Thursday, 29 October 2026

President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed the government will protect lives, property and the right to conduct lawful business amid anti-illegal-immigration protests, condemning recent violence and attacks on businesses at a Durban gala dinner.

Police leadership and the National Police Ministry have urgently approached the Durban High Court to stop further protest action by anti-immigration group March and March, citing violence, road blockades and property damage.

Parliament's police committee chair Ian Cameron says legal fees for suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu reached over 2.7 million rand to August, while he and acting minister Firoz Cachalia both draw full salaries, with no end date given.

The Public Protector's office found staff shortages and ageing infrastructure hampering services at the Northwest's main referral hospital, citing a lack of skilled personnel and long waiting times during an unannounced visit.

Richard Holden of the Joburg Water Crisis Committee says contractors fixing reservoirs walk off site when the city does not pay them, and replacements can take six to nine months to start, so repairs will take years.