insert_link South Africa ANC President Criticizes DA-Run Tshwane Municipality Over Prolonged Water Crisis in Mamelodi Phase Four ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has taken aim at the DA-run Tshwane Municipality, denouncing its failure to address the prolonged water challenges faced by residents in Mamelodi phase four. Some residents have endured a water shortage for over two weeks, prompting criticism from the ANC leader. Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink previously attributed the issue to illegal informal settlement connections into the water systems.During a voter registration campaign in Mamelodi, Ramaphosa expressed […] todayFebruary 5, 2024 50
insert_link South Africa South Africa needs to manage migrants better. That requires cleaning up the Department of Home Affairs By Alan Hirsch, University of Cape Town Legal grievances against the South African Department of Home Affairs, including contempt of court cases, are depressingly common. Too frequently the minister has to apologise to a court, or to ask for more time, on behalf of the department. Most of the court cases involve the operations of the department regarding visas and permits for foreign visitors, immigrants and prospective refugees. […] todayFebruary 5, 2024 19
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s military is expected to do more than ever with tighter budgets: how the force has declined over 30 years Theo Neethling, University of the Free State The South African National Defence Force marks 30 years this year, having been established on 27 April 1994. It’s as old as the country’s constitutional democracy, the result of a negotiated political settlement that ended apartheid. The defence force consists of the army, air force, navy, and military health service. It’s an amalgamation of the former apartheid era South African Defence Force, […] todayFebruary 5, 2024 51
insert_link South Africa Eskom Adjusts Load-Shedding Levels for Short-Term Stability In response to improvements in the power system stability, Eskom has temporarily reduced load-shedding to stage two until four this afternoon. However, due to anticipated weekday electricity demand, the power utility will resume stage three load-shedding from four this afternoon until five tomorrow morning. This alternating pattern of stage two in the morning and stage three in the afternoon will persist until further notice. Eskom's spokesperson, Daphne Mokwena, highlights the […] todayFebruary 5, 2024 8
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 8
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 21
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 27
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 37
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 5