South Africa Strongly Condemns Recent Bombing of Gaza Hospital
Following the Israeli missile strike on the Al-Ahli Arab hospital, Gaza, on Sunday, the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has strongly condemned the bombing of civilians in Palestine.
Hajj 2025 Marks The Last Summer Pilgrimage For The Following 16 Years
This year will mark the last pilgrimage that will take place during the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s summer season, as the region is moving into cooler weather. Hajj season is expected to take place in spring from 2026-2033, and then in winter from 2034-2042.
KZN: Average Annual Rainfall Exceeded into First Quarter of 2025
Only four months into 2025 and the Durban region has surpassed its annual rainfall for the year, which; according to the South African Weather Service; is 1,009 mm. This would calculate to 69 mm of rain monthly.
Talks Over VAT Increase Continue
In light of the controversial VAT hike of 2% that was announced in the February budget, ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, has stated that the party is in talks with the Government of National Unity (GNU) to resolve the issue.
Department of Health to Take In 1,650 Medical Personnel With Budget Boost
Following a budget allocation of R1.780 billion and the ongoing unemployment crisis faced by doctors across the country, the Department of Health announced that it would be employing 1,200 doctors, 200 nurses, and 250 healthcare personnel.
City of Johannesburg to Revitalise Old Buildings
Similarly to the Durban municipality’s plans to revitalise old buildings, the City of Johannesburg has recently unveiled an initiative to transform old buildings in the inner-city.
More...
New Trump Tariffs a Concern for Presidency
At the unveiling of the new US tariffs by President Donald Trump on Wednesday this week, the South African Presidency has expressed concern, calling them “punitive and a barrier to trade”.
SASSA: Gold Cards Remain Valid until End of May
Following the rush to transition South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant recipients from Gold to Black Cards, on Friday last week, Postbank announced that the Gold Cards will be valid until 31 May.
Extra Holidays Scheduled This April
Due to the number of public holidays in April, the Department of Basic Education and other stakeholders have marked three ‘special school holidays’ within the month.
Home Affairs Digital Verification System Upgraded
Over the last several months, the Department of Home Affairs has been working to resolve a number of issues with system inefficiencies.
Successful Helicopter Landing on Grand Mosque’s New Helipad
In Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah, the Saudi Red Crescent conducted a successful landing test of an emergency helicopter.
Highest Number of Worshippers Recorded on 27th Night of Ramadan at Grand Mosque
On Thursday night, which marked the 27th night of Ramadan, over 3.44 million worshippers attended Masjid al-Haram in Makkah.
eThekwini: R10 billion to be Injected into Infrastructure
Following Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s allocation of R3.33 billion to eThekwini over the next three years for trading services reforms, the eThekwini Municipality has allocated R10 billion to water, electricity, and solid waste management infrastructure.
AI Medical Capsules Improve Healthcare at Masjid An-Nabawi
In a move to improve on-site healthcare for visitors and pilgrims in Masjid An-Nabawi, Madinah, the Madinah Health Cluster recently introduced smart AI medical capsules.
Carpets in Masjid Al-Haram Span Length of 200 Kilometres
The new, high-quality, 33,000 carpets in Masjid Al-Haram, Makkah, spans 200 kilometres in total and are used for especially busy times such as on Fridays and pilgrimage seasons.
Madinah: New Umbrella Installations Provide Extra Relief for Worshippers
The 250 newly-installed automated umbrellas at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah adds more relief to pilgrims and visitors from the severe desert heat and sun.