New World Map Makes Africa Look Bigger: What’s the Fuss About? Cartographers Explain
Correcting the mental map of global leaders is an important step in amplifying Africa’s relevance and rights.
Flat
City of Cape Town Must Return Tariff Over-Charges to Residents
The GOOD Party is procuring legal advice on the appropriate next steps to force the City of Cape Town to comply with last week’s Western Cape High Court finding that its fixed tariff regime is unlawful – and return over-charges to residents.
The post GOOD PARTY SEEKS LEGAL ADVICE: CITY OF CAPE TOWN MUST RETURN TARIFF OVER-CHARGES TO RESIDENTS appeared first on For Good.
Interest Rates on Hold, but South African Consumers Remain Under Pressure
Following today’s decision by the South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), the latest data from TransUnion points to a consumer environment that remains fragile, with many households continuing to navigate mounting financial pressure.
While some improvement in repayment behaviour was observed toward the end of 2025, this stability is proving short-lived. Rising living costs, increasing reliance on credit, and limited financial buffers mean that many consumers are entering 2026 in a vulnerable position, with little capacity to absorb additional economic shocks.
The decision to leave interest rates unchanged may offer a sense of short-term stability, but it does little to ease the underlying financial strain facing households.
“Stable rates do not translate into financial relief for most consumers,” says Fatgie Adams, Head of Credit Risk Solutions at TransUnion. “Many households are already under pressure, and upcoming increases in fuel and food costs are likely to erode any temporary stability created by a hold decision.”
Insights from the TransUnion Q4 2025 Consumer Pulse Study (CPS) show that households have already begun adjusting their behaviour in response to financial stress. More than half of consumers report cutting discretionary spending, while a significant portion have reduced clothing purchases, delayed major expenses, and scaled back on services such as subscriptions and digital platforms. At the same time, the study indicates a growing reliance on credit, with a notable share of consumers using credit to manage shortfalls in their monthly budgets.
This behavioural shift is reinforced by credit performance trends from the TransUnion Q4 2025 Industry Insights Report (IIR), which highlights continued strain in key segments. Credit card delinquency remains elevated at 17.4% (balance-level), while non-bank personal loan delinquency is critically high at 53.4% (consumer-level). These figures highlight deep vulnerability among financially stretched consumers, with short-term credit products showing the most acute distress. Although home loan delinquency remains relatively stable at 7.5%, it is still elevated, pointing to persistent pressure even within more structured credit product.
“Consumers may appear stable on the surface, but in reality, many are already in a form of financial triage,” Adams adds. “A flat rate environment simply provides time to prepare, it does not remove the pressure.”
With fuel prices expected to rise sharply in the coming months and food costs remaining persistently high, the overall cost of living is likely to increase further, placing additional strain on already stretched household budgets.
Regardless of the outcome, the broader picture remains one of rising pressure on household finances. The combination of higher living costs, constrained income growth and existing debt obligations means that many consumers will need to navigate the months ahead with increased caution.
Maintaining a clear view of essential expenses, staying on top of repayments, and making considered financial decisions will be critical as cost pressures continue to build.
Hundreds of Soweto Residents Protest in Pretoria for a Flat Rate Electricity Tariff
They want the regulator to introduce a flat rate of R350 for poor households
Municipality Moves to Evict Hundreds of Tshwane Residents
Many people living at JJ Bosmanhuis say they cannot afford rent elsewhere and fear they will end up on the streets
Cape Town Needs Rent Control. Here Are Six Ways We Could Do It
Renting a home close to the city has become unaffordable even for many middle-class households
Anger Over Delays at Durban Housing Project
Families say eThekwini municipality is reneging on its promise to house them at the new flats
Cape Town Journalist Assaulted by Police, Has Phone Confiscated – Twice
Freelance reporter Sandiso Phaliso has been repeatedly, and illegally, harassed by police while working in Nyanga
College Tries to Evict 27 Families to Make Way for Students
At a protest Ekurhuleni West students demanded the eviction of the families in “24 hours”
SA U19 Men Braced for Bangladesh Test
BENONI: Player exposure and growth are two areas that South Africa Under-19 (SA U19) Men will be targeting as they prepare...
Court Finds Cape Town Lawyer Guilty
But magistrate did not rule on whether it was racially motivated
Police Watchdog Probes Disappearance of Nigerian Immigrant During TV Show
Silas Ani was last seen unconscious during a “drug raid” by police and Sizok’thola presenter Xolani Khumalo in April
Youth Day March Against Gangs in Johannesburg
Westbury residents call on gangs to make peace
Six to appear in court for various crimes
Six to appear in court for various crimes
Six suspects are expected to appear in court soon on charges of the possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunition and drugs, say Gauteng police.
This comes after members of the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) executed a series of successful operations on Friday night leading to multiple arrests and significant seizures of illegal firearms, ammunition and drugs in Westbury and Eldorado Park.
“During routine foot patrols in Westbury, AGU members arrested a 31-year-old male for possession of an unlicensed firearm and 15 live rounds of ammunition. In a separate incident on the same patrol, a 26-year-old male was also arrested for possessing an unlicensed firearm and two live rounds of ammunition. Both arrests underscore the AGU's relentless commitment to maintaining safety in our communities,” said the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The AGU also received a tip-off regarding drug activities at a residence along Steytler Street in Westbury. Upon arrival, the AGU team found a 52-year-old female in possession of 14 tablets and four halves of suspected mandrax drugs, leading to her arrest for possession of drugs.
In the early hours on Saturday, AGU members acted on information regarding a male with an unlicensed firearm along Sneeuberg Street, Extension 2, in Eldorado Park. They gained entry to a B-section flat and arrested a man found with an unlicensed firearm and eight live rounds of ammunition.
Additionally, another suspect at the same location in a different flat, was apprehended for possessing 20 bags containing substances suspected to be khat.
At approximately 02:45, the AGU team conducted another operation at the B-section flats, arresting a male suspect for possession of an unlicensed firearm and 16 live rounds of ammunition, following a tip-off.
The team was praised for their hard work which resulted in the confiscation of four unlicensed firearms, 41 live rounds of ammunition and two drug arrests with significant quantities of suspected drugs.
“The AGU remains steadfast in its mission to combat crime and protect our communities, urging residents to continue providing valuable information to support these efforts,” said the SAPS. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 04/14/2025 - 09:49
497 views
Can JP Van Der Walt’s 42.935 Seconds Record From 2024 Be Beaten?
Exciting manufacturer entries in Road Car and Supercar category from BMW, MINI, Opel and Suzuki, along with Mercedes-AMG and MG in class A8 for hybrids and EVs Dazzling array of desirable supercars encompassing Audi, Ferrari, McLaren and Porsche, along with a strong contingent of exclusive Shelby Mustangs New King of the Hill winner will be […]
Rainy weather expected to continue
Rainy weather expected to continue
Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are expected to continue in parts of the country, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) said on Wednesday.
With regard to Thursday and Friday, SAWS has predicted 30 to 60% showers and thundershowers in most parts of the country with 80% of rain over the central parts.
“Temperature is expected to be mostly cool across the country but warm to hot in some places,” the South African Weather Services said on Wednesday.
According to the weather service, disruptive rain is expected to last until Thursday in most parts of the country.
It said widespread showers and thundershowers are expected over the north-western parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday and Thursday.
It added that significant rainfall amounts of up to 100mm are expected in places over the northern parts as well as along the coast and adjacent interior of KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday which may lead to flooding.
At the weekend, the weather service advised of the return of heavy showers across parts of South Africa this week.
In a statement on Sunday, the weather service advised communities living in low-lying areas and flat plains to be on the lookout for the disruptive rain across the central and eastern regions of South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 02/19/2025 - 12:47
74 views
Warning of heavy showers across SA
Warning of heavy showers across SA
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has advised of the return of heavy showers across parts of South Africa this week.
In a statement on Sunday, the weather service advised communities living in low-lying areas and flat plains to be on the lookout for the disruptive rain across the central and eastern regions of South Africa, from 16 February to 19 February 2025.
“Motorists and pedestrians should be extra cautious where roads are slippery and/or visibility is affected. These conditions with cloudy to overcast skies are expected across South Africa along with subregions of ordinary showers and thundershowers.
“The rainfall accumulation is expected to be in the region of 20 to 50 millimetres (mm). Daytime temperatures in these regions are also expected to be cool. The transport of moist tropical air from continental low over Botswana is the main source of the current cloudy and showery conditions,” SAWS said.
Added to which, severe thunderstorms are expected in places across the southern Free State and northern region of the Eastern Cape where damaging winds, excessive lightning, hail and heavy downpours are likely.
“However, potentially strong damaging winds are expected along the west and south-west coasts of the Cape Provinces. Damaging winds are possible due to the tight pressure gradient along the west coast.
“No major changes are anticipated on the rainfall pattern on Monday, 17 February 2025, apart from the extension of widespread showers (80%) across the North West and Gauteng, where additional disruptive rain is expected in places.
“Summer thunderstorms across South Africa ordinarily develop in the afternoon and early evening. As was stated just before the onset of persistent showers in early January, the tropical moisture typically possesses a significant amount of energy,” SAWS said.
In the case of Sunday through Tuesday, 18 February 2025, the tropical airmass is expected to cause disruptive rain during this week, with amounts in the region of 30 to 50 mm daily.
Further, continual showers are also expected on Wednesday and might persist into Thursday morning.
There will still be the likelihood of disruptive rain around the coastal region of the eastern half of the Eastern Cape, as well as the southern coastline of KwaZulu-Natal, before the rainfall return to the more favourable weather in South Africa.
To ensure safety and preparedness, the following precautions are advised:
- Avoid crossing flooded roads or swollen streams.
- Move to higher ground if rising water levels are observed.
- Refrain from travelling on bridges or roads in low-lying areas, which are particularly vulnerable to flooding.
- Adherence to these guidelines can significantly reduce risks and help ensure public safety during this period of adverse weather conditions. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 02/17/2025 - 12:00
27 views
Tense Standoff Between Police and Kliptown Tenants
City Power officials chased away by angry group
Two-Week Countdown to Applications Deadline for 15th Simola Hillclimb
Two weeks remain for competitors to submit applications for entry to the exciting 15th edition of the Simola Hillclimb. Closing date is 31 January 2025 65 competitor spots available for Classic Car Friday, 84 for two-day King of the Hill Simola Hillclimb is South Africa’s premier motoring and motorsport lifestyle event, takes place in Knysna […]
Tariffs on Shein and Temu: Cheaper Clothes Versus Saving Jobs
SARS closes a loophole in import duties
Brightly Coloured Double-Storey Homes Replace Shacks in Khayelitsha
The Urban Think Tank Empower project has been in the works for about ten years
Homeless Conference Hears Harrowing Stories of Street Life
The 8th National Homeless Conversation was held in Durban this week
VFS Global Expands UK Visa Services in Sub-Saharan Africa in Second Phase of Rollouts
VFS Global (www.VFSGlobal.com) is proud to announce that residents of Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, travelling to the UK can now book appointments to submit their visa applications through VFS Global's new state-of-the-art Visa Application Centres (VAC).
From 19 November 2024 customers applying for a UK visa will be directed to VFS Global to book an appointment to complete their visa application. Customers will also have the option to choose additional services designed to make the application process easier.
VFS Global has been contracted by UK Visas and Immigration since 2003, offering visa services in 58 countries prior to the new contract. In 2023, VFS Global was awarded the new contract to provide UK visa services in 142 countries worldwide.
Mr. Alok Singhal, Head- Sub-Saharan Africa, VFS Global, said, “We are excited to embark on this new journey with UK Visas and Immigration here across Sub-Saharan Africa. We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with UKVI since 2003 and look forward to now bringing travellers from Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, our best-in-class services.”
UK visa customers can now choose from a range of optional services, depending on their location, offered by VFS Global to provide enhanced comfort and convenience. These include document upload assistance, Prime Time for application submission outside of business hours, SMS notifications, document checking service, and courier return of the passport once a decision has been made. VFS Global's Keep My Passport While Applying service allows customers in all these locations to keep their passport once their application is submitted and biometrics have been enrolled. Customers will only need to re-submit their passport if a visa is issued.
Customers in Cameroon, Tanzania, and Uganda can also submit their UK visa applications from the comfort and safety of their home, office, or any other preferred location with our On Demand Mobile Visa service. In addition, our Premium Lounge service offers a personalised submission experience with dedicated staff members, which is available in Ethiopia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The services can be booked in advance on www.VFSGlobal.com or at the Visa Application Centre at the time of the appointment. These services are completely optional and have no bearing on the processing timeline and outcomes of visa applications.
In the African region, VFS Global will provide Visa Application Centres for the UK in 31 countries. Under the new contract, VFS Global is already operating UK Visa Application Centres in nine other countries across Sub Saharan Africa since October 2024, including South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana.
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UK Visa Application Centres Angola: Rua 28 de Maio, Edificio Kende nº15 /17 , 1st floor F, Maianga, Luanda |
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Angola Website: https://apo-opa.co/4fx7MMr Business hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri)
Botswana Website: https://apo-opa.co/3YW6Bis Business hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (Mon to Fri)
Cameroon Website: https://apo-opa.co/4i0MfgT Business hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (Mon to Fri)
Ethiopia
Malawi
Mozambique
Namibia
Rwanda
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Tanzania
Uganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe
*Except public holidays |
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VFS Global.
Media Contact:
George Cherian
georgec@vfsglobal.com
communications@vfsglobal.com
About VFS Global:
As the world's leading outsourcing and technology service specialist, VFS Global embraces technological innovation including Generative AI to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.
With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritizes ethical practices and sustainability while serving as the trusted partner to 69 client governments. Operating over 3,400 Application Centres in 153 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 299 million applications since 2001.
Headquartered in Zurich and majority owned through investment funds managed by Blackstone Inc, along with the Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation and EQT, VFS Global is committed to creating value for all stakeholders and leading in responsible, innovative solutions making government services more effective and efficient.
Crucial Court Battle Over Future of “New” Trade Unions
The Labour Appeal Court will hear an appeal by the Registrar of Labour Relations. The court will decide whether the Simunye Workers Forum can be registered as a trade union.