HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN SOUTH AFRICA TODAY

Thu 23 October 2025:

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

◼️ Zuma to address media: The briefing comes a day after the former president was ordered by the Gauteng High Court to repay R28.9 million with interest that the government spent on his legal fees. Wednesday after it ruled that he was personally liable for the legal expenses in his long-running arms deal corruption case.
https://www.citizen.co.za/news/zuma-address-media-court-orders-repay-millions/

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◼️ SA doubling down on nuclear: State-owned power utility Eskom currently operates the continent’s only commercial nuclear power station near Cape Town. Egypt is building its own plant, while countries including Namibia, Niger and Ghana are exploring nuclear options. Ramokgopa said China, South Korea, the U.S. and Russia are among countries that could partner with the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation on developing small modular reactors.
https://www.cnbcafrica.com/2025/south-africa-aims-to-revive-its-small-nuclear-reactor-technology

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◼️ Questions about Starlink: Under South Africa’s current telecommunications sector regulations, anyone hoping to acquire the necessary operating licences must have 30% ownership by previously disadvantaged individuals. SpaceX owner Elon Musk made negative remarks on his social media platform, Twitter/X, about South Africa’s BEE policies and how they impacted Starlink.
https://mybroadband.co.za/news/broadband/614928-questions-about-starlink-national-security-risk-in-south-africa.html

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◼️ Bheki Cele in the hot seat: Reports have surfaced that Cele maintained close ties with Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, whom Mkhwanazi implicated as a key figure in the criminal infiltration of the police. During Wednesday’s proceedings, Minister Mchunu informed African National Congress (ANC) Member of Parliament Khusela Diko that Cele did not receive formal handover notes regarding the PKTT at the time of transition.
https://iol.co.za/news/politics/2025-10-23-bheki-cele-on-the-hot-seat-parliament-probes-police-corruption-and-interference/

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◼️ Good news for South African passport renewals: Home Affairs will begin offering passport deliveries to people’s doorsteps next month. This service will initially be available only to individuals who apply at one of the new international service centres. The plan is to test this offering with a smaller group before expanding it for a wider local launch.
https://www.news24.com/business/economy/home-affairs-to-offer-home-delivery-for-passports-starting-with-expats-20251022-0889

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