Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week:
This week, South Africa’s consumer inflation climbed to 3.2% in January 2025, reflecting the first update to the CPI basket and weight adjustments.
The SANDF has confirmed the safe return of critically injured soldiers from the DRC, with the rest of the troops expected later this week.
The High Court in Johannesburg has convicted seven Chinese nationals and their company, Beautiful City (PTY) LTD, on 160 charges, including human trafficking and labor violations.
Eskom has lifted load shedding, citing improved generation capacity and emergency reserves, with CEO Dan Marokane optimistic about ending rolling blackouts.
Meanwhile, the National Budget has been postponed to 12 March as Cabinet works to resolve funding challenges in a constrained fiscal environment.
Here are the top stories of the week:
INFLATION RISES TO 3.2% AS FOOD AND FUEL COSTS SHIFT
South Africa’s consumer inflation rate rose to 3.2% in January 2025, slightly up from 3.0% in December 2024, Stats SA reveals. This marks the first inflation reading incorporating changes to the CPI basket and weight adjustments announced last month.
Food Inflation Trends:
Food and non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) inflation softened to 2.3% year-on-year, down from 2.5% in December. Prices for meat, fruits, sugar, seafood, and dairy products saw a slowdown, while cereals, beverages, oils, and vegetables registered higher increases.
Meat prices remained in deflation for the third consecutive month, falling 0.5% year-on-year. However, month-on-month, meat prices rose by 0.8% following a 0.5% increase in December.
Cereal product prices climbed 3.8% annually, with maize meal surging 10.1% and samp spiking 15.4%. Bread prices dropped slightly, with white bread down 0.7% and brown bread down 0.5%.
Hot beverage inflation stayed high, reaching 13.7% annually, with instant coffee prices rising 1.4% month-on-month. Coffee inflation stood at 17.2%, the highest among food items.
Fuel & Transport Costs:
Fuel prices increased for the third consecutive month, rising 0.9% from December to January. The inland price for 95-octane petrol reached R21.59, up from R21.05 in October 2024. This pushed overall transport inflation higher, though it remained negative at -0.2% from -2.0% in December.
Other Price Changes:
A new insurance & financial services index was introduced in the CPI, increasing 0.9% month-on-month.
NEARLY HALF OF SOUTH AFRICAN YOUTH UNEMPLOYED IN 2024
South Africa’s youth, making up 33.1% of the population, face rising unemployment and economic instability, Stats SA revealed. Joblessness among young people jumped from 36.8% in 2014 to 45.5% in 2024, with 43.2% not in education, employment, or training. Despite improved access to matric qualifications, vocational training enrolment declined.
Many youth households struggle financially, with food insecurity increasing to 15.8%. Crime remains a concern, particularly for young males facing assault and theft. While formal housing access improved, economic and social challenges continue to shape the reality of South Africa’s youth.
CRITICALLY INJURED SANDF SOLDIERS RETURN HOME FROM DRC
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed the safe return of critically injured soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The troops will receive specialist medical care in South Africa, while the remaining soldiers are expected to return later this week.
This follows the tragic loss of 14 SANDF members and multiple injuries during intense M23 rebel clashes in the Goma region between 23 and 27 January. The soldiers were deployed as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), tasked with restoring peace and stability.
The SANDF has urged the public to respect the privacy of the injured soldiers and their families as they recover.
SEVEN CHINESE NATIONALS CONVICTED FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN JOBURG
The High Court in Johannesburg has convicted seven Chinese nationals and their company, Beautiful City (PTY) LTD, on 160 charges, including human trafficking, labour law violations, and health and safety breaches.
A police raid in Village Deep exposed the illegal factory, where 91 undocumented Malawian workers—including 16 minors—were forced into inhumane conditions. Workers endured 11-hour shifts, had no protective gear, and were confined under armed security. Judge David Mhango ruled the accused guilty, citing overwhelming evidence of labour exploitation and disregard for South African laws.
ESKOM SUSPENDS LOAD SHEDDING AFTER GENERATION RECOVERY
Eskom has suspended load shedding following improvements in generation capacity and the replenishment of emergency reserves. The power utility confirmed that as of 5 AM on Wednesday, load shedding has been lifted.
Eskom CEO Dan Marokane stated that the country is moving past rolling blackouts due to structural improvements in the generation fleet. He emphasized that efforts will remain focused on ensuring load shedding no longer acts as a constraint on the economy.
The suspension comes after Eskom implemented Stages 3 and 6 over the weekend, followed by Stage 4 on Monday and Stage 2 on Tuesday. Eskom’s Generation Executive Bheki Nxumalo highlighted that higher maintenance levels have played a key role, with 99% electricity availability recorded for the financial year, saving R17 billion in diesel costs.
Eskom reassured the public that preparations for winter are underway, with 6,660MW of planned maintenance ongoing, and promised to avoid the severe load shedding levels of 2023.
ZANZOU NIGHTCLUB ASSAULT SUSPECT REMAINS IN CUSTODY
A 41-year-old bouncer accused of assaulting patrons at Zanzou Nightclub in Pretoria remains in police custody following his court appearance. The suspect, a Congolese national, was arrested in Yeoville last week after being identified by metro police. Shocking videos showing patrons being tortured and forced into degrading acts sparked nationwide outrage, with political parties like the EFF and MK Party protesting outside the club.
The case has been postponed to 3 March for an identity parade and verification of the accused’s legal status in South Africa.
GAUTENG HEALTH SUSPENDS PAY FOR 66 SUSPECTED GHOST WORKERS
The Gauteng Department of Health has frozen the wages of 66 employees as part of its crackdown on ghost workers. This follows the Ziveze (Reveal Yourself) Campaign, which requires staff to verify their employment status. Employees who fail to present valid identification risk removal from the payroll and possible criminal charges.
The initiative aims to prevent wasteful spending and ensure only legitimate workers receive salaries. Spokesperson Motalatale Modiba confirmed the department’s commitment to cleaning up the system.
SIX DEAD IN KZN FLOODS
Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has urged officials to speed up emergency housing assistance for flood-affected communities in KwaZulu-Natal. The heavy rains have impacted areas such as Lamontville, Umlazi, and the uGu and King Cetshwayo district municipalities, with at least six fatalities confirmed.
An assessment of the damage is underway to determine the necessary interventions, including rebuilding homes and relocating displaced families. Simelane emphasized collaboration between government spheres to ensure the rapid provision of emergency shelter.
NPA DROPS FRAUD CHARGES AGAINST FORMER JOBURG MAYOR KABELO GWAMANDA
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has provisionally withdrawn fraud charges against former Johannesburg mayor Kabelo Gwamanda and his co-accused, Mduduzi Zondo. The two were accused of defrauding Soweto residents through a funeral scheme operated by Gwamanda’s company, Ithemba lama Afrika, between 2011 and 2012.
The case was dropped during their brief appearance at the Protea Magistrates Court. Speaking outside court, Gwamanda expressed frustration over the reputational damage he has suffered due to the allegations.
PROFESSOR JOHN LAMOLA APPOINTED AS SAA CEO
Professor John Lamola has been appointed as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of South African Airways (SAA) for a two-year term, as confirmed by Cabinet on Thursday.
The announcement was made by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Cape Town. Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy also extended her congratulations to Lamola, praising his leadership.
Having served as acting CEO, Lamola played a key role in helping SAA clear three years of outstanding audits and return to profitability in the 2023 financial year—a milestone after years of financial struggles.
His appointment is seen as a step towards ensuring stability and growth for the national carrier.
CABINET POSTPONES NATIONAL BUDGET TO 12 MARCH
The postponement of the National Budget from 19 February to 12 March is due to Cabinet’s efforts to address funding challenges within a constrained fiscal environment.
In a statement following its meeting on Wednesday, Cabinet assured South Africans that deliberations are ongoing to ensure the budget aligns with national priorities and reflects the aspirations of the people.
While this marks the first postponement in South Africa’s history, Cabinet emphasized that such delays are not uncommon globally and remain within the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) provisions.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana was initially set to present the 2025 Budget Speech on 19 February, outlining the government’s financial, economic, and social priorities. However, the delay allows for further deliberations to balance public interests, economic growth, and fiscal sustainability before tabling the budget in Parliament.
CRIME STATS: MURDER RATE DOWN, BUT KIDNAPPINGS AND EXTORTIONS ON THE RISE
While Quarterly Crime Statistics show a decline in several crime categories, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says more work is needed to curb violent crimes and criminal syndicates.
Presenting data for October to December 2024, Mchunu highlighted a 9.8% drop in murder cases, with all provinces recording a decrease. However, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal remain the biggest contributors, while Western Cape continues to battle gang-related violence, with 263 murders reported in just three months.
There was a 3.3% reduction in rape cases and a 4.5% drop in stock theft, but attempted murders of children have increased, raising serious concern. Meanwhile, extortion, kidnappings, and drug-related crimes are now priority areas for police intervention.
Mchunu credited the Safer Festive Season initiative and the recruitment of 5,500 new police officers as key factors in crime reduction. Additionally, 16,049 illegal firearms were destroyed to curb gun violence.
A 27 February meeting will focus on tackling high-murder zones, firearms control, and refining anti-crime strategies, with Mchunu reaffirming that no one is untouchable when it comes to law enforcement.
GAUTRAIN RESTORES SERVICE BETWEEN ROSEBANK AND PARK STATION AFTER ILLEGAL DRILLING DAMAGE
Gautrain has confirmed that its services between Rosebank and Park Station have resumed following a week of intensive repairs. The disruption was caused by illegal borehole drilling at Hillside Village in Killarney, which led to water and soil seeping into the underground tunnel.
With the tunnel now repaired and declared safe, commuters can expect normal operations on this key route once again.
LESUFI: GAUTRAIN TO REACH SOWETO, MAMELODI & MORE IN MAJOR UPGRADE
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced a major expansion of the Gautrain network, bringing much-needed transport links to townships. Speaking at the 2025 State of the Province Address in Tshwane, he revealed that the project will generate over 125,000 construction jobs.
With a R120 billion investment, the expansion will extend Gautrain services to Soweto via Fourways, as well as Mamelodi, Atteridgeville, and Lanseria. The initiative aims to boost economic growth in property, retail, and logistics.
STEVEN KITSHOFF FORCED TO RETIRE DUE TO NECK INJURY
Springbok and DHL Stormers legend Steven Kitshoff has announced his retirement from rugby following medical advice due to a serious neck injury.
The 33-year-old prop bows out with an illustrious career, featuring 138 caps for the DHL Stormers and 83 appearances for the Springboks, during which he won two Rugby World Cups, a Rugby Championship, and a British & Irish Lions Series.
Kitshoff sustained the injury during a Carling Currie Cup match last year and, despite surgery and rehabilitation, has been left with significantly reduced neck rotation. Medical experts warned that continuing to play posed a high risk of further injury.
Making his DHL Stormers debut in 2011, Kitshoff quickly became a dominant force in the front row, earning his first Springbok cap in 2016 and solidifying his place as one of South Africa’s finest loosehead props.
ROYAL AM REMOVED FROM NEDBANK CUP AS FIXTURES MOVE AHEAD
The NSL Executive Committee has confirmed that Royal AM will no longer compete in this season’s Nedbank Cup after discussions with the club’s Curator and management. The decision was made in the interest of time, allowing the tournament to proceed without further delays. As a result, the Nedbank Cup clash between Milford FC and Sekhukhune United is set for Sunday, 2 March 2025, at Princess Magogo Stadium. Ticketing details will be announced soon.
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