Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week!
This week in South Africa, key developments include the Democratic Alliance (DA) considering participation in the African National Congress (ANC)’s Government of National Unity (GNU). President Cyril Ramaphosa offered six ministerial positions to the DA, a decision pivotal for the country’s political landscape.
Additionally, the nation reported new cases of Mpox, bringing the total to 16 since May 2024. In other news, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) criticized the Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party’s legal challenge to the 2024 election results, while South African rugby star Siya Kolisi returned as captain for the upcoming series against Ireland, and tragic casualties were reported in a mortar attack on South African soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Here are the top stories of the week:
DECISION LOOMS FOR DA IN ANC’S GOVERNMENT OF NATIONAL UNITY
All eyes are on the Democratic Alliance (DA) as it deliberates its participation in the African National Congress (ANC)’s Government of National Unity (GNU). President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered the DA six ministerial positions after days of negotiations and wrangling over roles. Previously, the DA had sent a letter to Ramaphosa demanding at least 12 Cabinet posts and the removal of directors general in the ministries its members would occupy.
Additionally, the party had its sights set on the position of deputy president. Now, the DA holds the key decision on whether to proceed with this arrangement, a choice that carries significant implications for South Africa’s political landscape and governance.
POLICE HUNT FOR GUNMEN AFTER WOMAN SHOT ON JOBURG METROBUS
Johannesburg police are on the lookout for unidentified gunmen who killed a woman on a Joburg Metrobus in Fleurhof on Wednesday morning. The suspect, described as an unknown male, fled the scene in a white VW Polo sedan without license plates. The Johannesburg Metro Police Department’s tactical unit responded to the incident and found the woman deceased on the bus. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to help with the investigation.
JOBURG AND TSHWANE RESIDENTS TO PAY MORE AS NEW TARIFF INCREASES BEGIN IN JULY
Residents in Johannesburg and Tshwane should prepare for higher property rates as new tariffs take effect next month. Starting July 1, Johannesburg will see electricity tariffs rise by 12.7%, refuse by 5.9%, water and sanitation by 7.7%, and property rates by 3.8%. Similarly, Tshwane’s new budget outlines increases of 5.9% for water and sanitation, 5.9% for refuse removal, 5% for property rates, and 12% for electricity.
Ekurhuleni residents will also experience electricity hikes between 11% and 12.74% in the upcoming financial year. Despite Johannesburg’s claim of having the lowest property rate increases for 2024/2025, John Wilkinson of the Kensington ratepayers association argues that the services provided offer little value for money.
IEC CRITICIZES MK PARTY’S ATTEMPT TO OVERTURN ELECTION RESULTS
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has condemned the Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party’s legal maneuver to challenge the 2024 general election results, labeling it as an abuse of the country’s judicial processes. The IEC filed an affidavit in the Electoral Court opposing the MK Party’s application, which seeks to invalidate the election outcomes.
The party intends to present evidence in court to support its case, despite the IEC’s stance against the legitimacy of their challenge.
MORTAR ATTACK IN DRC KILLS TWO SOUTH AFRICAN SOLDIERS, WOUNDS TWENTY
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed that two of its soldiers were killed and twenty others wounded in a mortar attack in Sake, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, on Tuesday. South African troops, part of a Southern African Development Community mission, are assisting the DRC government in quelling a rebellion. The South African National Defence Union is demanding more information on the casualties.
This incident follows the deaths of three South African soldiers in the region earlier this year. SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini confirmed that the injured soldiers have been hospitalized.
MPOX CASES RISE TO 16, DEATH TOLL INCREASE TO THREE
South Africa has reported three new cases of Mpox, bringing the total confirmed cases to 16 since the outbreak began in May 2024. The Department of Health confirmed the latest cases, including one fatality, highlighting the spread of the infectious disease in affected communities. Symptoms resembling smallpox, such as body rash, were observed in the cases, which affected individuals aged 29 to 43 with no international travel history.
The department emphasized health education initiatives and assured the public that no travel restrictions are recommended by the World Health Organization despite the outbreak.
TEN KILLED, 24 INJURED IN FATAL ACCIDENT BETWEEN MINIBUS TAXI AND BUS TRUCK NEAR DELMAS
A tragic collision between a minibus taxi and a bus truck on the R42 Road near Delmas has resulted in ten fatalities, according to the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison. The accident occurred around 1am on Monday morning, claiming eight lives from the minibus taxi and two from the bus truck, including the taxi driver.
Additionally, 24 individuals sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash, which occurred as the taxi was reportedly returning to the N12 highway from the R42. Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, emphasized the importance of cautious driving to prevent such tragedies on the road.
R2 MILLION MANDRAX SEIZED IN EAST LONDON
A significant drug bust unfolded in Buffalo Flats, East London, where members of the East London Public Order Policing acted swiftly on a tip-off about drug dealing. They raided the residence of a 47-year-old male suspect early this morning, uncovering mandrax with a street value exceeding R2 million hidden in a washing basket in his bedroom.
SAPS Commissioner Major General Christopher Wright commended the community for their cooperation, emphasizing that such collaboration is crucial in the fight against drugs. The suspect now faces charges related to drug dealing.
GREEN ID BOOKS COULD SOON BE PHASED OUT
The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa has announced plans to phase out the green barcoded ID books, more than a decade after introducing the smart ID card. Despite the smart ID card’s rollout starting in July 2013, the green ID book remains widely held and legally valid. Security concerns, highlighted by research showing high levels of ID fraud in South Africa, have prompted calls for the discontinuation of the green barcoded IDs.
The smart ID cards are reported to be significantly more secure, with over 21 million issued since their introduction, aiming to reduce incidents of fraud and improve identity security nationwide.
KZN LAUNCHES TASK FORCE AGAINST CONSTRUCTION MAFIAS
KwaZulu-Natal’s public works and infrastructure MEC, Martin Meyer, has initiated a crackdown on construction mafias operating in the province. These groups, exploiting local business forums as fronts, have been implicated in widespread extortion of contractors. Despite claims of community support, their activities are steeped in corruption, often involving collusion with government and police officials.
Specialist investigator Mike Bolhuis has underscored the complicity of authorities in allowing these mafias to flourish, leading to disruptions in major developments and South Africa’s fibre network rollout. Meyer’s newly formed task team aims to dismantle these criminal networks and restore integrity to the construction sector.
NHLS HIT BY CYBER ATTACK
The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) in South Africa encountered an IT security breach due to a cyber attack over the weekend, impacting its systems and infrastructure. Preliminary investigations by NHLS indicate that patient data remains secure, with no losses reported.
However, the ransomware virus targeted specific points in NHLS’s IT systems, rendering them inaccessible and disrupting communication with laboratory information systems and databases. The organization has activated incident response teams to address the breach, emphasizing business continuity and maintaining service delivery despite ongoing system repairs and disruptions to automated reporting processes.
SIYA KOLISI RETURNS AS SPRINGBOKS CAPTAIN FOR IRELAND SERIES
Siya Kolisi, the South African rugby star playing for French club Racing 92, has been called back to the national team for the upcoming two-Test series against Ireland in July. Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed Kolisi’s return as captain, putting an end to speculations about a locally-based replacement.
The first match will take place at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria on Saturday, July 6, 2024, promising an exciting showdown between Springboks and Ireland.
PROTEAS INTO T20 WORLD CUP FINAL
The Proteas clinched a spot in the T20 World Cup final with a resounding nine-wicket win over Afghanistan in Trinidad. This historic match saw South Africa become the first team to bowl out their opponents for under 100 runs in a Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final. Marco Jansen, who claimed 3/16, was named Player of the Match. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje took 2/14 and 2/7 respectively, while Tabraiz Shamsi finished with 3/16.
They will play India in the final. The final match will play this Saturday, 29 June at The Kensington Oval in Barbados.
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