insert_link Business / Economics South Africa’s Economy Contracts in Q1 of This Year South Africa's economy recorded a slight contraction in the first quarter of 2024, impacted by a decline in the mining and construction sectors, according to data from the statistics agency on Tuesday as reported by Reuters. Gross domestic product shrank by 0.1% quarter-on-quarter in seasonally adjusted terms, contrary to economists' expectations of 0.1% growth. On a year-on-year basis, the economy grew by 0.5%, slightly below the predicted 0.6% growth. todayJune 5, 2024 12
insert_link South Africa Storm Devastates KwaZulu-Natal, Killing 11 A storm tore through South Africa's coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal on Monday, killing at least 11 people and causing widespread destruction, according to local officials. Reuters reports that drone footage from Tuesday in the town of Tongaat showed residents sifting through debris around their damaged homes, attempting to salvage their belongings. Local media quoted KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, who indicated the death toll could rise beyond the 11 reported so […] todayJune 5, 2024 13
insert_link South Africa S.A Public Protector has found the Department of Justice lacking in measures to protect gender-based violence victims The S.A Public Protector has found the Department of Justice lacking in measures to protect gender-based violence victims. Kholeka Gcaleka reported that 38 courts investigated are inefficiently run, failing to provide proper protection orders and solve cases, leading to increased GBV incidents. Gcaleka also noted poor filing systems and language barriers contribute to poor service delivery. She calls for better assistance for victims seeking protection orders: todayJune 5, 2024 27
insert_link Health / Medical SA hosts 8th South African TB conference to tackle TB crisis South Africa is hosting the Eighth South African TB Conference at the International Convention Centre in Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. The four-day event seeks to reduce new TB infections and deaths while tracking progress towards the United Nations' 2025 targets. South Africa is among 30 high-burden TB countries contributing 87-percent of global cases. Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale says the conference calls for united action to fight the pre-ventable infectious […] todayJune 4, 2024 35
insert_link South Africa DA reportedly exploring two options for a coalition government The DA is reportedly exploring two options as coalition talks con-tinue. With the ANC only managing to get 40-percent of the vote and the DA 21.76-percent, the parties could establish a coalition for a joint 60-percent majority. The DA has formed a coalition negotiat-ing team, which includes former party leaders Helen Zille and Tony Leon. According to News24, several sources in the DA say the party is exploring forming […] todayJune 4, 2024 16
insert_link South Africa City of Tshwane’s mayoral committee member will today deliver the 2024/2025 financial year budget speech In South Africa, the City of Tshwane’s mayoral committee member for Finance, Jacqui Uys, will today deliver the 2024/2025 financial year budget speech. The metro faces various challenges including tight fiscal pressures, access to potable water, electricity, housing and high unemployment. Mayor Cilliers Brink says the budget is geared towards maintaining financial stability while improving basic service delivery: todayJune 4, 2024 76
insert_link South Africa S.A’s Azanian People’s Organisation says the country finds itself at a crossroads The Azanian People's Organisation says the country finds itself at a crossroads, where a coalition government needs to be formed. After losing its majority, the ANC is reportedly leaning toward a so-called confidence and supply agreement, possibly with the DA and IFP as its preferred partners. Azapo’s spokesperson, Jabu Rakwena, says the country needs a smooth transition into the seventh administration: todayJune 4, 2024 23
insert_link South Africa S.A Political Analyst says ANC’s Failure to Secure Outright Majority Marks Major Shift in South African Politics S.A Political analyst, professor Richard Calland says the ANC not securing an outright majority represents a seismic shift in South African politics. The party’s national executive committee is expected to meet today to discuss coalitions, in what has been described as arguably the movement’s biggest crisis in the past 30 years. With the Electoral Commission declaring the election results on Sunday, Parliament has 14 days to elect a president. Calland […] todayJune 4, 2024 30
insert_link South Africa South Africa: coalition government won’t fix past failures – expect the private sector to play a bigger role in delivering power, transport and security By Lawrence Hamilton, University of the Witwatersrand To help save the planet, governments across the globe are choosing to adopt sustainable policies and encourage (or coerce) the private sector to do likewise. Given the climate crisis, most responsible governments are focusing on finding every possible means to meet existing needs without sacrificing the planet to meet the needs of future generations. In South Africa things […] todayJune 4, 2024 19