South Africa

USAID Grant Freeze in South Africa Threatens HIV/AIDS Fight, Warns Tutu Foundation

The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation in S.A warns the permanent freeze of USAID grants in South Africa will have severe consequences in the battle against HIV and AIDS. The foundation's CEO Linda-Gail Bekker says the cancelled funding, including for PEPFAR, which supports 5.5-million people with antiretroviral treatment, threatens critical services. She express concern over the loss of specialised care and prevention tools:

March 1, 2025 20

South Africa

BOSA Slams Corporate PR for Failing SA Education

Build One South Africa has criticised corporate Public Relations campaigns that do little to fix South Africa’s education crisis. Leader Mmusi Maimane called on businesses to invest in long-term solutions like Early Childhood Development centres instead of branded donations. With over three-million learners lacking desks and 81-percent of children unable to read for meaning by age 10, BOSA's Roger Solomons demands sustainable corporate investment in education:

February 28, 2025 29

South Africa

Ntshavheni Urge AfriForum And Solidarity To Take Trump’s Offer If Unhappy in SA

S.A's Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has hit back at AfriForum and Solidarity, urging them to accept US president Donald Trump’s offer to resettle in America if they are unhappy in South Africa. Ntshavheni accused the organisations of spreading false claims about the Expropriation Act and undermining the country:

February 28, 2025 25

South Africa

US Halts USAID HIV Funding for South Africa

The Trump administration has ordered the immediate termination of USAID funding for HIV programs in South Africa, impacting several organizations supported through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief . This decision, reported by News24, could result in setbacks in the fight against HIV and tuberculosis. Since its launch in 2003, PEPFAR has provided South Africa with approximately R145 billion, including R8.1 billion for the current US financial year.

February 28, 2025 20

Business / Economics

Minister in the Presidency in S.A says G20 presidency is progressing well

Minister in the Presidency of South Africa, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says its G20 presidency is progressing well following the successful Foreign ministers' meeting in Johannesburg last week and the ongoing Finance ministers and central bank governors' meeting in Cape Town. According to Ntshavheni, the cabinet highlighted that the G20 remains essential for international economic cooperation and for advancing South Africa’s goals of solidarity, equality, and sustainability:

February 28, 2025 43

South Africa

South Africa Deploys Emergency Housing Support for KZN Flood Victims

KwaZulu-Natal flood victims with emergency housing. The affected areas include Lamontville, Umlazi, and parts of the uGu and King Cetshwayo districts. The team will register affected households, and determine the best interventions, including rebuilding, relocation, or providing building materials. Ministry spokesperson Tsekiso Machike says they are working with provincial authorities to ensure families receive adequate shelter:

February 27, 2025 33

South Africa

In South Africa, SARS Commissioner urges Strengthening Tax Collection, Not Hikes

South African Revenue Service Commissioner, says raising tax revenue should start with strengthening collection capacity, and not hiking taxes. Edward Kieswetter addressed a panel discussion at a G20 Finance Trackside event in Cape Town on Wednesday. Last week, Godongwana was unable to table the national budget, over disagreements within the government of national unity on a proposed two-percent value-added tax hike.

February 27, 2025 32

South Africa

SA Finance Minister Urges Global Action on Tax Reforms

S.A Finance minister says much more work still needs to be done to ensure all countries implement international tax reforms. Enoch Godongwana was speaking on the sidelines of the G20 Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ meeting in Cape Town on Wednesday.

February 27, 2025 25

South Africa

In S.A, ANC announces reconfigured leadership for Gauteng

In S.A, the ANC has announced a reconfigured leadership for Gauteng. The move is aimed at strengthening party structures and preparing for next year’s local government elections. The new provincial task team includes provincial convenor Amos Masondo, co-convenor Panyaza Lesufi, Ntombi Mekgwe, Hope Papo, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko and Tasneem Motara. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula told the media the new team has been tasked with tackling corruption, economic transformation, and community engagement: […]

February 27, 2025 30