Friday, 25 September 2026

President Cyril Ramaphosa said he will update South Africans within days on government’s response to gender-based violence and femicide, including investigations into nine women’s deaths in Ekurhuleni.

The Employment Services Amendment Bill would require employers to verify work rights, prioritise qualified South Africans and face fines reaching R1 million or 10% of turnover for multiple violations.

Labour lawyer Michael Bagram warned the bill could be unconstitutional, give the minister excessive quota-setting powers and leave employers without a reliable system to verify foreign workers’ documents.

The Princess Project supplies previously loved dresses, suits, shoes and accessories to about 500 matric learners annually; founder Erica Pienaar said 95% could not attend without its help.

Listeners broadly supported matric farewells as a rite of passage but opposed conspicuous spending, suggesting school-based daytime events, fundraising and clear limits instead of luxury cars and designer outfits.