Record Citrus Export Welcomed
This year, the South African citrus export has seen a 22% increase from 2024, with over 203 million cartons of fruit packed for export.
Renewed Plans to Boost Infrastructure and Service Delivery
In the National Treasury’s Medium Term Budget Policy Statement which was released this week Wednesday, new emphasis and support has been placed on economic growth and improved service delivery. Earlier in the year during the national budget speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana allocated R1 trillion to boost these sectors.
Record Grain Harvest Lauded Despite Financial Strain
Last week, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen commended South African grain producers for a record-breaking grain harvest despite the economic pressures farmers are facing with rising costs.
New Harbour Planned for Port Shepstone
Recently, Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala announced the first phase of plans to build small harbours in underserved coastal towns of Port Sheptone, KwaZulu-Natal.
Maldives: ‘Generational Ban’ on Smoking Implemented
The ban came into effect on 1 November 2025, with Maldives ministry having earlier in the year stated it was to “protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation.”
Foreign Press Association Demand Access to Gaza From Israel’s Supreme Court
On Thursday, the Foreign Press Association (FPA) represented international media outlets before Israel’s Supreme Court demanding independent access to Gaza.
More...
South Africa Supports Lifting of Zimbabwean Maize and Grains Import Ban
On Wednesday this week, the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, welcomed the Zimbabwean lifting of the ban on the import of maize and other grains.
Doorstep Delivery of Passports for South Africans Abroad Launched
Available to South Africans living overseas, a new doorstep delivery of passports has been launched by the Department of Home Affairs, as per the Home Affairs @ Home initiative.
New Trade Deal Signed With China
In an effort to grow and strengthen trade deals globally, South Africa has recently signed a monumental stone fruit trade deal with China, allowing for the export of fruit such as apricots, peaches, plums, prunes, and nectarines.
South Africa Stands in Solidarity with Palestine Despite Ceasefire
President Cyril Ramaphosa continues to stand in solidarity with Palestine through the current ceasefire which came into effect on October 10, staying firm in the country’s decision to hold Israel accountable at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Nuclear Energy Expansion Plans Announced
According to Dr Kgoshientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity and Energy, the South African government will soon announce its plans to expand into nuclear energy.
Madinah: Qiblatain Mosque Now Operating 24 Hours Daily
Announced on Tuesday this week, the Qiblatain Mosque will now operate 24 hours daily under royal directive from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
All Visa Types Now Allowed to Perform Umrah
In line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plans to expand on and improve the experience of pilgrims, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah have announced that all Saudi visa types can now be used to perform Umrah rituals. This means visitors with personal, tourist, family, work, transit, and electronic visas will be able to access Umrah facilities.
PRASA: Rail Infrastructure Revival Plans Underway
For the 2024/25 financial year, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has allocated R21.1 billion towards rail services, including fleet renewal, system modernisation, and infrastructure recovery.
Makkah: Cable Car Project to Ease Travel to Hira Cave
By the end of 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be installing a modern cable car that travels over Jabal al-Nour, significantly reducing the two-hour climb up the mountain to Hira Cave to under ten minutes.
Eskom Records First Profit in Eight Years
Amid South Africa’s state-owned power utility’s struggles in the past eight years, Eskom has recently reported a profit of R16 billion for the year ending March 2025. Last year, the utility instead recorded a loss of R55 billion.
