South Africa News in English - Expat Guide to South Africa

February 14, 2019

Sibanye to cut 6,000 jobs at South African gold mines

South African gold mining giant Sibanye-Stillwater announced plans Thursday to shed more than 6,000 jobs, or 10 percent of its workforce, from underperforming gold mines. The company is one of the biggest employers in the South African mining industry, and…

February 14, 2019

S.Africa president denies selling out anti-apartheid comrades

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Thursday denied claims by a former comrade that he sold out fellow anti-apartheid activists to the secret police in the 1970s. Defending his role in the struggle against white minority rule, Ramaphosa told parliament he…

February 14, 2019

South African coal mine death toll climbs to 12

Rescuers at a disused South African coal mine found seven more bodies on Thursday after five were retrieved last week following a gas explosion, a mine rescue official said. At least 20 people last week went into the Gloria coal…

February 13, 2019

Thousands protest against job losses in South Africa

Thousands of South African workers staged nationwide demonstrations on Wednesday to protest against high unemployment and government policies they say have failed to create jobs and are deepening poverty. Workers dressed in red t-shirts, showing their loyalty to the trade…

February 13, 2019

Sharp drop in S.Africa rhinos killed by poachers: government

The number of rhinos killed by poachers in South Africa for their horn fell sharply last year, though more than 750 were still slaughtered, the government announced Wednesday calling for further efforts to end the “scourge”. In 2018, 769 rhinos…

February 11, 2019

S.Africa imposes severe power cuts ahead of election

South Africa on Monday introduced its most severe electricity rationing in nearly five years, presenting President Cyril Ramaphosa with a major political challenge just months ahead of a May general election. The debt-laden state power utility Eskom is at the…

February 8, 2019

S.Africa mine rescue halted with 20 trapped, six dead

South African rescuers said Friday that they had been forced to halt an operation to rescue about 20 people trapped in a disused mine, blaming disruption from workers who had not been paid. Six people died after trespassing into the…

February 7, 2019

Total unveils ‘significant’ offshore S. African gas find

French energy giant Total unveiled Thursday a “significant” gas discovery off the coast of South Africa, an event that President Cyril Ramaphosa called a game-changer. The find could boost the nation’s struggling economy and reduce reliance on imports. “Total has…

February 7, 2019

S.Africa president fires gun for May 8 election, vows growth

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday announced general elections would be held on May 8, as the ruling ANC party looks to reverse falling popularity due to weak growth, unemployment and corruption. Ramaphosa sought to strike an optimistic tone…