insert_link South Africa South Africa’s Electoral Commission Emphasizes Ongoing Process Deputy CEO of South Africa's Electoral Commission, Masego Sheburi, underscores that voter registration for the upcoming elections is an ongoing process. In a commendation of Home Affairs, he highlights the department's open offices, aiding those requiring assistance with identity documents crucial for registration. Sheburi emphasizes that the registration process extends beyond the weekend, promoting ongoing civic engagement. todayFebruary 5, 2024 6
insert_link South Africa South Africans are opting to go off-grid: how they’re being helped, and hindered, in their efforts By Germarié Viljoen, North-West University and Felix Dube, University of Pretoria Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned power utility, struggles to generate and supply a stable flow of electricity to meet demand. In 2023, there were times when households and businesses had no power for up to 11 hours a day. Eskom has warned that load shedding will be worse in 2024. The result is that many South Africans […] todayFebruary 2, 2024 15
insert_link South Africa Illegal dumping swamps Nelson Mandela Bay Residents burn rubbish outside the Motherwell NU8 clinic. Photos: Joseph Chirume By Joseph Chirume via GroundUp An ever-increasing number of illegal dump sites that are not getting cleared by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is making life unpleasant for people living in the townships of Gqeberha. It may also be impacting their health. GroundUp visited Motherwell, Kamvelihle, Wells Estate, and Kuyga, and found garbage blowing about the streets and a […] todayFebruary 2, 2024 19
insert_link South Africa Firefighters Make Significant Progress Containing Cape Winelands Fires The Cape Winelands Municipality reports substantial headway in controlling the fires in Worcester, Wolseley, and Rawsonville. Municipality spokesperson Jo-Anne Otto states that most of the fire lines demanding active firefighting efforts have been successfully contained. However, she notes that the fire line along the Brandvlei mountains toward the prison still exhibits active flames. todayFebruary 2, 2024 23
insert_link South Africa ANC to Pursue Disciplinary Action Against Zuma Despite Non-Response ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula asserts the party's commitment to pursue disciplinary action against former president Jacob Zuma, even if he doesn't respond to the suspension. Zuma's membership was suspended on Monday for violating the ANC's constitution through his involvement in the uMkonto we Sizwe Party. Mbalula emphasizes the party's dedication to upholding discipline and preserving the ANC's constitutional framework. todayFebruary 2, 2024 3
insert_link South Africa South AFrica’s Equal Education Urges Government Review of Controversial BELA Bill Equal Education, a South African learner rights organization, calls on the government to address concerns in the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill before finalization. The bill, aimed at updating basic education laws, faces criticism for potentially criminalizing parents and caregivers who don't send children to school. Researcher Katherine Sutherland of the Equal Education Law Centre urges the National Council of Provinces to amend specific aspects for a more balanced education […] todayFebruary 2, 2024 9
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s DA Urges Youth Empowerment and Change Through Active Voting in South African Election The Democratic Alliance in South Africa issues a rallying call to the nation's young population, urging them to reclaim their influence and vote for change in the forthcoming election. DA leader John Steenhuisen, speaking at the Multi-Party Charter for South Africa's voter registration event in Johannesburg, underscored the significance of youth engagement. He encouraged potential voters to register in substantial numbers during the upcoming registration drive weekend. Steenhuisen emphasized that […] todayFebruary 2, 2024 18
insert_link South Africa ANC Electoral Committee Reports Progress in Candidate Selection for Upcoming Elections The ANC's electoral committee has revealed encouraging advancements in the ongoing candidate selection process for the upcoming elections. Anticipated to conclude by mid-February, this process encompasses the nomination of three premier candidates from each province. Fikile Mbalula, the ANC secretary-general, shared insights during a post-National Executive Committee briefing, stating that the candidates will undergo interviews at a later stage. The specific timing for these interviews will be determined by the […] todayFebruary 2, 2024 5
insert_link South Africa Eskom Extends Load-Limiting Project to Gauteng to Mitigate Load-Shedding Challenges In response to ongoing challenges posed by load-shedding, Eskom has expanded its load-limiting project to Gauteng following a successful pilot in Fourways. The initiative, designed to optimize electricity consumption during load-shedding stages one to four, focuses on areas equipped with smart meters, enabling remote control of electricity capacity. Eskom spokesperson Amanda Qithi explained that customers in these areas will receive prompts to reduce consumption an hour before load-shedding, ensuring continued […] todayFebruary 2, 2024 3
