HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN SOUTH AFRICA TODAY

Fri 07 August 2026:

Here’s what’s happening in *South Africa today:* 👇🏼

◼️ South Africa’s migrant exodus leaves employers short-handed: For employers, the challenge is not only finding workers but replacing years of experience. Labour unions and researchers argue there is no shortage of South Africans willing to work. Instead, they say, many employers favour migrant workers because they are cheaper, more flexible and less likely to demand formal contracts, benefits or legal protections. South Africa should consider a regulated seasonal worker programme similar to one in the United States, said Siyabonga Madlala, chief executive of the South African Farmers Development Association.
Read more here:
https://www.ewn.co.za/2026/08/07/south-africas-migrant-exodus-leaves-employers-short-handed

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◼️ Sin tax alone cannot curb SA’s dangerous drinking: South African adult drinkers consumed an average of 28.9l of pure alcohol in 2016, considerably higher than the African regional average of 18.4l. A national survey also found that 48% of male drinkers and 32% of female drinkers consumed five or more standard drinks on a typical day. Last year, over 30 000 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence.
Read more here:
https://www.citizen.co.za/news/sin-tax-alone-cannot-curb-south-africas-dangerous-drinking/

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◼️ SANDF underfunding crisis: Dr Mmusi Maimane said South Africa also needed to strengthen its ability to produce military supplies, including ammunition, while addressing the ageing profile of the force. “The army is ageing, which means that you need to have the capability to replace personnel with younger, well-trained military people who are able to come on board.” Maimane also said, “Wars are now fought differently. We’re using drone technology, all the security that comes with that, military intelligence.
Read more here:
https://iol.co.za/news/politics/2026-08-07-sandf-underfunding-crisis-committee-warns-army-is-being-stretched-by-additional-deployments/

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◼️ A new mafia is growing across SA: If a municipality fixes its pipes and water flows normally, the tanker contracts are terminated. To prevent revenue loss, water tanker syndicates actively ensure municipal systems remain broken. Syndicates routinely track municipal repair teams. Once a pipe, valve, or pump station is repaired, criminal operators physically sabotage it. These water tanker mafias smash valves, cut cables, or intentionally block pipes to force an area back into a state of water crisis.
Read more here:
https://newsday.co.za/south-africa/24749/a-new-mafia-is-growing-across-south-africa/

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◼️ WhatsApp accounts taken over in SA: Cybercriminals are taking over the WhatsApp accounts of South Africans to impersonate them and scam their friends, family, and colleagues. The Sowetan shared an incident where the WhatsApp account of its photographer, Antonio Muchave, was taken over by a scammer who then began reaching out to his contacts. Posing as Muchave, the scammers convinced a colleague from a different news publication to transfer money to an account, which was up to R2,300.
Read more here:
https://mybroadband.co.za/news/security/661026-whatsapp-accounts-taken-over-in-south-africa.html

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