Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said that South Africa's aviation sector was fully equipped and prepared to welcome international visitors attending the G20 Leaders’ Summit this weekend.
The OR Tambo International Airport, Waterkloof Air Force Base and Lanseria Airport will serve as entry points for the heads of states, who are expected to begin arriving on Thursday.
Creecy shared the details during a state-of-readiness media briefing in Ekurhuleni on Wednesday afternoon.
She said that the country’s ports of entry had met all security and safety requirements needed to manage the influx of international delegates.
"On the 25th of October this year, we had our first dry-run, which demonstrated the readiness of all the ports of entry and it set a benchmark for a high standard of operational excellence for this important leader summit."
*This article was first published by Eye Witness News
The MPC will wrap up its deliberations on the central bank’s benchmark policy rate later Thursday afternoon, marking the biggest domestic economic event for the week.
All eyes are on the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) on Thursday, as economists are split on the repo rate decision in the final meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) for 2025.
The MPC will wrap up its deliberations on the central bank’s benchmark policy rate later in the afternoon, marking the biggest domestic economic event for the week.
Some economists have labelled it as the conclusion of a period marked by elevated uncertainty and market volatility.
While 2025 was expected to be turbulent, economists at FNB said the path to a 7% repo rate was initially projected to be smooth, anchored by three consecutive 25 basis point cuts early in 2025.
However, external shocks from the new United States (US) administration’s tariff policies and South Africa’s fraught budgeting process disrupted this path, prompting a pause in March.
Despite these headwinds, inflation surprised to the downside and the rand held steady, allowing the MPC to resume rate cuts in May and July.
While some market participants think the next cut could be as early as this November meeting, FNB said the MPC is more likely to hold rates steady.
“With a limited probability of compelling data in the next six months, a premature cut could undermine credibility and complicate the future policy stance. However, this view is not without risk, as there is no clear consensus on how restrictive policy must be to guide expectations effectively. If rates are too tight, they may suppress inflation but at a destructive cost to economic growth and political stability.”
The Bureau for Economic Research said if the SARB does cut the repo rate, it doesn’t mean there will be consecutive interest rate declines in the next couple of meetings.
“The SARB is likely to keep a close eye on inflation expectations, its CPI forecast and will fine-tune policy as risks emerge and subside.”
The latest decision comes after inflation inched up marginally to 3,6% in October - from 3,4% in September - which is still some way above the new inflation target of 3%.
*This article was first published by Eye Witness News
By Abigail Visagie
The police in Mangaung have officially launched a manhunt following two separate armed robberies that took place at both Mimosa Mall and Northridge Mall this afternoon.
The first incident took place at a jewellery store in Northridge Mall, where six unidentified armed men ordered the store owner and employees to sit on the floor. At the same time, they emptied the cash register and stole jewellery worth R250,000.
Police Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane confirmed that a case of business robbery has been opened at the Bayswater Police Station.
Meanwhile, a separate incident took place around 13:00 at Mimosa Mall. Here, five armed men stormed into HDL Jewellers, using the same tactics, stealing jewellery and an undisclosed amount of money.
“All suspects were wearing black hats and surgical masks. They fled the scene in three vehicles: a white BMW, a white Volkswagen Golf 7, and a white Mercedes-Benz. Two shots were fired inside the store, and no injuries were reported. A case of business robbery has been opened at the Parkweg Police Station,” confirmed Covane.
Mimosa Mall also released a statement confirming the jewellery heist and stated that, as a precaution, the mall was evacuated to ensure the safety of shoppers and staff.
Mimosa Mall informs the public that the police responded promptly, and authorities are on-site conducting their investigation. Mimosa Mall states that it is safe and has resumed trading.
Anyone with information regarding the armed robbery at Northridge Mall is requested to contact Lieutenant Colonel Kholisile Nqukuva at 082 467 6081.
For information on the robbery at Mimosa Mall, please contact Captain Sabata Jafta Moseme at 082 526 2713.
By Abigail Visagie
The police in Mangaung have officially launched a manhunt following two separate armed robberies that took place at both Mimosa Mall and Northridge Mall this afternoon.
The first incident took place at a jewellery store in Northridge Mall, where six unidentified armed men ordered the store owner and employees to sit on the floor while they emptied the cash register and stole jewellery worth R250,000.
Police Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane confirmed that a case of business robbery has been opened at the Bayswater Police Station.
Meanwhile, a separate incident took place around 13:00 at Mimosa Mall. Here, five armed men stormed into HDL Jewellers, using the same tactics, stealing jewellery and an undisclosed amount of money.
“All suspects were wearing black hats and surgical masks. They fled the scene in three vehicles: a white BMW, a white Volkswagen Golf 7, and a white Mercedes Benz. Two shots were fired inside the store and, no injuries were reported. A case of business robbery has been opened at the Parkweg Police Station,” confirmed Covane.
Mimosa Mall also released a statement confirming the jewellery heist and stated that, as a precaution, the mall was evacuated to ensure the safety of shoppers and staff.
Mimosa Mall informs the public that the police responded promptly, and authorities are on-site conducting their investigation and says Mimosa Mall is safe and has resumed trading.
Anyone with information regarding the armed robbery at Northridge Mall is requested to contact Lieutenant Colonel Kholisile Nqukuva at 082 467 6081.
For information on the robbery at Mimosa Mall, please contact Captain Sabata Jafta Moseme at 082 526 2713.
By: Abigail Visagie
The number of fatalities from the N8 bus accident between Bloemfontein and Botshabelo has risen to 11. The multi-vehicle collision occurred on Saturday morning, involving a bus and a heavy-duty truck.
Out of the 41 passengers, 10 were pronounced dead at the scene, while one later succumbed to injuries in the hospital. Additionally, six individuals sustained severe injuries and were transported to Pelonomi Trauma Unit, in Bloemfontein, seven patients with moderate injuries were taken to Botshabelo Hospital and Busamed.
Twenty-four people suffered minor injuries and received further care at Botshabelo Hospital. Roads were closed for the rest of the day, and emergency services on site issued a preliminary report from traffic officers indicating that the rainy weather conditions were the primary cause of the accident.
Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae expressed her deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life and injuries sustained, emphasising that each lost life represents not just a statistic, but a family member, a loved one, and a breadwinner. “Our hearts, our prayers, and the full support of our provincial services are with the victims and their families during this unimaginable time,” said Letsoha-Mathae.
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