Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week!
This week in South Africa, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced a new Cabinet for the seventh provincial government administration after extensive coalition negotiations with the Democratic Alliance (DA). Meanwhile,
Standard Bank customers took to social media to report unauthorized transactions draining their accounts, with the bank denying any security breach.
Dr. Leon Schreiber, the new Minister of Home Affairs, quickly addressed visa issues for foreign nationals, aiming to make South Africa more attractive to investors and tourists. Additionally, consumers received good news as the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announced another fuel price drop for July.
Here are the top stories of the week:
GAUTENG PREMIER LESUFI ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Following extensive coalition negotiations with the DA, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced the new Cabinet for the seventh administration of the provincial government. The announcement was made on Wednesday evening.
The team, will from this week, start their work of consolidating the election manifestoes of our different parties so that we can develop a shared vision for Gauteng, a shared vision of prosperity, a shared vision of service delivery, a shared vision to eliminate crime, corruption and lawlessness.”
The new MECs are:
– MEC for e-Government is Bonginkosi Dlamini.
– MEC for Finance and Economic Development is Lebogang Maile.
– MEC for Education and Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation is Matome Chiloane.
– MEC for Health and Wellness is Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko.
– MEC for Roads and Transport is Kedibone Diale-Tlabela.
– MEC for Human Settlements is Tasneem Motara.
– MEC for Social Development is Faith Mazibuko.
– MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development is Vuyiswa Ramokgopa.
– MEC for Infrastructure Development and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is Jacob Mamabolo.
– MEC for Environment is Sheila Mary Peters.
STANDARD BANK CUSTOMERS HIT BY UNAUTHORIZED TRANSACTIONS
This week, distressed Standard Bank customers flooded social media with reports of unauthorized transactions draining their accounts. Many shared their devastation over financial losses, suspecting fraudulent activities.
Frustrated customers voiced their concerns on X, with numerous individuals reporting multiple unauthorized debits. This led to speculation about a potential security breach at Standard Bank.
In response, Standard Bank denied any breach, insisting its security protocols remain intact. Despite reassurances, the bank hasn’t explained the surge in unauthorized transactions but assures customers of thorough investigations and urges them to report suspicious activity immediately.
DURBAN JULY TO BOOST KZN ECONOMY BY R250M
The Durban July, South Africa’s premier horse racing event, is set to inject over R250 million into the KwaZulu-Natal economy. Taking place at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, the event is expected to draw 45,000 visitors and create 5,000 temporary jobs.
Thembo Ntuli, chair of eThekwini’s Economic Development Department, emphasizes safety with heightened police and private security presence. Road closures will start Friday night at 11 pm, affecting Mitchell Crescent, Clarence Road, and D.L.I Avenue. The city’s law enforcement will ensure a secure and successful event.
NEW HOME AFFAIRS MINISTER GIVES VISA APPLICANTS A BREAK
Fresh on the job, Dr. Leon Schreiber, the new Minister of Home Affairs, wasted no time extending a lifeline to foreign nationals stuck in visa limbo. This move shields skilled applicants from unnecessary hassles and the dreaded “undesirable” tag. Despite making strides, the department still faces a backlog.
Schreiber aims to revamp the visa system, making South Africa more appealing for investors and tourists alike. The department promises any future changes will be communicated well before the new deadline of 31 December 2024.
CHARGES AGAINST JUB JUB DROPPED
The State has withdrawn all charges against TV presenter and rapper Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye. He faced three counts of rape, two of attempted murder, and one of assault.
Maarohanye turned himself in to Johannesburg police last year after a warrant was issued. Some charges dated back to 2006, and he was out on R10,000 bail.
NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane cited insufficient prospects for a successful prosecution as the reason for the withdrawal. After reviewing the police case docket and the defense’s submissions, the Director of Public Prosecutions decided to drop all charges.
FUEL PRICES SLASHED FOR JULY
Great news for consumers as the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announced another fuel price drop for July. This is the second consecutive month of relief. Here’s the breakdown:
– Petrol 93: Down by R1.05
– Petrol 95: Down by 99c
– Diesel (0.05% sulphur): Down by 30c
– Diesel (0.005% sulphur): Down by 24c
– Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): Down by 18c
– Illuminating Paraffin (retail): Down by 24c
– LP Gas: Down by 22c
Thanks to lower Brent Crude oil prices and a stronger Rand, the department attributes the drop to increased production and slow global economic growth.
MK PARTY WITHDRAWS ELECTORAL COURT CHALLENGE
The uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MK Party), led by former President Jacob Zuma, has withdrawn its challenge against the Electoral Commission (IEC) at the Electoral Court. The party had claimed the 2024 election results were invalid due to alleged vote rigging.
This withdrawal follows the IEC’s request to dismiss the case, citing the MK Party’s lack of credible evidence and failure to comply with Section 55 of the Electoral Act, which mandates filing appeals within three days of result declaration. The party’s withdrawal comes just a week after the IEC’s dismissal request.
SHOPRITE LAUNCHES ONLINE SHOPPING & BULK DELIVERY SERVICE FOR SPAZA SHOPS
Shoprite’s Cash & Carry has unveiled an e-commerce platform tailored for spaza shops and smaller retail businesses. This online shopping and delivery service allows bulk-buying customers to conveniently browse and purchase a wide range of goods with free delivery within a 50km radius.
This initiative aims to alleviate the challenges faced by these businesses, such as high transportation and fuel costs, overstocking issues, theft risk, and cash flow problems, by providing a fully automated online system to streamline their operations.
NASPERS REPORTS IMPROVED FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR 2024
Cape Town-based Naspers has announced its financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024. The multinational company, with stakes in online retail, publishing, and venture capital, reported a trading loss of R252 million ($14 million) for its subsidiary, Takealot Group. This is a significant improvement from the R400 million ($22.2 million) loss in 2023. Despite the overall loss, Mr D, Takealot’s food delivery and logistics arm, achieved profitability for the first time.
The results reflect normalized consumer behavior post-pandemic, despite high inflation and intense competition from both local and global e-commerce players.
FLYSAFAIR LAUNCHES JOBURG TO KRUGER ROUTE
FlySafair has a new flight route between Johannesburg and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Mbombela. The new flight will officially start on 02 August 2024, priced from R950. International travelers landing at OR Tambo to reach the Kruger National Park will now have an easy way to travel.
This launch follows the recent addition of direct flights from Cape Town to the Kruger National Park.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS AND RHULANI MOKWENA PART WAYS
Mamelodi Sundowns and Rhulani Mokwena have mutually agreed to end Mokwena’s tenure as Head Coach. The club expressed its gratitude for Mokwena’s contributions and affirmed that he remains a cherished member of the Sundowns family.
The decision, made by the Board to align with the club’s objectives and expectations, was independent of any individual recommendations.
Sundowns remains dedicated to the growth of South African coaches and players. Coach Manqoba Mngqithi and the Technical Team will oversee the team’s preparations for the new season. The club is honored to be among four African clubs competing in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
SPRINGBOKS TAKES ON IRELAND THIS WEEKEND
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named a squad of players for this weekend’s opening of the Castle Lager Incoming Series Test against Ireland.
The match will take place on Saturday, 06 July 2024 where Springboks will play Ireland at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
Kick-off is at 5:00pm (local time), and the game will be live on SuperSport (211) with the build-up starting at 4:00pm.
Siya Kolisi is back on the team as a captain after not playing in the previous game against Wales.
This marks the 2nd game of the Springboks since their World Cup win in 2023 in France.
Rassie Erasmus named an experienced squad with 20 Rugby World Cup winners – the entire starting 15 and five replacements.
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