Author: Nomthandazo Ntisa

Gauteng, South Africa’s most populous province and economic powerhouse, is facing a growing healthcare crisis as more than 34,000 patients remain on waiting lists for surgery in its public hospitals. This alarming figure was revealed in a written response by Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko to questions posed by the DA’s Shadow Health MEC, Jack Bloom. While efforts have been made to reduce waiting times, the province’s healthcare system continues to buckle under the pressure of an ever-increasing patient load, resource constraints, and systemic challenges. ALSO READ: Gauteng Health Urges Parents to Adhere to Child Immunisation Schedule Amid Rising Health…

State funerals are solemn occasions that honour individuals who have made significant contributions to South Africa. The State, Official and Provincial Funeral Policy Manual, published by The Presidency in 2016, clearly defines the categories, criteria, and management of state-funded funerals in the country. This policy highlights not only political leaders but also distinguished figures who have shaped South African society. With the recent passing of renowned actor Presley Chwenyegae, many South Africans are wondering if he will receive such a prestigious honour. Let’s explore who qualifies for a state funeral today and look back at some of the iconic South…

Rand Water has officially launched its critical B16 pipeline maintenance programme. This is a massive infrastructure overhaul expected to impact water supply across Johannesburg and surrounding areas for up to 21 days. The programme, which began at 3 am on Thursday, 29 May, aims to improve long-term service delivery but will bring short-term water supply disruptions to major parts of Gauteng. ALSO READ: 21-Day Water Outage in Johannesburg: Areas Affected and How to Prepare What Residents Need to Know Rand Water has confirmed that valve isolation has been completed as part of the initial stage of the operation. The project…

South Africa has made history by launching Women20 South Africa (W20SA). The launch was on 26 February 2025 at the NRF Auditorium in Pretoria. As an official G20 engagement group, W20 plays a pivotal role in shaping global policy discussions on gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. This launch aligns with South Africa’s presidency of the G20 in 2025. It offers the country a unique platform to ensure that the voices of women, especially from Africa and the Global South, are integrated into G20 priorities and ultimately influence global decision-making. ALSO READ: Youth Empowerment and Urban Renewal Ahead of the…

As winter tightens its grip on South Africa, Eskom has moved swiftly to debunk claims that the country will face 14-hour load shedding periods in June 2025. Social media platforms were abuzz this week with alarming posts suggesting that residents in Gauteng and the Northern Cape should brace for prolonged blackouts due to heightened electricity demand. However, Eskom has categorically denied these reports, labeling them as “fake news.” ALSO READ: Alexandra Residents Clash with City Power Over Illegal Electricity Disconnections No 14-Hour Load Shedding Planned, Says Eskom In a strongly worded statement, Eskom dismissed the claims circulating online, assuring South…

Johannesburg is set to endure a challenging 21-day water outage beginning on 30 June 2025, as Rand Water launches a large-scale maintenance program across the city’s critical water supply systems. The planned maintenance, which will run until 21 July 2025, is aimed at improving long-term infrastructure efficiency, but it will come with significant short-term disruption for residents and businesses alike. ALSO READ: Rand Water Pours R400 Million into Maintenance While Gauteng Endures Extended Water Outages Water Outage: Widespread Impact Across Joburg The scheduled maintenance will affect multiple major water systems, including: During the initial phase, no water pumping will occur…

The City of Johannesburg has rolled out the bold R89 billion budget plan for the 2025/26 financial year, aiming to fix service delivery shortfalls, upgrade essential infrastructure, and strengthen support for the city’s most vulnerable residents. Finance MMC Margaret Arnolds delivered the budget speech at the Connie Bapela Council Chambers in Braamfontein on 28 May 2025. Arnolds announced that the city’s operating revenue is set to reach R84.8 billion—up 9.3% from the previous year. This growth stems largely from increased service charges, particularly for electricity and water, which remain the city’s primary revenue sources. ALSO READ: Alexandra Residents Clash with…

Rand Water, South Africa’s bulk water supplier, spends around R400 million each year on infrastructure repairs and maintenance—an essential investment to manage Gauteng’s aging water systems. This disclosure comes as residents brace for a major 107-hour winter water shutdown starting Thursday, impacting communities already battling intermittent or no water supply. ALSO READ: Gauteng Faces Major Water Outages: 107-Hour Disruptions Strategic Maintenance Aimed at Long-Term Stability At a media briefing, Rand Water Group Chief Executive Sipho Mosai emphasized that the utility strategically allocates its maintenance budget across both the financial and calendar year. However, it intensifies major infrastructure work during winter,…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched an intensive manhunt for a suspect identified only as “John,” wanted for the brutal murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale in Sandton, Johannesburg. This violent crime has sent shockwaves across the community and raised urgent concerns about women’s safety, prompting police to call for public assistance. ALSO READ: Cyril Ramaphosa Faces Six Key Questions in Parliament A Timeline of Tragedy SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that Mongale was last seen alive on the afternoon of Saturday, May 25, 2025. At around 15:00, the suspect picked her up from her home in Athol,…

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to face a challenging session in Parliament on Tuesday, 27 May 2025. He will respond to six pressing questions from members of Parliament. These oral replies serve as a crucial tool in Parliament’s oversight role. This ensures that the executive remains transparent and accountable to the South African public. The upcoming Q&A will tackle a high-stakes topic. This will range from contentious racial classifications on government documents to economic challenges and South Africa’s diplomatic stance on the Ukraine conflict. These issues reflect the nation’s ongoing efforts to reconcile its complex social identity, reduce economic disparities,…