Category BreakingNews

Daily Maverick

The South African National Health Laboratory Service has halted production of snake, scorpion, and spider antivenom, leaving millions in sub-Saharan Africa at risk. Hospitals are running out of stock, with only boomslang antivenom available. The NHLS cited construction work for the stoppage, despite previous assurances of sufficient supply. Upgrades to the SAVP facility are expected to resume production in late 2024.

Read More from source

BusinessTech

Shoprite CEO Pieter Engelbrecht warns against food tax increases in South Africa, fearing it would hinder consumer recovery. Budget delay due to VAT hike rejection. Engelbrecht urges lawmakers to consider impact on consumers and businesses struggling with high costs and unemployment. Consumer spending shows slight recovery due to low inflation and pension system changes.

Read More from source

The South African

Elon Musk distances himself from South Africa, criticizing government actions and condemning “white genocide” claims. Musk, born in Pretoria, disowns his birth country and identifies as simply American. This follows former AfriForum executive Ernst Roets’ controversial interview on Tucker Carlson Show and US President Trump granting white Afrikaners asylum.

Read More from source

Daily Maverick

The uMkhonto Wesizwe party filed a treason complaint against AfriForum for allegedly lobbying foreign powers against South Africa’s interests. This follows US President Trump’s order to halt foreign aid to SA and support resettlement of Afrikaner refugees. The Hawks are investigating high treason complaints related to spreading misinformation.

Read More from source

BBC News

Thirty-two migrants rescued by NGO ship after being stranded on oil platform off Tunisia coast. One person dead, others without food or water. Rescued by Sea Watch, but unclear final destination as no nearby country assigned port of safety. No European intervention despite emergency. Alarm Phone contacted after spotting empty dinghy near platform.

Read More from source

TimesLIVE

Johannesburg residents have mixed reactions to President Ramaphosa’s surprise night visit to the inner city. While he praised the metro police and law enforcement efforts, some criticized the timing, urging him to visit during the day for a true picture of the city. Thandiwe Mihlayonke emphasized the need to see the “real Joburg” during daylight hours.

Read More from source

Daily Maverick

Deputy Minister Gungubele stated that the social grant card migration process will extend beyond March 20, 2025. The transition from old gold cards to new black cards includes enhanced security features for faster and safer grant payments. Postbank’s history of bad audit outcomes influenced the decision. Efforts are being made to ensure beneficiaries receive their new cards after the deadline.

Read More from source

Daily Maverick

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube welcomed a donation of branded desks to two Cape Town schools by McDonald’s South Africa and MiDesk. The desks aim to address South Africa’s severe shortage of classroom furniture, sparking praise and controversy. Critics argue the desks are a corporate branding strategy, while defenders see them as essential for alleviating the furniture shortage in schools.

Read More from source

Moneyweb

ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) plans to fully idle its long-steel plants, leading to the loss of 3,500 jobs. The government is in talks to prevent the closure of crucial steel mills. AMSA postponed the closure to fulfill orders but expects to shut down blast furnaces in March. The mills indirectly support over 100,000 jobs and supply unique steel products in South Africa.

Read More from source

Time Out

The annual Cape Town Cycle Tour on March 9, 2025, will see 30,000 cyclists in the city, causing road closures. Major closures include CBD streets, Green Point’s Helen Suzman Boulevard, and Chapmans Peak Drive on Saturday. On Sunday, CBD streets and M3 lanes will be closed. For full details, refer to the Cycle Tour’s PDF.

Read More from source