Godongwana delivers mid-term budget as Cosatu marches against austerity and debt rules
First published Wed, Oct 21
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, with attention centred on a new fiscal anchor and debt rules. Tax revenue came in stronger than expected, setting the scene for the mini-budget.123
Cosatu led a march on Parliament against austerity and budget cuts on the day of the budget. Political parties set out their expectations for the mid-term budget ahead of its delivery.45
Calls grew for fuel price relief in the run-up to the statement, with petrol costs weighing on households. Moneyweb framed the fiscal anchor question as whether South Africa moves from talk to action.67
A day after the budget, Godongwana declined to put numbers on the fiscal anchor, saying no to figures.8
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Godongwana cuts fuel levy by R3 as opposition calls relief a pre-election scam
First published Thu, Oct 22
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a R3 fuel levy cut in the medium-term budget, relief at the pumps that followed growing calls for fuel price relief as petrol costs weighed on households. Tax revenue ahead of the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement came in stronger than expected, and SARS collected a R239 billion 'gift' for taxpayers.123
Opposition parties dismissed the temporary fuel levy relief as 'a scam', and support from within the Government of National Unity was muted. Some political parties said they were not impressed with the medium-term budget speech, while Godongwana scoffed at the charge that the cut was electioneering.245
The budget statement drew a growth downgrade, and reaction to it was dominated by election politics. Cosatu marched on Parliament against austerity and budget cuts on the day the speech was delivered.62
Attributed claim: businesstech.co.za: BusinessTech put the headline gain at R45 billion, while other accounts led on the R239 billion revenue figure from SARS. The two numbers describe different measures in the same budget package rather than a dispute over the levy cut itself.71
Godongwana used the speech to reflect on what he called the 'confusion' at the beginning of his tenure. Revenue collections were described as robust enough to cushion South Africa against global shocks, and one assessment said the country's fiscal fire is at last under control, with growth still the open question.8910
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Ramaphosa marks 49 years of Black Wednesday with call to safeguard media freedom
First published Wed, Oct 21
President Cyril Ramaphosa used the 49th anniversary of Black Wednesday to call for media freedom to be safeguarded, and warned that losses in the country's newsrooms weaken democracy. The South African National Editors' Forum reaffirmed its commitment to media freedom at the same event.1234
Ramaphosa also raised the possibility of restrictions on social media at the press freedom gathering. He told the audience that the ANC got some things wrong and that a free media helps the party get it right.56
The anniversary event drew the media fraternity to mark 49 years since Black Wednesday. IOL argued in its coverage that journalism is not dying but evolving.47
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Former president Thabo Mbeki testified before an inquiry into Truth and Reconciliation Commission cases
First published Mon, Oct 19
Former president Thabo Mbeki testified before an inquiry into Truth and Reconciliation Commission cases, denying that his government held secret meetings with apartheid-era generals. He called the claim a fabrication and rejected assertions that the state interfered in apartheid-era prosecutions.123
The Citizen reported that Mbeki described as a complete fabrication any account of secret meetings with former president F.W. de Klerk and South African Defence Force generals aimed at securing their amnesty.4
Mbeki also urged that agreements made during South Africa's transition be respected. Business Day noted he was appearing before a judge he had previously gone to court over.56
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Ramaphosa to unveil revised White Paper phasing out failing district municipalities
First published Fri, Oct 23
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is to launch a revised White Paper on Local Government, with the government preparing what News24 calls a systemic shift: phasing out district municipalities that do not work. The reform is being presented ahead of the 2026 elections, and the government says the new policy aims to improve service delivery within 18 months, according to Local Government Minister Hlabisa.12345
Ramaphosa used the launch to call for accountability and transparency in municipalities, and proposed ring-fencing municipal revenue from water and electricity. The revised policies are aimed at rescuing collapsing municipalities, the Mail & Guardian reports.678
The South African Local Government Association says the launch shifts focus towards implementation. The South African Cities Network has set out a five-year plan to turn the reform into delivery.910
Attributed claim: The accounts differ in emphasis rather than fact. News24 leads on the phase-out of district municipalities that do not work, while the Mail & Guardian frames the package as a rescue of collapsing municipalities and IOL foregrounds the ring-fencing of water and electricity revenue.387
Also this week
Published earlier this week and since overtaken by bigger stories. Open one to read it in full.
Fort Hare fires vice-chancellor Sakhela Buhlungu two days before his exit dateThe University of Fort Hare dismissed vice-chancellor Sakhela Buhlungu two days before his planned exit date. The university gave serious misconduct as its reason for the dismissal.
Fort Hare fires vice-chancellor Sakhela Buhlungu two days before his exit date
First published Thu, Oct 22
The University of Fort Hare dismissed vice-chancellor Sakhela Buhlungu two days before his planned exit date. The university gave serious misconduct as its reason for the dismissal.123
The sacking was reported by eNCA, IOL, EWN, SABC News and News24 on the same day, all describing the removal of the vice-chancellor.12453
Fort Hare named health expert Wezile Chitha as its new vice-chancellor.6
The State Security Agency is asking a court to exclude the mediaThe State Security Agency is asking a court to exclude the media and the public from a state capture fraud trial involving R12 million, arguing that open access would threaten national security. The agency's application rests on intelligence risk, and it is the party seeking the closure rather than the prosecution or defence.
The State Security Agency is asking a court to exclude the media
First published Thu, Oct 22 · Updated Fri, Oct 23
The State Security Agency is asking a court to exclude the media and the public from a state capture fraud trial involving R12 million, arguing that open access would threaten national security. The agency's application rests on intelligence risk, and it is the party seeking the closure rather than the prosecution or defence.1234
Media houses won sight of the SSA's secrecy application, giving them the chance to challenge the closure bid in court. The underlying case is a state capture fraud trial tied to Dlomo.31
The bid has drawn criticism that secrecy around the trial is dangerous for democracy. News24's Pieter du Toit argued the SSA must not win its attempt to keep the capture trial secret, while Moneyweb framed the secrecy as a democratic danger.21
UPDATES
· New development
The public and media were barred from hearing parts of the R12 million State Security Agency theft trial of Thulani Dlomo, described in reports as "Zuma's spy" and "superspy", after the closure bid was argued in court on Tuesday.567
Media houses and civil society groups contested the closure in court, calling it "unlawful, unconstitutional".57
Police deploy multi-unit response after bomb threat on plane at King Phalo AirportA bomb threat was reported on an aircraft at King Phalo International Airport in KuGompo, Eastern Cape, prompting a security operation on Wednesday. The South African Police Service activated a multidisciplinary response to the threat.
Police deploy multi-unit response after bomb threat on plane at King Phalo Airport
First published Wed, Oct 21
A bomb threat was reported on an aircraft at King Phalo International Airport in KuGompo, Eastern Cape, prompting a security operation on Wednesday. The South African Police Service activated a multidisciplinary response to the threat.1234
The flight was an incoming service, and 184 passengers were evacuated from the aircraft. Eastern Cape police descended on the airport after the threat was received.345
The airport is one of South Africa's major airports, and the scare drew a large security presence to the site.67
The Citizen reported the bomb threat as triggering a major security operation at King Phalo Airport, a day after the first reports.7
Tshwane admits negligence as 408 fall ill from unchlorinated Bronkhorstspruit waterMore than 400 people in Bronkhorstspruit have fallen ill after the City of Tshwane failed to chlorinate the area's water supply. The Mail & Guardian put the figure at 408 and reported that Tshwane admits negligence in the matter.
Tshwane admits negligence as 408 fall ill from unchlorinated Bronkhorstspruit water
First published Tue, Oct 20 · Updated Thu, Oct 22
More than 400 people in Bronkhorstspruit have fallen ill after the City of Tshwane failed to chlorinate the area's water supply. The Mail & Guardian put the figure at 408 and reported that Tshwane admits negligence in the matter.123
Residents of the Tshwane town face an indefinite wait before their drinking tap water is safe again. Authorities have outlined their response to the diarrhoea cases in the city.45
Water fears have taken hold in Bronkhorstspruit as the illness count climbed past 400, with the failure to chlorinate identified as the cause.13
UPDATES
· New development
The Economic Freedom Fighters are preparing a criminal case against Tshwane's executive mayor and the city manager over the Bronkhorstspruit water crisis.8
Tshwane mayor Moya has hit back at Brink over the crisis, and President Cyril Ramaphosa said a committee will address the water situation in Bronkhorstspruit.89
· New development
President Cyril Ramaphosa apologised after the Bronkhorstspruit water crisis left more than 400 people ill.6
The national Health Department reported a drop in gastrointestinal cases in Bronkhorstspruit.7
Ekurhuleni wins approval to buy 2,400MW from independent power producersEkurhuleni has been granted approval to procure 2,400 megawatts of electricity from independent power producers, ending its reliance on Eskom for part of its supply. The municipality says the plan will save it R36 billion.
Ekurhuleni wins approval to buy 2,400MW from independent power producers
First published Tue, Oct 20
Ekurhuleni has been granted approval to procure 2,400 megawatts of electricity from independent power producers, ending its reliance on Eskom for part of its supply. The municipality says the plan will save it R36 billion.123
The approval was reported on Monday by EWN, SABC News, The Citizen and TimesLIVE, which said the deal could ease electricity costs for Ekurhuleni households. Jacaranda FM reported that the IPP programme could reduce electricity costs for households.1234
On Thursday, The Citizen asked who would pay for more free electricity, questioning the cost of the programme three days after the procurement approval was announced.5
ANC Women's League demands apology and discipline for Mantashe over sex-for-jobs remarksThe ANC Women's League has called on Gwede Mantashe to apologise publicly and face disciplinary action over remarks about sex for jobs that it describes as derogatory toward women. The demand was carried by News24, TimesLIVE, IOL and The Citizen on Monday.
ANC Women's League demands apology and discipline for Mantashe over sex-for-jobs remarks
First published Tue, Oct 20
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
The ANC Women's League has called on Gwede Mantashe to apologise publicly and face disciplinary action over remarks about sex for jobs that it describes as derogatory toward women. The demand was carried by News24, TimesLIVE, IOL and The Citizen on Monday.1234
The Citizen reported that Mantashe was in hot water over what it called vulgar sex-for-jobs comments. The league's demand covers both a public apology and internal disciplinary steps against him.24
Attributed claim: Sowetan columnist S'Thembiso Msomi judged it unlikely that the ANC will censure Mantashe over his recent gaffes, suggesting the party will not act against him.5
Coverage of the demand continued into Thursday, with Central News South Africa and Joburg ETC reporting the ANCWL's call for a public apology and disciplinary action against Mantashe.67
Investec sees South Africa nearing investment grade as Godongwana prepares to cut GDP forecastSouth Africa is on a path to an investment-grade credit rating, according to Investec. The assessment lands in the same week Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is expected to trim the country's GDP forecast in his economic update.
Investec sees South Africa nearing investment grade as Godongwana prepares to cut GDP forecast
First published Mon, Oct 19 · Updated Wed, Oct 21
South Africa is on a path to an investment-grade credit rating, according to Investec. The assessment lands in the same week Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is expected to trim the country's GDP forecast in his economic update.12
Business group leader Busisiwe Mavuso credits Treasury with pulling South Africa back from the brink, describing its work as having saved the country from bankruptcy. Outlets frame the week as one of good news for the economy, with the fiscal position steadier than that of the United States under President Donald Trump.345
For ordinary households, the picture is tighter. Eroding purchasing power is deepening financial pressure on South Africans, with less left to spend after taxes, rising costs and private services.6
UPDATES
· New development
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a R3 fuel levy cut in the medium-term budget, a measure outlets describe as relief at the pumps and a response to pleas for fuel price relief.78910
The mini-budget also includes El Niño readiness measures, and News24 reports a tax boon turning the debt tide.710
Masemola resumes as national police commissioner and vows stronger fight against crimeGeneral Fannie Masemola returned to office as National Police Commissioner and addressed the media on resuming the role. He said he is "not back for revenge" and vowed a stronger fight against crime.
Masemola resumes as national police commissioner and vows stronger fight against crime
First published Mon, Oct 19
General Fannie Masemola returned to office as National Police Commissioner and addressed the media on resuming the role. He said he is "not back for revenge" and vowed a stronger fight against crime.1234
Masemola pledged to strengthen the South African Police Service and to keep up the fight against crime. He also condemned an assault on a female officer and promised zero tolerance for attacks on SAPS members.56
TimesLIVE ran a reader poll asking whether Masemola's term should be extended so he can deal with what it called the rot in SAPS, putting the question of his tenure alongside his return.7
Separately, Gauteng crime fighters vowed to hunt the killers of their "supreme commander", vowing: "We are coming for them."8
Supreme Court of Appeal rules Road Accident Fund cannot deduct Discovery Health payments from injured pedestrian's claimDiscovery Health won an appeal at the Supreme Court of Appeal against the Road Accident Fund's practice of reducing claims by the value of medical expenses already covered by a medical scheme. The court ordered the RAF to compensate an injured pedestrian despite the Discovery payments. Discovery Health said the judgment confirms the fund must pay up.
Supreme Court of Appeal rules Road Accident Fund cannot deduct Discovery Health payments from injured pedestrian's claim
First published Mon, Oct 19
Discovery Health won an appeal at the Supreme Court of Appeal against the Road Accident Fund's practice of reducing claims by the value of medical expenses already covered by a medical scheme. The court ordered the RAF to compensate an injured pedestrian despite the Discovery payments. Discovery Health said the judgment confirms the fund must pay up.123
On Thursday, Discovery Health said it would cover the costs of claims overpayments, a reversal described as caving to pressure. The same day, Discovery said it would raise medical aid contributions by as much as 8.9%.45
Discovery also announced a weight loss coaching service for a monthly fee as GLP-1 use tripled, and pointed to a 'super bank' as the driver of its next phase of growth.67
South Africa weather warning raised to level 4 as heatwave persists and lightning damages Durban North homeSouth Africa's severe weather warning was escalated to level 4, with heatwave conditions expected to persist until Monday, the South African Weather Service said. Forecasts for Monday also flagged severe storms, damaging winds and fire risk.
South Africa weather warning raised to level 4 as heatwave persists and lightning damages Durban North home
First published Mon, Oct 19 · Updated Tue, Oct 20
South Africa's severe weather warning was escalated to level 4, with heatwave conditions expected to persist until Monday, the South African Weather Service said. Forecasts for Monday also flagged severe storms, damaging winds and fire risk.123
A lightning strike damaged a home in Durban North as the severe weather warning was issued.4
Johannesburg and Pretoria face a scorching week, while Cape Town braces for rain.5
The warnings follow a summer outlook in which Agriculture Minister Hlabisa said El Niño would bring extreme heat and drought risks, describing the situation as "going to be next level." Hundreds of people marched to Parliament over El Niño and hunger, linking the climate outlook to food security.123
UPDATES
· New development
Severe thunderstorms are expected in parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday, with a foggy start and isolated showers in the morning.67
