insert_link South Africa S.A Union, Cosatu plans to discuss annual salary increases for members of Parliament S.A Union, Cosatu plans to discuss annual salary increases for members of Parliament and other public representatives with president Cyril Ramaphosa. Earlier this year, a 2.5-percent increase was approved, raising new MP salaries to 1.27-million-rand per year. Cosatu's parliamentary co-ordinator, Matthew Parks, emphasises the need for discussions on fair remuneration, arguing that resources should be redirected to lower-earning public service workers like nurses, police officers and cleaners: todayJune 21, 2024 48
insert_link South Africa TLU SA says the time has come for a non-racial approach in agriculture TLU SA says the time has come for a non-racial approach in agriculture, where every individual has equal access to land. The agricultural organisation's CEO, Bennie van Zyl, says those who want to farm must be willing to step forward voluntarily, understanding that agriculture is not merely a short-term commitment or an income supplement, but a lifelong calling: todayJune 21, 2024 20
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s foreign policy: a unity government must be practical in a turbulent world By Anthoni van Nieuwkerk, University of South Africa As South Africa navigates fundamental political change, it faces stark choices on foreign policy posture and priorities. The change has been brought about by the African National Congress’s loss of electoral majority, forcing it into a unity government. Based on my work over many years on South Africa’s foreign policy as well as reflections on the […] todayJune 21, 2024 8
insert_link South Africa Call to Prioritize SABC Independence and Sustainability, Urges South African Coalition South Africa's, SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition and several civil society organizations, are urging political parties to prioritise the independence and sustainability of the SABC as the new government takes office. They call for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed SABC Bill. The coalition’s coordinator ,Noor Ahmad says with the closure of major print newspapers, a strong and independent SABC is crucial for maintaining a robust news ecosystem: todayJune 21, 2024 17
insert_link South Africa S.A’s AfriForum Asserts No Politician Is Above the Law Amid Malema Trial S.A's AfriForum maintains that no politician is above the law as EFF leader Julius Malema and co-accused Adriaan Snyman stand trial in the East London Regional Court. Community Safety spokesperson Jacques Broodryk criticized Malema's shifting defense and cited expert opinions disputing the use of blanks or a toy gun at an EFF rally. Broodryk also highlighted Snyman's past misconduct with firearms, stressing the need for justice to prevail. todayJune 21, 2024 8
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s Democratic Alliance Suspends MP Over Resurfaced Video of Racist Remarks South Africa's Democratic Alliance suspended a newly sworn-in member of parliament, Renaldo Gouws, on Thursday after an old video resurfaced showing him calling for the killing of Black people as reported by Reuters. The snippet, featuring a young Gouws making the anti-Black remarks, reappeared on social media platforms on Wednesday. Gouws, a 41-year-old former councillor in the Eastern Cape province, was unavailable for comment. todayJune 21, 2024 13
insert_link South Africa In S.A, the DA has secured an outright majority in Beaufort West’s by-elections In S.A, the Democratic Alliance has secured an outright majority in Beaufort West's by-elections, allowing the party to govern the municipality independently. The victory in wards one, three and six in the Central Karoo, displaced the Patriotic Alliance, ANC and Karoo Democratic Force. The DA’s Daylin Mitchell says this outcome promises a new era for the town plagued by corruption and poor service delivery: todayJune 21, 2024 21
insert_link Health / Medical South African Health Department to Explore AI for Faster Tuberculosis and Silicosis Diagnosis The S.A Department of Health says it’s considering exploring artificial intelligence tools to accelerate tuberculosis and silicosis diagnosis. Following the World Health Organisation's recommendations, the department is hosting a conference from today until Saturday in Sandton, Gauteng, to discuss using AI to improve diagnosis and address backlogs, especially among mineworkers. The department’s, Foster Mohale says the conference will feature health professionals, mining representatives, and AI tech companies to promote awareness […] todayJune 20, 2024 23
insert_link South Africa Faith Communities Advocate for Improved Energy and Climate Governance in South Africa The Southern African Faith Communities Environment Institute says it hopes the S.A government of national unity will bring better energy and climate governance to the country. SAFCEI’s Francesca de Gasparis says the environment institute wants to see accessible and affordable electricity, with the lights on every day, and available to all South Africans: todayJune 20, 2024 19
