South Africa has confirmed its readiness to host the 13th Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Trade Exhibition and Air Show, which will take place at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria from 16 to 20 September 2026. The announcement follows Cabinet’s approval for South Africa to host the biennial exhibition under the theme Africa’s Gateway to Defence and Aerospace Collaboration.
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Women continue to be underrepresented in South Africa’s taxi industry despite its critical role in the country’s public transport system. Speaking at the South African National Taxi Council Women’s Month Summit, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said women account for only about 2% of the industry’s workforce and own just 2.8% of operational minibus taxis. She said government and industry reforms aim to increase women’s participation in ownership, leadership and business opportunities within the sector.
A potential class action is being investigated after nearly 500 women contacted a South African law firm over a recalled batch of Yaz Plus birth control pills that allegedly caused unintended pregnancies. The affected contraceptive batch was recalled in November 2024 following a packaging error, and legal investigations are continuing during 2026.
Airlink has defended the low altitude formation flyover that took place before the Springboks versus All Blacks Test at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, saying the display was conducted safely and complied with all aviation regulations. The flypast, which took place on Saturday ahead of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry fixture, sparked widespread discussion after videos circulated on social media showing two commercial aircraft appearing to pass just above the stadium roof.
South Africa’s Department of Health has warned that declining childhood vaccination rates are placing thousands of children at risk as measles and rubella outbreaks continue to spread across several provinces. The department issued the warning on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, after revealing that routine immunisation coverage has fallen sharply over recent years.
South African motorists could be paying significantly more at the pumps from Wednesday, 2 September 2026, as the latest fuel price forecasts point to substantial increases for both petrol and diesel. The projected increases follow continued volatility in international oil markets, driven largely by ongoing conflict in the Middle East and disruptions to global oil supplies. For Gauteng residents who rely heavily on private vehicles, public transport and commercial road freight, higher fuel prices are likely to place additional pressure on household budgets and business operating costs.
South Africa has spent R341.2 million repatriating and deporting 99 933 foreign nationals between preparations for anti illegal immigration protests in late June and 18 August 2026. The Department of Home Affairs revealed the figures during a briefing to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, confirming that the operation included transport, temporary accommodation facilities, staff overtime and logistics. The expenditure has raised widespread questions about why South Africa carries the cost of repatriating foreign nationals, whether other countries reimburse the government and how the spending could affect taxpayers if National Treasury does not approve emergency funding.
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.
March and March has temporarily suspended its activities while its leadership undertakes consultations through the newly established SA First Forum ahead of planned demonstrations on 30 September 2026. The movement confirmed the pause on Tuesday, 18 August, saying it is engaging with various organisations to strengthen its advocacy work and organisational structures. The announcement comes weeks after nationwide anti illegal immigration protests and signals a temporary shift from public demonstrations to consultation and planning.
South Africans who have not registered for the 2026 Local Elections have until midnight on Friday, 7 August 2026, to complete the process before the voters’ roll closes.