The South African government has formally classified gender-based violence and femicide as a national disaster. Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa announced the decision, which was directed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and formalized by the National Disaster Management Centre. This classification mandates all state institutions to strengthen their existing contingency plans and responses to the crisis under the Disaster Management Act.
The action compels various government sectors, including policing, justice, and social development, to implement coordinated strategies for prevention and support. It differs from a full state of disaster declaration, as it does not immediately unlock emergency funding or special powers, instead focusing on...
The South African Reserve Bank has lowered its repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.75 percent, reducing the prime lending rate to 10.25 percent. Governor Lesetja Kganyago cited a more favorable inflation outlook, influenced by a stronger rand and lower oil prices, as the reason for the unanimous committee decision. The bank also revised its 2025 economic growth forecast upward to 1.3 percent.
The national government welcomed the rate cut, stating it aligns with efforts to ease financial pressure on households and stimulate economic activity. Officials indicated the move would help reduce borrowing costs for consumers and small businesses. This adjustment is the latest in a series of reductions, reflecting a cautiously optimistic...
President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared gender-based violence and femicide a national crisis, a move endorsed by the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities. The announcement positions the issue as a top government priority and calls for a unified response from all sectors of society.
Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga described the declaration as a necessary step to accelerate the existing National Strategic Plan on GBVF. The president emphasized that this violence erodes the social fabric and impedes national development, urging men and boys to actively challenge harmful attitudes and power structures. This declaration strategically precedes the annual 16 Days of Activism campaign, aiming to mobilize broader and more...
Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has officially commissioned a major sewer infrastructure upgrade in Emfuleni, designed to resolve chronic spillage problems for over 94,000 residents. The 68.2 million rand project involved rerouting a 2.1-kilometer main outfall sewer pipeline away from private properties to ensure easier maintenance and prevent environmental contamination.
The initiative was funded through a Municipal Infrastructure Grant and implemented by the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent. Minister Hlabisa emphasized the government's commitment to translating public spending into tangible improvements in daily living conditions. He urged the community to protect the new infrastructure while acknowledging that other service...
Businessman Tshilo Mahatanya has officially assumed ownership of Bloemfontein Celtic Football Club, reconnecting the team with its founding lineage. Mahatanya is the nephew of Victor Mahatanya, who co-founded the club with Norman Mathobisa in 1969.
The new administration has issued a public appeal for vigilance against the unauthorized use of the club’s name and branding on any platform. It announced that a public engagement session will be held in December in Bloemfontein to discuss the club’s future direction with supporters. This ownership change marks a significant step for the historic club, aiming to restore its identity and heritage after several years of uncertainty.
The Democratic Alliance in Johannesburg has formally requested clarity from Executive Mayor Dada Morero regarding allegations that the city received 500 million rand for G20 Summit preparations. In a letter, DA Caucus Leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku sought confirmation of the funds, their source, and a detailed accounting of their allocation and expenditure.
Mayor Morero has denied the existence of any special G20 budget, labeling such reports as false. He acknowledged, however, that the international event has catalyzed the acceleration of standard municipal services like road repairs and cleaning. The query arises amid a noticeable increase in municipal activity ahead of the summit, creating a public debate over spending...
Kaizer Chiefs reserve team strength coach Bhekumuzi Maluleke has established a health supplement store in Soweto named Aspire2Inspire. The venture extends his professional work in sports science into a community-focused business.
Maluleke, who holds a Master's degree from the University of Pretoria, recently gained wider recognition by winning the 2024 European Pro Bodybuilding Championship. His new enterprise, located on Moroka Nancefield Road, provides residents with access to fitness and wellness products. The store aims to support the health objectives of the Soweto community by offering specialized supplements and guidance.
Dis-Chem Pharmacies has launched a new insurance division named Dis-Chem Life, offering life, health, and funeral coverage. The products are accessible through its stores and mobile application, integrating with its existing Better Rewards loyalty program. Members who purchase these insurance policies can receive instant discounts of up to twenty-five percent, and in some cases, full reimbursement on selected items.
The initiative is supported by an internal technology team, X Bigly Labs, which is developing artificial intelligence-driven customer offers and a same-day prescription delivery service. This strategic move aims to position the pharmacy chain as an integrated healthcare provider. The company seeks to capture a larger...
Absa and HEINEKEN Beverages have established a 1.2 billion rand fund to support Black-owned small and medium enterprises. The initiative combines 600 million rand in grants from HEINEKEN with an equal amount in low-cost loans provided by Absa. It specifically targets historically disadvantaged businesses within sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and packaging.
The program aims to foster job creation, strengthen local supply chains, and reduce import dependency. More than 100 enterprises are expected to benefit from this financial support, which is supplemented by business development training. HEINEKEN's contribution forms part of its broader Ukukhula Fund, reflecting its commitment to local sourcing. Absa will administer the...
