Author: Ariana Steenkamp

Worst Election Result in 30 Years South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC), led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is facing unprecedented pressure after experiencing its worst election result in 30 years. The ANC garnered only 40% of the vote in Wednesday’s poll, a significant drop from the 58% it achieved in the previous election. This outcome forces the party to seek coalition partners to retain power, a first since the end of apartheid in 1994. Declining Support and Voter Discontent The ANC’s support has been steadily declining due to widespread dissatisfaction with high levels of corruption, unemployment, and crime. The…

Overview of Election Results As of Friday, May 31, 2024, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has processed close to 63% of the votes from the National and Provincial Election. The African National Congress (ANC) is currently leading with 3,634,911 votes, which accounts for 41.94% of the total votes counted so far. Leading Parties by Vote Count African National Congress (ANC): 3,634,911 votes (41.94%) Democratic Alliance (DA): 1,990,979 votes (22.97%) uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party: 1,010,680 votes (11.66%) Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF): 824,597 votes (9.52%) Patriotic Alliance (PA): 227,174 votes (2.62%) These percentages are reflective of the ongoing vote tallying…

After years of extensive debate, amendments, and modifications, the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill has been approved by the National Assembly, edging closer to becoming law. Here’s a breakdown of what the BELA Bill entails and its implications for the education sector. Parliamentary Approval The BELA Bill’s journey through Parliament has been lengthy and contentious. The final vote in the National Assembly saw 223 MPs in favour and 78 against, with no abstentions. Key Amendments in the BELA Bill The primary goal of the BELA Bill is to amend the South African Schools Act and the Employment of Educators Act, aligning…

In recent months, South Africa has witnessed a concerning surge in highway robbery incidents, particularly in and around Pretoria. Criminals are resorting to placing spikes or other hazardous objects on public roads, aiming to target unsuspecting drivers and rob them of their possessions. Modus Operandi and Hotspots These criminals operate primarily after dark, taking advantage of the cover of night to conceal the hazards until it’s too late for drivers to react. Typically, they use spikes crafted from nails, wood, or large stones to damage vehicles, particularly their tyres, forcing drivers to pull over. Notable hotspots for these spiking incidents include: The…

A recap of recent events on Johannesburg’s M1 highway, including an underground fire and subsequent smoke sightings. On May 1, 2024, the M1 highway in Johannesburg experienced significant disruptions due to an underground fire. The incident, which occurred in the city centre, resulted in power outages in various suburbs. Emergency services swiftly responded to the blaze, which was attributed to cable theft. M1 North Reopens Amidst Cable Fire Aftermath Following an intense 18-hour battle to contain the fire, the M1 northbound lanes were reopened to traffic. However, the restoration of power to affected areas, including Braamfontein, Fordsburg, and Parktown, remained a…

Concerns Over Adolescent Pregnancies The Gauteng health department recently expressed deep concerns regarding the surge in teenage pregnancies within the province. Notably, there has also been a rise in the number of abortions recorded among girls aged between 10 and 19 years old. Data Insights and Planned Interventions During the period of 2022/23, a total of 24,941 deliveries and terminations of pregnancies were reported across various healthcare facilities in Gauteng. This figure marks an increase of 496 cases. This concerning trend involves girls in their adolescent years.Global Trends in Teenage Pregnancy Globally, approximately one in six young women gives birth before turning…

Get ready for changes at the pumps as the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy announces the latest petrol and diesel price, effective from May 1st, 2024. Petrol and Diesel Price Trends Throughout April, South Africa has experienced a varied pattern in fuel price adjustments, with petrol indicating an under-recovery and diesel showing an over-recovery. Petrol: Expect a 37 cents per litre increase. Diesel: Anticipate relief ranging from 30 to 36 cents per litre. Detailed Changes Here’s a breakdown of the adjustments: Petrol 93 – increase of 37 cents per litre Petrol 95 – increase of 37 cents per litre Diesel…

Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has spearheaded the establishment of the department’s latest office at Southgate Mall in Johannesburg, marking a significant step in enhancing accessibility to essential services for residents. This initiative mirrors the success seen in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly at the Pavilion Shopping Centre in Durban. Efficient Service Delivery Motsoaledi emphasised the efficiency of the new office, which has already processed a substantial number of identity documents and passport applications since its soft opening on April 12th. The reduced waiting times, now down to 13 days for most applications, reflect the department’s commitment to improving service delivery. Expanding Into…

Celebrating Earth Day: A Brief HistoryEvery year on April 22nd, people around the world come together to celebrate Earth Day. This day holds significant importance as it marks the birth of the modern environmental movement back in 1970. The movement emerged out of a growing concern for the environment, fuelled by a lack of legal frameworks to protect it.The Birth of a MovementOn April 22, 1970, a staggering 20 million people took to the streets of America in a powerful display of unity. Their protests echoed a collective frustration over the rampant environmental degradation happening unchecked. Factories were freely dumping toxic…

Unlocking Opportunities In today’s digital age, online presence has become synonymous with daily life. With the surge in popularity of social media platforms, people worldwide are spending an increasing amount of time online. This trend is particularly prominent in South Africa, where screen time ranks among the highest globally, presenting significant opportunities for businesses to leverage this digital landscape. Elevating Engagement: The Rise of Screen Time According to recent data from Datareportal, South Africa stands out for its notable screen time statistics. Individuals within the region are spending significant portions of their day engaged with digital devices, emphasising the importance of…