Citrus Exports Interest Saudi Port
While coal and iron exports from South Africa have decreased significantly, the agricultural sector has been thriving, exporting a record high of fresh produce worth $13.2 billion in 2023.
Hajj 2025: AI Technology Launched to Facilitate Pilgrims
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has introduced plans to launch new AI technologies to help facilitate pilgrims this Hajj season.
Deals Worth Billions Between Saudi Arabia and South Africa in Pipelines
After a year-long discussion between Saudi Arabia and South Africa, plans for the Kingdom to invest billions of dollars into the mining, agriculture, and the renewable energy sectors are in the pipeline.
New Budget Review to Take Place on 21 May
Following the review and changes made to the 2025 financial budget, Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, will re-table the new budget on 21 May 2025.
eThekwini: Successful Warwick Avenue Cleanup
In an effort to rise to the eThekwini Municipality’s Vision 2030 plans of transforming Durban into the “most caring and liveable” city, the Cleansing and Solid Waste; alongside the Metro Police and oversight unit; carried out a cleanup operation in Warwick Avenue, Durban.
Proposed VAT Increase Reversed
On Thursday, 24 April, the National Treasury announced that the minister “will shortly introduce the Rates and Monetary Amounts and the Amendment of Revenue Laws Bill [Rates Bill], which proposes to maintain the VAT rate at 15% from 1 May 2025, instead of the proposed increase to VAT announced in the Budget in March”.
More...
BBC Slammed by Journalists for Pulling Gaza Documentary
Following the upload of the BBC documentary ‘Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone’ on iPlayer, it was pulled from the platform due to pro-Israel and rival British media groups.
eThekwini: Innovative Men’s Health Clinic Project Transforms Healthcare
Originally launched by the National Department of Health in 2022, the Men’s Health Clinic at Pinetown Clinic is hailed to be a success, encouraging large groups of men to visit monthly and improving healthcare in their respective communities.
South Africa Strongly Condemns Recent Bombing of Gaza Hospital
Following the Israeli missile strike on the Al-Ahli Arab hospital, Gaza, on Sunday, the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has strongly condemned the bombing of civilians in Palestine.
Hajj 2025 Marks The Last Summer Pilgrimage For The Following 16 Years
This year will mark the last pilgrimage that will take place during the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s summer season, as the region is moving into cooler weather. Hajj season is expected to take place in spring from 2026-2033, and then in winter from 2034-2042.
KZN: Average Annual Rainfall Exceeded into First Quarter of 2025
Only four months into 2025 and the Durban region has surpassed its annual rainfall for the year, which; according to the South African Weather Service; is 1,009 mm. This would calculate to 69 mm of rain monthly.
Talks Over VAT Increase Continue
In light of the controversial VAT hike of 2% that was announced in the February budget, ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, has stated that the party is in talks with the Government of National Unity (GNU) to resolve the issue.
Department of Health to Take In 1,650 Medical Personnel With Budget Boost
Following a budget allocation of R1.780 billion and the ongoing unemployment crisis faced by doctors across the country, the Department of Health announced that it would be employing 1,200 doctors, 200 nurses, and 250 healthcare personnel.
City of Johannesburg to Revitalise Old Buildings
Similarly to the Durban municipality’s plans to revitalise old buildings, the City of Johannesburg has recently unveiled an initiative to transform old buildings in the inner-city.
New Trump Tariffs a Concern for Presidency
At the unveiling of the new US tariffs by President Donald Trump on Wednesday this week, the South African Presidency has expressed concern, calling them “punitive and a barrier to trade”.
SASSA: Gold Cards Remain Valid until End of May
Following the rush to transition South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant recipients from Gold to Black Cards, on Friday last week, Postbank announced that the Gold Cards will be valid until 31 May.