South Africa’s electricity tariffs have increased by more than 900% since 2007, according to Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. Speaking ahead of the release of the government’s new electricity pricing policy for public comment, the minister said tariffs had risen from about 19 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2007 to more than R3.70 per kilowatt-hour today. The announcement is significant for households, businesses and industries across Gauteng, where electricity remains a major monthly expense and an important driver of economic activity.
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The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has officially opened a new Smart Driver Licence Testing Centre at Gautrain Sandton Station in Johannesburg, introducing a fully cashless and appointment based licensing service aimed at reducing corruption and improving access for motorists.
Firearm owners in Gauteng and across South Africa are being urged to check their gun licence expiry dates as new research shows firearm relicensing applications have fallen by 74% since 2021 and 2022. Gun Free South Africa says applications dropped from 213 631 to 55 936 in 2024 and 2025, raising concerns about the number of firearms linked to expired licences. Under the Firearms Control Act, firearm possession is regulated through a licensing system, with SAPS requiring owners to apply for renewal at least 90 days before a licence expires.
Service delivery protests over ongoing electricity outages shut down several major roads in Pimville and Dlamini, Soweto, on Monday morning,…
SPAR has recalled several yoghurt products sold nationally after a production-machine malfunction raised concerns about spoilage and possible stomach upset. The National Consumer Commission said the affected products were sold in SPAR stores from 15 June 2026 and carry a sell-by date of 9 August 2026 and a use-by date of 12 August 2026.
Johannesburg residents in parts of Sandton, Midrand, Soweto, Randburg, Lenasia and the inner city may experience low water pressure or a water shutdown or 12 hours on Friday, 17 July 2026. Rand Water is scheduled to conduct the second and final phase of planned maintenance between 07:00 and 19:00.
Rand Water’s 20% reduction in bulk water supply to Lesedi Local Municipality has been suspended while Gauteng government departments and the municipality develop a recovery plan for its outstanding water debt. The decision follows a high-level meeting involving the Gauteng Provincial Government, Rand Water, the Department of Water and Sanitation and Lesedi Local Municipality.
Zimbabwe says more than 60,000 of its citizens have returned from South Africa following the 30 June nationwide protests linked to the March and March movement and growing concern about immigration enforcement. The figures include people repatriated through government-supported processes and others who returned independently.
A woman has died after a shack fire tore through two structures in Pretoria West, making it the third major informal settlement fire reported in Tshwane this winter. The latest tragedy has renewed concerns about fire safety as colder temperatures drive increased use of heaters, electric blankets, candles and cooking appliances across Gauteng.
A 50-year-old man’s body was recovered from a Bryanston river on 16 June, prompting an investigation by Sandton police and renewed warnings about water safety across Gauteng. Emergency services were called to the Riverpark area after reports of a body in the river, where Johannesburg Water Policing and Diving Services conducted a recovery operation.