SOUTH AFRICA – Minister Gwede Mantashe, representing President Cyril Ramaphosa, struck a unifying chord at South Africa’s 31st Freedom Day celebrations in Ermelo on Sunday, urging citizens to reject division while acknowledging enduring challenges. Speaking to a diverse crowd at the AJ Swanepoel Stadium, Mantashe hailed the nation’s reconciliation legacy but warned against complacency in…
SOUTH AFRICA — In a landmark move to accelerate South Africa’s climate action goals, mining giant Exxaro Resources and state-owned power utility Eskom signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday, 14 April 2025, to collaborate on reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and ensuring a just transition to a low-carbon economy. The agreement emphasises…
SOUTH AFRICA – Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has tabled the 2025 Budget, outlining measures to stabilise the economy, fund critical services, and address structural challenges. A key announcement was the VAT increase, expected to generate revenue while sustaining investments in infrastructure, social security, and economic growth. The VAT rate will increase by 0.5% in 2025/26…
SOUTH AFRICA – Black people, women, and persons with disabilities are prioritised by the Government of National Unity (GNU). President Cyril Ramaphosa, leader of the GNU, stated that many South Africans have been deliberately excluded from participating in the country’s economy. Ramaphosa delivered the State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on Thursday, February 6, 2025,…
With South Africa’s G20 Presidency underway, an expert believes that the country’s participation in the forum reaffirms its values as enshrined in the Constitution – while also providing an opportunity to reshape the narrative around the broader priorities of the Global South. Research Professor of International Politics at the University of South Africa (UNISA), Jo-Ansie…
KWA-MHLANGA – President Cyril Ramaphosa officially handed over four completed bridges in the Thembisile Hani municipality on December 11, 2024. The bridges – Zakheni Leratong, Zakheni Ward 4 in Kwa-Mhlanga, Rietfontein, and Vezubuhle – were unveiled, marking a major step in the government’s efforts to address the challenges of dilapidated infrastructure in rural areas. These…
MIDDELBURG – President Cyril Ramaphosa said he is convinced Mpumalanga can literally be South Africa’s engine of growth. “In fact, Mpumalanga is the powerhouse of our country,” the President said when addressing a meeting between his cabinet ministers and their deputies and the Mpumalanga provincial executive committee, led by Premier Mandla Ndlovu. The meeting, led…
SIYABUSWA – Approximately R70 million has been allocated to crime-fighting initiatives, including the Community Policing Forum (CPF), across the country. This was revealed by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu during an engagement with CPF members and stakeholders in Siyabuswa on Wednesday, 11 December. Minister Mchunu, accompanied by his deputy Cassel Mathale and National Commissioner Fannie Masemola,…
GA-MORWE – Over 100 community members from various villages in the Dr JS Moroka Municipality participated in a 5km fun walk held at Ga-Morwe Stadium by the Department of Arts and Culture as part of the Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience on December 7. The event, led by Dr JS Moroka Municipality Mayor Nomsa Mtsweni, SAPS, and…
MPUMALANGA – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mpumalanga has reaffirmed its commitment to fighting gender-based violence (GBV) in the province.The commitment aligns with the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, observed every year from November 25 to December 10. The campaign aims to raise awareness and mobilise action to…
