HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN SOUTH AFRICA TODAY

Tue 20 January 2026:

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

◼️ Eskom says no to R213 billion from Western countries: The Electricity and Energy Minister said the terms for the R213 billion funding from major Western powers for Eskom’s decarbonisation are unappealing. He said Eskom will need to turn to other funding options, such as the bond market or commercial banks.
https://www.news24.com/business/economy/jet-loans-unattractive-eskom-may-look-elsewhere-for-money-electricity-minister-20260119-1071

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◼️ Sassa locks in February social grant dates: The agency on Tuesday dismissed claims circulating on social media that it has amended its policies to allow more foreign nationals to access the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which was introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic. It said the information is false, misleading and likely to create unnecessary confusion among grant beneficiaries and the public.
https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/sassa-locks-in-february-social-grant-dates-clarifies-srd-eligibility-for-foreign-nationals/

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◼️ Gayton McKenzie signs agreement with FIFA: The deal will create a FIFA Regional Development Office in South Africa’s largest city. It also provides a framework for South Africa to facilitate FIFA’s administrative, movement and operational activities in the country. FIFA will assume the responsibility for funding and staffing the Regional Office, which will serve South Africa and its neighbouring countries.
https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/848361/fifa-opening-offices-in-south-africa/

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◼️ SA malnutrition crisis hidden in plain sight: Despite South Africa being the continent’s most developed economy with surplus agricultural production and an advanced food distribution system, nearly 1,000 children under the age of five died from severe acute malnutrition in public hospitals in 2025 alone.
https://independentpress.cc/sa-malnutrition-crisis-hidden-in-plain-sight/2026/01/20/

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◼️ Rule changes on the cards for podcasts: The South African government is reviewing the regulation of podcast content as part of the Draft White Paper on Audio and Audiovisual Media Services and Online Safety. Communications Minister Solly Malatsi noted that podcasts currently fall outside the scope of the Electronic Communications Act.
https://mybroadband.co.za/news/broadcasting/625389-plans-to-crack-down-on-podcasts-in-south-africa.html

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