Wed 07 October 2026:
Here’s what’s happening in South Africa today: 👇🏼
◼️ Nationwide strikes to hit SA: Labour federation Cosatu is set to take to the streets across the country on Wednesday to highlight the plight of workers as part of efforts to mark World Day for Decent Work. Workers are facing unfair dismissals, retrenchments, low wages, and rising electricity, fuel, food and transport costs as the economy struggles to absorb global shocks stemming from the US-Iran war, which has disrupted global supply chains.
Read more here:
https://www.businessday.co.za/news/2026-10-07-workers-under-siege-as-cosatu-marks-decent-work-day/
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◼️ SA among seven countries interested in hosting 2036 Olympics: South Africa has successfully hosted some of the world’s biggest sporting events, including the 1995 Rugby World Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but has never hosted an Olympic Games. The IOC says potential hosts will be assessed on several factors, including their ability to fund the Games, as well as political and public support.
Read more here:
https://www.ewn.co.za/2026/10/07/south-africa-among-seven-countries-interested-in-hosting-2036-olympics
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◼️ Thabo Bester fires lawyers: Convicted Facebook rapist, murderer and escape artist Thabo Bester has fired his lawyers and will represent himself in court. Bester’s prison escape trial is expected to begin in the Free State High Court in April 2027. He is also expected to challenge his treatment behind bars at the Free State High Court on 16 October.
Read more here:
https://www.citizen.co.za/news/thabo-bester-fires-lawyers-chooses-to-represent-himself-in-prison-escape-trial/
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◼️ Heart disease kills almost 20% of South Africans: The cardiovascular disease burden differs substantially by age and sex. Deaths among men accelerated sharply from the age of 40 and peaked among those aged 65 to 69, when 5,176 deaths were recorded in 2024. Deaths among women remained below those of men until the 65 to 69 age group, when 5,015 were recorded. Hypertensive and cerebrovascular diseases, which include stroke, have consistently ranked among South Africa’s 10 leading causes of death over the past decade.
Read more here:
https://iol.co.za/business/2026-10-07-the-stats-dont-lie-heart-disease-kills-almost-20-of-south-africans/
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◼️ New age limits for marriage coming to SA: This was revealed by Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister, Sindiswe Chikunga, in response to questions in parliament. She said she had been informed by the Home Affairs Department that the change to marriage age limits was currently underway. The Department of Home Affairs has been working to amend the age requirements for marriage through the Marriage Bill.
Read more here:
https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/878621/new-age-limits-for-marriage-coming-to-south-africa/
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