KZN Government Bolsters Disaster Response Amid Ongoing Weather Threats
April 25, 2025

KZN Government Bolsters Disaster Response Amid Ongoing Weather Threats

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is ramping up its disaster management efforts in response to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. This comes as heavy rains continue to batter the province, prompting a yellow level 4 alert for disruptive rainfall in several coastal areas.

Y Yashmika Dukaran
Zuma Claims Arms Deal Charges Will Be Dropped, Denies Role in Controversial Contract
April 25, 2025

Zuma Claims Arms Deal Charges Will Be Dropped, Denies Role in Controversial Contract

Former President Jacob Zuma has expressed confidence that the long-standing corruption charges against him will soon be dismissed. Speaking to supporters outside the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Thursday, Zuma reiterated his stance that he had no involvement in the contentious multibillion-rand arms deal, which he says was concluded during the leadership of former President Nelson Mandela and then-Deputy President Thabo Mbeki.

Y Yashmika Dukaran
KZN Braces for More Disruptive Rain as Authorities Urge Caution
April 25, 2025

KZN Braces for More Disruptive Rain as Authorities Urge Caution

KwaZulu-Natal authorities are calling on residents to remain vigilant as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issues a weather alert for disruptive rainfall across parts of the province. The warning follows severe flooding already affecting Durban and surrounding areas, causing significant traffic delays.

Y Yashmika Dukaran
Finance Minister Gazettes Bill to Reverse VAT Increase
April 25, 2025

Finance Minister Gazettes Bill to Reverse VAT Increase

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has officially gazetted the Rates and Monetary Amounts and Amendment of Revenue Laws Bill, which seeks to reverse the previously proposed 0.5 percentage point increase in Value-Added Tax (VAT).

Y Yashmika Dukaran
Ramaphosa Urges Diplomacy Amid Ukraine Conflict During Zelenskyy Visit
April 24, 2025

Ramaphosa Urges Diplomacy Amid Ukraine Conflict During Zelenskyy Visit

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated his call for a diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine, saying South Africa remains "deeply concerned" about the ongoing conflict. His comments come as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy begins an official visit to South Africa—a significant move in Kyiv’s efforts to counter Russia’s growing influence across the continent.

Y Yashmika Dukaran
Severe Weather Warning Issued for Parts of South Africa
April 24, 2025

Severe Weather Warning Issued for Parts of South Africa

The South African Weather Service has issued a stern weather warning for several provinces, forecasting severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, strong winds, hail, and excessive lightning.

Y Yashmika Dukaran
Israeli Air Strikes Kill at Least 22 in Gaza as Offensive Intensifies
April 24, 2025

Israeli Air Strikes Kill at Least 22 in Gaza as Offensive Intensifies

At least 22 people were killed in a series of Israeli air strikes on Thursday, according to rescue teams and medical officials in Gaza, as Israel continues its renewed military campaign in the blockaded territory. The strikes, which included an attack on a family home and a former police station, come amid escalating violence following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire.

Y Yashmika Dukaran
Zuma to Learn Fate of Latest Legal Bid in Arms Deal Corruption Case
April 24, 2025

Zuma to Learn Fate of Latest Legal Bid in Arms Deal Corruption Case

Former President Jacob Zuma is expected to learn on Thursday whether he will be granted another opportunity to challenge the lead prosecutor in his long-running corruption case. Zuma and French arms company Thales are facing charges of fraud and corruption related to the controversial multi-billion-rand arms deal dating back to the 1990s.

Y Yashmika Dukaran
Political Fallout Mounts After Treasury Reverses VAT Hike Decision
April 24, 2025

Political Fallout Mounts After Treasury Reverses VAT Hike Decision

The political response has been swift following National Treasury’s late-night decision to withdraw its proposed Value-Added Tax (VAT) increase, originally set to take effect on 1 May. The controversial hike, which would have raised VAT by 0.5 percentage points, has now been scrapped — prompting both praise and criticism from across the political spectrum.

Y Yashmika Dukaran
Zelensky's Visit to South Africa Signals Pretoria's Shift on Russia-Ukraine War
April 24, 2025

Zelensky's Visit to South Africa Signals Pretoria's Shift on Russia-Ukraine War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to South Africa on Thursday marks a significant diplomatic moment, highlighting a perceptible shift in Pretoria’s previously neutral stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Analysts say the high-profile meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa underscores South Africa’s growing willingness to more openly engage on the conflict, more than three years after the war began.

Y Yashmika Dukaran