SA Daily Briefing – Tuesday, 02 June 2026

SA Daily Briefing
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Good morning everyone, it’s Tuesday and I’ve got a proper mixed bag for you today.

Tuesday, 02 June 2026

The green ID book is finally on its way out

After five decades, Home Affairs is moving fast to phase out the old green barcoded ID book, and honestly it’s about time. Minister Schreiber wants everyone shifted over to the smart ID card, which is harder to forge and a lot less of a headache than that flimsy green thing we’ve all been losing for years. My only worry is the queues, because we know how Home Affairs handles a rush, so if you haven’t done your smart ID yet, sort it out before the stampede starts.
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FNB has new fees coming next month

FNB has announced its fees for the 2026/27 year, and as always it pays to read the fine print before you complain. There are some discounts on offer at Engen, Clicks and Pick n Pay through eBucks, which is nice if you actually use the rewards properly. My take, most of us leave that eBucks value sitting on the table, so if your bank is going to charge you either way, at least claw some of it back at the till.
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This is what teachers earn in 2026

The Department of Basic Education has gazetted the official salary tables for teachers this year. It’s always a touchy subject, because we ask these people to mould our kids in overcrowded classrooms with not enough resources, then act surprised when good ones leave for better paying jobs or head overseas. Whatever the numbers say, I reckon a decent teacher is worth every cent and then some.
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EMPD chase ends with a kidnapping victim rescued

A high speed chase by the Ekurhuleni Metro Police ended when the suspect lost control of his vehicle, and the real win is that they rescued a kidnapping victim in the process. Stories like this don’t always make the front page, but they should, because behind every arrest is a family that got their person back. Credit where it’s due to the officers on that one.
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So over to you. Have you made the switch to the smart ID card yet, or are you still clinging to the green book like the rest of us procrastinators? Let me know in the comments.

Chat tomorrow.

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Morning everyone, this news made me smile. The green ID book has caused so many headaches over the years, mine got water damaged once and the photo page nearly fell out, so getting it replaced was a whole mission. At work we constantly battle with parents whose ID books are falling apart when they need to register learners, so anything that makes that smoother is welcome in my eyes.

My eldest got her smart card last year and the process was actually quick, in and out within the morning. My worry is the older folks in our community, my mum included, who aren’t comfortable with the online booking system and still prefer walking in. Home Affairs needs to make sure the branches help them properly and not just push everyone online.

Does anyone know if there’s still a cost involved for first time smart card applicants, or is it free for the switch over? :slightly_smiling_face:

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Hey Ayesha — great to hear the smart ID turnaround was quick for your eldest. That gives me hope.

To answer your question: the first smart ID card is free when you’re switching from the green book. You only pay if you’re replacing a lost or damaged smart card after that.

Totally agree on the elderly thing. My mom would also rather walk in than wrestle with that online booking mess. Home Affairs really needs to keep a proper queue for people who can’t or won’t do the digital dance.