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Political outrage, anxiety as US terminates SA’s Agoa benefits Nov 3, 2026 07:09 Political outrage, anxiety as US terminates SA's Agoa benefits The announcement by the Office of the US Trade Representative of the termination of South Africa's duty-free trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) has triggered a wave of condemnation and concern across South Africa's political and civic landscapes. Opposition parties, agricultural unions, and civi

1.3m special votes cast as IEC navigates disinformation, some disruptions Nov 3, 2026 04:41 1.3m special votes cast as IEC navigates disinformation, some disruptions IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo announced on Tuesday that the final day of special voting for the local government elections is progressing smoothly across all nine provinces, with a conservative estimate of 1.3-million special votes cast by midday. Speaking at a media briefing, Mamabolo confirmed that all v

Absa PMI improves for a second consecutive month in October Nov 2, 2026 02:07 Absa PMI improves for a second consecutive month in October The seasonally adjusted Absa Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) increased by 0.9 points to 49.6 in October, from a revised 48.7 in September, marking a second consecutive monthly improvement, with all five components of the headline index increasing. However, while activity and new sales orders have recovered some ground from their

SAHRC releases inquiry report into the state of the water sector in Gauteng Nov 2, 2026 05:50 SAHRC releases inquiry report into the state of the water sector in Gauteng The South African Human Rights Commission's (SAHRC's) Gauteng provincial office on Monday released its 'Inquiry Report into the State of Water and Sanitation Service Delivery in Gauteng', outlining its findings into the province's water challenges. The commission held the investigative inquiry from May 19 to 21 to

Ramaphosa says SAPS ready ahead of ‘biggest’ local election as he urges voting for progress Nov 2, 2026 02:01 Ramaphosa says SAPS ready ahead of 'biggest' local election as he urges voting for progress As South Africans prepare to head to the polls on Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa is calling for a peaceful vote "for progress and development". Amid fears of election violence, Ramaphosa revealed that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has undertaken risk assessments and simulation exerc

DA demands accountability as Information Regulator launches probe into Land Bank Oct 30, 2026 03:00 DA demands accountability as Information Regulator launches probe into Land Bank The DA has demanded that the Land Bank fully cooperate with the Information Regulator and provide a "lawful response" to an outstanding Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) request. This call comes after the Information Regulator confirmed it will launch a pre-investigation into a complaint lodged by

Electoral Court delivers rulings on party funding appeals, municipal list disputes Oct 30, 2026 03:55 Electoral Court delivers rulings on party funding appeals, municipal list disputes The Electoral Court has handed down two significant decisions shaping South African political and electoral jurisprudence, granting the GOOD Party leave to appeal a major party funding ruling, while dismissing a DA bid to block ActionSA from supplementing its proportional representation (PR) councillor list

ActionSA, DA demand systemic overhaul after Johnson, Khan arrests Oct 30, 2026 04:12 ActionSA, DA demand systemic overhaul after Johnson, Khan arrests The high-profile arrests of former Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) head Andrea Johnson and former Crime Intelligence deputy head Major-General Feroz Khan on Friday sparked intense political reactions, with opposition parties declaring the developments a "definitive exposure of systemic vulnerabilities" i

Cachalia seeks Cabinet approval to appoint Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as new Hawks head Oct 29, 2026 03:11 Cachalia seeks Cabinet approval to appoint Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as new Hawks head Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has initiated the formal process to appoint KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the new National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, widely known as the Hawks. The Police Ministry confirmed on Thursday

GOOD, RISE Mzansi carve up Gauteng, W Cape to fight fragmentation Oct 29, 2026 04:52 GOOD, RISE Mzansi carve up Gauteng, W Cape to fight fragmentation As South Africa prepares for the November Local Government Elections, Polity is engaging with political parties contesting the elections in a series of interviews to examine their manifestos, policy priorities and plans for local government. In a major strategic alignment ahead of the November 4 local government elections,

South Africa economy estimated to be 4.9% bigger after rebasing Oct 29, 2026 01:02 South Africa economy estimated to be 4.9% bigger after rebasing South Africa's economy was estimated to be 4.9% larger than previously reported after a benchmarking and rebasing exercise, the statistics agency said on Thursday. Statistics South Africa said the exercise raised the size of the economy in 2022 to R6.99-trillion from a previously published estimate of R6.67-trillion. The agen

AI, ultra-cheap disinformation threatens voter trust – experts Oct 28, 2026 05:56 AI, ultra-cheap disinformation threatens voter trust – experts As South Africa prepares for the highly anticipated local government elections, the intersection of AI, political campaigning, and digital disinformation has triggered intense national scrutiny. At a recent high-level roundtable focused on combating fake news, public officials and independent fact-checkers converged to sound t

South Africa risks return to money-laundering grey list Oct 28, 2026 03:03 South Africa risks return to money-laundering grey list South Africa faces a significant risk of returning to the Financial Action Task Force's grey list barely a year after it secured removal, according to the latest quarterly assessment from business lobby group Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA). The FATF grey list names countries under increased monitoring for weaknesses in fight

RISE Mzansi, GOOD to merge at ‘earliest opportunity’, as Zibi punts systemic change in final election push Oct 28, 2026 03:22 RISE Mzansi, GOOD to merge at 'earliest opportunity', as Zibi punts systemic change in final election push As South Africa prepares for the November Local Government Elections, Polity is engaging with political parties contesting the elections in a series of interviews to examine their manifestos, policy priorities and plans for local government. As political parties make their final pled

Ramaphosa receives final report on Iran's participation in naval exercise Oct 27, 2026 02:01 Ramaphosa receives final report on Iran's participation in naval exercise President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially received the final report from the independent panel appointed to investigate naval drills known as "Exercise MOSI III: Will of Peace." The Presidency confirmed that the panel, chaired by retired Justice Bernard Ngoepe, concluded its probe into how Iran's navy participated in

Hill-Lewis warns against ‘coalition chaos’, urges Capetonians to secure DA majority Oct 27, 2026 03:11 Hill-Lewis warns against 'coalition chaos', urges Capetonians to secure DA majority Ahead of next week's highly anticipated local government elections, DA leader and Cape Town mayoral candidate Geordin Hill-Lewis has issued a strong warning to residents against splitting their votes, urging them to keep "coalition chaos" out of the city by voting for the DA. Speaking at a campaign announc

Ramaphosa deploys army to KZN to curb anti-immigrant violence Oct 27, 2026 01:19 Ramaphosa deploys army to KZN to curb anti-immigrant violence President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the deployment of 510 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) to assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) under Operation Prosper. The temporary deployment comes in response to recent outbreaks of public violence and planned anti-immigrant

EFF, Ramaphosa congratulate Brazil’s Lula on fourth term Oct 26, 2026 03:35 EFF, Ramaphosa congratulate Brazil's Lula on fourth term President Cyril Ramaphosa and the EFF have extended congratulations to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva following his election comeback on Sunday, securing a historic fourth term. The win has been hailed by the EFF and Ramaphosa as a defining moment for democracy, the Global South, and the ongoing fight against global i

Ramaphosa credits SARS recovery with boosting public finances, funding social wage Oct 26, 2026 03:19 Ramaphosa credits SARS recovery with boosting public finances, funding social wage President Cyril Ramaphosa has credited the post-State capture recovery of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) with driving improved tax collection rates, which in turn are funding critical social and developmental programmes across the country. Writing in his weekly newsletter to the nation, Ramaphosa

Moody's says South Africa's budget update is credit positive Oct 26, 2026 01:19 Moody's says South Africa's budget update is credit positive Moody's Ratings said in a report released on Monday that South Africa's medium-term budget policy statement was positive for the country's credit profile, citing tighter monetary policy, continued fiscal consolidation despite higher oil prices, and weaker nominal GDP growth than assumed in February. Moody's rates South Africa Ba

ANC orders Gwede Mantashe to apologise over sexist remarks Oct 23, 2026 00:04 ANC orders Gwede Mantashe to apologise over sexist remarks

MKP removes SG over communication, administrative breakdowns Oct 23, 2026 01:51 MKP removes SG over communication, administrative breakdowns The MKP has relieved its secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo of his duties, appointing Lindiwe Mtshali as the acting secretary-general, effective Thursday. According to a party statement, the decision stems from a series of administrative and communication failures that bypassed the party's top leadership. The party said several

BOSA envisions merit-based governance, professionalism to rescue collapsing metros Oct 23, 2026 04:00 BOSA envisions merit-based governance, professionalism to rescue collapsing metros As South Africa prepares for the November Local Government Elections, Polity is engaging with political parties contesting the elections in a series of interviews to examine their manifestos, policy priorities and plans for local government. Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane has laid out a

Ramaphosa urges business to prioritise youth potential over experience Oct 22, 2026 04:00 Ramaphosa urges business to prioritise youth potential over experience President Cyril Ramaphosa has made a direct appeal to the South African business community to fundamentally change their recruitment habits, urging employers to stop treating a lack of work experience as a lack of capability. Speaking in Johannesburg on Thursday at the SA National Leadership Convening on Youth Employme

Industry, civil society, academia welcome Treasury’s fiscal discipline amid weak growth Oct 22, 2026 06:09 Industry, civil society, academia welcome Treasury's fiscal discipline amid weak growth Business organisation Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) views the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) as proof that government's fiscal discipline is working. The organisation has welcomed the National Treasury's ensuring that South Africa's government debt decreased despite the US-I

‘Better to under-promise, over-deliver’ – ActionSA shifts strategy for local elections Oct 22, 2026 03:55 'Better to under-promise, over-deliver' – ActionSA shifts strategy for local elections As South Africa prepares for the November Local Government Elections, Polity is engaging with political parties contesting the elections in a series of interviews to examine their manifestos, policy priorities and plans for local government. ActionSA will contest only 42 municipalities nationwide in the

South African inflation rises modestly but bigger fuel-driven jump seen in October Oct 21, 2026 01:59 South African inflation rises modestly but bigger fuel-driven jump seen in October South Africa's inflation rate rose modestly in September, data showed on Wednesday, but economists expect a sharper acceleration in October after fuel prices hit a record high. Headline consumer inflation ticked up to 4.5% year-on-year in September from 4.4% in August, moving further away from the central b

R10bn in temporary fuel-levy relief announced amid record fuel prices Oct 21, 2026 02:08 R10bn in temporary fuel-levy relief announced amid record fuel prices Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced another round of temporary reductions to the fuel levy in response to a surge in fuel prices to record levels, following global disruptions to supply that have arisen after the US and Israel declared war on Iran earlier in the year. The fuel levy for diesel will be reduced by

National Treasury lowers 2026 growth outlook to 1.2% warns of elevated risks Oct 21, 2026 03:35 National Treasury lowers 2026 growth outlook to 1.2% warns of elevated risks The National Treasury has lowered its growth outlook for 2026 to 1.2% from its 1.6% forecast outlined in the February Budget. In 2025, South Africa achieved growth of 1.1%, once again falling short of levels required to reduce unemployment and poverty. Growth is expected to reach 1.6% in 2027 and rise to 2% by 20

South Africa must prepare for potential loss of US trade benefits, Ramaphosa says Oct 20, 2026 01:19 South Africa must prepare for potential loss of US trade benefits, Ramaphosa says President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday that the country must prepare for its potential exclusion from the United States' duty-free trade initiative, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), as relations between Washington and Pretoria have soured. AGOA gives eligible African countries duty-free acces

BofA, BNP see South Africa rating upgrade after budget Oct 20, 2026 03:25 BofA, BNP see South Africa rating upgrade after budget South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is expected to signal the country's commitment to fiscal discipline on Wednesday, with its debt-to-GDP ratio set to decline for the first time in more than two decades — potentially paving the way for a credit-rating upgrade as soon as next month. Four of 11 economists surveyed by Bloomb

Structural, financial deficiencies in metros actively restricting economic growth – City Risk Monitor Oct 20, 2026 03:54 Structural, financial deficiencies in metros actively restricting economic growth – City Risk Monitor South Africa's major municipalities are facing severe financial pressure, driven by an inability to manage debt, crumbling infrastructure, and a crippling lack of long-term administrative planning. This is according to Independent Consultancy, the Paternoster Group's City Risk Monitor, wh

S Africa targets 1.3m unregistered children with early childhood development reforms Oct 19, 2026 03:08 S Africa targets 1.3m unregistered children with early childhood development reforms Government is hosting the second Bana Pele Leadership Summit in Gauteng this week, underscoring its commitment to expanding early childhood learning as a critical development priority and a vital tool to redress historical inequalities. In his weekly letter to the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasi

South Africa on path to investment-grade rating, Investec says Oct 19, 2026 02:41 South Africa on path to investment-grade rating, Investec says South Africa stands a good chance of regaining its investment-grade credit rating within two years and next week's mid-term budget could take another step toward that goal, according to Investec Wealth & Investment International. The fund manager sees a more than 50% chance the country will restore its investment grade rating

South Africa set for brighter fiscal outlook in Wednesday's mid-term budget Oct 19, 2026 02:59 South Africa set for brighter fiscal outlook in Wednesday's mid-term budget South Africa's finance minister is expected to present an improved fiscal outlook in his mid-term budget on Wednesday, with a revenue windfall bolstering a push to regain an investment-grade credit rating. But record fuel prices, weak growth and pressure to spend ahead of November 4 local government elections coul

Kganyago says rand resilience cushioning South Africa from shock Oct 16, 2026 01:10 Kganyago says rand resilience cushioning South Africa from shock South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago said the rand has held up well despite the shock caused by the Iran war, reflecting more confidence in the country's economic outlook. "Rand resilience has cushioned, but not shielded us from the shock," Kganyago told Bloomberg TV on the sidelines of the International Mone

Ramaphosa reinstates suspended police chief Oct 16, 2026 01:02 Ramaphosa reinstates suspended police chief South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday he was reinstating the country's police chief, six months after he was suspended over charges he broke public finance rules in the irregular awarding of a tender. Fannie Masemola, national commissioner of the South African Police Service since 2022, will resume his duties on Monday after pr

ANC calls for mobilisation, unity following landmark ConCourt ruling in IEC candidate nominations case Oct 16, 2026 03:22 ANC calls for mobilisation, unity following landmark ConCourt ruling in IEC candidate nominations case The ANC has launched a powerful call to action, urging all party structures, leagues, and alliance partners to close ranks for a "decisive victory" in the upcoming local government elections. With the election just 19 days away, ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula directed provinces, na

NPA denies issuing arrest warrants for March and March leaders Oct 15, 2026 01:31 NPA denies issuing arrest warrants for March and March leaders The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has categorically denied issuing warrants of arrest against advocacy group March and March Movement leader Jacinta Ngobese Zuma and her husband Xolani Zuma. The NPA issued an official statement on Thursday, directly dismissing assertions made by the group. This follows a statement relea

South Africa's central bank governor Kganyago sees upside risks to inflation Oct 15, 2026 02:18 South Africa's central bank governor Kganyago sees upside risks to inflation Rising global energy prices and food costs continue to pose upside risks to inflation in South Africa, the central bank head said on Thursday, with consumer prices expected to return to the 3% target only in 2028. Speaking to Reuters in an interview on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund and World Ba

ConCourt rules in favour of ANC over candidate lists, DA raises ‘serious precedent concerns’ Oct 15, 2026 01:37 ConCourt rules in favour of ANC over candidate lists, DA raises 'serious precedent concerns' The ANC has won its case against the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), which must now include all the party's candidate lists on the ballot for the local government election. Last month, the ANC claimed that the IEC's candidate-capture system experienced technical disruptions on the final su

Mashatile warns of 'new generation of challenges' as AI, unemployment impact S African workers Oct 14, 2026 03:42 Mashatile warns of 'new generation of challenges' as AI, unemployment impact S African workers Deputy President Paul Mashatile declared on Wednesday that while South Africa celebrates its progress in overcoming apartheid, the country and the global stage now face a "new generation of challenges". Speaking at the eighth national congress of the Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa)

Moody’s says South Africa is on right track for rating upgrade Oct 14, 2026 02:53 Moody's says South Africa is on right track for rating upgrade South Africa is heading in the right direction for its first credit-rating upgrade by Moody's Ratings since 2009, provided the country's fiscal performance continues to improve. The agency, which rates South Africa Ba2 — two notches below investment grade — revised South Africa's credit outlook to positive from stable in May.

Judge us on what we have done, DA says as it eyes majority win in election Oct 14, 2026 05:09 Judge us on what we have done, DA says as it eyes majority win in election As South Africa prepares for the November Local Government Elections, Polity is engaging with political parties contesting the elections in a series of interviews to examine their manifestos, policy priorities and plans for local government. The DA is feeling positive ahead of the November local government election

Joburg Water depot upgrade to strengthen service delivery Oct 13, 2026 02:21 Joburg Water depot upgrade to strengthen service delivery The Johannesburg Water Depot upgrade in Randburg, being undertaken by the City of Johannesburg's infrastructure implementing agency, the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), is nearing completion, as it enters its final close-out phase. The project, located in Region C, will strengthen the operational capacity required to support

Zuma released from hospital – reports Oct 13, 2026 01:00 Zuma released from hospital – reports Former South African President Jacob Zuma was discharged from hospital after being admitted last week, eNCA reported on its website on Tuesday. Zuma, who leads the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, was taken to hospital by ambulance on October 6 for what the party said was a routine medical check-up, local media reported last week. ENCA said that he was dischar

SA’s record Class of 2026 begins final exams amid calls for systemic reform Oct 13, 2026 03:34 SA's record Class of 2026 begins final exams amid calls for systemic reform The Class of 2026 officially commenced the final National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations on Tuesday, with a record-breaking 962 832 candidates registered nationwide, and the exams are scheduled to conclude on November 26. Political parties and government officials united in wishing the learners well while s

Former Home Affairs officials arrested for issuing fraudulent passports to non-nationals Oct 12, 2026 01:45 Former Home Affairs officials arrested for issuing fraudulent passports to non-nationals Two former Home Affairs officials have been arrested for fraudulently issuing South African passports to foreign nationals for up to R100 000 each. In a statement issued on Monday, the department said the syndicate exploited weaknesses in the manual passport process for "photo swapping". "The arrests

Sibiya ‘dishonourably discharged’ from SAPS Oct 12, 2026 00:50 Sibiya 'dishonourably discharged' from SAPS The South Africa Police Service (SAPS) on Monday confirmed that Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya has been dishonourably discharged, following a disciplinary hearing, during which his lawyer tendered Sibiya's resignation. This comes as Sibiya faces a case of rape, sexual grooming and trafficking. The SAPS said in a statement that Sibiya is no l

Expanding, transforming South Africa’s agricultural base a must – Ramaphosa Oct 12, 2026 03:20 Expanding, transforming South Africa's agricultural base a must – Ramaphosa South Africa's population continues to grow and with it, so does the demand for food. Being reliant on the productive capacity of a relatively small segment of the population to meet the country's food needs is unsustainable, says President Cyril Ramaphosa. In his latest weekly newsletter, he says that, despite a

South Africa blames disinformation as anti-migrant protests turn violent Oct 9, 2026 02:28 South Africa blames disinformation as anti-migrant protests turn violent Anti-migrant protests in two South African cities including Johannesburg's Soweto township turned violent on Thursday, with the government blaming disinformation over a court ruling on asylum seekers. In coastal Durban, the second city hit by protests, a Reuters reporter saw five torched cars in the urban centre, whe

Home Affairs backtracks from attempt to comply with ConCourt refugee ruling, amid public safety concerns Oct 9, 2026 02:48 Home Affairs backtracks from attempt to comply with ConCourt refugee ruling, amid public safety concerns Following violent anti-migrant protests that rocked Durban and Soweto this week, Home Affairs director-general Livhuwani Makhode has withdrawn the directive relating to the intake of asylum seekers, citing public safety concerns. Government blamed the violence on the deliberate spread

South African Navanethem "Navi" Pillay wins 2026 Nobel Peace Prize Oct 9, 2026 01:55 South African Navanethem "Navi" Pillay wins 2026 Nobel Peace Prize South African judge Navanethem "Navi" Pillay won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday "for her efforts to promote peace and international law," the Norwegian Nobel Committee said. "A common thread runs from her early work defending Nelson Mandela and others who stood up against apartheid to her service as a judge in some of the

ANC seeks to correct ‘false narratives’ over immigration ruling, pending labour Bill Oct 8, 2026 03:24 ANC seeks to correct 'false narratives' over immigration ruling, pending labour Bill The ANC has called on South Africans to reject "false narratives" surrounding the country's immigration policies, clarifying that a recent apex court ruling does not open the floodgates for irregular migration, nor has a pending labour Bill already become law. ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu sta

Ministerial Committee warns of fake news as ConCourt ruling triggers influx at refugee centres Oct 8, 2026 04:24 Ministerial Committee warns of fake news as ConCourt ruling triggers influx at refugee centres The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration (IMCM) has expressed concerns over what it says is the deliberate spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media, warning that false narratives are being designed to create panic, fuel social tensions and undermine public confidence in go

High Court overturns government's Black empowerment code for legal sector Oct 8, 2026 02:05 High Court overturns government's Black empowerment code for legal sector A South African court has overturned a Black economic empowerment code for the legal sector, ruling the government failed to properly exercise its powers when approving measures designed to tackle persistent racial disparities in the sector. The Gauteng High Court did not rule on the code's constitutionality or raci

Mashatile urges National Dialogue committee to resolve governance issues ahead of elections Oct 7, 2026 02:55 Mashatile urges National Dialogue committee to resolve governance issues ahead of elections Deputy President Paul Mashatile has emphasised that the immediate priority of the National Dialogue steering committee must be to conclude all outstanding governance and participation issues, ahead of the upcoming local government elections. Mashatile stressed that these foundational matters must b

Mistra warns fragmentation will make 2026 coalition talks complex Oct 7, 2026 04:44 Mistra warns fragmentation will make 2026 coalition talks complex The Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (Mistra) released the third edition of its Coalitions Barometer, on Wednesday, revealing a surprising decoupling between local political instability and municipal audit outcomes. Despite a chaotic political landscape with routine Motions of No Confidence (MONCs) and shifting

South Africa to establish new Commission to oversee State firms Oct 7, 2026 02:20 South Africa to establish new Commission to oversee State firms South Africa intends establishing a commission chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa to coordinate the work of its State-owned firms after shelving plans to place them under the auspices of a holding company. The new panel will review a national strategy that outlines what role the firms should play and ensure the government e

South Africa drops to 87 in global economic freedom ranking Oct 6, 2026 02:44 South Africa drops to 87 in global economic freedom ranking South Africa has ranked eighty-seventh out of 165 countries and territories in the 'Economic Freedom of the World: 2026 Annual Report' (EFW), published by the Free Market Foundation (FMF) in conjunction with Canada's Fraser Institute. The latest ranking reflects a further decline for South Africa, which previously hovered at eigh

Parties, union demand fuel price relief ahead of Budget Oct 6, 2026 03:47 Parties, union demand fuel price relief ahead of Budget The unprecedented hikes in fuel prices have triggered widespread outrage, prompting political parties, civil society organisations, and trade unions to launch a unified call for immediate government intervention. According to official data released by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, 93 octane petrol will surge by R

Voters urged to ‘rescue’ Joburg from ‘corrupt crime-council ecosystem' Oct 6, 2026 03:56 Voters urged to 'rescue' Joburg from 'corrupt crime-council ecosystem' Voters must use the upcoming local government elections to rescue Johannesburg from a "devastating crime-council ecosystem" that thrives on the city's decay, Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) executive director Ann Bernstein urged on Tuesday. Launching the CDE's latest report, 'Time for Action – Corruption in

NGO critiques local govt failures ahead of elections, launches voter tool Oct 5, 2026 03:30 NGO critiques local govt failures ahead of elections, launches voter tool As South Africa approaches its local government elections, non-governmental organisation My Vote Counts (MVC) has launched a scathing critique of municipal service delivery, warning that decades of documented failures have allowed "local government rot" to fester despite a robust legislative framework. In response t

DA launches relentless final campaign push following surge in latest polls Oct 5, 2026 02:28 DA launches relentless final campaign push following surge in latest polls The DA has announced it will work relentlessly over the next month to secure outright majorities in the City of Tshwane, City of Johannesburg, and the City of Cape Town municipalities, in its aim to "rescue" these key metros from what it terms the "chaos of unstable coalitions". This aggressive campaign strategy co

Court orders oral evidence over Dlamini-Zuma’s ANC vote-buying claims Oct 5, 2026 03:31 Court orders oral evidence over Dlamini-Zuma's ANC vote-buying claims In a major legal development shaking the ANC, the High Court has directed that the defamation dispute between party veteran Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula must be resolved through oral evidence. Following the decision, Mbalula clarified that the judgment does not validate the allegati

Developing countries hit by overlapping crises, UNDP chief warns Oct 2, 2026 03:05 Developing countries hit by overlapping crises, UNDP chief warns Rising energy costs, a super El Nino and soaring borrowing costs are increasing pressure on developing countries, with conditions nearing those of the pandemic when the G20 suspended debt payments for the poorest nations, the United Nations Development Programme said on Friday. Global policymakers are expected to discuss the

Fuel subsidies may top $1tr as Iran war drags, UN says Oct 2, 2026 02:17 Fuel subsidies may top $1tr as Iran war drags, UN says Governments around the world are running out of room to shield consumers from higher energy prices resulting from the Iran war and other crises, with fuel subsidies potentially costing more than $1 trillion this year, a United Nations study found. Global policy interventions to cushion the impact of rising food and energy prices will

Mass shootings show the face of South African murder is changing Oct 2, 2026 04:05 Mass shootings show the face of South African murder is changing On a recent Saturday night, a minibus taxi drew up to a tavern in the gold-mining town of Carletonville west of Johannesburg. Eight men armed with AK-47 rifles alighted from the vehicle before gunning down patrons. Eighteen people died. "They entered the main entrance of the tavern and started shooting randomly," said Mfunek

Franz Ruch appointed seventh MPC member Oct 1, 2026 01:01 Franz Ruch appointed seventh MPC member Economist Franz Ruch has been appointed as an adviser to the governors of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), effective October 1. As part of the appointment, he will serve as the seventh member of the central bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). Ruch joins the SARB from global financial institution the World Bank, where he served as a senior

South African food inflation rose in August, ending six months of decline Oct 1, 2026 05:04 South African food inflation rose in August, ending six months of decline South African food and non-alcoholic beverage (NAB) inflation (hereafter to be referred to simply as food inflation, for short) rose in both year-on-year and month-on-month terms in August, the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) has reported, in its latest Food Inflation Brief. In year-on-year terms, foo

ActionSA welcomes IEC opposition to ‘hypocritical’ DA electoral court challenge Oct 1, 2026 02:32 ActionSA welcomes IEC opposition to 'hypocritical' DA electoral court challenge ActionSA has welcomed the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa's (IEC) answering affidavit opposing an urgent DA Electoral Court challenge, arguing that it would disrupt the entire election process. ActionSA believes the filing affirms that the DA's application is "opportunistic, hypocritical, and

New report shows housing, energy stalled despite GNU’s upward trajectory, but no promises broken Sep 30, 2026 05:31 New report shows housing, energy stalled despite GNU's upward trajectory, but no promises broken As South Africa's Government of National Unity (GNU) enters its third year, its central challenge has fundamentally shifted, with the initial phase of articulating new policies over and the focus now resting entirely on executing existing promises. According to the latest South Africa Citizens

South Africa summons US ambassador again over 'undiplomatic conduct', official says Sep 30, 2026 02:08 South Africa summons US ambassador again over 'undiplomatic conduct', official says South Africa's foreign affairs ministry called in US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III on Tuesday for a third time over what it described as "undiplomatic conduct," a senior government official told Reuters, but did not elaborate on what the conduct was. "We can confirm that we demarched Ambassador Bozell. T

Parties criticise Ramaphosa’s ‘delayed response’ to Ekurhuleni femicide crisis Sep 30, 2026 03:55 Parties criticise Ramaphosa's 'delayed response' to Ekurhuleni femicide crisis Opposition parties and civil rights organisations have criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent national address on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), calling his proposed measures "belated, repetitive, and detached" from the realities faced by women. The backlash follows intense public outrage sur

South Africa's foreign direct investment inflows pick up in the second quarter Sep 29, 2026 01:02 South Africa's foreign direct investment inflows pick up in the second quarter South Africa recorded foreign direct investment inflows of R49.8-billion in the second quarter, up from R20.3-billion in the previous quarter, the central bank said on Tuesday. The South African Reserve Bank said in its Quarterly Bulletin that the higher inflows were due to a local telecommunications company re

Ramaphosa to address nation on Ekurhuleni murders, GBVF Sep 29, 2026 02:09 Ramaphosa to address nation on Ekurhuleni murders, GBVF President Cyril Ramaphosa will this evening address the country on steps being taken by government to confront the country's gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) crisis. The President's 19:00 address follows a horrifying wave of violence in and around the City of Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, where the bodies of 11 women wer

US Ambassador declares diplomacy 'useless' as relations with S Africa on edge Sep 29, 2026 04:44 US Ambassador declares diplomacy 'useless' as relations with S Africa on edge Relations between the US and South Africa have reached a critical low point following a scathing assessment by US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III, who accused the South African government of actively rejecting a constructive relationship with Washington. The diplomatic fallout follows the September 15 announceme

Parties call for urgent action after weekend's mass shootings Sep 28, 2026 03:55 Parties call for urgent action after weekend's mass shootings South Africa is reeling from an unprecedented weekend of trauma as horrific mass shootings across the country have left at least 27 people dead and dozens more injured in targeted tavern attacks. The staggering carnage has sparked fierce national social and political outrage, putting intense pressure on government and the South

White Cross Project turns to Union Buildings after Washington vigil Sep 28, 2026 02:47 White Cross Project turns to Union Buildings after Washington vigil Following what it describes a success of its White Cross Project in the US, Afrikaner group Lex Libertas announced it aims to bring the same demonstration to South Africa in a set it up on the lawns of the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The organisation is scheduled to meet with White House representatives on Monday to disc

Ramaphosa challenges S Africans to defend national identity amid violence, division Sep 28, 2026 03:14 Ramaphosa challenges S Africans to defend national identity amid violence, division President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a reminder to the nation on Monday that heritage is not only a cause for celebration but a critical battleground that citizens must actively defend, as he stressed that South Africans cannot allow gender-based violence, xenophobia and racial division to define the country's

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