Author name: Scott Balson

Mangaung Metro Executive Mayor Gregory Nthatisi has issued a strong warning against opportunists allegedly fueling the rapid growth of illegal informal settlements, which he says have exacerbated the city’s housing backlog of over 73,000 units. During his State of the City Address and the tabling of the annual budget in Bloemfontein, Nthatisi revealed that the […]

The Tshwane City Council has approved Mayor Nasiphi Moya’s budget, with coalition parties hailing it as a crucial step toward stabilizing the metro’s finances. A key feature of the budget is the introduction of a R194 monthly cleansing levy for properties using private waste collection services. Coalition Parties Welcome “Fully Funded” Budget ActionSA, a key coalition partner,

Recent data from Statistics South Africa reveals that only 31% of children in the country live with both parents, while 45% reside solely with their mothers. The findings, drawn from the latest General Household Survey, highlight growing concerns about child protection and well-being in diverse family structures. Key Statistics and Concerns 31% of South African children

In response to a disturbing surge in “insurance murders,” National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has established a specialized unit to investigate these crimes, which often involve police officers, doctors, and funeral industry insiders. The move follows growing concerns over criminals exploiting loopholes in funeral insurance policies, where individuals—often vulnerable or sick—are killed for financial gain.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has revealed that more than 200,000 social grant beneficiaries did not declare alternative sources of income, in violation of grant application regulations. The discrepancies were uncovered through a collaboration between SASSA and credit bureaus, which identified beneficiaries receiving undisclosed income while still collecting government assistance. SASSA spokesperson Paseka

South Africa, home to over 200,000 refugees, many fleeing war-torn African nations, faces growing scrutiny over its treatment of migrants. Recent court rulings have declared parts of the country’s refugee laws unconstitutional, highlighting systemic failures that leave migrants vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and bureaucratic delays. Legal Challenges and Systemic Failures The South African judiciary has

A young male elephant seal, affectionately nicknamed “Gordy” by locals, has become an unlikely celebrity along the False Bay coastline after repeatedly making his way onto land—and even into traffic. First spotted in Gordon’s Bay, the massive marine mammal was relocated by the City of Cape Town’s Coastal Management team to Kogel Bay, only to

Before it became a staple in South African kitchens, Mrs. H.S. Ball’s Chutney was a homemade recipe crafted in the quiet kitchen of a Fish Hoek home. The woman behind this iconic condiment, Amelia Alice Elizabeth Ball (née Atkins), was born in 1865, and her name is now etched into the nation’s culinary history. From Family Recipe to Commercial Success

The Cape Town community is reeling from the tragic death of Kim Towne, a 32-year-old teacher originally from Parklands, who was allegedly killed by her husband in Chantilly, Virginia. According to the Fairfax County Police Department, officers responded to a domestic violence call on May 24th after Alexander Towne reportedly phoned authorities to confess. Kim

The Lottery may have to stop selling tickets after the licence of Ithuba Holdings expires on 31 May. Ithuba Holdings’ sister company — Ithuba Lottery — was supposed to run the lottery under a temporary licence for the next twelve months, but the Gauteng High Court ruled last week that it can only do so