Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week!
This week, President Cyril Ramaphosa attended the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing, where discussions are focused on enhancing modernization and strengthening China-Africa ties. South Africa, a BRICS member and Africa’s second-largest economy, is exploring opportunities in sectors such as new energy, solar panels, and electric vehicles.
South Africa’s GDP grew by 0.4% in Q2 2024, driven by household consumption and led by the finance, real estate, and business services sectors. Motorists received some financial relief as fuel prices dropped, with decreases of up to R1.05 per litre for diesel and R1.38 for retail paraffin.
In other news, six murder and extortion suspects were killed in a police shootout in Durban, and Bafana Bafana will begin their 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Uganda on September 6. The Springboks will also face the All Blacks in Cape Town this Saturday, following their 31-27 victory last weekend.
Here are the top stories of the week:
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA ATTENDS 2024 FOCAC SUMMIT IN BEIJING
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Beijing for the two-day 2024 Summit of the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), starting September 4. The summit will focus on “Collaborating to Promote Modernization and Establish a High-Level China-Africa Community for a Shared Future.”
South Africa, the continent’s second-largest economy and a BRICS participant, recorded a trade volume of $55.6 billion with China in 2023, accounting for about 20% of China’s total trade with Africa. Siyabonga Cyprian Cwele, South Africa’s ambassador to China, highlighted new opportunities in sectors like new energy, including electric vehicles, solar panels, and wind energy.
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1998, China and South Africa have fostered strong ties and mutual support on major international issues.
SOUTH AFRICA’S GDP GROWS BY 0.4% IN Q2 2024
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reported a 0.4% increase in GDP for Q2 2024, following 0.0% growth in the first quarter. Household consumption was the largest driver, reflecting renewed spending confidence. The finance, real estate, and business services sector led the charge, contributing 0.3% to overall growth.
Manufacturing grew by 1.1%, while electricity, gas, and water industries surged 3.1%. However, declines were noted in the transport and agriculture sectors, with agriculture falling by 2.1% due to reduced activity in field crops and animal products.
SANLAM ACQUIRES 25% STAKE IN MOTSEPE-BACKED TYMEBANK HOLDING UNIT
Sanlam Ltd., South Africa’s largest insurer, has announced plans to purchase a 25% stake in African Rainbow Capital Financial Services Holdings, the company controlling billionaire Patrice Motsepe’s TymeBank, as per Bloomberg report.
The deal, valued at R3.9 billion ($218 million), includes stakes in AI Fund, CrossFin Holdings, and Ooba. The acquisition, through Sanlam’s Life unit, strengthens Sanlam’s position in the financial services sector. Motsepe, who serves as Sanlam’s deputy chairman, is also the founder of African Rainbow Capital Investments, further intertwining the partnership.
JRA EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR LILLIAN NGOYI STREET REHABILITATION PROJECT TO JUNE 2025
The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has extended the deadline for the completion of the first phase of the Lillian Ngoyi Street rehabilitation project, formerly known as Bree Street, by six months.
Initially set for completion by December 2024, the new deadline is now June 30, 2025, due to persistent delays.
The delay stems from the firing of the initial contractor, Step Up Engineering, over alleged poor performance. JRA is yet to appoint a new contractor to continue the R200 million reconstruction project. The remaining work for Phase 1 is expected to take nine months, with the new contractor also responsible for the second phase, including road surface upgrades and sidewalk adjustments along a 1.8 km stretch of the street.
PETROL PRICE DECREASE FOR SEPTEMBER
Motorists got another drop in fuel prices this week, offering some financial relief. The Department of Minerals and Petroleum Resources announced the following reductions:
– Petrol 93 and 95: 92 cents decrease per litre
– Diesel (0.05% sulphur): 79 cents decrease
– Diesel (0.005% sulphur): R1.05 decrease
– Illuminating paraffin (wholesale): R1.03 decrease
– Retail paraffin: R1.38 decrease
– LPGas: 10 cents decrease
From Wednesday, Gauteng’s petrol price dropped to R22.19 per litre. The price cuts are attributed to both international and local market factors.
EX-PRASA EMPLOYEE SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR FRAUD
Daniel Mthimkhulu, a former Passenger Rail Agency South Africa (Prasa) employee, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for fraud and falsifying his qualifications. Mthimkhulu, who worked at Prasa from 2010 to 2015, was convicted by the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
He falsely claimed to hold a mechanical engineering degree from Wits University and a doctorate from a German university. His fraudulent actions were uncovered, leading to his arrest in July 2015. He faced nine charges, including fraud, uttering, and forgery.
SIX SUSPECTS KILLED IN DURBAN SHOOTOUT WITH POLICE
Six suspects linked to multiple murders and extortion cases were killed in a police shootout in Durban’s South Beach. The group, responsible for executing four people in Mariannhill on Sunday, was found hiding in a rented flat.
A fierce gun battle erupted, leaving all suspects critically injured. Police emerged unscathed from the encounter. Authorities are now searching for the individual who rented the apartment to the suspects.
KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi confirmed that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb violent crime in the region.
FORMER BOOKKEEPER SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR FRAUD
Prishne Khan, 37, a former bookkeeper for the Northern Cricket Union, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for 63 counts of fraud. Khan defrauded the Union of R350,000 between 2015 and 2017 by altering banking details on invoices. She also stole over R3 million from her next employer, Customer Loyalty Consultant.
After absconding from her trial last year, Khan was arrested while hiding in a freezer at her home in Nigel, Ekurhuleni. The Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court handed down the sentence this week.
PRASA EXTENDS TRAIN SERVICES FOR SPRINGBOKS VS. NEW ZEALAND TEST MATCH IN CAPE TOWN
PRASA has extended its train services for fans attending the Springboks vs. New Zealand rugby match on Saturday, September 7, at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town. This move aims to ease traffic congestion and enhance the fan experience.
Trains connecting all regional stations to Cape Town station will operate between 11:00 and 16:30, with an evening service from 20:00 to 22:00. See full schedule for Saturday here.
COUNTERFEIT GOODS WORTH R94 MILLION SEIZED IN NATIONWIDE OPERATIONS
The National Counterfeit Goods Unit, alongside various stakeholders, seized counterfeit goods worth over R94 million in less than three weeks across South Africa. These operations resulted in the arrest of five foreign nationals.
Highlights include:
– R37 million in counterfeit clothing and sneakers seized in Doornfontein.
– R41 million in fake goods seized in Bellville, Western Cape.
– R4.8 million worth of counterfeit sanitary items found in Johannesburg.
– R9.3 million in fake products and equipment uncovered in Kempton Park.
– R2 million in counterfeit consumables seized in Benoni.
Efforts continue to curb the illegal counterfeit trade.
TELKOM TO SELL TOWER BUSINESS FOR R6.75 BILLION
In March, Telkom announced the sale of its Swiftnet Towers and Masts to Towerco Bidco for R6.75 billion. The consortium, comprising Actis and Royal Bafokeng Holdings, acquired 4,000 sites used by Telkom and other mobile networks.
The Competition Tribunal has now approved the purchase, following the Competition Commission’s recommendation in August. Telkom’s Group CEO, Serame Taukobong, described this approval as a key milestone.
The approval is conditional upon Towerco Bidco addressing public interest concerns. Specifically, the consortium must commit to continued procurement from small and medium enterprises owned by historically disadvantaged persons (HDPs) for five years post-merger.
Once the remaining suspensive conditions are met or waived, the sale will be fully implemented.
HIV PREVALENCE PEAKS AMONG GAUTENG’S 50-54 AGE GROUP
Gauteng has recorded a significant HIV prevalence among residents aged 50-54, reaching 32.2% in 2022, according to the sixth South African HIV prevalence survey by the HSRC. In 2017, the prevalence peak was 31.9% among those aged 35-39.
The survey also showed a decline in HIV prevalence among individuals under 40, but new infections are emerging in older age groups. Despite this, Gauteng has the third-lowest provincial prevalence at 11.9% in 2022, slightly down from 12.1% in 2017. An estimated 1.72 million people in the province are living with HIV.
TEAM SOUTH AFRICA SHINES AT PARIS 2024 PARALYMPIC GAMES
Team South Africa has so far won four medals—one gold and three bronze at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Wheelchair tennis stars Donald Ramphadi and Lucas Sithole made history by winning Africa’s first Paralympic wheelchair tennis medal in the Quad Doubles, earning bronze with a 6-2, 4-6, 10-8 win over Brazil.
Para-cyclist Pieter du Preez secured bronze in the Men’s H1 Individual Time Trial, while Louzanne Coetzee added another bronze in the 1500m. Mpumelelo Mhlongo brought home gold in the men’s 100m T44 event.
BAFANA BAFANA TO FACE UGANDA IN 2025 AFCON QUALIFIERS OPENER THIS FRIDAY
Bafana Bafana will kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Uganda at Orlando Stadium on Friday, September 6, 2024. The South African team, placed in Group K alongside Uganda, DR Congo, and South Sudan, is aiming for its 12th AFCON qualification.
Coach Hugo Broos will be without captain Ronwen Williams due to injury, a notable setback. After the Uganda clash, Bafana will travel to face South Sudan on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
SPRINGBOKS FACE ALL BLACKS THIS WEEKEND IN CAPE TOWN
The Springboks will once again face the All Blacks (New Zealand) this Saturday, 07 September 2024, following their thrilling game in Joburg last weekend.
The Springboks defeated the All Blacks 31-27 with a remarkable second-half comeback at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.
The two rivals (Springboks v All Blacks) will meet again at DHL Stadium (Cape Town) this coming weekend, 07 September 2024, in the Castle Lager Championship match.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named a squad of 23 players for the match.
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.
Tickets: available at Ticketmaster.
Springbok team to face New Zealand in Cape Town:
15 – Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls) – 96 caps, 75 pts (15t)
14 – Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls) – 10 caps, 25 pts (5t)
13 – Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 74 caps, 80 points (16t)
12 –Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 83 caps, 55 points (11t)
11 – Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath) – 36 caps, 96 points (15t, 3c, 5p)
10 – Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) – 74 caps, 734 points (7t, 99c, 162p, 5dg)
9 – Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 14 caps, 15 points (3t)
8 – Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks) – 28 caps, 5 points (1t)
7 – Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – 82 caps, 45 points (9t)
6 – Siya Kolisi (captain, Racing 92) – 87 caps, 55 points (11t)
5 – Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls) – 3 caps, 0 points
4 – Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 125 caps, 30 points (6t)
3 – Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers) – 74 caps, 5 points (1t)
2 – Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 73 caps, 75 points (15t)
1 – Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 34 caps, 0 points
Replacements:
16 – Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 70 caps, 95 points (19t)
17 – Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls) – 5 caps, 0 points
18 – Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 55 caps, 0 points
19 – Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 46 caps, 45 points (9t)
20 – Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls) – 7 caps, 0 points
21 – Jaden Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 15 caps, 12 pts (2t, 1c)
22 – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers) – 7 caps, 49 points (14c, 4p)
23 – Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 37 caps, 35 pts (7t)
Stats and facts:
Springbok record against New Zealand:
Played: 107, Won: 41. Lost: 62, Drawn: 4. Points for: 1 772; Points against: 2 223; Tries scored: 171; Tries conceded: 244. Win %: 38.3%.
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