Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week:
This week, KwaZulu-Natal police are investigating a tragic case in Malangeni, Umzinto, where a man’s body was found hanging from a tree after he confessed to killing his girlfriend in a chilling social media video. The woman, aged 25, was discovered with stab wounds following a domestic dispute, and the man’s vehicle, which was abandoned and bloodstained, led authorities on a manhunt.
In sports news, South Africa has launched a bid to return to the Formula One circuit, with Sport, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie unveiling the Formula One Bid Steering Committee at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. The committee, tasked with overseeing the bid process, will be led by Bakang Lethoko and includes prominent figures such as Vic Maharaj and Gavin Varejes.
On the economic front, Eskom reported a R25.5 billion pre-tax loss for the 2024 financial year, with ongoing challenges in operations and corruption contributing to the company’s financial strain.
Lastly, N3TC has warned of heavy traffic between Johannesburg and Durban over the upcoming weekend, urging motorists to prioritize safety.
Here are the top stories of the week:
KZN MAN COMMITS SUICIDE AFTER CONFESSING TO KILLING GIRLFRIEND IN FACEBOOK POST
KwaZulu-Natal police confirmed the discovery of a man’s body hanging from a tree in Malangeni, Umzinto, following his confession to killing his girlfriend in a social media video, .
The 25-year-old woman was found with multiple stab wounds in the road after a suspected domestic dispute with her boyfriend. The man’s abandoned vehicle, with bloodstains, led to an intensive manhunt. The suspect’s death is believed to be a suicide. Police are investigating both the murder and an inquest.
GAYTON MCKENZIE APPOINTS COMMITTEE FOR 2027 FORMULA 1 BID
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has announced South Africa’s Formula One Bid Steering Committee (BSC) to lead efforts for the country’s return to the F1 racing circuit.
Unveiled at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, the BSC will oversee bid preparations, from selecting a city and track to meeting FIA and Formula One Group requirements. The committee, chaired by Bakang Lethoko, includes notable figures like Vic Maharaj, Rendani Ramovha, and Gavin Varejes.
McKenzie emphasized that the BSC is the sole body authorized to engage with F1 officials, with the final bid to be endorsed by the Cabinet.
ESKOM REPORTS R25.5 BILLION LOSS FOR 2024, BUT TARGETS R10 BILLION PROFIT IN 2025
Eskom has reported a R25.5 billion loss before tax for the 2024 financial year, a significant improvement of R9 billion from the previous year.
The company attributed the financial strain to operational setbacks, systemic inefficiencies, and ongoing corruption, particularly within its pre-paid vending system.
A once-off accounting adjustment related to the NTCSA separation further contributed to a R55 billion loss after tax. However, Eskom remains optimistic, forecasting a return to profitability with an expected after-tax profit of R10 billion for the 2025 financial year.
SANRAL SHARES TOLL FEES FOR N1, N3, AND N4 ROUTES THIS FESTIVE SEASON
SANRAL has advised motorists on toll fees and traffic expectations for key holiday routes, including the N1, N3, and N4.
For the N1 from Gauteng to the Musina border post, drivers will pay about R300 in tolls. The N3 from Gauteng to KwaZulu-Natal will cost approximately R500, with roadworks near Pietermaritzburg expected to cause delays. On the N4 to the Lebombo border post, motorists should budget for R304 in tolls, with minimal disruptions anticipated due to ongoing road marking.
JOBURG MAYOR VOWS FULL WATER RESTORATION BY CHRISTMAS
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has promised residents that water supply will be fully restored by Christmas.
Speaking during a visit to the Honeydew Reservoir and Tower on Wednesday, Morero assured residents that progress was being made, with some areas already restored. He added that most affected areas would have water by Friday.
The mayor emphasized the urgency of the maintenance, stating it couldn’t be postponed due to the city’s water demands. He noted that with many residents traveling during the festive season, it was the ideal time to carry out the upgrades. Morero expressed hopes of ensuring a steady water supply for those spending Christmas in the city.
DEADLINE FOR SPAZA SHOP REGISTRATION EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY 2025
The registration deadline for spaza shops and other food-handling outlets has been extended to 28 February 2025.
The announcement was made by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa on Wednesday.
Initially set for 17 December 2024, the deadline shift follows the processing of 42,915 applications, of which 19,385 were approved. The extension aims to give more shop owners time to meet the requirements.
This registration drive was launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa to address a rise in foodborne illnesses, with over 890 reported cases and nearly 30 deaths since September.
Minister Hlabisa highlighted that 1,041 non-compliant shops have already been shut down. Authorities will continue enforcing health regulations and tackling illicit trade as part of efforts to protect public health.
SAWS WARNS OF HEAVY RAIN IN COMING DAYS
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall, which could lead to flooding in parts of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, North West, and Limpopo.
Rainfall levels are expected to reach 70-150 mm over the coming week.
The weather system is forecast to bring cooler temperatures, offering relief from recent heatwaves. Widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected on Thursday, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, with possible downpours, strong winds, and hail in Gauteng, the Free State, and southern Limpopo.
Friday’s forecast predicts scattered showers over Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and eastern North West, while light rain is expected along the south coast. The public is urged to stay updated on weather alerts to avoid flood-related risks.
2024 MATRIC RESULTS TO BE PUBLISHED IN NEWSPAPERS, DEPARTMENT CLARIFIES POPIA COMPLIANCE
The Department of Basic Education will publish matric results in newspapers on 14 January 2025, despite objections from the Information Regulatory Authority of South Africa, which argues that doing so violates the Protection of Personal Information (POPIA) Act.
The department asserts that only examination student numbers will be published, not names, addressing concerns over privacy violations. The department has also worked with media houses to reduce publication errors that have caused confusion in the past. Students who didn’t pass are encouraged to continue striving and consider supplementary exams.
13 DEAD IN N9 CRASH IN EASTERN CAPE
A deadly crash on the N9 near Graaff-Reinet on Monday, 16 December has claimed 13 lives.
The accident occurred around 5:30 am when a Toyota Quantum minibus collided with a Mazda CX5, resulting in the tragic deaths of all six Mazda occupants and seven from the minibus. The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) expressed condolences to the families affected and reminded the public to remain vigilant on the roads during this festive season. Updates will be provided as more details emerge.
PETROL PRICE EXPECTED TO INCREASE IN JANUARY 2025
Fuel prices are set for slight increases in January 2025, according to the latest update from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), IOL reports.
Petrol prices could rise by up to 12 cents, with 95 Unleaded seeing a smaller increase of 5 cents.
Diesel prices are showing mixed trends, with a 2-cent under-recovery for 50ppm diesel and a 1-cent over-recovery for 500ppm diesel.
However, the situation is subject to change, and these adjustments could grow, with potential increases of around 20 cents by the end of the month.
TWO BRAZILIAN DRUG TRAFFICKERS ARRESTED AT OR TAMBO AIRPORT
Two Brazilian drug traffickers, aged 30 and 35, were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday, 15 December 2024, after arriving from São Paulo.
One suspect was found with over 4kg of cocaine in their luggage, while the other had 15 cocaine-filled “bullets” swallowed.
The duo has been charged with drug trafficking and will appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court later this week. The police have confirmed ongoing efforts to tackle international drug smuggling at the airport.
N3TC WARNS MOTORISTS OF INCREASED TRAFFIC AND CRASHES IN THE COMING WEEKEND
Chief Operating Officer Thania Dhoogra urged motorists to drive safely, emphasizing roadworthiness checks and measures against driving under the influence.
With over 80% of crashes attributed to human error, including reckless driving and distractions, the company stressed the impact of poor decisions on road safety. Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy and Deputy Mkhuleko Hlengwa also addressed road safety concerns in a briefing.
AIR FRANCE EXTENDS SEASONAL FLIGHT TO CAPE TOWN UNTIL APRIL 2025
Air France has announced the extension of its seasonal flight service to Cape Town until 27 April 2025.
The airline will continue to operate three weekly flights between Paris and Cape Town during this period, enhancing travel options for passengers during the busy Easter holidays and autumn tourism season.
Wilson Tauro, Air France-KLM’s Country Manager for Southern Africa, highlighted that the extension aims to meet growing demand while providing passengers with the airline’s renowned in-flight service. The flight schedule will include departures from Cape Town on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.
Share your thoughts on this article and join the conversation on Twitter or Facebook.
