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 19
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 26
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 8
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 13
insert_link South Africa Independent Electoral Commission Firmly Denies Bias Allegations by Former President Jacob Zuma SA's Independent Electoral Commission emphatically refutes former president Jacob Zuma's allegations of bias toward the ANC, asserting that such claims are baseless. Zuma recently accused the commission of favoritism towards the ANC and suggested that certain IEC officials could be influenced with bribes to circumvent the commission's system. Janet Love, representing the IEC, urges political parties to collaborate with the commission to ensure the integrity of free and fair elections. […] todayFebruary 1, 2024 27
insert_link South Africa Firefighters Grapple with Intense Blazes Despite Marginal Nighttime Cooling in Cape Winelands While slightly cooler night temperatures provided some respite, firefighters continue to combat multiple blazes in Worcester, Wolseley, and Rawsonville within the Cape Winelands Municipality. Presently, nine firefighting vehicles with crews and an additional 65 ground crew members are on the scene. Jo-Anne Otto, the municipality's spokesperson, highlighted the challenging conditions, mentioning that the South African Weather Service predicts temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius today, posing additional hurdles for firefighting activities. […] todayFebruary 1, 2024 34
insert_link Business / Economics Cape Town to mint 6,100 new millionaires in projected wealth boom By Seth Onyango, via bird story agency Cape Town is forecast to become the fourth fastest-growing wealth hub per capita among the BRICS states, according to new insights from Henley & Partners (H&P). The picturesque city is forecast to add 6,100 millionaires over the next ten years, over and above the current 7,400, representing an 85% jump. "It is currently benefiting from the ongoing ‘semigration’ of large numbers […] todayFebruary 1, 2024 33
insert_link South Africa EFF Accuses ANC of Silencing Opposition Amid Failed Court Attempt The Economic Freedom Fighters alleges that the ANC-led government is employing vindictive measures to stifle opposition voices and avoid accountability. The EFF's recent attempt to overturn the suspension of six party members, including leader Julius Malema, from Parliament for the current month was unsuccessful. This exclusion denies them participation in crucial events, such as the State of the Nation Address, subsequent debate, and the budget speech. EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo […] todayFebruary 1, 2024 3
insert_link Business / Economics Bridging the climate finance gap through collaboration and innovation Government, labour, business, and civil society must collaborate and innovate if South Africa is to raise the R535 billion required to meet its NDC target by 2030. In light of estimates that South Africa will require, on average, R334 billion and R535 billion annually to achieve its net zero goal by 2050 and NDCs by 2030, respectively, it is clear that something radical needs to change and quickly if we […] todayFebruary 1, 2024 30