Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week:
This week, Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago announced a 25-basis-point cut to the repo rate, bringing it down to 7.5%. This move also lowers the prime lending rate to 11%, offering relief to borrowers.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended condolences to the families of 13 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The troops, deployed as peacekeepers, lost their lives in escalating clashes with M23 rebels near Goma.
In a wave of coordinated attacks, 50 Putco buses were set alight at depots in Moloto, Wolwekraal, Siyabuswa, and Vaalbank. Two employees were injured, and police have arrested two suspects linked to the arson.
Meanwhile, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma and an MK Party MP, appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court over her alleged role in the July 2021 unrest. The riots led to 354 deaths and caused R50 billion in economic losses.
Here are the top stories of the week:
SARB CUTS REPO RATE TO 7.5%

Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago has announced a 25-basis-point cut to the repo rate, bringing it down to 7.5%. This adjustment also lowers the prime lending rate to 11%.
Speaking in Pretoria on Thursday, Kganyago noted that while core inflation remains elevated, it is expected to stay at or below the midpoint of the forecast range in the coming months. The rate cut comes as the central bank navigates inflationary pressures while aiming to support economic growth.
13 SOUTH AFRICAN SOLDIERS KILLED IN DRC-RAMAPHOSA CALLS FOR END TO HOSTILITIES

Four more South African soldiers have tragically lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), bringing the total number of SANDF soldiers killed in the ongoing conflict to 13. The troops, part of a peacekeeping mission, sustained fatal injuries during combat with M23 rebels near the city of Goma.
The soldiers were engaged in efforts to assist the DRC in preventing the rebels from overtaking the city, where the SANDF has established a base near the airport.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed condolences to the families of 13 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid escalating conflict involving the M23 rebel group and Rwandan Defence Force (RDF).
Ramaphosa described the fallen troops as “heroic and gallant fighters for peace” and assured that the government is supporting the families of both the deceased and injured soldiers. Efforts to repatriate the remains are underway.
The President reaffirmed that South Africa’s military presence in the DRC is part of the SADC and UN peacekeeping missions, not a declaration of war. He urged all parties to embrace diplomatic efforts, respect DRC’s sovereignty, and work towards ending hostilities.
50 PUTCO BUSES TORCHED IN MPUMALANGA—TWO ARRESTED

A wave of attacks targeted Putco bus depots in Moloto, Wolwekraal, Siyabuswa, and Vaalbank on Monday night, 27 January 2025, leaving 50 buses destroyed. Two employees sustained injuries—one was shot in the leg, while the other suffered a head injury.
Police have confirmed that two suspects were arrested on Tuesday night in connection with the arson attacks. According to Putco, security guards at the Moloto depot were ambushed and tied up before the attackers set buses on fire. Similar incidents soon followed at other depots.
Putco has assured commuters that its services will continue, using reserve buses to replace those lost in the attacks. The company expects operations to return to normal by the end of the week. Authorities are investigating, and the public is urged to come forward with any information.
DUDUZILE ZUMA-SAMBUDLA RELEASED ON WARNING IN JULY UNREST CASE

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma and a Member of Parliament for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Thursday in connection with the July 2021 civil unrest.
The riots, which primarily affected KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng, led to 354 deaths and caused an estimated R50 billion in economic losses due to widespread destruction of businesses and infrastructure.
Zuma-Sambudla has been charged under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act (POCDATARA) and incitement to commit violence. She has been released on warning and is set to return to court on 20 March.
ESKOM ELECTRICITY TARIFFS TO INCREASE BY 12.7% FROM APRIL
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has approved a 12.7% electricity tariff increase for Eskom, set to take effect on 1 April.
The decision is part of Eskom’s sixth Multi-Year Price Determination (MYPD6) revenue application, which includes tariff adjustments for the 2025/2026, 2026/2027, and 2027/2028 financial years.
The announcement coincided with Eskom’s interim results for the period ending 30 September 2023, which showed a R16-billion profit—boosted by the high-demand winter months and increased tariffs.
POLICE ARREST GIRLFRIEND OF MIDRAND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SUSPECT
A 25-year-old woman from Houghton has been arrested by the South African Police Service (SAPS) on charges of possession of child pornography and money laundering.
Her arrest follows a joint operation between the national and Gauteng provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) Units, which led to the apprehension of her 35-year-old boyfriend last week in Midrand.
An intensive investigation uncovered evidence linking the woman to criminal activities, including the possession of an estimated 10 million child pornography images and videos. These materials were found on various electronic devices seized during the operation last Friday.
The woman’s boyfriend was arrested earlier in the week, with similar evidence discovered on his devices.
ILLEGAL MINING COSTS SOUTH AFRICA R60 BILLION IN 2024, MINISTER SAYS

Illegal mining is wreaking havoc on the South African economy, with Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, revealing that the illicit trade is set to cost the country an estimated R60 billion in 2024.
Mantashe condemned illegal mining as a criminal activity, describing it as “a war on the economy” and stressing that those involved, including syndicates and illegal miners, have no regard for public health, safety, or the law.
“We are committed to eradicating illegal mining and will continue to work closely with law enforcement, particularly through operations like Vala Umgodi, which has helped us combat illegal mining in several provinces,” Mantashe stated.
The Minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to address derelict and ownerless mines, calling on mining companies to take responsibility for the rehabilitation of operational mines. He specifically addressed the tragedy at the Stilfontein goldmine, where 78 illegal miners perished, calling on the mine’s owners to take responsibility for the situation.
“The state intervened to help rescue the miners, but the company that owns Stilfontein must ultimately bear the responsibility,” he said.
PRESIDENT TO DELIVER 2025 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS ON 6 FEBRUARY

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of the seventh democratic Parliament on Thursday, 6 February 2025, at 19:00. The address will take place during a Joint Sitting of Parliament, convened by Speaker Thoko Didiza and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane at the Cape Town City Hall.
In line with Section 84(2)(d) of the Constitution and Rule 13(1)(a) of the Joint Rules of Parliament, the President will present the address, highlighting the government’s achievements, addressing challenges, and outlining key interventions for the coming financial year. SONA marks the official start of the parliamentary year and sets out the government’s policy priorities for the year ahead.
SOUTH AFRICA EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX BID SUBMISSION TO MARCH 2025
The Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture, along with the Bid Steering Committee (BSC), has extended the deadline for the Request for Expression of Interest (RFEOI) for South Africa’s Formula 1 Grand Prix bid to March 18, 2025. This extension provides stakeholders with more time to submit well-crafted proposals that align with RFEOI requirements, ensuring a transparent and competitive bidding process.
Minister Gayton McKenzie highlighted that hosting the event would greatly benefit South Africa’s economy, tourism, and development while positioning the country as a premier global sporting destination.
The BSC, established in December 2024, is responsible for overseeing the bid preparation, including selecting the city and track for consideration by the Formula One Group and the FIA.
– Proposals must be submitted via email to bid@saf1bsc.com .
– Queries can be directed to info@saf1bsc.com .
The RFEOI document is available for download on the Department’s website under “What’s New.” The document can be accessed using this link here.
OR TAMBO AIRPORT SECURES 121 MILLION LITRES OF JET FUEL AMID SHORTAGE

The Department of Transport has confirmed that 121.1 million litres of jet fuel have been secured to meet the needs of OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) until the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (NATREF) refinery reopens at the end of February 2025.
This follows an urgent meeting convened by Minister Barbara Creecy with key stakeholders, including the Airport Company South Africa (ACSA), the Fuel Industry Association of South Africa (FIASA), and SASOL, to address the jet fuel shortage caused by NATREF’s shutdown after a fire on 4 January 2025.
The jet fuel is sourced from various suppliers, with 50 million litres initially secured and a further 71.1 million litres added. The fuel will be imported through the Port of Durban, with shipments expected on 1 and 10 February 2025.
ACSA, in collaboration with the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, will also work on a logistics plan to ensure timely delivery and establish a critical fuel reserve.
ESKOM REACHES R43 MILLION SETTLEMENT WITH PwC OVER DISPUTED CONTRACT
Eskom and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) have reached a R43 million settlement in a legal dispute over a controversial cost reduction contract, known as the “Capital Scrubbing engagement.” The agreement follows Eskom’s 2021 court action to have the contract set aside and recover payments.
Eskom CEO Dan Marokane emphasized that the resolution aligns with the power utility’s commitment to addressing corruption flagged by the Zondo Commission. PwC, while denying any wrongdoing, acknowledged the lessons learned during the dispute. Eskom reaffirmed its focus on governance reforms, energy security, and tackling corruption.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA SIGNS AGRICULTURAL LAND BILL INTO LAW TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially signed the Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Bill into law, marking a critical move to protect South Africa’s agricultural land for long-term food security and economic growth.
The new legislation aims to establish a national framework for the preservation and development of agricultural land, supporting sustainable resource management. It focuses on ensuring agricultural land remains viable and productive to foster the growth of the sector and the economy as a whole.
With this law, South Africa aims to address land degradation, unsustainable land practices, and the conversion of prime agricultural areas to non-agricultural uses. The law also establishes provincial agricultural sector plans to harmonize and coordinate land use policies for a sustainable agricultural environment.
SOUTH AFRICAN FILM “THE LAST RANGER” NOMINATED FOR BEST SHORT FILM AT OSCARS

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has expressed immense pride over the Academy Award nomination for the South African film The Last Ranger, which has been nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards in March 2025.
Directed by Cindy Lee, The Last Ranger tells the inspiring true story of Thandi, a rhino that survived a poaching attack at the Kariega Game Reserve, and the woman who fought to protect these animals. The film, based in South Africa’s Eastern Cape and featuring stellar performances by Avumile Qongqo, Liyabona Mroqoza, and Makhaola Ndebele, highlights the resilience of wildlife and conservationists.
Having already won Best Short Narrative at the 2024 Pan African Film Festival, The Last Ranger continues to gain recognition globally. Minister McKenzie congratulated the cast and crew for their hard work, confident that the film will further elevate South African cinema and continue to shine on the world stage.
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