Business

The one province in South Africa where only 19% of Grade 3s can read at grade level
South Africa’s literacy rates are appalling, with only 30% of Grade 1 to 3 learners reading at grade level.

South Africa looking for a deal with the US, and international flights cancelled
Here are five important things happening in and affecting South Africa on Sunday, 1 March 2026.

South Africans are rushing to buy property in a small town in the Eastern Cape
New data shows that this small Eastern Cape town recorded one of the highest numbers of sales in 2025.

Flights disrupted in South Africa as war hits Iran
Airlines and authorities have confirmed that flights are being disrupted and cancelled following US and Israeli military action in Iran.

New lifestyle shopping centre coming to R84 billion Smart City in South Africa
The Greengate Lifestyle Centre is under construction and is a key part of the Mooikloof Smart City.

Speeding fine warning for drivers in South Africa
While the national rollout of the AARTO system is in question, experts warn that speeding fines won’t just disappear.

SARS has a new weapon to come after taxpayers hard
SARS has upgraded its automatic exchange of information systems. From 1 March, it will cover 120 jurisdictions around the world.

Edible Economics by Ha-Joon Chang (Omnibus)
Professor Ha-Joon Chang, “a hungry economist” explores why economics matters.

South Africa’s richest city asks for a bailout
Johannesburg is asking for funding from National Treasury, as South Africa’s richest city struggles financially ahead of the upcoming municipal elections.

Big changes for work hours coming to South Africa
The Department of Employment and Labour has published new Bills for public comment, which looks to introduce new working hour laws.

The third man who links Andrew with Jeffrey Epstein
For nearly a decade, David Stern acted as a key conduit between Jeffrey Epstein and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

Eskom agrees to major price cuts, and the Gautrain gets a lifeline
Here are five important things happening in and affecting South Africa on Saturday, 28 February 2026.

Rent tops £1,000 a month in more areas – find out where
The cost of renting privately has surged in the last five years, but tenants may now see a slowdown.

What the Warner Bros deal could mean for streaming, cinemas and news
If Paramount’s takeover of Warner Bros goes ahead it could significantly reshape Hollywood.

Sam Altman backs rival Anthropic in fight with Pentagon
The OpenAI leader, and much of the tech industry, is throwing support behind Anthropic.

Government to give go-ahead for £1bn defence helicopter deal
The chancellor has stepped in to protect jobs at the helicopter manufacturer in Somerset, the BBC understands.

American retail giant opening more stores in South Africa
Walmart will expand its presence in the country, with a new store set to open on Saturday, 28 February 2026, at Eastpoint Shopping Centre in Boksburg.

Tyrrells plans to give vegetable crisps the chop
Parent company KP confirms the proposals may lead to the loss of a factory in Uttoxeter.