the recommendations of the Commission of Examiners.

(2) A person to whom a certificate of competency has been issued in terms of subregulation (1) shall be deemed to be a certificated engineer as contemplated in regulation 1 of the General Machinery Regulations promulgated by Government Notice R. 6352 of 22 August 2025.

(3) Any person wishing to obtain a certificate of competency shall apply therefor to the Commission of Examiners.

(4) The Commission of Examiners shall not recommend the issuing of a certificate of competency unless the candidate has passed the qualifying examination based on knowledge of the design, assembly, erection, operation and maintenance of machinery, apparatus and installations, and of the Act and regulations promulgated thereunder.

(5) A certificate of competency as mechanical engineer shall be in the form of Annexure 1 and a certificate of competency as electrical engineer shall be in the form of Annexure 2.

(6) Any certificate issued in terms of subregulation (1) on which anyone other

than the chief inspector has made any amendment or erasure shall be

rendered null and void.

3. Suspension or cancellation of certificates

(1) If the chief inspector at any time, by virtue of information submitted to him/her by anyone, and after investigation having afforded the holder of the certificate a reasonable opportunity to state their case, is of the opinion that the holder of a certificate of competency was guilty of gross negligence or misconduct in the execution of the duties of the holder of such certificate, the chief inspector may as he/she may deem fit-

(a) suspend or cancel such certificate or

(b) refer the matter to the Commission of Examiners for investigation and on the recommendation of the Commission suspend or cancel such certificate.

(2) The chief inspector shall forthwith advise the holder of a certificate of competency of the chief inspector’s decision in terms of subregulation (1).

(3) A suspended or cancelled certificate shall be returned by the holder thereof to the chief inspector within one month of the date upon which the chief inspector advised the holder of the suspension or cancellation thereof.

4. Substitution of lost, damaged or destroyed certificates

(1) If a certificate issued in terms of regulation 2(1) has been lost, damaged or destroyed, the person to whom the certificate had been issued may apply to the chief inspector for a duplicate certificate.

(2) Every application in terms of subregulation (1) shall be accompanied by proof of payment of an amount determined by the chief inspector

(3) After proof that a certificate has been lost, damaged or destroyed has been submitted, in the affidavit form, to the satisfaction of the chief inspector, a duplicate certificate shall be issued.

(4) The chief inspector shall ensure that the words ‘duplicate’ appear on every duplicate certificate issued in terms of subregulation (3).

5. Commission of examiners

(1) The chief inspector shall appoint a Commission of Examiners.

(2) A member of the Commission of Examiners shall be appointed for the period laid down by the chief inspector on his/her appointment and a member whose term of office has expired may be reappointed.

(3) The chief inspector may on reasonable grounds discharge any member of the Commission after following due process.

(4) The functions of the Commission of Examiners are –

(a) to evaluate a candidate’s suitability for a certificate of competency as contemplated in regulation 2(4);

(b) to make recommendations to the chief inspector regarding the matters referred to in regulation 3(1);

(c) to set and moderate the examination papers contemplated in regulation 6

(d) to make recommendations to the chief inspector regarding the curricula referred to in subregulation (9) for the qualifying examinations;

(e) to report to the chief inspector on its activities; and

(f) to perform the other functions which are prescribed.

(5) The Commission of Examiners shall be constituted as follows:

(a) Two officers from the department holding a certificate of competency as mechanical or electrical engineers designated by the chief inspector;

(b) at least one person holding a certificate of competency as mechanical engineer or electrical engineer issued under the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996;

(c) at least three persons holding certificates of competency as electrical engineers issued in terms of these regulations

(d) at least three persons holding certificates of competency as mechanical engineers issued in terms of these regulations

(e) at least one person holding a certificate of competency as mechanical or electrical engineer in terms of these regulations nominated by the Engineering Council of South Africa.

(6) A meeting of the Commission of Examiners shall be held at a time and place fixed by the chief inspector.

(7) A meeting of the Commission of Examiners shall take place under the chairpersonship of one of the members of the Commission appointed for that purpose by the chief inspector.

(8)(a) A quorum of the Commission of Examiners shall consist of the chairperson and four members.

(b) In the event of a difference of opinion arising in respect of any matter before the Commission, it shall be decided by a majority of votes of the members of the Commission present at such meeting: Provided that if there is a tie of votes, the chairperson has a casting as well as an ordinary vote.

(9) An officer of the Department, designated by the chief inspector, shall serve as secretary to the Commission of Examiners and keep minutes of the proceedings of the Commission.

(10) Directives for the guidance of the Commission of Examiners, rules regarding the acceptance for the qualifying examinations and the curricula for such examinations shall be drawn up and, if necessary, amended by the chief inspector and published on the Department of Employment and Labour ‘s official communication platforms.

(11) (a) A candidate may appeal to the chief inspector against any decision of the Commission of Examiners.

(b) Any person who wishes to appeal to the chief inspector in terms of paragraph (a) shall lodge such appeal in writing with the chief inspector within 60 calendar days after the decision of the Commission of Examiners against which the appeal is being lodged.

(c) In an appeal in terms of paragraph (a) the grounds of appeal shall be set out clearly and in full, together with any representations which the appellant wishes to lodge as to why the chief inspector should set aside or amend the decision of the Commission of Examiners.

(d) The chief inspector shall after consultation with the Commission of Examiners confirm, set aside or amend the decision, or substitute for it such other decision as the Commission of Examiners, in the opinion of the chief inspector should have made.

(e) The decision of the chief inspector in such an appeal is final.

6         Qualifying examination

(1)The qualifying examination will be administered by the Department of Higher Education and Training at dates set by that Department, and at venues mutually agreed upon with the Department of Employment and Labour.

(2) The rules for the conducting of qualifying examinations shall be determined by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

(3) The qualifying examination shall be conducted in respect of the following two subjects:

(a) Plant engineering; and

(b) the Act and regulations issued thereunder or deemed to have been issued thereunder:

(4) No person may lodge with the Department of Higher Education and Training an application to be examined in the qualifying subjects unless he/she has been accepted as a candidate by the Commission of Examiners.

(5) Any person who wishes to enter for the qualifying examination shall do so through the Department of Higher Education and Training to which the examination fees, as fixed by that Department from time to time, shall be paid.

(7) Acceptance as candidate

(1) A person who applies in terms of regulation 2(3) to be accepted as a candidate for the qualifying examination shall not be accepted as a candidate unless he/she has provided satisfactory proof to the Commission of Examiners-

(a) that he/she is at least 25 years of age; and

(b) that he/she has the required practical experience and academic requirement, as provided for in the rules drafted under regulation 5(10).

(2) Every application for acceptance as a candidate in terms of regulation 2. (3) shall be accompanied by proof of payment of the fee determined by the chief inspector.

8. Repeal of Regulation

The regulations published by Government Notice No. R.533 of 16 March 1990 as amended shall be repealed as soon as the new set of Regulations Concerning Certificate of Competency are promulgated.

9. Short title

These regulations shall be called the draft Regulations concerning the Certificate of Competency, 2026.

Annexure 1

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR MECHANICAL

ENGINEER’S CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY

(Issued in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993, and the Regulations framed thereunder)

This is to certify that

…………………………………………………………………

having passed the prescribed examinations and having been recommended by the Commission of Examiners, is qualified in accordance with the Regulations concerning certificate of competency 2(1) framed under the above Act, as a Certificated Engineer.

……………………………

Chief Inspector

Date …………. 20xx……

Annexure 2

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR ELECTRICAL

ENGINEER’S CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY

(Issued in accordance with the provisions of the Machinery and Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993, and the Regulations framed thereunder)

This is to certify that

………………………………………………………………….

having passed the prescribed examinations and having been recommended by the Commission of Examiners, is qualified in accordance with the Regulations concerning certificate of competency 2(1) framed under the above Act, as a Certificated Engineer.

……………………………..

Chief Inspector

Date ……….20xx….

LINK TO FULL NOTICE

Occupational Health and Safety Act: Regulations: Certificate of Competency, 2026 and draft Regulations Concerning the Certificate of Competency, 2026: Comments invited

G 54468 RG 11981 GoN 7353

– Comment by 25 Jun 2026

10 April 2026

54468rg11981gon7353.pdf

ACTION

Ensure that you submit your comments before 25 June 2026.

LABOUR

LAW AND TYPE OF NOTICE

LABOUR RELATIONS ACT: AMENDMENT

G 54470 GoN 7355

10 April 2026

APPLIES TO: 

• The Oyster Box Hotel
• The Bargaining Council for the Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty and Skincare Industry

DETAILS

LINK TO FULL NOTICE

Labour Relations Act: Amendment

G 54470 GoN 7355

10 April 2026

54470gon7355.pdf

LAW AND TYPE OF NOTICE

LABOUR RELATIONS ACT: AMENDMENT

G 54470 GoN 7356

10 April 2026

APPLIES TO: 

• Grand Palace (Pty) Ltd T/A Sala Beach Hotel
• Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty And Skincare Industry

DETAILS

LINK TO FULL NOTICE

Labour Relations Act: Amendment

G 54470 GoN 7356

10 April 2026

54470gon7356.pdf

MINING

LAW AND TYPE OF NOTICE

OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES IN MINES AND WORKS ACT:

Removal from register Controlled Mines and Controlled Works: Eedeswold Quarry

G 54470 GoN 7358

10 April 2026

DETAILS

LINK TO FULL NOTICE

Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act: Removal from register Controlled Mines and Controlled Works: Eedeswold Quarry

G 54470 GoN 7358

10 April 2026

54470gon7358.pdf

TRANSPORTATION

LAW AND TYPE OF NOTICE

NATIONAL LAND TRANSPORT ACT:

Western Cape Provincial Regulatory Entity: Notice of intention to review and amend Conditions imposed on Operating Licences

G 54466 GeN 3873

08 April 2026

APPLIES TO: 

Any organisation that operates licensed passenger transport services in or through the Western Cape.

FULL TEXT

DETAILS

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT

NOTICE 3873 OF 2026

WESTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL REGULATORY ENTITY

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO REVIEW AND AMEND CONDITIONS IMPOSED ON OPERATING LICENCES IN TERMS OF SECTION 57(5) OF THE NATIONAL LAND TRANSPORT ACT (NO.5 OF 2009)(AS AMENDED).

1. The Western Cape Provincial Regulatory Entity (“PRE”) was established in terms of section 23 of the National Land Transport Act (Act no.5 of 2009) and has a number of statutory functions:

• To monitor and oversee public transport in the province;
• To receive and decide on applications relating to operating licences for intraprovincial public transport services. The PRE is also currently performing the functions of the National Public Transport Regulator (“NPTR”) in terms of regulations 46 and 47 of the National Land Transport Regulations (2009)(as amended) insofar as interprovincial transport services are concerned;
• Obtain and keep up to date the prescribed information on the particulars of associations operating in the province, their members, vehicles and routes as well as information on non-members;
• To invite comments and complaints from interested parties, including the general public, and take appropriate action in response thereto; and
• Advise the MEC on the treatment of all passengers using public transport, including targeted categories of passengers.

2. In performing these statutory duties, the PRE exercises independent discretion. An entity granting an application for an operating licence as well as the renewal, amendment or transfer thereof may do so subject to any conditions determined by it, that are not inconsistent with the Act or with relevant provincial laws or transport plans and must do so where such conditions have been stipulated by the planning authority based on its Integrated Transport Plan.

3. While it is the sole purview of the PRE to impose conditions, the PRE wants to encourage, promote and facilitate public and stakeholder consultation and participation in this process given the importance of these service conditions to ensure a safe and dignified environment for passengers and other road users.

4. The operating licence conditions are reviewed and ameliorated by the PRE at regular intervals to promote safety in public transport. The last comprehensive review was done by the PRE during October/November 2023 and resulted in a generic set of operating licence conditions as well as standard municipal conditions being developed and imposed on all operating licences.

5. It is common cause that most operating licences issued by the Western Cape PRE confers authority to provide both local and long-distance services. This effectively means that the authorised services cut across municipal and provincial boundaries. Consequently, the conditions imposed on such licences will be used by various municipal and provincial law enforcement agencies.

6. The conditions imposed on operating licences should be explicit/unambiguous, relatively straightforward to interpret and allow for the rational exercise of discretion by authorised officers. Moreover, there should be a consolidated/uniform view within government on the intention of these conditions.

7. The objective of the review process is to analyse the practicality and enforceability of each condition, to develop conditions that can respond to the changing environment/dynamics within the public transport environment and most importantly to improve safety within this environment.

MARK SKRIKER

CHAIRPERSON – WESTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL REGULATORY ENTITY

Date: 2 April 2026

LINK TO FULL NOTICE

National Land Transport Act: Western Cape Provincial Regulatory Entity: Notice of intention to review and amend Conditions imposed on Operating Licences

G 54466 GeN 3873

08 April 2026

54466gen3873.pdf

ACTION

ü  Appoint accountable owner

ü  Map affected licences

ü  Review current conditions

ü  Assess compliance risk

ü  Engage associations

ü  Submit representations

ü  Monitor PRE updates

ü  Prepare operationally

ü  Update governance records

ü  Implement final conditions

LAW AND TYPE OF NOTICE

ROAD CARRIER PERMITS

LINK TO FULL NOTICE

Road Carrier Permits

54463 10-4-2026

AGRICULTURAL ARTICLES

SOUTH AFRICA

SA citrus exports to China get boost as cold treatment rules ease

DATA BREACH ARTICLES

SOUTH AFRICA

Information Regulator to probe Standard Bank over data breach

Standard Bank warned that affected clients are at risk of impersonation and phishing scams.

As the number of data breaches in the country grows, the Information Regulator has raised concerns and demanded greater transparency from Standard Bank regarding a data breach involving unauthorised access to client personal information.

This comes after Standard Bank identified unauthorised access to select client data in March 2026, impacting information such as names, ID numbers and company registration numbers.

Banking systems

Standard Bank said banking systems were not compromised, but warned that affected clients are at risk of impersonation and phishing scams.

While Standard Bank said it is actively investigating, notifying impacted customers directly, and increasing security monitoring, the IR wants answers.

Assessment

Advocate Tshepo Boikanyo, Executive: Protection of Personal Information (POPIA) at the IR, said they will be assessing the Standard Bank data breach.

“In this instance, we’ll be looking at the access controls measures that Standard Bank has, we’ll be looking at whether Standard Bank uses strong user authentication, we’ll be looking at their encryption, and whether they encrypt their personal information.

“We’ll be looking at their network system, security, we’ll be looking at their firewall and their intrusion detection system, and we were looking at their monitoring and logging,” Boikanyo told eNCA.

Security measures

Boikanyo said as part of their investigation, the IR will also probe whether Standard Bank has adequately and effectively protected customers’ information by having adequate measures in place, whether they are effective, the bank properly identified and mitigated against any foreseeable risks to the personal information that it is processing, and whether there are any weaknesses or in the controls and the system monitoring.

“Standard Bank has said to us that it is still conducting its own investigation. Standard Bank has not really come to a determination of how widespread this particular problem is, in other words, how many data subjects have been impacted.

“Standard Bank, as the responsible party, is going to conduct its own assessment, but we are also going to conduct a parallel process. We are also conducting our own fact finding over the view of to determine whether we are going to go the route of a formal investigation,” Boikanyo said.

SA global hotspot for data breaches

Last year, The Citizen reported that South Africa continued to be a target of cybercriminals, ranking 27th globally among the most breached countries in the second quarter of 2025, highlighting persistent cybersecurity gaps.

The report by Surfshark revealed that, so far in 2025, a total of 369 600 accounts were leaked in the country.

Surfshark’s report indicates that more than 21 000 South African accounts were breached between April and June, which translates to approximately three per 100 000 people.

In total, South Africa has had 124.2 million personal records exposed since 2004. On average, each email is breached with 2.9 additional data points.

By Faizel Patel

The Citizen

ENERGY AND PETROLEUM ARTICLES

SOUTH AFRICA

Middle East company set to buy 600 South African petrol stations for R16.3 billion

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is reportedly in advanced talks with Shell to sell its retail fuel stations in South Africa.

Citing people with knowledge of the matter, Bloomberg reported that ADNOC has emerged as the preferred bidder.

This, after Shell’s talks with Gunvor Group—one of the world’s biggest independent oil traders—fell through.

The people who asked not to be identified as the discussions are private. However, they told Bloomberg that an agreement could be reached as early as this quarter.

Acquiring Shell’s 600 retail fuel outlets will give ADNOC  about 10% of the market in Africa’s biggest economy.

The deal is likely to be valued at about $1 billion (R16.3 billion). The sale process started in 2024 and has advanced despite the conflict in the Middle East.

An ADNOC unit also told Bloomberg that the company continually reviews opportunities for growth and declined to comment further. Shell declined to comment.

While Shell declined to comment, it did confirm to BusinessTech in March that it is still in the process of selling those assets.

“Shell Downstream South Africa (SDSA) confirms that the divestment process remains underway,” they said.

“As a matter of policy and principle, we do not disclose information related to confidential commercial processes.”

If the sale is ever concluded, it would mark the end of well over a century of Shell petrol stations operating in South Africa.

In 1902, Shell opened its doors in South Africa. Back then, the company supplied oil to bring light and heat to the homes in the country.

Today, Shell has grown from being an oil company to being an energy and petrochemical giant.

The Outlier reported that Shell owns about 40,000 fuel service stations worldwide, half of which are in the Americas.

There are 591 retail outlets in South Africa, the thirteenth-most among the 61 countries where the petroleum giant has a presence.

Shell’s departure will have little impact

Its refinery in Durban has been inactive since the end of March 2022, when it was decided to suspend operations and spending. A month later, floods severely damaged the plant.

South Africa is not unique. Shell’s divestment from the country is part of a comprehensive review of its global operations.

Shell has sold downstream assets in Australia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Kenya, and Namibia.

The company has also been scaling down activity in Malaysia, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Colombia.

Following the announcement of their exit, Peter Morgan, CEO of the Liquid Fuels Wholesalers Association of South Africa, said that he believes Shell’s departure will have little impact on the domestic fuel industry.

The expert expects that Shell will likely leave behind a smaller sub-brand in the country called Viva Energy and retain a minor stake in the fuel franchise while finding an outside investor to take on majority ownership.

Malcolm Libera

BusinessTech

Airlines resort to surcharges as they feel supply chain pressure

Airline Association of Southern Africa CEO Aaron Munetsi says South Africa’s aviation sector is facing mounting pressure, with domestic airlines introducing fuel surcharges as operators move to offset rising costs.

The sector continues to be affected by a global aerospace supply chain crunch, now in its sixth year, which has limited the availability of new aircraft and parts.

“Aircraft and engine makers are still struggling to return to pre-Covid production levels,” he told BDTV, adding that this has forced many airlines, particularly in Africa, to keep older, less fuel efficient aircraft in service for longer than planned.

Africa remains a marginal player in global aviation, accounting for just more than 2% of activity despite its large population.

“Our contribution as a continent to global aviation is about 2.2%,” Munetsi said, noting that structural constraints, including fragmented markets and limited access to modern aircraft, continue to hinder growth.

Privately owned airlines in South Africa have shown a stronger performance.

“Privately owned airlines are performing very well; they have been able to be agile and move fast enough to confirm orders for new aircrafts.”

By contrast, many state-owned carriers on the continent are under strain. Of 52 national airlines in Africa, only a handful are fully operational and just one — Ethiopian Airlines — is financially sustainable. He attributed this to government interference in airline operations.

Weak growth

“An airline is a business like any other. If the aircraft is on the ground, you are losing valuable time, which should be used to generate income.”

Munetsi also linked aviation performance to broader economic conditions, stating that weak growth and low disposable income in parts of the continent suppress demand for air travel.

Sector faces immediate fuel supply risks due to geopolitical tension, particularly in the Middle East. “We do not have security of supply of Jet A-1 fuel,” he said, adding that disruptions to key supply routes have reduced the volume of fuel reaching Africa. “We are now exposed.”

Munetsi said the priority for airlines is to secure reliable access to conventional jet fuel to maintain operations. While there is a longer-term shift towards sustainable aviation fuel, current conditions make that transition difficult.

“We cannot move towards sustainable aviation fuel if we cannot sustain the supply of ordinary fuel now.”

By Tara Roos

BusinessDay

Vitol unit to invest $130m for South Africa fuel storage expansion

Vivo Energy to add 125,000 cubic metres of storage in Durban

Vivo Energy, a subsidiary of global trader Vitol, is investing around $130 million to bulk up its fuel storage capacity in South Africa’s major port city Durban along the east coast, a senior company executive said on Tuesday.

The investment, planned before the US-Israeli war with Iran upended global energy markets and choked off the Strait of Hormuz transit route, could help South Africa better weather future supply crises, said George Roberts, chief executive officer of Vivo Energy’s local unit Engen.

Southern and East African countries including South Africa, which is a net importer of crude and refined petroleum products, are vulnerable to Middle East supply disruptions, analysts said, a problem exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and storage capacity

Roberts told Reuters the company was adding approximately 125,000 cubic metres storage capacity in Durban to increase its overall storage capacity in the area to 500,000 cubic metres, expecting it to come on stream from the third quarter of 2026 through to Q3 2027 and help act as a future buffer to unexpected supply shocks such as those emanating from the Middle East.

“This will allow you to increase the stock levels in-country and therefore if something like this happens again, it gives us more time to go and find product elsewhere to bring to South Africa given it takes on average 20, 25 days to ship product to South Africa depending on where it comes from,” he said.

The additional capacity derives from converting old refinery tanks in Durban, and upgrading another receiving facility at Island View, part of ongoing efforts by Vivo Energy to convert the fire-damaged Engen refinery into a storage terminal for a range of products, including diesel, petrol and jet fuel.

Vivo Energy, which markets Shell – except in South Africa – and Engen brands, is a leading African fuel retailer with more than 4,000 service stations across the continent. The company is currently investing in LPG and refined petroleum storage facilities in Ivory Coast, Senegal and Morocco, said Roberts.

“Besides Uganda we have invested in our depot assets in Tanzania and Mozambique in recent years and if the right opportunity comes up in those countries, we could invest more,” Roberts said.

(Reporting by Wendell Roelf, editing by Alexandra Hudson)

FINANCE ARTICLES

SOUTH AFRICA

Leaving SA may not end your tax bill

South Africans are making what can only be termed a “silent exit”, a trend of relocating overseas while inadvertently retaining tax liabilities in South Africa.

For many, the assumption that physical emigration automatically severs tax obligations is proving not just incorrect, but also financially punishing. The consequences often surface only when expatriates receive unwelcome assessments from the South African Revenue Service (Sars).

South Africa’s tax system operates on a residency-based model. As a result, if Sars deems you a South African tax resident, you are liable for tax on your worldwide income, regardless of where you currently live or earn. Just leaving the country does not automatically terminate that status.

According to John-Paul Fraser and Vivian Cox, of Tax Consulting South Africa, it requires a formal application not only to cease residency but also to provide supporting evidence to Sars. Those who neglect this process may find themselves unwittingly exposed to tax obligations.

Sars is shifting gears, moving from passive enforcement to a data-driven approach focused on risk profiling. With the rollout of the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) provisions, Sars will now share data with over 100 countries, gaining access to an extensive collection of information about taxpayers’ offshore activities. In a document released on February 16, Sars confirmed its commitment to this global data-sharing initiative, utilising frameworks like the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and the USA’s Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).

Under these regulations, foreign financial institutions are required to report on account balances and earnings to their local tax authorities, which subsequently exchange this information with Sars. If a South African tax number or identity is linked to these accounts, Sars can effectively identify undeclared income or discrepancies in one’s non-residency claims.

In essence, the potential indicators of tax liability for expatriates include:

• Offshore bank accounts and investment portfolios reported through AEOI.
• Establishments such as trusts and foundations as identified through ownership reporting. Ongoing South African banking relationships and activities. Local property ownership along with rental income.

Equity interests including shareholdings and directorships. Insurance policies and vehicle registrations. Extravagant lifestyles that contradict reported income and residency status.

When evaluated collectively, these data points paint a clear picture for Sars and increase awareness regarding the importance of full tax compliance.

Despite an estimated one million South Africans moving abroad over the last decade, the reality of tax compliance tells a starkly different story.

The 2025 Tax Statistics bulletin from Sars shows that only about 51,500 individuals formally declared the cessation of their South African tax residency between 2017 and 2024.

This disparity highlights the glaring gap between those physically leaving the country and those taking the formal steps required to sever tax residency. This oversight appears particularly prevalent among high-earning professionals and business owners, whose capabilities for earning globally simplify the process of relocation. Furthermore, reports indicate a 20% decline in South Africa’s millionaire population within the past decade, underscoring that wealth is migrating faster than people.

For expatriates, the ramifications of failing to properly declare non-residency can be severe. Once SARS detects inconsistency regarding residency status, it may re-evaluate prior tax years, leading to repercussions that include:

• Tax liabilities on previously undisclosed foreign income.
• Compounded interest over several years.
• Punitive penalties for Extended periods of scrutiny due to alleged non-disclosure.
• Potential escalation to criminal investigations in extreme cases. While complex offshore structures may provide flexibility, they can also attract intensified examination, further complicating compliance efforts.

Ceasing South African tax residency is not merely a procedural requirement; it is a strategic imperative. When executed effectively, it aligns Sars records with reality and triggers the necessary exit tax treatments at an appropriate time. Conversely, neglecting this process can leave expatriates vulnerable to back taxes when offshore income and asset values increase markedly.

In today’s regulatory landscape, ignorance is not bliss. SARS’s reach now extends far beyond South African borders, and those wielding greater wealth face intensified scrutiny. Thus, the pressing question for high-net-worth expatriates is: will your financial position hold up under scrutiny? A well-documented, careful approach, particularly with guidance from cross-border tax specialists, is essential to ensure compliance and protect wealth from uncertain future repercussions.

Leaving quietly may cost you heavily. It is time to take control of your tax situation now. understatements.

The Independent

STANDARDS ARTICLES

SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa clamping down on cheap Chinese imports – with a list of the products targeted

South Africa is clamping down on imported goods from China to protect consumers from unsafe and poor-quality products flooding the local market.

Last month, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition gazetted a new directive under the Standards Act of 2008.

The directive introduced a mandatory Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme.

The system will require certain goods shipped from China to be tested and certified before they enter the South African market.

Under the new rules, importers must obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) that confirms their products meet South African National Standards for quality and safety.

The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) will oversee the assessment process, while customs and border authorities will enforce compliance using existing legal frameworks.

The PVoC programme is specifically targeted at unregulated goods—products that are not currently subject to compulsory specifications or formal regulatory oversight.

In its first phase, the programme will apply only to these categories in order to close the gap that has allowed substandard goods to enter the country.

The department said the move is necessary to address the growing influx of unsafe products reaching South African consumers.

These include electrical appliances that can catch fire, toys that contain harmful chemicals, phone chargers that overheat or explode, and poorly manufactured furniture that fails prematurely.

By requiring verification before shipment, the programme seeks to intercept non-compliant goods before they arrive in the country, reducing risks to public safety.

The directive establishing the programme was published in the Government Gazette on 20 March 2026 and will come into effect around the end of September 2026.

Until then, a six-month transitional period will give businesses time to adjust their supply chains and compliance processes.

During this phase, the SABS said it would conduct risk-based and random inspections, verification exercises, and compliance checks to test systems and ensure operational readiness.

The types of products being targeted

The agency will also engage with stakeholders and run awareness initiatives to help both importers and exporters understand the new requirements.

A wide range of product categories has already been flagged for inspection and testing due to their potential impact on consumer health and safety.

Cosmetics and skincare products, including skin-lightening creams and hair relaxers, will be prioritised for laboratory testing to detect harmful substances such as mercury and hydroquinone.

Hygiene products like sanitary pads and baby diapers will also be assessed for absorbency and potential biological or toxicological risks.

Household items are another key focus area. Mattresses and foam products will be tested for flammability and emissions, while furniture such as bunk beds and office chairs will be evaluated for structural integrity to prevent accidents.

The programme also targets higher-risk technical and industrial goods. LPG accessories, including hoses and regulators, are classified as very high risk and will undergo intensive testing for leaks, pressure resistance and durability.

Building materials, such as solar panels, insulation, and underfloor membranes, and public safety products, such as pool covers, will be assessed to ensure they function properly in emergencies.

Despite the initial focus on China, the SABS stressed that the programme is not intended to single out any one country.

China has been chosen for the pilot phase because it is South Africa’s largest import partner and a major source of consumer goods, including many high-risk items.

Over time, the PVoC programme is expected to expand to other countries in a non-discriminatory manner, in line with international trade rules.

A full list of the initial products being targeted by the programme for inspection and testing can be viewed below.

PVoC- LIST OF HIGH RISKS UNREGULATED PRODUCTS

Malcolm Libera

BusinessTech