Author name: Scott Balson

The African National Congress (ANC) has reiterated its commitment to Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE), despite criticism that the policy discourages investment and hampers economic growth. Speaking at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the ANC’s Economic Transformation Sub-Committee acknowledged the need to review B-BBEE’s implementation but ruled out abandoning it entirely. “We accept […]

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has temporarily closed Kings Beach in Humewood after a sewage spill contaminated the water, elevating E.coli levels to unsafe heights. The popular Blue Flag beach, a key recreational and tourist destination, now sits empty as authorities work to address the pollution. Beachgoers and Locals Express Frustration The closure has disrupted

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is under increasing scrutiny after Parliament’s Ethics Committee recommended that he be reprimanded and fined R10,000 for failing to declare a diamond gifted to his wife by controversial businessman Louis Liebenberg, who faces fraud charges. The revelation adds to Mashatile’s mounting controversies, including questions surrounding two luxury properties—valued at over R60

A newly opened shopping centre in KwaXimba, located between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, has ignited hope for economic growth and employment in the semi-rural community. The Inkosi Simingaye Mlaba Centre, part of a multi-million rand development project, aims to address long-standing challenges of unemployment and limited access to essential services. A Long-Awaited Development For years, the estimated

In a move that will bring slight relief to financially strained households, the South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has cut the repo rate by 25 basis points, reducing it to 7%. The decision will lower the prime lending rate to 10.5%, making debt repayments—including mortgages, personal loans, and vehicle financing—marginally more

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has strongly criticized a 4% bus fare increase announced by Golden Arrow Bus Services, set to take effect on 11 August. The company attributes the hike to rising operational costs across its supply chain, but Cosatu argues that the move will disproportionately burden already struggling workers. Workers

Provincial authorities have issued a stern warning to residents illegally selling their government-subsidized RDP houses to undocumented immigrants, labeling the practice as a criminal activity that will face consequences. The KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements Department reported being inundated with complaints from concerned citizens, particularly in areas like Montclair, Durban, where former Transnet employee housing

Residents of Khutsong Hostel in Carletonville are voicing their frustration over poor living conditions, accusing the Merafong City Municipality of failing to deliver on its promises. For years, the community has endured severe service delivery issues, including unreliable water and electricity supply, crumbling infrastructure, and unsanitary living conditions. Many claim that despite repeated assurances from

In a major joint operation, Mpumalanga police, supported by mine security and the Vala Umgodi task force, have arrested nearly 1,000 illegal miners in Barberton. The coordinated clampdown, which began on Monday, targeted underground operations at Sheba Mine, where hundreds of suspected zama zamas (illegal miners) surfaced after authorities cut off their food and water supplies. Massive

Teachers at a school in Ngqeleni are living in fear after receiving a chilling extortion note from a gang demanding a monthly “protection fee” of R1,000 per person—or face violent consequences. The anonymous letter, addressed to educators residing on school premises, warns that failure to pay by August 20 will result in harsh retaliation, citing a previous