
LETTER | Budget makes me optimistic about municipal reforms
Corrupt officials use a lack of proper communication to avoid accountability, as it is hard to point fingers when you do not know who is responsible for the mess.
SUNDAY, 01 MARCH 2026, 22:17

Corrupt officials use a lack of proper communication to avoid accountability, as it is hard to point fingers when you do not know who is responsible for the mess.

South Africa’s latest budget painted an encouraging picture of improving public finances, according to Moody’s Ratings, while cautioning that “meaningful” debt reduction will require stronger economic growth.

Finance MMC and the ANC’s regional Chairperson Loyiso Masuku has been appointed the city’s first deputy mayor, a position that will cost taxpayers R1.2 million a year.

Outgoing ActionSA proportional representation (PR) councillor in Johannesburg Mandla Nyaqela, who has joined the DA, has accused party leader Herman Mashaba of tightly controlling the organisation.
After weeks of unexplained fatigue, a frightening trip to the emergency room brought a diagnosis: a heart condition requiring urgent attention. Tony Jackman writes candidly about the shock and the enforced pause as he prepares for surgery.
A cutting-edge, South African-led HIV vaccine trial built on decades of research recently began in Cape Town. Spotlight unpacks what exactly is being studied, and how the resilience, tenacity and urgency of a group of dedicated SA researchers made it possible.

His pay could rise to as much as $23m (R365.6m) a year from 2028, including bonuses

The Madlanga commission of inquiry into allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system, chaired by retired justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is continuing to hear witness testimony in Pretoria on Friday.

Hyundai Motor Group and South Korea on Friday signed a deal to invest about 9-trillion won (R99.30bn) to build an AI data centre, a robot manufacturing factory and other developments in the country’s western coastal region, the land ministry said.

Geordin Hill-Lewis, mayor of Cape Town, is expected to announce on Friday he will seek to succeed John Steenhuisen as DA federal leader.

The suspended head of human resources in Ekurhuleni has told the Madlanga commission about a tractor-loader-backhoe syndicate that is allegedly stealing the construction vehicles and selling them in the Eastern Cape.
While land is scarce and the need for developing affordable housing is very high, the City must look for alternative sources of revenue, rather than selling off public assets that ultimately belong to all residents of Cape Town.

Economist Dawie Roodt outlined 11 reasons why he is cautiously optimistic about South Africa’s fortunes.
Gauteng DA leader and MPL Solly Msimanga has put up his hand for the DA federal chairperson.

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Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has fired the starting gun on his bid for federal leader of the Democratic Alliance, announcing his candidacy in Elsies River on Friday.

While Ramadan is primarily a time of spiritual growth, many of the principles it reinforces also reflect the mindset necessary for long-term success in the financial markets.

Political analyst Prince Mashele said people who are scared of the MK Party are scared of the dead lion.

In September 2025, the South African Human Rights Commission warned that the malnutrition crisis in this province qualifies as a ‘disaster’.

Police had to be called after loansharks held a woman against her will for more than six hours because she owed them R23,000.

The US aims to process 4,500 refugee applications from white South Africans per month, far above President Donald Trump’s stated refugee program cap, and is installing trailers on embassy property in Pretoria to support the effort.