South Africa

Toll gates across Gauteng, including the busy Kranskop Toll Plaza on the N1, have seen a surge in traffic as thousands travel for Easter. Over 2,000 vehicles per hour were recorded, with roads expected to remain congested throughout the weekend. Law enforcement, including Gauteng Traffic Police and SAPS, are conducting roadblocks to monitor speeding, drunk driving, and vehicle roadworthiness. Motorists are urged to be patient, follow traffic rules, and plan ahead to avoid delays and ensure a safe journey.

The Border Management Authority (BMA) says it is fully prepared to handle high traffic volumes across South Africa’s ports of entry this Easter weekend. Executive teams have been deployed nationwide, with drones and body cams enhancing surveillance and real-time response. At the Lebombo border alone, over 16,000 travelers were processed in a single day. The BMA is also targeting illegal crossings, especially at Beitbridge, using AI-powered drones to detect and intercept unauthorized entries. Dr. Michael Masiapato confirmed operations are running smoothly.

The South African Presidency of the Group of Twenty is this week convened the second Development Working Group meeting in the Western Cape. The gathering plays a pivotal role in shaping global development priorities, while serving as a platform for in-depth discussions on key development challenges and cooperative solutions.
The meeting will brought together representatives from G20 member states, and international organisations to deliberate on policies that foster inclusive economic growth. The BMA says it has also deployed drones and body-worn cameras for additional technological support.

The Rand Show is underway at the Johannesburg expo this Easter Weekend, offering an unforgettable Easter experience for families. This year’s underwater theme brings the beach to Joburg with an aquarium, sandcastles, and a beach play area. Attractions include the Big Bounce inflatable zone, MamaMagic exhibits, and expert advice for growing families..

The Splash Festival has kicked off in Gqeberha, promising to electrify the city over the Easter weekend. The four-day event offers live music from local talent, an Easter egg hunt, and various kids’ activities.
Attendees can also enjoy celebrity chef cooking demonstrations. Families are invited to participate in the festivities:

As the Easter weekend kicks off, the eThekwini Municipality is urging beachgoers to prioritise safety with large crowds expected along the coastline. Lifeguards are on full alert, anticipating a surge in visitors due to warm, clear weather forecasts.
Officials advise the public to swim only between the red and yellow flags, where lifeguards are stationed. Beachgoers are also warned against swimming under the influence of alcohol. In case of trouble, raising a hand will alert lifeguards for assistance.

Renowned music producer Lebo M has been honoured by the Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
The Premier says the producer's legacy will live beyond his years.

Lesufi was speaking at the I’m from Soweto event,
Which was held in Rosebank last week in honour of the Legendry producer, ahead of his first ever live performance in South Africa today.

The Oscar nominee and Grammy award winner, has been recognized globally for his role in bringing African music to the world – as a composer, producer and performer.

Sport minister Gayton McKenzie has Sport minister Gayton McKenzie has announced a multi-million rand boost for professional boxing in the country.

The minister announced some major changes to the sport at the boxing indaba earlier in the year.
McKenzie has tasked Boxing SA and promoters to push the minimum purses for fighters from R4,000 to R20,000.
Speaking at a banquet to honour 36 boxing legends and former stars.
in the country.
The minister announced some major changes to the sport at the boxing indaba earlier in the year.

McKenzie has tasked Boxing SA and promoters to push the minimum purses for fighters from R4,000 to R20,000.
Speaking at a banquet to honour 36 boxing legends and former stars.

South Africa’s Border Management Authority says it is ready for the responsibilities it will face when the country plays host to a G20 summit for the first time in the African continent, later this year.

Speaking at a Colloquium on Migration and Border Security earlier this month, BMA commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato, said it would be expected of the BMA to be “up to the task” to ensure border security and to secure entry into the country, for heads of state and associate dignatories.

The Gauteng government has signed a provincial Agreement, on cross-boundary law enforcement.

The agreement makes provision for arms of the policing service, to move across traditional boundaries, ensuring better coordination between branches of law enforcement.

The memorandum brings together Gauteng Provincial Government, the South African Police Service, municipal police departments and local and district municipalities.

The KwaZulu-Natal Education Department has successfully appointed over 1000 new teachers to ensure that no classroom is left without a qualified teacher.
Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka says over 1 530 Post Level 1 teachers, were appointed between January and April this year.

The MEC highlighted that most of the vacancies were in critical subject areas, including Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and technical subjects.

The Innovation Start up Exchange Programme is connecting South African and Chinese students through joint learning, skills exchange, and exposure to best practices in entrepreneurship and start-up development.

A group of UJ students travelled across Beijing, Shanghai, and Nanjing, where they participated in academic sessions and engaged with industry leaders.

The programme offers hands-on learning through site visits to leading innovation hubs and industrial operations.

City Power has launched a R15 million solar-powered streetlight project covering areas such as Midrand, Glen Austin, and surrounding communities.
The initiative aims to improve safety, curb maintenance costs, and reduce infrastructure-related crimes.
The project forms part of City Power’s broader plan to meet growing infrastructure needs in Johannesburg’s expanding urban areas.

President Ramaphosa met with the Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and the Provincial Executive Council at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, ealier this week, to discuss ways to strengthen collaboration and opportunities in the province.
The President reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthen intergovernmental relations.

The engagement marked the fifth formal meeting between the national and provincial executives since November last year, following similar sessions in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng.

The South African Presidency of the Group of Twenty has convened the second Development Working Group meeting in the Western Cape.

The gathering plays a pivotal role in shaping global development priorities, while serving as a platform for in-depth discussions on key development challenges and cooperative solutions.

The meeting will brought together representatives from G20 member states, and international organisations to deliberate on policies that foster inclusive economic growth.

The City of Johannesburg is urging all spaza shop and small business owners across South Africa to register for the Spaza Shop Support Fund, which has changed the landscape for small business owners across country.

The fund will provide support to eligible community convenience shops, to increase their participation in the township and rural areas’ retail trade sector.
The City says the funding aims to uplift local entrepreneurs and to build a stronger economy from the ground up.

The KwaZulu-Natal Education Department has successfully appointed over 1000 new teachers to ensure that no classroom is left without a qualified teacher.

Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka says over 1 530 Post Level 1 teachers, were appointed between January and April this year.

The MEC highlighted that most of the vacancies were in critical subject areas, including Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and technical subjects.

The African Astronomical Society's 2025 Conference took place at the University of South Africa, bringing together experts, researchers, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond.

The hybrid event celebrates Africa's growing contributions to astronomy, featuring cutting-edge scientific advancements, impactful outreach, and exciting youth initiatives.

AFAS executive committee member, Dr. Sinenhlanhla Sikhosana.

The N3 Toll Concession expects traffic volumes heading to Johannesburg to increase from Monday, as holidaymakers make their way back into the province.

The toll concession expects at least 2,000 vehicles to pass through the route per hour.
The Operations manager, Thania Dhoogra, says the busy traffic conditions are expected to continue until Tuesday.

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority Michael Masiapato, will be on the ground to monitor the accelerated security control measures at the Lebombo port of entry, during the Easter holiday period.

The Commissioner will monitor deployments and travel movements and says an estimated 22 000 people are expected to cross through the Border Post during the holidays.

The BMA says it has also deployed drones and body-worn cameras for additional technological support.

Lesotho has granted a license to Elon Musk's Starlink to operate a satellite network and to provide satellite internet services in the country.

The Lesotho Communications Authority, says the license will be valid for 10 years.

The Authority says the decision marks a significant step forward in the country's digital transformation and that it underscores the country's unwavering commitment, to enabling a competitive communications sector.

The City of Johannesburg's waste management company Pikitup, will continue with operations during the Easter public holidays.

Residents whose waste is scheduled for collection on Friday the18 April and on Monday the 21st of April, are advised to place their bins outside their properties for collection.
Pikitup's multi-purpose waste management facilities will also remain open to help prevent illegal dumping.

The Border Management Authority says it has ensured it has enough boots on the ground this weekend.
The Authority says it will be monitoring the processing of travelers at the Beitbridge border post to ensure a smooth journey for travelers.
The Home affairs minister Leon Schreiber confirmed the introduction of technologies, including drones and body cameras, earlier this month, which will be implemented by the Border Management Authority.

Sport minister Gayton McKenzie has announced a multi-million rand boost for professional boxing in the country.
The minister announced some major changes to the sport at the boxing indaba earlier in the year.
Mc Kenzie has tasked Boxing SA and promoters to push the minimum purses for fighters from R4,000 to R20,000.
The Minister was peaking at a banquet to honour 36 boxing legends and former stars.

South Africa’s most iconic annual consumer exhibition, The Rand Easter Show is underway at the Johannesburg Expo Centre.
At the heart of the event is the South African National Defence Force display, showcasing impressive equipment and action-packed demonstrations, that captivate the audience from diverse backgrounds and ages.

The display highlights the South African Armed Forces' capabilities and commitment to community engagement.
The iconic show boasts an impressive lineup of entertainment, retail, and activations, ensuring a captivating experience for all.

The Basic Education Ministry has launched a transformative campaign to expand access to quality Early Childhood Development in South Africa.

The Basic Education minister, Siviwe Gwarube, is collaborating with the private sector and civil society to ensure every child, benefits from early education.

The aim is to register ten thousand ECD centers this year.

Government has welcomed the recent findings by Intelpoint's Research, which rank South Africa as the second most literate country on the African continent, with an adult literacy rate of 95%.
The achievement stands as a testament to the effectiveness of government’s progressive education policies and programmes, that have been implemented since the advent of democracy in 1994.
Government continues to prioritize literacy development in the foundational years of education, and through Early Childhood Development programmes.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has introduced a crime fighting masterplan for the province, under the banner, "One province. One plan. One mission" campaign.

The Premier together with law enforcement departments and the City's entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding during a provincial Safety Agreement Ceremony at the UJ Soweto Campus on Tuesday.

The agreement seeks to unite all law enforcement and the City's entities in the province in a bid to tackle crime in an integrated manner.

The Matlosana Local Municipality in Klerksdorp in North West says the R15 billion Urban Blue International Gas-to Power investment will go a long way in addressing the municipality's ailing electricity infrastructure and mounting energy debt to Eskom.

This investment will also boost the local economy, through the construction of a Gas-to-Power Plant, capable of producing 99MW of electricity.

Urban Blue International is expected to sell the generated electricity to the government and local communities, with ownership set to be transferred to the municipality, after a 20 year period.

Team South Africa made an incredible impact at the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition in China, earning awards for their outstanding scientific projects after competing against some of the brightest young scientists from around the world.

The 44th Youth Science Creation Competition was hosted at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, aimed to promote the advancement of youth scientific and technological endeavours