Covera Trend

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has identified 495,296 beneficiaries for review as part of a nationwide 2026 grant verification drive aimed at cutting fraud and improving eligibility controls. Addressing the media in Cape Town, SASSA CEO Themba Matlou said the agency is expanding the use of biometric checks, income verification, and inter-agency data matching to strengthen oversight ahead of the national Budget Speech.



According to SASSA, roughly 400,000 beneficiaries have already been notified to present themselves for review, with about 250,000 cases processed so far. Around 70,000 grants have been suspended due to failure to complete required reviews. The agency says the process has already saved about R44 million per month by removing ineligible recipients from the system.



The reviews are being supported through cross-referencing with data from banks, credit bureaus, SARS, and NSFAS to detect undisclosed income or duplicate support. Officials say recipients are legally required to report changes in income, marital status, contact details, and living arrangements to avoid suspension.



SASSA is also rolling out self-service e-Life certification portals to allow beneficiaries to complete verification remotely, reducing pressure on local offices. Grant increases for 2026 are expected to be confirmed during the Budget Speech scheduled for 18 February.



#SASSA #SocialGrants #GrantReview #Budget2026 #SouthAfrica #PublicFunds #FraudPrevention #BiometricChecks #GovZA #SocialSupport #Beneficiaries #GrantVerification #SAnews #PublicAccountability #DigitalGovernment

11 hours ago | [YT] | 0

Covera Trend

ANC Eastern Cape regional chairperson and Chris Hani District Municipality mayor Lusanda Sizani has been instructed to step aside from all party leadership roles pending the outcome of his criminal case linked to a missing personal firearm. The directive follows a ruling by the ANC Eastern Cape Provincial Integrity Commission after a virtual hearing this week.



According to the commission’s final report, Sizani was charged after his licensed 9mm pistol went missing in March 2025. He told the commission the firearm disappeared while he was checking out of a hotel after an ANC provincial executive committee meeting, claiming a bag containing the weapon was taken to an unlocked vehicle and later found missing. The matter was reported to police, and he is scheduled to reappear in the East London Magistrate’s Court on 19 February.



Integrity Commission chair Professor Shepherd Mayatula said the ANC’s step-aside rule applies to members formally charged with serious offences and requires them to temporarily withdraw from leadership positions until their cases are finalised. The rule applies to party roles and does not automatically affect legislative or government positions.



The commission also flagged delays in referring the matter, noting Sizani had been charged in April last year but only appeared before the integrity body this year. The decision effectively removes him from internal party leadership contests, despite his image reportedly appearing on unofficial conference slate posters.



#ANC #EasternCape #LusandaSizani #StepAsideRule #SouthAfricaPolitics #Accountability #IntegrityCommission #LocalGovernment #Governance #PoliticalNews #SAnews #ChrisHaniDistrict #LeadershipEthics #BreakingNews #CurrentAffairs

11 hours ago | [YT] | 0

Covera Trend

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has defended her decision to block an Ad Hoc Committee move to subpoena North West businessman Brown Mogotsi, saying the legal threshold for compulsory summons had not been met. The committee is probing alleged corruption within the criminal justice system and had sought to compel Mogotsi and forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan to appear in person.



Didiza said subpoenas should only be issued as a last resort when witnesses outright refuse to appear. According to her, neither Mogotsi nor O’Sullivan declined to cooperate. Mogotsi cited security concerns, while O’Sullivan, who is overseas, indicated willingness to testify virtually after receiving threats. She added that the committee’s terms of reference allow for virtual testimony.



EFF president Julius Malema criticised Didiza’s decision, accusing her of blocking accountability and protecting Mogotsi. He argued that Parliament should have allowed the committee to proceed with subpoenas to ensure full transparency and compliance from key witnesses in the investigation.


The decision has sparked mixed reactions among South Africans, with some supporting Didiza’s procedural reasoning while others argue that the seriousness of the allegations warranted compulsory appearances. Debate continues over how far Parliament should go in compelling testimony in high-profile corruption probes.



#ParliamentSA #ThokoDidiza #EFF #JuliusMalema #Accountability #CorruptionProbe #AdHocCommittee #SApolitics #Governance #Transparency #PublicOversight #SouthAfricaNews #BreakingNews #JusticeMatters #CurrentAffairs

11 hours ago | [YT] | 0

Covera Trend

SAPS Quality Management section head Brigadier Rachel Matjeng told the Madlanga Commission that she was saddened when police cancelled a R360 million contract with Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala’s company, Medicare24, describing Matlala as her lover. She said the termination negatively affected police medical surveillance services and support for officers, despite official findings that the contract had serious compliance and performance failures.



Evidence leader Thabang Pooe read into record a termination letter from National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola stating that the company allegedly misrepresented directors and franchise arrangements, fronted without disclosure, used unauthorised personnel, submitted irregular bidding documents, and continued to underperform. The letter also noted pending criminal charges against Matlala. Pooe questioned how such findings could justify sadness over the contract’s cancellation.



Matjeng, who is listed in the commission’s interim report among senior police managers recommended for criminal investigation, is accused of sharing internal SAPS information with Matlala. This allegedly included details of more than 300 officers who missed medical inspections, which Matlala’s company wanted to claim for. She argued she shared information to prevent improper claims and protect SAPS from irregular expenditure, not to benefit him.



The commission also heard doubts about whether their relationship was romantic or used to mask alleged kickbacks. Matjeng insisted they were in a genuine relationship and said WhatsApp messages and past financial support supported her claim. Proceedings were also delayed for businessman Suliman Currim, who is alleged to have linked Matlala with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, with his testimony postponed to March.



#SAPS #MadlangaCommission #CatMatlala #PoliceOversight #PublicAccountability #CorruptionProbe #SouthAfricaNews #Governance #LawAndOrder #BreakingNews #Accountability #JusticeSystem #SAUpdates #Transparency #CurrentAffairs

11 hours ago | [YT] | 0

Covera Trend

A resurfaced interview with former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has reignited national debate about the circumstances surrounding his resignation and whether he could return to the party. The clip began circulating widely online shortly after EFF leader Julius Malema said on 5 February 2026 that Ndlozi would be welcomed back if he chose to rejoin the organisation.



In the interview, aired on 10 February 2026, Ndlozi explained that he was suspended roughly six weeks before the party’s elective conference under what he described as unconventional conditions. He said the suspension did not follow the EFF’s formal code of conduct and was linked to allegations that he was involved in an infiltration strategy connected to the MK Party — claims he strongly denied.



Ndlozi also addressed claims that he knew in advance about Floyd Shivambu’s departure from the party. He confirmed Shivambu informed him personally but said he advised him to report his decision directly to party leadership, rejecting suggestions that he acted improperly or behind anyone’s back.



Malema, in a separate media interview, said Ndlozi remained eligible to return because he had not joined another political party, adding that he would “roll out the red carpet” for him. Social media reaction has been divided, with some encouraging Ndlozi to stay away while others believe his return could help stabilise the party amid internal tensions.



#MbuyiseniNdlozi #EFF #JuliusMalema #SouthAfricanPolitics #PoliticalNews #PartyPolitics #Leadership #SAUpdates #BreakingNews #PublicDebate #NationalConversation #CurrentAffairs #TrendingSA #CivicDiscourse #NewsUpdate

11 hours ago | [YT] | 0

Covera Trend

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the official signing of South Africa’s Instrument of Accession to the Establishment Agreement of the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank), marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s trade and financial cooperation across the African continent. The move formally aligns South Africa more closely with the continental trade finance institution.



The accession is expected to expand South Africa’s access to Afreximbank funding facilities, trade support programmes, and cross-border financing mechanisms. Government officials say the partnership will help boost exports, industrial development, and regional value chains while supporting businesses seeking to trade more actively within Africa.



Afreximbank plays a central role in financing and facilitating intra-African and extra-African trade, including support for infrastructure, manufacturing, and strategic sectors. South Africa’s participation is seen as reinforcing continental economic integration efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Ramaphosa said the step reflects South Africa’s commitment to deeper African economic cooperation and practical trade solutions that unlock growth, investment, and job creation across member states.



#CyrilRamaphosa #Afreximbank #SouthAfrica #AfricanTrade #AfCFTA #IntraAfricaTrade #EconomicGrowth #TradeFinance #AfricaBusiness #RegionalIntegration #ExportGrowth #SAEconomy #AfricaDevelopment #GovZA #BreakingNews #BusinessAfrica #InvestmentAfrica #TradePartnerships #EconomicCooperation #AfricaRising

2 days ago | [YT] | 1

Covera Trend

There has been widespread public outrage following the murder of South African Air Force Sergeant Michael Swanton, who was shot dead along Eskia Mphahlele Drive on 28 January 2026 just after 20:00. Reports indicate Swanton and his wife were travelling toward the R80 when a BMW SUV fitted with flashing blue lights pulled them over.



According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), two VIP protection officers — Thabang Eugene Sohole (41) and Michael Makampe (42) — appeared briefly in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court charged with murder and defeating the ends of justice. The two officers are reportedly assigned to Madibeng Local Municipality Mayor Douglas Maimane.



The NPA alleges that the officers approached the couple’s vehicle, questioned them about a missing rear number plate, and then returned to their BMW. Swanton reportedly followed them to verify their identification and authority. As he approached their vehicle, he was allegedly shot in the head and died at the scene.



Civil society organisation Action Society condemned the killing as a deadly example of the so-called “BlueLightMafia”, calling for urgent oversight of VIP protection units. The group is demanding clear rules on when VIP officers may stop civilians, what force is permitted, and what rights motorists have during such encounters. The case has been postponed to 4 February 2026 for a formal bail application.



#MichaelSwanton #SAAF #JusticeForSwanton #BlueLightMafia #VIPProtection #SouthAfricaNews #SACrime #PretoriaNews #NPA #RuleOfLaw #PublicSafety #StopPoliceAbuse #HumanRights #AccountabilityNow #CrimeInSA #BreakingNews #SAUpdates #JusticeMatters #ProtectCivilians #LawAndOrder

2 days ago | [YT] | 0

Covera Trend

South African DJ and music producer Black Coffee has responded sharply after being dragged online over the funeral arrangements of late rapper Bravo Le Roux, who passed away in Switzerland on Thursday, 22 January 2026. The rapper’s family has reportedly been struggling to raise funds to repatriate his body back to South Africa, sparking heated debate online about who should step in to help.

The controversy erupted after an X user, @amahle__, accused Black Coffee of staying silent despite being wealthy, and suggested he should donate R300,000 to bring Bravo’s body home. The user claimed it was “unfair” for the DJ to remain quiet while the family faced financial difficulties, especially given his millionaire status.

Black Coffee did not take the comment lightly. In response, he told the user bluntly: “At some point, you're gonna have to leave me alone.” The exchange immediately went viral, triggering a wave of reactions — with many fans defending him and criticizing the expectation that celebrities should be pressured into paying for every public tragedy.

Supporters argued that the family should explore official support channels, including relevant government departments, and noted that Black Coffee has his own personal and legal matters to deal with. Meanwhile, the family has announced a memorial service on 5 February 2026, scheduled from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, as tributes continue pouring in from the music community.

#BlackCoffee #BravoLeRoux #RIPBravoLeRoux #SouthAfricanMusic #SAHipHop #Mzansi #TrendingSA #CelebrityNews #XTrends #MusicIndustry #ViralNews #RIP

4 days ago | [YT] | 0

Covera Trend

South African political parties are calling for the realignment of national and local government elections, arguing that the current cycle is financially unsustainable and places excessive strain on parties and the country. They say running elections every two and a half years costs billions of rand, making democratic participation increasingly expensive.

The EFF reignited the debate, warning that repeated election cycles undermine fairness because only well-funded parties can compete consistently. EFF deputy president Godrich Gardee said the party spent around R1 billion in the 2024 national and provincial elections, and fears similar costs will return again for the 2026 local elections and beyond. Gardee argued that such high expenses may even push politicians toward corruption to finance campaigns.

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba backed the proposal, saying combining elections could save the country billions and allow those funds to be redirected toward infrastructure and development, without harming election credibility. Meanwhile, Rise Mzansi’s Makashule Gana said the real issue is not the frequency of elections, but the need to build a culture where citizens actively fund democracy through donations—similar to practices in countries like the United States.

The DA, however, raised serious concerns about transparency, questioning how the EFF could spend R1 billion when party funding declarations do not reflect amounts close to that figure. DA’s Karabo Khakhau called for the IEC to investigate EFF funding compliance. IEC official James Aphane acknowledged that the concern about frequent elections is valid, but stressed that any change must be decided by lawmakers through Parliament.

#SouthAfrica #Elections #IEC #EFF #ActionSA #DA #RiseMzansi #Politics #Democracy #ElectionCosts #SAUpdates #BreakingNews #Government #Parliament

4 days ago | [YT] | 0

Covera Trend

AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo has declared that he is not obliged to account to either President Cyril Ramaphosa or the Eastern Cape provincial government, following backlash over a recent visit by Israeli officials to public hospitals in the province. The king’s remarks come amid growing diplomatic sensitivity after South Africa’s strained relations with Israel intensified.

The controversy centres on a delegation of Israeli officials — including senior Foreign Affairs Ministry representative David Saranga — who visited several Eastern Cape institutions alongside King Dalindyebo. The visit followed the king’s recent trip to Israel, but drew sharp criticism after the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said the engagements were conducted without its knowledge or approval.

Defending himself, Dalindyebo insisted there is no constitutional or legal framework compelling him to report to political leadership. He dismissed the outrage as political grandstanding, arguing that public hospitals belong to the people, not the state. In a particularly blunt response, he stated that no premier or head of state is above a king, and said he should not be expected to report to “small boys.”

The king’s comments have divided South Africans online. Supporters say he is stepping in where government has failed communities, particularly in neglected areas of the Eastern Cape. Critics, however, argue he breached diplomatic protocol and undermined national authority — warning that foreign engagements must be coordinated through official international relations channels, especially during heightened tensions between Pretoria and Israel.

#KingDalindyebo #EasternCape #SouthAfrica #DIRCO #Israel #Diplomacy #TraditionalLeaders #Politics #BreakingNews #SAUpdates #Mthatha #Healthcare #TrendingSA

4 days ago | [YT] | 0