Publication
Calls grow for tax relief after fuel hike
PRESSURE is mounting on government to take further steps to reduce the tax burden built into South Africa's fuel price as tensions between Iran and the United States continue to drive oil-market volatility and add pressure to household budgets. There...
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Crime survey: Police seen as unwilling or unable
SOUTH Africans are increasingly taking their safety into their own hands, with new crime data revealing a gap between people's experience of crime and their willingness to report it to police, raising fresh questions about public trust in law...
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Public servants paid millions to stay at home
PROLONGED suspensions of hundreds of public servants with full pay, is costing the state about R800 million a year, with the spotlight now on suspended Ekurhuleni Deputy Chief of Police Julius Mkhwanazi who has been paid more than R1.2 million while...
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SAPS on high alert at South African airports
SOUTH Africa's major international airports and associated air-cargo facilities have been flagged as strategic organised crime priority areas, with dozens of narcotics-smuggling cases emanating from the country's ports of entry. These high-traffic hubs...
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South Africans missing in Nepal tragedy
RESCUE teams waded through mud yesterday searching for more than 1 400 people missing after flash floods and landslides struck the Nepal border, as the death toll rose sharply to at least 362, with entire villages swept away. A glacier collapse in...
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SA braces for possible food price pressure as El Niño looms
SOUTH Africa’s record maize harvest and improved water reserves should protect against immediate food shortages, but a strengthening El Niño could reduce agricultural output and push food prices higher next year. El Niño is a climate pattern...
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Trump’s renewed Iran sanctions threaten SA’s diplomacy and economy
SOUTH Africa faces a fresh diplomatic and economic balancing act after the Trump administration threatened countries doing business with Iran with secondary sanctions, with the fallout potentially extending far beyond its limited trade with...
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Activists alarmed by 50 000 GBV cases annually
SOUTH Africa's fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) faces renewed scrutiny following the release of sobering police statistics for the 2025/26 financial year. Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia reported that 50 511 GBVF...
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Ramaphosa unveils ANC’s manifesto for local governance
THE ANC held its manifesto launch at Riverside Park, near Diepsloot yesterday, with party President Cyril Ramaphosa saying that despite gains, there remained serious weaknesses in the functioning of local government. With the local government...
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Concern over KZN’s slow manufacturing recovery, lower productivity
KWAZULU-Natal's manufacturing recovery remains fragile as eThekwini's economy struggles to regain its preCovid footing, with City manufacturing businesses employing fewer workers on average and business confidence slipping back into negative...
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Stun grenades, looting and violent clashes erupt during anti-immigration march
CHAOS erupted in Cape Town yesterday as an anti-illegal immigration march descended into violent clashes as tensions between South African protesters and foreign nationals boiled over. Police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse crowds and to...
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Westville Girls’ High Griffins celebrate Marimba World title
WESTVILLE Girls' High School's Griffins marimba band from KwaZulu-Natal has made history by winning the inaugural 2026 Marimba World Championship after finishing first overall at the tournament on Sunday in Cape Town. The Griffins won the open-age...
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Over 4 200 undocumented migrants intercepted
MORE than 4 200 undocumented foreign nationals were intercepted attempting to enter South Africa outside formal ports of entry between April and July, highlighting continued gaps in border control even as almost 90 000 people were repatriated. Border...
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South Africa’s alarming healthcare crisis
SOUTH Africa had 1 518 vacant medical posts at the end of March, but the National Department of Health says it does not know how many doctors who completed community service remain unemployed. The disclosure comes as medical organisations continue to...
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ConCourt rejects appeal on Ramaphosa impeachment
THE Constitutional Court's refusal to urgently hear the African Transformation Movement's (ATM) challenge to the suspension of President Cyril Ramaphosa's impeachment proceedings has sparked a fresh political row. The ATM and MK Party have questioned...
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SA’s doctor unemployment crisis deepens
NEWLY qualified doctors in South Africa are struggling to find permanent employment after completing compulsory community service, with medical organisations warning that funding constraints, frozen posts, and poor workforce planning are leaving...
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Pharmisa calls for action on fake drugs
THE Pharmaceuticals Made in South Africa (Pharmisa) has called for urgent government intervention to combat the illicit trade in medicines, warning that the illegal market now also involves healthcare practitioners. The warning was made by Pharmisa...
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Mchunu wanted to ‘clean up’ Crime Intelligence, Commission hears
SUSPENDED Police Minister Senzo Mchunu allegedly told Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) former head Advocate Andrea Johnson that he intended to “clean up” the SAPS Crime Intelligence unit, which is led by Lieutenant-General Dumisani...
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Soaring diesel costs threaten to drive up prices
SOUTH Africans may be paying less for petrol from today, but the sharp increase in diesel prices is expected to push up the cost of transporting goods, food and other essentials within weeks, business leaders and consumer advocates have warned. The...
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Calls for reform at IDAC amid leadership turmoil
ONGOING testimony at the Madlanga Commission has placed the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) at the centre of a raging debate – should the unit be scrapped or subjected to legislative reforms. IDAC is the country's key...
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New top cops appointed ‘to boost crime-fighting’
FOUR new provincial police commissioners are expected to strengthen detective and crime intelligence capabilities and enhance accountability while working closely with communities and stakeholders to rebuild and maintain public confidence in the...
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IDAC investigators suspended as Justice Minister takes action
THE Investigating Directorate Against Corruption's (IDAC) chief investigator, Dylan Perumal, has been suspended by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi. Kubayi announced his suspension along with that of senior investigator...
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Durban ICC to undergo R11.9 million upgrade ahead of SADC summit
THE eThekwini Municipality will spend R11.3 million to upgrade Durban's ICC for the 46th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit. The Durban ICC is currently hosting the SADC industrialisation week until July 31. President Cyril Ramaphosa...
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Contractors demand action on payment delays
AS THE eThekwini Municipality “touts” progress in addressing payment challenges in its online invoice system, city contractors have claimed that hundreds of invoices for work done have not been paid. The contractors spoke out as Durban Mayor Cyril...
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Calls for action after Adv Johnson’s resignation
THE government has been called to take disciplinary action against Advocate Andrea Johnson, who recently resigned as the head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), and ensure that she does not escape accountability by merely...
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IDAC head Andrea Johnson seeks immediate release from office
ADVOCATE Andrea Johnson has resigned as head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), saying sustained attacks against her and the controversy surrounding her leadership have become a reputational risk to both the anti-corruption...
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Drakensberg cable car project gains momentum
THE work to build the Drakensberg cable car has taken another major step forward following the meeting of three key role players who agreed to move the project forward. KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Musa Zondi, told The Mercury this week...
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Johnson accused of breaching IDAC mandate
THE decision by head of Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) Advocate Andrea Johnson to solicit a Section 27 affidavit from MP Fadiel Adams sparked concerns that she acted outside the IDAC mandate and out of fear of the suspended Police...
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Close to R100bn in gas projects to boost KZN energy
THE multibillion-rand gas projects earmarked for the Richards Bay area are set to transform the province and ensure its energy security. This is according to experts who said that KwaZulu-Natal is one of the most energy-insecure provinces in the...
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R326 million seized from Maumela syndicate empire
THE JOHANNESBURG High Court has ordered the final forfeiture of assets worth about R326 million linked to the alleged [Hangwani] Maumela syndicate, providing a major boost for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in its crackdown on corruption tied...
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Durban residents face ongoing water sabotage
THOUSANDS of Durban residents were left without water from Friday following widespread sabotage of eThekwini municipal water infrastructure. In a public notice, the municipality revealed the scale of the impact, pointing out that close to 30 roads...
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Durban faces days without water if usage isn’t reduced
DURBAN residents are warned to reduce water usage or risk severe water restrictions that could leave thousands without water for days. Officials from the uMngeni-uThukela Water Board yesterday described the situation as dire, as the water authority...
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PIC grapples with governance crisis and power struggles
THE Public Investment Corporation (PIC) is reeling from a deepening governance crisis as internal power struggles continue to undermine the state asset manager. This is according to the Association for the Monitoring and Advocacy of Government...
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RACISM STOPS WITH ME Revolving door in king's office raises concerns
CULTURAL experts and Royal House insiders have expressed dismay at the revolving door of senior officials in King Misuzulu's office, saying the situation paints a picture of an institution battling to maintain stability. This comes after the sacking...
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Commission loses day over Johnson’s sick note
THE Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has suffered a setback, losing a day of proceedings after the head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), Advocate Andrea Johnson, called in sick yesterday when she was expected to...
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SKILLS DRIVE TO REPLACE FOREIGN WORKERS
THE business community and the eThekwini Municipality has announced a programme aimed at skilling locals to take up jobs that have been left vacant following the departure of foreign nationals. The areas of focus include the textile, machinist,...
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Suspended Ekurhuleni officials face court as corruption probe intensifies
THE CASE against suspended Ekurhuleni officials, including deputy chief of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Julius Mkhwanazi, former city manager Imogen Mashazi, suspended head of legal services Advocate Kemi Behari, and suspended head of...
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Funding freeze risks service delivery in KZN Councils
THE municipalities impacted by the National Treasury's decision to temporarily suspend the July equitable share transfers have warned of serious disruption to service delivery operations and staff salaries. This comes as the South African Local...
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Malema implicated in plot against Crime Intelligence inspector-general
THE Madlanga Commission of Inquiry heard evidence yesterday implicating EFF leader Julius Malema in an alleged plot with Major-General Feroz Khan and suspected tobacco smuggler Mohammed 'Mo' Sayed to oust former Crime Intelligence Inspector-General...
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Controversy erupts over vehicle allocation for amakhosi in KZN
THE move to allocate more top-of-therange SUV vehicles to amakhosi has sparked a rift among key parties in the Government of Provincial Unity in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature. The DA and the IFP in the legislature are at loggerheads over the...
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March and March leader fires back at proxy funding claims
MARCH and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma is pushing back against claims that the anti-illegal migrant movement is being funded by proxy, stating that if the organisation had funding, they would be much more effective in their...
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Public Protector complaint lodged against Leon’s Resolve Communications
ACTIONSA has lodged a formal complaint with the Public Protector, calling for an investigation into Resolve Communications, the public relations firm founded by former DA leader Tony Leon, over its alleged dealings with ministers in the Government of...
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Dina Pule’s return to Cabinet sparks political uproar
THE ANC congratulated President Cyril Ramaphosa for appointing controversial former communication minister Dina Pule back into the Cabinet, 13 years after then-president Jacob Zuma had fired her for unethical behaviour. Ramaphosa announced Pule's...
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March and March vows weekly protests until undocumented migrants leave
MARCH and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma announced that supporters will take to the streets every Thursday until the government takes action to remove undocumented immigrants from South Africa. Addressing protesters outside SAPS Point in Durban...
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Ngobese-Zuma warns illegal migrants for ‘undoing’ Black economic gains
THE presence of illegal immigrants in the county is helping employers undermine the economic prosperity of black South Africans. March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma warned of this during a recent interview with a Nigerian journalist. The...
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Law enforcement readies for KZN immigrant marches
A STRONG contingent of law enforcement officials, made up of police, the army, and thousands of patrollers, will be deployed across the province to guard against criminal activity during the highly anticipated anti-illegal immigrant marches...
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Bafana Bafana make history as they progress to the round of 32
DRIVEN by a profound spirit of unity both on and off the pitch, Bafana Bafana defied the odds to secure a historic spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stages. Many faithful supporters on home soil abandoned sleep early yesterday morning, staying...
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Army on alert for anti-immigrant marches
THE army could be deployed to KwaZulu-Natal to assist police in containing any possible riots, with additional officers set to be brought in from other provinces. The police met with the business sector in Durban yesterday to brief them on the state...
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Malawians occupy Pietermaritzburg building as repatriation crisis deepens
CLOSE to 1 600 Malawian nationals have occupied an abandoned government building in Pietermaritzburg as tensions over illegal immigration escalate. This situation is also being felt at the Durban centre, where Malawian nationals seeking to return home...
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Chats reveal alleged cocaine dealing between Matlala and Medicare24 CEO
WHATSAPP chats, voice notes, and video clips presented before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry yesterday have revealed what appears to be alleged drug dealing between Medicare24 Holdings chief executive Michael (Mike) van Wyk, attempted...
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Beachwood battle intensifies as ratepayers reject the project
THE longstanding battle between the developer of the multi-billion-rand Beachwood estate and local residents shows no signs of abating, with ratepayers pushing back against the project and describing it as a “slow eviction notice” for the less...
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Beachwood Coastal Estate development set to commence amid local opposition
THE first phase of the multi-billion-rand Beachwood Coastal Estate development is set to break ground in about two months' time. The developer, Gavin Strydom, detailed the process to be followed and the interest in the development. He revealed that...
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Robert Gumede vows to revitalise Tongaat Hulett
BILLIONAIRE businessman Robert Gumede said the withdrawal of the Tongaat Hulett liquidation application will enable the sector to protect jobs and focus on stopping the dumping of foreign-produced sugar into the country. Gumede, of Vision Group, one...
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Soweto Uprising anniversary: Ramaphosa urges companies to support SA’s youth
PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has vouched for South Africa's 12 million unemployed youth, saying they have the potential to reach positions of power if given the right opportunities. Addressing an event yesterday to mark the 50th anniversary of the Soweto...
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Smiling assassin strikes again: Steyn’s fifth straight Comrades record
GERDA Steyn revealed that adopting a “run it like it's my last race” mentality helped drive her to a fifth successive Comrades Marathon title and a record-breaking payday yesterday. The South African ultramarathon queen stormed to victory in 5:44:53,...
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EThekwini Working Group focuses on economic development initiatives
THE Presidential eThekwini Working Group has set its sights on boosting the economy as its next area of focus in the municipality. A group of experts to look into this next step is being set up and will meet in the coming weeks to discuss its terms of...
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Education Department faces financial crisis
THE KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education is warning of a potential lawsuit from unpaid suppliers and disruption to examination preparations. The warning comes as the department's financial crisis deepens. A report tabled before the Education...
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Calls for stricter penalties against employers hiring illegal immigrants
COSATU in KwaZulu-Natal is calling for the prosecution of employers who hire illegal immigrants. It stated that the current enforcement measures, including those outlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday night, are not enough to deter this...
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Ramaphosa’s five actions on immigration
PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday announced five actions the government will be implementing to tackle growing frustrations around immigration and illegal migrants. Some of the key actions include a concerted crackdown on violations of existing...
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MKP tipped to take over eThekwini
THE uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) is considered a front-runner to take over the governance of the eThekwini Municipality after the local government elections. Political experts and opposition groups have stated that the MKP performed well in eThekwini...
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Godongwana dismisses establishment of another state bank
FINANCE Minister Enoch Godongwana has ruled out the establishment of yet another state-owned bank, saying South Africa not only has quite a number but the government does not have the financial resources to inject into a new one. “The government...
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Teenager’s stabbing sparks a war of words
THE fatal stabbing of Nhlamulo Sambo, 19, in Mossel Bay has sparked a heated public exchange between EFF MP Naledi Chirwa and March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, as debate intensifies over immigration, tribalism, and political rhetoric in...
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KZN business sector could collapse
DURBAN businesses in the clothing and textile sector are pushing back against the demand for illegal foreign nationals to leave the country, warning that this will have a destructive impact on their operations. The minibus taxi industry in...
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Turmoil in KZN as NFP expels Shinga
THE National Freedom Party (NFP) and Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga are headed for a legal showdown after she vowed to fight her dismissal from the party. This is after the NFP revealed that it will soon update its list at the legislature and...
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SIGNS OF PROGRESS IN WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT
WORK on the Durban Point Waterfront Development could begin at the end of this year, pending the finalisation of funding talks. The eThekwini Municipality revealed this as it detailed the state of one of the highly anticipated projects in the...
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Parties insist Ramaphosa’s legal challenge won’t delay Impeachment Committee
POLITICAL parties have said that while President Cyril Ramaphosa is fully entitled to pursue legal action against the Section 89 Independent Panel report on Phala Phala, that should not hinder Parliament's Impeachment Committee. After the...
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Ramaphosa accused of 'evading accountability'
THE African Transformation Movement (ATM) has accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of attempting to evade accountability, following his decision to seek a judicial review of the Section 89 independent panel report regarding the Phala Phala farm...
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TREASURY TAKES OVER EDUCATION FINANCES
THE financial situation of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has worsened, with the Provincial Treasury “taking over” the department’s financial affairs due to ongoing governance failures. Carol Coetzee, the Head of Provincial Treasury, wrote...
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ZULU PALACE POWER WAR ERUPTS
A SENIOR official in the Zulu Prime Minister Executive Council (PMEC) has attributed the dismissal of Royal Chancellor inkosi Malusi Zondi and the dissolution of the king's private office to a power struggle over the proximity to AmaZulu king Misuzulu...
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SA families condemn Israeli detention of civilians in international waters
FAMILIES of the South Africans, who are part of the Global Sumud Flotilla and who are expected to be transported to Istanbul later this afternoon before returning home, have described the harrowing week they have had to cope with, amidst the...
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Ramaphosa should “allow impeachment to proceed”
PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has been advised to allow the parliamentary impeachment inquiry to proceed, rather than trying to stall or block the process by challenging it in court. This is according to political analyst, Lukhona Mnguni, who said while...
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Black Business Council takes Transnet to court over tender excluding local firms
THE Black Business Council (BBC) is taking legal action against state parastatal Transnet over a tender it argues excluded local companies and violated the country's procurement laws. The organisation has raised concerns regarding a 24-month tender...
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Durban welcomes the Articulate Africa Book and Arts Fair 2026
DURBAN rolled out the red carpet as the Articulate Africa Book and Arts Fair 2026 officially kicked off, signalling a major boost for the city's creative economy and cultural landscape. The Durban Exhibition Centre has officially transformed into a...
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Durban goes all out for ultra-wealthy with private jet facilities at KSIA
DURBAN is going all out to attract the ultra-wealthy by building infrastructure at King Shaka International Airport that could accommodate and maintain private jets. Dube TradePort has revealed ambitions to build an Airside Zone that could accommodate...
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Ramaphosa accused of targeting ‘politically weak’ as Tolashe is sacked
PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has been accused of acting against those seen as “politically weak while ignoring real crimes” following his decision to fire the Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe. The MK Party stated that the firing was an...
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