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A woman in Johannesburg is devastated to find her USAID-funded sexual health clinic closed due to a freeze on foreign aid by Donald Trump. She must now find a new place for her HIV screenings and PrEP. The executive order is causing a global humanitarian crisis, impacting vulnerable populations in South Africa.
Boksburg Lake, once a vibrant recreational spot, now polluted due to industrial discharge, stormwater runoff, littering, and sewage leaks. Efforts to rehabilitate the lake have been costly but unsuccessful, impacting wildlife, residents, businesses, and posing health risks. Located in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng, Boksburg has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century.
The Employment and Labour Department in Johannesburg announced a 4.2% increase in the national minimum wage, from R27.58 to R28.79 per working hour, effective in March. The hike applies to all workers and is attributed to inflation. Employers cannot alter the minimum wage unilaterally.
A farmer in Mpumalanga arrested for distributing expired food granted R8,000 bail. Hawks found warehouses filled with expired food, including canned products, rotten chicken, and repackaged dairy. Repackaging equipment and freezers with repackaged wheat and maize meal also discovered. Suspect to appear in court on 27 March.
Exxaro’s CEO Nombasa Tsengwa resigned due to conflict of interest and breach of duty after less than three years. The resignation was confirmed by the company, and the finance director has been appointed as acting CEO. The company will start the process to find a new CEO to lead growth and innovation.
South Africa’s healthcare system is in crisis as funding shortages worsen, with over 15,300 healthcare workers at risk of losing their jobs. The freeze on foreign aid from the Trump administration has exacerbated the situation, impacting doctors, nurses, and other professionals. Budget constraints and a lack of resources have left 1,800 newly qualified doctors unemployed, despite the country’s urgent need for medical staff.
US President Trump halts near-total freeze on foreign aid but USAid ends work with “non-essential” personnel recalled. Focus shifts to South Africa, with Agoa trade benefits at risk due to strained relations. Agoa, enacted in 2000, facilitated $14 billion in exports. Concerns rise over broader implications for bilateral trade with the US.
Israel’s defense minister orders military to prepare plan for Gaza residents to leave, in line with Trump’s proposal for US to resettle Palestinians. Over 70% of Gaza’s buildings damaged after 15 months of war. Palestinian presidency rejects plan, stating “Palestine is not for sale.”
SpaceX has pulled out of public hearings on satellite service licensing in South Africa, organized by Icasa. The company did not show up for its scheduled presentation and notified Icasa of its withdrawal. SpaceX had previously submitted a written statement. The reason for the withdrawal is unclear. This move follows a controversial social media post by Elon Musk criticizing South Africa’s ownership laws.
WSJ interviewed CEOs of successful businesses like Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Ikea, and Target to uncover their strategies. Key insights include customer-centric focus, innovation, employee empowerment, and adaptability to changing market trends.
