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ALL THE BIG NAME CHANGES FOR SA CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES IN 2024
The South African Geographical Names Council (SAGNC) has been actively reshaping the country’s geographical identity through an extensive program of renaming cities, towns, villages, and other notable features, and this continued in 2024.
MASSIVE ELECTRICITY PRICE HIKE — D-DAY IS COMING
Energy regulator Nersa says that it will make a decision on Eskom’s application for a massive 36% price hike before the end of January 2025. The decision would have been made in December, but the deliberations were delayed due to an extended public hearing period, the information received and further clarification required, it said.
STORM BREWING OVER NEW SCHOOL LAWS
President Cyril Ramaphosa has clarified that the recently signed agreement between the Minister of Basic Education and Solidarity regarding two contentious clauses of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act “has no bearing.”
WE ASKED EVERY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT FOR COMMENT — THIS IS WHO ACTUALLY RESPONDED
Government spokespeople are critical in communicating government plans, programmes, and policies and in building and maintaining relations with journalists.
GOODBYE EAST LONDON – BIG NAME CHANGES COMING FOR SA
MEC for Sports, Recreation, Art and Culture in the Eastern Cape, Sibulele Ngongo, says her department is moving ahead with further name changes in the province, with big towns being targeted.
GOVERNMENT PROMISES AFFORDABLE NUCLEAR FOR SOUTH AFRICA
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says South Africa will seek to build a nuclear plant for electricity generation at “a scale and speed that we can afford”
NEW REGULATIONS TO FIX PUBLIC SCHOOLS – WITH TIGHT DEADLINES
The Department of Basic Education has gazetted new regulations which compel all schools in the country to meet minimum energy, sanitation and infrastructure standards—or put them in their active plans—within the next 12 to 18 months.
SARS HAS A NEW TARGET
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is ramping up its compliance efforts with high-net-worth individuals (HWIs) in South Africa and launching a fresh volley of notices targeting small and medium businesses (SMMEs).
BIG TAX HIKES ARE COMING
The African National Congress (ANC) has planned major social security changes for the country—the main ones being the BIG and the NHI—pointing to tax reforms and hikes as the main source of funding.
NHI HEADS TO COURT
A South African labor union and a medical-insurance industry body have challenged the government’s new health-insurance law in court.
BLOCKING PEOPLE FROM JOBS BASED ON CRIMINAL RECORDS – WHAT BOSSES SHOULD KNOW
A recently settled case in the Labour Court demonstrated that excluding a job applicant because of their criminal record is only lawful when the requirements of that job explicitly outline and justify the need for a clean criminal record.
IT TOOK TAXPAYERS IN SA 141 DAYS TO PAY FOR GOVERNMENT IN 2024 – NOW YOU ARE ‘FREE’
20 May 2024 marked “Tax Freedom Day” in South Africa – the first day of the year on which the nation as a whole has theoretically earned enough income to pay off the government’s tax burden.
BIG CHANGES TO TRAFFIC FINES IN SA COMING SOON
The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system, which streamlines traffic offences and introduces a demerit points system that could lead to suspended or cancelled licences, is expected to be rolled out across South Africa from 1 July 2024.
NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE IS NOW LAW IN SA
President Cyril Ramaphosa has made good on his promise to sign the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill into law before the 2024 national election, bringing the contentious healthcare system into South Africa’s reality.
CHANGES FOR DIVORCE IN SA SIGNED INTO LAW
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Divorce Amendment Bill into law, bringing changes to Muslim divorces in South Africa.
RAMAPHOSA SIGNS NEW HATE SPEECH LAW FOR SA
President Cyril Ramaphosa has given his approval to the Preventing and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill, which criminalises hate crimes and hate speech. The law also outlines the prosecution process for individuals who perpetrate these offences.
WHY SA'S 2024 ELECTIONS SHOULDN'T SCARE YOU
South Africa’s upcoming national election on 29 May 2024 is causing large amounts of anxiety, but Allan Gray says the country’s market tends to survive during periods of volatility.
SOUTH AFRICA'S R2.4 BILLION DOCTOR PROBLEM
According to the Department of Health, there are currently 2,012 unfunded vacant medical doctor posts in the health sector across South Africa’s nine provinces, and the government requires R2.4 billion to fill them.
TRANSMISSION COMPANY ON TRACK TO START TRADING BY JULY
The National Transmission Company of SA (NTCSA), which has been established as part of the unbundling of Eskom’s generation, distribution and transmission businesses, is expected to start trading by the beginning of July.
MASSIVE R550 PRE-PAID ELECTRICITY CHARGE FOR JOBURG – CITY POWER EXPLAINS
City of Joburg power utility City Power has refuted claims by the Democratic Alliance (DA) that it would be charging prepaid electricity users R554 a month on top of an 18.84% increase in electricity tariffs from July this year.
PROPOSED NEW LAW TO CHANGE THE CONSTITUTION IN SA – TARGETING CORRUPTION
Democratic Alliance member of parliament Glynnis Breytenbach has gazetted notice of a new private members’ bill she intends to introduce in parliament, looking to make the 21st amendment to South Africa’s constitution. The constitutional change, should it be approved and made law, would see a new Anti-Corruption Commission established in South Africa as a Chapter 9 institution.
SA'S NEW 'SPY BILL' STILL RAISING RED FLAGS
The General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill (GILAB) that is currently sitting in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) is set to undergo another process of public participation – but civil society groups are worried that crucial suggestions will fall on deaf ears.
INSURANCE PREMIUMS IN SA COULD SOON INCLUDE CLIMATE CHANGE RISKS
Major South African insurance company Santam is working on a technology-driven tool that helps underwriters determine when a property is at greater risk of climate change-related events.
NEW EXIT CERTIFICATE FOR SCHOOL KIDS IN SA – WHERE 40% DROP OUT
The GEC is a standardised qualification being piloted in South Africa for learners completing grade 9, which will give any school leavers some type of “currency” they can use to either find a job or pursue a different stream of schooling.
MORE MONEY FOR POOR SERVICE DELIVERY
Economist Dawie Roodt said South African public servants are overpaid and don’t deliver the quality services they are supposed to. Roodt’s comments come after Public Service and Administration Minister Noxolo Kiviet announced that public servants will receive a 4.7% salary increase.
MASSIVE PROPERTY, ELECTRICITY AND WATER RATE HIKES ON THE WAY
The draft budget proposals for the 2024/25 financial year have been presented by the major metros of South Africa, and they reveal that residents can expect a significant increase in tariffs.
BIG NAME CHANGES FOR SA PUSHED THROUGH – GOODBYE LADYSMITH
The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture has gazetted the latest round of name changes for South Africa, which includes the official changes for Ladysmith in KZN and William Nicol Drive in Joburg.
SOUTH AFRICA REQUIRES COMPREHENSIVE AI LEGISLATION
“South Africa’s ambition to be a player in the global Artificial Intelligence `{`AI`}` space necessitates a regulatory regime that can regulate the robustness of AI and the possible threats that it may impose on individuals and organisations.” This was argued by ICT legal experts at ENS Africa, Ridwaan Boda, Era Gunning and Lindo Ntuli, who prompted the discussion following the European Parliament passing pioneering Artificial Intelligence Act on 13 March – a first piece of legislation of this nature seen globally.
![“South Africa’s ambition to be a player in the global Artificial Intelligence [AI] space necessitates a regulatory regime that can regulate the robustness of AI and the possible threats that it may impose on individuals and organisations.” This was argued by ICT legal experts at ENS Africa, Ridwaan Boda, Era Gunning and Lindo Ntuli, who prompted the discussion following the European Parliament passing pioneering Artificial Intelligence Act on 13 March – a first piece of legislation of this nature seen globally.](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/01141212/Articificial-Intelligence-1024x690.jpg)
VEHICLE CHECKS AND VIDEO RECORDINGS AT ROADBLOCKS – KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
When you get pulled over by a traffic officer in South Africa, it can be a stressful and even frightening experience, even if you haven’t done anything wrong. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of your constitutional rights in this situation for the next time you encounter it.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PASSES 8 NEW BILLS – INCLUDING 'SPY BILL'
he National Assembly had a busy day on Tuesday (26 February), giving the green light to eight bills, including ones that see an overhaul of South Africa’s State Security Agency, retirement reform, and the creation of a water state-owned enterprise.
SOUTH AFRICA CAN'T AFFORD TO 'CLIMATE PROOF' ITS INFRASTRUCTURE
While much talk from cabinet has been about ramping up funding for climate-resilient infrastructure to mitigate the negative effects of climate-related weather events on property, there is a big problem – the government can’t afford it
GOVERNMENT PROMISES SOUTH AFRICA'S NEW CLIMATE FUND WONT GET LOOTED
Barbara Creecy, the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, has backed the creation of the Climate Response Fund, which she says represents a crucial measure to tackle the consequences of climate-related catastrophes – but assures that it will not suffer the same ill fate as other funds which had “no oversight”.
4 NEW BILLS PASSED BY PARLIAMENT – WITH BIG CHANGES FOR PENSIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA
The National Assembly has passed four Bills, with one having a significant impact on South Africa’s pension system. NA has passed the Revenue Laws Amendment Bill, the Plant Health (Phytosanitary) Bill, the Deeds Registries Amendment Bill, and the Municipal Fiscal Powers and Functions Amendment Bill.
NEW LAWS FOR SCHOOLS IN SOUTH AFRICA AN ‘OVERREACH BY THE STATE’: GOVERNING BODIES
As the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill moves closer to being signed into law, supporters hope that the new legislation will close many ‘loopholes’ in the education system. However, many school governing bodies (SGBs) continue to oppose the coming changes and worry that their concerns have fallen on deaf ears.
2024 BUDGET PREDICTIONS: TAX HIKES, MEDICAL AID CREDIT CHANGES AND MORE
The upcoming 2024 budget speech requires the Minister of Finance to prioritise disciplined budgeting, efficient tax collection, responsible spending, and sustainable economic growth promotion by promoting a balance between promoting economic development and easing the burden on South African households.
RAMAPHOSA DOUBLES DOWN ON BASIC INCOME GRANT FOR SOUTH AFRICA
President Cyril Ramaphosa has doubled down on plans to make the shift to a permanent Basic Income Grant a reality in South Africa. Delivering the 2024 State of the Nation Address, the president said that this will be done by extending and amending the Social Relief of Distress `{`SRD`}` Grant.
HOW MUCH PREPAID ELECTRICITY WILL COST AFTER THE 2024 PRICE HIKES
South Africans using prepaid electricity should expect a significant increase in their monthly bill from April this year. Last year, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) approved Eskom price increases of 18.65% for 2023/24 and a 12.74% increase that will start in April 2024.
ANOTHER MASSIVE ELECTRICITY PRICE HIKE HITTING SOUTH AFRICANS SOON
Despite having the worst year of load shedding in 2023, and many analysts noting it is firmly here to stay in 2024, South Africans must prepare for another double-digit Eskom tariff increase this year.
SOUTH AFRICA’S BIG PLAN TO END LOAD SHEDDING IS SERIOUSLY FLAWED
In the first week of 2024, the South African energy minister, Gwede Mantashe, released a proposed roadmap for the future of electricity in South Africa. Unfortunately, the draft Integrated Resource Plan is a major disappointment.
9 NEW LAWS WAITING TO BE SIGNED BY RAMAPHOSA – FROM NHI TO HATE SPEECH
With the national elections coming up, Parliament has been pushing through large amounts of legislation, with several laws only needing the President’s signature for assent.
PARLIAMENT'S MAD RUSH BEFORE END OF TERM
Parliament had a busy 2023, as lawmakers were steadfast in getting legislation to the president’s desk before the legislature comes to a close in May.
GOVERNMENT LOOKS TO FINALISE EXPROPRIATION LAWS AHEAD OF 2024 ELECTIONS
One of the first items on parliament’s agenda for 2024 is to bring the widely-debated Expropriation Bill into law ahead of this year’s general elections.
OUTRAGEOUS PREDICTIONS FOR 2024 – INCLUDING AN AI DEEPFAKE CRISIS, AND THE FALL OF CAPITALISM IN THE USA
Denmark-based Saxo Bank has continued its nearly two-decades tradition by publishing eight outrageous predictions for 2024.
BIG CHANGES TO PARENTAL LEAVE IN SOUTH AFRICA
A South African high court has ushered in a new era of parental leave with a landmark ruling that new parents can share four months of parental leave, previously available only to mothers.
ALL THE NEW NAME CHANGES FOR SOUTH AFRICAN CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES IN 2023
Throughout 2023, there have been several proposed name changes for towns and villages in South Africa as part of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture’s goal of speeding up transformation reflected across the country’s geographical landmarks.
THIS TAX IS NOT WORKING IN SOUTH AFRICA
The tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), known as the Health Promotion Levy (HPL), has been ineffective in reducing the nation’s sugar intake and obesity levels.
SOUTH AFRICA BACKS GLOBAL CLIMATE DEAL TO KISS FOSSIL FUELS GOODBYE
The South African government has welcomed a deal struck at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, where nearly 200 countries have agreed to begin moving away from fossil fuels by ramping up renewable energy to counter the impact of climate change.
WARNING OVER NEW SMOKING LAWS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Gauteng residents are divided on the hotly contested draft Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill, with businesses warning that implementing the new laws will have negative consequences for the country’s township economy.
