Author: Ariana Steenkamp

In South Africa, significant changes to alcohol laws are under consideration, with key stakeholders and government departments advocating for reforms to the legal drinking age and regulations surrounding alcohol sales. These proposed changes are part of the ongoing discussions surrounding the Liquor Amendment Bill, initially introduced by the Department of Trade and Industry in 2016. Proposed Changes to Legal Drinking Age and Sales Regulations The Liquor Amendment Bill suggests several crucial adjustments aimed at better regulating alcohol consumption in South Africa. Key proposals include Raising the Legal Drinking Age: The bill aims to increase the legal drinking age from 18…

The South African government has raised concerns about an upcoming drop in temperatures, issuing a second weather alert in less than two weeks, warning citizens to prepare for potential snowfall. Acting Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has advised South Africans to exercise caution following an alert from the South African Weather Service (SAWS). Recent Snowfall Impacts Multiple Provinces Over the past weekend, various regions across the country, including Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape, experienced heavy snowfall. The severe weather conditions disrupted major roadways, particularly the N3 toll route, leaving many motorists, truck…

President’s Strategic Focus on Economic Growth at the UN General Assembly While attending the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Cyril Ramaphosa engaged in a highly anticipated meeting with Elon Musk, the billionaire founder of Tesla and SpaceX. This meeting, held as part of Ramaphosa’s broader efforts to revive South Africa’s economy, highlighted the president’s goal of attracting large-scale foreign investments, especially in the tech and clean energy sectors. The encounter marks a pivotal moment as South Africa works to reposition itself as a leader in sustainable development. Ramaphosa’s R2-trillion investment drive is focused on addressing the…

A devastating snowstorm over the weekend wreaked havoc on the N3 highway in KwaZulu-Natal, resulting in the tragic deaths of two people from hypothermia. Motorists were left stranded for nearly two days in freezing conditions, unable to move as thick snow blanketed the roads. Rescue Efforts in Full Force Acting KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa provided an update on Sunday, emphasizing that while many motorists had been rescued, some remained trapped in their vehicles. Multiple teams, including non-governmental organizations such as the Red Cross and Al Imdaad Foundation, were mobilized to deliver food, water, and hot meals to the stranded individuals. Provincial agencies,…

Snow and severe storms are anticipated over the high-altitude regions of the Western Cape starting Thursday night, with predictions from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) indicating that the snow will extend to the mountainous areas of the Eastern Cape by Friday. Snow Expanding Across SA According to SAWS meteorologist Lehlohonolo Thobela, the snow and severe storms will gradually spread into Lesotho and the western regions of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) by Friday evening. In addition to the snow, isolated to scattered thundershowers are expected to affect southern and eastern parts of South Africa starting Thursday. By Friday evening, Gauteng, the Free State, and…

Why Level 1 Restrictions Are Needed Rand Water, Gauteng’s main water supplier, has introduced Level 1 water restrictions due to increased water demand and ongoing supply issues. The restrictions aim to manage the region’s water resources effectively. Challenges Leading to Restrictions Rand Water CEO Sipho Mosai pointed out key issues prompting these restrictions: Rising Water Demand: High consumption rates are straining water availability. Illegal Mining Activities: Unauthorized mining is impacting water resources. Unauthorized Connections: Illegal water connections are worsening the situation. Additionally, Johannesburg Water is experiencing service disruptions due to the high demand for water. Duration and Impact of Restrictions The Level 1…

The FBI has launched an investigation into what it described as an “assassination attempt” of former President Donald Trump at his Florida golf club. Trump, who was not harmed, was on the premises when the incident occurred. According to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, the Secret Service spotted a rifle barrel protruding from a fence. Agents fired at a man seen hiding in the bushes along the perimeter before the suspect fled the scene in a car. Law enforcement officers later detained the individual on a nearby highway. Suspect Identified as Ryan Wesley Routh Three law enforcement sources identified the suspect…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his willingness to engage in discussions regarding concerns about the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill. This commitment comes amidst growing opposition and debates surrounding the proposed amendments to South Africa’s education laws.  Political Backlash and Legal Threats President Ramaphosa’s willingness to engage with different parties comes in response to significant criticism from opposition groups like the Democratic Alliance (DA) and civil organizations such as AfriForum. The Presidency announced that the signing of the BELA Bill would take place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Friday, prompting DA leader John Steenhuisen to call for an urgent meeting…

The South African Department of Health has reintroduced the new smoking laws under the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill to the portfolio committee on health, reigniting efforts to pass stricter regulations. This bill aims to regulate the sale, advertising, and use of tobacco products and electronic nicotine delivery systems, such as vapes. It introduces specific measures and strict penalties for those who violate the new rules. The Department of Health (DoH) clarified that it does not intend to impose a total ban on tobacco products in South Africa. However, the proposed laws are designed to significantly restrict access,…

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) recently introduced significant changes to retirement savings with the new Two-Pot Retirement System, which became effective this week. Alongside these updates, SARS launched a Two-Pot Retirement System Calculator to help taxpayers estimate their potential withdrawal amounts. Key Changes from 1 September 2024 From 1 September 2024, individuals who are members of pension funds, provident funds, pension preservation funds, provident preservation funds, and retirement annuity funds will have the option to access a portion of their retirement savings while still a member of the fund. This system divides retirement funds into three distinct components: 1. Vested…