South Africa has missed its 2025 deadline for a high-speed rail service, with attention now on a Gauteng-Limpopo line projected for completion by 2030. Construction for this 500km route, aiming to significantly cut travel times, is anticipated to commence in late 2026.
Gauteng Police have confirmed the arrest of a second suspect, a 25-year-old Mozambican national, in connection with the assassination of popular media personality Warrick 'DJ Warras' Stock. The suspect, believed to be the shooter, was apprehended in Primrose and faces charges of murder and contravention of the Immigration Act. This follows the earlier arrest and bail denial of Soweto taxi boss Victor Majola.
South Africa has declared Israel's chargé d'affaires, Ariel Seidman, persona non grata, ordering him to leave within 72 hours over alleged diplomatic norm violations and insulting social media posts against President Ramaphosa. Israel swiftly responded by expelling South Africa's senior diplomatic representative, Shaun Edward Byneveldt, escalating already strained relations.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for the urgent implementation of the Madlanga Commission's interim report, which recommends criminal investigations and disciplinary action against police and municipal officials for corruption. A special task team will be established to investigate allegations of fraud, corruption, perjury, and murder. The report, submitted in December 2025, follows allegations of a criminal syndicate infiltrating South Africa's justice system.
South Africa's Independent Communications Authority (ICASA) has published new regulations aimed at making communication services more affordable and accessible. Effective January 2027, these rules mandate data rollover, allow bundle transfers, and curb unexpected out-of-bundle charges, significantly enhancing consumer protection.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has successfully recovered and returned R1.7 billion to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in South Africa. These funds, unallocated between 2016 and 2021 due to weak controls and institutions retaining money beyond permissible periods, will now be redirected to support deserving students.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a continued focus on investment and infrastructure development to ensure South Africa's economic recovery and growth. Citing positive indicators like four consecutive quarters of growth and declining unemployment, Ramaphosa emphasized that expanding investment is key to a sustained economic trajectory. The government has committed over R1 trillion for infrastructure projects over the next three years.
Absa, in partnership with HEINEKEN Beverages, has launched a significant R1.2 billion funding programme in South Africa. This initiative aims to provide a crucial lifeline to Black-owned Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) facing financial distress amidst challenging economic conditions, offering both capital and comprehensive support services.
The South African Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Gauteng and several northern provinces, including Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West, for this week. Residents are urged to prepare for heavy rainfall, strong winds, lightning, hail, and potential localized flooding.
South Africa's property market is anticipated to undergo a major transformation in 2026, moving from years of stagnation to a period of growth. This shift is driven by easing interest rates, improving economic conditions, and a notable surge in demand, particularly from first-time homebuyers. House price growth is expected to outpace inflation, though regional variations will persist.
Minister Maropene Ramokgopa provided an update on South Africa's economic recovery, highlighting a 0.8% GDP growth in Q2 2025 and a decline in unemployment to 31.9% in Q3 2025. Despite these positive indicators, significant challenges such as high youth unemployment, poverty, and inequality persist, necessitating further structural reforms.
Heavy rainfall and widespread flooding in South Africa's Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces have resulted in 38 fatalities and extensive damage to infrastructure and thousands of homes. A national state of disaster was declared on January 18, 2026, as relief efforts are underway, hampered by ongoing adverse weather conditions. The floods have also impacted Kruger National Park, causing significant financial losses.
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has attributed the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party's significant electoral success in the 2024 elections to an enduring apartheid-era system designed to undermine the African National Congress (ANC). Mbeki's remarks, made at a veterans' conference, suggest a 'counter-revolutionary' force at play, a claim strongly refuted by the MK Party.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved salary increases for South African public office bearers, ranging between 3.8% and 4.1%, effective April 1, 2025. The decision follows recommendations from the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers.
A high-level South African delegation, led by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, is attending the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos from January 19-23, 2026, to highlight the country's economic stability, structural reforms, and attractive investment landscape.
Eight people were shot dead and two injured in a mass shooting at a shebeen in Cape Town's Philippi East on January 17, 2026. Police are investigating links to extortion, a prevalent issue in the area. The victims include the female owner of the establishment, and a manhunt is underway for at least three suspects.
South Africa's Defence Minister Angie Motshekga has ordered a board of inquiry to investigate Iran's participation in recent BRICS+ naval drills. The probe aims to determine if presidential orders to limit Iran's involvement were ignored, following strong condemnation from the United States.
South Africa's Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces are battling severe flooding under a rare Red Level 10 storm warning from the SA Weather Service. Relentless rainfall has caused widespread damage, school closures, and the temporary closure of Kruger National Park, prompting evacuations and rescue operations.
Eskom has reported its highest reserve electricity capacity in five years, adding 4,400MW to the national grid. This significant improvement, driven by the Generation Recovery Plan, indicates a more stable power system for South Africa, marked by reduced load shedding and improved operational metrics.
Former Acting National Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane appeared before South Africa's Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee today, addressing allegations of corruption, political interference, and unlawful suspension during his tenure. His testimony is a key moment in the ongoing probe into the integrity of the nation's policing and justice systems.
