# The Western Cape may see an increase in coalition governments within its municipalities following the 2026 local government elections. This trend is influenced by the formation of the government of local unity. During the 2021 local government elections, the province saw an unprecedented 16 out of 30 municipalities that could not get an outright […]
# China’s air pollution cuts have reportedly accelerated global warming. Researchers say reduced aerosols, which previously masked some warming, account for five-percent of the global temperature rise since 1850. China’s industrial boom in the early 2000s is believed to have led to severe pollution, prompting strict air quality regulations. While improving public health, these measures […]
# The Public Servants Association has expressed support for the South African Reserve Bank’s willingness to revisit its inflation target approach. The PSA has long urged the SARB to consider policy shifts to support economic growth and ease financial pressures on consumers. Lower inflation targets could enhance price stability, encourage investment, and improve the SARB’s […]
# Hot beverage prices are beginning to surge as the winter season approaches. Inflation for hot beverages has risen to 14.8-percent year-on-year in February 2025. Analysts have pointed towards coffee as a major contributor, with South Africa, a net importer of coffee, facing increased costs. National Agricultural Marketing Council’s Thabile Nkunjana told the SABC that […]
# A thriving black market for unauthorised medicines has emerged in Johannesburg, primarily catering to immigrants who face barriers to accessing healthcare. Ground Up reports that smuggled medicines, including antibiotics and contraceptives, are sold without prescriptions, bypassing the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority. This informal trade has raised concerns about public health, as improper […]
# Tshwane residents can expect higher municipal rates and services from July 1st. The metro has proposed a 12-percent increase in electricity tariffs, 13-percent for water, six-percent for sanitation, and a five-perent rise in property rates. A new cleaning levy has also been proposed. Tshwane aim is to keep tariff hikes below those proposed by […]
# The National Academy of Africa’s Performing Arts in Soweto, Gauteng, backed by music legends Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu, has received over 25-million-rand in funding but remains unfinished after six years. Despite progress, an additional 28-million-rand is needed to complete the academy. MoneyWeb reports that the Special Investigating Unit is probing National Lotteries Commission funding for the […]
# A study comparing media coverage of COP15, COP27, and Taylor Swift found biodiversity issues received significantly less attention than climate change and pop culture. Despite COP15’s adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, it had far fewer media stories than COP27 and even Swift’s October 2022 album release. Researchers highlight that biodiversity loss, though […]
# More than 50 countries, cities and organisations have committed to reducing air pollution impacts by 50-percent by 2040. This pledge was made after the second WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Colombia. Air pollution is responsible for seven million premature deaths annually and is now the second leading global risk factor […]
