Stories from South Africa

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane has appointed advocate Samkelem Doana as the acting director of public prosecutions for the Eastern Cape. The appointment is effective from May 1 and will remain in place until the position is permanently filled.

Members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have gathered at the Tlappee Sports Ground in Maragana for Workers' Day commemorations. Supporters wearing party regalia and red t-shirts are arriving at the site.

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) held a Workers Day event at Langa on the Kaap Flats. Deputy General Sikert addressed the event under the theme 'Unite Employed and Unemployed Workers'. The federation stated the country faces multiple crises including unemployment, job losses, and illicit trading. Sikert noted that the lack of employment has compromised service delivery for the working class. The federation noted a shortage of police officers at every station and a shortage of supplies in every hospital.

South African forward Ron Williams has been nominated for the IFFHS Best Goalkeeper award following strong performances in the Africa Cup of Nations. The player is noted as the most expensive in the South African national team and currently plays in one of the top five European leagues. The player is noted for having strength and breakthrough capabilities, though his ceiling is described as limited. The player recently participated in matches against Panama, resulting in a 1-1 draw and a 1-2 loss. Analysts suggest the team needs to improve offensive capabilities and set-piece defense before the World Cup. The announcement coincided with the marking of Workers' Day in South Africa. South African exporters are benefiting from a preferential agreement with China that eliminates export duties. This zero-tariff status is expected to increase competitiveness for medium and small producers.

May Day celebrations are currently taking place at the old Peter Mukaba Stadium in Polokwane. Other related events are also being held across South Africa to mark Workers' Day. Unions are reportedly moving away from previous stances during these celebrations.

Residents of Foslora in the East Rand are protesting the disappearance of Mazwi Kubega. Kubega has been missing for approximately one month after reportedly refusing to sell his spaza shop.

The trade union Amcu is holding May Day commemorations in Marikana, located outside Rustenburg in the Northwest province. The union, which gained prominence during the 2012 Marikana unrest involving Loneman Platinum workers, is calling for the holiday to be renamed Workers Day.

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.

The election date for South Africa has been set for November 4, 2026. The period leading up to the vote is expected to be politically charged due to issues including municipal performance, service delivery failures, and public trust. Early signs indicate both political mobilization and voter apathy in the country. The source noted that 10,000 people die from diabetes. The broadcaster compared the scale of the issue to the HIV epidemic. Only 5% of employed people in South Africa are self-employed, according to a report from SAfm. Additionally, only 40% of the working-age population reports being employed, compared to a global average of approximately 60%. The low rate is attributed to deeply entrenched structural issues originating from the apartheid era. Experts suggest that overcoming this gap requires creative state-led collective action and union involvement.

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