Author: NationWatch

The Miss South Africa Organisation has announced the postponement of the 2025 Miss SA pageant, which traditionally takes place in August. The announcement came on July 21, following months of uncertainty after applications closed in April and no update was given regarding the top 30 contestants. The organisation stated that the delay is intended to “ensure greater alignment with international and other global events” and aims to broaden the reach and impact of the pageant and its contestants. No new date has been confirmed. The postponement comes amid significant changes within the organisation. Stephanie Weil, the former CEO, resigned earlier…

Cape Town — South Africa’s law enforcement and political landscape is under intense scrutiny after KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) provincial police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused senior police officials and politicians of colluding with criminal syndicates. Mkhwanazi, speaking at a press conference on July 6, alleged that the corruption extended to the country’s police minister, Senzo Mchunu, who he claims disbanded a task force investigating political killings in KZN to protect associates. The claims have reignited frustrations for families like Patricia Blows, whose son Angelo was shot and killed during an apparent robbery in Johannesburg in 2016. Despite providing evidence, the investigation into…

The National Arts Festival (NAF) is celebrating its 51st year in Makhanda, showcasing the growth of South Africa’s most significant cultural event. Originally focused on theatre, the festival has expanded to include dance, music, comedy, visual arts, and literature, under the guidance of curator Rucera Seethal and her artistic team. Opening week featured standout performances, including Cape Ballet Africa’s SALT, a fusion of classical and contemporary dance featuring works by Mthuthuzeli November, Kirsten Isenberg, and Michelle Reid. In the visual arts, Nyakallo Maleke’s Teaching In Ways That Teach Us To Care, the 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist Award recipient for…

Fears of crime and gang violence in the townships around Cape Town are prompting some parents to send their children on long daily commutes to safer schools in former white-only areas. Sibahle Mbasana, whose sons Lifalethu and Anele previously attended a school in Khayelitsha, described armed thugs entering classrooms to threaten teachers and steal laptops. “Imagine your child experiencing this regularly. There’s hardly any security at the school,” she told the BBC. Although apartheid ended over three decades ago, inequalities in education persist, with township schools often overcrowded, under-resourced, and affected by high crime rates. Mrs Mbasana moved her children,…

The BMW X3 has been crowned the 2025 South African Car of the Year at the 39th edition of the prestigious awards hosted by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists and sponsored by Old Mutual Insure. This year’s competition featured 17 finalist vehicles across different segments, with a notable presence of crossovers and SUVs, reflecting their growing popularity in the local market. A panel of 27 jurors tested the finalists at Zwartkops Raceway in Tshwane, scoring them across multiple criteria. The results were verified by an independent auditor before being announced at a gala dinner. The BMW X3 not…

This Freedom Day weekend, South Africans can enjoy a wide range of events and activities across the country. Music lovers can attend live gigs featuring local and international artists, while theatre enthusiasts have the option of catching stage productions and performances in major cities. Food festivals and markets will offer a variety of local and international cuisines, giving residents the chance to indulge in unique culinary experiences. Outdoor enthusiasts can participate in community events, sports tournaments, and cultural celebrations that highlight South Africa’s rich heritage. Art exhibitions, craft fairs, and pop-up markets will also be held, offering visitors an opportunity…

JOHANNESBURG – South Africa’s economic growth is expected to be weaker than previously forecast for 2025, with economists citing trade tensions as a key factor. A Reuters poll of 25 economists conducted from April 16-24 lowered the median growth forecast by 0.2 percentage points to 1.5%, compared with a range of 1.0%–2.1%. The 2026 growth forecast remains unchanged at 1.8%. The downward revision follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s temporary pause of a proposed 31% tariff on South African imports for 90 days. Nicky Weimar, chief economist at Nedbank, revised her GDP forecast to 1.1%, citing higher global tariff barriers and…

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s fragile unity government was shaken on Wednesday after the Democratic Alliance (DA), the country’s second-largest party, voted against the national budget. The DA, which joined the government after the African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority last year, opposed the budget due to a proposed tax increase, arguing it would further burden the country’s poor majority. The party said it plans to challenge the budget’s adoption in court. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a leftist opposition party, welcomed the discord. EFF leader Julius Malema said, “We are happy that we managed to break this so-called…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the importance of improving South Africa’s basic education system to drive social and economic development. In his weekly letter to the nation, he highlighted the critical role of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in promoting economic growth, job creation, productivity, and competitiveness. “Education is a powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty, uplift communities, and foster a more equitable society,” Ramaphosa said. He noted that the country’s education system must prepare learners for employment in a knowledge- and technology-based global economy. Ramaphosa welcomed the Department of Basic Education’s efforts to expand technical…

South Africa’s political and economic landscape shifted significantly following the 2024 national elections, with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) losing substantial support. This led to the formation of a government of national unity (GNU), marking a pivotal moment in the country’s political history. The unity government aims to bring political parties together to deliver a cohesive administration. President Cyril Ramaphosa described it as an effort “to work together as political parties for the good of the country, and to deliver a government that will be united in action and purpose.” However, questions remain about its durability, given the diverse…