Stories from South Africa

Discovery Bank CEO Hilton Kellner discussed a new consumer spending report involving 12 million clients and credit cards. The data aims to identify specific areas of the economy experiencing contraction or growth. Overall discretionary spending in South Africa increased relative to inflation during 2025. The increase is attributed to four successive interest rate cuts implemented throughout 2025. The trend reflects an injection of liquidity into the national economy. Consumer spending in South Africa continues to rise in the post-COVID era. Key drivers of this growth include travel and interest in medical innovations such as GLP-1 weight loss drugs. Financial leaders are utilizing this qualitative research to inform business decision-making across the healthcare and banking sectors. Approximately 46% of surveyed South Africans who bet safely are participating in the market.

Professor Richard Van Sales Smith from the University of Cape Town released research regarding e-cigarette usage. The study found that e-cigarettes are becoming prevalent among African high school learners. The findings were presented during a broadcast on SAFM. A study of 25,000 learners conducted by Richard Fancell Smith at the University of Cape Town found that e-cigarettes are now the most commonly used inhaled substance. Educators report that vaping is disrupting classroom lessons as students use devices on school grounds. The research indicates vaping is frequently linked to cannabis and tobacco use. The findings highlight a health challenge for young children in educational settings. Medical personnel are monitoring the health implications of this trend in local schools. Reports indicate nicotine use is disrupting school classes as students vape during lessons.

English golfer Esme Hamilton secured her first European Tour title at the South African Open. She successfully defended her lead against fellow English competitor Cara Gainer to claim the victory.

Musician Kenny Bevvula was buried at a cemetery in Bevvula village outside Malamulele. Bevvula died last week at the age of 53 following a battle with cancer. Premier Dr. Popirama Tuba conveyed condolences to the family via a message from A&C BEMBE Deputy Chairperson Meyalani Jauh. The musician is noted for leaving a lasting legacy.

The community is mourning the death of Chidonga musician Kenny Bevola, who died last week at age 53 following a battle with cancer. Traditional leaders and Mayor Moses Malulake attended the mourning proceedings. Three suspects are expected to appear in court regarding separate murders involving individuals who were part of the community.

Health MEC DiGietzeng Masheho confirmed the death of the second baby in a set of triplets due to respiratory distress complications. This follows the death of the first boy in the triplet set earlier this week. The surviving child is currently receiving specialized care at Manguang Hospital. The children were reportedly abducted from their home in Guadalupe on Tuesday nights.

Members of the March & March group are targeting individuals suspected of being undocumented migrants in Durban. The group is reportedly conducting unauthorized arrests and looting shops. Mike Milovou of the CAX anti-xenophobia coalition confirmed that videos of these attacks have circulated on social media for several weeks.

A new surge of xenophobic violence has been reported in the coastal city of Durban, South Africa. The situation has drawn international attention and indignation in cities such as Accra. Demonstrators are also targeting immigrants by blocking access to schools and clinics. Mike Milovou of the CAX coalition reported that these groups have been illegally obstructing essential services for several months. Militant groups identified as March & March are targeting migrants in Durban, claiming to oppose illegal immigration. Local coalitions, including CAX, are monitoring the social media footage of these incidents. Protests against migrants are planned for Johannesburg and Pretoria. Over 3 million foreign nationals currently reside in the country and are seeking stronger government protection.

The South African Constitutional Court ruled that the South African Human Rights Commission (SHRC) maintains constitutional importance despite lacking legally binding enforcement powers. The Commission said the need for careful reading of the judgment to avoid ultra vires actions. No specific timeline for legislative changes was provided. Spokespeople said the commission's ongoing role in protecting the rights of vulnerable and poor populations. The court affirmed the commission's function as a watchdog to ensure South Africans can access avenues for addressing human rights violations. The Constitutional Court has issued a judgment said the investigative role of the Commission for Gender Equality. The organization said that the move is intended to fulfill its mandate to protect human rights.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed a high-level event at Wits University regarding global inequality. He said that addressing inequality requires collective architecture of reform and credible monitoring. Ramaphosa noted that actionable insights must guide governments, multinational agencies, academia, and civil society. The speech followed the publication of the first G20 Inequality Report last year. He stressed that social and economic development remains severely constrained by these disparities. He cited the G20 Inequality Report which shows the richest 1 percent of the global population captured 41 percent of all new wealth between 2000 and 2024. The report notes the poorer half of humanity captured only 1 percent of new wealth created in that period.