Alerts

JOHANNESBURG – President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Advocate Andy Mothibi as South Africa’s new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP). Mothibi’s appointment comes into effect from 1 February 2026 The appointment follows an open selection process. The advisory panel concluded that none of the recently interviewed candidates were suitable for the role.  READ | No …

South African consumers will soon be able to purchase products from one of the world’s largest appliance manufacturers, Haier. The Chinese multinational firm recently sent out invitations for its official South African launch, which is happening on 2 February 2026. The company stated that the event would introduce its global vision, local commitment, and innovative …

Staff Writer  ·6 Jan 2026 The public has until 21 January 2026 to comment on energy regulator Nersa’s plan to force South African energy users to pay Eskom an additional R76 billion for its mistakes. Following a bruising court order in December 2025, rejecting a settlement agreement between the regulator and power utility, Nersa has …

An organisation in South Africa has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa proposing that the legal drinking age should be increased from 18 to between 21 and 23. Alcohol abuse is a prevalent issue in South Africa that often results in situations like domestic abuse and drunk driving, putting lives at risk. Several proposals have been …

Luke Fraser  ·6 Jan 2026 South Africa’s ten-year government bond yield has reached a seven-year low, lowering the nation’s debt costs. Lower government bond yields reduce the government’s debt servicing costs, which helps the government reduce its overall debt burden and free up funds for other expenditures, such as services. Investec Chief Economist Annabel Bishop …

Please find attached soundbite by Ryan Smith MP. The Department of International Relations and Cooperations’ (DIRCO) appeal to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to urgently convene to discuss the capture and prosecution of Venezuelan President, Nicolás Maduro, by the United States of America (USA) smacks of hypocrisy and contradiction as DIRCO failed to take …

The rise in the cost of education in South Africa continues to outpace consumer price inflation, with combined tuition and boarding fees at the 10 most expensive schools in the country rising by around double that of other goods and services on an annualised basis. Barring some shuffling in the middle, TechCentral’s list of the …

Trump’s raid on Venezuela leaves the world questioning America’s next move. South Africa remains distant but cautious. After President Donald Trump’s audacious strike to arrest Venezuela leader Nicolas Maduro, US enemies and friends are wondering who might be next in his sights as he moves to impose American will by force around the world. Local …

Staff Writer  ·5 Jan 2026 The latest Braai Index for the end of 2025 indicates that the cost of hosting a braai in South Africa is becoming more affordable, setting a positive trajectory for 2026. However, meat prices are still rising significantly, offset by lower prices on the vegetable side of the equation. Industry analysis …

2025 was a tumultuous year for markets. From ‘US exceptionalism’, to tariff madness, war between Iran and Israel and the surge in precious metals, there was plenty going on to keep investors busy. IG’s experts have compiled a list of outlooks for 2026, looking at the key drivers for major markets, as well as a …

Image: Oldvineproject.co.za. Happy New Year. In 2036, ten years from now, I will turn 65. By then, I hope to be stepping aside rather than stepping down, less bound by day-to-day obligations, with greater freedom and flexibility, yet still engaged where it counts: thinking, writing, questioning and contributing when it adds value. That prospective distance …

JOHANNESBURG – Several parts of South Africa are set for severe weather. Gauteng, Free State, North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga face a Level 5 warning as heavy rains and thunderstorms threaten flooding, road closures and low-lying settlements. Emergency services are on high alert and are urging residents to stay indoors and take precautions. Johannesburg EMS’s …

South Africa coach Hugo Broos rejected suggestions his team had regressed after they exited the Africa Cup of Nations in the last 16 against Cameroon on Sunday, and turned his focus towards the approaching World Cup. A 2-1 defeat against the Indomitable Lions in Rabat ended Bafana Bafana’s campaign in the first knockout round, two …

At least three new Chinese bakkies are already confirmed for South Africa in 2026. Last year saw the introduction of no less than 15 pickups from various manufacturers, including legacy brands like Isuzu, Nissan, Toyota, and VW. However, the lion’s share of new models that entered South Africa’s bakkie market in 2025 came from Chinese …

Luke Fraser  ·5 Jan 2026 Standard Bank, South Africa’s largest bank by assets under management, believes that the country will see more interest rate cuts in 2026. Standard Bank noted that South Africa has entered a new chapter in monetary policy, with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana setting a 3% inflation target. While the South African …

In recent years, a familiar pattern has emerged in South Africa’s public life. A crime occurs in a public space, it is recorded on a cellphone, and the footage circulates widely on social media. Public outrage follows, and authorities respond with unusual speed. Arrests are made, statements are issued, and accountability appears to be delivered. …

South Africa currently faces an urgent and grave violent crime problem. To tackle the crisis, law enforcement agencies are increasingly turning to evidence-based policing (EBP) approaches. These draw on research and evidence to determine which strategies work best to reduce crime. Much like in medicine, using researched and tested approaches creates greater certainty that new …

Current state efforts to tackle violent crimes in South Africa have demonstrably fallen short because they focus on restricting the “tools” of violence rather than deterring the human intent that drives it. This is the argument presented by the Safe Citizen advocacy group following the government’s recent revival of the… Sustainable Practices: Efforts to promote …

Luke Fraser  ·5 Jan 2026 The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has hit back at the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) after it called for public schools to choose which examination body they use for matric. The VF Plus’s call comes after an investigation by the DBE uncovered a leak with the 2025 Matric papers. …

Stellantis has reaffirmed its ongoing recall of 26 different vehicles in South Africa, urging owners to stop driving their cars until a safety issue has been addressed. In December, the company issued a warning to consumers driving select models across its various brands, comprising Citroën, DS, Jeep, and Opel. These cars, which cover a range …

Mr President, We wish to congratulate the Federal Republic of Somalia for assuming the rotating Presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of January and wish you and your delegation all the best in the execution of your responsibilities.  We also wish to thank you for convening this debate and affording all …

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR) Information and Cybersecurity Centre has warned of an uptick in phishing scams targeting families with children returning to school in South Africa. Speaking to SABC News, Dr Jabu Mtsweni, head of the CSIR’s Information and Cybersecurity Centre, explained that criminals are trying to take advantage of the …

South Africa faces a defining foreign policy test in responding to the 3 January US military operation that extracted Nicolás Maduro from Caracas. The action presents Pretoria with an uncomfortable choice: Defend international law against a superpower whose investment it desperately needs, or remain silent on a violation that undermines the multilateral order it claims …

The Department of Home Affairs will keep its offices equipped to process smart IDs and passports open for an additional two hours from 5 to 16 January 2025 to facilitate more applications and collections. The department’s offices will remain open until 18:00 during the period, and South Africans can book slots through the online Branch …