HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN SOUTH AFRICA TODAY

Thu 14 August 2025:

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

◼️ SA plays down comments by its general visiting Iran: South African National Defence Force Chief Rudzani Maphwanya was quoted by local media declaring that the two nations share common goals, calling for deeper ties. Pretoria’s close ties with Tehran are among points of contention between South Africa and Washington, which slapped a 30% tariff on the sub-Saharan nation’s goods entering the US this month.
https://www.moneyweb.co.za/news/south-africa/south-africa-plays-down-comments-by-its-general-visiting-iran/

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◼️ Good news for anyone with a SA passport – for now: Van Nieuwkerk explained that if our trade talks fail completely, our ICJ case against Israel gets more attention, and BRICS becomes more bold, then the techniques such as the travel ban will be implemented for South Africa. Despite these concerns, Pretoria remains optimistic about its diplomatic standing with Washington.
https://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/834546/good-news-for-anyone-with-a-south-african-passport-for-now/

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◼️ Cryptocurrency regulations: Finance minister Enoch Godongwana noted that he will not draft a comprehensive cryptocurrency exchange control exemption framework. Instead, the SARB will release a framework later this year for cross-border crypto asset transfers. This follows a May ruling by the Pretoria High Court declaring that South Africa’s outdated exchange control rules do not apply to cryptocurrencies and need urgent reform.
https://mybroadband.co.za/news/cryptocurrency/606506-finance-minister-enoch-godongwana-makes-important-announcement-about-cryptocurrency-regulations-in-south-africa.html

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◼️ Incomplete Gauteng schools leave R955 million in the dust: School construction projects in Gauteng that have cost almost R1 billion are yet to see pupils or teachers in classrooms. Two school construction projects valued at a combined R261 million have been left without completion dates due to contractor disputes.
https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/education/seven-incomplete-gauteng-schools-leave-r950-million-dust/

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◼️ Free access to national parks: SANParks uses this time to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa’s natural, cultural and historical heritage, as protected and preserved by the national parks system. Free access to the national parks at this time does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities.
https://independentpress.cc/free-access-to-national-parks/2025/08/14/

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