A new generation of plug-and-play solar systems is beginning to enter the South African market, offering homeowners and apartment residents a simpler way to generate electricity without the need for traditional rooftop installations. Known as balcony solar systems, these compact setups have become increasingly popular in Europe, where many residents have limited access to private…
South Africans will soon have significantly more locations where they can apply for Smart ID cards as the Department of Home Affairs moves ahead with one of its largest digital service expansions. The department announced that its partnership with the banking sector will grow from just over250participating branches to750branches nationwide by the end of the…
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Friday agreed to build a China-Namibia community with a shared future for the new era and issued a joint statement following talks in Beijing. During their talks, Xi said China and Namibia enjoy a profound traditional friendship and share common aspirations for development. As the…
South Africa’s revenue authority has reassured travellers that they will not be refused entry into or departure from the country if they fail to complete the newly introduced online travel declaration before arriving at a border post. The clarification comes after the South African Revenue Service (SARS) officially rolled out its mandatory digital traveller declaration…
A multi-year investigation by South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation has led to the arrest of two suspects accused of plotting to assassinate a government official who allegedly became a target after attempting to stop the illegal sale of state-subsidised housing. The Hawks announced that the breakthrough operation uncovered an alleged conspiracy linked to…
A Durban businessman has been arrested in connection with an alleged customs fraud scheme that authorities say resulted in nearly R37 million in unpaid customs duties and value-added tax after a shipping container was falsely declared as carrying household goods instead of illicit cigarettes. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks,…
Authorities have arrested 217 suspects during a large-scale security operation targeting illegal mining activities at Losberg Kloof Mine in Westonaria, Gauteng, as South Africa intensifies efforts to dismantle criminal mining networks operating across the country. The coordinated operation, conducted on Tuesday, brought together members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National…
China has expressed serious concern over Japan’s accelerated space militarization, following the passage of an amendment to the Ministry of Defense Establishment Act by Japan’s House of Councilors. The amendment renames the Japan Air Self-Defense Force to the Japan Aerospace Self-Defense Force and establishes a Space Operations Wing. Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Chen Xi warned…
South Africa is stepping up efforts to build its own cloud infrastructure as part of a broader strategy to strengthen digital sovereignty and reduce long-term dependence on international technology providers. President Cyril Ramaphosa said the government is investing in domestic cloud capabilities while continuing to welcome foreign investment from major global technology companies operating in…
Every few years, South Africa returns to a painful and unresolved question: why does hostility towards foreign nationals keep resurfacing? The demonstrations on 30 June, organised by groups including Operation Dudula and March and March, once again placed immigration at the centre of national debate. Supporters argued that stronger action is needed against undocumented migration,…
