The National Pulse

Friday, 18 September 2026

Violent crime and gender-based violence dominated, alongside allegations of municipal corruption, public-sector waste and structural failures in local government.

1. 15:18

   The Black Women Caucus gave authorities seven days to respond to demands after a Kempton Park picket, with a 10-day deadline for a coordinated anti-violence engagement.

2. 15:46

   The South African Human Rights Commission alleged municipal water infrastructure is being sabotaged to sustain tanker contracts, costing metros hundreds of millions of rands annually.

3. 16:12

   More than 400 public servants remain on paid precautionary suspension, costing R204 million by March 2026; the PSA said the 60-day limit is being ignored.

4. 15:57

   Investigative forensics specialist Jade Bernstein said South African offender profiling needs locally grounded research, dedicated funding and formal recognition of forensic psychology by the HPCSA.

5. 17:53

   The National Taxi Alliance threatened a nationwide march within 14 days and possible service withdrawals, demanding equal treatment, lower fuel costs and revised vehicle-finance rules.

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