Author: Staff Writer
Two South African scientists are doing such internationally trailblazing research that the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust has granted each of them its most prestigious honours: the R2.5-million Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award. “Each of our awardees made such a strong case that we found it impossible to choose between them – so we decided to double down in a time when our country needs it most. We’re very excited to be supporting their quests to make our world a better place for all who live in it,” says OMT chair Rebecca Oppenheimer. The prize rewards high-calibre scholars who are “engaged in cutting-edge…
The Presidency has issued a strong statement refuting the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) claims that Special Envoy Mcebisi Jonas was denied a US visa, calling it a deliberate attempt to spread disinformation. In a statement, the Presidency said: “The Presidency cautions South Africa against treating Democratic Alliance (DA) disinformation on matters of international relations and diplomacy as official Government policy.” The DA had alleged that the US rejected Jonas’ credentials, hindering his role as President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy to North America. The Presidency dismissed these claims as sensationalist, particularly amid ongoing US-SA trade negotiations following President Donald Trump’s recent tariff announcements.…
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has taken the decisive step of dissolving the Board of the Road Accident Fund (RAF), marking a critical intervention to address what she described as “persistent governance and operational challenges” that have severely compromised the entity’s ability to fulfill its mandate. The move comes after months of escalating crises that have undermined public confidence in the RAF’s leadership and financial management. The decision follows a comprehensive review that revealed multiple systemic failures within the RAF’s governance structures. Among the most pressing concerns was the Board’s engagement in protracted and costly litigation regarding accounting standards, which placed…
The National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) has announced that Monde Bala, Group Executive: Eskom Distribution, will be seconded to the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer (ICEO), NTCSA, effective from 1 August 2025, succeeding Segomoco Scheppers. The accelerated process of recruiting and appointing a permanent chief executive officer for the NTCSA is currently underway. “Bala is a seasoned executive with solid experience of the power sector and the NTCSA Board is looking forward to working with him and the team as we drive our strategic deliverables. This leadership appointment ensures that we maintain and accelerate the execution of our strategy…
In a shocking revelation, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has uncovered that President Cyril Ramaphosa has known for months that his appointed “Special Envoy,” Mcebisi Jonas, is not recognised by the United States government. With just two weeks remaining before South Africa faces devastating 30% US tariffs, the DA confirms the following: The US denied Jonas a diplomatic visa in May 2024. Washington formally rejected his credentials, refusing to recognize him as South Africa’s official representative. The Ramaphosa administration was repeatedly advised to appoint an alternative envoy but chose to ignore these warnings. Despite these clear rejections, President Ramaphosa publicly insisted…
Vodacom Business has teamed up with the National Vehicle Intelligence Cloud (NAVIC) to harness technology for public safety as part of a move to curb criminal activity and aid law enforcement in South Africa. Powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) via Vodacom Business, NAVIC’s real-time cloud-based vehicle intelligence platform enables security organisations to access and act on critical vehicle data, with verified alerts processed in seconds. Navic.Cloud integrates Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera data, cross-referencing it with Vehicle of Interest (VoI) databases and third-party sources like the South African Police Services. Alerts are verified through the NAVIC Alert Room,…
Life Healthcare has completed the sale of its Life Molecular Imaging (LMI) business to US-based Lantheus Holdings. All required conditions for the deal have been met. This follows last year’s sale of Alliance Medical Group, marking another step in Life Healthcare’s plan to focus on healthcare services in Southern Africa. The company will still manufacture and distribute LMI products in Africa. Shareholders could earn more money in the future based on LMI’s performance until 2034. CEO Peter Wharton-Hood said, “We are pleased to unlock further value for our shareholders while refocusing our portfolio to grow returns, market share and revenue in…
Takealot and Pick n Pay are rolling out more convenient Pickup Points in Pick n Pay supermarkets as a growing number of South Africans collect their Takealot orders while doing their grocery shopping. What began with just two pilot locations in 2023 has expanded to 30 Takealot Pickup Points in Pick n Pays across the country. Plans are already underway to increase this number to 36 by the end of 2025, covering the length and breadth of South Africa’s cities and towns. Shoppers from Greenstone Mall to Gonubie are embracing the simplicity of collecting their online orders while running their errands. Between…
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Sunday, 13 July 2025, address the nation on developments arising from a public statement by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, that details allegations against senior political and South African Police Service leadership. President Ramaphosa was attending the BRICS Summit in Brazil on Sunday, 6 July 2025, when General Mkhwanazi outlined numerous allegations at a media briefing. The President undertook to attend to this development on his return from Brazil, in view of the implications for national security. President Ramaphosa has been seized with this matter in recent days and will, following various consultations, take the…
As the country commemorates Mandela Month, the 37th edition of the Kasi Pitching Challenge is breathing new life into Madiba’s vision of a fair and just society through real investments towards township entrepreneurs. Launched in 2022 in Daveyton, the Kasi Pitching Challenge has already empowered over 40 township business winners, injecting more than R2.5 million in direct funding and support into the township economy. With over 2,030 entries, 216 township business finalists, and 36 workshops hosted across South Africa, the mission is clear: to restore economic dignity through grassroots entrepreneurship and to unlock opportunity where it is needed the most.…