South African Airways has initiated legal steps that could significantly restrict the ability of its pilots and other operational staff to engage in strike action, even as the airline accelerates recruitment efforts aimed at strengthening cockpit capacity. The move follows a January ruling by South Africa’s Essential Services Committee, which determined that the airline’s request…
A cornerstone of Kimberley’s economy for more than a century is set to close after Ekapa Mining confirmed that it has filed for liquidation, citing financial distress following a fatal underground incident and prolonged weakness in global diamond markets. The decision marks a significant moment for the Northern Cape city, where diamond mining has shaped…
Two South African nationals have died while fighting on the frontline of the war in Ukraine, prompting renewed scrutiny over informal recruitment schemes that allegedly drew citizens into the conflict. The confirmation was made by Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, following a meeting in KwaZulu-Natal with families of 17 South African men…
As South Africa grapples with rising living costs, education expenses are increasingly straining household finances. According to the latest report from Statistics South Africa, 65.7% of individuals aged five and older who attended educational institutions in 2024 did not pay tuition fees. This suggests that nearly seven in ten learners are enrolled in no-fee schools….
South Africa continues to make progress in expanding HIV treatment access, but a significant gender disparity remains: more women are living with HIV, yet more men are dying from the disease. Treatment Success Masks Male Mortality Risk According to the Thembisa mathematical model, an estimated 5.2 million women were living with HIV in 2023/24, compared…
South Africa’s 2026 national budget has redrawn the financial landscape for households, businesses and investors, as Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana outlined a plan that combines selective tax relief with higher levies on consumption. Improved revenue position reshapes spending outlook Presenting the budget in Cape Town on 25 February, Godongwana pointed to a stronger macroeconomic position…
South Africa’s 2026 Budget introduced a significant but relatively understated reform to the country’s foreign exchange framework, increasing the annual discretionary offshore transfer allowance for residents from R1 million to R2 million. The change means that compliant taxpayers may now move up to R2 million abroad each calendar year through authorised banks without first obtaining…
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is paying his official visit to China from Feb 25 to 26, with Hangzhou serving as the second stop on his itinerary. Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG said: “This is one of the places that you need to be if you want to integrate with technology companies.”（Zhejiang International Communication…
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz continued his official visit to China in Hangzhou with senior executives from around 30 leading German companies, on Feb 26. Oliver Zipse, CEO of Bayerische Motoren Werke AG said: “Cooperation with Chinese companies is almost the normality for us.”（Zhejiang International Communication Center）
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met Zhejiang entrepreneurs in Hangzhou on Feb 26 with senior executives from around 30 leading German companies. The entrepreneurs expressed their hope and confidence in strengthening cooperation between Chinese and German companies.（Zhejiang International Communication Center）
