Author: Simekahle Mthethwa

Mandela Day, celebrated annually on 18 July, invites South Africans and people worldwide to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to community service. This honors Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of public service. In Gauteng, Mandela Day 2025 promises a wide range of impactful activities for individuals, families, schools, and businesses eager to make a difference. Here are some meaningful and inspiring ways to spend your 67 minutes this year. ALSO READ: One Million Trees: New Campaign Aims to Boost Reforestation and Tackle Climate Change Community Service Ideas for Individuals and Families 1. Environmental Clean-Ups: Join local litter-picking campaigns in parks,…

South Africa is launching an ambitious campaign to plant one million trees in a single day. This is part of its broader efforts to combat climate change, restore ecosystems, and enhance food security. The campaign, officially launched on 7 July 2025 by Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts at the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens, forms a key milestone. It is within the Presidential Ten Million Trees Flagship Project and the National Greening Programme. ALSO READ: Bursaries for Agriculture Students The Campaign and Its Goals Under the theme “My Tree, My Oxygen. Plant Yours Today,” the One Million Trees campaign aims to mobilise…

As travel patterns evolve in 2025, Gauteng is emerging as a premier destination for both domestic and international tourists. Known as South Africa’s economic hub, Gauteng offers a unique blend of urban excitement, cultural richness, and natural beauty. This article explores why Gauteng is rapidly becoming the top choice for travellers this year. ALSO READ: 15 Best Attractions in Gauteng Gauteng’s Growing Appeal Gauteng, encompassing Johannesburg and Pretoria, has traditionally been seen as a business centre. However, recent developments in tourism infrastructure, entertainment, and cultural offerings have transformed it into a vibrant travel hotspot. Visitors are drawn to Gauteng’s diverse…

Married at First Sight Mzansi Returns with Fresh Faces and High Stakes The hit reality TV series Married at First Sight Mzansi is back for its much-anticipated second season. Premiering on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) and streaming weekly on Showmax, the show brings together eight South African singles ready to take the bold leap into marriage with a complete stranger. Following a successful debut season, Season 2 is set to raise the stakes with more drama, deeper cultural representation, and emotionally charged moments. ALSO READ: Story of Serial Killer Moses Sithole Coming Soon to Showmax What Is Married at…

Peet and Melany Viljoen, the South African couple formerly operating the Tammy Taylor Nails SA franchise, are under mounting legal and public scrutiny following a series of court rulings. Additionally, a $100 million lawsuit filed in the United States adds to their woes. While social media activity suggests the Viljoens may be spending time abroad, there is no confirmed evidence that they have officially relocated to the United States. ALSO READ: A First for Africa: Khanyi Mbau Nominated for Netflix’s ‘Main Character Energy’ Award Origins of the Franchise in South Africa The Tammy Taylor brand was founded in 1981 by…

If you owe money to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) but cannot pay the full amount immediately, SARS offers a payment plan option to help you manage your tax debt. This article explains how the SARS payment plan works, who qualifies, and how to apply. ALSO READ: Can You Negotiate With SARS? What to Do If You Can’t Pay Your Tax Bill What Is the SARS Payment Plan? The SARS payment plan, also known as a deferment of payment arrangement or instalment payment arrangement, allows taxpayers to pay outstanding tax debts over time. Instead of settling the full amount…

Taxpayers in South Africa can now easily track the status of their tax refunds and know exactly when payments will be made, thanks to the South African Revenue Service’s (SARS) digital tools. This article explains how to use the SARS Refund Tracker and other online services to monitor your refund amount and payment date. ALSO READ: How to Get a Bigger Refund from SARS: Hacks That Actually Work Where to Check Your Refund Status The primary platform for tracking your refund is SARS eFiling, where taxpayers can view detailed information about their tax accounts. Specifically, the Income Tax Statement of…

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has issued an important clarification regarding the ongoing beneficiary review process. SASSA confirms that social grants will continue to be paid uninterrupted while the agency conducts its routine reviews of grant recipients. ALSO READ: How to Check Your SASSA Status Without Using Airtime Background on the Beneficiary Review Process SASSA conducts periodic reviews of social grant beneficiaries to ensure that only eligible individuals receive support. These reviews help maintain the integrity of the social grant system by verifying that recipients continue to meet the qualifying criteria. The current review process involves updating beneficiary…

South Africa is at the forefront of the Group of Twenty (G20) presidency for 2025. It uses this influential platform to champion critical global issues such as youth employment and gender equality. As the first African nation to hold the G20 presidency, South Africa is steering the agenda towards inclusive and sustainable development. As the host country, South Africa places a strong focus on addressing the challenges faced by young people and women worldwide. RELEVANT ARTICLE: SA Takes Charge of G20 Presidency, Eyes Inclusive Global Leadership South Africa’s Historic G20 Presidency South Africa assumed the G20 presidency on 1 December…

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has called on the South African government to extend the validity period of driver’s licences from the current five years to ten years. This proposal aims to reduce administrative burdens and improve efficiency at licensing centres. Additionally, it seeks to ease the long queues that frustrate millions of drivers nationwide. ALSO READ: What to Do if You Lose Your Driver’s License Current Challenges with Driver’s Licence Renewals South Africa’s driver’s licence renewal process has long been plagued by inefficiencies. Licensing centres are often overcrowded, with long waiting times and delays in processing renewals. These…