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Lovers of music, theatre and emerging talent, take note! The much-anticipated 4th Aviva Pelham Operetta Competition will take centre stage on Monday, 4 August at 7pm at the Baxter Theatre – promising a dazzling evening of charm, sparkle, and musical brilliance. Established in 2022 by South Africa’s beloved operatic doyenne, Aviva Pelham, the competition celebrates the often-overlooked genre of operetta – playful, …
Statistics South Africa will release June inflation data on Wednesday, with analysts polled by Reuters expecting a modest rise to 3% year on year from 2.8% in May. “A softer print could open the door for one last rate cut this year, while a firmer number would push that possibility further out,” said Andre Cilliers, …
Tuesday, 22 July 2025 The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) welcomes the long-overdue arrest of four men connected to the brutal murder of Oupa John Sefoka, widely known as DJ Sumbody. In November 2022, DJ Sumbody was assassinated by gunfire in Woodmead, Johannesburg in what looked like a targeted hit that also claimed the life of […]
Thabiso Sekano, Head of Mining and Metals at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) of South Africa, will join African Mining Week (AMW) as a featured speaker on the high-level panel, The Investor Perspective – Financing Africa's Mineral Industrialization. He is expected to share insights into innovative financing mechanisms that are accelerating project development across Africa's mining and energy value chains.
Sekano will highlight the IDC's instrumental role in advancing South Africa's mining sector, particularly its platinum group metals (PGMs), which represent over 70% of global reserves. Among the IDC's recent investments, in June 2025, the agency approved R622 million in funding to Canadian firm Theta Gold Mines to develop multiple sites under the TGME Project in Mpumalanga Province. This seven-year facility is expected to extract 1.24 million ounces of gold, creating jobs and contributing to national revenue growth.
AMW serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.
In April 2025, the IDC approved a further R1.6 billion facility to support the operational stability of ArcelorMittal South Africa, helping preserve jobs and strengthen South Africa's position as a top global steel producer. Beyond South Africa, Sekano will spotlight the IDC's growing regional footprint. The corporation is considering a $16 million loan to Giyani Metals to advance the K.Hill manganese project in Botswana – an important development aimed at boosting supply chains for lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles.
As African governments increasingly focus on formalizing small-scale mining and empowering junior miners, AMW will also offer a platform for Sekano to discuss the IDC's initiatives targeting these groups. In 2024, the IDC launched a R400 million Junior Mining Exploration Fund in collaboration with South Africa's Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and the Council for Geoscience, aimed at addressing funding constraints that limit entry and scale-up of junior mining companies.
In addition, the IDC is driving synergies between the mining and energy sectors to foster energy resilience and decarbonization. In June 2025, it announced that four utility-scale energy projects it financed are now delivering a combined 219 MW to the national grid – powering mining operations and creating 442 annualized jobs. The agency also signed a EUR 17 million agreement with Germany's KfW to support green hydrogen projects in South Africa, further enhancing the role of PGMs in electrolyzer technology. In March 2025, the IDC raised R2 billion through a sustainable bond issuance to scale up investments across both mining and energy.
At AMW 2025, Sekano will unpack these developments and more, reinforcing the IDC's commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth in Africa's extractive and energy sectors.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
The South African government is losing a substantial amount of tax due to motorists transitioning to electric vehicles and hybrids, analysis by MyBroadband shows. The general fuel levy (GFL) is the government’s fourth-largest source of tax revenue, bringing in about R90 billion annually. Another tax applied to fuel sold in South Africa is the Road …
FlySafair has had to cancel 26 flights due to a labour strike by pilots. The Solidarity trade union said more than 200 pilots affiliated to it want a 10% salary increase and improved working conditions. They have rejected the airline’s offer to workers of a 5.7% salary increase and adjustments to compensation. In a statement issued …
Application made 15 months ago for permission to investigate dodgy procurement deals
Africa Tech Festival (www.AfricaTechFestival.com), the longest running and most influential tech event on the continent, has announced the first wave of 25 headline speakers for its 2025 edition, bringing together influential voices from global tech, government, and business who are driving the growth and transformation of Africa's digital economy.
The 2025 speaker line-up features some of the most influential voices in global technology and African business leadership. Among them is Bernardo Mariano Junior, Assistant Secretary-General and Chief Information Technology Officer at the United Nations, who brings a global governance perspective to digital development. Mark Elliott, President for Africa at Mastercard, will offer insights into advancing inclusive finance across the continent. Representing the frontier of artificial intelligence, Emmanuel Lubanzadio, Senior Director and Head of Africa at OpenAI, will contribute to conversations around AI adoption and policy readiness in African markets.
Also speaking is Odunayo Eweniyi, a prominent tech entrepreneur and investor, serving as Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of PiggyVest and General Partner at First Capital, who will share perspectives on fintech growth and funding in Africa. From the telecoms and enterprise space, Tumi Chamayou, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN South Africa, and Ravi Bhat, Chief Technology and Solutions Officer at Microsoft Africa, will explore enterprise innovation and the role of strategic partnerships in enabling digital infrastructure.
They will be joined by senior decision-makers from across the public and private sectors, including technology and strategy executives from African Bank, Transnet, Cell C, Telkom, the Department of Public Service and Administration of South Africa, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Together, these leaders represent a broad spectrum of industries and expertise, united by a common goal: to drive forward Africa's digital transformation.
Africa Tech Festival 2025 will be held in Cape Town from 11 to 13 November. The conference will feature a structured programme built around four core tracks: AfricaCom, AfricaTech, AfricaIgnite, and The AI Summit Cape Town. Each track is designed to address key areas of technological advancement and policy development across the continent. This year's agenda is also framed by four central themes: Responsible Innovation, Inclusive Investment, Connectivity for Development, and Policy Harmonisation. These themes reflect the Festival's commitment to providing a platform for examining the challenges and opportunities shaping Africa's digital economy.
“We're excited to share a speaker roster that truly represents the diversity of experience shaping Africa's tech future,” said Kadi Diallo, Portfolio Manager for Africa Tech Festival. “These are individuals who are actively working to improve systems, close gaps, and build digital infrastructure that works for everyone.”
“This year, you'll also notice a bold new look and feel as we unveil our refreshed branding. It marks the start of a new era for the Africa Tech Festival—one that reflects the scale, ambition, and innovation of the continent's thriving tech ecosystem.”
Following the success of 2024, Africa Tech Festival will continue to provide in-depth discussions on national digital strategies, economic growth, infrastructure, and public-private collaboration. Although a formal partnership with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) is still under consideration, last year's engagement with senior government officials led to meaningful policy dialogue. Now in its third decade, the Festival remains a key platform for shaping Africa's digital transformation through informed debate, investment, and strategic partnerships.
Further programme details and additional speakers will be announced in the weeks ahead.
Registration for Africa Tech Festival 2025 is now open and can be completed via the official portal here (https://apo-opa.co/450ROWS).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.
About Africa Tech Festival:
Now in its 28th edition, Africa Tech Festival 2025 will take place from 11 to 13 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), bringing together over 15,000 technology leaders, policymakers, investors, startups, and visionaries. The festival encompasses four anchor events:
With over 500 speakers, 300 exhibitors, and multiple networking opportunities, Africa Tech Festival remains the largest and most influential tech event on the continent.
On 16 July, Youth@SAIIA convened a dynamic roundtable discussion, bringing together 35 young leaders from across the globe to reflect on South Africa’s journey from apartheid to democracy and its implications for youth in peacebuilding. The event, held at the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), welcomed 14 international youth peace mediators and 20 …
Malcolm Libera ·21 Jul 2025 Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa is planning a major expansion of its dealership footprint across South Africa, with dealer partners committing over R900 million in investment over the next three years. According to Neale Hill, President of Ford Motor Company, Africa, the move is a strong vote of confidence …
President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in terms of section 14(3) read with 12(6)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, suspended South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Andrew Chauke, with immediate effect pending an inquiry into Adv Chauke's fitness to hold office.
Having asked Adv Chauke to provide reasons why he should not be suspended, President Ramaphosa has decided suspension is the correct course of action pending an inquiry.
President Ramaphosa has informed Adv Chauke of his decision in writing and indicated that the President and the public would benefit from an independent assessment of issues that require elucidation and on which there are disputes of fact.
The President believes Adv Chauke's continued tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions – while facing serious accusations – would negatively affect the reputation of the National Prosecuting Authority as a whole.
President Ramaphosa is also concerned that Adv Chauke will not be able to fulfil his functions optimally while facing an inquiry.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Some FlySafair passengers started receiving notifications last Friday of flights cancelled this week on the back of a pilot strike. More than 200 pilots have launched a two-week strike, citing failed wage talks, exhaustion and family strain. The airline has urged passengers to use the website or app to confirm their itineraries, noting that some …
By Staff WriterPublished: 21 July 2025 This forecast covers: Sat 26 Jul – Tue 29 Jul Snowfall is possible for all South African provinces, Lesotho, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and Botswana from this coming weekend (26 July 2025). The data, which has been very volatile, currently indicates a very unusual snow event and although it is …
On Friday, 25 July 2025, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) will join communities across South Africa and around the world to observe World Drowning Prevention Day, a United Nations and World Health Organisation (WHO) initiative dedicated to awareness, remembrance, and action. This year’s theme, “Your story can save a life,” is a powerful reminder that drowning …
After defeating a stubborn Senegalese side in a penalty shootout, Banyana Banyana will rekindle their rivalry with Nigeria in the semifinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Tuesday, 22 July. Banyana Banyana beat Senegal 4-1 on penalties in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) quarterfinal clash. Despite helping the South …
Local car manufacturers are likely to be negatively impacted by the government’s proposal to add a new tariff on vehicle batteries. Earlier this year, the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) proposed that the government should implement a 15% import tariff on new-energy vehicle batteries. The proposal, outlined in the Government Gazette issued on 29 May …
Protesters in Philippi are demanding jobs on MyCiti roadworks
President Cyril Ramaphosa has in terms of Section 91 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa appointed Mr. Buti Kgwaridi Manamela, Minister of Higher Education and Training. Mr. Manamela was until this appointment serving as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, a role he held from the 7th administration. Consequently, President …
In 2017, Johan Scott turned a petty theft into something powerful. A single stolen vegetable led to a garden that would feed a community… and now, in 2025, his story is making waves once more. Heidelberg, South Africa (21 June 2025) – Sometimes, the internet gives an old story new life. That’s exactly what’s happening …
Junior Springboks @ Gallo Images The Junior Springboks were welcomed back to South Africa on Monday by cheering fans and Mr Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union, after winning the World Rugby Under-20 Championships in Italy on Saturday. The SA Under-20s, under the leadership of head coach Kevin Foot, ended a 13-year …
Johannesburg, South Africa – Millvest Advisory, convenors of TIFA, are pleased to confirm that Brand South Africa has renewed its strategic partnership with the Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA) for the third consecutive year. This continued alliance underscores a mutual commitment to positioning South Africa – and the broader continent – as a competitive, investment-ready …
National Treasury defines sustainable finance as financial models, services, products, markets, and ethical practices that deliver resilience and long-term value in each economic, environmental, and social aspect, contributing to sustainable development goals and climate resilience. This constitutes an effort to align financial flows and products to a sustainable development pathway that considers the implications of …
Luke Fraser ·21 Jul 2025 President Cyril Ramaphosa has two Bills waiting for his signature, which focus on changes for older persons’ care in South Africa and the 2025 Budget. Ramaphosa has the Older Persons’ Amendment Bill and the Division of Revenue Bill on his desk. The President’s sign-off is the last step in an …
Songs for Freedom concert raised more than R260,000