insert_link South Africa South Africa’s minister of Basic Education has announced plans to review the Grade 12 pass mark South Africa's minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, has announced plans to review the Grade 12 pass mark, currently at 30-percent. Gwarube, addressing criticism of the existing pass rate, also revealed plans to establish an advisory council comprising key stakeholders and experts. The council aims to ensure efforts to strengthen education are targeted, evidence-based, and informed by best practices. She says the focus is on enhancing literacy and numeracy: todayJuly 17, 2024 40
insert_link South Africa KwaZulu-Natal premier says due to the magnitude and frequency of disasters, the province is financially constrained In South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal premier ,Thami Ntuli says due to the magnitude and frequency of disasters, the province is financially constrained in providing the required relief to affected communities. Raging fires that occurred in various communities in the province’s northern and midlands areas have claimed at least 14 lives, with 25 others injured, and thousands left homeless. The deceased include six firefighters. Ntuli says the heavy rains, tornadoes, and fire […] todayJuly 17, 2024 11
insert_link South Africa S.A’s Automobile Association reports minor changes in fuel prices for next month S.A's Automobile Association reports minor changes in fuel prices for next month, with mid-month data indicating slight decreases, with 95-octane petrol down seven-cents per litre and 93-octane petrol down four-cents per litre. Diesel prices may slightly go down by one-cent per litre. While illuminating paraffin could increase by approximately six-cents per litre. The Association’s spokesperson Eleanor Mavimbela says despite decreases, high fuel prices persist, urging a review of the fuel […] todayJuly 17, 2024 10
insert_link South Africa South Africa to Intensify Efforts Against Construction Site Disruptions South Africa's Public Works and Infrastructure minister, Dean Macpherson has announced plans to intensify efforts to combat construction site disruptions through collaboration with law enforcement. The partnership aims to crack down on violence, intimidation, and extortion within the construction sector, to ensure uninterrupted project continuity and safety. Delivering the budget vote, Macpherson says this initiative forms part of broader measures to uphold lawfulness and protect the integrity of infrastructure development: […] todayJuly 17, 2024 12
insert_link South Africa S.A’s International Relations minister will meet with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in London S.A's International Relations minister, Ronald Lamola, will meet with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in London today. This marks Lamola’s first international engagement since his appointment in the new portfolio. Lamola says during the visit they will discuss global issues and strengthen bilateral economic trade. He told the SABC he will also address the British community to celebrate South Africa’s 30 years of democracy: todayJuly 16, 2024 41
insert_link South Africa S.A National Nuclear Regulator has extended Eskom’s license to operate Unit One of the Koeberg nuclear power station The S.A National Nuclear Regulator has extended Eskom's license to operate Unit One of the Koeberg nuclear power station for an additional 20 years. This decision follows extensive public consultations and technical reviews. The unit, generating 920 megawatts, will now operate until July 2044. The NNR will deliberate on the extension for Unit Two at a later date. Eskom's spokesperson, Daphne Mokwena, has assured the public of Koeberg's safety and […] todayJuly 16, 2024 10
insert_link South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has declared the recent Cabinet Lekgotla a success President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has declared the recent Cabinet Lekgotla a success. The gathering, attended by 32 ministers, 43 deputy ministers, and department directors-general, set the government of national unity's Statement of Intent as the guiding document for the seventh parliament. The president says he will outline the Lekgotla outcomes on Thursday during a joint sitting for the Opening of Parliament Address, coinciding with Nelson Mandela International Day: […] todayJuly 16, 2024 10
insert_link South Africa S.A’s Transport minister says her first task in the seventh administration is to stabilise the transport system S.A's Transport minister Barbara Creecy says her first task in the seventh administration is to stabilise the transport system and make the department is fit to fulfil its policy-making and regulatory role. She presented the department's budget vote yesterday. The minister says every year, the country sees more than ten-thousand fatal crashes, which amount to almost three-percent of the annual Gross Domestic Product. Creecy also highlighted the department’s mission: todayJuly 16, 2024 11
insert_link South Africa South African President as emphasised the need for substantial investments in sustainable infrastructure South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the need for substantial investments in sustainable infrastructure, green technologies, and social programmes. Ramaphosa called for blended finance to attract private-sector investment. The president highlighted the importance of international development finance and pledges from the Paris Agreement and COP26 as sources of capital. He urges collaboration among government, business, and communities to build a climate-resilient and sustainable future for South Africa: todayJuly 16, 2024 13
