Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week:
This week, U.S. President Donald Trump has suspended PEPFAR funding to South Africa as part of a broader foreign aid freeze, also criticizing the country’s land reform policies.
South Africa’s GDP grew by 0.6% in Q4 2024, driven by agriculture, finance, and trade sectors, rebounding from a previous decline.
Petrol price dropped slightly on 5 March, with petrol down by 7c per litre and diesel decreasing by up to 24c per litre, offering minor relief to consumers.
A tragic truck and bus collision on the N6 in the Free State claimed ten lives and left 27 injured.
Meanwhile, South African football icon Benni McCarthy has been appointed as Kenya’s national team coach, set to lead the Harambee Stars until the 2027 AFCON.
Here are the top stories of the week:
SA GDP GROWS BY 0.6% IN Q4 2024, DRIVEN BY AGRICULTURE AND FINANCE
South Africa’s economy showed positive growth in the fourth quarter of 2024, with the gross domestic product (GDP) increasing by 0.6%, following a 0.1% decline in the previous quarter.
According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry played a major role in the growth, surging by 17.2% and contributing 0.4 percentage points. The finance, real estate, and business services sector also expanded by 1.1%, while trade, catering, and accommodation grew by 1.4%.
However, several industries saw declines, including transport (-1.0%), manufacturing (-0.6%), government services (-0.5%), electricity (-1.4%), and mining (-0.2%). On the expenditure side, household consumption rose by 1.0%, with increased spending on clothing, food, and recreation, while government spending and fixed capital investment saw declines.
PETROL PRICE DROPS FOR MARCH
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has confirmed a slight decrease in fuel prices as of 5 March. Petrol dropped by 7c per litre, while diesel saw a reduction of up to 24c per litre.
The decline follows an improved rand-to-dollar exchange rate and fluctuating international oil prices. Illuminating paraffin and LPGAS will also see minor price cuts. This marks the first decrease in four months, offering slight relief to consumers.
THREE KILLED IN SHOOTING AT SANDTON RESTAURANT
Police have confirmed that three people were killed and four others injured following a shooting at a restaurant in Sandton.
According to authorities, the violence erupted when a man attempted to enter the no-firearm establishment, sparking a confrontation between his bodyguards and the restaurant’s security. The altercation quickly escalated into a deadly shootout.
Investigations are underway as police work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
NEARLY 1.9M SASSA BENEFICIARIES YET TO SWAP GOLD CARDS AS DEADLINE NEARS
With the deadline for the switch from Sassa Gold Cards to Postbank Black Cards fast approaching on 20 March, Postbank has acknowledged that completing the process on time may not be feasible. As of February, 1.9 million beneficiaries still need to make the switch.
Concerns over service delays, rural access, and long queues have led to calls for an extension. Postbank has yet to confirm any deadline extension, despite growing concerns over beneficiaries’ uncertainty and fear of losing access to grants.
DISCOVERY SEES 27% GROWTH IN OPERATING PROFIT, DRIVEN BY BANKING AND HEALTH
Discovery Holdings has announced impressive financial results for the six months ending 31 December 2024, highlighting a 27% increase in normalised operating profit to R7,020 million. CEO Adrian Gore attributed the growth to strategic investments, particularly in Discovery Bank, which achieved monthly profitability ahead of schedule.
The company’s success was driven by strong performances across its key sectors, including Discovery South Africa, which saw a 27% rise in operating profit, and Discovery Bank, which delivered a 42% revenue increase. Additionally, the growth in VitalityHealth and VitalityLife contributed significantly to the group’s robust results.
Discovery is optimistic about its continued expansion, with a focus on leveraging technology, data, and artificial intelligence to enhance its offerings. The company also announced an interim dividend of 87 cents per share, reflecting its commitment to maintaining financial strength.
TEN DEAD, MULTIPLE INJURED IN N6 BUS AND TRUCK COLLISION IN FREE STATE
A tragic collision between a truck and a bus on the N6 between Reddersburg and Smithfield in the Free State claimed the lives of ten people in the early hours of 5 March 2025. The bus, carrying 35 passengers, crashed with the truck, leaving more than 27 people injured.
Emergency services transported 22 injured passengers to Stoffel Coetzee Hospital in Smithfield, while five others were taken to Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein for medical treatment. Among the injured, four passengers and one of the bus drivers remain in critical condition. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.
TRUMP SUSPENDS HIV/AIDS FUNDING TO SOUTH AFRICA
Just days after returning to the Oval Office, U.S. President Donald Trump has suspended the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding to South Africa as part of his broader foreign aid cuts. The move follows Trump’s executive order halting foreign assistance for an initial 90 days, impacting programs globally.
The Trump administration has also criticized South Africa’s land reform policy, which allows expropriation in the public interest. While the government argues the law targets underutilized land, Trump claims it undermines private property rights and disproportionately affects white landowners.
Further cuts to U.S. aid include slashing 90% of USAID foreign contracts and defunding UNAIDS, which supports global HIV/AIDS programs.
TRIAL OF THREE ACCUSED IN JOSHLIN SMITH DISAPPEARANCE RESUMES
The trial of three individuals accused in connection with the disappearance of seven-year-old Joshlin Smith has resumed, with defense attorneys set to cross-examine the state’s second witness on Wednesday.
Joshlin went missing a year ago in the Middelpos informal settlement. Her mother, Kelly Smith, along with co-accused Jacquen Appollis and Stevano van Rhyn, face charges of kidnapping and human trafficking for allegedly selling the child to an unknown woman. All three have pleaded not guilty.
Defense attorney Rinesh Sivnarain read a statement on behalf of his client, asserting that she has no knowledge of the alleged crimes.
HUSBANDS FIGHT FOR RIGHT TO TAKE WIVES’ SURNAMES IN COURT
Two South African husbands have approached the Constitutional Court (ConCourt) to confirm a ruling that declared parts of the Births and Deaths Registration Act unconstitutional. The current law prevents them from taking their wives’ surnames after marriage.
On Tuesday, the ConCourt heard arguments challenging Section 26(1)(a) to (c) of the Act, along with regulation 18(2)(a), as the applicants seek recognition of surname equality in marriage.
ROAD CLOSURES IN CAPE TOWN AHEAD OF CYCLE TOUR ON 9 MARCH
Several roads in Cape Town will be closed this weekend as the city prepares to host over 30,000 cyclists for the Cape Town Cycle Tour on Sunday, 9 March 2025. The event, a major highlight in the Western Cape’s sporting calendar, attracts both local and international participants.
The Western Cape Government (WCG) emphasized the economic benefits of such events, with tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors expected to see a boost. MEC Ricardo Mackenzie, who will also be participating, encouraged safe riding and highlighted the importance of active lifestyles.
The 109km route will take cyclists around the Cape Peninsula, making it one of South Africa’s premier cycling events.
NEW TICKETING SYSTEM IMPLEMENTED AT FNB AND ORLANDO STADIUMS TO IMPROVE SECURITY AND ACCESS
Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA), alongside Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates Football Clubs, has rolled out a revamped ticketing system at FNB Stadium and Orlando Stadium, aiming to boost safety, streamline crowd management, and offer more convenient ticket access. The changes, initially set for later in the season, are now effective immediately.
CEO Bertie Grobbelaar emphasized that the decision to discontinue till slip tickets was prompted by the increasing fraud risks associated with them, which compromised stadium access and safety. The new system, managed by Open Tickets, allows for online and physical ticket purchasing through various platforms, including the clubs’ websites and over 1,700 retail outlets nationwide. Fans can also purchase tickets via WhatsApp, using multiple payment methods, such as Capitec Pay and Zapper.
Enhanced security measures will be introduced at stadium entry points to ensure only legitimate ticket holders can access the venues.
SHOPRITE EXPANDS SIXTY60 DELIVERY SERVICE TO DISCOUNT STORES
Shoprite Holdings is expanding its Sixty60 on-demand delivery service to its discount stores, intensifying competition in South Africa’s grocery market. After a successful pilot in Gauteng and the Western Cape, the service will roll out in 19 Shoprite stores across eight provinces.
CEO Pieter Engelbrecht confirmed strong demand, though the expansion won’t match Checkers Sixty60’s rapid growth. Shoprite, which reported a 9.9% rise in half-year earnings, also plans to add over 10,000 general merchandise items to the Checkers Sixty60 app, competing with e-commerce giants like Takealot and Amazon.
ROYAL AM UP FOR SALE AS SARS SEEKS TO RECOVER R40 MILLION
A public notice has been issued inviting bids to purchase Royal AM, with the club’s new owner expected to be announced on March 17.
The sale comes as the South African Revenue Service (SARS) moves to recover R40 million owed by owner Shauwn Mkhize. The embattled KwaZulu-Natal club now faces an uncertain future, with the auction marking another twist in its ongoing financial troubles.
BENNI MCCARTHY APPOINTED AS KENYA’S NATIONAL TEAM HEAD COACH
South African football legend Benni McCarthy has been appointed as the new head coach of Kenya’s national team, the Harambee Stars. The 47-year-old has signed a contract that will see him lead the team until the 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
McCarthy, who previously served as an attacking coach at English Premier League giants Manchester United, was officially unveiled by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) on Monday evening. His appointment brings excitement to Kenyan football, with hopes that his experience will elevate the team’s performance on the continental stage.
BROOS NAMES 37-MAN PRELIMINARY SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has unveiled a 37-man preliminary squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin later this month. Bafana will face Lesotho at Peter Mokaba Stadium on March 21 before heading to Benin.
With four rounds played, SA sits second in Group C with seven points, level with group leaders Rwanda and third-placed Benin, while Lesotho is close behind with five points. Nigeria and Zimbabwe trail at the bottom with three and two points, respectively.
Bafana preliminary squad:
Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sage Stephens, Sipho Chaine, Sydney Mobbie, Khulumani Ndamane, Thabo Moloisane, Rushwin Dortley, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Deano van Rooyen, Siyabonga Ngezana, Khuliso Mudau, Samukelo Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien, Grant Kekana, Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Bathusi Aubaas, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Ndamulelo Maphangule, Luke le Roux, Siphesihle Mkhize, Evidence Makgopa, Devin Titus, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Iqraam Rayners, Relebohile Mofokeng, Thalente Mbatha, Ashely Cupido, Thapelo Morena, Elias Mokwana, Lyle Foster, Percy Tau and Mihlali Mayambela.
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