Topic
South African governance and policy
Timeline · newest first
Manamela says court order does not resolve Nsfas institutional problems
Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela met with National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) board members in Gauteng to address the transition from administration to new interim governance arrangements mandated by an August 14 court order. Manamela stated that the order changed the scheme's governance structure but did not resolve the systemic institutional, financial, and operational challenges that originally necessitated the administrative intervention. During the meeting, the minister emphasized the need to focus on audit remediation, outstanding payments to institutions, and long-term planning for the 2027 academic year.
Johannesburg municipality introduces digital public participation process
The Johannesburg City Council passed an amendment to its public participation policy, enabling residents to provide digital input for community-based development projects. This initiative sought to address low engagement levels, specifically noting that only 0.3% of the city’s population participated in the formulation of the previous integrated development plan. Finance MMC and deputy mayor Loyiso Masuku also addressed infrastructure concerns, noting that 1,040km of roads remain untarred with only R40 million currently allocated to the gravel roads programme. Supporters of the digital policy, including representatives from the DA and ACDP, stated that the move aimed to increase accessibility, improve accountability, and restore resident trust in public officials.
Samwu opposes Eskom takeover of municipal electricity distribution
The South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) formally rejected Eskom’s takeover of electricity distribution in financially distressed municipalities through Distribution Agency Agreements (DAAs). The union demanded a review of existing agreements in Maluti-a-Phofung, Emfuleni, Merafong, and Ditsobotla, citing concerns over potential job losses and the erosion of municipal technical capacity. This opposition followed a court application by AfriForum challenging the legality of the Merafong agreement and occurred as National Treasury pressured 14 municipalities to sign DAAs before September 1 or face power cuts and financial sanctions. These agreements, currently affecting a R119 billion debt burden, involve Eskom assuming distribution functions and redirecting consumer payments to address municipal arrears.
Industrial Development Corporation reports R4.65bn loss and restates prior results
The state-owned Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) reported a R4.65 billion loss for the 2026 financial year, marking a significant reversal from the R329 million profit recorded in 2025. This performance was driven by a R1.8 billion loss from minority stakes and a R3.1 billion tax expense, alongside the discovery of accounting errors related to Adelaide Ruiters Mining and Exploration and fertilizer producer Foskor. While the IDC disbursed R17 billion in investments intended to support 71,228 jobs, the firm had to restate its 2025 results following the revaluation of mining rights and the correction of a R3.2 billion consolidation error regarding Foskor preference shares.
Odendaal reports on infrastructure and service delivery failures in Nelson Mandela Bay
DA mayoral candidate Retief Odendaal criticized the ANC-led coalition for the collapse of basic service delivery in Nelson Mandela Bay, citing issues such as broken streetlights, sewer blockages, and infrastructure decay. Odendaal attributed the metro’s decline to unstable coalition governance and the appointment of unqualified officials, while proposing reforms including professionalized recruitment and a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption. Additionally, the DA successfully obtained a court order to reinstate previous electricity tariffs, challenging the municipality’s proposed increases that Odendaal claimed placed an undue burden of up to 61% on the city's poorest households.
FlySafair reports no flight cancellations due to jet fuel shortages at OR Tambo
Sasol Oil experienced an unplanned shutdown of a downstream unit at its Natref refinery, which resulted in limited jet fuel supplies to OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA). In response to the supply constraints, the Department of Energy held an emergency meeting with the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) and the Fuels Industry Association of Southern Africa. FlySafair, which carries over half of South Africa's domestic passengers, reported that its operations remained unaffected due to pre-established contingency measures.
South African health officials urge vaccinations amid declining coverage
South Africa’s Department of Health, represented by spokesperson Foster Mohale, declared a public health emergency on August 26, 2026, due to a severe decline in childhood vaccination rates. The number of infants receiving no vaccinations tripled from 12.1% in 2017 to 36.3% by early 2026, while routine coverage for the 6-in-1 vaccine dropped from 87% in 2021 to 60.5% in 2025. This failure to meet immunization targets resulted in active outbreaks of measles and rubella across multiple provinces, with 3,462 confirmed measles cases and nearly 400 rubella cases recorded since January 2026. Health officials noted that these trends threaten to reverse long-term gains in reducing infant and under-five mortality.
Survey finds 91% of South African parents support school phone restrictions
The 2026 Karri Parent Survey, which polled 2,780 parents across South Africa’s nine provinces, found that 91% of respondents favored stricter controls on mobile phone usage during school hours. Parents cited concerns regarding the impact of digital devices on student safety, mental health, and maturity, with 74% suggesting a minimum age of 16 for social media access. While 37% of surveyed parents supported a total ban on phones at school, 54% advocated for a policy where devices are locked away during the day, leaving only 7% in favor of unrestricted use.
US envoy meets with right-wing groups in South Africa
US Ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell met with leaders of right-wing groups previously noted for their opposition to the 1994 multiparty negotiations and their advocacy for cultural and linguistic rights. The meetings, which included a recent appearance by Bozell in Hermanus, prompted criticism from observers who characterized these groups as historically opposed to reconciliation. Critics alleged that Bozell utilized a combative, pro-Trump approach with these organizations while maintaining a standard diplomatic posture with South African state officials. The event gained attention due to concerns that these engagements seek to amplify false claims regarding an Afrikaner genocide and undermine South Africa’s democratic stability.
Melville residents plan protests over 50-day water service disruption
Residents of Melville and surrounding areas in Johannesburg, including Westdene, Brixton, and Emmarentia, organized protests to oppose 50 days of water service disruptions experienced over an eight-month period. The unrest was triggered by recurring outages, most recently caused by a power failure at the Eikenhof pumping station that severely affected the Commando water system. Protest organizer Josh Nel stated that the community demanded accountability and sustainable infrastructure planning, noting that recent utility failures highlighted a systemic fragility within the city's network. Previous tensions peaked during a community meeting where residents criticized the absence of political leadership and the failure of municipal services to maintain stable supply levels at the Crosby reservoir and Brixton water tower.
Bronkhorstspruit resident funds road repairs following municipal inaction
A Bronkhorstspruit farmer personally funded R160 000 in road repairs after the City of Tshwane failed to maintain infrastructure used by municipal sewage vehicles. Opposition politician Cilliers Brink characterized the incident as an example of municipal governance failure that negatively impacts local businesses and livelihoods. Meanwhile, the City of Tshwane defended its record, with MMC Tlangi Mogale stating that 52km of road was resurfaced during the 2024-2025 financial year, and spokesperson Lindela Mashigo noted that the city is currently addressing open excavations in areas like Lynnwood Road.
South Africa addresses concerns regarding its judiciary
South Africa’s judiciary and criminal justice architecture faced increased public scrutiny following high-profile legal cases, including the Tiffany Meek trial and incidents involving the murder of boxer Zolani Tete. The situation was intensified by revelations from KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which exposed institutional weaknesses and systemic failures within the justice system. These events followed public concern over collapsed court cases and the release of suspects on bail, prompting a national demand for institutional reform and the restoration of public confidence in the rule of law.
South African news update: Prison deaths, policy changes, and ANC outlook
During the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, 204 inmates died under correctional services supervision, with 44 of those classified as unnatural deaths. In political developments, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola acknowledged the withdrawal of claims by ANC veteran Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who had previously alleged his involvement in vote-buying during the 2017 ANC conference. Additionally, Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramakgopa faced scrutiny regarding a proposal to increase the free basic electricity threshold from 50kwh to 300kwh for indigent households. Finally, a Department of Higher Education and Training report revealed that only five of 14 public universities disclosed data on the proportion of foreign-national staff, with figures ranging between 1.7% and 8.3%.
EFF motion to remove parliamentary speaker Didiza rejected
On 26 August, the South African National Assembly voted 208 to 101 against a motion of no confidence in parliamentary speaker Thoko Didiza. The motion was tabled by Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in June, citing Didiza’s failure to defend parliament during an impeachment process against President Cyril Ramaphosa. The vote followed a heated debate where the ANC, Democratic Alliance, and Patriotic Alliance opposed the motion, while the uMkhonto weSizwe Party supported it. Opposing parties argued that the motion was a political maneuver rather than a legitimate constitutional intervention.
Good party fined for undeclared 2021 election campaign material donation
The Electoral Court fined the Good party R90 000 after finding that it failed to disclose a R900 000 donation used to purchase campaign materials from Kairos Communications during the 2021 local government elections. The payment, made by Electrox Properties on behalf of the party, was not recorded in the party's annual financial statements or reported to the Electoral Commission of South Africa as required by the Political Party Funding Act. The matter was brought to light following a 2023 complaint by former Good national organiser Shaun August, whose involvement in the transaction was cited by the court despite the party's attempts to distance itself from his actions. Judge Leicester Adams concluded that the party and its secretary-general, Brett Herron, failed to meet their legal obligations regarding the accounting and disclosure of political income.
ANC members raise concerns over candidate list in Eastern Cape
ANC branch members in the Eastern Cape’s Joe Gqabi region petitioned the Provincial Executive Committee to halt and review the party’s proportional representation (PR) candidate list ahead of the August 28 IEC submission deadline. The dispute centered on allegations that regional secretary Vikita Dontsa manipulated the list to exclude his rival, Aphiwe Skoti, due to a personal vendetta. Additionally, ANC branch members in Buffalo City raised similar concerns regarding leadership interference in candidate selection, though the party denied these allegations. The ongoing unrest highlighted significant internal friction regarding adherence to organizational rules for the 2026 local government elections.
Average South African salaries rise to over R20 000 in July
The PayInc Net Salary Index reported that average nominal net salaries in South Africa reached R21 642 in July, representing a 0.2% monthly increase and a 2.2% year-on-year rise. While inflation declined to 4.3% in July from 5.0% in June—largely due to lower fuel prices—real net salaries remained 2.2% below levels recorded a year ago. Independent economist Elize Kruger noted that while this marked the first monthly real salary increase in nine months, overall wage growth remains subdued due to a strained labour market and pressure on company profitability.
South African minister reports 47,000 jobs saved through labor interventions
South African Minister of Employment and Labor Nomakhosazana Meth reported to Parliament that departmental interventions facilitated the placement of 116,000 job seekers and the preservation of 47,000 jobs through the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) over the past year. In response to inquiries from EFF MP Tebogo Mokwele regarding unemployment and corporate accountability, Meth highlighted that the department conducted over 309,000 labor inspections and supported 174,000 participants through the Unemployment Insurance Fund’s Labour Activation Programme. These measures, alongside initiatives such as the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative and the National Pathway Management Network, were presented as part of the government's strategy to address South Africa's persistent unemployment challenges.
Gauteng health officials urge residents to register as organ donors
The Gauteng Department of Health urged residents to register as organ and tissue donors and to discuss their donation intentions with family members. Spokesperson Steve Mabona stated that the initiative aimed to address a critical supply-demand gap, noting that approximately 6,500 people are waiting for transplants across South Africa, including 1,100 patients in Gauteng. Despite 317 solid organ transplants performed in 2024, the department highlighted that the demand for organs continues to far exceed the available supply.
ANC proposes increasing free basic electricity threshold in election manifesto
The African National Congress (ANC) included a proposal in its election manifesto to increase the monthly free basic electricity (FBE) threshold for indigent households from 50kWh to up to 300kWh. Electricity and energy minister Kgosientsho Ramakgopa championed the plan, which aims to leverage an improved national energy availability factor while utilizing a more rigid social grants database to target the impoverished. However, analysts including Chris Yelland cautioned that such a sixfold increase could create an R80 billion funding shortfall, as Eskom lacks the capacity to absorb these costs.
Stats SA reports increase in cost of basic survival in South Africa
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) released updated national poverty lines on Thursday, reporting that the cost of basic survival increased between 2025 and 2026. The food poverty line rose to R868 per person per month, the lower-bound line increased to R1,457, and the upper-bound line reached R2,962. These figures, which incorporate 2022/23 survey data and May Consumer Price Index trends, reflect the rising cost of a 46-item food basket and essential non-food needs like shelter and medicine. The new benchmarks track a long-term upward trend that began in 2006, when the food poverty line stood at R228.
MPs question rising costs and delays of Giyani water project
Members of Parliament’s water and sanitation portfolio committee questioned the Department of Water and Sanitation regarding significant budget overruns and delays in the Giyani water project in Limpopo, which has expanded from an initial projection of under R100 million to over R48 billion. DA MP Stephen Moore challenged the department on why the project, which began in 2014 and was originally slated for completion in 2017, remains incomplete with further phases pushed to 2028. Deputy Minister David Mahlobo defended the expenditure as necessary for transporting water to dozens of communities, while department officials noted that the Nandoni pipeline and treatment works were completed between December 2023 and December 2024.
Parliament discusses water service delivery and borehole failures in Mpumalanga
During a meeting of Parliament’s water and sanitation portfolio committee, MPs pressed the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) on the effectiveness of billions of rand spent on water projects, highlighting systemic failures in service delivery. MK Party MP Visvin Reddy and DA MP Stephen Moore presented accounts of residents lacking basic sanitation and the widespread failure of operational boreholes. Minister David Mahlobo defended the department's progress, noting that 400 projects were currently intended to support municipal water services, while Deputy Minister Jack Bloom emphasized that local government leadership issues remained a core concern.
ACSA plans R22 billion in airport infrastructure projects by 2032
The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) announced an R22 billion infrastructure investment program scheduled for completion by 2032, involving renovations and expansions across nine airports. During a briefing, representatives from ACSA, the Air Traffic and Navigation Services, and the South African Civil Aviation Authority faced scrutiny from the Portfolio Committee on Transport regarding the feasibility and timelines of these projects. Members of Parliament raised concerns about potential delays and questioned the internal stability of the involved entities, specifically citing discrepancies between project status reports and the operational reality of the agencies.
Government evaluates potential financial rescue of Johannesburg
The national government began evaluating a potential financial rescue for the City of Johannesburg as the municipality faced a deepening fiscal crisis characterized by an accounting-based surplus that masked an underlying cash deficit. A report by the Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) detailed that while the city reported an accounting surplus of R1.2 billion for the 2025 financial year, it relied on R3 billion in net borrowing to avoid a R1.7 billion cash deficit. Governance challenges, including nine mayors and eight coalition administrations since 2016, coincided with a 40% increase in the workforce and a doubling of employee costs to R20.7 billion, while inflation-adjusted infrastructure investment fell by 50%. The city's financial stability was further undermined by high uncollected billing rates and significant electricity losses, which stood at 30% due to theft and technical issues.
FSCA upgrades insider trading investigation into Curro shares
The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) upgraded its inquiry into Curro Holdings share dealings from an assessment to a formal investigation regarding possible insider trading ahead of a R7.2 billion buyout offer by the Jannie Mouton Foundation. The escalation followed reports of suspicious transactions from entities like the JSE or Strate, specifically involving activity in the six months prior to the August 27, 2025, announcement of the 60% premium buyout. Identified transactions included shares acquired by Citiclient Nominees No. 8, the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), and three companies owned by the Jannie Mouton Familietrust. While the FSCA did not specify which transactions are under scrutiny, the investigation grants the regulator powers to compel verbal testimony and the production of documents.
Immigration police accused of ignoring ZEP extension directive
A video surfaced showing a municipal police officer in Emalahleni shouting at a Zimbabwean national who presented a valid Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP). Despite the official being informed of the Department of Home Affairs directive extending the ZEP's validity, the officer dismissed the document's legitimacy. Bongani Mkwananzi of ZimCommunitySA, alongside experts Mike Bolhuis and Professor Witness Maluleke, condemned the incident, highlighting a critical lack of knowledge among law enforcement regarding immigration directives. Experts argued that this ignorance contributes to the harassment of legal migrants and requested better communication between the Department of Home Affairs and law enforcement.
ANC faces court challenge over Buffalo City councillor candidate selection
Disgruntled ANC members in the Buffalo City metro, led by Lwazi Rotya, threatened legal action against the party's headquarters, Luthuli House, over alleged irregularities in the councillor candidate selection process. The complainants, represented by lawyers from Makangela Mtungani Inc, alleged that party structures bypassed branch nomination guidelines and manipulated candidate lists in the WB Rubusana region, specifically citing issues in ward 20. This dispute followed previous court rulings where the judiciary declared the ANC's appointment of a provincial task team unlawful and interdicted an Eastern Cape provincial conference due to procedural violations.
DA faces challenges in securing Johannesburg city hall after election
Ahead of the 4 November local government elections, the Democratic Alliance (DA) intensified its campaign to win Johannesburg, with mayoral candidate Helen Zille framing the city’s administration as broken and in need of repair. While polling placed the DA close to an outright majority, leaders from the Patriotic Alliance, ActionSA, the EFF, and Al Jama-ah explicitly signaled opposition to a Zille-led administration. This fragmented political landscape forced the DA to consider the potential for a governing arrangement with the ANC to ensure stability in the metro. The situation highlights a growing disconnect between winning the most votes and securing the ability to govern in South Africa's current political climate.
Court ruling increases pressure on South African government to fund public schools
The Eastern Cape High Court ruled that the provincial education department’s decision to withhold 33.75% of school funding for the 2023-24 period was unconstitutional, unlawful, and invalid. The case was brought forward by the Makhanda Circle of Unity and the Legal Resources Centre to address chronic underfunding that teachers' unions, including Naptosa and the South African Democratic Teachers Union, claimed sabotaged instruction. Judge Thembekile Malusi instructed the department to properly fund the schools, noting that the withholdings caused significant disruptions to teaching and learning.
Know where. Know why.