Today Africa

OR Tambo airport drug crackdown sees five suspected couriers arrested in latest trafficking bust

South African police have arrested five suspected drug couriers at OR Tambo International Airport after narcotics worth more than R5 million were allegedly discovered hidden in clothing and on their bodies, in what authorities describe as another major blow to international trafficking syndicates. The arrests took place on Saturday, 28 March 2026, at the country’s…

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South Africa moves to tighten SIM card controls amid rising crime risks

South Africa is preparing to enforce stricter penalties for SIM card registration violations as authorities raise alarm over the role of unregistered and fraudulently registered numbers in organised crime. The issue has gained urgency following an emergency meeting convened by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, bringing together officials from the Justice, Crime Prevention…

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Infrastructure failures, not water shortages, driving South Africa’s water crisis

South Africa’s growing water crisis is increasingly being linked to failing municipal infrastructure rather than a lack of natural water resources, according to engineers and industry experts. At the recent Infrastructure Africa conference held in Cape Town, specialists highlighted that nearly half of the country’s treated water — approximately 47% — is lost before it…

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South Africa seizes counterfeit goods worth R160 million in nationwide crackdown

South African authorities have intensified efforts to combat the illegal trade in counterfeit goods, seizing items worth more than R160 million during coordinated operations across multiple provinces. The raids, led by the South African Police Service, targeted key distribution and manufacturing hubs, revealing the scale and organisation of illicit trade networks operating within the country….

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Rising violence puts South Africa’s legal profession under growing threat

A surge in violent attacks targeting legal professionals has raised alarm across South Africa, with industry leaders warning that the profession is becoming increasingly dangerous. The concerns were highlighted by Nkosana Mvundlela, president of the Law Society of South Africa, following the fatal shooting of a legal practitioner outside the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and…

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SAA’s financial recovery questioned as asset sales and state backing underpin profits

South African Airways (SAA) is facing renewed scrutiny after its latest financial results revealed that much of its reported profitability may not stem from core airline operations. The state-owned carrier declared a net profit of R155 million for the 2024–25 financial year, alongside an operating profit of R336 million and revenue of R9.266 billion. The…

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South Africa sets phased timeline to end load reduction, with full relief expected by 2027

South Africa has outlined a phased plan to eliminate load reduction, with some provinces expected to see relief as early as 2026, while others may only experience full stabilisation by the end of the 2026/27 financial year. Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa announced the timeline in Parliament, highlighting progress made through interventions introduced by Eskom and…

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Johannesburg launches first EV charging hub as part of green energy shift

Johannesburg has taken a significant step towards cleaner transport with the launch of its first electric vehicle (EV) charging hub, marking the beginning of a broader transition to sustainable mobility across the city. The facility, located in Booysens, was officially unveiled on 24 March 2026 by Executive Mayor Dada Morero as part of City Power’s…

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South Africa tightens traffic fine enforcement as digital systems close loopholes

South African motorists are facing a stricter enforcement environment as advances in digital systems and surveillance technology make it increasingly difficult to avoid paying traffic fines. Authorities and private enforcement platforms say the long-standing issue of fines “disappearing” due to administrative gaps or postal failures is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. digital tracking…

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