HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN SOUTH AFRICA TODAY

Sat 04 October 2025:

Here’s what’s happening in South Africa today:

◼️ Mandla Mandela to be deported: Chief Mandla Mandela, the grandson of global anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, is expected to be deported by Israel within the next few days. The activist was among those intercepted on the GSF Flotilla this week. The GSF comprises 41 vessels with more than 400 people aboard, including politicians, activists and aid workers. It was heading to Gaza to provide humanitarian aid to the area.
https://www.citizen.co.za/news/mandla-mandela-deported-flotilla-abduction/

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◼️ New rules proposed drones: The Department of Transport wants all drones sold or distributed in South Africa to be registered in a new electronic system, responding to requests from the drone industry. This initiative is part of the draft Airfreight Strategy for South Africa 2025, released for public comment on 26 September, which outlines strategic interventions for the airfreight sector.
https://www.news24.com/business/tech/govt-wants-to-register-every-drone-in-sa-on-new-electronic-system-20250929-1057

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◼️ Growing financial pressure: Older South Africans, especially those over 50, are struggling more than younger groups. Most households are cutting back on day-to-day spending. Nine out of ten are hunting for bargains and promotions, while 85% are spending less on luxuries and impulse buys. Eating out and socialising have also been reduced by 83% of people, and the same number are sticking to strict monthly budgets.
https://businesstech.co.za/news/finance/837385/south-africans-cutting-off-streaming-services-medical-aid-and-downsizing-their-homes/

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◼️ Ambassador Mthethwa’s death: Mogotsi said the team will work closely with French law enforcement authorities to ensure the circumstances surrounding Ambassador Mthethwa’s death are thoroughly and transparently investigated. Earlier on Friday, IOL reported that new details have emerged about the incident. A cap, a coat and a remote control were among the belongings handed to Mthethwa’s widow, Philisiwe Buthelezi, after the incident at the upmarket Paris hotel.

https://iol.co.za/news/politics/2025-10-03-breaking-saps-deploys-team-of-seasoned-investigators-to-france-to-probe-ambassador-mthethwas-death/

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◼️ Scammers weaponise WhatsApp voice notes: Cybercriminals are using silent calls, WhatsApp voice notes, and social media recordings to steal South Africans’ voice biometrics.
Experts warn these recordings can be turned into deepfakes for scams, including extortion and fake distress calls. Families are advised to use safe words and verify callers before sharing sensitive information.
https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/rising-security-fears-in-south-africa-as-scammers-weaponise-whatsapp-voice-notes/m50286d

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