Manyane Manyane

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie is in a standoff with the National Arts Council (NAC) over his alleged refusal to appoint a permanent

South Africans have found themselves caught in a relentless economic squeeze, facing the unprecedented rise of fuel prices that ripples through every aspect of daily life.

Oxford Economics Africa reports that the 2026 local government elections will likely result in fragmented councils and complex coalitions across six of SA's eight key metros.

High profile politician and senior member of the ANC, Gwede Mantashe, has sparked public outrage after using crude, sexist language to dismiss allegations of “sex-for-jobs” exploitation.

ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe has apologised after using crude language while responding to allegations that municipal councillors demanded sexual favours in exchange for jobs. Gender groups want disciplinary action and an investigation, while language experts say the isiXhosa term itself is not inherently vulgar.

Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube has been accused of failing to meet a legally binding, court-ordered deadline to fix overcrowding in schools.

Forecasts point to more hung councils in South Africa’s 2026 local elections, with smaller parties likely to determine coalition governments in several metros.

Despite the strategic launch of the Water Sector Anti-Corruption Forum (WSACF) to accelerate accountability, deep-seated delays continue to prevent the finalisation and closure of active corruption investigations.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz this week joined calls for US President Donald Trump to reconsider his decision to exclude South Africa from the upcoming G20 summit scheduled for December 2026, in Miami.

The SIU says none of 44 criminal cases monitored by the Water Sector Anti-Corruption Forum has been finalised since the forum was launched on 5 March 2026, raising fresh concerns about delays in prosecutions and consequence management.