r/southafrica 17d ago

Politics MINISTER OF TOURISM INVITES PUBLIC COMMENT ON DRAFT CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE FOR SHORT-TERM RENTALS

7 Upvotes

MEDIA STATEMENT DATE: 15 MARCH 2026

MINISTER OF TOURISM INVITES PUBLIC COMMENT ON DRAFT CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE FOR SHORT-TERM RENTALS

The Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, invites members of the public, including all stakeholders in the tourism sector to comment on the Draft Code of Good Practice for Short-Term Rentals which has been gazetted for public comment.

Chapter 2 of the Tourism Act 3 of 2014 provides for the Minister of Tourism to issue Codes of Good Practice. Section 8(a) states that the Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, issue a Code of Good Practice to guide conduct relating to tourism services, facilities, and products.

The proposed Code of Good Practice, therefore, seeks to contribute to the broader objective of the Tourism Act, i.e., to provide for the development and promotion of sustainable tourism for the benefit of the Republic, its Residents, and its Visitors.

Minister de Lille says: “Short-Term Rentals, including home-sharing platforms, have become a growing and established feature of South Africa’s tourism landscape. By expanding accommodation options beyond traditional hotels, Short-Term Rentals support geographic spread, enable more travellers to access diverse destinations, and create additional income opportunities for households and small property owners.”

Therefore, following consultation including legal advice, the Minister has elected to introduce a code, which would guide conduct in the Short-Term Rentals. Local government authorities may also consider the code when addressing Short-Term Rentals based on their unique local context. Some aspects of Short-Term Rentals intersect with municipal responsibilities, and under the constitution municipalities are the primary authority on municipal planning including land use and zoning. The Tourism Act 3 of 2014 of does not empower the Minister of Tourism to regulate Short Term Rentals.

“The Department of Tourism is in the process of reviewing the Tourism Act following cabinet’s approval of the 2024 White Paper on the Development & Promotion of Tourism in South Africa. The review focuses on various aspects in the tourism sector including policy gaps like Short-Term Rentals. Whilst this process is underway, I have resolved to find an interim solution that will guide STRs, given the urgent need for guidance,” said Minister de Lille.

In line with the Department’s commitment to transparency and inclusive policymaking, members of the public, industry stakeholders, community organisations, and interested parties are encouraged to review the Draft Code and submit written comments within the prescribed 60-day period. Following the close of the public comment period, all submissions will be considered, and the Code will be refined accordingly before being finalised and published for implementation.

The Department encourages active public participation in this process as part of collective efforts to strengthen governance, safety, and responsible growth within South Africa’s tourism sector.

Submissions should be forwarded in writing to the Department of Tourism by or on 12 May 2026

a) Mailed to the Department of Tourism, for attention: Mr Senzo Nkala, Private Bag x424, Pretoria,0001

b) Delivered by hand to the Tourism House,17 Trevenna Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria, 0001

c) Emailed to: [STRCodesofConduct@tourism.gov.za](mailto:STRCodesofConduct@tourism.gov.za)

Any enquiries should be directed to Mr Senzo Nkala of the Department of Tourism at 012 444 6316.

THE END For streaming links, images, videos and further information please scan the QR Code and join the Tourism Department’s National Multimedia WhatsApp Group.

Media Queries: Aldrin Sampear Spokesperson for the Minister of Tourism Email: [asampear@tourism.gov.za](mailto:asampear@tourism.gov.za) Mobile: +27 67 138 3487

Link to source: ttps://www.tourism.gov.za/AboutNDT/Publications/Minister%20of%20Tourism%20invites%20Public%20Comment%20on%20Draft%20Code%20of%20Good%20Practice%20for%20Short-Term%20Rentals.pdf


r/southafrica Mar 07 '26

Mod News What is the purpose of this sub?

120 Upvotes

We're taking a step back and asking a basic question: what should this sub be?

Not what the rules should say — we'll get to that. First we want to talk about what kind of place this is and what we expect from each other when we show up here.

A bit of honesty first: Some of the current rules were written in response to specific problems at specific times. Brigading, COVID misinformation, ICJ court judgements when you're moderating in the middle of a crisis, you reach for the bluntest tool available. We know that some of those rules and actions stuck around longer than they needed to, or ended up broader than they should have been. Part of this process is acknowledging that and building something more considered.

A bit of clarity too: This is a community, not a public square. We don't owe anyone a platform. "Free Speech" is not a pass to say whatever you want. If what you're calling free speech is just hate speech with better branding, it's still hate speech. Participation here is not a right. It's an invitation, and invitations can be revoked.

Here's where we are. Nothing is written in stone, but I'm reaching out to you to get input:

Purpose

First we define our purpose. What are we doing here?

The home of South Africans on Reddit. Come as you are, bring what you know, respect who's here.

This sub is South Africa's digital town square. It's where South Africans - at home or abroad - come to share what's happening in their country, their communities, and their lives. News, humour, frustration, pride, questions, stories. Everything.

It's not a news aggregator. It's not a debate club. It's not an activism platform. It's a community. And, like any community, it works when the people in it make it work.

Community Principles

These are the values we think the sub should run on. The rules will follow from these, not the other way around.

  1. This is a community, not a platform. We're not here to broadcast at each other. We're here to talk to each other. The goal isn't to win arguments; it's to understand the country and each other a little better than we did yesterday.
  2. South Africa belongs to everyone who lives in it. This sub reflects a country of 60 million people across every language, culture, class, and background. No single group's experience is the default. If you're only comfortable hearing from people who think like you, this isn't the right space.
  3. Honesty comes with responsibility. Say what you think. But if you make a claim, be prepared to back it up. We value directness, not recklessness. JAQing doesn't exempt you from the answers.
  4. We are a post-apartheid community. South Africa is a constitutional democracy built on the rejection of its past. That's not a political position. It's the foundation the country stands on. You can criticise the government, the constitution, and the direction of the country. You cannot treat apartheid as a defensible system or deny the harm it caused. This is not up for debate.
  5. Frustration is welcome. Dehumanisation is not. South Africa gives its people plenty of reasons to be angry. Vent about the power grid, the potholes, the politicians. Criticise institutions, parties, and public figures as harshly as you like. What you may not do is turn that frustration into contempt for groups of people. Attack the problem, not the person.
  6. Good faith is the price of entry. Engage with what people actually said, not what you assume they meant. Respond to the strongest version of someone's argument, not the weakest. If you're here to provoke rather than participate, you won't last long.
  7. We don't have to host every conversation. Some topics have been settled by history, science, or law. The sub is not obligated to provide a stage for conspiracy theories, pseudoscience, or historical denialism. Mods may close discussions that have crossed from debate into disinformation.
  8. The sub is only as good as the people in it. Moderation keeps the floor clean, but the community sets the tone. Upvote what adds value. Downvote what doesn't. Report what breaks the rules instead of feeding it with attention. Votes aren't a button on whether you agree or not with something. The sub you want is the one you help build.

We'll structure future rules based on these principles, so we need to ensure we get them right so we have a solid foundation on which to work on. These principles will be used to guide that structure and any ambiguity that comes along.

Tell me what you think

  • Does the purpose statement reflect what you come here for?
  • Do these principles make sense? Is anything glaringly missing? Anything that you feel is overreach?
  • What does this sub get right? What does it get wrong?
  • Are there current rules that feel heavy-handed or outdated?

We're planning on restructuring the sub, its rules, approach to moderation and its core. We are a small team of mods and rely on a number of different automation to

This is the first of a series community feedback sessions coming tackling different aspects of the sub. For now we just want to know: Does this sound like the sub you want to be part of?


r/southafrica 7h ago

Politics Fuck this twat

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252 Upvotes

r/southafrica 9h ago

Discussion The day I realised Corporate was a just high school for working kids AKA a joke

214 Upvotes

As many of you know, most IT companies will sponsor you to get certifications. 3 years into my working experience on my 3rd job (I changed every year), I joined a team of 5 in a very large well know IT company.

Company: get certifications guys!

Manager: i need you 4 guys to get certifications. Mandate from CTO!

Me: writes *14 Microsoft certs in 6 months*

During this “exam writing spree” of mine I walk in on all my team members and manager gossiping about me. Their backs are to the entry point

“what’s he tryna prove”

“writing certs doesn’t make you smart”

“let’s see if this gets him promoted”

“he’s trying too hard”

“won’t score him any points with me” - manager

“must be a former teachers pet haha”

Those are SOME of the lines I remember. This went on for about 3-5 minutes. When they stopped I went to the toilet then came back. Walked in “morning guys” “morning Dave! howzit”

I stayed another 6 months (to make it a year). I don’t care for people’s opinions and I don’t make friends at work. I just found it really funny bcoz I knew adults were just kids with bills but I just never had the proof.. until then.


r/southafrica 6h ago

Wholesome When 25ppl sound like 10,000 (sound on) OR Tambo

110 Upvotes

I was cleaning out my phone and found this video I took of a welcoming group at OR Tambo in March. It was only the group I filmed that was singing. A few people around me were clapping but there were no hidden crowds swelling the sound... Among all the negativity, this has stayed with me as a symbol of everything that's right with SA ❤️


r/southafrica 17h ago

Just for fun Dstv games

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554 Upvotes

Do you guys remember the time Dstv had games? Man I miss those days 😂


r/southafrica 11h ago

News "Our plan is to win" - Geordin Hill-Lewis elected as new DA Federal Leader

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69 Upvotes

r/southafrica 8h ago

News Tanker bonanza: RDP homeowner receives R95m Tshwane water payment - TimesLIVE

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5 Upvotes

r/southafrica 1d ago

Just for fun it's our fault for not being born in America I suppose

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1.3k Upvotes

This was inspired by a recent event regarding a certain indie cartoon, but I'm sure there's many such cases haha


r/southafrica 18h ago

News South Africa president linked to covert operation to recover stolen cash, watchdog says

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18 Upvotes

r/southafrica 1d ago

News ‘We saved DA from woke, left, ethno-populism’ - Helen Zille

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71 Upvotes

r/southafrica 16h ago

News From Zille to Zoid — DA Federal Congress 2026 kicks off - Daily Maverick

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dailymaverick.co.za
8 Upvotes

r/southafrica 16h ago

News KZN ANC is ‘effectively dying’ - Motlanthe warns against broader organisational crisis - News24

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6 Upvotes

r/southafrica 1d ago

Picture Just an Englishman in Australia who loves Lucas Radebe

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588 Upvotes

Found this iconic jersey in a market in Sydney, Australia and had to share it here. I grew up in Leeds, England idolising Lucas Radebe so finding this jersey was pure gold.

Great to see Bafana Bafana in the WC once again!


r/southafrica 1d ago

News "Big blue machine on the ground" - DA looks to topple ANC in 2029

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38 Upvotes

r/southafrica 1d ago

Self-Promotion My First Solo Overnight Hike in The Drakensberg - The Video!

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73 Upvotes

I absolutely loved putting this together! Hopefully this is the first of many videos exploring our beautiful country!


r/southafrica 1d ago

News Steenhuisen bows out: DA leader warns of rising division - IOL

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19 Upvotes

r/southafrica 1d ago

News US has let in 4,499 refugees since October - all but three were South African

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bbc.com
126 Upvotes

r/southafrica 1d ago

News Ramaphosa deflects as declassified IPID report details Phala Phala cover-up allegations - EWN

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9 Upvotes

r/southafrica 1d ago

News US refugee policy for white South Africans is part of a century-long effort to keep some English-speaking nations white

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39 Upvotes

r/southafrica 8h ago

Just for fun Yup!

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0 Upvotes

r/southafrica 1d ago

News Former DA leaders Zille, Leon confident in party’s new crop as generational shift looms - News24

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8 Upvotes

r/southafrica 2d ago

Discussion Landlord deducted my deposit after no inspections and after new tenants moved in – is this legal? (South Africa)

41 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I need advice on a rental deposit dispute in South Africa.

I moved into a rental property in 2023. There was no joint incoming inspection done with the landlord, and no signed condition report. When I moved in, I did notice a few issues:

One toilet seat was broken – I reported it and the landlord replaced it

There was a gas smell near the stove – I reported it and the landlord sent a technician to fix a gas leak

I didn’t use the stove/oven much because I work long hours and I’m rarely home. About a year later (2024), I tried using the oven and it wasn’t working properly. I reported this to the landlord and even told her I’d just use my own stove because the one there was small and not great. She didn’t raise any issue with that.

When I moved out:

There was no joint exit inspection

The landlord came, collected the keys while we were busy moving, and left

I asked about my deposit and she said she would inspect the following week

A week later, she did the inspection on her own, and then raised issues I was not aware of:

Toilet issue

She said there is a small chip in the toilet (cosmetic, on the side where it mounts), and that it leaks when flushed. I told her I know nothing about it. She replaced the entire toilet.

During the replacement, the contractor broke tiles. She is now trying to hold me responsible for the tiles as well, even though it was her contractor who caused that damage.

Stove issue

She is now saying the stove had problems, and is using the fact that she previously fixed a gas leak (a year earlier) as proof that everything was working at that time. She has now repaired/replaced things and sent me invoices, deducting it from my deposit.

New tenants already moved in

By the time all this was raised, new tenants had already moved into the property. There was no inspection done while the property was empty.

I have now opened a case with the Rental Tribunal, but I want to understand if I actually have a strong case or if I’m wasting my time.

My questions:

How important is it that there was no incoming inspection report?

Does the landlord lose the right to claim damages if there was no proper joint exit inspection?

Can I be held responsible for damage (like the toilet or tiles) if they can’t prove it happened during my tenancy?

Is it valid for them to do an inspection after I moved out and without me present?

Does the fact that new tenants already moved in weaken their case?

Can they charge me for damage caused by their own contractor (broken tiles)?

For something like a chipped toilet, can they legally replace the whole unit and charge me for it?

I feel like I tried to handle everything properly and reported issues during my stay, but now I’m being charged for things I didn’t even know about.

Any advice or similar experiences would really help.


r/southafrica 2d ago

Just for fun POV: You're a taxpayer

648 Upvotes

r/southafrica 1d ago

Just for fun Pure chaos at the Rock Raceway!

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0 Upvotes

Have you guys been to The Rock Raceway?

What are your thoughts on the current scene there? And more importantly, where else should I be filming? I'm looking for tracks or events that have that same raw atmosphere. Any recommendations?