insert_link South Africa SA Health Minister condemns racial bias in medical schemes South Africa’s Health Minister, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, has publicly denounced systemic racial discrimination in the healthcare sector following the release of the Section 59 Investigation Report led by Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi. The report confirmed that major medical schemes—including Discovery, Medscheme, and the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS)- disproportionately penalised Black healthcare providers during fraud, waste, and abuse investigations. Motsoaledi, expressing his dismay, called the findings “shameful” and reiterated that there […] today8 July, 2025
insert_link South Africa Gauteng faces growing crisis of gang violence The Democratic Alliance (DA) has sounded the alarm over an escalating gang violence and illegal firearms crisis in Gauteng, with more than 15 gang-related attacks reported across Westbury, Eldorado Park, Orange Farm, and Johannesburg South since September 2024. DA spokesperson Michael Sun condemned Premier Panyaza Lesufi, accusing him of failing to take meaningful action against the violence. Areas such as Westbury and Eldorado Park have witnessed deadly turf wars […] today8 July, 2025
insert_link South Africa South Africa pushes back on U.S. 30% tariff, faces AGOA threat South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and U.S. President Donald Trump Pretoria, South Africa — President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday denounced the United States’ decision to impose a 30% reciprocal tariff on South African exports, calling it a “contested interpretation” of trade data and warning that it misrepresents existing trade relations. South Africa’s data shows that 56% of all imports enter under zero-rated most-favoured-nation tariffs, while 77% of American goods enter […] today8 July, 2025
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s DA prepares no confidence motion against President Ramaphosa DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille The Democratic Alliance (DA) has revealed it is prepared to table a motion of no-confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa after he dismisses DA deputy minister Andrew Whitfield for taking an unauthorised trip to the United States. DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille told reporters this “nuclear option” could potentially bring down the government if pursued—and if parliamentary support materialises. According to the SABC, Zille characterised Whitfield’s […] today1 July, 2025
insert_link South Africa Former Transnet executives granted bail Photo: Daily Maverick Four former Transnet executives have each been granted bail of R50,000 by the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Gauteng. They face serious charges that include corruption, fraud, and money laundering in connection with a R93 million locomotive tender from 2015, part of a broader R54 billion deal tainted by ties to the Gupta family network. The accused are former Transnet CEOs Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gama, former […] today1 July, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics South Africa’s civil confidence index dips as business sentiment grows pessimistic Photo: Michele Spatari/AFP FNB South Africa senior economist Siphamandla Mkhwanazi has reported that the FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index dropped to 41 in Q2 2025, down from 45 in Q1, marking its third consecutive quarterly decline. Mkhwanazi said that nearly 60% of respondents are now dissatisfied with current business conditions, expressing concerns particularly about low demand, delayed project tenders, and a lack of large-scale infrastructure initiatives. Despite improved construction activity and profitability […] today1 July, 2025
insert_link South Africa Democratic Alliance condemns brutal farm attack in Free State South African farmers protesting Photo: Credit: Photo: Eva-Lotta Jansson for The Telegraph The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Free State, South Africa, has expressed shock after a violent attack on a farmer in the Kestell district. DA Free State MPL Leona Kleynhans called on the government to urgently implement its rural safety strategy to better protect farm owners and workers. Kleynhans said that farm attacks are not isolated incidents, and called […] today30 June, 2025
insert_link South Africa Cape Town flood relief efforts kick into gear after cold front Cape Town floods. Photo: Daily Voice Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre reports that despite ongoing cold front conditions pounding the region, no major flooding incidents were logged overnight across the city. However, the aftershocks of the storm are clear: localised flooding, fallen trees, and damaged infrastructure continue to cause disruption. According to the Daily Voice, by midday Thursday, Vygieskraal and Belgravia were hardest hit, with approximately 269 structures […] today26 June, 2025
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s DA demands clarity on Defence Minister’s 3 month turnaround plan South African Defence Minister, Angie Motshekga. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to South Africa's Joint Standing Committee on Defence demanding urgent details from Defence Minister Angie Motshekga on her three‑month deadline to present a concrete plan to stop the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) operational collapse and reprioritise defence spending. DA NCOP Member on Security & Justice, Nicholas Gotsell, criticised Minister Motshekga’s recent statements in Parliament as being […] today26 June, 2025
