HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN SOUTH AFRICA TODAY

Thu 08 October 2026:

◼️ United States issues warning over social unrest in SA: The United States has issued a security warning over reports of looting and violence targeting foreign nationals in Durban’s central business district (CBD). This social unrest grew following South Africa’s decision to reopen its asylum system to new applicants. The US Consulate General in Durban said it was aware of reports of unrest on Wednesday, 7 October, near the Bayside Hotel on Dr Pixley KaSeme Street, formerly West Street.
Read more here:
https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/878834/united-states-issues-warning-over-social-unrest-in-south-africa/

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◼️ Ad hoc committee wants Bheki Cele probed: Political parties want investigators to obtain banking and accommodation records to test Matlala’s submission before the committee that he paid Cele R500,000 in cash in two payments. Among the recommendations is how it believes the evidence presented by Matlala last year that he paid Bheki Cele half a million rand is worthy of further investigation.
Read more here:
https://www.ewn.co.za/2026/10/08/ad-hoc-committee-wants-bheki-cele-probed-over-alleged-cat-matlala-payments

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◼️Employment Bill does not give refugees, asylum seekers new rights: Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has clarified that proposed amendments to the Employment Services Act will not give refugees or asylum seekers new employment rights or remove existing immigration requirements. Meth has noted public commentary and social media discussions over the proposed amendments, particularly changes to the definitions of “foreign national”, “refugee” and “asylum seeker”. “These claims are incorrect and do not reflect the purpose or effect of the proposed amendments,” the department said.
Read more here:
https://iol.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-10-08-employment-bill-does-not-give-refugees-asylum-seekers-new-rights-meth-says/

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◼️ Fuel crisis deepens as experts warn worst is yet to come: Economist Dawie Roodt said the country was in trouble, but not because of the fuel price hike. “We are in trouble because we can no longer withstand these kinds of financial blows. That is the real issue. Because the economy was barely growing, an increase like this could have a major impact and ripple effect. “We are likely to see an interest rate hike and inflation rising above 5%, Roodt added.
Read more here:
https://www.citizen.co.za/news/fuel-crisis-deepens-as-experts-warn-worst-is-yet-to-come/

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◼️ Bad news about new mobile data rules: The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has confirmed that MTN and Vodacom’s legal action against its new data expiry and rollover rules will delay the rules’ implementation. The amendment included updated rules for mobile bundle depletion, bundle rollover, and the transfer of voice minutes, SMSs, and data. The new rules were set to take effect on 23 January 2027.
Read more here:
https://mybroadband.co.za/news/cellular/670671-bad-news-about-new-mobile-data-rules-in-south-africa.html

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