news and current affairs.
Johannesburg rejects Sunday Times R4bn diversion claim
Johannesburg officials have dismissed allegations that the municipality redirected R4 billion from capital projects to prevent labor disruptions ahead of hosting international leaders. Executive Mayor Dada Morero's administration characterized claims made in a newspaper report as factually flawed and misleading, asserting that negotiations with the South African Municipal Workers' Union involved legitimate wage discussions rather than fiscal manipulation. Municipal authorities explained that a settlement finalized with the union addresses compensation disparities through incremental adjustments spanning three years, funded via operational savings and revenue improvements instead of infrastructure budget transfers. Talks facilitated...
Court victory clears Mabuyane in Fort Hare probe
A South African High Court ruling has terminated a Special Investigating Unit probe examining Eastern Cape ANC Provincial Chairperson Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane's academic credentials from the University of Fort Hare, declaring the investigation unconstitutional and an abuse of authority. Justice Mtshabe determined that investigators exceeded their mandate under Proclamation 84 of 2022, ordering the unit to cover all legal expenses, including counsel fees. Provincial spokesperson Yanga Zicina characterized the decision as vindication against politically motivated persecution, asserting that adversaries attempted to weaponize investigative powers for ulterior purposes. The party maintains that attacks targeting Mabuyane represent broader...
ANCWL warns of G20 disruption over GBVF demand
The African National Congress Women's League has warned it may disrupt operations around the G20 Summit unless authorities declare Gender-Based Violence and Femicide a state of disaster. Secretary-General Nokuthula Nqaba stated during a briefing that the organization could mobilize to halt the nation's activities if officials fail to act proactively, noting the league represents the continent's largest women's formation with substantial grassroots presence capable of bringing the country to a standstill. The threat aligns with advocacy group Women for Change, which has organized a 15-minute nationwide shutdown demanding national disaster status for the crisis. Activists point to statistics showing over 42,000 reported rapes and...
ANC elects Diko and Didiza to NWC
The African National Congress has appointed Khusela Diko and Thoko Didiza to its National Working Committee, filling positions left vacant by the death of Tina Joemat-Pettersson and the resignation of Peggy Nkonyeni. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the selections following a voting process conducted during a National Executive Committee gathering at Germiston Council Chambers, with former President Kgalema Motlanthe chairing the Electoral Committee that supervised the balloting. Diko previously held roles as national spokesperson for the party and chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, while Didiza currently serves as Speaker of the National Assembly and brings ministerial...
Johannesburg G20 drives rush for armoured rentals
Rental companies in Johannesburg specializing in armored luxury vehicles face unprecedented bookings ahead of the G20 Leaders' Summit, as international delegates and security-conscious visitors seek protection amid the city's elevated crime concerns. Firms offering bulletproof Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans, BMW X5s, and Toyota Land Cruisers equipped with reinforced glass and run-flat tires report their fleets are completely reserved, with some turning away potential clients. The armored vehicle sector has experienced annual growth reaching 25 percent recently, driven by high rates of carjackings and robberies that have made fortified transportation essential for visiting dignitaries, business executives, and media personnel. Companies...
Shoprite launches South Africa food garden contest
Shoprite has launched its Act For Change Food Garden Competition, allocating R1 million to support community gardens across South Africa through funding for infrastructure, training programs, and agricultural supplies. The retailer already assists nearly 300 gardens that generated more than 106,000 kilograms of fresh vegetables during the previous year, providing vital nutrition to thousands of families facing food insecurity. The competition welcomes applications from urban, school, and rural gardens throughout the country, with prizes customized to address individual project requirements such as irrigation equipment, fencing, storage structures, and sustainable farming workshops. Selection criteria focus on innovation, community...
Ramaphosa to swear in new ministers at Union Buildings
President Cyril Ramaphosa will swear in new members of the National Executive at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The newly appointed officials include Willem Abraham Stephanus Aucamp as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and Alexandra Lilian Amelia Abrahams as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition. This event follows the president's recent announcement of executive changes intended to strengthen governance. The appointments are seen as a move to reinforce the Government of National Unity by incorporating representatives from various coalition partners. Media representatives have been invited to attend the ceremony, which underscores an emphasis on transparent governmental processes.
Mhlauli joins SABII fireside chat at JSE launch
A new initiative aimed at boosting skills development and investment in South Africa will be officially launched with an address from Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli. She will participate in a discussion at the South Africa Business Initiative for Impact event, held at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The initiative, a partnership between the United Nations in South Africa and Naspers, focuses on human capital development. Its objectives include empowering youth and women while fostering entrepreneurship and future-ready capabilities. This effort is designed to harness the country's demographic potential and drive inclusive economic growth.
SAFA to test VAR in Nedbank Cup semis next season
The South African Football Association plans to test Video Assistant Referee technology during the Nedbank Cup semifinals. Daniel Bennett, the project leader, confirmed the trials as a preparatory step for a full implementation the following season. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie endorsed the initiative, which aims to address persistent officiating controversies. A delegation will travel to Spain for specialized training to facilitate the technology's integration. This move is widely seen as an effort to align the country's premier football competitions with international standards.
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