Newsroom

Uber South Africa has been in the spotlight after TV personality Anele Mdoda reported that an Uber driver allegedly threatened her after she selected the “no conversation” option, News24 reports. Uber reviewed her video footage and ride data but has not confirmed if the driver was removed, citing privacy laws. The company also denies links to a recent attempted kidnapping in Hyde Park and faces legal action from a victim of an alleged “Uber gang.” In response to safety concerns, Uber SA has introduced features like a panic button, AI-powered face verification, and stricter driver identity checks. While Uber maintains it actively cooperates with law enforcement, concerns remain over rented driver profiles and criminal incidents linked to the platform.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s Budget, which includes a proposed 0.5% VAT increase, faces significant opposition in Parliament, where the ANC no longer holds a majority. The DA, a key partner in the Government of National Unity (GNU), has rejected the Budget due to the tax hike, forcing the ANC to seek support from other parties. Godongwana and his team will present the fiscal framework and revenue proposals to parliamentary committees, which have the power to amend or reject the Budget under the 2009 Money Bills and Related Matters Act. With most opposition parties, except for the IFP, UDM, and Patriotic Alliance, rejecting the Budget, the ANC faces challenges in securing the necessary votes. President Cyril Ramaphosa and senior ANC members have defended the Budget as a difficult but necessary measure to address economic constraints, while opposition parties argue that alternative revenue options, such as a wealth tax, should be considered. The outcome of the parliamentary process will determine whether the Budget is passed or amended (News24).

The 2025 Budget Speech confirmed an increase in social grants, including a R130 boost to the old age and disability grants, a R30 rise for the child support grant, and a R50 increase for foster care, The South African reports. To help offset the VAT hike, the government allocated R284.7 billion to social grants, with the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant extended until March 2026. Initially, a larger increase was proposed, but adjustments were made to balance the budget. The SRD grant may evolve into a long-term income support system, with a review set for completion by September 2025.

According to News24, Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced he would buy a new Tesla to support CEO Elon Musk amid stock declines and protests against the company. Tesla shares dropped over 15% following a UBS forecast cut, exacerbated by broader market fears. Musk, now a senior advisor in Trump’s administration, faces criticism for his involvement in government job cuts. Investors remain divided on Tesla’s valuation, as its stock is largely tied to Musk’s ambitious robotaxi and AI promises rather than current vehicle sales. Despite declining profits and increased competition, Tesla’s market value remains significantly higher than other automakers.

According to News24, with just 48 hours before the budget is tabled in Parliament, the ANC and DA have failed to reach an agreement on the fiscal framework, raising concerns about its approval. A major sticking point is a proposed VAT increase, which the DA opposes unless the ANC commits to a comprehensive spending review. The ANC, however, appears ready to move forward without DA support and may seek backing from the EFF or smaller parties to pass the budget. The deadlock follows an earlier Cabinet meeting where ANC ministers objected to the scale of the VAT hike. While the ANC has since accepted a smaller increase, the final details remain uncertain. As the March 12 deadline approaches, the fate of the budget hangs in the balance, with potential political and economic consequences if an agreement isn’t reached.

According to Times Live, Patriotic Alliance leader and Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie has called for illegal foreigners to be barred from receiving medical treatment in South African hospitals following the US government’s decision to cut USAID-funded healthcare programmes, resulting in a 17% funding loss. He argued that with the removal of PEPFAR funding, medical services should be prioritized for South African citizens. McKenzie also urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to mend ties with the US, warning that the funding cut would worsen unemployment and hinder HIV/AIDS treatment. His remarks come amid tensions between South Africa and the US, with advocacy group AfriForum being accused of spreading misinformation that contributed to the cuts.

According to EWN, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his disappointment with the deteriorating state of Johannesburg, particularly as the city hosts international delegates for the G20 ministerial meetings. He noted that welcoming global leaders to a city with malfunctioning traffic lights, crumbling infrastructure, and general disorder was an embarrassment. Despite previous efforts to revitalize the inner city, Johannesburg continues to struggle with maintenance and service delivery. With the city set to host the 2025 G20 Summit, urgent action is needed to improve conditions and restore its reputation on the global stage.