Author: Ariana Steenkamp

A weather warning has been issued as heavy storms continue to batter parts of South Africa, bringing destruction and disruption to inland provinces. The South African Weather Service has issued warnings for more extreme weather conditions throughout the week. Tornado Hits Tshwane, Causing Extensive Damage A powerful tornado tore through Tshwane on Tuesday, leaving a trail of destruction. Several buildings sustained damage, traffic lights were knocked out, and fallen trees obstructed roads in multiple areas. Emergency services are working to clear debris and restore normalcy. Pretoria – #Tornado hits the Montana area around 16:30 today pic.twitter.com/saHrqatSdN — TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) February…

Potential tax hikes could bring financial strain to South Africans this week as Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana prepares to present the 2025 budget on Wednesday, 19 February. Reports suggest that the National Treasury is considering multiple tax hikes to address a massive budget shortfall, potentially exceeding R300 billion. Possible Tax Increases on the Horizon According to the Sunday Times, Treasury is evaluating various tax adjustments, including increases in VAT, fuel levies, and sin taxes. A potential wealth tax may also be introduced. While taxpayers are already burdened, the government is seeking ways to close the funding gap amid rising costs…

The National Health Insurance (NHI) plan has been declared fundamentally flawed and beyond repair by a coalition representing a majority of South Africa’s healthcare professionals, medical workers, and patient advocacy groups. Despite ongoing discussions within the Government of National Unity (GNU) about potential amendments to improve the system, experts warn that the NHI fails to solve the country’s healthcare issues and may even exacerbate them. Medical Experts Oppose the NHI The Universal Healthcare Access Coalition (UHAC), comprising 28 organisations—including the South African Medical Association (SAMA), Progressive Health Forum, and the South African Private Practitioners Forum—has urged the government to abandon…

The recent enactment of South Africa’s Expropriation Act has ignited a legal battle within the country and heightened diplomatic tensions with the United States. The Democratic Alliance (DA), a key party in the coalition government, has taken the legislation to court, arguing that it grants excessive powers to the state by allowing land expropriation without compensation in specific cases. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has responded by freezing financial aid to South Africa and introducing an executive order aimed at resettling white South African farmers in the United States. The DA’s Legal Challenge: Echoes of Apartheid? Helen Zille, federal council chair of…

The Department of Employment and Labour has officially announced the new National Minimum Wage (NMW) for 2025, increasing the hourly pay for workers across various sectors. As of 1 March 2025, the minimum wage will be R28.79 per hour, reflecting a 4.4% increase from the 2024 rate of R27.58 per hour. This adjustment is in line with inflation and aims to ensure fair compensation for workers. Who Does the New Wage Apply To? The updated wage applies to all workers, including domestic and farm workers. However, there are exceptions: Workers in the Extended Public Works Programme will receive a reduced…

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has officially launched a dedicated cryptocurrency unit, set to aggressively tackle crypto trading and investments both within South Africa and abroad. With far-reaching powers, the unit is designed to clamp down on non-compliance, making it increasingly difficult and expensive for taxpayers to avoid their obligations. Global Reach: SARS Expands Crypto Oversight The new unit not only targets local crypto activity but also extends its reach globally, thanks to international cooperation and the automatic exchange of information. Tax experts at Tax Consulting SA emphasise that SARS can monitor crypto assets held both locally and offshore,…

Johannesburg, South Africa – February 5, 2025South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed concerns about the land expropriation law raised by Elon Musk after the billionaire entrepreneur criticized the country’s new legislation. Musk, who was born in South Africa, echoed former U.S. President Donald Trump in opposing the law. Why do you have openly racist ownership laws? https://t.co/tHWVsmB04F— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 3, 2025 Ramaphosa Pushes Back In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Ramaphosa’s office confirmed that he had spoken with Musk to address “misinformation and distortions” regarding South Africa. The president reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to the rule…

Eskom Enforces Solar System Registration for Homeowners Eskom is urging South African homeowners with rooftop solar panels to register their solar installations to avoid potential fines. The power utility warns that failure to comply with this requirement may result in penalties, even for systems that do not supply electricity to the grid. This move is part of Eskom’s ongoing effort to uphold national electricity regulations and ensure grid stability across the country. Eskom said all households and businesses with solar panels must register their installation or face significant fines.https://t.co/vwm34CppJU — Daily Investor (@DailyInvestorSA) February 3, 2025 Why Registering Solar Systems…

US President Donald Trump Announces Halt to Future Funding On February 3, 2025, United States President Donald Trump made a bold statement regarding South Africa’s land confiscation and new expropriation laws. Trump declared that the US would stop all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation into the country’s land confiscation practices was conducted. This announcement follows concerns about how South Africa is handling land distribution and the treatment of certain groups of people. Trump Criticizes South Africa’s Land Confescation Practices In a post on his Truth Social network, President Trump expressed his disapproval of South Africa’s land…

No 36% electricity tariff increase is expected in 2025, as Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has reassured South Africans. Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has assured South Africans that there will not be a 36% electricity tariff increase.https://t.co/P0ca0D2D7r — Cape {town} Etc (@CapeTownEtc) January 27, 2025 Government Rules Out Massive Tariff Hike Minister Ramokgopa has assured the public that there will not be a 36% electricity increase this year, addressing fears among financially burdened citizens. He made the announcement during the second day of the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) lekgotla in Boksburg, Johannesburg. The…