South Africa

South Africa faces trade fallout with U.S.

“He wants access to our markets but refuses to abide by Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) policies.” WINDHOEK, March 12 - Diplomatic tensions between South Africa and the United States have intensified following President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to sign the controversial Expropriation Act into law. The move has received strong opposition from Washington, with the Trump administration responding by cutting aid and accusing Pretoria of discrimination against Afrikaner farmers. News24 […]

March 12, 2025 36

South Africa

ActionSA Demands Transparency on Ithala Bank Loans

ActionSA is demanding transparency from KwaZulu-Natal's Ithala bank over outstanding loans granted to politically exposed individuals. The party is concerned that taxpayer funds may have been misused to benefit politicians and their associates, including the chairperson of Parliament’s portfolio committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Zweli Mkhize, and his family. ActionSA’s Alan Beesley says reports indicate that Ithala is commercially and technically insolvent, with 2.2-billion-rand in loans, but only […]

March 7, 2025 29

South Africa

ATM Condemns Mchunu’s Non-Disclosure of Phala Phala Report in S.A

In S.A, the African Transformation Movement has condemned Mchunu's nondisclosure of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate report on the Phala Phala saga. ATM spokesperson Zama Ntshona argues that this move shields president Cyril Ramaphosa from scrutiny, undermines transparency, and raises concerns about the misuse of state resources. He calls for Mchunu to declassify the report immediately to ensure accountability and justice:

March 6, 2025 24

South Africa

OUTA Urges SA Finance Minister to Tackle Corruption in Budget Speech

In S.A, the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse urges Finance minister Enoch Godongwana to prioritise the fight against corruption and financial mismanagement in next week’s revised budget speech. The organisation criticised the government for failing to tackle wasteful spending and poor financial management, which could improve the national budget by 500-billion-rand annually. OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage expects meaningful changes in the upcoming budget:

March 6, 2025 27

South Africa

DA Warns of Economic Risks as S.A. GDP Growth Slows

In S.A, the DA says the weak 0.6-percent gross domestic product growth rate in the fourth quarter of 2024 is a warning sign that unless urgent action is taken, the country will continue to slide deeper into economic decline. Statistics South Africa attributed the growth to, among others, an increase of 17.2-percent in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industries. The DA’s, Mark Burke, says the economy is clearly in crisis, […]

March 5, 2025 35

South Africa

69-Year-Old Woman Sentenced to 10 Years for Perjury, Fraud, and Theft in S.A

The Pretoria North Regional Court has sentenced a 69-year-old woman to ten years in prison for perjury, fraud, and theft. Sarathamoney Devi Sigamoney defrauded SASSA while leading a company that won SAPS tenders worth 88-million-rand. The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption's Henry Mamothame says the court ordered Sigamoney to repay 138-thousand-593 with interest.

March 5, 2025 32

South Africa

ActionSA challenges GNU to break the ANC’s reliance on failing economic policies

ActionSA has challenged the government of national unity partners to break the ANC’s reliance on failing economic policies. ActionSA's Alan Beesley says South Africa’s economy remains far below emerging market averages, while unemployment remains at 41.9-percent.

March 5, 2025 27

South Africa

South African Local Government Association Proposes Zero-VAT on Water and Electricity

South Africa's Local Government Association has proposed the zero-VAT-rating of essential items like water and electricity. SALGA's Sabelo Gwala says taxing luxury goods will increase government revenue, suggesting a staggered VAT approach. This comes ahead of Finance minister Enoch Godongwana’s revised budget next Wednesday following disagreements over a potential VAT increase. Gwala warns that a blanket VAT hike would have severe consequences:

March 5, 2025 29

South Africa

Afrikaans lobby group launches “Not USA, But YOU SA” campaign

The Afrikaans lobby group, Betereinders, has launched a new campaign called "Not USA, But YOU SA," calling on South Africans to unite in the face of growing tensions between the US and South Africa. The campaign follows comments made by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who criticised the organisations AfriForum and Solidarity for allegedly spreading divisive narratives to the United States. These groups have been accused of influencing US policy […]

March 4, 2025 59