South African municipalities owe the power utility Eskom R94.6 billion, a figure that has grown significantly despite a national debt relief program. The National Treasury, in its recent policy statement, attributed this escalating debt to poor revenue collection, high utility losses from inadequate maintenance, and insufficient credit control. Although a small number of municipalities have qualified for partial debt write-offs by maintaining consistent payments, dozens of others remain in default.
In response, the Treasury is implementing interim solutions, including distribution agency agreements where Eskom will temporarily manage electricity services for struggling municipalities. The Treasury is also reforming the Municipal...
Public sector economist Tiisetso Makhele has urged the Free State province to adopt a strategy of local processing and beneficiation for its raw materials, citing the need for sustainable job creation. He made this argument following the release of national labor statistics showing the Free State's unemployment rate decreased to 36.2%, a drop of 2.3 percentage points. Despite this improvement, the province still maintains the third-highest unemployment rate in the country.
Makhele identified a structural weakness in the provincial economy, where growth in dominant sectors like mining and agriculture does not translate into sufficient employment. He proposed that the Free State learn from Limpopo's economic model, which he credited for...
South Africa's Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, has invited public commentary on proposed amendments to create a single, unified school calendar for all public schools. The draft policy, published in the Government Gazette, aims to eliminate the traditional distinctions between coastal and inland provincial schedules. This initiative seeks to harmonize term dates nationwide to reduce administrative confusion and simplify planning for families and educators.
Key proposed changes include aligning the start and end dates of all school terms and potentially extending the November holiday period. The Department of Basic Education stated that these amendments are intended to foster greater consistency and address logistical...
A public discourse has emerged in Malawi regarding the value of local manufacturing seminars, specifically those led by Kondwani Kachamba Ngwira. This follows his recent lectures, including one held at the Bingu International Conference Center in Lilongwe, which drew a large attendance. The author of the source content argues that such criticism is unwarranted and counterproductive, stating that these events provide vital, publicly available knowledge that many Malawians otherwise lack access to.
The piece suggests that disseminating practical skills is a foundational step toward national self-sufficiency. It posits that a gradual process, where individuals accumulate and combine knowledge from various sources over time, is essential...
The musician Shebeshxt, whose legal name is Lehlogonolo Katlego Chauke, appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court facing charges of attempted murder, malicious property damage, and unlawful firearm possession. These charges stem from an alleged road rage incident last month, where he reportedly shot and injured another motorist. The court postponed the matter to allow the state to consolidate this case with another pending matter against the artist.
Shebeshxt remains in custody after his arrest in the Bendor suburb and did not apply for bail. Police have seized his vehicles for forensic analysis as part of their investigation. This recent arrest adds to the artist's history of legal issues, which include prior assault charges and...
A formal complaint filed with the broadcasting regulatory body has placed Radio 2000's Big Breakfast Show and its hosts, DJ Sbu and his co-hosts Nathi Ndamase and Lelo Mzaca, under scrutiny. The complaint alleges the presenters promoted personal religious beliefs and demonstrated political bias in favor of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, thereby violating impartiality standards expected of a public broadcaster.
In response, DJ Sbu read the complaint on air and stated that the team would professionally address any legitimate concerns, though he defended their political neutrality. Nathi Ndamase firmly declined to apologize for sharing biblical scriptures, while Lelo Mzaca challenged the accusers to prove his political affiliations. The...
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa characterized the United States' decision to boycott the G20 Leaders Summit as a loss for Washington, asserting that the gathering in Johannesburg would proceed effectively without American participation. He stated that the United States was forfeiting its influential role as the world's largest economy and suggested that boycott tactics are generally ineffective. Ramaphosa confirmed that key decisions, including potential agreements on reducing debt costs for developing nations, would still be made.
The United States and Argentina, whose President Javier Milei is a staunch ally of US President Donald Trump, will not send their top leaders. Russian President Vladimir Putin will also be absent due...
Police in KwaZulu-Natal will hold a media briefing concerning investigations related to the Madlanga Commission, specifically addressing James Stuart Scharnick's criminal record and firearm license. This follows Scharnick's filing of perjury and defamation complaints against Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo in Pretoria. Khumalo had previously testified before the commission, alleging that Scharnick possesses a substantial criminal history and connecting him to suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.
Scharnick, who identifies as an associate of Sibiya, has publicly denied acting as his protector or having any inappropriate relationship. He characterized Khumalo's claims as defamatory and...
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has stated that Zimbabwe's creative industry possesses a significant capacity to unify the nation and drive socio-economic development. He made these remarks during a meeting with several Chimurenga choir groups at State House in Harare. The President noted that cultural music and performances have historically fostered national focus, resilience, and a strong work ethic.
He specifically recognized the Mbare, Zimbabwe, Mbuya Nehanda, and Epworth South Chimurenga choirs for their contributions. As a token of appreciation, he presented each group with grocery hampers and cash donations for the festive season. President Mnangagwa commended the choirs for maintaining political awareness and for using their...
