Stories from South Africa

The Eastern Cape Department of Health reported a decline in teenage childbirths within the province. MEC Tando Kazi addressed the current status of the crisis. The Eastern Cape MEC reported a decline in teenage births, specifically noting a gradual decrease in the 10 to 14 age group over recent years. The source confirmed the trend has occurred over several years. Teenage pregnancy rates in the Eastern Cape showed a decline during the 2025-2026 financial year. Data from the first quarter recorded 86 cases, followed by a decline to 62 in a subsequent period. The source noted fluctuations across different quarters including Goddard and Kota. These figures represent a downward trend in the region. The department reported that the rate for children between 10 and 15 years old is 54 percent.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Shriver announced a 12.5 billion Rand investment to upgrade border management at six key ports. The upgrades will target Alebombo, Pied Bridge, Oshoek, Kopfontein, Masiri Bridge, and Vixberg. Shriver stated the project marks the beginning of a new era for South African borders. These six ports are described as being at the center of regional trade and movement. SASCO first vice president Luan Lilius Melania welcomed a new 50 million rand sustainability fund for South African rowing. The initiative aims to support athletes competing in international competitions. The fund was unveiled earlier this month as part of a strategic pillar focused on governance and sustainability. Melania stated that government support alone will not be sufficient for the program.

The African Christian Democratic Party has called on the city of Johannesburg to stop taking new loans. The organization suggests that the city is taking on debt to keep the municipality afloat. A representative stated during a council meeting that the proposal to address these debts has been ignored. The party expressed opposition to loans used for electricity projects, citing concerns over exorbitant interest rates. The ACDP stated that these debt obligations will cause future generations to suffer due to the required paybacks. The ACDP argued that these debt loans create a negative knock-on effect for the city's future. A party representative stated that a concerted effort must be made to retrieve funds owed to the city, which currently exceed 71 billion rand. The representative noted that the city cannot place undue pressure on indigent citizens to resolve the debt.

Groups are demanding the deportation of all illegal immigrants to their home countries. The group is expected to move to Johannesburg tomorrow. The Simbini Classic is currently underway at Pildage Stadium. Athlete Akane Simbini is expected to compete in the meet. Athletes including Akane Simbini are expected to participate in the event, according to the report. The South African government has allocated 12.5 billion to a project aimed at strengthening border security. The project is part of a broader government plan to enhance national border defenses. The Border Management Authority announced the appointment of five construction consortiums to redevelop six strategic ports of entry across South Africa. The project is estimated to cost 12.5 billion. The move aims to transform the local cryptocurrency payment landscape through this new integration.

The Baobab consortium, which includes companies such as Inyambar and the Coron consortia, is working to redevelop CoFontain. The project aims to implement new technologies to address illegal migration and the movement of illicit goods. The consortium's involvement is intended to rebuild the port infrastructure.

The Boxburg Magistrates Court granted bail of 30,000 rand each to Guruleni Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief Chulias Mkhwanazi and city manager Khaisul Rudla. City spokesperson Pakameel M. Benghase stated the matter is expected to be discussed at an upcoming council meeting to determine a way forward. Administrative work in the city will continue despite the ongoing case.

Lawyers for witness Mokhotzi sent a letter to the SABC complaining about the conduct of evidence leader Matthew Chaskalsen. The lawyers claim Chaskalsen approached the client in a manner intended to portray him as dishonest. Mokhotzi reported being subjected to aggressive and humiliating questioning during his appearance before the commission in November last year. He is expected to return to the commission at a later stage. Mokhotzi's lawyers stated in a letter to the SABC that the questioning was skewed and intended to portray the witness as dishonest. A witness named Mohodsi has alleged that the commission subjected him to skewed and biased questioning. Mohodsi claimed that leads he provided were not pursued and that evidence was selectively framed and presented. He also disputed being referred to as a state agent, stating there is no evidence to support that claim.

Suspended Suwan E Metro Police Department Deputy Chief Omashe Lameeni continued his testimony at the Malanga Commission on Tuesday. The testimony concerns allegations of tender interference. The commission is currently on its 98th day of proceedings. The testimony included questioning regarding his role in communications between suspended City of Johannesburg Chief Financial Officer Gareth Nisi and suspended organized crime unit member Sergeant Funding Coursey. The inquiry specifically addressed issues involving the payment of invoices. The testimony focused on the deputy chief's communications with suspended CFO Gareth Nisi and suspended sergeant Funding Coursey regarding invoice payment issues.

Education MEC Le Buang Maile stated that at least 48% of schools in Gauteng are overcrowded. The announcement was made during a news segment on SAfm. The figure represents a portion of the province's educational infrastructure. Building the required 200 new schools would cost 35 billion rand. Of the current 70 billion rand budget, 52 billion rand is allocated to educator salaries and only 8 billion rand goes directly to schools. Officials stated the province must think outside the box to address the crisis. The situation was described as chaotic during audits. Johannesburg officials announced that prefabricated classrooms will be brought to Brewer Primary School by next week to address severe overcrowding. The school currently holds approximately 2,000 students, which is more than double its intended capacity.

Absa has hired the former CEO of Deutsche Bank South Africa to lead its investment banking division.