South Africa

Annual consumer inflation rose to 5,0% in June 2026 from 4,5% in May, reaching its highest level in two years, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has announced.

Banyana Banyana are fine-tuning their preparations in Morocco ahead of their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) opening match against Tanzania.

The Office of the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) Oversight Judge has confirmed receipt of complaints relating to IDAC Head, Advocate Andrea Johnson.

South Africans now have more than double the number of locations where they can apply for a Smart ID Card following the expansion of the Department of Home Affairs' Digital Partnership with Absa, which also includes the launch of the country's first bank-based Home Affairs mobile unit.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says South Africa is accelerating efforts to build a digital-first department, with expanded access to identity services, a growing electronic travel authorisation system and further reforms planned for the country's immigration regime.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has transferred the management of seven state plantations to beneficiary communities in the Nqadu area, with a further four plantations set to be transferred during the financial year.

South Africa's investment story is increasingly moving beyond pledges and conference commitments. It is taking shape on factory floors, industrial parks and manufacturing hubs, where production lines are being modernised, facilities expanded, workers retained and upskilled, and businesses positioned for long-term growth and global competitiveness.

Social Development Minister Dina Pule says government will review more than 350 000 social grants during the 2026/27 financial year as part of efforts to protect the integrity of the social assistance system and save an estimated R1.5 billion for the fiscus.

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has referred governance and leadership concerns at the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) to the National Skills Authority (NSA) for assessment.

Government’s digitisation efforts across the public service continues to gain momentum, with the Department of Home Affairs having launched Phase II of its highly successful Trusted Employer Scheme (TES).

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved $13 million in emergency grants to strengthen efforts to contain the Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has notified the University of Venda Council of his intention to appoint an independent assessor following escalating governance challenges and leadership instability at the institution.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has assured residents and farmers that a temporary crossing at the flood-damaged Smalblaar Bridge will be in place before the end of the year, while permanent restoration of the bridge is expected to take more than 12 months.

The work of a science writer is far more complex than just explaining difficult terminology to citizens in a simple manner. It also extends to sparking conversations that enable citizens to understand, question and engage with science in their everyday lives.

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has vaccinated more than one million cattle against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), marking a significant milestone in the province's efforts to contain the outbreak and protect its livestock industry.