Ramaphosa to meet with Russian and Chinese leaders this week to discuss ‘new global era’
President Cyril Ramaphosa will meet with leaders of China, Brazil, Russia and India at the BRICS Leaders’ Summit this week, with the global economy set to be a major talking point among the world leaders. Writing in his weekly letter to the public, Ramaphosa said…
Billions of rands worth of Joburg developments on hold, say developers
Property developers in Johannesburg have expressed frustration over delays in getting job-creating projects off the ground, blaming the city departments and municipal entities for holding up the approval processes. Speaking to BusinessTech, the developers, who asked to remain anonymous, said that several projects worth billions…
South Africa looking to lift Covid restrictions – including an end to face masks
The government is considering lifting South Africa’s remaining Covid restrictions as cases in the country continue to remain flat. In a letter published on social media, health minister Joe Phaahla has asked provincial health authorities for their views on whether South Africa should repeal its…
Government itself is worried that South Africa’s NHI will be corrupt
Healthcare stakeholders have raised concerns around the future of healthcare in South Africa under the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme – including issues of governance, management and accountability. These concerns are highlighted in a new report published by Section 27 and the Concentric Alliance on Monday…
South Africa’s millionaire politicians need salary increases to ‘cope with cost of living’, says parliament
Parliament has issued a public statement in which it aims to ‘clarify’ and ‘put into correct context’ the latest salary increases for members of parliament and other public office bearers in South Africa. “Certain media reports have implied that the 3% salary increase for public…
Updated Covid rules for schools in South Africa
The Department of Basic Education has confirmed that it will adjust its existing regulations to align with South Africa’s new regulations around mask-wearing and gatherings. In a statement on Thursday (23 June), Basic Education minister Angie Motshekga said she supported the repealing of the mask…
Nearly a quarter of South African households depend on grants as main source of income: survey
Civil society organisations are taking the government to court over what they say are “unfair” and “exclusionary” regulations for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), social grants make up the primary source of income for 24.4% of…
Government sued for selling SAA for R51
South Africa’s government and national airline are being sued by a little-known investment firm, which wants the sale of a majority stake in the carrier scrapped and re-run due to a lack of transparency. This year’s acquisition of 51% of South African Airways by the…
This is the most important week for South Africa in years: Ramaphosa
The last week saw two significant developments that will, in different ways, change South Africa, says president Cyril Ramaphosa. Writing in his weekly open letter to the public, Ramaphosa pointed to the lifting of the country’s remaining Covid-19 restrictions – including limitations on gatherings, international…
R30 billion private investment for Joburg – with plans to compete with New York and Paris
Johannesburg’s mayoral head for economic development Nkululeko Mbundu has announced a new R30 billion investment, which will see significant upgrades made to the city. Mbundu said the plan will rely primarily on private sector trade and investment, with the proposal expected to create significant economic…
Here’s what the average household looks like in South Africa
In 2021, South Africa had a population of approximately 60.5 million people. Although some people resided in institutions such as hospitals and old age homes, the country had an estimated 18 million households, with an average household size of 3.34 persons. A quick glance at…
‘Wake up’ needed after Russia-Ukraine war: Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa says food, fertiliser and grain shortages caused by the conflict between Ukraine and Russia must motivate Africa to ‘wake up’ and take food security into its own hands. The president was speaking following discussions held at the G7 Leaders’ Summit held in…