The United States has formally launched a sweeping trade investigation targeting South Africa and dozens of other economies, marking a significant escalation in Washington’s efforts to address what it describes as unfair global trade practices. The probe, initiated under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974, will assess whether countries are engaging in…
Recent corruption revelations within South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs have triggered fresh concerns about the credibility of the country’s passport system and the potential consequences for ordinary travellers. The warning follows findings by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), which uncovered evidence that officials inside the department were allegedly involved in selling visas, permanent residence…
South African security forces have launched large-scale raids in several communities in the south of Johannesburg as part of a crackdown on crime and gang violence. Soldiers and police conduct joint operations Members of the South African National Defence Force joined police officers in coordinated operations across areas including Eldorado Park, Riverlea, Westbury and Sophiatown….
South African authorities and the Multichoice Group have carried out a series of raids targeting illegal internet streaming services in the Western Cape. Cape Town raids lead to arrests Two suspects were arrested during operations conducted in February and March 2026. Investigators seized mobile devices and accessed a streaming management panel linked to the illegal…
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…
Pretoria stresses rules-based international order South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation has reaffirmed the country’s support for Iran while urging lawmakers to promote a rules-based international order during diplomatic engagements. The comments were made during a parliamentary portfolio committee meeting on international relations and cooperation on Wednesday. Although the session was initially convened…
Early retirement programme aims to curb rising public sector wage bill South Africa’s National Treasury has allocated additional funding to support a voluntary exit programme that could ultimately reduce the country’s public sector workforce by tens of thousands. The initiative forms part of a broader effort by the government to control the rapidly growing public…
Pretoria summons envoy after criticism of domestic policies South Africa has issued a formal diplomatic protest to the United States ambassador in Pretoria following a series of public remarks criticising the country’s domestic policies, signalling a further deterioration in relations between the two governments. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation summoned US ambassador Leo…
