Thursday, 1 October 2026

President Ramaphosa gave municipalities 60 days to audit women’s safety risks, including broken streetlights, abandoned buildings, unsafe routes and poorly secured public spaces.

SALGA said audits should use a common template and prioritise high-risk areas, while municipalities remain responsible for implementation and national government must provide support where resources fall short.

The father of murdered 19-year-old Lusanda Matabella criticised the President’s address as lacking practical solutions, citing delayed court proceedings, laboratory results and inadequate support for victims’ families.

Rhodes University said a court order restored access to meals, cleaning and water during student protests over the 2027 fee-payment protocol, while concessions remain under consideration.

Cosatu urged Parliament to pass a special appropriation bill allocating R10 billion to the Central Energy Fund, warning fuel prices could rise by about R2.50 a litre next week.