Treasury cuts Joburg funding; migrant safety & more
Residents in Johannesburg and dozens of other municipalities may face service disruptions as the National Treasury withholds state funding this month. Meanwhile, foreign nationals face heightened safety risks following a surge in anti-immigrant violence that has sparked diplomatic tensions with Ghana and Nigeria.
Johannesburg and several other municipalities will lose access to essential state funds because they have failed to manage their debts. This decision by the National Treasury means that local governments may struggle to pay for infrastructure projects and basic services. The funding freeze will remain in place until the municipalities address their financial mismanagement.
Foreign residents, particularly those from other African nations, are being warned of deteriorating safety conditions following recent xenophobic rallies. Ghana has postponed an official visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa after hundreds of its citizens were affected by protests, and Nigeria has issued a warning following the killing of two of its nationals. These developments highlight a growing risk of violence and displacement for immigrant communities across the country.
Motorists may see changes at local petrol stations as Shell prepares to sell its South African business to the Abu Dhabi-based firm Adnoc Distribution for over R16 billion. The deal includes 580 service stations and Shell’s downstream assets. While the sale marks a major change in ownership, it is not yet clear how the transition will affect fuel prices or consumer services at these locations.
Safety concerns in Johannesburg have been further highlighted by a gun attack on Zimbabwean football star Divine Lunga. The 31-year-old athlete survived the shooting, which occurred in the city and is currently under police investigation. The incident adds to the ongoing anxiety regarding violent crime in Gauteng’s urban areas.
For more on these stories, including the Springboks' upcoming semi-final against England and plans to renew the South African Air Force, visit the News section in the app.