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South Africa rejects Trump’s claims of land confiscation, criticizes “megaphone diplomacy.” Trump offers farmers citizenship, citing safety concerns. South Africa defends new land expropriation act, emphasizes commitment to mutual relationship with US. Trump froze aid over alleged discrimination against white minority.
FirstRand, Africa’s largest lender, faces a pivotal Supreme Court case in the UK over its motor finance practices. The outcome could impact the company’s UK business, comprising 10% of earnings and 20% of its balance sheet. CEO Mary Vilakazi warns of potential implications on lending and returns. The case involves FirstRand’s MotoNovo unit in the UK.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit Johannesburg to address the city’s issues, including significant financial mismanagement. The latest Auditor-General report reveals R21.8 billion in irregular, fruitless, and unauthorised expenditure, a substantial portion of the city’s budget. Civil society leaders and officials will discuss solutions with the president during his visit on Friday, 7 March.
Police are investigating a shooting at a Sandton restaurant that left three dead and four injured. The incident occurred at Solo restaurant after a man with bodyguards tried to enter despite a no firearm policy, leading to a confrontation with security guards. The man and two bodyguards died, while five others were hospitalized. The man had a previous arrest for a similar incident in Sandton last year.
The Social Cohesion Dialogue on Transformation in Sport in Gqeberha highlighted the need for resources, infrastructure improvement, and accessible sports programs in schools to drive sports transformation. The Eastern Cape Department of Sports allocated nearly R90 million for development. Calls were made for investment in all sporting codes, mentorship, and inclusivity. Strict monitoring of funds was emphasized for efficient utilization in underprivileged areas.
Health Minister Motsoaledi stated that the US does not owe South Africa money and urged the country to use the aid withdrawal crisis to become self-reliant. The cancellation of aid affects HIV/AIDS programs, but the purchase of antiretroviral drugs will not be impacted. Around 15,000 NGO workers are affected by the funding cut. Trump’s executive order to withdraw funding is a major blow to health programs.
Jane Foley of Rabobank states that the world is gradually shifting away from the US dollar as a global invoicing currency and safe haven.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed dissatisfaction with the state of Johannesburg ahead of hosting the G20 summit, the first time on African soil. He criticized the environment and called for improvement during a visit to assess service delivery decline. Despite some positive signs like clean roads and functioning traffic lights, he emphasized the need for significant improvement.
The Olifantskop Pass was closed as authorities worked to load four elephants onto a new vehicle after their transport truck overturned. The elephants, donated from Addo Elephant National Park to Samara Private Game Reserve, were unharmed. Recovery efforts were underway with a veterinarian on-site.
Authorities conducted a chaotic clean-up operation in Hillbrow, searching everyone, focusing on undocumented foreigners and crime prevention. MMC for public safety, Dr. Tshwaku, emphasized the need for documentation and continued operations.
