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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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.
South Africa will officially commemorate Women’s Month from 1 to 31 August 2026, with National Women’s Day observed on Sunday, 9 August. This year’s national theme is “Building Resilient Economies for All”, placing the spotlight on women’s participation in leadership, entrepreneurship, employment and economic development.
South Africa’s Cabinet has approved extending the validity of driving licence cards for light motor vehicles from five years to 10 years, marking a significant policy change for millions of motorists. The decision was announced on Thursday, 30 July 2026, during a post Cabinet media briefing.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed the members of South Africa’s National Council on Gender Based Violence and Femicide for a three-year term beginning on 1 August 2026. The appointments were announced on Friday, 31 July 2026, ahead of Women’s Month and follow the government’s recent classification of gender based violence and femicide as a national disaster. The National GBV Council will coordinate the country’s response to GBV across national, provincial and local government while providing strategic leadership to reduce violence against women and children.
South African motorists could face another difficult month at the pumps as the latest fuel price outlook points to significant diesel increases in August 2026 while expected petrol price cuts have all but disappeared.
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.
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.
The Faraday Taxi Association has instructed members to suspend foreign-national taxi drivers and operators from duty until further notice, citing concern about taxi violence and heightened tensions following the 30 June anti-illegal immigration protests.