Author: NationWatch

South Africa’s cash system is set for its biggest overhaul in decades as the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) rolls out plans aimed at making physical money cheaper and more accessible to citizens. The initiative, known as the Cash Smart Strategy, comes at a time when digital payments are growing rapidly, yet cash still accounts for nearly two-thirds of all transactions in the country. The cost of handling and distributing cash stood at about R90 billion last year. SARB says the strategy is designed to lower these costs while ensuring that rural and low-income communities are not excluded as the…

Western Cape police say they are making progress in efforts to curb gang violence following the confiscation of illegal firearms in Steenberg and Century City. Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said a suspect was arrested on Sunday for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition in Steenberg. According to Twigg, members of the Steenberg Crime Prevention Unit received information about a person allegedly in possession of a firearm in Cradock Road on Sunday morning. Officers followed up on the information and spotted a suspect who matched the description. When the suspect noticed the police vehicle, he attempted to flee but…

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has called for an investigation into the collapse of a two-storey building in Doornkop, which claimed the lives of three people. The incident occurred on Sunday morning when part of the house, which was home to six people, collapsed. Three occupants survived and are currently receiving medical treatment at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. Preliminary reports from Johannesburg Emergency Medical Services indicate that the structure was not compliant with required safety standards. Minister Macpherson has requested that the Council for the Built Environment investigate the incident, identify any responsible parties and recommend measures to…

The City of Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) will roll out intensified emergency and fire safety enforcement operations in the inner city on 30 and 31 December 2025 as part of a broader public safety drive during the festive season. The operations form part of the city’s public safety bylaw enforcement initiative and will focus on reducing fire risks, strengthening emergency preparedness and ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations. A key area of focus will be the handling, storage, sale and use of fireworks, which pose heightened risks in densely populated urban areas. Johannesburg EMS spokesperson Kagiso Phasha said officials…

The diplomatic relationship between South Africa and the United States continues to hang in the balance following growing tensions over policy differences, despite months of efforts by South African authorities to align with Washington. Although South Africa’s visit to the White House in May appeared promising, relations between the two countries have ended the year on much the same footing as when US President Donald Trump returned to office. President Cyril Ramaphosa led the South African delegation during engagements in Washington, where discussions focused on resetting bilateral ties between Pretoria and Washington. Also present were International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola,…

A matric pupil from Tiego Tawana Secondary School in Dithakang village near Mafikeng in the North West has died after allegedly being forcefully taken to an initiation school. According to his family, Onalenna Booi, 19, went missing after completing his matric examinations in late November. His disappearance was reported to the police, and he was later found dead. School principal Pogiso Tshipo said he was devastated by the news, adding that he had high hopes for the pupil’s academic success. “I was expecting a bachelor’s matric pass from the pupil,” Tshipo said. He described Booi as a hardworking learner whose…

Springbok assistant coaches Felix Jones and Jerry Flannery, SA Rugby mobi-unit coach Duane Vermeulen, and head of athletic performance Andy Edwards will provide short-term support to the Bulls following a request from the franchise for assistance in specific technical areas. The request was approved by SA Rugby and the Springbok management as part of the organisation’s ongoing collaboration with its member unions. The Bok coaches will engage with the Bulls on a limited basis, both remotely and in person where required, in line with SA Rugby’s standard practice of sharing national coaching resources when requested. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said…

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has launched a full investigation into the collapse of a double-storey building in Doornkop, Johannesburg, which claimed the lives of three people and left three others injured. The building collapsed in the early hours of Sunday, with six people inside at the time, three of whom were trapped under the rubble. Macpherson has instructed the Council for the Built Environment to probe the incident to determine the cause of the collapse, identify any responsible parties, and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. “This is a deeply distressing incident. My thoughts…

The Department of Basic Education has rejected claims circulating on social media that it is offering bursaries to matriculants for early childhood development (ECD) courses, describing the information as false and misleading. The department said the claims are incorrect and have no basis in any official communication. “Departmental and ministerial announcements are disseminated exclusively through the department’s verified and authorised communication platforms,” the department said, warning the public that any information shared outside these channels should be regarded as inaccurate and unauthenticated. The department urged citizens to remain vigilant and rely solely on credible, official sources for information regarding educational…

The Democratic Alliance has welcomed the establishment of a new parliamentary Oversight Committee on the Presidency, describing it as a potentially significant tool for strengthening accountability within the executive arm of government. The National Assembly approved the creation of the committee last week, providing Members of Parliament with a dedicated platform to scrutinise the work, expenditure, and decision-making processes of the Presidency. The DA said it had long advocated for the establishment of such a committee and expressed its intention to ensure that the body functions effectively and delivers meaningful oversight. Speaking on the development, the party’s Chief Whip, George…