South Africa Supports Lifting of Zimbabwean Maize and Grains Import Ban
On Wednesday this week, the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, welcomed the Zimbabwean lifting of the ban on the import of maize and other grains.
Doorstep Delivery of Passports for South Africans Abroad Launched
Available to South Africans living overseas, a new doorstep delivery of passports has been launched by the Department of Home Affairs, as per the Home Affairs @ Home initiative.
New Trade Deal Signed With China
In an effort to grow and strengthen trade deals globally, South Africa has recently signed a monumental stone fruit trade deal with China, allowing for the export of fruit such as apricots, peaches, plums, prunes, and nectarines.
South Africa Stands in Solidarity with Palestine Despite Ceasefire
President Cyril Ramaphosa continues to stand in solidarity with Palestine through the current ceasefire which came into effect on October 10, staying firm in the country’s decision to hold Israel accountable at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Nuclear Energy Expansion Plans Announced
According to Dr Kgoshientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity and Energy, the South African government will soon announce its plans to expand into nuclear energy.
Madinah: Qiblatain Mosque Now Operating 24 Hours Daily
Announced on Tuesday this week, the Qiblatain Mosque will now operate 24 hours daily under royal directive from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
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All Visa Types Now Allowed to Perform Umrah
In line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plans to expand on and improve the experience of pilgrims, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah have announced that all Saudi visa types can now be used to perform Umrah rituals. This means visitors with personal, tourist, family, work, transit, and electronic visas will be able to access Umrah facilities.
PRASA: Rail Infrastructure Revival Plans Underway
For the 2024/25 financial year, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has allocated R21.1 billion towards rail services, including fleet renewal, system modernisation, and infrastructure recovery.
Makkah: Cable Car Project to Ease Travel to Hira Cave
By the end of 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be installing a modern cable car that travels over Jabal al-Nour, significantly reducing the two-hour climb up the mountain to Hira Cave to under ten minutes.
Eskom Records First Profit in Eight Years
Amid South Africa’s state-owned power utility’s struggles in the past eight years, Eskom has recently reported a profit of R16 billion for the year ending March 2025. Last year, the utility instead recorded a loss of R55 billion.
Housing Plans for Durban Flood Victims Announced
Expected to see fruition in January 2026, the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, announced that it would provide permanent accommodation for approximately 200 victims affected by the 2022 and 2025 floods in Durban.
New South African University Underway
A private Afrikaans university is currently in development in South Africa, with its scale amounting to a R3.2 billion facility over its next two years of construction.
KZN: Local Coffee Production to Get a Boost
This month, KwaZulu-Natal has put forward a bid to transform the coffee industry in the province, and plans include transforming the South Coast into a coffee production and investment hub. This move will also help transform the local economy, agricultural growth, and will create sustainable job opportunities.
United Nations: President Ramaphosa Urges End to War in Gaza
During the 80th United Nations General Assembly, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stood by the country’s urgent call for an end to the Gaza conflict.
New Homes Handed Over in Cape Town Housing Project
This week, the City of Cape Town’s Human Settlements Directorate delivered 42 new homes as part of the Bonteheuwel Infill housing project.
Higher Education Department Urges Students to Branch Out With Career Paths
Buti Manamela, Higher Education and Training Minister, recently urged matriculants to branch out and explore post-school opportunities as the university capacity for first-year students is projected to be approximately 235,000.