Author: The Bulrushes

Johannesburg – A selected group of 50 South African students is travelling to study e-commerce in China. The graduates selected from 21 Technical, Vocational and Education Training (TVET) colleges will receive training in e-commerce and global exposure in international retail standards and trade trends. The students will depart from OR Tambo International Airport on Monday, 12 January 2026, to participate in a one-year e-commerce programme fully funded by the Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&RSETA). In a statement on Friday, 9 January 2026, W&RSETA Spokesperson Vukani Mnyandu explained that the programme was mainly aimed at equipping South African youth in digital…

The Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA), South Africa’s pioneering social insurer, has participated in the three-day South African Local Government Association (SALGA) National Members Assembly. The SALGA conference, which took place in Durban from 25 to 27 November 2025, is a cornerstone event in the local government calendar that brought together leaders, policymakers, and partners to address the challenges and opportunities facing municipalities. RMA said its attendance underscores its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and supporting municipalities with tailored insurance solutions. As the voice of local government, SALGA plays a critical role in strengthening service delivery, promoting cooperative governance, and ensuring…

The increasing reliance on advanced technologies capable of operating all day and all night has heightened fears of possible job losses at mining companies. Commenting on mounting concerns about how this development is impacting employment and local communities, Deputy Chair of Corridor Mining Resources (CMR) Praise Ragimana, said: “Technology should be implemented responsibly in the mining sector”. Ragimana, who is also a seasoned entrepreneur, said technology should complement workers’ output and not replace them. “New mining technology, which can mine and produce more efficiently and operate around the clock, must not be used as a reason to replace local communities,”…

AfriForum has brought a court application challenging the City of Johannesburg’s by-law that seeks to regulate and control CCTV networks installed in public spaces and private property. AfriForum says it brought the court application in the High Court in Johannesburg on Friday, 18 July 2025, to challenge the Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality’s controversial CCTV by-law. The by-law seeks to regulate and control CCTV networks installed in public spaces and private property of which the range and angle of coverage include public space. “The use of traditional CCTV cameras, drones, automatic number plate recognition systems and even body-worn cameras will be regulated…

FlySafair has cancelled some flights owing to a pilot strike prompted by the impasse over salary hikes. Solidarity, the union that represents most of the pilots, warned last week of an impending strike after FlySafair’s final offer – a 5,7% salary increase along with some additional adjustments to compensation – was rejected by the vast majority of Solidarity members. RELATED: Strike Looms At FlySafair: Salary Negotiations Deadlock – The Bulrushes On Monday, 21 July 2025, the low-cost airline issued a notice on its website saying: “We’re sorry to inform you that due to the intensifying strike action, some of our flights…

Businessman Yakub Ahmed Suleman Bhikhu, who evaded arrest for six years, has been sentenced to 10 years for fraud, forgery, uttering, and money laundering involving R66 million stolen from Transnet. However, the Pretoria Regional Court, which convicted Bhikhu and his company, Homix (Pty) Ltd, on 81 counts that include fraud, forgery, uttering, money laundering, and the Contravention of the Tax Administration Act, suspended half the sentence. The accused pleaded guilty to all charges levelled against him and his company. As a result of these crimes committed by Bhiku and his company between 2012 and 2015, Transnet lost R66 million. Explaining…

President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is away in Brazil, has warned against continuing the public spat between KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) top policeman, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. The KZN police commissioner, Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi, on Sunday accused Minister Mchunu of meddling in criminal cases. RELATED: KZN Police Boss Mkhwanazi Accuses Police Minister Of Meddling In Crime Cases – The Bulrushes Police Minister Mchunu responded, saying Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi was making “wild allegations” without evidence. Accusations of wrongdoing made by the police boss in a live television broadcast against the Police Minister have been noted by President Ramaphosa, who is attending…

The reason Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema was denied a visa to enter the United Kingdom has been revealed and his party says it is “not surprised”. The UK has revealed that it denied Malema a visa because of his openly expressed support for Hamas and utterances considered as inciting racial violence. Reacting to the revelations, the EFF in a statement on Thursday, 19 June 2025, said it was “not surprised by the confirmation from the UK that the visa application by the Commander in Chief and President of the EFF Julius Malema was in fact denied due to…

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has delayed social grant payments of thousands of applicants who did not disclose that they have other income. SASSA said Tuesday, 27 May 2025, that it was assisted by registered Credit Bureaus when it “identified about 210 000 social grant beneficiaries who appear to be receiving income that was not truthfully disclosed to the agency”. The Social Assistance Act and its regulations say beneficiaries are legally required to fully disclose all sources of income during their initial application. They are also obligated to inform SASSA of any changes to their financial circumstances after…

The move to relax Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment laws to enable Starlink to have a shot at setting up shop in South Africa has not only raised eyebrows but attracted the interest of Parliament. The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies in Parliament has invited Minister Solly Malatsi and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies to brief it on “the recently gazetted policy directions that appear to be in contravention of the Electronic Communications Act and in favour of low earth orbit satellite provider SpaceX”. On Friday, 23 May 2025, Minister Malatsi announced, through a media statement, the…

The Department of Home Affairs has launched a biometric verification operation to combat illegal immigration. “This morning, the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, launched ‘Operation New Broom’ as the latest technology-driven initiative to arrest, convict, and deport illegal immigrants occupying public spaces,” the department said on Wednesday, (21 May 2025). “The first operation of what will be an ongoing nationwide campaign took place in District 6 in Cape Town, where 25 suspects were arrested while occupying land meant for restitution to the victims of forced removals.” The department explained that “Operation New Broom” tackles an old issue with…

The Competition Commission (“Commission”) has recommended that the Competition Tribunal (“Tribunal”) approves the proposed transaction whereby Groupe Canal+ SAS (“Canal+”) intends to acquire MultiChoice Group Limited (“MCG”), with conditions. The recommendation follows the Commission’s investigation of the large merger notification received on 30 September 2024. The primary acquiring firm is Canal+, a French société par actions simplifiée registered with the Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés in Nanterre, France. Canal+ is a subsidiary of Canal+ SA, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market. Canal+ together with its ultimate controllers, and the firms controlled by those firms are…

The struggling South African Post Office (SAPO) has received a much-needed lifeline – a massive cash injection of R381 million from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) – that will help save thousands of jobs. Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth formally on Sunday, 18 May 2025, anounced the implementation of the signed agreement between SAPO and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). The minister said the agreement was aimed at “preserving nearly 6 000 jobs and supporting the revitalisation of one of the country’s most critical state-owned entities”. Minister Meth added: “Through the Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (TERS), the UIF will…

Tiger Brands has entered into a sale of business agreement to facilitate the Company’s exit from its deciduous canned fruit business, Langeberg and Ashton Foods. The sale, which comes five years after Tiger Brands announced its intended exit, is to a newly formed company (Newco) established by a capable and committed consortium comprised of parties with a vested interest in the sustainability of Langeberg and Ashton Foods and a cooperative of fruit growers in the Ashton area (the Consortium) who bring agricultural sector expertise and insights. Based in Ashton in the Western Cape, the iconic business provides employment to more…

Amid rising criticism, Higher Education and Training Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane has reversed the appointment of the Chairpersons of the Boards of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). Earlier this week, a leaked list of appointments to SETA boards revealed shocking political patronage, with African National Congress (ANC) loyalists, including party chairman and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe’s son, Buyambo Mantashe, and a former KwaZulu-Natal premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, handed key positions. However, late on Thursday, (15 May 2025), Minister Nkabane withdrew the controversial appointments. “I have taken the decision to withdraw previous appointments in response to public concerns,” Minister Nkabane said. “Further, I take this decision in the interest of…

Online shoppers in the Randburg area may have experienced a disruption in speedy deliveries after the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) swooped on the delivery bikers. Commenting on the raid on Tuesday, (13 May 2025), the JMPD said it “intensified ongoing operations in the Rosebank area to address concerns related to illegal and unsafe delivery bike activities”. The JMDP added: “These efforts are part of a broader citywide initiative to ensure traffic safety, compliance with municipal bylaws, and the protection of pedestrians and motorists. “Recent observations highlight a sharp increase in delivery bikes operating unlawfully, often obstructing traffic and pavements,…

A settlement offer has been made as part of a possible overall resolution of the listeriosis class action taken against Tiger Brands. In a statement made available to The Bulrushes on Monday, (12 May 2025), Tiger Brands confirmed that: “The attorneys representing its lead reinsurer (QBE Insurance Group Limited) have presented a settlement offer to the plaintiffs’ attorneys as part of a road-map to a possible overall resolution of the listeriosis class action”. “The lead reinsurer, having primary conduct of the defence of the class action against Tiger Brands, has with Tiger Brands’ support and agreement authorised the insurers’ attorneys to…

The Prudential Authority (PA) has announced that it notes the recent ruling by Judge J Ncube in the Pietermaritzburg High Court and has launched an application for leave to appeal the decision. On Friday, (9 May 2025), the court ruled in favour of Ithala following a dispute over the powers of Johan Kruger, the Repayment Administrator (RA), who has taken over the operations of the bank following his appointment by the PA pending a liquidation process, which is a separate matter pending in court. The PA said the RA will also lodge an appeal against the judgment. “It is important…

The first group of white people who have left South Africa to become refugees in the United States is expected to arrive in Washington, D.C. today. The 49 Afrikaners, who included men, women, and children, departed from OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday, (11 May 2025) for the U.S. via Dakar, Senegal. The move came after reports said the U.S. government has officially granted 54 Afrikaner South Africans, white descendants of mainly Dutch colonisers, refugee status. While checking in ahead of their departure, the “refugees” who are allegedly victims of discrimination by the SA government declined interviews. Although the South…

Huawei Consumer Business Group South Africa has netted a significant partnership with Mamelodi Sundowns FC, one of Africa’s most celebrated football teams. As the Official Mobile Partner, Huawei on Friday, (4 April 2025), said it was committed to bringing game-changing innovation to the club, enhancing performance both on and off the pitch. Huawei said that by leveraging its technological expertise, Mamelodi Sundowns FC was poised to elevate their game, using advanced tools and analytics to maintain its competitive edge. Huawei said this collaboration exemplifies a shared commitment to innovation, excellence, and the pursuit of greatness, which promises to deliver unparalleled…

The Lilongwe Magistrate Court in Malawi has ruled that fugitives Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary – must be extradited to South Africa to face charges of fraud, money laundering, and corruption. The Chief Resident Magistrate Judge Patrick Chirwa made the ruling today, Wednesday,(12 March 2025). ommenting on the matter the South African government said it welcomed the ruling. “We have been informed that the pair intends to appeal the ruling,” said South Africa’s Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. “The South African government will oppose the appeal.” However, the department said it will await the outcome of the appeal…

Amid reports that President Donald Trump has cut off future funding for South Africa, which he claimed was “treating certain classes of people very badly”, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his willingness to engage the US leader. Writing on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, (2 February 2025), President Trump said: “South Africa is confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people very badly”. President Trump added: “I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!” Insisting that South Africa was a “constitutional democracy that is deeply rooted…

As 2025 unfolds, many savvy employees are already planning their next getaway, using the year’s public holidays to full advantage. And, the alignment of public holidays, weekends and leave days is particularly advantageous this year. For example, a clever option to extend your leave exists between the long weekends of April 2025, assuming you have accumulated enough leave by then and get your application in before your colleagues. “This is exactly the kind of opportunity working people should look out for,” notes Samantha Pillay, Director at ekko, “as the majority of employees only get 15 working days leave a year.”…

The Office of the Chief Justice has expressed “disappointment and disapproval” of the “racially charged comments” made by former Public Protector Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane. In a statement issued on Friday, (4 October 2024), the Office of the Chief Justice said: “The Judiciary has noted with disappointment and disapproval the racially charged comments made by former Public Protector and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of  Parliament, Adv Busisiwe Mkhwebane, directed at Supreme Court of Appeal Judge, Justice  V. Ponnan”. Advocate Mkhwebane had said on X (formerly Twitter), that prominent persons, predominantly of Indian ethnicity, had positioned themselves as her persecutors. The…

John Steenhuisen the leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) has moved to dispel suggestions that disagreements over the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, signal a possible split in the Government of National Unity (GNU). The DA, which is part of the 10-party GNU, has threatened legal action if President Ramaphosa signs the BELA Bill on Friday as previously announced. Earlier this week, The Presidency said the BELA Bill amends sections of the South African Schools Act of 1996 (SASA) and the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 (EEA) to account for developments in the education landscape since the enactment of the…