South Africa is losing an estimated R721 billion each year to the health and economic impacts of air pollution, with researchers warning that extending the lifespan of ageing coal-fired power stations could significantly increase those costs. The findings come as the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) moves ahead with plans to keep ten…
South Africa’s annual inflation rate accelerated to 5.0% in June, exceeding market expectations and reinforcing forecasts that the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) could raise interest rates at its latest Monetary Policy Committee meeting. According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), consumer price inflation increased from 4.5% in May to 5.0% in June, while prices…
South Africa’s medicines regulator has raised concerns over the growing presence of counterfeit medicines being sold outside the country’s regulated healthcare system, warning that consumers are increasingly encountering unverified products in informal retail outlets, beauty businesses and online marketplaces. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) said investigations have identified counterfeit medicines being distributed…
South Africa’s decision to secure a US$1.5 billion Development Policy Loan from the World Bank has generated divided opinions among economists, with supporters highlighting lower borrowing costs while critics warn that the country is becoming increasingly reliant on debt to finance government spending. The National Treasury said the funding is intended to accelerate structural reforms,…
South Africa could face another major disruption next week after the Gauteng taxi industry warned that it may launch a province-wide strike over ongoing disputes surrounding operating licence renewals. The National Taxi Alliance (NTA) says the planned strike is scheduled for Tuesday, 28 July, unless government addresses long-standing concerns over delays in issuing and renewing…
Fewer South African households now consider themselves poor than a decade ago, according to new data released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). While the findings suggest improving public perceptions, analysts caution that changing expectations—not necessarily better living conditions—may explain the trend. The latest survey found that 25.7% of households described themselves as poor, down…
The deaths of two South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers during an anti-illegal mining operation west of Johannesburg have renewed public debate over military preparedness, although defence analysts argue the incident reflects the dangers of the operating environment rather than shortcomings in troop training. The soldiers died after falling into an abandoned mine shaft…
South Africa’s Kruger National Park has earned global recognition after being ranked among the world’s top 10 destinations for birdwatching, highlighting the park’s remarkable biodiversity beyond its internationally famous Big Five wildlife. A new study by travel insurance provider AllClear evaluated some of the world’s leading birdwatching locations using eight different criteria, including the number…
South African shoppers are being urged to remain vigilant after reports emerged of a grocery scam that appears to be resurfacing outside major supermarkets, where fraudsters allegedly exploit the generosity of customers by asking them to buy food instead of giving cash. The scam, which has previously been reported in several parts of the country,…
South Africa could experience another period of extreme weather over the coming months after international climate forecasters warned that one of the strongest El Niño events in more than seven decades is becoming increasingly likely. Scientists expect the climate pattern to intensify during the second half of 2026 and continue into early 2027, raising the…
