Today's schedule includes the payment of older persons grants by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). This comes ahead of the local government elections on 4 November. According to SASSA's revised timetable, disability grants will be paid on Monday, 2 November, followed by child grants on Tuesday, 3 November. Beneficiaries whose grants are under review will have their grants processed on Thursday, 5 November.
The National Treasury and the Presidency will brief the media on the progress of Operation Vulindlela, a joint initiative focusing on structural reforms to support economic growth. The briefing, scheduled for 09:00 to 11:00, will cover reform milestones and their economic implications. This session is a media-only online briefing, and it aims to provide insights into the second-quarter progress report of Operation Vulindlela.
The Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa will launch its 2026 ICT Skills Survey findings at 09:15 at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg. The presentation will cover employers' and ICT professionals' views on artificial intelligence, skills demand, and shortages. This event is part of the institute's conference programme and will provide valuable insights into the current state of ICT skills in South Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Thursday, announcing that homes are being handed to families displaced by the 2022 KwaZulu-Natal floods. The handover is taking place in Cornubia, and the president's address highlighted the government's efforts to provide relief to affected communities.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases reported 26 laboratory-confirmed mpox cases since the start of 2026, with four active cases as of 29 October. This update provides insight into the current health situation in South Africa, particularly with regards to mpox cases.
Weather forecasts for 30 October indicate a warm day inland, with varying conditions across different cities. Johannesburg is expected to reach a high of 30°C, with sunshine and some cloud, while Pretoria will be mostly sunny and very warm, reaching 32°C. Cape Town, on the other hand, will experience increasing cloud, with a high of about 24°C.
The morning briefing also highlighted other news, including the construction of the Mamelodi Magistrate's Court, which has resumed, and a R99 million freezing order secured by the National Prosecuting Authority. These developments demonstrate the ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and enforce the law in South Africa.
Key points
- Older persons grants are being paid today, ahead of the local government elections on 4 November.
- The National Treasury and Presidency are briefing the media on Operation Vulindlela's second-quarter progress report.
- The Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa is launching its 2026 ICT Skills Survey findings this morning.
