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Cape Town secures R2.8 billion funding from German Development Bank for electricity grid upgrades. The investment is part of a larger R40 billion infrastructure plan to strengthen the grid and support renewable energy sources. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis emphasizes the importance of reliable infrastructure to prevent power outages.
Derivco, a Durban-based iGaming software developer, appoints Andrew Slabbert as new leader following Quraish Behari’s departure after 20 years. Slabbert, with 16 years of experience at Derivco, aims to focus on core platforms and customer partnerships for technological advancements and market competitiveness. Founded in 1996, Derivco is Durban’s largest tech company with global offices.
FlySafair’s Boeing 737 nearly crashed near Durban, with suspicions of delayed incident reporting. Investigation questions airline transparency and safety compliance. Incident reported to authorities after anonymous tip-off, raising concerns about potential cover-up. Legal requirements for reporting serious aviation incidents within 24 hours highlighted.
Tropical cyclone Garance hits Réunion with winds up to 166 km/h, equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane. Strongest storm since 1989, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds, and powerful waves. Purple cyclone warning issued, later lowered to red. Winds may exceed 200 km/h and rainfall over 200 mm. Dangerous conditions expected to improve by Saturday.
South Africa aims to host a new Grand Prix after three decades, with Cape Town and Kyalami in the running. A committee will decide the winning bid by the third quarter of the year. Sports minister Gayton McKenzie is confident the Grand Prix will come in 2027, regardless of the location. Kyalami, a historic track outside Johannesburg, last hosted a Grand Prix in 1993.
Paul McCartney and other musicians, including Kate Bush and Elton John, protest UK’s proposed changes to copyright law by releasing a silent album made from empty music studios. The changes would allow tech firms to use creative work without permission or payment unless creators opt out, sparking backlash from artists and trade groups fearing exploitation and loss of livelihoods.
South Africa’s 2025 Budget, aiming to raise over R60 billion through a VAT increase, faced skepticism from economists. Data reveals a history of government overestimating revenue projections, leading to shortfalls, especially after tax hikes like the previous VAT increase to 15%. The proposed VAT hike to 17% in the shelved budget sparked controversy, with concerns about inflation and interest rates.
President Ramaphosa, along with other leaders, criticized the US and Israel in an article published in Foreign Policy Magazine. Ramaphosa threatened severe action against Israel, including arresting its leaders. The article condemned US President Trump’s proposal regarding Gaza, warning of potential consequences for SA, such as sanctions on American holders of South African government debt.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced plans to expand the Gautrain network to new areas like Soweto, Fourways, Mamelodi, and Lanseria, investing R120 billion. The expansion aims to create 125,000 construction jobs and boost growth in various sectors. Timelines for the phases are pending. Route determinations for the Soweto Extension and Cosmo City Junction were published.
Trump warns Zelenskyy against “gambling with world war three,” emphasizes alignment with both Putin and Ukraine for deal negotiations. Accusations of disrespect from JD Vance during the meeting. White House removes Russian news agency TASS reporter from Oval Office.
