Plans for New Social Grant in Discussions
This month, discussions between the Department of Social Development and the National Treasury will ensue concerning the introduction of a new social grant: Basic Income Support (BIS) grant.
Masjid al-Haram: First 10 Days of Ramadan Sees 32 Million Visitors
During the first 10 days of Ramadan, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques announced that over 31.95 million worshippers and individuals performing Umrah visited Masjid al-Haram.
Record High for Exports Reached
In the fourth quarter of 2025, South Africa’s agricultural sector has seen record export performance. The value of the total exports reached a record high of R581.5 billion, and shows growth by 9% year-on-year.
High Speed Rail Plans Between Durban to Johannesburg Continue
In a bid to develop and modernise the country’s public transportation system, plans for a high-speed rail that will connect KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng have moved onto the feasibility phase
Highest Single-Day Attendance of Over 900,000 Pilgrims Recorded
On the 4th Ramadan 1447 AH, Masjid al-Haram saw a record-breaking attendance of 904,000 pilgrims in a single day; this included worshippers as well as Umrah pilgrims.
VAT Increase Scrapped
On Wednesday this week, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana announced the withdrawal of the proposed R20 billion tax increase for Value Added Tax (VAT), which was previously tabled in the 2026 Budget.
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Higher Temperatures Expected in Makkah and Madinah This Ramadan
This year, Makkah and Madinah are expected to have below-average rainfall and will experience temperatures up by 1°C in Makkah, and 1.2°C in Madinah. This means these areas will have drier climates than usual.
Department of Home Affairs: New Digital Model Launching
In the ongoing effort to streamline Home Affairs services, the Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber has revealed that more bank branches will be joining the existing list of those providing Home Affairs services in the next few weeks.
Madinah: Free Bus Service Launches for Ramadan
For the month of Ramadan 1447 AH, the Madinah Region Development Authority has launched a free shuttle service through its Madinah Buses public transportation.
Presidential Youth Employment Intervention Yields Ongoing Success
During the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) has secured almost 295,000 earning opportunities for the youth. Together with the private sector and higher education institutions, over 11,000 work experience opportunities were found.
SONA: National Water Crisis Committee Revealed
In an effort to curb the ongoing water crisis affecting the country, President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled the National Water Crisis Committee at the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday evening.
Duty-Free Trade Deal with China to be Signed
Following the US-imposed trade tariffs on select South African produce, China - being the biggest trade partner of South Africa - will sign an agreement that “will see South African exports getting duty-free access to the Chinese market and attract investment into South Africa”, stated the ministry.
SASSA: Nationwide Review Saves Millions of Rands in Payouts
Recently, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has undergone review of 240,000 grants, suspending 70,000 of them under the reasoning of non-compliance. This is to ensure all beneficiaries are eligible for grant payouts, as well as to prevent cases of fraud.
eThekwini: CCTV Surveillance Cameras Installed on People Mover Buses
In an effort to ensure public transportation safety, the eThekwini Municipality recently rolled out the installation of CCTV cameras across the People Mover bus fleet.
Port Partnership to Contribute to Local Ports Development
In a collaborative effort with Belgian port entities, Transnet partnered with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International and the Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center in order to modernise South Africa’s port systems, enhance efficiency, and grow regional trade.
France: New Law Passed Banning Social Media Use For Minors
This week, a new law banning the use of social media for under-15s will proceed to the French Senate before becoming part of the state law.