Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week:
This week, U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest wave of tariffs has spooked global markets and reignited fears of a recession, with Africa feeling the economic ripple effects.
NPA head Shamila Batohi has called for a full report on the acquittal of Timothy Omotoso and co-accused after the Gqeberha High Court dismissed 32 serious charges, citing prosecutorial shortcomings.
The rand plunged to 19.8225 against the U.S. dollar this week, nearing its all-time low, as investor jitters over global trade tensions sent shockwaves through emerging markets.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has supported the reversal of a surprise ban on cannabis and hemp-based food products, urging more public dialogue after an industry-wide backlash.
Orlando Pirates’ Champions League victory over MC Alger turned chaotic when post-match celebrations at Orlando Stadium erupted into a brawl between players and officials.
Here are the top stories of the week:
TRUMP TARIFFS THREATEN AFRICA’S EXPORTS
Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs are sending shockwaves through the global economy — and Africa is catching the fallout. The US president’s aggressive trade measures have sparked recession fears worldwide and rattled markets, but he’s showing no signs of backing down.
Among the hardest hit is Lesotho, a small, landlocked country that relies heavily on textile exports. Now facing a steep 50% tariff on its goods headed to the US, Lesotho’s economic stability is under serious threat.
In South Africa, the 30% tariffs won’t dent GDP much, but industries like agriculture and vehicle exports are expected to take a painful hit. Trade analysts are warning that Washington’s tough stance could undo years of progress in Africa-US trade relations.
NPA CHIEF DEMANDS ANSWERS AFTER OMOTOSO ACQUITTAL
National Prosecuting Authority head, Advocate Shamila Batohi, has called for a full report on the controversial acquittal of Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused, following sharp criticism of the prosecution’s handling of the case. The Gqeberha High Court cleared Omotoso, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho of 32 serious charges, including rape and human trafficking, citing weak cross-examination and failure to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.
Judge Irma Schoeman’s scathing ruling described the prosecution’s approach as “shallow,” prompting Batohi to demand a transcript of the proceedings from Eastern Cape DPP Barry Madolo. She also raised serious concern over the judge’s damning remarks and said appropriate action would follow depending on the findings.
NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga confirmed that a possible appeal is being considered and emphasised the NPA’s ongoing commitment to tackling gender-based violence. “The NDPP appreciates the public outrage… This judgement is a travesty of justice we cannot accept,” said Mhaga.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi also weighed in, expressing disappointment with how the prosecution managed the high-profile case.
SARS COLLECTS RECORD R2.3 TRILLION
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has clocked in its highest-ever gross revenue collection, pulling in R2.3 trillion for the fiscal year ending March, reflecting a solid 6.9% year-on-year increase. SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter revealed that net revenue reached R1.855 trillion—R114 billion more than last year and R8.8 billion above the revised target.
Speaking at a media briefing, Kieswetter credited the achievement to the hard work and renewed morale of SARS’s 13,000-strong workforce. He highlighted that employee engagement has risen from 61.6% in 2019/20 to 71%, helping boost the institution’s overall performance and credibility.
“This isn’t just about numbers,” Kieswetter said. “It’s about building a sustainable institution that inspires confidence and continues to deliver on its mandate.”
Refunds for the year amounted to R447.7 billion, contributing to the net figure. Kieswetter described SARS as a “national treasure,” vital to funding South Africa’s democracy and enabling the state to drive social and economic development.
RAND HITS R19.82 TO DOLLAR
The South African rand took a heavy hit on Wednesday, dropping to 19.8225 against the U.S. dollar — just shy of its all-time low of 19.9075 reached in June 2023. The slump comes as investors pull back from riskier markets, spooked by escalating global trade tensions triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs.
Closer to home, uncertainty surrounding the future of South Africa’s ruling coalition has further rattled markets, amplifying the currency’s decline. The mix of external economic pressure and internal political instability has put the rand under serious strain.
Analysts warn that if clarity isn’t provided soon on the direction of South Africa’s leadership, the rand could break past its record low in the coming days.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA WITHDRAWS CANNABIS FOOD BAN AFTER PUBLIC OUTCRY
President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially backed the withdrawal of a controversial ban on cannabis and hemp-based food products, calling for more public engagement and stakeholder consultation. The ban, introduced quietly by Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi under the Foodstuffs Act on March 7, triggered immediate backlash from the industry and civil society for its lack of transparency and consultation.
The now-withdrawn regulations prohibited the sale, import, and manufacture of food products containing any part of the cannabis plant, including hemp. The move, which came without public notice, was meant to address concerns about unregulated cannabis edibles and their impact on minors.
Motsoaledi, who admitted to not consulting before issuing the ban, defended his decision as medically rational, citing risks to children. However, after mounting criticism, the presidency announced that the Department of Health would revisit the regulations with broader input from the public and industry.
For now, the Department of Health will return to the drawing board to develop new, more inclusive rules that balance public health concerns with industry growth.
R500M FUND LAUNCHED TO BOOST LOCALLY OWNED SPAZA SHOPS
The government has opened applications for a R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund aimed at empowering South African-owned spaza shops in townships and rural areas. Launched by Trade Minister Parks Tau in Soweto, the fund offers up to R300,000 per shop through grants and low-interest loans.
It will cover stock, infrastructure, POS systems, and business tools, while also supporting compliance with health and safety standards. Jointly run by NEF and SEFDA, the fund is positioned as a game-changer for job creation, local growth, and turning informal traders into key players in SA’s economy.
MAPISA-NQAKULA LOSES BID TO ACCESS POLICE DOCKET
Former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has failed in her court bid to access the investigation diary tied to her corruption case. The Pretoria High Court dismissed her application, with Judge Mokhine Mosopa ruling that she didn’t provide enough grounds to warrant the disclosure.
Mapisa-Nqakula’s legal team had pushed to unlock Section C of the police docket, claiming it could help clear her name. But the judge wasn’t convinced, saying she failed to show how that part of the docket would be relevant or necessary to her defence.
She’s currently facing 12 charges of corruption and one of money laundering linked to her time as Defence Minister. With the failed application behind her, the legal clock now ticks toward her pre-trial hearing, which has been set for 9 May 2025.
HOME AFFAIRS FIRES SIX MORE OFFICIALS IN CORRUPTION CRACKDOWN
The Department of Home Affairs has dismissed six more officials for fraud and corruption, adding to the 33 fired since July 2024. Six others received final warnings.
With eight officials already jailed and 19 facing prosecution, the department is tightening its grip on corruption. This follows the formation of the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum, enhancing collaboration with the SIU, BMA, and NPA. Minister Leon Schreiber says the department will act fast and leave no room for delays in rooting out corruption and rebuilding public trust in Home Affairs.
ZANZOU NIGHTCLUB TORTURE ACCUSED GRANTED BAIL
A 41-year-old Congolese national, arrested in connection with the disturbing assault at Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria, has been granted R10 000 bail by the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court. The suspect is facing multiple charges, including eight counts of sexual assault, after a viral video showed male patrons being forced to sexually assault one another.
He is one of eight suspects linked to the harrowing incident. The case has been postponed to May 5, 2025, as investigations continue.
The man was nabbed by JMPD officers while on patrol in Yeoville, Johannesburg, after they recognised him from the circulating footage. His identity was confirmed before he was taken into custody.
CITY OF JOBURG PLAN TO RECLAIM DERELICT BUILDINGS
The City of Johannesburg is launching a bold revitalisation strategy to transform derelict and unsafe buildings into secure, livable spaces for families and businesses. Spearheaded by the Strategic Projects Unit, the initiative will see condemned buildings rehabilitated, leased, and repurposed to spark urban renewal, economic growth, and job creation.
Structures like the M.O.T.H, Vannin, and Delvers buildings—deemed uninhabitable by courts—are set for evacuation, relocation, or demolition, while others like the Remington Building have already been successfully redeveloped. To support displaced residents, the City has secured temporary housing at locations such as Fleurhof and South Hills, with over 600 units either ready or nearly complete.
This long-term plan is driven by cross-departmental coordination and strong private sector partnerships to reshape the heart of Joburg.
KZN MASS MURDERER HANDED SEVEN LIFE SENTENCES
KwaZulu-Natal man Siphamandla Dlomo has been sentenced to seven life terms and an additional 70 years behind bars for a brutal killing spree in Umlazi’s Q Section in August 2023. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that Dlomo, along with accomplices, murdered nine people after a personal fallout escalated into a targeted attack.
According to the NPA, the rampage began when Dlomo set out to eliminate a complainant and his family. After failing to locate his target, Dlomo and his group shot and killed several individuals in the area, including neighbours and others in the complainant’s home, before setting it alight. The violence continued into the next night, when two more of the complainant’s friends were gunned down.
Despite the chaos, the complainant managed to escape during a scuffle with Dlomo. The killer later surrendered to police.
VAAL DAM FLOODS TRIGGER EVACUATIONS AS WATER LEVELS SPIKE
Rising water levels at the Vaal Dam have forced the evacuation of residents living near the riverbanks, following days of heavy rain and flooding. Over the weekend, the dam exceeded its full capacity, prompting officials to open five sluice gates in an effort to manage the overflow.
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina visited the dam on Wednesday to assess the situation. She confirmed that evacuations are underway to prevent loss of life and limit infrastructure damage.
The department says the sluice gates were opened as part of urgent safety measures. However, the release has caused widespread flooding in nearby areas, submerging homes along the Vaal River.
Majodina emphasised the importance of prioritising safety and managing dam infrastructure effectively during such extreme weather conditions.
MAN SHOT DEAD IN CAPE TOWN COURT
A man gunned down at the Wynberg Regional Court in Cape Town this week was not involved in a gang-related trial, according to his attorney. The victim, a taxi operator from Vrygrond facing murder and attempted murder charges, was consulting his instructing attorney just minutes before the attack.
Chaos broke out on Tuesday when two armed men entered the court’s fourth floor. One suspect fired a semi-automatic weapon outside Court D, fatally wounding the accused man in what appeared to be a targeted hit.
The gunmen fled the scene undetected, and police have yet to make any arrests.
CHAOS BREAKS OUT AT PIRATES AND MC ALGER CAF CLASH
Tempers boiled over at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night following Orlando Pirates’ hard-fought win over MC Alger in the CAF Champions League quarterfinals. What should’ve been a celebration quickly turned into chaos as the final whistle sparked a wild brawl on the pitch.
MC Alger players, fans, and even their technical team stormed towards the Pirates bench, unleashing punches, kicks, and pure pandemonium. Some players tried to flee the madness, while others got pulled into the action. The scenes were messy, emotional, and dangerous—once again putting a spotlight on poor discipline and security in African club competitions.
Despite the drama, the Pirates can walk away with the win—but not without a few bruises, literally and figuratively.
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