Stories from Pretoria · South Africa

South African sprinter Akane Simbine pulled up with a calf cramp during the inaugural Simbine Classic in Pretoria. The incident occurred during the event, which is part of the country's 70th anniversary celebrations.

A demonstration organized by the March & March collective gathered several hundred people in front of the presidency in Pretoria. The group attempted to march toward the President's office building. Protesters in Pretoria have begun blocking access to healthcare facilities, including hospitals and schools, according to a report. The demonstrators are targeting foreign nationals, claiming they have occupied spaces intended for women and other residents. Authorities and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees are engaging to find solutions. A formal letter has been sent requesting dialogue between the involved parties. Mukandua expressed concern regarding the safety of refugees and foreign nationals facing attacks. The organization has issued a statement calling the incidents coordinated xenophobia.

The March in March movement and other political parties marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to submit a memorandum of demands to the government. The group cited concerns regarding crime and job availability as primary motivations for the protest. Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, leader of March on March, and Sharon Ekambaram from Kopano Nang Africa Against Xenophobia are addressing tensions regarding immigration. The groups are calling for South Africans to be prioritized in the country. They cited problems brought by a large influx of illegal immigrants. The discussion focused on the impact of these movements on South African lives. The event is part of a broader discussion on the global issue of migration and its impact on South Africa. Groups marched in Pretoria targeting Black African migrants seeking refuge in South Africa.

South African measles vaccination coverage has fallen to 76 percent, according to reports. The coverage rate for the first dose is 27 percent, while the second dose stands at 119 percent. This falls significantly below the 95 percent coverage rate required for measles immunity.

The non-profit organization Public Interest Essays has formally registered a criminal complaint against Andrea Johnson, head of the Investigating Directorate against Corruption. The complaint was lodged with the Hawks in Pretoria.

South African Ministers of Finance and Mineral and Petroleum Resources confirmed the extension of a temporary reduction in the general fuel levy. The relief measures, originally introduced in April, will remain in effect until June 2. The National Treasury announced that diesel will attract no fuel levy during this period to mitigate global price spikes. This joint move aims to shield citizens from price increases. The decision follows the discovery of fake AI-generated sources within the policy's reference materials. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced the move to cushion the economy against rising oil prices. The general fuel levy for petrol will remain at 110 cents per litre. The general fuel levy for diesel will decrease from 96 cents per litre to zero per litre during this period.

The Madlanga Commission is currently hearing testimony regarding Umashi Dlamini, the suspended deputy police chief of the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD). Dlamini faces accusations of tender irregularities involving security contracts. During proceedings, suspended police sergeant Fani Nkosi testified that Dlamini allegedly compiled a list of seven preferred service providers.

Proceedings of the Medellanga Commission resumed in Pretoria on Tuesday. Suspended Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief Umashid Lamini returned to questioning during the 98th day of the commission. Lamini was questioned regarding his role as a conduit between Sergeant Thaneen, Kosi, and Nekomatubela. The inquiry involves the sharing of documents related to the Bumalanga Tender.

President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that every instance of stolen rent constitutes an attack on South Africa's democracy. He described incomplete projects as a betrayal of communities. The President said the need to strengthen local government to improve municipal efficiency and responsiveness. He also called for building a trustworthy justice system, police service, and prosecuting authority. He also addressed illegal immigration, stating that immigrants must respect South African laws. Ramaphosa urged citizens not to be driven by hatred toward immigrants, citing past compassion and support received from others. President Ramaphosa spoke regarding the need for trust and confidence in governance. Ramaphosa stated that South Africans should not be driven by hatred towards others. He noted that others have provided compassion and support to the nation.

A member of the South African government is under investigation for suspected corruption. Transparency advocates claim the minister misled Parliament and violated transparency rules. The source noted that what should have been a breakthrough in South African policymaking is now burdened by this oversight. The report indicated a lack of robust supervision during the drafting process. The South African government reportedly used artificial intelligence to draft a national guideline for regulating artificial intelligence. A media report indicates the AI-generated draft contains numerous errors, incorrect citations, and nonsensical content. The error occurred within the responsible ministry. An internal investigation has been launched to determine how the errors occurred.