insert_link Business / Economics South Africa to submit revised tariff offer to U.S. South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau (Photo: engineeringnews.co.za) South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, announced that the cabinet has approved the submission of a revised tariff offer to the United States as the foundation for ongoing negotiations. This move comes in response to the recent 30-percent tariff imposed by the US on certain South African imports, which has sparked concerns among exporters […] today12 August, 2025
insert_link South Africa Western Cape High Court hears appeals in Joslin Smith human trafficking case Joslin Smith Executive Mayor Andrè Truter/ Facebook The Western Cape High Court will hear applications over the next two days for leave to appeal the convictions and life sentences handed down in the high-profile Joslin Smith case. Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn were sentenced in May to life imprisonment for human trafficking and received additional ten-year sentences for kidnapping. The case revolves around the mysterious disappearance of […] today12 August, 2025
insert_link South Africa Agriculture sector at risk as South Africa’s Amendment Bill opens farmland to mining South Africa's Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe (Photo: polity.org.za) Agriculture organisation TLU South Africa has warned that the sector is facing significant threats from the proposed Mineral Resources Development Amendment Bill. While the bill seeks to close regulatory gaps, simplify licensing, and ensure fair mining benefits, TLU SA's Bennie van Zyl cautions that expanded small-scale and artisanal mining permits could open farmland to unchecked mining, jeopardising environments […] today12 August, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics FlySafair pilot strike ends Photo: FlySafair aircraft and branding used in previous fleet and operations coverage. FlySafair has confirmed the end of the pilots' strike following a formal agreement with trade union Solidarity. Management and union representatives reached the deal through mediation facilitated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). According to Engineering News, FlySafair has started restoring its full flight schedule, with all aircraft returning to operation. Kirby Gordon, the airline’s […] today5 August, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics SA’s Ramaphosa in talks with the U.S. over export exemptions South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Photo: polity.org.co.za President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that intensive negotiations are underway with the United States, as South Africa seeks tariff exemptions on key exports such as vehicles, steel, aluminium, and citrus. Speaking at the Union Buildings, Ramaphosa said Pretoria has presented a comprehensive trade package aimed at mutual investment and economic cooperation. Reuters reports that South Africa is facing a looming 30% U.S. tariff […] today5 August, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics Maersk to end direct SA–U.S. shipping route in October Photo credit: Maersk Maersk will suspend its direct shipping service between South Africa and the United States starting in October, leaving South Africa with only one remaining direct route to the U.S. This move, according to News24, may disrupt exporters who depend on reliable, fast deliveries to American markets. The affected service, known as the American Express (Amex), was formerly operated through the 2M vessel-sharing alliance with MSC. As that […] today4 August, 2025
insert_link South Africa Farm murder: Polokwane High Court begins trial in Limpopo pig-farm murder case Photo: SABC The trial of pig farmer Zachariah Olivier (60), supervisor Rudolph de Wet (20), and farm worker William Musora (50) opened today in the Polokwane High Court. They stand accused of fatally shooting Maria Makgato (45) and Lucia Ndlovu (34) and dumping their bodies in a pigsty at Onvervaght farm in Sebayeng, Limpopo, in August last year. According to the SABC, the victims’ remains were discovered inside the pig […] today4 August, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics South Africa must diversify trade South Africa’s envoy to the United States, Mcebisi Jonas, says the country must broaden its trade relationships as it faces potential tariff changes and uncertainty over the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Jonas made the remarks ahead of an expected announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump on trade policies related to Africa. He said African countries should take the lead in navigating global trade, despite challenges […] today30 July, 2025
insert_link South Africa AfriForum calls on Ramaphosa to condemn farm attacks and hate speech AfriForum spokesperson Jacques Broodryk AfriForum has urged South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to take a clear position on farm attacks and condemn the chant “Kill the Boer,” following a United States government report that described farm attacks in South Africa as more than ordinary crimes. The report, issued by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, said some of the farm attacks involved torture and murder […] today30 July, 2025
