Monday, 7 September 2026

Raising the old-age pension from roughly R2,400 to R5,000 monthly would add about R130 billion a year to social spending, prompting debate over taxes, borrowing and government cuts.

Civvies Days can expose poverty and bullying, with schools accused of making participation effectively compulsory; campaigners called for transparency and alternatives for children without suitable clothing.

About 33% of adult South Africans reportedly manage without cash, but 67% remain rejectors or structurally excluded from digital payments, especially where merchants lack card machines or connectivity.

An AI academic advised against a blanket ban in primary schools, saying children should first develop independent reading, writing, calculation and creativity before using open-ended chatbots.

Professor Carlos Lopes said adopting more accurate world maps will not transform Africa overnight, but could reshape perceptions influencing investment, policy, logistics and the continent’s strategic importance.