HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN SOUTH AFRICA TODAY

Thu 30 April 2026:

Here’s what’s happening in South Africa today: 👇🏼

◼️ Local Government Elections set for November 4: President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections will take place on Wednesday, November 4. While it has not yet been officially confirmed, however, based on precedent the day is likely to be declared a public holiday to allow voters a fair opportunity to go to the polls. He noted that political parties were aware that elections would take place this year and should already have begun their preparations. “As government, it will be our task to make sure we get a good turnout,” Ramaphosa said.
https://iol.co.za/dailynews/news/2026-04-30-local-government-elections-set-for-november-4-president-cyril-ramaphosa-confirmed/

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◼️ ‘Corruption of the highest order’: South Africa’s media sector has increasingly been mired in corruption allegations involving journalists, raising concerns about accountability, ethical conduct and public trust. This week the profession was rocked by Special Investigating Unit (SIU) revelations that R550 000 in National Lotteries Commission (NLC) grants were “diverted” into Sunday Times editor Makhudu Sefara’s company, Unscripted Communications, in 2018.
https://www.citizen.co.za/news/corruption-of-the-highest-order-siu-revelations-dent-sa-media-credibility/

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◼️ Warning to anyone caught lying on their CVs in SA: According to the law, those found to have falsely or fraudulently claimed to possess a qualification or part-qualification could be fined or imprisoned for a period not exceeding five years, or both. Phukuje explained that even mild exaggeration can backfire. She said while candidates may be tempted to “polish up” their experience, it can become a problem once they are in the role. If an employee cannot deliver on what was claimed, employers may treat it as a competence issue, triggering probation reviews or poor performance processes.
https://businesstech.co.za/news/business/858574/legal-warning-to-anyone-lying-on-their-cvs-in-south-africa/

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◼️ Law cracks down on spam calls: Under the amendments, which have come into effect immediately, consumers will be able to register a “pre-emptive block” on the opt-out registry to prevent any unwanted electronic communications from direct marketers. Tau’s amendments also target anonymous bulk messaging, asking marketers to take steps to ensure recipients can identify the marketer’s name, electronic address, physical address and contact number.
https://www.businessday.co.za/news/2026-04-17-law-cracks-down-on-spam-calls-as-marketers-face-fines-or-ban/

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◼️ South Africa’s new traffic laws: The Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) published its Annual Performance Plan for 2026/7, outlining its goals for the year, which include a national rollout of South Africa’s new traffic laws. In the document, the agency confirmed the proclamation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act was approved.
https://mybroadband.co.za/news/motoring/644474-south-africas-new-traffic-laws-with-driving-licence-penalty-points-ready-for-rollout.html

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