Department of Home Affairs: 100 Bank Milestone Reached
In line with the Department of Home Affairs plans to expand accessibility and improve service efficiency, a major milestone has been reached with 110 bank branches officially part of its new Digital Partnership Model.
Fuel Price Levy Softened
In an effort to soften the blow of the rising fuel prices, the National Treasury and the Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (DMPR) announced a R3 reduction, with immediate effect, to the general fuel levy.
Gaza: Huffaz Find Strength in Qur’an Recitation
During Ramadan 2026 in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian men and young boys gathered in the yard of the mosque to recite the Qur’an, from start to finish, before sunset. Over 250 Huffaz gathered to engage in loud recitation, which was known as “Safwat Al-Huffaz”, translated to “The Elite of Quran Memorisers”.
First Electric Vehicle Charging Station in Johannesburg Launched
This week, the City of Johannesburg has launched its first electric vehicle charging hub in the suburb of Booysens.
First Shipment of Table Grapes to Phillipines Despatched
In light of the increased US tariffs imposed on South African shipments, the country’s agriculture department has expanded its range of exports, both in product variety as well as countries. Of these countries is the Phillipines, of which the first official shipment of table grapes was made this week.
Maritime Boost For South Africa Amid Middle East Conflict
Due to the escalating tensions caused by the Middle East Conflict, the Cape of Good Hope will see increased maritime traffic, according to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA).
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Muslim Marriage Officers Acquire Equal Status to Other Faiths
This week, the Department of Home Affairs officially recognised Muslim Marriage officers, granting them equal status to other faith-based marriage officers.
Ramadan 1447 AH: More Than a Million Qur’an Copies Dispensed Across the Two Holy Mosques
This Ramadan, the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques printed and distributed over one million copies of the holy Qur’an across the Two Holy Mosques; Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi.
Plans for New Social Grant in Discussions
This month, discussions between the Department of Social Development and the National Treasury will ensue concerning the introduction of a new social grant: Basic Income Support (BIS) grant.
Masjid al-Haram: First 10 Days of Ramadan Sees 32 Million Visitors
During the first 10 days of Ramadan, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques announced that over 31.95 million worshippers and individuals performing Umrah visited Masjid al-Haram.
Record High for Exports Reached
In the fourth quarter of 2025, South Africa’s agricultural sector has seen record export performance. The value of the total exports reached a record high of R581.5 billion, and shows growth by 9% year-on-year.
High Speed Rail Plans Between Durban to Johannesburg Continue
In a bid to develop and modernise the country’s public transportation system, plans for a high-speed rail that will connect KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng have moved onto the feasibility phase
Highest Single-Day Attendance of Over 900,000 Pilgrims Recorded
On the 4th Ramadan 1447 AH, Masjid al-Haram saw a record-breaking attendance of 904,000 pilgrims in a single day; this included worshippers as well as Umrah pilgrims.
VAT Increase Scrapped
On Wednesday this week, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana announced the withdrawal of the proposed R20 billion tax increase for Value Added Tax (VAT), which was previously tabled in the 2026 Budget.
Higher Temperatures Expected in Makkah and Madinah This Ramadan
This year, Makkah and Madinah are expected to have below-average rainfall and will experience temperatures up by 1°C in Makkah, and 1.2°C in Madinah. This means these areas will have drier climates than usual.
Department of Home Affairs: New Digital Model Launching
In the ongoing effort to streamline Home Affairs services, the Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber has revealed that more bank branches will be joining the existing list of those providing Home Affairs services in the next few weeks.