SUNDAY, 15 FEBRUARY 2026, 20:06
Concerns raised over illegal mining activities in Bekkersdal
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has condemned the “escalating activities of illegal mining” in Bekkersdal.
“The [committee] expresses its deep concern and unequivocal condemnation of the escalating activities of illegal mining in the Bekkersdal community, which have plunged...
Weather Service monitors tropical storm Gezani
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is closely monitoring a moderate tropical storm named Gezani, currently located over the south-west Indian Ocean to the east of Madagascar.
At present, there is no indication of any direct threat to South Africa.
“Gezani is currently moving westward under favourable environmental conditions,...
Gauteng discontinues 100 unroadworthy minibuses
More than 100 minibuses were discontinued for failing to meet the basic roadworthiness requirements during stop and search operations carried out by the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).“We will not allow profit to be placed above people’s lives. Any vehicle...
President offers words of comfort to Bishop Bolana’s family
President Cyril Ramphosa has visited the home of the late Bantu Church of Christ Bishop, Dr John Bolana, where he conveyed his condolences and words of comfort to the bereaved family.
The visit in Gqeberha on Monday reflected the nation’s shared sorrow and solidarity during this period of mourning, while honouring the...
Youth called to safeguard dignity in the digital age
Government has condemned the sharing of images and videos of individuals without their consent, underscoring the importance of protecting personal dignity and constitutional rights.
The call was made during the Pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA) Youth Dialogue held on Monday at the Desmond Tutu Hall in Makhaza, Khayelitsha, in...
A new report from PwC has identified a significant gap between ambition and execution in artificial intelligence adoption across Africa, warning that the shortfall is slowing the continent’s digital transformation and weakening competitiveness. Findings from PwC’s 29th Global CEO Survey show that while 75% of African chief executives expressed strong intent to adopt AI in […]
DG-led oversight visit identifies safety, infrastructure gaps
Safety and infrastructure challenges affecting schools, police stations and victim support facilities were pointed out as areas of concern during a Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster Directors-General-led oversight visit in Athlone, Heideveld and Mitchells Plain on Monday.The visit in the Western Cape...
Thato Ntseare, an investment manager at E-Squared Investments, has called for stronger governance guardrails around artificial intelligence investments in South Africa, warning that a potential AI bubble could pose risks to markets and investors. In an interview with Business Times, Ntseare said growing enthusiasm around AI investments is increasingly resembling a speculative bubble, driven in […]
University of Pretoria professor Vukosi Marivate has been appointed as one of 40 experts to serve on the United Nations Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres recommended Marivate and the other panel members for appointment by the U.N. General Assembly. According to the United Nations, the panel members were selected […]
As Africa’s digital economy expands, demand for artificial intelligence and digital skills is rising rapidly across the continent. Women, however, remain underrepresented in technology-driven roles despite growing participation and strong early adoption. Absa, working with Microsoft Elevate and Women in Tech, is extending the ElevateHer AI Program across nine African markets. The expansion...
Africa Fintech Summit, in partnership with OpenAI and ALX Ethiopia, will convene policymakers, technology builders, investors and infrastructure leaders in Addis Ababa on Feb. 17 for the Addis AI Leadership Forum, held during African Union Summit week. The forum, titled The Addis AI Forum: Talent, Infrastructure, and Opportunity in Africa, will examine Africa’s position across […]
Deputy Minister hands over title deeds to beneficiaries in Bethlehem
Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli says the handover of title deeds to residents of Bethlehem in the Free State, presents an opportunity to correct injustices of the past.“It represents security. It represents opportunity. And it represents a decisive step toward correcting the injustices of our...
Under South African law, no one may practise medicine unless they have the proper training and are officially registered. Bogus medical practitioners threaten the health of patients and undermine trust in doctors. The problem might be growing, but so is the fight against it.
The Philippi community is mourning the tragic deaths of two young boys, aged 9 and 12, whose bodies were recovered from a dam in Jim se Bos informal settlement, Olieboom Road, on Sunday afternoon.
Africa must unite amid global uncertainty – Mantashe
Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has called on African countries to work together at a “moment of profound global uncertainty”.
The Minister was speaking at the Investing in Africa Mining Indaba which opened in Cape Town on Monday.
The annual Indaba is a gathering of African leaders, industry stakeholders...
EC police welcomes life sentences for the murder of four people
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape has welcomed the sentencing of 16 accused to life imprisonment for the brutal killing of four people at Ndindwa Village in Debenek.
They were sentenced on Friday in the Bhisho High Court.
The incident took place on 31 December 2022. Community members allegedly...
Special Economic Zone oversight visit to assess functionality and operations
Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Alexandra Abrahams conducted official oversight visits at the Freeport Saldanha Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) and the Atlantis Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the Western Cape.
The visits were aimed at assessing the functionality and operational realities...
Presidential Climate Commission Deputy Chair announced
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Senior Advisor at the Presidential Climate Commission, Dipak Patel, as Deputy Chairperson of the Commission.
Patel previously served as the Senior Advisor for Climate Finance and Innovation at the commission and his new tenure will begin this year and end in 2030.
“Mr Patel’s...
NERSA announces electricity price hike
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has approved an 8.76% electricity price hike in April this year, followed by an 8.83% increase in April 2027.
The move is a redetermination of Eskom’s price increases for the next two years, which were initially set at 5.36% for 2026/27 and a further increase of 6.19% for the 2027/28...
Gauteng reiterates obligations for scholar transport operators
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has outlined responsibilities that scholar transport operators must fulfil to advance their applications for operating within the legal framework.To ensure compliance, operators must enter into formal agreements with parents, including signed indemnity forms...
Environmental legislation supports sustainable development
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has assured the mining community that environmental legislation and regulations are not designed to hinder development, but to ensure that it is responsible, sustainable and resilient in the long term.“In fact, they are inseparable and can yield...