South African motorists are facing yet another punishing fuel price increase, with petrol rising by R1.34 per litre and diesel by up to R3.15 per litre from September 2, 2026. The latest hike comes as the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran continues to drive global oil prices higher, adding further strain to already stretched household budgets.

This increase means Gauteng motorists will now pay R26.76 for a litre of 93 unleaded and R26.92 for 95 unleaded, while coastal drivers will pay R26.05 for 95 unleaded. The wholesale price of diesel has climbed to R29.11 inland and R28.23 at the coast for 500ppm, with 50ppm costing R30.05 and R28.79 respectively.

The Real Cost of Fuel Price Increases

The impact of these fuel price hikes goes far beyond the pump. For a 70-litre diesel fill-up in a bakkie, motorists will pay an extra R205 to R220 from Wednesday. Those with small petrol cars can expect R40 more for a 30-litre refuel, while a 50 or 60-litre tank in a larger vehicle will carry a premium of R67 to R80.

Families living on minimum wage are already struggling to make ends meet before these latest increases. According to the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group, a worker on minimum wage earning R4,836.80 in August had only R1,653.35 left after taxi fares and electricity. With that money needing to feed a family of four, each person would only get R413.34 for the entire month – 48% short of the government’s minimum food requirement of R855 per person.

Why Are Fuel Prices Rising?

The primary driver behind these fuel price increases is the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The war between the United States and Iran has disrupted oil supply routes, particularly through the critical Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude oil prices have surged to around $97 per barrel, with oil prices now 50% higher than at the start of the year. South Africa’s fuel imports have cost an additional R56 billion since February, making this the single largest and most sustained oil price shock since the 1990 Gulf War.

The price of diesel has been particularly hard hit due to higher demand and reduced supply from the Persian Gulf region. For the September increase, diesel rose by nearly R3 per litre while petrol increased by R1.34.

October 2026: Another Fuel Price Hike on the Horizon

Worse news is on the horizon. Early data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) indicates that another significant fuel price hike is building for October 2026.

Projections for October 7, 2026 suggest petrol could increase by approximately R1.87 to R1.99 per litre, while diesel could rise by R2.16 to R2.41 per litre.

If these projections materialize, Gauteng motorists could be paying R28.63 for 93 unleaded and R28.91 for 95 unleaded, with 500ppm diesel wholesale prices reaching R31.27 per litre. These prices would push fuel costs to near-record highs, though still below the peaks seen in May and June 2026.

Calls for Government Intervention

The steep fuel price increases have sparked urgent calls for government intervention. COSATU and Build One South Africa (BOSA) are demanding temporary fuel levy relief and reforms to the Road Accident Fund (RAF).

Currently, the General Fuel Levy is R4.10 per litre on petrol and R3.93 on diesel, while the RAF levy adds R2.25 per litre – meaning taxes and levies account for roughly one-third of the fuel price.

COSATU parliamentary coordinator Matthew Parks said workers, commuters, and the economy could not continue absorbing repeated fuel price shocks and called on the government to reintroduce fuel levy relief until prices returned to pre-war levels.

Economist Dawie Roodt and developmental economist Professor Dumisani Jantjies both acknowledged that while levy relief treats the symptoms rather than the cause, it remains worth considering. Jantjies argued for a rules-based fuel price stabilisation mechanism with a defined trigger, level of relief, and maximum duration.

ALSO CHECK: Pensioners Demand R5,000 SASSA Grant: ‘R2,400 is Not Enough to Survive’

Impact on Inflation and Interest Rates

The persistent fuel price increases are expected to push consumer inflation higher, which could prompt the South African Reserve Bank to hike interest rates again.

Nedbank economists noted that producer price inflation (PPI) jumped from 4.8% in April to 7.8% in May, with the sharp increase in fuel costs being the largest contributor. The year-on-year increase in petrol prices surged from 8.6% to 28.1%, while diesel rose from 33.8% to 66.7%.

The South African Reserve Bank has already hiked interest rates in response to the oil price shock, and another 25 basis point increase may be on the cards at the upcoming Monetary Policy Committee meeting.

Notes

• September 2026 Increases: Petrol up R1.34/l, diesel up R2.94-R3.15/l from September 2
• New Fuel Prices: 95 unleaded now R26.92 inland, R26.05 at coast; diesel wholesale R29.11 inland
• October Forecast: Petrol could rise by ~R2/l, diesel by ~R2.50/l from October 7
• Oil Price Surge: Brent crude at $97/barrel due to US-Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruption
• Import Costs: SA has spent an extra R56 billion on fuel imports since February
• Inflation Risk: Fuel price increases may force Reserve Bank to hike interest rates again

Conclusion

The sustained fuel price increases in South Africa reflect a perfect storm of global geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and a weakening economic environment. With another hike expected in October 2026 and no immediate resolution to the Middle East conflict in sight, South African motorists and households face a prolonged period of high fuel costs. The government faces mounting pressure to provide relief, but any intervention must balance the needs of consumers with the fiscal realities of a constrained national budget. For now, South Africans must brace themselves for continued pain at the pumps and the ripple effects that will follow through the broader economy.

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Justice Fikile Eunice Mokgohloa was a South African judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal whose remarkable legal career spanned more than three decades. Born on 1 June 1961 in Pretoria, she rose from humble beginnings in the rural area of Winterveld to become one of the country’s most respected judicial officers. Her passing on 20 August 2026 at the age of 65 marked the end of an era for the South African judiciary.

Justice Mokgohloa left behind a judicial legacy marked by intellectual rigour, diligence, independence, and an unwavering commitment to the administration of justice. She was widely regarded as an accomplished jurist who served with dignity, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility to the law.

Personal Information

Full name: Fikile Eunice Mokgohloa

Date of birth: 1 June 1961

Place of birth: Pretoria, Transvaal (now Gauteng), South Africa

Grew up in: Winterveld, rural area near Pretoria

Date of death: 20 August 2026

Age at death: 65

Nationality: South African

Occupation: Judge, Supreme Court of Appeal

Years active in judiciary: 2006 to 2026

Children: One child

Early Life and Education

Fikile Eunice Mokgohloa was born on 1 June 1961 in Pretoria, in the former Transvaal province. She grew up in the rural area of Winterveld, a community near Pretoria that shaped her understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary South Africans.

After completing her matriculation, Mokgohloa pursued higher education at the University of the North West. She demonstrated exceptional academic ability, earning a B Juris degree in 1987 followed by an LLB degree in 1990. Her legal education laid the foundation for a career that would see her rise through the ranks of South Africa’s judiciary.

Justice Mokgohloa was a mother of one child, balancing her demanding legal career with family responsibilities.

Legal Career: From Attorney to Judge

Justice Mokgohloa entered the legal profession as a candidate attorney in 1990, working at Tshegofatso Monama Attorneys until 1993. She then moved to Hack, Stupel & Ross Attorneys, where she served as a professional assistant from 1993 to 1995 before becoming a partner at the firm from 1996 to 1999.

In January 2000, she took a significant step forward by becoming a partner at her own firm, Mokgohloa Attorneys. During this period, she also gained valuable judicial experience by serving as an acting regional magistrate in Bafokeng from July to August 2001, and as an acting district magistrate in Brits from June to July 2002. She continued serving as an acting district magistrate in Odi from July 2005 to February 2006.

Rise Through the Judiciary

Justice Mokgohloa began her judicial career in June 2006 when she was appointed as an acting judge in the Northern Cape Division of the High Court. Her performance during this period was impressive, and she continued in this role until June 2008.

In November 2008, she was appointed as a permanent judge of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court, a position she held until January 2016. Her judgments during this period demonstrated her commitment to protecting the rights of vulnerable South Africans.

Landmark Evictions Judgment

In 2015, while sitting in the Durban High Court, Justice Mokgohloa delivered a landmark judgment that halted thousands of evictions. She struck down a temporary court order that was being used by the MEC for Human Settlements and the eThekwini Municipality to evict thousands of poor people from informal settlements in Durban.

The MEC claimed the order was only to prevent land invasions, but the Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI), representing the shack dwellers’ movement Abahlali baseMjondolo, argued it was an “eviction order in disguise.” Mokgohloa agreed with SERI, ruling that eviction was governed by the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act and section 26(3) of the Constitution. The processes prescribed by these instruments had to be followed before evictions could take place.

The court affirmed that the act and the Constitution were intended to respect the dignity of the poor and ensure that alternative accommodation was provided where needed. The judgment was widely praised for protecting the rights of vulnerable communities and reinforcing constitutional protections against unlawful evictions.

Deputy Judge President of Limpopo

In January 2016, Justice Mokgohloa was transferred to the Limpopo Division of the High Court and appointed as Deputy Judge President of that division, a position she held from 1 July 2016. During this period, she also served in an acting capacity in the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), gaining valuable experience at the appellate level.

She served as an acting judge in the SCA in June-November 2017, June-November 2018, and December 2018-March 2019, demonstrating her suitability for appointment to the country’s highest appellate court.

Appointment to the Supreme Court of Appeal

In June 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Justice Mokgohloa to the Supreme Court of Appeal following a recommendation by the Judicial Service Commission. Her appointment was part of an important period of renewal and transformation of the appellate bench.

At the SCA, she made a substantial contribution to South African jurisprudence. Her judgments reflected careful engagement with the law, the facts, and the constitutional principles that underpin the administration of justice.

Notable Cases at the Supreme Court of Appeal

Drone Fishing Judgment (2026): Justice Mokgohloa wrote a significant ruling confirming that drone fishing remains illegal in South Africa. She rejected arguments that once a fishing permit was issued, anglers were free to use any method not specifically prohibited. She ruled that anglers were only authorised to fish manually, excluding the use of remote-controlled motorised equipment such as drones.

Medical Negligence Case (2025): In a compassionate judgment, Justice Mokgohloa ordered the Eastern Cape Health MEC to pay damages to a mother whose child suffered cerebral palsy due to hospital negligence. The SCA overturned a decision of the Mthatha High Court, with Mokgohloa finding that hospital staff failed to properly monitor the mother during labour, leading to the child’s brain injury.

Organic Wine Labeling Case (2019): Justice Mokgohloa ruled on a dispute between organic winemakers, determining that a wine producer’s claim that their wine was “no longer organic” was not false because there was no acceptable certification that it met the new European standard for organic wine.

Criminal Justice Cases: She presided over numerous criminal appeals, carefully considering the rights of accused persons and the interests of justice. Her rulings reflected a balanced approach to criminal justice.

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Leadership and Legacy

Justice Mokgohloa contributed to the leadership of the Supreme Court and acted as the Deputy President of the SCA in 2024. Her leadership qualities were recognised by her peers, and she was respected for her intellectual rigour and commitment to justice.

Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, on behalf of the judiciary, expressed profound sadness at Mokgohloa’s passing. “The Judiciary has lost a valued colleague and an accomplished jurist. Justice Mokgohloa served with dignity, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility to the law,” Maya said.

“Her judicial record stands as part of the enduring contribution she made to the development of South African law.”

The Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services described her passing as a profound loss to the judiciary, the legal profession, and the people of South Africa.

Death and Legacy

Justice Fikile Mokgohloa passed away on 20 August 2026 after a long illness. She was 65 years old. President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a Special Official Funeral Category 2 for her, with the funeral service held at Hillsong Church in Wonderboom, Pretoria, on 29 August 2026.

President Ramaphosa paid tribute to her contribution to the judiciary and jurisprudence, saying: “Judge Mokgohloa has left us at the pinnacle of her commitment to the rule of law and the administration of our courts. Her legacy is entrenched in the many landmark judgments she delivered and in her exceptional judicial leadership. May her soul rest in peace.”

The National Flag was flown at half-mast at all flag stations across the country as a mark of respect.

Justice Mokgohloa leaves behind a judicial legacy that will continue to inspire generations of legal practitioners and judges. Her commitment to the rule of law, her intellectual rigour, and her dedication to justice have left an indelible mark on South Africa’s legal landscape.

She is survived by her child and family, as well as countless colleagues and members of the legal profession who were inspired by her example. As the nation mourns her passing, her landmark judgments and exceptional leadership will serve as a lasting testament to her contribution to the development of South African law.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late Supreme Court of Appeal Justice Fikile Eunice Mokgohloa will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, 29 August 2026, at 7:30 am at the Hillsong Church in Wonderboom, Pretoria, where she will also be laid to rest.

Justice Mokgohloa passed away on 20 August 2026 at the age of 65 after a long illness, leaving behind a distinguished legacy of service to the South African judiciary and the nation.

Tributes from President Ramaphosa

President Ramaphosa has paid tribute to Justice Mokgohloa for her immense contribution to the judiciary and jurisprudence. “Judge Mokgohloa has left us at the pinnacle of her commitment to the rule of law and the administration of our courts,” Ramaphosa said.

“Her legacy is entrenched in the many landmark judgments she delivered and in her exceptional judicial leadership. May her soul rest in peace.”

The President has also directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations across the country until the evening of Saturday, 29 August, as a mark of respect.

A Distinguished Judicial Career

Justice Mokgohloa’s career spanned more than two decades, marked by intellectual rigour, independence, and an unwavering commitment to the administration of justice.

Early Life and Legal Practice

Born on 1 June 1961 in Pretoria, Mokgohloa grew up in the rural area of Winterveld. She obtained her B Juris and LLB degrees from the University of the North West in 1987 and 1990, respectively.

She entered the legal profession as a candidate attorney in 1990 and later practised as an attorney, becoming a partner at Hack, Stupel & Ross Attorneys in Pretoria. In January 2000, she became a partner at her own firm, Mokgohloa Attorneys.

Between 2001 and 2006, she served as an acting regional magistrate and district magistrate in various courts in the North West.

Journey to the Bench

Mokgohloa began her judicial career as an acting judge in the Northern Cape Division in 2006. In November 2008, she was appointed as a permanent judge of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court.

She later served in the Limpopo Division and was appointed Deputy Judge President of that Division in 2016, a position she held until May 2019. During this period, she also served in an acting capacity in the Supreme Court of Appeal, gaining valuable experience at the appellate level.

In June 2019, President Ramaphosa appointed her to the Supreme Court of Appeal following a recommendation by the Judicial Service Commission. Her appointment was part of an important period of renewal and transformation of the appellate bench.

Landmark Judgments and Legal Legacy

During her time at the Supreme Court of Appeal, Justice Mokgohloa made a substantial contribution to South African jurisprudence. Her judgments reflected careful engagement with the law, the facts, and the constitutional principles that underpin the administration of justice.

Among the significant cases she presided over were matters concerning:

• Constitutional and administrative law – including a case that confirmed drone fishing remains illegal in South Africa, where she rejected arguments that anglers could use any method not specifically prohibited.
• Criminal justice – including a case where she ruled that a life sentence for rape was “shockingly inappropriate” when the accused was not properly informed of the penal provisions, reducing the sentence to ten years.
• Medical negligence – where she ruled in favour of a mother whose child suffered cerebral palsy due to negligence at a hospital, ordering the Eastern Cape Health MEC to pay damages.
• Municipal governance – where she ruled that a municipality could not ignore its own resolution to pay backpay to former employees, finding the failure to implement the resolution unlawful.

She also contributed to the leadership of the court and acted as the Deputy President of the Supreme Court of Appeal in 2024.

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Funeral Arrangements

The Special Official Funeral Category 2 will feature ceremonial elements provided by the South African Police Service, a fitting tribute to a judge who served the nation with distinction.

Mokgohloa will be buried in Pretoria, with the funeral service scheduled for 7:30 am on Saturday at Hillsong Church in Wonderboom, Pretoria.

Judiciary Mourns a Valued Colleague

Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, on behalf of the judiciary, expressed profound sadness at Mokgohloa’s passing, describing it as a profound loss to the judiciary, the legal profession, and the people of South Africa.

“The Judiciary has lost a valued colleague and an accomplished jurist. Justice Mokgohloa served with dignity, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility to the law,” Chief Justice Maya said.

“Her judicial record stands as part of the enduring contribution she made to the development of South African law.”

President Ramaphosa Extends Condolences

President Ramaphosa extended his deep condolences to Mokgohloa’s family, friends, and colleagues, recognising her service to the nation and the judiciary with distinction, integrity, and dedication over the last 20 years.

Funeral and memorial arrangements were communicated in consultation with the family, ensuring that her legacy is honoured with the dignity she deserves.

Justice Mokgohloa’s Enduring Legacy

Justice Fikile Mokgohloa leaves behind a judicial legacy that will continue to inspire generations of legal practitioners and judges. Her commitment to the rule of law, her intellectual rigour, and her dedication to justice have left an indelible mark on South Africa’s legal landscape.

As the nation mourns her passing, her landmark judgments and exceptional leadership will serve as a lasting testament to her contribution to the development of South African law.

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Frustration is mounting among South Africa’s senior citizens as calls for a significant increase to the SASSA Older Persons Grant grow louder. Beneficiaries, many of whom are struggling to afford basic necessities, are now rallying behind a demand for the monthly old-age grant to be raised to R5,000, arguing that the current amount of R2,400 is no longer sufficient to cover the soaring cost of living.

Why Pensioners Are Saying R2,400 is Not Enough

South African pensioners are facing an impossible financial squeeze. For many, the monthly SASSA grant is their only source of income, and it must cover rent, food, electricity, transport, and often expensive medication. One beneficiary highlighted the brutal arithmetic, stating that some medications alone cost more than R1,000, leaving little for other essentials.

The demand for R5,000 is a recurring cry of desperation. A petition from older people in the Western Cape calling for the grant to be increased to R5,000 was even adopted by Parliament’s social development committee for discussion. The committee has recommended that the social development minister engage with the finance minister to review the grant in light of inflation and rising food costs.

Pensioners Take Their Fight to the Streets

The frustration has boiled over into public protests. In July 2026, more than 200 pensioners, under the banner of Pensioners of South Africa (Posa), gathered outside a SASSA office in Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain, to voice their anger. They hoisted placards and chanted slogans demanding an increase, with one member from the Lobelia Seniors Club stating: “We are asking for R5000, the cost of living is rising. What can we do?”

These demonstrations highlight the intense pressure pensioners face. They also raised serious concerns about the poor service at SASSA offices, describing lengthy queues, unexplained grant suspensions, and being treated with disrespect, hostility, and humiliation.

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Government’s Position: What Has Been Announced?

While the government has not announced an increase to R5,000, it has confirmed increases to social grants. In the 2026 Budget Speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that the old age, disability, and care dependency grants would rise by R80 to R2,400 per month, effective April 2026.

However, for many beneficiaries, this increase is not enough. They argue that the grant still falls far short of what is needed to live with dignity. The demand for R5,000, which would more than double the current amount for the primary group of pensioners, remains a central point of contention as the government grapples with fiscal pressures and an ageing population.

SASSA’s Role and System Overhaul

SASSA is currently focused on maintaining the integrity of the social grant system. In a bid to curb fraud, the agency implemented a rigorous verification process, which led to the cancellation of 34,661 grants. This has been met with mixed reactions, as some beneficiaries have faced frustrating delays and unexplained suspensions.

SASSA CEO Themba Matlou has welcomed the increases, saying they provide a lifeline to the most vulnerable in society. However, the calls for more substantial relief continue to grow, with pensioners arguing that the system is failing them.

Notes

• Pensioner Demand: A powerful movement led by pensioners and groups like Pensioners of South Africa (POSA) is demanding the SASSA Old Age Grant be increased from R2,400 to R5,000 per month.
• Primary Reason: The current grant is insufficient to cover basic living costs like food, rent, medication, and utilities due to the high cost of living.
• Public Action: Pensioners have taken to the streets, with protests at SASSA offices in areas like Mitchells Plain to make their voices heard.
• Government Response: While the government announced an R80 increase to the grant in the 2026 Budget, bringing the total to R2,400, it has not met the R5,000 demand.
• Systemic Issues: Beyond the grant amount, pensioners are also protesting against long queues, poor service, and unexplained suspensions at SASSA offices.

Conclusion

The debate over the SASSA pension grant reveals a deep crisis in South Africa, where its oldest citizens are struggling to survive on a state pension they say is a fraction of what they need. As the cost of living continues to rise and the demand for R5,000 grows into a national conversation, the government faces mounting pressure to re-evaluate its social grant policies and ensure that pensioners can live out their years with dignity and without financial desperation.

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South African motorists and e-hailing drivers are facing significant regulatory changes in 2026. From a new registration drive for e-hailing drivers in Gauteng to ongoing discussions about modernising the car licence renewal process, the country’s transport landscape is shifting.

Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments and what they mean for you.

Gauteng E-Hailing Drivers Must Register on New System

A major change is underway for e-hailing drivers in Gauteng. The provincial government has started a new registration process for e-hailing drivers as authorities tighten oversight of the industry.

The government has called on e-hailing companies like Uber, Bolt, and inDrive to ensure their drivers register on the Gauteng Integrated Public Transport Administration System (GIPTAS). This system stores information used to manage and monitor public transport operations and regulate the issuing of public transport licences.

The move is the next phase in implementing the amended National Land Transport Act, which formally recognises e-hailing as a category within South Africa’s public transport system. The regulations require e-hailing operators and drivers to be licensed, vehicles to be branded, and the compulsory installation of in-vehicle panic buttons.

What E-Hailing Drivers Need to Do

Drivers registering on the GIPTAS system will need to provide key licensing documents.

• Professional Driving Permit (PrDP): This is a mandatory requirement for all e-hailing drivers.
• Vehicle Registration Details: Information about the vehicle being used for e-hailing services must be provided.
• Identification: South African citizens will need their ID numbers. Foreign nationals who do not have a South African ID number can use a Traffic Register Number (TRN). A TRN is a system-generated profile for drivers without a standard 13-digit South African ID number, allowing them to conduct road traffic transactions.

Ashif Black, inDrive’s South Africa country representative, confirmed that the government started engaging e-hailing operators about the process last month, seeking to strengthen its database of drivers operating in Gauteng.

No Registration Deadline Yet

Drivers do not face an immediate registration deadline. Black said the GIPTAS process remains in its early stages and authorities have not yet set a deadline. He noted that operators are still engaging government over some of the requirements and seeking clarity on parts of the process.

This registration drive follows an earlier push to bring e-hailing platforms themselves into the regulatory system, with the government calling on app providers to register legally starting in November 2025. The National Land Transport Amendment Act also sets out penalties for app companies that allow drivers to operate without the requisite operating licences.

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Car Licence Renewal: 2026 Options and Costs

For everyday motorists, renewing a vehicle licence remains an annual necessity. In 2026, South Africans have several options to avoid the queues.

How to Renew Your Car Licence

There are five practical methods for renewing your car licence in 2026.

• NaTIS Online (online.natis.gov.za): The government portal allows private vehicle owners to renew online. You register, enter your vehicle registration number, pay by EFT or card, and the new disc is posted to you within 7 to 14 working days.
• Banking Apps: This is often the fastest and most reliable method. Major banks like FNB, Standard Bank, Absa, Nedbank, and Capitec allow customers to renew through their mobile banking apps. You enter the vehicle registration number, pay the fee, and the new disc is couriered to you.
• Post Office: Many branches still handle renewals. Take your renewal notice (or just your ID and vehicle registration number), pay the fee, and walk out with the new disc on the spot.
• Registering Authority (Traffic Department): This is necessary for company-owned vehicles, change-of-address renewals, and any vehicle with a fines block.
• Retail Partners: Some retailers like Shoprite Money Market and Spar provide renewal services in select locations.

What Your Car Licence Renewal Will Cost in 2026

The cost of renewing your vehicle licence depends on the province you are in and your vehicle’s tare mass (unladen weight). Heavier vehicles pay more as they have a bigger impact on road infrastructure.

Here are the approximate 2026 fees for a typical passenger vehicle across some provinces.

• Gauteng: For a vehicle with a tare mass between 1,001 and 1,250 kg, the licence fee is R528, plus an R72 RTMC fee, totaling R600.
• Western Cape: The same vehicle would cost R564 in total.
• KwaZulu-Natal: The cost would be R606 in total.
• Eastern Cape: The cost would be R546 in total.

It is important to note that these are estimates. You can check the exact fee for your vehicle on the eNATIS platform during the renewal process.

The Future: Digital Licences

While not yet implemented, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has indicated it is preparing for a shift towards digital car licences. The goal is to securely store key civic services documents, including driving licences, on a single platform, potentially through the MyMzansi app. However, the timeline for a full rollout is still uncertain.

Notes for South African Motorists

The transport sector is evolving with the introduction of digital systems and regulatory changes for e-hailing drivers.

• E-Hailing Drivers in Gauteng: You must register on the GIPTAS system. Prepare your PrDP, vehicle registration, and ID documents. Stay tuned for a deadline from the government.
• All Motorists: You have multiple options for renewing your car licence. Banking apps and the NaTIS online portal are the most convenient ways to avoid queues. Ensure you are aware of your vehicle’s tare weight to budget correctly for the annual fee.
• Late Renewal Penalty: Remember there is a 21-day grace period after the expiry date on your current licence disc. After that, penalties and arrears will apply.

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Thandazani Griffiths Madonsela SC has emerged as a central figure in South Africa’s political landscape in 2026 after being recommended as the chief evidence leader for Parliament’s Section 89 impeachment inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa. The senior counsel from the Durban bar finds himself at the heart of a constitutional battle that has drawn national and international attention.

Personal Information

Full name: Thandazani Griffiths Madonsela

Title: Senior Counsel (SC)

Nationality: South African

Occupation: Advocate, Senior Counsel

Based at: Durban Bar

Early Life and Education

Details about Thandazani Madonsela’s early life and educational background are not extensively documented in public records. However, his rise to the position of Senior Counsel indicates a distinguished legal career built on years of study and practice. He is based at the Durban Bar, one of South Africa’s established legal institutions.

Legal Career

Madonsela has established himself as a respected Senior Counsel in South Africa’s legal community. His career has included significant constitutional and parliamentary law work that brought him to national attention.

Judicial Service Commission Appointment

In 2022, Madonsela was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa as his personal appointee to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). However, shortly after the interviews for the position of Chief Justice in 2022, Ramaphosa removed Madonsela from this position. This removal has become a point of contention, with the president later citing it as a potential conflict of interest in Madonsela’s proposed appointment to the impeachment inquiry.

Work for the African National Congress

In June and July 2026, Madonsela was briefed by a firm of attorneys representing the African National Congress (ANC) to provide legal input on parliamentary rules governing Section 89 impeachment proceedings. His work included:

• Providing legal input on the constitutionality and parliamentary soundness of proposed rules for Section 89 inquiries
• Advising on amendments to the National Assembly’s presidential impeachment rules following the Constitutional Court’s judgment in the Economic Freedom Fighters matter
• Working with another advocate on a written opinion concerning whether members of the impeachment committee could lawfully be subjected to a “fit and proper” requirement

The opinion was finalised on 2 July 2026, and the ANC later relied on it in its submission on the committee’s draft terms of reference.

The Phala Phala Impeachment Inquiry

In August 2026, Madonsela became the subject of intense public and political scrutiny when Parliament’s Section 89 Impeachment Committee recommended him as the chief evidence leader for the inquiry into the burglary at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm.

The Committee Vote

On 5 August 2026, the committee voted 9 to 7 in favour of recommending Madonsela for the position, with 11 members, including the ANC representatives, abstaining from the vote. He beat Advocate Kate Hofmeyr SC, who was nominated by the Democratic Alliance and had previously represented Ramaphosa personally.

Committee chairperson Makashule Gana announced Madonsela as the recommended candidate, stating: “The name that will be recommended will be Adv Madonsela; ours is to recommend, Parliament will do the appointment”.

ANC’s Disclosure

Following the committee vote, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula disclosed that Madonsela had previously worked for the governing party on legal questions directly connected to Parliament’s Section 89 impeachment process.

Mbalula wrote in a letter to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza: “The African National Congress holds the knowledge and holds the privilege. Having satisfied ourselves that the senior counsel recommended on 5 August 2026 is the senior counsel briefed on our instruction in June and July 2026, we consider ourselves obliged to say so, in writing and on the record, while the process remains open”.

Despite placing the relationship on Parliament’s record, the ANC stopped short of questioning Madonsela’s suitability for the position. “The movement does not impugn the integrity or the independence of Adv Madonsela SC,” Mbalula stated.

President Ramaphosa’s Objection

On 18 August 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa formally objected to Madonsela’s appointment in a letter to Parliament. Ramaphosa raised two separate conflicts of interest:

First Conflict: The removal from the Judicial Service Commission. Ramaphosa argued that “there is a reasonable apprehension that Advocate Madonsela, SC, may harbour a sense of grievance towards me and that he may act upon it”.

Second Conflict: The legal advice provided to the ANC. Ramaphosa stated: “Ordinarily a legal practitioner ought not to act in a matter that is substantially the same as one in which he or she previously advised a former client who is involved in that matter”.

Ramaphosa argued that Madonsela “may possess prior insight into issues relevant to the inquiry which any other evidence leader, approaching the matter de novo, would not have”.

Opposition Reaction

Opposition parties accused Ramaphosa of employing delaying tactics to avoid accountability. EFF leader Julius Malema said: “He is not going to choose his own judge, that’s what he is doing. Typical [of] him, he is trying to find another way to delay this process. We are not going to allow that”.

ActionSA chief whip Lerato Ngobeni said South Africans should take note that the president was hiding from accountability. ATM MP Vuyo Zungula said: “It is to be expected that the president will not subject himself to this process, a constitutional process of holding him accountable. It is a delaying tactic”.

MKP parliamentary leader John Hlophe said: “A president who has nothing to hide should not be using all these delaying tactics. He is doing that in an attempt to avoid the inevitable. South Africans [have] a right to know what happened at Phala Phala”.

Committee Response

Committee chairperson Makashule Gana confirmed receipt of Ramaphosa’s letter and indicated that the committee would seek legal advice on the matter. He stated: “We are currently studying the contents and consulting with legal services to see the options available to us in terms of how best to respond to this. We would like to have an evidence leader appointed and confirmed as soon as possible”.

Gana also asked the committee to allow legal services to consider the matter, saying he did not feel he had time to fully consider the letter. He noted: “One of the worst mistakes we can make as a committee is to believe the work we do is beyond scrutiny”.

The committee voted to obtain a legal opinion on the matter, with only the MKP and EFF opposing.

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Points

• Senior Counsel: Thandazani Madonsela SC is a respected advocate based at the Durban Bar
• 2022 JSC Appointment: Appointed by President Ramaphosa to the Judicial Service Commission but removed shortly after
• 2026 ANC Work: Provided legal advice to the ANC on Section 89 impeachment rules in June-July 2026
• Impeachment Committee Vote: Recommended as evidence leader with 9 votes to 7 on 5 August 2026
• President’s Objection: Ramaphosa formally objected on 18 August citing conflicts of interest
• Opposition Accusations: Parties accuse Ramaphosa of using delaying tactics
• Legal Opinion: Committee voted to seek legal advice on the matter

Conclusion

Thandazani Madonsela SC finds himself at the centre of a significant constitutional moment in South Africa. His recommendation as the chief evidence leader for the Phala Phala impeachment inquiry has triggered a political and legal battle that raises fundamental questions about conflicts of interest, accountability, and the separation of powers.

Whether Madonsela ultimately assumes the role of evidence leader will be determined by Parliament’s consideration of the president’s objections and the committee’s legal advice. What remains clear is that Madonsela’s professional history, including his previous work for the ANC and his removal from the JSC, has placed him squarely in the middle of one of South Africa’s most consequential political debates in recent years.

As the committee continues its work, the nation watches to see how this constitutional drama will unfold and whether Madonsela will play a defining role in the accountability process.

The post Thandazani Madonsela Biography: Senior Counsel at the Centre of South Africa’s Impeachment Inquiry appeared first on Fakaza Hiphopza.

Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina is a Nigerian-South African beauty pageant titleholder who captured global attention in 2024 when she went from being a controversial Miss South Africa contestant to winning Miss Universe Nigeria and finishing as the first runner-up at Miss Universe 2024. Born on 8 January 2001 at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto, South Africa, Adetshina’s journey has been marked by triumph, controversy, and an ongoing legal battle over her citizenship.

At 25 years old, she has become a symbol of resilience and multicultural representation, inspiring young women across Africa to pursue their dreams despite societal challenges. Her story is one of perseverance, as she navigated xenophobia, personal loss, and legal battles while achieving international pageantry success.

Personal Information

Full name: Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina

Date of birth: 8 January 2001

Age: 25 years old (as of 2026)

Place of birth: Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto, South Africa

Nationality: Nigerian-South African

Height: 1.70 metres (5 feet 7 inches)

Education: Law student

Occupation: Beauty pageant titleholder, model, law student

Titles: Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, Miss Universe Africa and Oceania 2024

Major competitions: Miss South Africa 2024 (Top 16, withdrew), Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 (Winner), Miss Universe 2024 (1st Runner-Up)

Early Life and Education

Chidimma Adetshina was born on 8 January 2001 at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto, a township near Johannesburg, South Africa. She grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, where she was raised in a multicultural household. Her father is Nigerian of Igbo descent, while her mother is Mozambican.

Adetshina has always had a passion for pageantry, revealing in interviews that she had been fascinated by beauty pageants since the age of five. She first attempted to enter Miss South Africa in 2023 but was rejected. She tried again in 2024 but was initially rejected due to her name, Chidimma Adetshina, which organisers reportedly felt was not “South African enough”.

As of 2024, Adetshina is a law student, balancing her academic pursuits with her pageantry career. She stated in a BBC Pidgin interview after Miss Universe 2024 that she would be retiring from the beauty-queen phase of her life to focus on her education.

Pageantry Career

Miss South Africa 2024 Controversy

Adetshina entered Miss South Africa 2024 and became a finalist. However, her participation faced intense scrutiny and backlash from some South Africans who questioned her eligibility to compete due to her Nigerian father and Mozambican mother.

A petition was signed by thousands demanding her withdrawal from the competition. The South African Department of Home Affairs launched an investigation into her citizenship, and the controversy deepened when preliminary evidence suggested potential fraud involving her mother’s acquisition of South African citizenship.

On 8 August 2024, Adetshina withdrew from the Miss South Africa competition, citing concerns for her safety and well-being amid xenophobic threats. The Miss South Africa pageant maintained that she had fulfilled all the requirements to participate.

Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 Victory

Following her withdrawal from Miss South Africa, Adetshina was invited by Silverbird Group to compete in Miss Universe Nigeria 2024. She represented Taraba State in the competition.

On 31 August 2024, Adetshina was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 at the Eko Hotels & Suites in Lagos, emerging victorious from among 25 contestants and earning a grand prize of N10 million (approximately R115,752).

Reacting to the win, Adetshina said: “What an incredible journey this has been. Standing here as Miss Universe Nigeria is a dream come true and I am honoured and humbled to wear this crown. I dedicate this crown to God almighty, who has been my strength through every trial and triumph”.

Miss Universe 2024: Historic First Runner-Up

On 17 November 2024, Adetshina represented Nigeria at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant held in Mexico City. She finished as the first runner-up and was also crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, making her the highest-ranked African contestant of 2024.

Her placement is Nigeria’s highest at any Miss Universe pageant, cementing her place in Nigerian pageantry history.

Personal Life

Marriage and Motherhood

Adetshina has a one-year-old son. She was previously married but got divorced in February 2024. In an interview with Sowetan Live Magazine, she explained: “We were not compatible because he had this ideology of what an African married woman is. I didn’t want to be in a position where I can’t go out, but had to clean, cook…that was just not for me because, as a society, we are way past that phase”.

Simple Lifestyle

Despite her pageantry success, Adetshina describes herself as simple and low-maintenance. She enjoys Nigerian foods including egusi, okro, and jollof rice.

Legal Battles and Deportation Case

Citizenship Investigation

In October 2024, the South African Department of Home Affairs revoked Adetshina’s South African identity and travel documents following an investigation into alleged irregularities involving her mother’s documentation.

Home Affairs found prima facie indications of fraud and identity theft involving her mother’s acquisition of South African citizenship. However, the department stressed that Adetshina was a child at the time and could not have been involved in any alleged wrongdoing.

Arrest and Legal Proceedings

In June 2026, Adetshina was arrested in Summer Greens, Cape Town, after authorities alleged that she and her young son were living in South Africa without lawful status. She was accused of re-entering South Africa illegally via a Mozambican border post.

She appeared in court on 9 June and was released on warning, subject to conditions, while the legal process continued. The Department of Home Affairs is seeking to have her detained pending deportation, while her lawyers are pursuing legal avenues over her immigration status.

Court Proceedings Postponed to 2027

On 18 August 2026, Adetshina appeared in the Cape Town Regional Court, where judgment was postponed to 27 February 2027. The postponement was to allow for the finalisation of her review application challenging Home Affairs’ decision to deport her.

Adetshina remains a free woman until the legal process has been completed.

Public Protests and Support

Adetshina’s case has drawn protests outside the court. Members of anti-immigration groups, including March and March and Operation Dudula, staged protests calling for her deportation. Protesters chanted “Chidimma go home” and some chased after her car as she left the courthouse.

However, she has also received support from various quarters. The Economic Freedom Fighters publicly defended her, calling for an end to xenophobia in South Africa and advocating for inclusivity.

Adetshina’s Response to the Controversy

Speaking after the hearing in Cape Town, Adetshina reiterated that she was born in South Africa and has applied through proper legal channels to have her status and citizenship determined.

“I believe that I have been treated unfairly and targeted. And there has been an attempt to make me an example, but my message is not going to be one born of anger,” she said.

She called on South Africans to allow the legal process to take its course, warning against xenophobia and misinformation: “South Africa is governed by the rule of law, and we should not allow xenophobia and misinformation to determine how people are going to be treated. We should all be guided by the spirit of Ubuntu”.

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Vision and Legacy

Adetshina has expressed a vision of African unity and peaceful co-existence. In her acceptance speech as Miss Universe Nigeria, she said: “Let’s break down the barriers that divide us. Let’s foster a continent where every African can move freely without prejudice, pursue their dreams and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our great continent”.

Despite the challenges she has faced, Adetshina is celebrated as a symbol of resilience and multicultural representation. Her achievements inspire young women to pursue their dreams despite societal challenges.

Points

• Birth and Heritage: Born 8 January 2001 in Soweto, South Africa, to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother.
• Miss South Africa: Withdrew from Miss South Africa 2024 amid xenophobic backlash and citizenship controversy.
• Miss Universe Nigeria: Won Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 representing Taraba State.
• Miss Universe: Finished first runner-up at Miss Universe 2024, Nigeria’s highest placement ever.
• Legal Battle: Facing deportation from South Africa after citizenship revocation; case postponed to February 2027.
• Personal Life: Single mother to a son; divorced in February 2024.

Conclusion

Chidimma Adetshina’s journey from Miss South Africa controversy to Miss Universe Nigeria and Miss Universe first runner-up is a remarkable story of resilience and determination. Despite facing xenophobia, personal challenges, and an ongoing legal battle over her citizenship, she has emerged as a symbol of multicultural representation and African unity.

As she continues to fight to remain in South Africa, Adetshina remains committed to her education and to using her platform to promote inclusion and acceptance across Africa. Her story serves as an inspiration to young women across the continent to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face.

The post Chidimma Adetshina Biography: Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, Age, Controversy & Deportation Fight appeared first on Fakaza Hiphopza.

Chidimma Adetshina Deportation Case Postponed to February 2027 as Beauty Queen Fights to Stay in South Africa.

The Cape Town Regional Court has postponed judgment in the high-profile deportation case involving former Miss South Africa contestant and Miss Universe Nigeria winner, Chidimma Adetshina. The matter will now be heard on 27 February 2027, extending a legal battle that has captured national attention since 2024.

Adetshina, 25, who was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and Mozambican-born mother, has been fighting to remain in South Africa after the Department of Home Affairs declared her a prohibited person and revoked her identity documents. The case has become a flashpoint for debates about citizenship, xenophobia, and the rights of individuals born in South Africa to foreign parents.

Court Postpones Judgment to 2027

The magistrate ruled that handing down judgment at this stage would not be in the interests of justice, as Adetshina has a separate review application pending in the Western Cape High Court, which is set to be heard in May 2027. The High Court application challenges the Department of Home Affairs’ decision to deport her, and the outcome will significantly influence the deportation proceedings.

The latest postponement means Adetshina remains out of detention while the broader legal challenge continues. She has been ordered to remain at the same address and report regularly to an immigration officer.

Adetshina Speaks Out: “I Was Born in South Africa”

Speaking to the media after Wednesday’s proceedings, Adetshina reiterated her stance that she is a South African citizen by birth. She stated that she has applied through proper legal channels to have her status and citizenship determined.

“I’m grateful that I once again have been able to get an opportunity to have my faith in our courts,” Adetshina said. “I remind everyone that I was born in South Africa. I have applied through the proper legal channels to have my status and citizenship determined.”

She believes she has been unfairly targeted and made an example of, but insisted her message will not be one of anger.

“I believe that I have been treated unfairly and targeted, and there has been an attempt to make me an example, but my message is not going to be one out of anger. South Africa is governed by the rule of law, and we should not allow xenophobia and misinformation to determine how people are going to be treated. We should all be guided by the spirit of Ubuntu.”

The Department of Home Affairs’ Case

The Department of Home Affairs maintains that Adetshina has no valid legal status in South Africa following the revocation of her South African citizenship documents.

Home Affairs officials argue that she applied for a South African visa while she was in Nigeria and obtained Nigerian passports for herself and her son, implying that she was not a South African citizen. They also allege that she returned to South Africa illegally via a Mozambican border post.

The department is seeking to have her detained pending deportation, while her lawyers are pursuing legal avenues to regularise her immigration status.

The Origins of the Controversy

The legal battle stems from controversy that erupted during Adetshina’s participation in the Miss South Africa pageant in 2024. Questions about her nationality and that of her parents gained traction on social media, prompting pageant organisers to ask Home Affairs to investigate her citizenship.

In August 2024, then Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber announced an official investigation into Adetshina’s citizenship and family documentation. The department subsequently alleged that her mother, Anabela Rungo, who is of Mozambican descent, may have fraudulently obtained South African documentation using the identity of another South African woman.

Rungo had her South African citizenship revoked in 2025. Home Affairs has stressed that Adetshina was a child at the time and could not have been involved in any alleged wrongdoing.

From Miss SA to Miss Universe Nigeria

Adetshina eventually withdrew from the Miss South Africa competition amid the controversy. She later accepted an invitation to represent Taraba State in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant and emerged as the winner.

At the 73rd Miss Universe pageant held in Mexico City, Adetshina finished as first runner-up and was also crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania. The controversy thus paved the way for her international pageantry success, even as her legal troubles in South Africa continued.

Protests Outside Court

Members and supporters of anti-immigration groups, including March and March and Operation Dudula, staged protests outside the Cape Town Regional Court on Wednesday, calling for Adetshina to be deported.

Protesters chanted, “Chidimma go home,” and some chased after her car as she left the courthouse. The demonstrations highlight the intense public sentiment surrounding the case and the broader debate about immigration in South Africa.

What’s Next for Chidimma Adetshina?

Adetshina remains a free woman until the legal process is completed. Her case will return to the Cape Town Regional Court on 27 February 2027, after the Western Cape High Court has ruled on her review application challenging the Department of Home Affairs’ decision to deport her.

She has maintained that she will continue to use the legal avenues available to her. “Throughout this ordeal, I have availed myself of all appropriate legal recourse, and I’ll continue to respect and abide by each process,” she said.

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Headlines

• Case Postponed: The Cape Town Regional Court has postponed judgment to 27 February 2027.
• Adetshina’s Position: She maintains she was born in Soweto and has applied through proper legal channels to have her status determined.
• Home Affairs’ Position: The department maintains she has no valid legal status and is seeking her detention pending deportation.
• High Court Review: The outcome of her separate High Court review application will determine the next steps.
• Protests: Anti-immigration groups have been demonstrating outside court.
• Legal Process: Adetshina says she will continue to respect and abide by each legal process.

Conclusion

The postponement of Chidimma Adetshina’s deportation case to February 2027 means her legal battle remains unresolved for now. The case highlights the complexities of South African citizenship law, the tensions around immigration, and the personal toll of a public controversy.

As Adetshina continues to argue that she has deep ties to South Africa and should be allowed to regularise her status, the nation waits to see how the courts will ultimately resolve this long-running saga. What remains clear is that Adetshina is determined to fight for her right to stay in the country she considers home.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has formally objected to the appointment of Advocate Thandazani Madonsela as the evidence leader for Parliament’s Section 89 Impeachment Committee, which is investigating allegations against him related to the Phala Phala farm scandal. The objection, contained in a letter received by the committee on Tuesday night, has sparked backlash from opposition parties who accuse the president of attempting to delay the impeachment process.

The committee’s majority voted two weeks ago to recommend Madonsela for the position. Nine MPs voted in favour of his appointment, while seven backed Advocate Kate Hofmeyr SC. Eleven MPs, including the African National Congress representatives, abstained from voting.

Ramaphosa’s Conflict of Interest Claims

In his letter to the committee, Ramaphosa raised two central conflicts of interest regarding Madonsela’s appointment.

First, the president pointed to his previous decision to remove Madonsela from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in 2022. Ramaphosa argued that “there is a reasonable apprehension that Adv. Madonsela SC may harbour a sense of grievance towards me and that he may act upon it”.

Second, Ramaphosa noted that Madonsela had recently provided legal advice to the ANC on matters directly linked to the impeachment inquiry. The president argued that this could give Madonsela prior knowledge of issues that will come before the committee.

“Ordinarily, a legal practitioner ought not to act in a matter that is substantially the same as one in which he or she previously advised a former client… particularly where confidential or privileged information may have been disclosed,” Ramaphosa wrote in his submission.

Madonsela had earlier disclosed to the committee that he had been briefed by a firm of attorneys representing a political party study group, but said his role was minimal, mainly overseeing a junior advocate, and that the brief ended on 5 July.

Opposition Parties React

Opposition parties have strongly criticised Ramaphosa’s intervention, describing it as a delaying tactic aimed at derailing the impeachment inquiry.

EFF leader Julius Malema declared: “He is not going to choose his own judge. Typical of him, he is trying to find another way to delay this process. We are not going to allow that”.

MK party parliamentary leader John Hlophe added: “A president who has nothing to hide should not be using all these delaying tactics. He is doing that in an attempt to avoid the inevitable. South Africans have a right to know what happened at Phala Phala”.

ATM MP Vuyo Zungula described the move as “a delaying tactic” and questioned whether Ramaphosa would have objected if the DA’s choice of Advocate Kate Hofmeyr had been the preferred nomination, given that she had represented him in legal matters in the past.

Committee Seeks Legal Advice

Committee chairperson Makashule Gana confirmed that he received the letter from Ramaphosa’s office on Tuesday objecting to Madonsela’s appointment .

“We are currently studying the contents and consulting with legal services to see the options available to us in terms of how best to respond to this. We would like to have an evidence leader appointed and confirmed as soon as possible,” Gana said .

On Wednesday, the impeachment committee resolved to seek a legal opinion on the matter, leaving the appointment unresolved . Gana noted: “One of the worst mistakes we can make as a committee is to believe the work we do is beyond scrutiny”.

Background on Madonsela

Advocate Thandazani Griffiths Madonsela SC is a prominent senior counsel and former member of the Judicial Service Commission. He was called to the Bar in 2001 and has acted as a judge of the KwaZulu-Natal High Court.

His areas of practice have included commercial, administrative and constitutional law, commissions of inquiry, civil litigation, insurance, labour law, land restitution and criminal law.

Madonsela was nominated for the evidence leader position by the Economic Freedom Fighters and supported by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, Build One South Africa, the African Christian Democratic Party, the African Transformation Movement, and the United Africans Transformation.

Phala Phala Scandal Background

The impeachment inquiry stems from the Phala Phala farm scandal, where more than $500,000 was stolen from Ramaphosa’s game farm in February 2020 and allegedly concealed by his security detail.

An independent panel chaired by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo concluded in a 2022 report that there was prima facie evidence suggesting Ramaphosa may have committed serious misconduct in connection with the matter.

The impeachment process was revived after South Africa’s Constitutional Court ruled that Parliament had acted unlawfully when it voted against adopting the panel’s report in 2022.

Last month, the Western Cape High Court granted Ramaphosa an urgent interdict halting public hearings by the committee. The review is scheduled to be heard by the Western Cape High Court from 2 to 4 September.

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What Happens Next

Parliament’s administration is responsible for the final appointment of the evidence leader. The committee is now seeking legal advice on how to respond to Ramaphosa’s objections.

Parties such as the MK party have appealed to the committee to protect the integrity of its mandate and not allow further delays.

The outcome of this dispute could determine whether the impeachment inquiry proceeds with Madonsela as evidence leader or whether the committee must consider alternative candidates.

Headlines

• Objection: President Ramaphosa has formally objected to Advocate Thandazani Madonsela’s appointment as evidence leader for the Section 89 Impeachment Committee.
• Conflict Claims: Ramaphosa cites Madonsela’s removal from the JSC in 2022 and his prior legal advice to the ANC as conflicts of interest.
• Opposition Backlash: Opposition parties, including the EFF and MK party, accuse Ramaphosa of using delaying tactics.
• Committee Response: The impeachment committee is seeking legal advice on how to respond to the president’s objections.
• Phala Phala Context: The inquiry investigates the theft of over $500,000 from Ramaphosa’s farm in 2020.

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Absa has removed more than 100 automated teller machines (ATMs) and closed approximately 79 physical bank branches in South Africa during the first half of 2026. The reductions form part of a broader restructuring of Absa’s physical banking network, driven by a significant shift in customer behaviour as more South Africans move their banking activity to digital channels.

The changes were highlighted in the group’s interim results for the six months ending 30 June 2026. Absa reported that its traditional branch network declined by 18% to 359 branches, while its ATM network decreased by 2% to 4,976 machines. This represents a reduction of approximately 79 branches and more than 100 ATMs from the previous reporting period.

Why Absa is Reducing Its ATM and Branch Network

The shift away from physical banking infrastructure is being driven by several key factors. Most importantly, Absa’s customers are increasingly turning to digital platforms for their everyday banking needs.

Across the Absa Group, the number of active digital customers increased by 14% year-on-year. In South Africa specifically, digitally active customers rose by 10% to 3.8 million, while the Africa Regions recorded a 21% increase to 1.6 million.

Absa also noted a decline in branch cash transaction volumes, which contributed to the decision to reduce its traditional footprint. The bank stated that evolving customer preferences and behaviour drove the transformation of the distribution network.

The changes come as South African consumers continue to face pressure from higher living costs and elevated levels of household debt, making convenient and affordable digital banking services increasingly attractive.

Absa’s Expanding Smaller Outlets

While Absa is reducing its traditional branches and ATMs, the bank is simultaneously expanding its network of smaller Sales and Service outlets.

Absa increased these smaller outlets by 76% to 215 during the reporting period. These outlets now account for 37% of the bank’s total network, compared with 22% in the previous reporting period.

This suggests that Absa is not abandoning physical banking altogether, but rather reshaping its network around the services customers still need in person. The bank is also offering alternative cash access solutions, including cash withdrawals at tillpoints through partnerships with national retail chains such as Pick n Pay and Boxer.

Absa’s first-to-market CashSend solution also allows customers to send and receive money securely via cellphone without the need for a card, further augmenting access to cash services.

Absa’s ATM Network Trends

The reduction in ATMs is part of a longer-term trend. Absa had 8,656 ATMs in South Africa in 2019, which had declined to 5,133 as of 30 June 2025. The latest reduction brings the total down further to 4,976 ATMs.

Despite these reductions, Absa maintains that its ATM network remains stable and strategically important to the company’s purpose of enabling access to quality banking services. The bank told MyBroadband that its network is supported through a combination of branch services, ATMs, and digital banking platforms.

Across South Africa’s big five legacy banks with extensive ATM networks, three have reduced their footprint since 2023. Absa’s ATM network dropped by 2.7% between 2023 and 2025, while FNB recorded a marginal decline of 0.3% during the same period.

What This Means for Absa Customers

For Absa customers, the reduction in ATMs and branches means greater reliance on digital banking channels for everyday transactions. The bank noted that South Africa recorded a 4% increase in active transactional customers, highlighting the role of digital capabilities in supporting customer engagement, driving transactional activity, and deepening customer relationships.

Absa is also investing in upgraded ATM models and self-service devices, including bulk cash deposit and cash-dispensing solutions. The bank says its ATM strategy is reviewed in line with the latest insights, banking trends, customer behaviours, and feedback to ensure its distribution network remains optimal.

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Other Banks Also Reducing ATM Networks

Absa is not alone in reducing its physical banking footprint. Nedbank and First National Bank have also reduced their cash machine networks since 2023 as banking increasingly moves towards digital services.

However, Capitec has taken a different approach, expanding its ATM network during the same period. The contrasting strategies reflect different customer bases and business models among South Africa’s major banks.

New Absa ATM Services

Despite the reduction in ATM numbers, Absa continues to innovate with new services through its existing ATM network. In January 2026, Absa launched a new Western Union self-service remittance redemption capability across its ATM network in South Africa.

The service allows customers to redeem international money transfers without visiting a branch, reducing waiting times and improving financial accessibility. Absa processes approximately 1,500 inbound remittances monthly through its ATMs and has paid out in excess of R20 million since the soft launch of the capability in July 2025.

Absa also previously partnered with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) to provide personalised pre-populated official UIF application forms through its ATM network, saving unemployed customers time and travel costs.

Key Takeaways

• ATMs Reduced: Absa removed over 100 ATMs in the first half of 2026, bringing its total ATM network to 4,976 machines.
• Branches Closed: Approximately 79 physical bank branches were closed, with total branches declining to 359.
• Digital Growth: Digitally active customers in South Africa increased by 10% to 3.8 million.
• Smaller Outlets: Absa expanded its Sales and Service outlets by 76% to 215 locations.
• Industry Trend: Major banks including Nedbank and FNB are also reducing their ATM networks, while Capitec is expanding.
• New Services: Absa continues to innovate with Western Union remittance services and UIF form access through ATMs.

Conclusion

The Absa ATM reduction reflects a fundamental shift in how South Africans bank. As digital adoption continues to grow, traditional banking infrastructure is being reshaped to match changing customer preferences. While the reduction in ATMs and branches may inconvenience some customers, it also reflects broader trends toward more convenient, accessible, and affordable digital banking services.

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