HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN SOUTH AFRICA TODAY

Wed 28 January 2026:

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

◼️ Ramaphosa’s plan for revival: South Africa’s government and business leaders are revitalising their partnership with a renewed effort to boost an economy that has struggled for over a decade. The next phase of this collaboration will emphasise youth employment, addressing crime and corruption, and accelerating reforms in energy and logistics to enhance growth and restore confidence, according to a recent statement.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-27/south-africa-renews-business-government-pact-to-boost-growth

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◼️ New mafia taking hold in SA: Property hijacking has been on the rise over the past decade in South Africa, and these mafia-style syndicates are now targeting homes in some of the country’s top suburbs. Reported cases show that the criminals are moving from industrial CBDs to residential areas, with syndicates targeting mansions to maximise profit.
https://businesstech.co.za/news/property/848963/new-mafia-taking-hold-in-south-africa-targeting-rich-suburbs/

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◼️ End of an era for two types of light bulbs: According to Savvy Savers managing director Grant Pattison, the ban on low-efficiency light bulbs is a good move and an obvious step. He said South African households who replace incandescent and CFL lights with LEDs will immediately see cost savings.
https://mybroadband.co.za/news/energy/626758-end-of-an-era-for-two-types-of-light-bulbs-in-south-africa.html

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◼️ ‘How many more must die?’ “Halephirimi” (“the sun won’t set”), which has been linked to the deaths of more than 20 children in the province, continues to be sold openly for as little as R10. The deaths occurred after children consumed snacks contaminated with terbufos, including six from Naledi, Soweto.
https://iol.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-01-28-how-many-more-must-die-the-deadly-terbufos-pesticide-linked-to-over-20-child-deaths-in-gauteng-continues-to-be-sold-for-r10/

◼️ Prolonged drought impacting animals: SANParks said that the increasing number of carcasses and visibly undernourished animals in several parks is a reminder of how deeply the ongoing drought is reshaping ecosystems. It said that while the scenes may unsettle tourists, they reflect a natural ecological response to a prolonged drought.
https://www.ewn.co.za/2026/01/28/sanparks-says-prolonged-drought-impacting-animals

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