Official unemployment rises marginally

The official unemployment rate has risen marginally by some 1.3 percentage points from 31.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025 to reach 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026. 

This, according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Tuesday.

“[There] was a decrease of 345 000 in the number of...

eThekwini champions inclusive disaster resilience

The eThekwini Municipality has reaffirmed its commitment to building a disaster-resilient and inclusive city as stakeholders gather in Durban for the three-day Inclusivity for All on Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Summit.

The summit, currently underway at Moses Mabhida Stadium, has brought together key stakeholders from...

Public information sessions on PIE Amendment Bill move to KZN

The Department of Human Settlements will from Wednesday, 13 May 2026, begin public information sessions in KwaZulu-Natal on the proposed Prevention of Illegal Eviction and Unlawful Occupation of Land (PIE) Amendment Bill.The sessions follow the recent release of the draft legislation for public comment by Human...

DFFE pilots tree-planting initiative to curb wastewater plant odours

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is piloting an initiative to plant trees around wastewater treatment plants across the country to help mitigate odours generated by treatment processes and protect surrounding communities and the environment.

“The Wastewater treatment plants are...

Western Cape schools closed today amid severe weather conditions

The Western Cape Education Department says that all schools in the province will be closed on Tuesday due to severe weather conditions affecting parts of the province.

The decision was taken following consultations between the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and the South African Weather Service (SAWS), with...

NSFAS releases private accommodation payments

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has confirmed that payments for private student accommodation at universities were released on Thursday, 7 May 2026.

In a statement issued on Monday, NSFAS said accommodation providers banking with First National Bank (FNB) receive funds immediately upon release, while those using other...

President Ramaphosa assures nation on disaster relief efforts

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured South Africans that government is working closely with communities to address the impact of severe weather conditions that have claimed at least 10 lives across several provinces.

The President expressed deep sadness at the loss of life linked to heavy rainfall, flooding,...

Durban abuzz as Africa Travel Indaba kicks off

Durban is abuzz with activity as it plays host to Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 which President Cyril Ramaphosa will officially open this morning.The Indaba kicked off at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday, with BONDay (Business Opportunity Networking Day) – which was officially opened by the Tourism...