Thandiwe Zulu

Financial advice complaints rise 45% amid funeral policy issues

Complaints to South Africa's Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Ombud surged 45% in 2024/25, reaching 15,404 cases, with long-term insurance like funeral policies dominating. The office awarded R31.748-million in compensation while improving case resolution times. Advocate John Simpson highlighted growing consumer awareness as a key driver.

Mashatile defends Ramaphosa over DA municipality comments

Deputy President Paul Mashatile defended President Cyril Ramaphosa's remarks on learning from DA-led municipalities, claiming they were taken out of context during a parliamentary session. He highlighted disparities in service delivery in Western Cape townships despite clean audits. The exchange drew reactions from MPs across parties.

Ritshidze report highlights healthcare staff shortages after Pepfar cuts

Community monitoring group Ritshidze has uncovered severe staff shortages and service declines at public health facilities in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape following US Pepfar funding cuts earlier in 2025. Data from April to June shows over 90% of clinics in some areas lacking sufficient personnel, leading to longer waits and poorer record-keeping. The group urges national and provincial health departments to act urgently.

South Africa beats England to reach first women's cricket world cup final

October 29, 2025 Thandiwe Zulu

South Africa's Proteas women's cricket team secured a historic 125-run victory over England in the World Cup semi-final. Captain Laura Wolvaardt scored an unbeaten 169, while Marizanne Kapp took five wickets for 20 runs. The win propels South Africa to their maiden final against the winner of India versus Australia.

GNU clearing house adopts terms of reference after year-long delay

South Africa's Government of National Unity clearing house has finally adopted its terms of reference, more than a year after its establishment. The mechanism, aimed at resolving policy disputes in the 10-party coalition, includes an 'agree to disagree' clause for unresolved issues. This development comes ahead of the 2025 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement.

US sets refugee admissions cap at 7500, lowest on record

October 30, 2025 Thandiwe Zulu

The United States has confirmed a refugee admissions cap of 7,500 for the year, the lowest in its history, with a significant portion reserved for white South African Afrikaners. This marks a sharp departure from the previous administration's limit of 125,000. The policy prioritizes certain groups amid a broader overhaul of the resettlement program.

South Africa's provincial nature reserves in crisis

South Africa's provincial nature reserves, vital for biodiversity conservation, are deteriorating due to underfunding, poaching, and mismanagement. A recent report highlights systemic failures across provinces, threatening ecological and economic potential. Urgent reforms are needed to meet national and international obligations.

Financial coach advises avoiding frail-care costs for children

A financial wellness coach recommends factoring frail-care expenses into retirement plans after a reader shared subsidizing their mother's R30,000 monthly facility costs. With one in 10 people likely reaching 100, proactive planning can prevent children from facing similar burdens. Options include dedicated investment funds and specialized annuities.

Assault case reinstated against ex-ambassador's wife

October 29, 2025 Thandiwe Zulu

The National Prosecuting Authority has confirmed the reinstatement of an assault case against Nokwazi Ngonyama, wife of former South African ambassador to Japan Smuts Ngonyama, for allegedly beating domestic worker Tandiswa Tokwe in Tokyo in 2023. The case, which was struck off the court roll in August due to delays, will be re-enrolled with a summons to be served by mid-November. Tokwe expressed frustration over procedural hurdles during a press conference marking two years since filing the charge.

Russia charges Ukrainian biologist with treason over Antarctic protections

Russian authorities have accused Antarctic marine biologist Dr. Leonid Pshenichnov of high treason for his work on marine protected areas that could hinder Russia's resource ambitions in the region. The 70-year-old Ukrainian, arrested in occupied Crimea, was set to represent his country at an international conservation meeting. The case has raised alarms about scientific freedom and Russia's compliance with Antarctic treaties.

Eastern Cape chemotherapy shortages risk pediatric patients

Patients at Port Elizabeth Provincial Hospital in Nelson Mandela Bay are facing renewed shortages of essential chemotherapy drugs, leaving pediatric oncology cases vulnerable. The Eastern Cape Department of Health attributes the issue to a suspended account with a key supplier, with negotiations ongoing to restore supply. This marks the third major stockout this year, highlighting persistent procurement challenges.

Halloween horrors spotlight South African challenges in 2025

A Daily Maverick article uses Halloween themes to critique key issues in South Africa for 2025, from health insurance woes to corruption and gambling concerns. Published on October 29, it frames these as national 'monsters' and 'cans of worms'.