South Africa

USAID Grant Freeze in South Africa Threatens HIV/AIDS Fight, Warns Tutu Foundation

The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation in S.A warns the permanent freeze of USAID grants in South Africa will have severe consequences in the battle against HIV and AIDS. The foundation's CEO Linda-Gail Bekker says the cancelled funding, including for PEPFAR, which supports 5.5-million people with antiretroviral treatment, threatens critical services. She express concern over the loss of specialised care and prevention tools:

March 1, 2025 23

South Africa

BOSA Slams Corporate PR for Failing SA Education

Build One South Africa has criticised corporate Public Relations campaigns that do little to fix South Africa’s education crisis. Leader Mmusi Maimane called on businesses to invest in long-term solutions like Early Childhood Development centres instead of branded donations. With over three-million learners lacking desks and 81-percent of children unable to read for meaning by age 10, BOSA's Roger Solomons demands sustainable corporate investment in education:

February 28, 2025 29

South Africa

Ntshavheni Urge AfriForum And Solidarity To Take Trump’s Offer If Unhappy in SA

S.A's Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has hit back at AfriForum and Solidarity, urging them to accept US president Donald Trump’s offer to resettle in America if they are unhappy in South Africa. Ntshavheni accused the organisations of spreading false claims about the Expropriation Act and undermining the country:

February 28, 2025 28

South Africa

US Halts USAID HIV Funding for South Africa

The Trump administration has ordered the immediate termination of USAID funding for HIV programs in South Africa, impacting several organizations supported through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief . This decision, reported by News24, could result in setbacks in the fight against HIV and tuberculosis. Since its launch in 2003, PEPFAR has provided South Africa with approximately R145 billion, including R8.1 billion for the current US financial year.

February 28, 2025 22

Business / Economics

Minister in the Presidency in S.A says G20 presidency is progressing well

Minister in the Presidency of South Africa, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says its G20 presidency is progressing well following the successful Foreign ministers' meeting in Johannesburg last week and the ongoing Finance ministers and central bank governors' meeting in Cape Town. According to Ntshavheni, the cabinet highlighted that the G20 remains essential for international economic cooperation and for advancing South Africa’s goals of solidarity, equality, and sustainability:

February 28, 2025 45

South Africa

In S.A, ANC announces reconfigured leadership for Gauteng

In S.A, the ANC has announced a reconfigured leadership for Gauteng. The move is aimed at strengthening party structures and preparing for next year’s local government elections. The new provincial task team includes provincial convenor Amos Masondo, co-convenor Panyaza Lesufi, Ntombi Mekgwe, Hope Papo, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko and Tasneem Motara. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula told the media the new team has been tasked with tackling corruption, economic transformation, and community engagement: […]

February 27, 2025 30

South Africa

Cosatu Applauds SA’s Progress on FATF Grey List Removal

In South Africa, Cosatu has commended the government’s progress towards removing the country from the Financial Action Task Force grey list. South Africa was grey listed in February 2023, for not complying with international standards that relate to money laundering and addressing illicit financial flows. National Treasury has addressed 20 out of the 22 action items outlined in its action plan. Cosatu’s spokesperson, Matthew Parks, says the government must ensure […]

February 26, 2025 25

Business / Economics

S.A Reserve Bank Governor Warns of Inflation Risks

South African Reserve Bank Governor, Lesetja Kganyago, has warned that global trade tensions and a potential value-added tax hike could derail two years of slowing inflation. Last week the national budget speech was postponed, after a last-minute disagreement within the government of national unity, about a proposal to hike value-added tax by two-percent. Speaking to CNBC Africa on the sidelines of a meeting of G20 finance officials in Cape Town, […]

February 26, 2025 42

South Africa

South African Court Dismisses ‘White Genocide’ Claims

A South African court has ruled that claims of a white genocide in the country are "clearly imagined" and "not real," contradicting statements by US President Donald Trump and his adviser Elon Musk. BBCAfrica says the court also blocked a $2.1 million donation from Grantland Michael Bray to the white supremacist group Boerelegioen, deeming it invalid and against public policy. Trump and Musk have previously made controversial remarks about racial […]

February 26, 2025 21