insert_link South Africa DA in South Africa has criticised the appointment of Russia’s Gazprombank as an investment partner for PetroSA The DA in South Africa has criticised the appointment of Russia’s Gazprombank as an investment partner for PetroSA, labeling it an energy sector state capture. Gazprombank is expected to assist in the rebuilding of PetroSA’s mothballed refinery in Mossel Bay. DA national spokesperson for Mineral Resources and Energy, Kevin Mileham, has raised concerns about the authenticity of the partnership, pointing out Gazprombank is the financial arm of the Russian state-owned […] todayDecember 13, 2023 7
insert_link South Africa SA’s DA has expressed deep concern over the sudden resignation of State Information Technology Agency CEO SA's DA has expressed deep concern over the sudden resignation of State Information Technology Agency CEO, Bongani Mabaso, citing significant instability. Controversies include the dismissal of six board members, allegedly over a disagreement over Mabaso’s remuneration raise, leading to an October strike affecting various government departments. The DA’s Tsholofelo Bodlani calls on the minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Mondli Gungubele, to address remuneration increase allegations, board dismissals and Mabaso’s […] todayDecember 13, 2023 7
insert_link Entertainment South African singer Zahara dies at 36 Zahara, the South African singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and acclaimed ballads, passed away on Monday at the age of 36 in a Johannesburg hospital. Born Bulelwa Mkutukana on November 9, 1987, she was given the stage name Zahara by her father, meaning "blooming flower" in Arabic. The New York Times reports that Zahara, a self-taught musician, sang in English and Xhosa, making her a prominent figure in contemporary […] todayDecember 12, 2023 9
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s foreign policy under Ramaphosa has seen diplomatic tools being used to provide leadership as global power relations shift By Anthoni van Nieuwkerk, University of South Africa Leadership plays a critical role in diplomacy. What quality of leadership does South Africa need if it’s to secure its international interests? This is a question my colleagues and I have had the opportunity to reflect on in researching and writing about foreign policy since the late 1980s. Presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki displayed assertive African and global south leadership. Their […] todayDecember 12, 2023 6
insert_link South Africa The DA in Gauteng says it is unacceptable that residents will continue to be burdened by the unwanted e-tolls The DA in Gauteng says it is unacceptable that residents will continue to be burdened by the unwanted e-tolls, as the gantries will not be switched off at the end of the year, as promised by premier Panyaza Lesufi. MEC for Finance Jacob Mamabolo revealed last month that the proposal for Gauteng to pay its portion of the e-Toll debt, which now stands at 12.9-billion-rand, will only be handed over […] todayDecember 12, 2023 6
insert_link South Africa SA’s Sakeliga is taking the Treasury to court over exemptions granted to state-owned enterprises SA's Sakeliga says it has launched a court application against the minister of Finance and National Treasury, after battling to obtain information on the exemptions granted to various state-owned entities including Eskom. The exemption allows SOEs to avoid reporting irregular expenditures in their financial statements. The business organisation’s Tian Alberts says they want access to records related to Eskom’s withdrawn exemption, and records related to similar exemptions granted to other […] todayDecember 12, 2023 3
insert_link Health / Medical South Africa leads the continent in offering more paternal leave to fathers. How to make sure both parents benefit By Wessel Van Den Berg, Stellenbosch University A South African high court has ushered in a new era of parental leave with a landmark ruling that new parents can share four months of parental leave, previously available only to mothers. The case against the Minister of Labour was initiated by Werner and Ika van Wyk as first respondents, and advocacy group Sonke Gender Justice as third respondent. My organisation Equimundo: […] todayDecember 12, 2023 5
insert_link Business / Economics Less work hours improve productivity, pilot project results show Improved productivity, positive impacts on recruitment, decreased resignations and decreases in absenteeism are some of the benefits of a 4-day week, research results of the first ever pilot in a developing country - and the first in Africa – have shown. The recently released results show huge benefits for both employees and employers. Forward-thinking businesses and leaders in Namibia now have an opportunity to sign up for a 4 Day […] todayDecember 12, 2023 15
insert_link South Africa RISE Mzansi says South Africa’s water crisis is a national emergency RISE Mzansi says it is deeply concerned by the ongoing water crisis in parts of South Africa. The Department of Water and Sanitation’s 2023 Blue Drop Report shows that drinking water quality has deteriorated, and water losses have surged over the past nine years. RISE Mzansi’s, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, says they have already filed a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission, calling it to investigate the abuse of human […] todayDecember 12, 2023 7
