Daily Maverick

The Western Cape experienced its driest July in decades, exacerbating concerns for South Africa as a predicted strong El Niño threatens to bring widespread impacts. The current dry spells, though not El Niño-related, are complicating preparations for the anticipated weather phenomenon.

Nelson Mandela Bay's R6-million mobile surveillance vehicle, Loerbroer, could return to service by August after nearly five years out of action. While the vehicle is almost fully repaired, its gunshot detection system remains stalled with no timeline for restoration.

The City of Johannesburg may continue billing homeowners for utility services even after selling their property. The article advises against paying these bills and outlines steps to resolve the account.

South Africa's Johannesburg and South African Police Service (SAPS) may see new leaders, but the article suggests that changing leadership alone is unlikely to drive substantive institutional change.

Inspector General Imtiaz Fazel's affidavit details how former police minister Senzo Mchunu orchestrated a power dynamic to neutralize him, exposing significant oversight challenges in South Africa's intelligence framework.

Cyril Ramaphosa argues that ongoing impeachment proceedings will cause humiliation and has filed an urgent application with the High Court to halt the inquiry into Phala Phala allegations.

Two massive data centres near Cape Town International Airport have received initial regulatory approval despite concerns over their high water and energy consumption. The project cleared the first hurdle set by the Cape Town municipal tribunal.

Chief Justice Mandisa Maya warns that chronic under-resourcing and incomplete judicial independence are slowing justice and undermining public confidence in South African courts.

The Lindela Repatriation Centre in South Africa is struggling to accommodate growing numbers of migrants seeking to return home, leading to two buses carrying Malawian nationals being turned away due to capacity issues and reports of poor living conditions.

The article discusses how South Africa and its government are being defined by a small, vocal group as 30 June undermines collective humanity. The author claims this is a systematically planned strategy.

South Africa's xenophobia crisis is attributed to governance failures in preventing violence and ensuring accountability, rather than a lack of laws or awareness. Emerging anti-migrant threats highlight the state's challenge to break a cycle of impunity.

Thousands of Soweto residents participated in a peaceful demonstration against illegal immigration, expressing concerns about its effects on local communities, jobs, and resources. The event was reported by Daily Maverick.

The article discusses how Helen Zille in Johannesburg and the MK Party could be significant winners in South Africa's 2026 election. It highlights the focus on local government elections scheduled for 4 November, with analysis of potential political shifts.

Five black American workers are suing a Mississippi farmer, alleging he pays higher wages to white South African guest workers. The farmer faces legal action for favoring non-American laborers, according to the lawsuit.

Residents in Gqeberha demand immediate action to address persistent waste management failures, escalating illegal dumping, and health risks linked to municipal neglect.

Khusta Jack, a veteran student activist, warns that current leaders are dismantling the achievements of the liberation struggle, risking the loss of what was fought for in 1976. The article appears in Daily Maverick.

South Africa's government has repatriated 2,745 foreign nationals since President Cyril Ramaphosa announced plans to address illegal immigration. The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration is intensifying enforcement amid rising anti-foreigner protests.

The article discusses South Africa's ongoing societal and leadership challenges, highlighting unfulfilled promises from the generation associated with the 1976 movement. It describes a nation grappling with systemic decline and a struggle for its identity.

The article argues that South Africa's constitution, which emphasizes dignity, should be central to discussions about migration. It positions constitutional pride as a strength rather than a weakness in the context of migration debates.

Mass shootings continue in Gauteng, South Africa, despite a recent decline in murder rates. The incidents primarily affect poor communities, and the police are criticized for not doing enough to prevent them.

Cocaine from Brazil is being intercepted in South Africa, with accusations that law enforcers are colluding with traffickers. Daily Maverick analyzed clues from crackdowns in both countries to identify potential Brazilian cartel members involved.

South Africa's government has been delaying the mandatory vetting of teachers against the National Register for Sex Offenders for three years, leaving over 119,000 educators unchecked and raising concerns about learner safety. The slow implementation has exacerbated fears about the effectiveness of the process.

A gang of 10 armed suspects opened fire indiscriminately in the Jumpers informal settlement in South Africa, killing 12 people. Gauteng police are conducting a manhunt, and the attack is suspected to be linked to illegal mining.

Johannesburg's city manager, Dr Floyd Brink, stated that rising revenue collections have stabilized the city's finances during a parliamentary session, despite municipal entities writing off R45bn in wasteful expenditure. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana threatened to withhold funding.

The article argues that South Africa's greatest threat is not migration but the tendency to blame migrants for state-created issues. It criticizes President Cyril Ramaphosa for acknowledging xenophobia while perpetuating myths about migrants.

An extortionist is targeting a Langa madrasa in Cape Town, demanding 'protection' payments and making threats. Local leaders and the community are advocating for legal intervention and condemning attacks on faith spaces.

President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged to improve migration strategies and crack down on illegal entries following rising anti-foreigner protests in South Africa. Repatriation flights and buses organized by home countries are transporting both documented and undocumented foreigners out of the country.

The article explores the illicit mining underworld in South Africa, focusing on the 'zama zama' phenomenon through interviews with miners, syndicate members, and officials. It reveals the hidden mechanics of the shadow economy linked to this activity.