Cabinet has approved a series of policy and legislative reforms, including plans to extend the validity of driver’s licences for light motor vehicles from five to 10 years, introduce legislation aimed at stabilising coalition governments, and strengthen measures to combat illegal mining.
The proposed extension would apply to driver’s licence Codes A, A1, B and EB. However, motorists will continue renewing their licences under the current five-year system until the necessary legislative amendments come into effect.
Heavy commercial vehicle licences and Professional Driving Permits will remain subject to their existing renewal periods.
Briefing the media in Pretoria, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said Cabinet had also approved the submission of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Amendment Bill, commonly known as the Coalition Bill, to Parliament.
“The proposed law seeks to create a clearer legal framework for coalition governments, reduce political instability in municipalities and improve service delivery,” Ntshavheni said.
Tougher measures against illegal mining
Cabinet has also approved the publication of the General (Mining) Laws Amendment Bill for public comment.
The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen the legal framework for tackling illicit mining by introducing tougher measures and amending several laws, including the Criminal Procedure Act and the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act.
Electricity market reforms
Cabinet further approved the publication of the revised Electricity Pricing Policy and the draft Electricity Sector Market Transformation Position Paper for public comment.
The proposed reforms are intended to modernise South Africa’s electricity market, improve energy security, attract investment and support long-term reductions in electricity costs, while protecting vulnerable consumers.
Water infrastructure rollout
Cabinet also received an update on progress under the government’s National Water Action Plan.
The plan includes the rollout of 67 decentralised water supply schemes expected to benefit nearly 126,000 people in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
Government has allocated more than R200 million for the first phase of the programme, while R156 billion has been earmarked for water and sanitation infrastructure over the next three years.
More than 68,000 undocumented migrants repatriated
Cabinet also received an update on migration management.
According to the briefing, more than 68,000 undocumented foreign nationals were repatriated through coordinated law enforcement operations between 14 June and 24 July 2026.
The measures form part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen migration management and enforce South Africa’s immigration laws.
