HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN SOUTH AFRICA TODAY

Sat 21 February 2026:

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

◼️ Steenhuisen says it is ‘hogwash’: DA leader John Steenhuisen has dismissed as rumours talk of him being withdrawn as and minister and replaced. He said that he will not be leaving the ministry any time soon, dismissing the speculation as “hogwash” and “gossip”. He added that the party leader determines who serves on the executive, and until the DA elects a new leader, he still fills that position. Steenhuisen has faced criticism from farmers and industry players over his handling of the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak. The minister said he is solely focused on the disease.
https://www.news24.com/politics/steenhuisen-says-it-is-hogwash-he-will-be-axed-by-da-as-agriculture-minister-20260220-1104

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◼️ Hormone-disrupting chemicals found in South African sanitary pads and pantyliners, study finds: Researchers analysed 16 brands of sanitary pads and eight types of pantyliners sold at popular South African retailers, spanning a range of prices and including products marketed as “organic”, “plant-based” or “free from harmful chemicals”. The findings showed widespread contamination across all the tested products.
https://mg.co.za/health/2026-02-20-hormone-disrupting-chemicals-found-in-south-african-sanitary-pads-and-pantyliners-study-finds/

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◼️ How to determine if your tap water is safe to drink: As water woes mount across South Africa, a crucial question is beginning to emerge: How do I know if my tap water is safe — and what I do about it? According to a recent report, a warning has been issued about drinking tap water in parts of the country, due to ongoing infrastructure failures, sewage spills, and inconsistent municipal testing. This is as several metros in the country are dealing with water crises.
https://iol.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-02-21-how-to-determine-if-your-tap-water-is-safe-to-drink-and-what-to-do-if-its-not/

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◼️ Warning to anyone on neighbourhood WhatsApp groups: People who are walking, waiting or simply unfamiliar to residents are often labelled suspicious without any evidence of wrongdoing. “Often, what we see is a moment of discomfort being broadcast as a threat. Once that message is repeated, forwarded or reinforced by others, it gains authority it does not deserve,” she said. She added that just doing ordinary things becomes criminalised by the kangaroo court of mobile sharing, and that is dangerous.
https://businesstech.co.za/news/mobile/851413/warning-to-anyone-on-neighbourhood-whatsapp-groups-in-south-africa/

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◼️ We might arrest you if you do: The Johannesburg Roads Agency has warned anyone conducting “unauthorised repairs” of potholes that they will be arrested. It said that filling potholes without written approval and a valid wayleave constitutes a breach of the City’s Code of Practice and relevant bylaws, and that offenders risk fines, equipment confiscation, and possible arrest by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department. The JRA lacks the capacity to repair all the city’s potholes, and roads are deteriorating. It welcomed private sector assistance – but only through the right channels.
https://mybroadband.co.za/news/motoring/630092-we-cant-fix-all-the-potholes-but-we-might-arrest-you-if-you-do.html

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