News as at
April 20, 2026, 8:00 am
Gauteng Malaria Cases and Deaths Rise Sharply
- [Scrolla] Gauteng recorded 414 malaria cases and 11 deaths between January and March 2026, already exceeding last year's total deaths in just three months. Health officials say increased festive season travel to high risk areas has driven infections and urge people to seek treatment quickly if symptoms appear.
Madlanga Implicated Ekurhuleni Police Boss Arrest Sparks Corruption Outcry
- [Scrolla] Civic groups say the arrest of EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi is long overdue after serious allegations linking him to crime and corruption. The Democratic Alliance says the arrest follows years of pressure to act against wrongdoing inside Ekurhuleni's law enforcement structures.
New DA Federal Leader Joins Celebration of Fishing Permits Restoration in Saldanha Bay
- [DA] Today, the DA Western Cape celebrated the restoration of nearly 300 small-scale fishing vessel permits in the Traditional Linefish sector, together with local fishers, DA Leader Geordin Hill-Lewis, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp, and provincial leadership. See photos here, here, here, here and here.
SAPS Now 1 Year Late On Body-Camera Deadline - DA Begins Process for Accountability
- [DA] Police committed to the introduction of body-worn cameras by April 2025, yet a year later this deadline has passed without implementation or explanation by Acting Minister Prof. Firoz Cachalia.
Small Businesses That Go Green Could Make a Big Impact in South Africa - Study Analyses What's in Their Way
- [The Conversation Africa] Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up 98% of all businesses in South Africa. There are between 2.4 million and 3.5 million in the country. They play a vital role in creating an estimated 66% of all jobs and supporting local economies.
All of Africa Today - April 17, 2026
- [allAfrica]
EFF Leader Julius Malema Sentenced To Five Years In Prison
- [allAfrica] Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of the illegal possession of a gun and firing it in public.
Democracy On Shaky Ground in South Africa As Dissatisfaction With Its Functioning Abounds
- [Afrobarometer] Majorities reject dictatorship and one-party rule, but fewer than half are opposed to military rule.
The Tough Pursuit of Sobriety in Mahikeng, a Town With No Rehab Centre
- [Health-e] For nearly a decade, Thapelo Phiri struggled with a nyaope addiction.
Graduates Face Unemployment Without Artificial Intelligence Skills
- [Scrolla] Many businesses in South Africa say they cannot hire young graduates because they do not have practical workplace computer skills. Experts say education must change to include practical learning and mentorship so students learn exactly what employers need right now.
Water Prices Jump 68 Percent in Five Years
- [Scrolla] A new report shows that water prices went up by 68% between 2020 and July 2025 across the whole country. Bad pipes and dry weather mean fixing the water system will cost a lot of extra money for poor households.
Sassa Condemns 'Selling' Queue Positions At Its Offices
- [SAnews.gov.za] The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has strongly condemned the illegal and exploitative practice of "selling" queue positions at its local offices.
MEC Gaoage Molapisi Delivers Houses and Hosts District Imbizo for Military Veterans
- [SAnews.gov.za] North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Gaoage Oageng Molapisi, will today hand over seven houses to military veterans in Jouberton, in the City of Matlosana Local Municipality.
Police Hunt for Third Suspect in Philippi Extortion Murder Case
- [GroundUp] Marikana residents says crime remains high despite army deployment
Roelf Meyer Appointed South Africa's New Ambassador to the U.S.
- [allAfrica] South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Roelf Meyer to be the country's next ambassador to the United States.
Basic Education Leads Inter-Departmental Career Choices Expo Day in Mpumalanga
- [SAnews.gov.za] Basic Education Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule is today leading a government and stakeholder-wide Career Expo Day to commemorate Freedom Month and Schools Democracy Month.
Eskom Concludes Wage Agreement With Employees
- [SAnews.gov.za] Eskom has concluded a three-year wage agreement following a Central Bargaining Forum (CBF) process which entails a 7% annual salary increase for workers.
Cape Town Health Workers Protest, Demand Permanent Jobs
- [GroundUp] Community health workers marched through the streets to the provincial legislature in Cape Town on Thursday to demand that the provincial health department employ them permanently.
South Africa's Malema Sentenced to Jail on Gun Charges
- [DW] He was convicted of firing a rifle at a political rally eight years ago.
JSC Overturns Tribunal Decision, Finds Judge Mbenenge Guilty of Gross Misconduct
- [GroundUp] "The testimony of Mbenenge ... revealed that he does not appreciate the responsibility associated with his position ... He showed no remorse for his conduct."
Tongaat Hulett Liquidation Avoided After Government Provides R200-Million Lifeline
- [GroundUp] Last-minute funding deal allows the struggling sugar giant's mills to open for the season, buying time for more than 18,000 KZN canegrowers
Durban Rape Cover-Up Trial - Survivor Testifies Police Pressured Her to Withdraw Charges
- [GroundUp] Rape complainant says she was taken from her home and driven around by police with her rapist before being detained
Malema Walks Free to Fight Prison Sentence
- [Scrolla] Magistrate Twanet Olivier sentenced Julius Malema to five years in prison on Thursday for shooting a rifle during a rally. The court allowed Julius Malema to go home on Thursday while the EFF leader appeals his five years in jail.
Security Situation Stable Following Malema's Court Proceedings, Say Police
- [SAnews.gov.za] The South African Police Service (SAPS) has assured the nation that the security situation remains stable following court proceedings involving Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
Government Publishes Revised Plan for Rhino Conservation
- [SAnews.gov.za] The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has announced the publication of the revised Black and White Rhino Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) in the Government Gazette -- marking an important step forward for rhino conservation in South Africa.
New Eviction Bill Aims to Protect Small Landlords, Empower Municipalities
- [SAnews.gov.za] The proposed amendments to South Africa's eviction laws are set to offer stronger protection for ordinary landlords renting out backyard rooms and small properties, while giving municipalities greater authority to respond to unlawful land occupations.
South Africa's EFF Leader Julius Malema Jailed for Five Years On Gun Charges
- [RFI] A South African court has sentenced radical left-wing opposition leader Julius Malema to five years in jail for firing a rifle into the air at a rally eight years ago.
