insert_link South Africa Deputy President Says Government Is Collaborating with Development Bank to Aid Indebted Municipalities S.A's Deputy president Paul Mashatile says the government is working with the Development Bank of Southern Africa to secure resources to assist municipalities that are in debt. Municipalities owe creditors 116.5-billion-rand, with 75.3-percent of this debt more than 90 days overdue. In turn municipalities in 2023/2024 were owed 339.9-billion-rand. Answering questions in the National Assembly yesterday, Mashatile said it is concerning that many municipalities are in financial stress: today1 November, 2024
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s OUTA calls for increased funding for key anti-corruption bodies South Africa's Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse has urged government to increase funding for key anti-corruption bodies, such as the National Prosecuting Authority and the Special Investigating Unit. They warn a lack of oversight in public-private partnerships could lead to wasted taxpayer money and inefficiency. OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage criticised Finance minister Enoch Godongwana’s medium-term budget policy statement for not prioritising the fight against corruption and financial misconduct: today1 November, 2024
insert_link South Africa ANC’s Babalwa Lobishe is now mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay ANC’s Babalwa Lobishe is now mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, succeeding National Alliance president Gary van Niekerk, who stepped down to take on the deputy role. Both leaders resigned to facilitate the leadership swap, positioning the ANC to lead the metro. Van Niekerk dismissed coalition conflict rumors. Lobishe emphasised the need to ensure stability and resident-focused governance: today1 November, 2024
insert_link South Africa Lusikisiki Mass Murder Mastermind to Represent Himself in Court The alleged mastermind in the Lusikisiki mass murders in the Eastern Cape, Mzukisi Ndamase, told the local Magistrate's Court he would represent himself, refusing Legal Aid assistance. Ndamase, who is currently serving a life sentence, was arrested in Ebongweni Maximum Correctional Centre, where he allegedly orchestrated the murders of 18 people. The case was postponed to 29 November for further investigation. The National Prosecuting Authority’s Luxolo Tyali says they have […] today1 November, 2024
insert_link Business / Economics ActionSA criticizes 2024 mid-term budget promises ActionSA says the 2024 mid-term budget fails to meet the government of National Unity’s promises. Party representative Alan Beesley welcomed increased SARS funding but criticised the 1.1-percent economic growth projection, saying it falls short of the needed three-percent. Beesley argues that government neglects economic stability, keeping a bloated cabinet while essential services like policing, healthcare, and education suffer. He labels the budget’s priorities as misplaced, calling for urgent focus on […] today31 October, 2024
insert_link South Africa TLU SA Seeks Clarity on Medium Term Budget’s Impact on Agriculture The South African agricultural organisation TLU SA says it wants clarity on whether the plans announced in the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement will genuinely meet the real needs of the economy and agriculture. TLU SA’s, Bennie van Zyl, says the focus of the government of national unity on inclusive growth and job creation is valuable, but the concern is that real challenges, such as corruption and mismanagement, are […] today31 October, 2024
insert_link South Africa Cosatu Expresses Disappointment with S.A’s Treasury’s Economic Strategies S.A union, Cosatu says it remains underwhelmed and disappointed by the Treasury’s continued approach to tackling South Africa’s deep-seated economic and governance crises. The union federation was responding to the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement. Cosatu’s, Matthew Parks, says the fundamental challenges facing the nation are a stagnant economy and a rising unemployment rate of 42.6-percent: today31 October, 2024
insert_link South Africa S.A’s EFF rejects Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement The Economic Freedom Fightersin South Africa have rejected the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, claiming the government favors private sector profits over job creation and economic growth. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana defended the budget in Parliament, emphasizing a commitment to sustainable public finances. EFF leader Julius Malema criticized the statement for overlooking the rising unemployment crisis. RISE Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi has called for financial reform to address national debt […] today31 October, 2024
insert_link Business / Economics DA leader and Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen endorsed the mid-term budget DA leader and Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen endorsed the mid-term budget, calling it the right step toward fiscal growth. Speaking outside Parliament, Steenhuisen commended the focus on debt reduction, infrastructure spending, halting bailouts for state-owned entities, and the end of e-tolls. He emphasises the DA’s role in driving reforms through the government of national unity, through economic growth and job creation: today31 October, 2024
