Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week:
This week, President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Cape Town for the 11th session of the SA-Nigeria Bi-National Commission. With South Africa now holding the G20 presidency, this meeting is expected to focus on boosting economic and political cooperation between the two nations.
Motorists are facing higher fuel costs as petrol prices rise by 17 cents per litre, with the cost of 95 unleaded petrol in Gauteng reaching R21.47.
Economic concerns continue as South Africa’s GDP contracted by 0.3% in Q3 2024, largely driven by a significant decline in the agriculture sector. The SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA) strike over a wage dispute is set to disrupt flights, with pilots demanding a 30% pay increase.
In the North West, authorities recovered multiple bodies from a mine shaft in Stilfontein, following the ongoing risks posed by illegal mining in the region.
Here are the top stories of the week:
SA INTRODUCES SIMPLIFIED VISA PROCESS FOR NIGERIAN TRAVELLERS
South African missions in Nigeria have introduced new measures to simplify visa applications, the Presidency announced. Applicants now need only submit certified copies of their passport biopages during the initial process, with physical passports required later for verification and to affix approved visas.
This modernised approach is part of broader reforms to streamline visa systems globally, aiming to enhance economic ties, boost tourism, and maintain national security. The Presidency clarified this change following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s remarks at the SA-Nigeria Bi-National Commission. The updates reflect South Africa’s efforts to make visa processes more efficient and traveller-friendly.
PETROL AND DIESEL PRICES RISE AHEAD OF DECEMBER FESTIVE SEASON
Motorists will pay more this December as petrol prices increase by 17 cents per litre for all grades. As of Wednesday, 95 unleaded petrol now costs R21.47 per litre in Gauteng, up from November’s R21.30, and R20.68 per litre at the coast, up from R20.51.
Diesel prices have seen sharper hikes, with 0.05% sulphur up by 54.88 cents per litre and 0.005% sulphur increasing by 55.88 cents. Illuminating paraffin costs have risen by 48.88 cents per litre wholesale, while the retail price climbed by 66 cents. LPGas also saw a significant jump of R1.72 per kilogram.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources noted that, despite these increases, the average Brent Crude oil price dipped slightly during the review period, from $73.28 to $72.70 per barrel.
SOUTH AFRICA’S GDP DECREASES BY 0.3% IN Q3 2024
South Africa’s GDP shrank by 0.3% in the third quarter of 2024, following a 0.3% growth in the previous quarter. The agriculture sector, which saw a significant decline of 28.8%, was the primary contributor to this downturn.
Other sectors like transport, trade, and government services also saw reductions. On a positive note, finance, real estate, and business services grew by 1.3%, while the mining and manufacturing industries showed slight increases. The overall economic slowdown reflects challenges in key industries, including agriculture and trade, despite growth in certain service sectors.
R80 MILLION COCAINE BUST AT DURBAN HARBOUR
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has praised the swift action of law enforcement agencies after pure cocaine worth R80 million was seized at Durban Harbour. The drugs, hidden in a shipping container disguised as kidney beans, originated in Brazil and were destined for Johannesburg.
Police tracked the vessel throughout its journey, intercepting it upon arrival at Durban Harbour on Saturday. A thorough search at a Bluff warehouse revealed eight bags of crushed cocaine.
Ntuli applauded the ongoing efforts of law enforcement, including the Border Management Authority, to combat criminal syndicates, emphasizing zero tolerance for illegal activities. He highlighted an integrated crime prevention plan by the Justice Crime Prevention and Security cluster to ensure safety during the festive season and bolster economic growth in the province.
SAA PILOTS ARE ON STRIKE
The strike by the SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA) will proceed on 5 December due to a wage dispute with South African Airways (SAA), Travel News reveals.
SAAPA has demanded a 30% pay increase, while SAA has offered 8.46%. Affected passengers will be re-accommodated on the next available SAA flight, and agents are advised to manage booking queues and inform customers of changes. The strike will disrupt major domestic and regional routes, including flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Windhoek, and Mauritius. Travelers are urged to remain flexible and allow extra time at airports.
CABINET RESHUFFLE: PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES NEW APPOINTMENTS
President Cyril Ramaphosa has reshuffled his Cabinet to enhance its effectiveness in fulfilling its mandate, according to a statement released Tuesday evening.
Key changes include:
- Mmamoloko Kubayi transitioning from Minister of Human Settlements to Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.
- Thembi Nkadimeng taking over as Minister of Human Settlements.
- Phumzile Mgcina, formerly Deputy Minister of Labour and Employment, now serves as Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.
- Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala, previously Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, assumes the role of Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour.
The President affirmed that these changes, effective immediately, aim to bolster the Cabinet’s ability to deliver on its constitutional mandate. He extended his best wishes to the reappointed members in their new roles.
TSHWANE MAKES AGREEMENT WITH ESKOM TO SETTLE R6.6 BILLION DEBT
The City of Tshwane has entered into a five-year payment arrangement to settle its R6.6 billion debt to Eskom, following legal action over unpaid bulk electricity supply arrears. The arrangement, formalized as a court order on 26 November 2024, stipulates an initial payment of R400 million in December, with the final payment due by March 2029.
Eskom emphasized that the agreement is contingent on the city meeting current payment deadlines. Tshwane Mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya, hailed the deal as a pivotal step towards financial recovery and improved service delivery.
MORE BODIES RETRIEVED FROM MINE SHAFT IN STILFONTEIN
Police in North West have retrieved seven bodies from a disused mine shaft in Stilfontein, with six additional bodies recovered in the past 24 hours, SABC reports. One body was previously found last month.
Following an interim order from the High Court in Pretoria, food has been delivered to miners still trapped underground via a makeshift structure at Shaft 11. Meanwhile, illegal miners continue to emerge from other abandoned mine shafts in the area, prompting concerns about safety and ongoing risks.
44-YEAR OLD BRAZILIAN FEMALE DRUG MULE ARRESTED AT OR TAMBO
A 44-year-old Brazilian woman was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on November 28, 2024, after arriving from Sao Paulo.
SAPS intelligence officers intercepted her and discovered cocaine wrapped around her upper body. She now faces a drug trafficking charge and will appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court.
This marks the second arrest this week involving drug mules with cocaine strapped to their torsos, following a similar arrest of a Brazilian man on Sunday with R1.8 million worth of cocaine. OR Tambo authorities are continuing to target drug traffickers, sending a firm message that South Africa is not a haven for illegal activities.
SPAR GROUP TO OPEN FIRST PREMIUM GROCERY STORE IN 2025
Spar Group is set to launch its first premium grocery store in the second quarter of 2025, targeting high-income consumers. The retailer aims to open up to four of these stores within the year as part of its strategy to attract affluent shoppers.
CEO Angelo Swartz confirmed plans to open the first store possibly after Easter.
The expansion comes alongside Spar’s push into the discount grocery market with its revamped SaveMor format. Spar’s growth includes exploring non-food areas such as pet, baby supplies, clothing, and outdoor products.
WOOLWORTHS NOW SELLS ICE
Woolworths has stirred social media with its latest release: Natural Spring Water Ice pack. Made from pristine Drakensberg mountain spring water, the exclusive ice cubes promise premium quality.
Priced at R29.99 for a 3kg bag, these cubes are part of Woolworths’ signature collection. The product’s launch has drawn comparisons to the retailer’s viral spring water, reinforcing its reputation for luxurious essentials.
UBER LAUNCHES COURIER BAKKIE SERVICE FOR LARGE DELIVERIES
Uber has introduced Courier Bakkie in South Africa, letting users book bakkies via the app for transporting heavy items up to one tonne. South Africa is the first global market to debut this feature, starting in Johannesburg, with Cape Town and Durban to follow.
This service, rebranding Uber’s former “Uber Package,” caters to moving furniture, appliances, and business goods, ideal for the festive season or small business operations. Mnotho Mtshali of Uber says the service aims to simplify logistics while empowering users and entrepreneurs to focus on their priorities.
GAUTENG HIT BY SEVERE HEATWAVE
Gauteng residents are bracing for another sweltering day as a heatwave continues to grip the region. The South African Weather Service has issued a heatwave alert for the week, with temperatures expected to surpass 37°C in many areas.
Meteorologist Azwi Tuwani warned that the intense heat poses a risk of heat-related illnesses across northern South Africa, including Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and North West. Authorities are urging the public to stay in ventilated areas, stay hydrated, and take precautions against the extreme conditions
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