Author name: Scott Balson

The National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFOS) has recovered and returned R328.5 million to South African consumers between March and December 2024, following over 35,000 complaints lodged across insurance, banking, and credit sectors. Howard Gabriels, the divisional lead ombud for the credit sector, revealed that more than R200 million of the total amount was paid out to consumers in life insurance and disability claims where […]

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has challenged the Mayor of the Emfuleni Local Municipality, Mr Sipho Radebe, to visit the Town substation, which has been out of service for over six days, and address the questions of residents who gather there daily. A fire broke out at the Town substation on 18 June, affecting

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is deeply concerned by the decay and deplorable condition of the Andries Scribante Haven in Boksburg. This care facility, which was a safe haven for senior citizens for years, has turned into a symbol of the Ekurhuleni Metro’s failure to perform essential maintenance work. The party has been involved

Residents of KwaMashu and surrounding areas are set to benefit from a groundbreaking project providing free, uncapped internet access to schools, community halls, and hostels. The initiative, a partnership between IHS South Africa (a leading communications infrastructure provider) and non-profit Project Isizwe, aims to bridge the digital divide and empower communities through connectivity. Bridging the Digital Gap The

Higher Education and Training Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane has issued an apology to advocate Terry Motau after falsely claiming he was part of an advisory panel overseeing the appointment of Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards. Last week, Motau clarified that while he had been approached for the role, his involvement was never finalised.

The dispute between the CRL Rights Commission and the faith-based lobby group Freedom of Religion South Africa (FORSA) has escalated, with both parties now preparing for a legal battle. Last week, CRL Chairperson Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva and activist Cheryl Zondi—known for her testimony in the Timothy Omotoso rape trial—opened a criminal case against FORSA director Michael

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has revealed that the South African government is liable for over R16 billion in accumulated leave payouts for nearly 190,000 employees hired before July 2000. In its latest Pulse Bulletin, covering April to June 2025, the PSC highlighted the financial burden of this “contingent liability,” which affects mostly older workers in the education and health sectors. Leave Liability

The South African government has signed a major $1.5 billion (R27 billion) loan agreement with the World Bank to address the country’s crumbling infrastructure and stimulate its stagnant economy. The funding is earmarked for critical reforms in energy, freight transport, and green transition initiatives. However, economists warn that while the loan offers favorable terms, it

After months of tense negotiations, Eskom and the City of Johannesburg have reached a settlement in their long-standing billing dispute, with the city agreeing to repay R3.2 billion owed to the power utility over the next four years. The agreement, announced by Electricity Minister Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, includes an R830 million write-off due to disputed

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a severe weather warning as a powerful cold front is expected to strike the Western and Northern Cape from Wednesday, bringing heavy rain, snowfall, gale-force winds, and potential flooding. What to Expect According to SAWS forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela, the cold front will make landfall on Wednesday, affecting