Polls

According to The Citizen, South Africa’s national minimum wage will increase from R27.58 to R28.79 per hour, effective 1 March, as announced by the Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth. This increase applies to domestic workers and farm workers, while employees in the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) will receive a 67-cent increase, bringing their hourly rate to R15.83. Cleaners working for certain municipalities, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Tshwane, must be paid at least R31.69 per hour. Learnership programs also have new tiered minimum allowances, ranging from R433.33 to R2,527.66 per week, depending on the level. Employers struggling to meet the new wage requirements can apply for exemptions through the Department of Employment and Labour, but they must provide financial records and proof of consultation with employees. If granted, a copy of the exemption certificate must be displayed in the workplace. Otherwise, all employers must comply with the new rates starting 1 March.

According to The Citizen, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) will be a key moment for the Government of National Unity (GNU), either highlighting divisions or demonstrating a unified vision. Political analyst Prof. Theo Neethling expects Ramaphosa to address major issues, including controversial laws like the National Health Insurance (NHI), the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, and the Land Expropriation Act, which have sparked tensions within the coalition.

Economic challenges such as unemployment, service delivery, and infrastructure failures are also expected to be priorities, along with security concerns like crime and regional stability. Additionally, Ramaphosa may discuss international matters, including US aid threats and conflicts in Africa. Meanwhile, opposition leaders, including the DA’s John Steenhuisen and MK party’s John Hlophe, are set to share their expectations for the speech.

Questions have arisen about Elon Musk’s influence on the US government’s negative stance toward South Africa, given his significant financial support for Donald Trump’s re-election campaign, according to The Citizen. Musk, who has previously expressed concerns about anti-white sentiments in South Africa, responded to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s denial of land confiscation by questioning the country’s land ownership laws. Analysts suggest Musk may be influencing Trump’s views on South Africa, particularly in light of its stance on global issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict. Experts warn that Trump’s administration may impose diplomatic and economic pressures on South Africa, urging the government to develop strategies to manage its relations with the US. South African politicians have expressed concern over Trump’s unpredictability and potential use of foreign aid as leverage to influence domestic policies.

Eskom has warned of a high risk of load shedding after more than 10 months of uninterrupted electricity supply. Recent breakdowns requiring extended repairs have put pressure on emergency reserves, with load shedding up to Stage 4 possible over the weekend. This announcement comes just after Nersa approved a 12.7% electricity tariff hike—far lower than Eskom’s requested 36.1%. Despite these challenges, Eskom recently celebrated 300 days without load shedding, the longest stretch since 2018, and has saved R16.42 billion in diesel costs due to improved power plant performance.

According to Mail & Guardian, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame issued a strong warning to South Africa, accusing President Cyril Ramaphosa and his government of distorting facts about the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). His statement came after 13 South African soldiers were killed while deployed as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), intensifying scrutiny on Pretoria’s military involvement. South African officials have blamed the violence on the M23 rebel group and the Rwandan Defence Force, while Rwanda dismisses SAMIDRC as a “belligerent force” supporting the Congolese government and working alongside the FDLR, a militia linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Kagame contradicted Ramaphosa’s statements, claiming South Africa had requested Rwanda’s logistical help rather than issuing any warnings. He asserted that if South Africa sought peace, Rwanda welcomed it, but if it preferred confrontation, Rwanda was prepared to respond. Meanwhile, Ramaphosa defended South Africa’s role in the DRC as part of a regional peacekeeping effort, calling for all parties to respect existing peace agreements and the DRC’s territorial integrity.

According to Mail & Guardian, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame issued a strong warning to South Africa, accusing President Cyril Ramaphosa and his government of distorting facts about the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). His statement came after 13 South African soldiers were killed while deployed as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), intensifying scrutiny on Pretoria’s military involvement. South African officials have blamed the violence on the M23 rebel group and the Rwandan Defence Force, while Rwanda dismisses SAMIDRC as a “belligerent force” supporting the Congolese government and working alongside the FDLR, a militia linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Kagame contradicted Ramaphosa’s statements, claiming South Africa had requested Rwanda’s logistical help rather than issuing any warnings. He asserted that if South Africa sought peace, Rwanda welcomed it, but if it preferred confrontation, Rwanda was prepared to respond. Meanwhile, Ramaphosa defended South Africa’s role in the DRC as part of a regional peacekeeping effort, calling for all parties to respect existing peace agreements and the DRC’s territorial integrity.

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order suspending foreign aid for 90 days, causing alarm among aid organizations, writes The South African. This decision has frozen vital health programs, particularly in South Africa, where millions rely on US-funded treatments for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. Several South African health organizations are preparing to shut down, and the suspension affects PEPFAR, a major provider of HIV treatment. Clinics are already scaling back operations, and Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi is assessing the impact on affected institutions.

According to News24, DA leader John Steenhuisen plans to confront President Cyril Ramaphosa about tensions over the Expropriation Bill and the dynamics within the Government of National Unity (GNU). Steenhuisen emphasized the DA’s commitment to the GNU’s success but criticized the ANC for unilateral decision-making, accusing Ramaphosa of ignoring coalition partners. Invoking clause 19 of the GNU’s agreement, Steenhuisen declared a formal dispute over the lack of consultation on critical decisions. While voicing frustrations, he stressed the DA’s resolve to ensure the GNU works and warned against undermining economic stability and the Constitution.

The South African reports that the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has reassured South Africans that there will not be a 36% electricity tariff hike later this year. Speaking at the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) lekgotla in Boksburg, he emphasized the need to reassess the country’s energy mix to reduce electricity production costs. High electricity prices remain a significant concern, with business leaders at the World Economic Forum (WEF) highlighting the negative impact on competitiveness. Ramokgopa acknowledged that the current exponential tariff increases are unsustainable. He expressed confidence that submissions made to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) will result in significantly lower increases, ensuring electricity remains more affordable in the future.

According to Scrolla, the DA has called on the Msunduzi municipality to immediately end its R27-million sponsorship of Royal AM football club due to the team’s financial and legal troubles. This follows reports that the SA Revenue Service (Sars) has taken control of the club over unpaid taxes, with its president, Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize, reportedly owing R40 million. Adding to the controversy, the PSL has halted all Royal AM matches until the club provides an explanation. DA councillor Reggie Khanyile warned that continued support for the club, which is already under curatorship and facing possible insolvency, could damage the municipality’s reputation. He emphasized that the funds could be better used to address critical service delivery issues, such as improving water and electricity infrastructure, and to support youth through sports programs. The DA argues that the sponsorship has brought nothing but controversy and embarrassment to Msunduzi.

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