Author: Nomthandazo Ntisa

Gauteng, South Africa’s economic engine, has taken a decisive step forward with the launch of the R83.1 million EB3 PPP Project. This is an ambitious infrastructure expansion of the Innovation Hub aimed at accelerating industrialisation, entrepreneurship, and the commercialisation of cutting-edge technologies. Marking a historic moment for the province, the Gauteng Innovation Hub officially broke ground on the expansion. The project is being delivered through a 45-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Notre Damme Developments, a subsidiary of Crowie Holdings. This expansion forms part of the province’s broader plan to cement its role as a leader in Africa’s digital and knowledge…

A disturbing incident has jolted Johannesburg’s private education sector after Spark Schools discovered that coffee and milk at its Rosebank support office were deliberately contaminated with terbufos—a highly toxic pesticide. This same chemical was responsible for the deaths of 22 children in 2023. This includes six from Naledi, Soweto, who died after eating tainted snacks from a local spaza shop. Staff first became suspicious when someone noticed an unusual smell in their coffee. Toxicology tests later confirmed the presence of terbufos. This prompted Spark Schools to launch an internal investigation and open a criminal case with the South African Police…

South Africa marks Child Protection Week from 29 May to 5 June 2025. This is a powerful call to action is rising from civil society and law enforcement alike. With more than 26,000 cases of child abuse and neglect reported during the 2024–2025 financial year, the demand for tougher sentencing and stronger child protection measures has reached a critical point. The theme for this year’s Child Protection Week is, “Working together in ending violence against children,”. This calls on every South African to play a role in safeguarding children from harm. It is a reminder that the safety, dignity, and…

Tax season is just around the corner, and this year, South African taxpayers can expect a smoother and faster process thanks to the South African Revenue Service’s (SARS) new auto-assessment system. The 2025 tax season officially starts on 7 July and runs until 20 October, with many taxpayers having their income tax returns automatically assessed for the first time. This exciting development aims to simplify tax compliance and speed up refunds, allowing SARS to better serve the public while reducing the stress typically associated with filing tax returns. ALSO READ: Gauteng 2025/26 Budget Speech: Key Allocations, Priorities, and Economic Recovery…

South African motorists are in for a slight reprieve as the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) announced a fuel price decrease effective Wednesday, 4 June 2025. While the drop brings a breath of fresh air to struggling consumers, the savings are offset in part by an increase in the fuel levy — a move that continues to frustrate drivers facing mounting transport costs. ALSO READ: Gauteng Unveils High-Tech, Tamper-Proof Number Plates Petrol and Diesel Prices: What’s Changing? The DMRE confirmed that both grades of petrol — 93-octane and 95-octane — will drop by 5 cents per litre, while…

Motorists in Gauteng are on the brink of a revolutionary shift in vehicle identification technology, as the provincial government prepares to unveil a high-tech, tamper-proof number plate system. Premier Panyaza Lesufi, along with MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, will preside over the official launch of the new number plate system on Thursday, 5 June 2025, at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg. This game-changing initiative aims to bolster road safety and curb vehicle-related crimes in the province. ALSO READ: Gauteng 2025/26 Budget Speech: Key Allocations, Priorities, and Economic Recovery Plans A Page from James Bond’s Playbook The concept…

Gauteng’s MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, delivered the 2025/26 Provincial Budget Speech on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, outlining how Africa’s economic powerhouse plans to navigate constrained fiscal conditions, national growth, and mounting service delivery demands. The re-tabled budget prioritizes economic recovery, infrastructure expansion, public service efficiency, and social transformation. ALSO READ: Gauteng Education MEC Mourns Tragic Murder of Learner Likhona Fose Gauteng’s Economic Reality As South Africa’s smallest yet most populous province, Gauteng contributes over 35% to the national GDP, with Johannesburg and Tshwane driving economic activity. In 2024, the provincial economy grew by 1.3%, and forecasts…

In a landmark decision, South Africa’s Cabinet has chosen the Nasrec Expo Centre in Soweto to host the 2025 G20 Leaders Summit, scheduled for November. This bold move doesn’t just elevate Soweto onto the global stage — it marks a defining moment in the country’s mission to promote spatial integration and economic inclusivity. ALSO READ: W20 South Africa 2025: Driving Women’s Empowerment Within the G20 Agenda A Symbolic Choice for a Global Gathering Situated beside the iconic Soccer City stadium — known for hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup’s opening and final matches — the Nasrec Expo Centre has long…

The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has issued a firm warning to the public. This came after a wave of fake job advertisements circulated online. These fraudulent posts, which have appeared on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), falsely claim that Sassa is hiring for positions like “Finance Clerks 2025” and “Grant Administrators (x21).” These adverts promise attractive salaries—reportedly R22 412 per month with no prior experience required. They also attempt to mislead job seekers by listing popular locations such as Sassa’s head office in Pretoria and other unspecified “selected Sassa offices in South Africa.” More alarmingly,…

Johannesburg residents are experiencing another round of water supply disruptions as Rand Water enters Phase 2 of its infrastructure maintenance programme. The water outage, which began on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, is expected to last 10 hours, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., affecting pumping capacity at 67%. ALSO READ: Joburg Braces for 21-Day Water Outage as Rand Water Launches Pipeline Repairs Water Outage: A City-Wide Impact on Water Supply The second phase of maintenance is targeting Johannesburg’s Palmiet System, impacting various key areas including: Though pumping has not ceased completely, it has been reduced significantly. Rand Water and Johannesburg…