Stories from Pretoria · South Africa

South Africa has opened its national rail network to private operators for the first time in 130 years. This move marks a shift in the country's transport infrastructure management.

A crime intelligence officer is scheduled to testify before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria this morning. The officer, who is believed to handle informers, will appear remotely and off camera. The testimony will be audible to the public. Hendrik Flynn, the head of serious organized crime investigations for the Hawks, is providing testimony at the Madlanga Commission in Pretoria. The proceedings follow a 2021 case involving the theft of 541 kilograms of cocaine valued at approximately 200 million rand from Hawks premises. The theft has fueled ongoing concerns regarding internal involvement within the agency.

South Africa is addressing issues related to the return of the Nigerian diaspora.

South Africa's sugar industry, which supports approximately 340,000 direct and indirect jobs and impacts over one million livelihoods, sees growth potential in the Chinese market. The zero-tariff policy implemented by China for African countries is making trade easier and creating new employment opportunities within the value chain. This policy benefits Chinese consumers with more affordable and higher-quality South African sugar, fruits, and dried fruits. The policy is seen as bringing sweetness to both sides, offering consumers better quality products and improved opportunities for African nations. Increased exports to China create new employment opportunities throughout the value chain, from farming to port logistics. The industry supports approximately 340,000 jobs, with over 1 million livelihoods dependent on it.

South African Minister of Social Development, Sisi Tolashay, stated that former spokesperson Lumka Olifant has initiated a campaign of misinformation. Tolashay claims this campaign is making unsubstantiated allegations against her leadership.

Social Development Minister Sisi Doulay-Cheh says former Department spokesperson Lubca Oliphant has launched a campaign of misinformation. The minister's comments focused on the legislative timeline for the upcoming elections. No specific details regarding the bill's contents were provided. A child protection organization in South Africa is using therapy dogs to support victims of child abuse. The dogs provide emotional support to children experiencing violence or sexual abuse. This assistance is intended to help children feel stable enough to provide testimony in court. The organization provides these services to assist with recovery. The report was shared by WDR 5, MDR Aktuell, and hr-iNFO. A South African child protection organization has used therapy dogs to support victims of violence and sexual abuse for nearly 40 years.

A bill has been presented to Parliament to empower the minister to preserve low-skilled jobs for South African citizens. The legislation seeks to address a loophole in current Home Affairs oversight regarding the importation of foreign skills.

Authorities in South Africa have been threatening to take action against the country's small and less established newspapers, referred to as the alternative press.

Two officials from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies have been placed on precautionary suspension with immediate effect.

A court directive ordered the removal of former President Jüngertz's mortal remains from two mountains to a state facility in South Africa. The remains will be kept at Afbob in Pretoria East. The Zambian government is expected to bear the costs associated with the transfer.