Author: NationWatch

South African celebrities made remarkable strides on the global stage in 2023, representing the country with excellence and talent. From dominating international music charts to performing at world-renowned events, these stars have made South Africa proud. Tyla Tyla Laura Seethal, fondly called Tyla, became a global sensation with her hit single “Water.” Since its release in July 2023, the song became a top 10 hit in several countries, including the UK and Australia. It also made history as the first song by a South African soloist to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 since Hugh Masekela’s “Grazing in the…

Political leaders gathered on Thursday at the Southern Africa Europe CEO Dialogue in Johannesburg to debate the future of South Africa. Those in attendance included ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, EFF leader Julius Malema, ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba, DA leader John Steenhuisen, and IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa. The debate focused on several key issues, including: The agenda for the future of South Africa South Africa’s role in international relations Economic priorities and reforms for a better country Tackling unemployment and poverty through proposed measures The 2024 general elections and expectations Whether South Africa has a clear national interest The discussion was…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Monday that December 15, 2023, will be observed as a public holiday to celebrate the country’s Rugby World Cup triumph. The Springboks clinched a record fourth Rugby World Cup title on Saturday, defeating long-time rivals New Zealand 12–11 in the final. Ecstatic supporters across South Africa had earlier called for a holiday to mark the national team’s historic achievement, and their wish has now been granted — though the celebration will take place more than a month after the victory. “In celebration of the Springboks’ momentous achievement and in honour of all our…

October 28, 2023 South Africa emerged victorious in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, defeating New Zealand by a single point in a thrilling encounter at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France. The defending champions claimed their fourth Webb Ellis Cup with a 12–11 win, becoming the first nation in history to achieve the feat. The triumph also made South Africa the first team to win back-to-back Rugby World Cup tournaments away from home. Team captain Siya Kolisi entered the record books as the first captain to complete an “away double” by leading his side to consecutive victories on…

South African authorities investigating fraudulent visa and permit issuance within the country’s immigration system and foreign missions have uncovered several cases of irregularities, including at the South African High Commission in Ghana. According to a report submitted to the Portfolio Committee on the Department of Home Affairs in the South African Parliament, investigations revealed widespread fraudulent permit and visa issuance both in South Africa and in missions abroad. One official at the South African High Commission in Ghana has been suspended, while two officials at the China mission have also been suspended. The report, prepared in June and presented in…

South Africa’s 2022 census, released on October 10, has sparked debate and concern among urban scholars and planning experts over what appears to be a significant slowdown in Johannesburg’s population growth. The data, which plays a critical role in national planning and policymaking, revealed several unexpected trends in the country’s urban development patterns. According to the census, Gauteng — South Africa’s economic hub — recorded an annual population growth rate of 2.0%, only slightly above the national average, and behind the Western Cape (2.4%) and Mpumalanga (2.3%). More surprising, however, is Johannesburg’s growth rate of 0.8%, suggesting the city is…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that South Africa could surpass Nigeria to become Africa’s largest economy in 2024. According to the IMF’s World Economic Outlook, South Africa — the most industrialised country on the continent — is expected to record a gross domestic product (GDP) of $401 billion in 2024. In comparison, Nigeria and Egypt currently have GDPs of $395 billion and $358 billion respectively. The report indicates that South Africa is likely to hold the top spot for just one year before falling behind Nigeria again, and potentially slipping to third place behind Egypt by 2026. The…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) for what he described as an exceptional effort in compiling the Census 2022 report, urging all sectors of society to use the data to improve service delivery across the country. Speaking during the official handover of the Census 2022 national results at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Tuesday, Ramaphosa emphasised that census data is a vital tool for planning, policymaking, and development. “It informs the planning, budgeting, and policy-making work of government at the most fundamental level. We have long said that one of our priorities in building a…

KwaZulu-Natal transport and community safety MEC Sipho Hlomuka has expressed concern over the rise in political violence in the KwaNongoma municipality following the removal of the IFP and DA leadership. “What is worrying in Nongoma is that the trend of assassinating councillors started immediately after the coalition led by the NFP, ANC and EFF took over. When the IFP was in power, we did not see these rampant attacks and threats on councillors’ lives,” Hlomuka said. The municipality, previously an IFP stronghold, was being governed through a coalition between the IFP, DA, and EFF after the 2021 local government elections.…

The following are five major events and developments currently affecting South Africa: Eskom CEO Appointment Rejected The appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer for Eskom has encountered a setback after Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan declined the recommendation submitted by the Eskom board. According to Eskom’s memorandum of incorporation, the board is required to evaluate potential candidates and present a shortlist of three names to the shareholder. It remains uncertain whether the board will add two additional candidates to the list or begin the selection process anew. Rand Faces Fresh Pressure The South African rand is facing a…