South Africa

The much-loved annual Dlala Nje Easter Egg Hunt, returned to the Ponte Tower in Johannesburg, bringing joy and excitement to the heart of Joburg.

Children explored the iconic landmark, searching for hidden eggs and enjoying a day filled with laughter and community spirit.

The egg hunt offers more than just fun, but is also an opportunity to give back, as visitors were encouraged to donate Easter eggs for underprivileged children in support of the Dlala Nje Kids Programme, celebrating the season while making a difference in the community.

Eskom has confirmed that there will be no load shedding for the remainder of the Easter long weekend.

The power utility says it had ramped up its planned maintenance programme, in preparation for the anticipated increase in electricity demand, as the colder season approaches.

Spokesperson, Daphne Mokwena, says the utility was working to ensure the grid remained stable throughout the long weekend.

The highly anticipated Diamonds & Dorings Festival, has returned to the Diamond Oval in Kimberley, following a 4 year hiatus.

The event has long been a staple in the Northern Cape’s cultural calendar, through its redefinition of the festival experience, blending luxury and music.

Executive Mayor Martha Bartlett,
says the festival’s impact extends beyond entertainment and has emphasized the significance of the event, in local tourism and economic development.

The iconic Rand Show is back at Nasrec's Johannesburg Expo Centre - continuing its 130-year legacy as the country's ultimate family destination during the Easter holiday period.

The annual Show draws large crowds to the south of Johannesburg's city center, with highlights including a dedicated kids’ zone, bustling shopping halls, food trucks, and live entertainment.

The Rand Show attracts more than 80 000 visitors each year.

The Border Management Authority, says it expects a peak in traffic during the influx of the return leg of travelers from the Easter long weekend.

The BMA says it will continue to intensify operations and
says it has deployed advanced technology, including drones and body-worn cameras,
for additional support.

Authorities have also extended their working hours to ensure the smooth processing of travellers and cargo trucks.

South African entrepreneur and innovation leader, Jamie Thurston Wyngaard, has been named a recipient of the prestigious Global Forty Under 40 Award, which was held in Dubai recently.

Wyngaard's company Loop, has grown to a valuation of over R187 million in just two years, delivering cutting-edge payment technologies such as Chat-to-Pay, Tap-to-Pay, and the recently launched Pay with Palm system.

Loop has facilitated the distribution of more than 50-million rand into the informal market, advancing economic participation and financial inclusion.

The 40 under 40 Awards aims to recognize and celebrate a select group of the most influential and accomplished young business leaders under the age of forty.

The City of Johannesburg's waste management company Pikitup, has continued with operations during the Easter holiday period.

Residents whose waste is scheduled for collection on the 21st of April, are advised to place their bins outside their properties for collection.

Pikitup's multi-purpose waste management facilities has also remained open to help prevent illegal dumping.

With increased traffic and more people traveling on South African roads this long weekend, authorities are urging drivers to stay alert and to adhere to the rules of the road.

The Automobile Association of South Africa's Spokesperson, Eleanor Mavimbela, says both drivers and pedestrians can contribute to safer roads during the busy travel period.

Dozens of humanoid robots took to the streets of Beijing on Saturday, joining thousands of runners in a world-first, half marathon.

The 21-kilometre event, which was held in the Chinese capital's E-Town, was billed as a groundbreaking effort to test the limits of bipedal robots in real-world conditions.

20 teams from across China participated in the competition, with robots ranging from 75 to 180 centimetres tall and weighing up to 88 kilograms.

China says the marathon is a showcase of the country’s drive to lead the global race in cutting-edge technology.

Toll gates across Gauteng have seen high volumes of vehicles across the province as thousands of South Africans traveled to various destinations for religious observances and family gatherings during the Easter long weekend.

Gauteng Traffic Police, together with the SAPS, have been conducting roadblocks on major routes, to ensure road safety.

The Free State marked a heartwarming start to the Easter weekend with the birth of 15 babies on Good Friday.

Provincial Health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi, has congratulated the mothers of the newborn babies,
and urged them to adhere to postnatal care guidelines to support the health and development of their children.

Health department spokesperson Mondli Mvambi said that the safe delivery of the babies highlighted the dedication of healthcare workers and the importance of continued investment in maternal and neonatal care.

G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors will gather for a two-day meeting scheduled to take place in the United States later this month.

The meeting is part of the Finance Track under South Africa’s G20 presidency, which will gather finance ministers and central bank governors of G20 member countries, and international organisations to discuss financial stability, and policies aimed at fostering economic growth.

The Finance Track is co-chaired by Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, and South African Reserve Bank Governor, Lesetja Kganyago.

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.