The Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister, Gwede Mantashe, helped launch the MDA Digital Hub in Welkom on Friday, an initiative designed to provide new economic opportunities for youth and former mineworkers. The hub, supported by the Matjhabeng Local Municipality and partners including Sibanye-Stillwater and Rand Mutual Assurance, will offer free training in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and artisanal trades.
Executive Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha welcomed the project as a strategic investment in the region's future. Minister Mantashe emphasized that mining companies have a responsibility to invest in the communities from which they draw labor, stating that Social and Labour Plans should be voluntary commitments to...
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa has finalized a three-year wage agreement for the tyre manufacturing sector, securing annual pay increases for its members. The deal guarantees across-the-board raises of 5.5 percent starting in July 2025, followed by 5 percent increases in both 2026 and 2027. It also ensures that all qualifying employees will reach the maximum pay rate for their specific job grades by June 2028.
This settlement, which covers workers from grades one through seven at major manufacturers including Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Sumitomo, and Apollo Tyres, was reached through negotiations with the New Tyre Manufacturers Employers Association. The union also secured a new housing fund, financed by...
The South African rooibos producer Carmién–Bergendal Rooibos Tea has entered a partnership with the Chinese importer ChanX Group to distribute its tea across China. Signed at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, the agreement follows a significant reduction in Chinese import duties for the tea, which fell from over 30 percent to just 7 percent at the start of 2024.
Charl Rudman, Carmién’s International Sales Manager, indicated that previous market entry efforts were hindered by high tariffs and low consumer awareness. He expressed optimism that China could become a leading export destination, noting that Japan and Germany are currently the top markets. The partnership will involve modifying product packaging to include...
The African National Congress announced the passing of its longtime chaplain and Umkhonto we Sizwe veteran, Reverend Moruti Maphatsoe. Described by the party as a spiritual pillar, he was recognized for his deep commitment to both the liberation struggle and guiding members.
Reverend Maphatsoe served as a cadre in the ANC's former armed wing and later dedicated decades to offering spiritual support. Party spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu expressed profound sorrow, stating his life was a testament to compassion and service. Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula also conveyed his sadness at the loss.
His work included comforting comrades and assisting with the difficult task of repatriating the remains of exiled fighters. The ANC noted that his...
The Democratic Alliance in Ekurhuleni has alleged that a delayed disciplinary report concerning the suspended Acting Chief of the Metro Police, Julius Mkhwanazi, indicates a political cover-up. Officials stated that additional time was required to ensure proper procedure, missing a scheduled release date. The party contends that powerful figures are shielding Mkhwanazi from accountability.
These allegations are supported by testimony from the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry. A suspended senior officer, Jabulani Mapiyeye, claimed that former City Manager Imogen Mashazi obstructed a background check on Mkhwanazi. Mapiyeye further testified that his own life was threatened after he attempted to discipline Mkhwanazi, who is accused...
Following a military takeover in Madagascar, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has been elected as the interim chairperson of the Southern African Development Community. The bloc’s leaders appointed him during a virtual extraordinary summit held on November 8, 2025. Ramaphosa, whose nation was the deputy chair, will lead the organization until August 2026, completing the term originally assigned to Madagascar’s ousted president, Andry Rajoelina.
The leadership change became necessary after a military unit in Madagascar, CAPSAT, seized power in October. Colonel Michael Randrianirina was installed as the new leader following the impeachment of President Rajoelina, which was prompted by widespread youth-led protests over economic...
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to combating terrorism through dialogue and international cooperation. This statement follows a threat from United States President Donald Trump, who suggested possible military action against Nigeria over allegations of religious persecution. The Nigerian government has denied these claims, emphasizing its constitutional protection of religious freedom.
The diplomatic tension arises amidst Nigeria's complex security challenges, where insurgent groups like Boko Haram have inflicted significant violence on communities across faiths. This situation has generated domestic debate regarding the characterization of the conflict and the appropriateness of foreign...
South African authorities, in coordination with INTERPOL, rescued three Botswanan women from a suspected human trafficking operation at OR Tambo International Airport. The women, aged 20 to 23, were intercepted during a layover on Friday, November 7, while en route to Sierra Leone under the pretense of fictitious job offers.
An alert from the Botswana High Commission prompted the intervention by the Germiston Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit. A preliminary investigation indicates the victims were recruited through social media by a cross-border criminal network. The women have been moved to a secure location and will receive support before being reunited with their families.
Police have initiated a full investigation to...
The Khampepe Commission of Inquiry begins public hearings today, offering hope for twenty-five families seeking answers about the unresolved prosecution of apartheid-era crimes. Established by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the commission will investigate allegations of political interference that prevented the National Prosecuting Authority and police from pursuing cases referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe, the inquiry will examine systemic failures rather than re-litigate individual human rights violations. The hearings, held at Johannesburg’s Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, will feature testimony from former TRC commissioners and past national directors of public...
