News

South African police have intensified efforts against environmental crime and drug trafficking after recovering more than 1,000 illegally harvested abalone in the Eastern Cape while making several drug-related arrests during separate operations in the Western Cape. The abalone seizure, valued at approximately R130,000, was made near Marine Drive in Gqeberha, where officers discovered the shellfish…

South African pharmacy retailer Dis-Chem Group is accelerating its digital transformation strategy after investing R330 million in a dedicated innovation and research hub designed to strengthen its technology ecosystem and customer experience. The investment, announced alongside the company’s financial results for the year ended 28 February 2026, has already delivered improvements across digital platforms, cybersecurity,…

South Africa has placed its proposed import certification programme for selected Chinese products on hold following feedback received through the World Trade Organization (WTO) and consultations with Chinese diplomatic representatives and industry stakeholders. The decision was confirmed by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), which said additional consultations are required before the proposed framework…

South Africa has taken another step toward strengthening its digital infrastructure with the launch of BrainSAT Satellite Services, a locally operated satellite communications provider established in partnership with United Arab Emirates-based satellite company Space42. Deputy President Paul Mashatile officially launched the service in Johannesburg on Tuesday, describing the initiative as an important milestone in expanding…

South Africa is preparing to introduce stricter SIM card registration measures as government and the telecommunications industry work together to close loopholes that have been linked to serious organised crime. The planned reforms are expected to tighten identity verification, strengthen compliance requirements and improve cooperation between mobile operators and law enforcement agencies in an effort…

South Africa is facing growing concerns over the expansion of organised crime as security analysts warn that international drug trafficking networks are increasingly establishing operations inside the country. The warning follows several major drug seizures in recent months, including the confiscation of narcotics valued at approximately R1 billion. According to researchers, these high-profile operations may…

A newly published environmental study has found traces of pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals and metals throughout False Bay, raising concerns about the long-term accumulation of pollutants in one of the Western Cape’s most important coastal ecosystems. The research, conducted by scientists from two Cape Town universities and published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin, identified a range…

South Africa’s 2026 tax filing season is officially underway, and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has introduced several digital enhancements aimed at making the annual filing process faster, more efficient and easier for millions of taxpayers. Among the most significant changes is the launch of a new online “Waiting Room”, a feature designed to…

South African salary earners are facing mounting financial pressure after real take-home pay dropped to its lowest level in nearly two years, according to the latest PayInc Net Salary Index. While nominal wages continued to rise modestly in May 2026, inflation outpaced income growth, leaving many households with less purchasing power and forcing consumers to…

South African e-commerce giant Takealot Group has reached a major milestone by reporting its first annual operating profit, marking a significant turning point for the country’s largest online retailer. The achievement was announced in parent company Naspers’ financial results for the year ended 31 March 2026, highlighting strong revenue growth, improved margins and continued market…