Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week:
This week, Eskom reintroduced Stage 2 loadshedding on Thursday evening, citing high demand, multiple breakdowns, and ongoing maintenance as reasons for short-term power cuts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a visit to South Africa, meeting President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings to discuss trade, agriculture, peace efforts, and more.
Police have confirmed that Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s convoy was targeted in a March shooting, now officially treated as an attempted assassination after ballistics revealed bullet damage.
Headline inflation dropped to 2.7% in March, its lowest in five months, due to falling fuel prices and slower increases in education fees.
Here are the top stories of the week:
ESKOM IMPLEMENTS STAGE 2 LOADSHEDDING
Eskom has announced the return of Stage 2 loadshedding from 4pm Thursday until 5am Friday. The power utility says the move comes despite steady progress in restoring generation capacity.
In a statement, Eskom explained that increased electricity demand, multiple unit breakdowns, and ongoing planned maintenance have put significant pressure on the grid. As a result, short-term power cuts are necessary to stabilise the system.
The utility continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates should any changes occur.
UKRAINE’S PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY VISITS SOUTH AFRICA TO BOOST TIES
President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Union Buildings on Thursday, marking the first official visit by a Ukrainian head of state to South Africa. The meeting aimed to deepen cooperation between the two nations, touching on trade, agriculture, education, infrastructure, and peace diplomacy.
Ramaphosa reflected on Ukraine’s historic support during South Africa’s liberation struggle and noted progress since their last meeting in Kyiv in 2023 as part of the African Peace Initiative. Talks between the two leaders focused on growing trade and investment ties, especially in agribusiness, and acknowledged Ukraine’s role in addressing food insecurity in Africa through grain exports and the opening of a hub in Kenya.
Zelenskyy proposed a joint mineral hub between Ukraine and South Africa to support fertiliser production across the Southern African region. Both presidents reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, peace, and the rule of law on the global stage.
POLICE CONFIRM SHOOTING AT MASHATILE’S VEHICLE
Police have officially confirmed that Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s state vehicle came under fire in what’s now being treated as an attempted assassination, as per EWN. After weeks of speculation, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola said ballistics tests have concluded that the car was indeed shot at in March.
The incident took place while Mashatile was leaving an ANC national executive committee meeting. Initially, he believed the damage was from stones hitting the windscreen, but his SAPS protection team later confirmed it was more serious.
Masemola confirmed the vehicle was hit by sharp objects consistent with gunfire, and part of the investigation has now been concluded. The motive and those responsible remain unclear, but police are continuing their probe.
FOUR CANDIDATES SHORTLISTED FOR DEPUTY CHIEF JUSTICE
President Cyril Ramaphosa has shortlisted four senior judges for the Deputy Chief Justice position, which opened up after Mandisa Maya stepped up as Chief Justice. The candidates include Justices Dunstan Mlambo, Mahube Molemela, Cagney Musi, and Lazarus Tlaletsi.
Ramaphosa has formally asked the Judicial Service Commission and political party leaders in Parliament for input, as required by the Constitution. The Deputy Chief Justice role is a key leadership position in the judiciary, ensuring the country’s constitutional and legal principles are upheld.
SARS SETS 31 MAY DEADLINE FOR EMPLOYER DECLARATIONS
SARS has set 31 May 2025 as the cut-off date for the Employer’s Annual Declaration. This step is crucial in preparing for the upcoming Personal Income Tax Filing Season. Employers must ensure accurate submission of EMP201 and EMP501 forms to avoid issues with employees’ pre-filled tax returns. The IRP5 and IT3 certificates must also be issued on time.
SARS has launched an updated version of its eFiling tool, e@syFile™ Employer v8.0, to streamline the process. Employers and payroll admins are urged to download the latest software from the SARS website before filing.
CONSUMER INFLATION DROPS TO 2.7% IN MARCH
Headline inflation dropped to 2.7% in March, marking the first decline in five months, thanks to cheaper fuel and smaller increases in tuition fees, according to Stats SA. Fuel prices dropped sharply year-on-year, with inland petrol at R22.34 a litre, down from R24.45. Education costs rose more slowly too, with school and tertiary fees climbing less than in 2024.
Food inflation also eased slightly, though maize meal and hot beverages like coffee and tea remain pricey. Instant coffee jumped nearly 19% over the year. Alcohol prices climbed too, pushing annual inflation for booze to 4.7%.
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES LAUNCHES SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR INMATES
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is launching a Skills Development Programme to equip victims of crime, parolees, and probationers with marketable skills. In partnership with the Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training College, the initiative will offer vocational training in trades such as plumbing, welding, electrical work, and bricklaying.
100 participants from Johannesburg will receive six months of accredited training, aimed at boosting employability and fostering entrepreneurship. The programme, funded by the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority, will provide participants with trade certificates to enhance their prospects for work or self-employment.
MORE RAIN AND COLD WEATHER EXPECTED IN COMING DAYS
According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), most provinces should brace for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and cold weather. The system, expected to hit the western interior on 23 April, will bring widespread rainfall, with up to 50 mm predicted for eastern regions on 23 and 24 April. Severe thunderstorms, flooding, and the potential for damaging hail are expected, especially in the Free State and North West.
Snowfall is also anticipated in the Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape. Temperatures will drop significantly before gradually recovering from Friday, with ongoing weather updates from the South African Weather Service.
VETERAN ACTOR DON MLANGENI NAWA PASSES AWAY
The South African television industry is mourning the passing of legendary actor Don Mlangeni Nawa, whose family confirmed his death in a statement. Nawa, beloved for his role as Zeb Matabane in Isidingo and Laqhasha in the iconic sitcom Sgudi ‘Snaysi, was a staple on local screens for decades. His career included standout performances in Hlala Kwabafileyo, The River, Shaka iLembe, and Netflix’s Savage Beauty.
With a career spanning more than 16 years on Isidingo, Nawa earned a SAFTA (Golden Horn) for Best Actor in 2006, and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Royalty Soapie Awards in 2018. The industry and fans have taken to social media to celebrate his legacy and share heartfelt condolences.
A tribute memorial to honour his life and legacy was held on Thursday at the Soweto Theatre, where friends, fans, and fellow actors gathered to celebrate the veteran’s impact on South African storytelling.
POLICE SHUT DOWN OVER 500 ILLEGAL SHEBEENS, ARREST 757 SUSPECTS OVER EASTER
Over the Easter long weekend, South African police successfully shut down 541 illegal shebeens and taverns nationwide, with 270 closures in KwaZulu-Natal. A total of 757 arrests were made for illegal liquor dealing, including 270 in KwaZulu-Natal. The crackdown extended to 1,166 motorists arrested for driving under the influence and 1,209 drug-related arrests, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.
The South African Police Service reported an impressive 17,605 arrests during Operation Shanela, which included arrests for serious crimes such as rape, murder, and drug dealing. Additional seizures included 128 firearms, 4,220 rounds of ammunition, and 87 stolen vehicles. High-profile rescues, such as that of a US pastor and two businessmen, also formed part of this week’s operations.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA PAYS TRIBUTE TO POPE FRANCIS FOLLOWING HIS PASSING
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences following the passing of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican City. The President praised the Pope for his efforts to unite humanity and promote values of inclusion, equality, and care for the marginalized. Describing Pope Francis as a compassionate leader, Ramaphosa highlighted his dedication to the poor and his commitment to a sustainable world.
As the first Latin American Pope, he served after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in 2013, with his life marked by humility and a profound mission to improve both the Church and the world.
RAF PAID OUT R45.6 BILLION IN CLAIMS DURING 2023/24 FINANCIAL YEAR
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) has revealed that it settled a staggering R45.6 billion in claims during the 2023-2024 financial year, highlighting the significant financial burden of road accidents on both government spending and society.
This amount covered various claims, including R47 million for funeral costs, R21.6 billion for loss of earnings, and R12.7 billion for general damages.
FINANCE MINISTER SCRAPS VAT INCREASE
South Africans can breathe a sigh of relief – the VAT increase set for 1 May 2025 has been scrapped. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed that the planned 0.5% hike will no longer go ahead, keeping VAT steady at 15%. The reversal follows strong feedback from political parties and parliamentary committees, but it leaves a major hole in the budget.
The National Treasury now faces a projected R75 billion shortfall over the medium term. To deal with this, Godongwana has asked Parliament to withdraw and revise the Appropriation and Division of Revenue Bills. New versions of these bills will reflect the lower revenue outlook and a rethink of spending plans.
As a result, Parliament will need to consider cuts to public spending, and measures aimed at shielding low-income households from the VAT hike will no longer be implemented. Initially, the VAT increase was introduced to restore funding for essential services like health and education, which have been under severe strain.
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