South Africa’s automotive sector is facing renewed scrutiny after more than 100 luxury SUVs were flagged for potential mechanical faults linked to transmission performance. Transmission fault raises safety risks Lexus South Africa has initiated a recall affecting specific units of its LX500d range following concerns identified in the vehicle’s transmission system. According to the National…
Google has expanded the language capabilities of its artificial intelligence tools, adding support for several widely spoken African languages, including four commonly used in South Africa. The technology company confirmed that its AI-powered search features — AI Overviews and AI Mode — can now respond in Afrikaans, isiZulu, Sesotho and Setswana, in addition to English….
Residents raise concerns over air quality Residents in several areas of Johannesburg have reported an unpleasant smell lingering in the air since the weekend, sparking renewed concern about air pollution in the city. Numerous people took to social media to complain about the persistent odour, with many describing it as similar to rotten eggs —…
Airlines face sharp jump in jet fuel costs Air travellers in South Africa may soon pay more for flights after airlines announced a temporary fuel surcharge following a dramatic rise in aviation fuel prices linked to instability in the Middle East. Low-cost carrier FlySafair confirmed that it will introduce the surcharge from 12 March 2026…
South Africa’s energy regulator has approved Eskom’s tariff increases for the 2026/27 financial year, but the changes could push household electricity bills higher than the headline figures suggest. Tariffs rising in 2026 Eskom direct customers will face an average increase of 8.76% from April 2026, while municipal customers will see a 9.01% increase starting in…
South Africa’s Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has reassured the public that sanitary products available in the country remain safe to use despite recent research identifying small amounts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in menstrual products. The comments came after a study conducted by the Department of Chemistry at the University of Free State earlier in…
South African regulators have announced another recall of infant formula products, raising renewed concerns over contamination risks in baby nutrition supplies. The National Consumer Commission (NCC) confirmed that two formula products manufactured by Nutricia Southern Africa have been withdrawn from retail shelves across the country. The affected items include Aptamil Nutribiotik 2 (800g) and Aptajunior…
Food manufacturer RCL Foods has issued a nationwide recall of several dry pet food products in South Africa after identifying potential contamination with Salmonella. The recall affects limited batches of several popular pet food brands, including Bobtail, Bonzo, Catmor, Canine Cuisine, Feline Cuisine, Optimizor and Ultra Pet Dog Food. Recall triggered by contamination concerns The…
Nearly 26,000 Volkswagen Polo Vivo vehicles have been recalled in South Africa due to a potential safety issue involving the handbrake mechanism, according to the National Consumer Commission (NCC). The recall affects 25,729 vehicles sold nationwide between February 2025 and February 2026 by Volkswagen Group Africa. Safety concern linked to handbrake component In a statement…
South Africa’s Department of Health has proposed adjustments to its long-running tobacco control legislation following extensive public consultations, including changes that could differentiate between combustible and non-combustible nicotine products. The proposed Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill has been under discussion for several years and aims to tighten restrictions on tobacco use while…
