South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has joined the world in offering condolences on the passing of the Roman Catholic Church leader, Pope Francis.

Government has called on eligible South African spaza shop owners in townships and rural areas who want to want to improve, expand, and sustain their shops to apply for assistance with the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund (SSSF).

The public have until 30 June 2025 to comment on the discussion document on the Review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government.

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen will this week, host the G20 Agriculture Working Group (AWG) and Food Security Task Force Meetings in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) and the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) are appealing to eligible people to donate blood.

The International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), in collaboration with South African scientific institutions will host a workshop to introduce the Planetary Defense Conference and pioneering research being conducted by the African astronomical community on asteroids and Near-Earth Objects (NEOs).

The department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, has launched an online platform that allows a proponent intending to submit an application for environmental authorisation to screen their proposed site for any environmental sensitivity. 

With the Easter long weekend underway, the Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, is monitoring movements at the country's ports of entry.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has called on religious leaders to encourage road safety amongst church congregants.

The Department of Health urges all travellers and communities to stay vigilant as the country is experiencing a slight increase in malaria cases, particularly in provinces where the disease is endemic, including Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal.

The City of Johannesburg’s Department of Public Safety has warned motorists to comply with the rules of the road or face the might of the law.

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) has encouraged road users to be responsible on the roads this Easter weekend, while highlighting the significant costs that road accidents have on government spending and society.

Law enforcement authorities will be out in their numbers this Easter Weekend to ensure that motorists drive safely and comply with traffic regulations.

As holidaymakers and motorists head off to various destinations for the Easter long weekend, the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) has shared tips on how to get there safely.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has wished South Africans a happy and safe Easter.