Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week.
HOME AFFAIRS EXTENDS WEEKEND OPERATING HOURS FOR VOTER REGISTRATION
In preparation for the voter registration weekend, Home Affairs has extended its operating hours for ID collection. Offices will open two extra hours on Friday, and on Saturday and Sunday, residents can visit branches from 8 am to 5 pm.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) will conduct the last national voter registration campaign on 3-4 February 2024, aiming to enroll eligible South Africans for the upcoming national elections. This year marks the first time the national voters’ roll has exceeded 27 million, a milestone in democratic South Africa.
AUCTION OF NELSON MANDELA’S BELONGINGS SUSPENDED
A New York auction of Nelson Mandela’s memorabilia, including his identity card and iconic shirts, has been suspended following South African government intervention. The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) announced that the auction house Guernsey’s decided to put the sale on hold after discussions.
The Ministry of Culture had filed an appeal to stop the auction, citing the historical and cultural significance of the items. The suspension allows ongoing legal proceedings and aligns with SAHRA’s aim to preserve the nation’s cultural heritage.
SOUTH AFRICA’S CONSUMER INFLATION DECREASES IN DECEMBER
Statistics South Africa has reported a decrease in the consumer inflation rate to 5.1% in December, down from 5.5% in November and 5.9% in October. Patrick Kelly, Chief Director for Price Statistics, noted an 8.5% inflation rate for food and non-alcoholic beverages, lower than November’s 9%.
The average inflation rate for the year is 6%, attributed in part to lower petrol prices.
METROBUS FACES OPERATIONAL DISRUPTIONS DUE TO STRIKE
Johannesburg’s Metrobus faces operational disruptions due to an illegal strike by some employees, affecting bus services on all routes. The strike began during the afternoon shift on Wednesday,31 January 2024 causing inconvenience to commuters.
Metrobus says it is working to restore services as soon as possible. The strike is linked to employee grievances, but the South African Municipal Workers Union disputes it, stating it’s an appeal for addressing driver concerns. Ticket sales outlets have been closed as a precaution, following a security threat analysis.
HAWKS LAUNCH MANHUNT FOR FORMER MUGG & BEAN MANAGER WHO STOLE ALMOST R900K
The Hawks, or Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, initiates an extensive manhunt for Amos Tineyi Kampinya, a 44-year-old Zimbabwean man wanted in connection with a fraud and theft case at the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga. Kampinya, a former manager at Mugg & Bean restaurant, allegedly stole company funds amounting to R897,229 in July 2022. The Hawks call on the community for assistance in locating the suspect, who has reportedly evaded arrest and is currently at large.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA TO DELIVER 2024 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS NEXT WEEK
President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to deliver the 2024 State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on 8 February 2024, at 7pm in Cape Town City Hall. The annual address is a significant event in South Africa’s political calendar, where the President reflects on the country’s status, outlines achievements, acknowledges challenges, and presents the government’s future plans.
During the joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, President Ramaphosa is expected to make key announcements regarding the government’s program of action.
MARSHALLTOWN BUILDING FIRE SUSPECT ABANDONS BAIL APPLICATION
The man accused of causing the fatal fire at the Usindiso Building in Marshalltown, Johannesburg, has withdrawn his bail application in the Magistrate’s Court. Lawrence Mdlalose faces numerous charges, including 76 counts of murder and arson, after confessing to setting the building ablaze to hide evidence of a murder. The fire occurred in August 2023, claiming over 70 lives.
The court discovered discrepancies in Mdlalose’s provided addresses, and his aunt confirmed he lived with her in Soweto until 2017. The case will continue with further investigations into the accused’s background and statements.
NSFAS EXTENDS “MISSING MIDDLE” LOAN APPLICATION DEADLINE
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has extended the application deadline for its new loan targeting the “missing middle” income bracket. The deadline for the loan, aimed at students from households earning above the R350,000 threshold, has been extended until 15 February.
NSFAS introduced the scheme to assist students who fall into the middle-income category but still face financial challenges. The update comes as universities prepare to commence the academic year, with NSFAS ensuring broader access to financial assistance for eligible students.
CONCERNS MOUNT AS MORE SHOPS REMAIN EMPTY AT FOURWAYS MALL
More than 120 out of approximately 450 stores at Fourways Mall stand vacant, representing over a quarter of the outlets. The situation is evident to visitors, with significant unoccupied retail space noticeable throughout the center. Some sections, including entire wings, have remained unlet since the mall’s redevelopment in August 2019.
Additionally, more than 50 shops stand empty in other newly developed areas, with nearly half located in the upstairs link between Woolworths and Toys R Us. The situation is mirrored in the older section of the mall and the corridor leading to the Food Lovers Market on Cedar Road, where 28 and 22 vacancies exist, respectively.
*Source: Moneyweb.
SA WOMAN TRAVELS TO SWITZERLAND TO GET AN ASSISTED DEATH
Carol de Swardt, a South African, has opted for assisted suicide in Switzerland, where she has the right to choose when to pass away. In South Africa, assisting suicide is prohibited. Swardt, a George cancer patient, suffered negligence resulting in the amputation of her leg due to excessive radiation. Her declining quality of life led her to choose euthanasia at the Pegasos Clinic on January 31. She traveled to Switzerland to exercise her right to a dignified death, unavailable in her home country.
GAUTENG GOVT REPORTS OVER R30 MILLION IN COSTS DUE TO THEFT AND VANDALISM OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport reports that theft and vandalism of traffic infrastructure have resulted in a cost exceeding R30 million in the past financial year. Over 400 intersections experienced damage to traffic lights, prompting replacements with four-way stops in some areas.
The department emphasizes the disruption to essential traffic services and the threat to public safety caused by these acts. Spokesperson Lesiba Mpya urges communities to report criminal activities and emphasizes their commitment to holding those responsible accountable.
CITY OF JOBURG TO INCREASE SECURITY FOR COUNCILLORS IN TARGET AREAS
The City of Johannesburg announces plans to enhance security for councillors in high-risk areas following the fatal shooting of Rand Water executive Teboho Joala. The initiative, falling under the jurisdiction of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), aims to address safety concerns without incurring additional costs. Joala was fatally shot during a community event, prompting measures to safeguard councillors operating in vulnerable areas.
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