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.
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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.
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.