Iran Offers Safe Passage for South African Cargoes Through Strait of Hormuz
Iran's ambassador to South Africa, Mahdi Agha Jafari, has pledged safe passage for South African vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. The offer comes amidst heightened regional tensions, with the ambassador also calling on BRICS member nations to take a unified stance against U.S. and Israeli policies in the Middle East.
George Municipality Intensifies Water Conservation Efforts During National Water Week
As South Africa observes National Water Week, the George Municipality is ramping up water-saving interventions and public awareness campaigns. Facing ongoing drought conditions, local authorities are urging residents to adopt stricter water-wise habits to ensure the long-term sustainability of the region's water supply.
South Africa Announces Preparations for 6th Annual Investment Conference
The South African Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition has confirmed that the country will host its 6th Investment Conference on March 31, 2026. The event aims to attract domestic and international capital to boost economic growth and job creation, continuing the government's ongoing efforts to stimulate investment across key sectors of the national economy.
Suspect Arrested in Murder of Key Ekurhuleni Corruption Witness
South African authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of a key witness who provided testimony regarding corruption in Ekurhuleni. The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has welcomed the development, emphasizing the importance of protecting those who come forward to expose wrongdoing in the public sector.
South Africa Secures Seven-Wicket Victory Over New Zealand in T20 Opener
The South African cricket team, the Proteas, claimed a decisive seven-wicket victory against New Zealand in the first T20 international held at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. South Africa successfully chased down the target to take an early lead in the series, anchored by a strong batting performance.
South Africa Celebrates 2026 National Gardens Week with Nationwide Botanical Initiatives
South Africa observed the 2026 National Gardens Week, highlighting the country's rich biodiversity. Botanical gardens across the nation hosted public events, educational tours, and conservation initiatives to encourage environmental stewardship and celebrate the role of indigenous flora in the South African landscape.
South Africa Summons US Ambassador Over Diplomatic Concerns
The South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has summoned US Ambassador Brent Bozell. The move follows concerns raised by the South African government regarding remarks made by the ambassador concerning the nation's judicial rulings and economic policies, which officials characterized as undiplomatic.
Thousands March in Durban Against Proposed Religious Regulation Policy
Thousands of congregants and religious leaders gathered in Durban, South Africa, to protest against the government's proposed 'Policy on the Prevention and Prohibition of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech' and broader efforts to regulate religious institutions, citing concerns over religious freedom and state interference.
FlySafair Implements Temporary Fuel Surcharge Amid Rising Global Costs
South African airline FlySafair has introduced a temporary fuel surcharge on ticket prices. The decision follows a significant increase in jet fuel costs, which the airline attributes to global market volatility linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Passengers are advised to check updated fare structures as the airline navigates these rising operational expenses.
FlySafair Implements Temporary Fuel Surcharge Amid Rising Global Costs
South African airline FlySafair has introduced a temporary fuel surcharge on ticket prices. The decision follows a significant increase in jet fuel costs, which the airline attributes to geopolitical instability in the Middle East affecting global oil markets. Passengers are advised to check updated fare structures as the airline navigates these volatile operational expenses.
Congress of the People Holds Memorial Service for Mosiuoa Lekota
The Congress of the People (COPE) gathered at the historic Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Soweto to honor the life and legacy of its late leader, Mosiuoa 'Terror' Lekota. The memorial service served as the first official tribute to the veteran politician, activist, and former government minister, drawing mourners from across the political spectrum to celebrate his contributions to South Africa.
South African and West Indies Cricket Squads Depart India Following Airspace Closures
South African and West Indies cricket squads have successfully departed India on a chartered flight. The teams were previously stranded in the country due to sudden international airspace closures, prompting a coordinated effort to secure their safe return home.
Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga Leads South African Delegation to UN Commission on the Status of Women
Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, is leading the South African delegation to the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York. The delegation aims to advance gender equality and discuss critical issues affecting women and girls on the global stage.
Persistent Water Crisis Grips Lekwa Local Municipality in Mpumalanga
Residents in the Lekwa Local Municipality, South Africa, continue to endure severe water shortages. The crisis, driven by aging infrastructure, pump station failures, and ongoing maintenance challenges, has left many communities without reliable access to water, prompting calls for urgent intervention from local and provincial authorities to address the systemic service delivery failures.
South African Presidency Announces Special Official Funeral for Mosioua Lekota
The South African presidency has declared a Special Official Funeral for Mosioua 'Terror' Lekota, the former Free State premier and Congress of the People leader. The state honor recognizes his significant contributions to the nation's liberation struggle and democratic transition. Flags will be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect.
South Africa's Both Worlds Partners with Atlanta-based Freeli Films for Microdrama Production
South African production company Both Worlds has entered a strategic partnership with Atlanta-based Freeli Films. The collaboration aims to co-produce premium microdrama series, leveraging Both Worlds' creative expertise and Freeli Films' distribution platform to reach global audiences with short-form, high-quality content.
South Africa Launches Landmark Water Bond to Combat Water Scarcity
Rand Merchant Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa have launched a 2.2 billion rand ($122 million) bond. The initiative aims to fund critical water catchment restoration projects and address systemic water shortages across South Africa, marking a significant step in leveraging private capital for environmental and infrastructure resilience.
Cape Town Man Secures ID Document Reflecting Full Indigenous Name After System Error
A Cape Town resident has successfully obtained a South African identity document featuring his full indigenous name, resolving a long-standing system error. The Department of Home Affairs facilitated the correction, marking a significant step in recognizing indigenous naming conventions within the national identification system.
ANC Condemns 'PM27' Campaign Backing Patrice Motsepe for 2027 Presidency
The African National Congress (ANC) has strongly condemned the 'PM27' campaign, which seeks to position billionaire Patrice Motsepe as the party's next president in 2027. The party's National Executive Committee cited concerns over disunity and distraction from current priorities, reiterating its ban on premature leadership campaigns ahead of its 2027 National Conference.
Johannesburg Faces R64 Billion Water Infrastructure Crisis Amidst Significant Losses
Johannesburg is grappling with a severe water infrastructure crisis, losing nearly half of its treated water to leaks, bursts, and illegal connections. The city requires an estimated R64 billion over ten years to repair and upgrade its ailing network, a challenge exacerbated by historical underinvestment and the diversion of water revenue for other municipal functions.