Fri 15 August 2025:
Here’s what’s happening in South Africa today:
◼️ SA starts a soul-searching ‘national dialogue’: Concerns have been raised over a possible $40 million cost, while there are also questions about whether the dialogue will result in significant changes. South Africa faces many problems more than 30 years after the end of the apartheid system of white minority rule, including high levels of poverty and inequality, crime, corruption and an unemployment rate of more than 30% — one of the world’s worst.
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◼️ SASSA concerned over unlawful deductions: In a statement on Thursday, the agency said it has been inundated with enquiries from its beneficiaries, stating that their grant money is consistently being deducted by various insurance companies that they have not signed up for, believing that the agency is working with these companies.
ttps://independentpress.cc/sassa-concerned-over-unlawful-deductions-on-social-grants/2025/08/15/
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◼️ This new law will stop you from selling your car: The Aarto Act is set to be rolled nationwide from 1 December 2025, beginning with the 69 largest metros and municipalities in the country. The remaining 144 municipalities will then be added to the programme from 1 April 2026. Importantly, the driving licence demerit point system – a key part of AARTO – will go live just over a year from now on 1 September 2026.
https://topauto.co.za/news/135302/this-new-law-will-stop-you-from-selling-your-car-in-south-africa/
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◼️ State-owned bus companies collapse: State-owned bus companies North West Transport Investment, North West Star, and Atteridgeville Bus Service have collapsed further since entering business rescue in 2022 due to mismanagement and potential financial irregularities. Their debt has now increased from R355 million to R1 billion, and 1,500 employees have gone months without pay.
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◼️ These are the South African billionaires living abroad: South Africa is currently home to seven billionaires officially listed on Forbes’ rich list for 2025. However, on top of gold, minerals and many agricultural products, ultra-wealthy individuals also appear to be one of the country’s biggest exports. Looking at local rich lists published in countries like the UK and Australia—where many locals settle down—many names can trace their roots back to South Africa.
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