Stories from South Africa

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 Independent Policing Union of South Africa has called for the precautionary suspension of the National Commission. The movement also seeks an end to the current business rescue process. Recent Auditor General findings have exposed widespread financial mismanagement and irregular practices within the institution. They are also calling for an end to the business rescue process following reports of financial mismanagement. The union claims the entity is effectively dead due to misappropriation of funds and continuous bailouts. The source stated that the country can no longer sustain the services of the entity. The Democratic Postal and Communication Workers Union plans to hand a memorandum to the Communications Minister and National Treasury in Pretoria. The request comes amid discussions regarding the source of funding within the current fiscal climate.

Makuta Safara has stepped aside as chairperson of the South African National Editors Forum. The move comes pending an investigation by the Special Investigations Unit. The investigation follows allegations of misappropriation of lottery funds involving Safara and others. Sonnef Chairperson Makuru Safari has stepped aside pending an investigation into allegations of lottery fund misappropriation. The investigation is being conducted by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). Safari has denied the claims regarding the misappropriation of funds. The decision comes as Bellamine Mugabe and a co-accused face sentencing today. The South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) has welcomed the decision of Malkudu Sifara to step aside from their position. The investigation linked a company associated with the editor to National Lottery Commission funds intended for journalism training.

A case involving the manic use of explosives possession has been adjourned to Thursday. The proceedings are scheduled to take place at the Massina Magistrates Court in Limpopo.

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.

Finance Minister Edan Godungwada announced a suspension of the 93 cents per litre diesel tax from May 6 to early June 2026. The measure aims to protect the economy from steeply increasing oil prices. The relief will reduce the diesel tax level to zero during this period. The suspension is expected to last until early June 2026. South Africa will decrease the general fuel level from 96 cents per litre to zero per litre. The fuel tax will remain at 110 cents per litre. Agriculture Minister John Stan Hasen is currently in Argentina to secure foot and mouth disease vaccines and travel to Brazil for agricultural import deals. He met with the biosecurity agency in Argentina to study their foot and mouth disease control methods. South Africa signed a cooperation agreement with Argentine vaccine manufacturer Biogenesis Bego to secure the supply of foot and mouth disease vaccines.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) recovered more than 3 million rand in stolen Lotto funds intended for community development. The SIO stated that repayment and settlement agreements do not absolve the entities of their obligations. The money had been diverted into private enrichment schemes used for luxury property purchases. The recovery is part of efforts to increase enforcement and deter illegal activity. Improved infrastructure and visible enforcement are expected to intercept and deter future illegal activities, according to the report. SIU spokesperson Savi Mahoto confirmed that the funds were returned along with signed acknowledgments of debt. The organization noted that these settlements do not absolve individuals from criminal referrals. Public Interest Essays has formally registered a criminal complaint regarding the matter.

South African boxers Lerato Dlamini and Siko Kotole are preparing for major international bouts in May. Dlamini is scheduled to face Mikito Nakano in Tokyo on May 6th.

The Office of the Auditor General in Johannesburg is evaluating audit-related matters following implications of officials at the Matlanga Commission. Some allegations presented as evidence before the Commission may not have been identified during the previous auditing cycle.