News you need: July SASSA grants and Gauteng crime surge
Today’s briefing covers upcoming social grant payments, rising crime rates in Gauteng, and a legal clash involving the Presidency and Parliament. We also look at safety concerns at a national inquiry and the impact of ticket pricing on national rugby attendance.
Recipients of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Older Person Grants can expect their July 2026 payments to proceed on schedule. Despite recent internal challenges at the agency, officials confirmed that disbursement dates are set, providing relief for elderly citizens who rely on these monthly funds for their daily needs.
In Gauteng, the country's most populous province, new data shows a concerning rise in kidnappings and hijackings in specific "hotspot" areas. While the Democratic Alliance (DA) political party noted an overall decline in some crime categories, they warned that safety in these high-risk zones has worsened, posing a significant threat to residents and commuters.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended the independence of Thoko Didiza, the Speaker of Parliament. The President is currently seeking a court interdict—a legal order to stop an action—to prevent an impeachment committee from moving forward against him. Opposition parties have criticized Speaker Didiza for her decision not to oppose the President’s legal move, claiming it undermines parliamentary oversight.
The Madlanga Commission, a formal public inquiry, is considering an urgent request to allow a key witness to testify in private. The individual, known as "Witness K," told the commission they fear for their life after their identity was partially exposed. The commission must decide whether to shield the witness from the public to ensure their safety and the integrity of the investigation.
Within the Democratic Alliance (DA), internal discussions are focused on potential leadership shifts. As the party evaluates its current direction under leader John Steenhuisen, members are debating whether new officials can better adapt to the country's changing political landscape.
Rugby fans have raised concerns over high ticket prices following the Springboks' season-opener in Gqeberha. Despite the national team's popularity, large sections of the stadium remained empty during the match, leading to questions about whether current pricing is excluding loyal supporters from live games.
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