news and current affairs.
Ramaphosa hails construction job gains
President Cyril Ramaphosa has identified the construction sector as a primary driver for economic recovery, following its creation of over 130,000 new jobs in the third quarter of 2025. He announced this during his address at the National Construction Summit in Boksburg, emphasizing infrastructure development's role in stimulating growth and reducing inequality. The President connected this jobs surge directly to a significant drop in the national unemployment rate. He outlined government plans to sustain this momentum through an R1 trillion infrastructure investment fund, alongside reforms designed to attract private capital and streamline project delivery. Ramaphosa also issued a firm warning against criminal activities that disrupt...
Bulls keep Wessels, Hanekom to 2028
The Vodacom Bulls have secured the long-term services of two emerging Springbok players, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Cameron Hanekom, with contract extensions keeping them at the Pretoria franchise until 2028. This move reinforces the team's strategy of building a competitive squad centered on homegrown talent for tournaments like the United Rugby Championship. Both athletes, who started their professional careers with the Bulls as teenagers, have developed into international players. Director of rugby Jake White commended their dedication and versatility, which have been important factors in the team's recent performances. The new agreements are seen as a vital step in maintaining a strong core group amid interest from overseas clubs...
SA citrus hits record as US tariff looms
South Africa's citrus industry achieved a record export volume for the 2025 season, shipping 203.4 million cartons. This figure represents a 22 percent increase over the previous year's total. Strong global demand and improved logistics at national ports contributed significantly to this historic result. The United States' implementation of a new 30 percent tariff, however, presents a substantial challenge for future profitability. The Citrus Growers’ Association expressed serious concern about the financial impact this trade barrier will have, particularly for growers in the Western and Northern Cape regions. Industry leaders are emphasizing the importance of ongoing negotiations between the South African and United States governments...
Woolworths SA sales rise in tough market
Woolworths Holdings Limited reported a 5.7 percent increase in group sales for the recent 19-week period. The South African retailer experienced strong performance in its local operations, which grew by 7.4 percent, while its Australian businesses, the Country Road Group and David Jones, saw more modest gains. A significant driver of this growth was the company's online segment. Sales through the on-demand Woolies Dash service surged by 24.2 percent, increasing its contribution to the food division's total revenue. The fashion, beauty, and home division also saw a notable online sales increase of 12.6 percent. This positive trading update was welcomed by investors, leading to a 7.7 percent rise in the company's share price on the...
Masvingo Zanu PF row hits DCC chairs
The Zanu PF Masvingo Provincial Coordinating Committee is reportedly moving to suspend three District Coordinating Committee chairpersons for alleged factionalism. Following the suspension of Chivi Chairperson Samuel Magonde, Zaka Chairperson Clemence Chiduwa, Masvingo District Chair Tawanda Dube, and Bikita's Chamunorwa Taruona are also under threat. Party insiders claim the disciplinary actions stem from an incident where the four officials traveled to the party headquarters in Harare without provincial approval. They allegedly complained about the co-option of central committee members in Chivi and Bikita, bypassing proper protocol. Provincial Chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa confirmed only Magonde's suspension, describing it as an...
Limpopo R40-R71 protest shuts road
Protesters in Limpopo have blocked a major roadway intersection, causing significant traffic disruptions. The South African Police Service is monitoring the situation at the junction of the R40 and R71 routes near Lulekani and Namakgale, where burning tires and debris have completely shut down the road. The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has advised motorists to use alternate paths to avoid the area. The demonstration is reportedly linked to long-standing community grievances over local service delivery and economic opportunities. This vital transport link serves commuters, mining operations, and tourists accessing the Kruger National Park. Authorities have recommended specific detours for travelers, including...
SARS backs MTBPS after R925bn haul
The South African Revenue Service reported collecting a net revenue of R924.7 billion in the first half of the financial year, a R78.6 billion increase from the same period last year. This performance resulted in an R18 billion surplus against initial estimates, which Commissioner Edward Kieswetter attributed to enhanced compliance efforts. The revenue service has expressed its full support for the government's medium-term budget policy. A robust compliance program was a significant contributor, generating R131.6 billion through targeted audits and debt collection initiatives. Strong growth was recorded across several major tax categories, including Corporate Income Tax, Pay As You Earn, and Dividends Tax. The Commissioner...
Treasury cuts 2025 growth to 1.2%
National Treasury has revised South Africa's economic growth projection for 2025 downward to 1.2 percent, a slight decrease from its previous forecast. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana presented the updated outlook, citing weaker performance in the year's first half and a subdued global environment as contributing factors. Despite this adjustment, the department anticipates a strengthening recovery, with medium-term growth expected to average 1.8 percent. The statement emphasized that the government is meeting its fiscal targets, which is intended to bolster macroeconomic stability and reduce borrowing costs. This stability, alongside falling inflation and ongoing structural reforms, is seen as foundational for reviving investment and...
Nawrocki moves to ban the Communist Party
Polish President Karol Nawrocki has reportedly requested the Constitutional Tribunal to outlaw the Communist Party of Poland, reinforcing his staunch anti-communist platform. The move aligns with his longstanding criticism of Poland's totalitarian past and his campaign promises to eliminate its remnants from public life. President Nawrocki, a historian and former head of the Institute of National Remembrance, was elected in 2025 with backing from the conservative Law and Justice party. His presidency has been marked by a rightward shift and a focus on national sovereignty. The request to delegalize the party cites constitutional provisions that prohibit organizations promoting totalitarian ideologies. The action has generated divided...
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