Author: Ariana Steenkamp

South Africa is facing major economic pressure following new US tariffs on its exports, with President Cyril Ramaphosa calling for resilience amid shifting global trade conditions. 30% US Tariffs Add Pressure to Local Economy South Africa is under economic strain after the United States announced a 30% tariff on imports from the country. The new US tariffs—set to take effect on 7 August—have been described by President Cyril Ramaphosa as a “harsh wake-up call.” In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa stated: “The US is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner by country, and these measures will have a considerable impact on industries…

South Africans are being urged to prepare for extreme conditions following a winter weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) this week. Cold Front Brings Freezing Temperatures and Coastal Storms A double cold front is expected to move across the country, bringing with it freezing temperatures, fire risks, and dangerous coastal storms. The South African Weather Service has forecast isolated showers for the eastern and northeastern regions, with strong winds and large waves along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. In the Northern Cape, particularly the Nama Khoi municipality, extremely high fire danger conditions have also been flagged. Gauteng Braces…

A new foot and mouth disease outbreak has been confirmed in the Free State, pushing the national total to 270 cases across five provinces, according to the Department of Agriculture. Latest Outbreak in Moqhaka Municipality The latest case was detected on a commercial farm in Moqhaka Local Municipality, within the Kroonstad state veterinary region. The department confirmed the outbreak on Monday, 15 July. “Trace-back activities are underway to find the source of infection,” said the department. “Surveillance is ongoing within a 10km radius to assess the potential spread.” Provinces Affected by Foot and Mouth Disease As of July 2025, a…

Eskom has proposed a fixed R500 connection fee for all households connected to its electricity grid. Additionally, solar power users are required to register their systems by March 31, 2026, or face penalties. These changes are part of Eskom’s efforts to address shifts in electricity consumption and grid management. Eskom proposed a new connection to Nersa, which, if successful, would mean that every household would have to pay an additional R500 per month to stay connected to the grid. Furthermore, households that generates their own electricity, such as rooftop solar installations, will be… — Willem Petzer (@willempet) July 10, 2025…

The 2025 tax season is here, and SARS has introduced several important updates. These tax season changes affect how you submit your return, who gets auto-assessed, how foreign income is handled, and more. 2025 Tax Season Dates Here’s when each filing window opens and closes: Taxpayer Type Filing Opens Filing Closes Auto-Assessments 7 July 2025 20 July 2025 Individuals 21 July 2025 20 October 2025 Provisional Taxpayers 21 July 2025 19 January 2026 Trusts 21 July 2025 19 January 2026 Auto-assessments are when SARS completes your tax return for you using third-party data (from your employer, bank, etc.). You just…

The name change proposal to rename South Africa to the Republic of Azania has reignited national debate. The African Transformation Movement (ATM), along with other political parties, plans to approach Parliament and the Constitutional Review Committee to push for this bold identity shift. Why Change the Name? The ATM argues that the name “South Africa” is a legacy of colonialism and does not reflect the country’s authentic identity. Party president and parliamentary leader Vuyo Zungula says the name was imposed during colonial rule and is rooted in the oppressive systems created by the British and the Boers. “Before 1652, we…

A new US bill against South Africa has been introduced in Congress in 2025. The legislation addresses diplomatic and legal actions involving South Africa’s relations with Israel and international institutions, proposing conditions on U.S. assistance and sanctions on certain officials. Introduction of the US Bill Against South Africa On June 17, 2025, Representative Greg Steube introduced the Addressing Hostile and Antisemitic Conduct by the Republic of South Africa Act of 2025. The bill, referred to the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and Judiciary, proposes suspending direct U.S. aid to South Africa and targeting officials with sanctions under specific criteria. Background…

Residents urged to prepare as 48-hour supply cut begins MondayA major water shortage is expected to affect large parts of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni starting Monday, as Rand Water begins essential maintenance work that will halve water supply for 48 hours.Maintenance to Cut Water Pressure by 50%Rand Water will reduce pumping capacity to just 50% as it carries out planned maintenance at its Eikenhof and Zwartkopjes facilities. The scheduled work begins at 5am on Monday, June 30th, and is set to conclude by 7am on Wednesday, July 2nd. 🚨 Important Update 🚨Rand Water’s Planned Maintenance scheduled for 30 June – 02…

An Israeli strike has triggered widespread devastation in Iran, killing top military leaders and targeting key nuclear sites—marking the most significant military escalation between the two nations to date. Full-Scale Israeli Strike on Iran Confirmed In the early hours of June 13, 2025, Israel launched a coordinated military operation codenamed Rising Lion, unleashing over 200 fighter jets and firing more than 300 precision-guided munitions on targets deep within Iranian territory. Israel strikes Iran with submarines and aircraft Tehran has 🅱️een hit. Sirens across Israel. Nuclear sites not targeted, as of now. Israel: “Missile and drone attack expected in immediate future” Iran:…

A plane crash occurred Thursday in Ahmedabad, India, involving a London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 people on board. Aviation authorities described the incident as a “tragic accident” that shocked the nation and prompted an urgent emergency response.Details of the Plane CrashAir India flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner scheduled to fly to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation reported that the plane sent a mayday distress signal before crashing just outside the airport perimeter. Passengers and Crew on BoardThe flight carried 242 individuals,…