South Africa

Openserve, has announced its hosting of the Southern Africa Telecommunications Association Annual Conference. The conference began yesterday and will end on Friday at the Sandton Convention Centre. The Annual Conference is the premier information and communications technology event in the Southern African Development Community region. It will feature panel discussions on some of the most pressing issues and opportunities, that are shaping the region’s digital future. OpenServe CEO Selby Khuzwayo: SOUND

A housing startup is tackling South Africa’s housing crisis one backyard at a time.
Bitprop builds and manages micro-apartments at no upfront cost to homeowners in underserved townships. In Cape Town, 70-year-old Nonkosi Klaas, once dependent on a modest pension, now earns above the national median income by renting out six backyard units. Klaas is one of 100 homeowners in Cape Town partnering with Bitprop, which was founded in 2019 by Swedish entrepreneur Carl Fredrik Sammeli. The initiative is helping to grow affordable housing while turning ordinary residents into successful landlords.

Hasher Family Wines has been awarded "Winery of the Year" at the prestigious 2025 London Wine Competition. The winning wine Ernest Pinot Noir is a proud achievement for South Africas winemaking on a global stage. The London Wine Competition has established itself as one of the world's most respected wine competitions. What makes this achievement particularly special is that wines aren't judged solely on taste – they're evaluated holistically based on quality, value, and packaging. SOUND

The VAT rate will remain at 15% from 1 May 2025, reversing the planned increase announced in March. This decision follows consultations and could lead to a 75 billion rand revenue shortfall. To address this, the Finance Minister will withdraw current budget bills and propose revised spending plans. New versions of the bills are expected in the coming weeks.

Director of Ferndale-based psychosocial and mental health non-profit organisation, Phola, has won three Women Changing the World Awards at a ceremony in London. Ncube-Mlilo, a world-renowned narrative therapist and psychosocial specialist, secured the People’s Choice Award for Non-Profit and Social Enterprise, as well as the Women in Therapy and Counselling Services Award.She also received the Golden Heart Award, recognizing women who serve the world with love and care. The People’s Choice Award was determined by public voting, while the other two were selected by the Women Changing the World judges.

Hasher Family Wines has been awarded "Winery of the Year" at the prestigious 2025 London Wine Competition. The winning wine Ernest Pinot Noir is a proud achievement for South Africas winemaking on a global stage. The London Wine Competition has established itself as one of the world's most respected wine competitions. What makes this achievement particularly special is that wines aren't judged solely on taste – they're evaluated holistically based on quality, value, and packaging, reflecting the real-world factors that wine lovers consider when choosing their next bottle. SOUND

Openserve, has announced its hosting of the Southern Africa Telecommunications Association Annual Conference. The conference began yesterday and will end on Friday at the Sandton Convention Centre. The Annual Conference is the premier information and communications technology event in the Southern African Development Community region. It will feature panel discussions on some of the most pressing issues and opportunities, that are shaping the region’s digital future. OpenServe CEO Selby Khuzwayo: SOUND

Although economists in the country expected inflation to slowly start increasing, in March it decreased slightly. Headline consumer inflation decreased for the first time in five months, edging lower to 2.7% in March from 3.2% in February. This was due to lower fuel prices and softer inflation for education. Statistics SA says data shows that the fuel index softened by 0.4% from February, taking the annual rate from -3.6% to -8.8%. A litre of 95-octane petrol (inland) cost R22.34 in March, down from R24.45 a year before. The average price for diesel decreased to R22.80 from R24.85 over the same period.

Kendrick Lamar leads this year’s American Music Awards nominations with a total of 10, including artist of the year, album of the year (GNX) and song of the year (“Not Like Us”). He has three of the five nominees for favorite hip-hop song: “Like That” with Future and Metro Boomin, “Not Like Us,” and “Luther” with SZA. Lamar, who already has three AMA's, could tie with Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston for the most awards in a single year, should he win in all eight categories.

Ncazeko Ncube-Milo has earned two prestigious gold medals for her groundbreaking work in mental health advocacy, at the Women Changing the World Awards in London.

The Diepsloot-based psychologist and narrative therapist was recognised for her commitment in uplifting marginalised communities through her non-profit organization PHOLA.

The global awards programme recognizes the work of incredible women, who are making a positive difference in the world, across a wide range of industries including business, health, education, innovation, and technology.

The Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has praised law enforcement officials for implementing effective road safety measures during the Easter weekend.

The Minister highlighted the rare achievement of the N1 route in Limpopo, which has not recorded any fatal crashes during the Easter holidays.
Clip 1 - Barbara Creecy

Pan-African tech firm Cassava Technologies has announced plans to build the continent’s first ‘AI factory’ in South Africa.

The move will see artificial intelligence software being deployed at the company’s data centres in South Africa from June 2025.

The firm, which was founded by Zimbabwean businessman Strive Masiyawa, says its accelerated computing platforms will play a crucial role in Africa’s AI ecosystem.

Motorists could see another drop in fuel prices in May. Mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund suggests that petrol may decrease by around 20 to 30 cents per litre, and diesel by up to 50 cents. Currently, 95 Unleaded petrol costs R20.83 at the coast and R21.62 inland, while 93 Unleaded sells for R21.51 inland.Oil prices have fallen sharply due to global uncertainty, including the US–China trade war and increased oil production by OPEC+.

Rosebank residents put on a stellar performance at the South African Sprint Championships, showcasing speed, skill, and determination. Their impressive efforts led to team selections for the national squad, set to represent South Africa at major international sprint events. The competition was fierce, but Rosebank’s athletes proved their talent on the track, earning recognition.

Not Impossible Labs have created a vest allowing deaf people to feel music. Vibrating modules compose, translate and send audio vibrations wirelessly to the users body. Not Impossible is a Vibrotextile wearable technology that translates sound onto the skin through vibration. Inspired by the deaf community, this technology provides all users a unique and nuanced music experience. SOUND

Rand Water will be conducting maintenance on the Palmiet Pump station from the 2nd to the 16th of May.The maintenance will affect water supply in several Johannesburg Water systems including Sandton, Alexandra, South Hills, Midrand and Linksfield. Johannesburg Water Spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala, says Johannesburg Water will make arrangements for alternative water supply, but says residents are encouraged to store water in preparation for the maintenance

The Department of Employment and Labour has launched a 514-million rand program to help nearly 10,000 young people in Mpumalanga find jobs. The Labour Activation Programme will provide training and employment in sectors like agriculture, ICT, hospitality, and construction across four districts and 11 municipalities. Employment and Labour Spokesperson Teboho Thejane: SOUND

The SA Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) has partnered with American Grammy award-winning rapper Doechi in a powerful global initiative aimed at raising awareness about anxiety and mental health struggles among youth and creatives. The collaboration features the launch of the Anxiety Is Watching Me website, which is a digital resource hub. The platform offers support, tools and resources for those navigating the challenges of anxiety and panic disorders. Doechi known for her genre-bending style and raw lyrical vulnerability, said the project stems from her own experiences.

Applications for Phase 5 of the Basic Education Employment Initiative are now open.
The programme offers over 204,000 job opportunities for unemployed youth aged 18 to 34 across South Africa.

Successful applicants will work in schools as Education Assistants or General School Assistants, helping teachers, supporting learners, and keeping school environments safe and clean.
Other roles include helping with reading programmes, computer support, sports, arts, and admin tasks.
Jobs start on 1 June 2025 and end on 30 November 2025.

Motorists could see another drop in fuel prices in May, following April’s welcome cuts.
Mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund suggests that petrol may decrease by around 20 to 30 cents per litre, and diesel by up to 50 cents. However, a weaker rand is holding back even bigger savings at the pumps.
If the rand had stayed strong, drivers might have seen cuts of up to 55 cents for petrol and 75 cents for diesel.
Oil prices have fallen sharply due to global uncertainty, including the US–China trade war and increased oil production by OPEC+. But with economic volatility continuing, final price changes will only be confirmed later this month.
Currently, 95 Unleaded petrol costs R20.83 at the coast and R21.62 inland, while 93 Unleaded sells for R21.51 inland.

Afro-soul icon Lira is making a major return to the spotlight at the upcoming Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2025 — her first major festival performance since suffering a stroke in 2022.
The stroke left her unable to read, write, or speak, but through sheer determination and therapy, she’s slowly reclaimed her voice.

Lira says performing again feels strange and that the love from fans has helped her healing journey.
Although she’s been singing since May last year, this moment marks a milestone in her comeback.

She’ll be performing crowd favorites like “Feel Good,” “Hamba,” “Believer,” and “Something Inside So Strong.”

Rand Water will be conducting maintenance on the Palmiet Pump station from the 2nd to the 16th of May.

The maintenance will affect water supply in several Johannesburg Water systems including Sandton, Alexandra, South Hills, Midrand and Linksfield.

Johannesburg Water Spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala, says Johannesburg Water will make arrangements for alternative water supply, but says residents are encouraged to store water in preparation for the maintenance.

The Gauteng Department of e-Government has installed an additional 193 CCTV cameras in Townships and Informal Settlements.

The MEC for e-Government, Bonginkosi Dhlamini,
says the expansion of CCTV surveillance in these areas, is a key part of ensuring a safer Gauteng.

The expansion follows the success of the first two phases, which saw 300 cameras deployed.

Afro-soul icon Lira is making a major return to the spotlight at the upcoming Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2025 — her first major festival performance since suffering a stroke in 2022.
The stroke left her unable to read, write, or speak, but through sheer determination and therapy, she’s slowly reclaimed her voice.

Lira says performing again feels strange and that the love from fans has helped her healing journey.
Although she’s been singing since May last year, this moment marks a milestone in her comeback.

She’ll be performing crowd favorites like “Feel Good,” “Hamba,” “Believer,” and “Something Inside So Strong.”

The Gauteng Department of e-Government has installed an additional 193 CCTV cameras in Townships and Informal Settlements.

The MEC for e-Government, Bonginkosi Dhlamini,
says the expansion of CCTV surveillance in these areas, is a key part of ensuring a safer Gauteng.

The expansion follows the success of the first two phases, which saw 300 cameras deployed.

The Department of Basic Education together with the Sport, Arts and Culture Department hosted the 2025 National School Sports Championships Autumn Games, at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.


The championships are aimed at ensuring that all South African Primary and High school learners are provided with access to participate in an organized sport programme and an opportunity to partake in at least one sporting code through their schooling lives.

The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee is currently undergoing a consultative process to bid for the 2036 and 2040 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The International Olympic Committee welcomed a proposal from South Africa, in November last year, to begin outlining discussions over hosting the Olympic Games.

Rand Water will be conducting maintenance on the Palmiet Pump station from the 2nd to the 16th of May.

The maintenance will affect water supply in several Johannesburg Water systems including Sandton, Alexandra, South Hills, Midrand and Linksfield.

Johannesburg Water Spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala, says Johannesburg Water will make arrangements for alternative water supply, but says residents are encouraged to store water in preparation for the maintenance.

Three young cyclists from the Gauta BMX club in Limpopo have gained popularity as they embarked on a cross-country cycling adventure from Burgersfort to Cape Town.

Gauta Mahlakoane, Karabo Mokoo, and Maxwell Ndou arrived in Cape Town after embarking on a 1,700 km journey to the mother city, in efforts to raise funds and sponsorship for their bike club.

Their campaign is dedicated to raising awareness on social ills that are affecting South African communities.

The 21st of April marks world innovation and creativity day.
Designated by the United Nations, the day aims to highlight the importance of creativity and innovation in various aspects of human development, including economic growth and social progress.

The initiative raises awareness on the need to strengthen creative industries and to promote artistic freedom.