Kouthar

The National Treasury says its decision to temporarily withhold July equitable share allocations to 69 municipalities is intended to compel local governments to address persistent financial management failures while protecting public funds. Treasury says it has been engaging with the affected municipalities since January to improve compliance with key financial management requirements. However, many municipalities have failed to meet their obligations despite ongoing engagements. According to the department, the continued […]

It has been one year since Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi sent shockwaves through South Africa by alleging that a drug cartel had infiltrated the country's criminal justice system, political leadership, and private security sector, triggering one of the most significant law enforcement scandals in recent history. The allegations have raised serious questions about the extent of organised crime's influence within state institutions and the progress made in investigating the claims over the […]

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has suggested that Israel may have had an interest in undermining South Africa through the recent March and March anti-illegal immigration protests, linking the issue to South Africa’s high-profile case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Speaking on the matter, Kubayi argued that South Africa’s decision to take Israel to the ICJ over allegations related to the war in Gaza has elevated the […]

President Cyril Ramaphosa's appointment of Yusuf Cassim as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training has drawn both praise and criticism. While many supporters have welcomed the decision, citing Cassim's experience and long-standing involvement in the education sector, the appointment has also triggered a wave of Islamophobia on social media. In the days following the announcement, Cassim became the target of anti-Muslim rhetoric, with some critics focusing on his religious […]

Exposure to indoor air pollution and tobacco smoke during pregnancy could significantly increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes, including premature delivery, restricted fetal growth and breathing difficulties in newborns, according to new research conducted by paediatricians at the University of Cape Town (UCT). The study highlights the ongoing threat posed by household air pollution to the health of both mothers and babies, even in communities where access to electricity […]

Police are investigating the murder of a 42-year-old man who was allegedly beaten to death by a mob in Forest Village, Eerste River, following claims that he had kidnapped and raped a three-year-old girl. Authorities have strongly condemned vigilantism, stressing that justice must be pursued through the legal system. Separate investigations into the murder and the alleged sexual assault are currently underway. The incident comes amid growing concerns over violence […]

Alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala has been subpoenaed to appear before the Madlanga Commission next Tuesday, despite attempts to avoid taking the witness stand through a plea agreement with the State. The subpoena comes after the Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court rejected Matlala's initial plea agreement with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), paving the way for his expected testimony before the commission. His appearance is anticipated to draw significant attention, […]