Lee-Yandra Paulsen

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), established to “advance economic development, social justice, labour peace, and the democratisation of the workplace,” is facing mounting pressure due to ongoing budget cuts and underfunding. These constraints have resulted in a growing caseload and significant backlogs, delaying the scheduling of hearings and limiting access to justice for vulnerable workers. This was the focus of a discussion and protest hosted by the […]

The Department of Basic Education has defended its textbook screening process, insisting it is not a tender system, amid concerns over possible procurement irregularities. This follows a request by Minister Siviwe Gwarube for the National Treasury to investigate the process involving foundation phase textbooks. According to reports, Lighthouse Publishers was registered just three days after the terms of reference were issued, yet secured 26% of approvals, with a potential value […]

South Africa is considering a major overhaul of its exchange control regulations, dating back to 1961, with public comment open at the National Treasury until 17 May. Proposed changes include raising offshore allowances, regulating crypto assets, and easing capital-flow restrictions. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange said the reforms could unlock significant long-term investment and help curb capital outflows. Independent economist Ulrich Joubert said exchange controls were introduced during a time of […]

President Cyril Ramaphosa is calling for urgent, coordinated global action to tackle inequality, including the creation of a permanent, independent panel to monitor trends and guide policy responses. The proposal follows consultations with international experts as part of the G20 process to address what is increasingly being described as a global crisis. Professor Imraan Valodia, who is part of the expert group, said the idea stems from a collective recommendation […]

As South Africa prepares to mark Freedom Day, the National Shelter Movement of South Africa is urging renewed reflection on what freedom truly means in a society still grappling with high levels of gender-based violence and femicide. The organisation says many survivors continue to face barriers in accessing safety, justice, and support. Board member Greer Schoeman said the fight against GBVF must remain a year-round priority. “Gender-based violence is a […]

As the world marks World Book Day, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport in the Western Cape has launched the #OnWednesdaysWeRead campaign, aimed at building a stronger culture of reading across communities. The initiative encourages individuals, schools, and organisations to set aside time every Wednesday to read, making the habit more visible and accessible. Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, said the campaign is about […]

President of the National Coloured Congress, Fadiel Adams, has urged South Africans to take a broader view of historical injustice, arguing that the country’s challenges cannot be understood through apartheid alone. Speaking in the Western Cape, Adams said the legacy of colonialism, which spanned centuries, continues to shape present-day inequality. He stressed that issues such as land dispossession, cultural erasure, and economic exclusion began long before apartheid and remain insufficiently […]

The Road Freight Association has criticised Transnet Port Terminals over a new container-handling fuel surcharge of R52 per container, set to take effect in May. CEO Gavin Kelly described the charge as misleading, arguing that containers themselves do not consume fuel. He warned that the additional cost would ultimately be passed on to consumers, placing further strain on already rising prices. “If this continues and we see further increases, transporters […]

The Department of Home Affairs has clarified that there has been no change to the status of Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders in South Africa, following confusion sparked by recent media reports. The reports stemmed from comments made by Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza during a television interview, where he suggested that permit holders could apply for permanent residency. The department has since reiterated that the current permits remain valid until […]