Oyisa George

Economist Dr Azar Jammine has described the government’s temporary fuel levy relief as a “token gesture”, saying the measures offer some relief to consumers but are unlikely to have a significant impact. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana tabled the Mid-Term Budget Policy Statement in Parliament on Wednesday, announcing temporary fuel levy reductions of R1.50 per litre for petrol and R3 for diesel from 4 November to 1 December 2026. Speaking to […]

The Foundation for Human Rights says former president Thabo Mbeki failed to explain what his government did to ensure apartheid-era crimes referred for prosecution were investigated and brought before the courts. Mbeki recently appeared before the Khampepe Commission, which is investigating alleged political interference and delays in prosecuting cases referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). He denied allegations that he was personally […]

Former president Thabo Mbeki has dismissed as a “complete fabrication” allegations that he held secret meetings with apartheid-era generals to protect them from prosecution for crimes committed under apartheid. Mbeki made the remarks while testifying before the Khampepe Commission, which is investigating alleged political interference and delays in prosecuting apartheid-era crimes referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). He acknowledged meeting security force generals who wanted former president FW […]

Economist Khaya Sithole says any relief South Africans may receive from rising fuel prices is likely to be temporary, with government facing difficult trade-offs as Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana prepares to deliver the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement on Wednesday, 21 October. The statement will outline government’s updated economic forecasts, spending plans and debt outlook amid pressure to ease the cost of living while managing public finances. Sithole said fuel prices […]

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has brought forward its November 2026 social grant payments ahead of the local government elections on 4 November. SASSA spokesperson Andile Tshona said the revised schedule followed consultations with stakeholders and approval from National Treasury. Under the new dates, the Older Persons Grant will be paid on Friday, 30 October, followed by the Disability Grant on Monday, 2 November. Children’s grants will be […]

Western Cape schools will teach Grade 1 mathematics in isiXhosa from next year as part of a province-wide expansion of the Bala Wande mathematics programme. The Western Cape Education Department is implementing the programme in partnership with education organisation Funda Wande to strengthen foundational numeracy skills through structured teaching resources and teacher training. Almaret Aletta du Toit from the department said the 2026 pilot reached about 8,000 Grade 1 learners […]

The Cry of the Xcluded and Amadoda Qotho marched in Khayelitsha on Tuesday, calling for an end to austerity measures they argue are worsening public services and placing further pressure on working-class communities. The organisations handed over memorandums to Eskom and the City of Cape Town, raising concerns about electricity outages, deteriorating roads, blocked drains and poor service delivery. Amadoda Qotho spokesperson Sabelo Zikava said some residents had been without […]

Quality assurance body Umalusi says South Africa is broadly ready for the start of the 2026 matric examinations on 13 October. Umalusi CEO Mafu Rakometsi says 964,201 candidates are registered to write the examinations at 7,057 centres across the country. The National Senior Certificate accounts for 92% of the registrations. Rakometsi says secure systems are in place to duplicate, store and distribute question papers, with 283 subject papers approved across […]