The engines may be silent for now, but South Africa’s F1’s dream is roaring back to life. With hundreds of millions of rands worth of upgrades and fans ready to “sell their livers” for a ticket, Kyalami’s revival could mark the nation’s return to the global racing map.
Kyalami, founded in 1961, hosted F1 races but lost status due to apartheid sanctions and financial issues.
The decision to host lies with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and F1 Management, not Kyalami.
The planned R100-million track upgrades will be fully funded by Kyalami’s owner.
In 2010, the world’s gaze turned to South Africa as people from across the globe waved their flags, cheered, and danced during the FIFA World Cup. The streets of Johannesburg pulsed with energy, and local businesses experienced unprecedented growth. Fifteen years later, a parallel dream is emerging – this time, not in football, but in F1.
Could the roar of engines replace the roar of supporters? Could the return of F1 to Kyalami once again place Johannesburg on the global stage as a world-class African city, one that benefits ordinary citizens as much as the elite?
For lifelong F1 fan Kevin Matla, the idea of F1’s return is more than just news, it’s personal. “For me, F1 is life,” he says, recalling how he’s been following the sport since 2005. The possibility of a local Grand Prix fills him with pride and excitement, especially since the last race in 1993 was held under conditions that excluded many South Africans.
Kyalami’s Grand Prix Circuit has long been a place of transformation. Founded in 1961 with the “Kyalami 9 Hours”, an endurance race, the track rose to global prominence in 1967 when it hosted its first Formula One event, cementing its reputation for motorsport excellence.
Through the 1970s and 1980s, Kyalami thrived as a premier racing destination, until its F1 chapter closed in 1985 following international sanctions against South Africa’s apartheid regime.
Kyalami experienced a short-lived resurgence in the 1990s, hosting races in 1992 and 1993, but financial and political issues brought it to a halt again. By the early 2000s, the circuit had lost its international appeal, relegated to hosting local events and remembered fondly through nostalgia.
For Matla, hosting F1 again would mark a national achievement, boosting tourism, creating jobs, and reigniting pride among South Africans. He believes that while ticket prices may be high, the event will still attract strong local support, “I know there are rumours that tickets are going to be R10 000; people might have to sell their homes or their livers.
FIA Approval: A New Era for Kyalami
In 2014, entrepreneur Toby Venter, CEO of Porsche South Africa, acquired the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit at an auction, marking a major turning point for the historic track. His multimillion-rand investment transformed Kyalami into a world-class facility that now meets international racing standards. This effort culminated in the circuit earning FIA Grade 1 approval, the highest level of certification required to host Formula One races.
According to Porsche South Africa’s Group Public Relations Manager, Christo Kruger, the certification represents more than just a technical achievement; it’s a symbol of readiness and revival. With this recognition, Kyalami now stands as the only FIA Grade 1 circuit on the African continent, positioning it one step closer to reclaiming its place on the global motorsport stage.
With this recognition, the countdown has officially begun. “According to the FIA rules, Kyalami now has three years from the day of approval to do the upgrades and then the final inspection,” says Kruger. “Homologation [official approval] happens, and we are then accredited with Grade 1, if everything is done within the approved scope,” Kruger says.
A visual of precision and progress, the official circuit layout outlines Kyalami’s 16 turns and 18 camera points, symbolising South Africa’s readiness to meet international racing standards once again.
Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
The announcement has fuelled excitement within South Africa’s motoring community, reigniting hopes of seeing F1 cars roar through the Midrand circuit once again. Planning for upgrades is already underway, though construction has not yet begun due to Kyalami’s packed calendar of local events, such as the Festival of Motoring and M-Fest.
However, the future of the project ultimately hinges on F1’s commitment to return. Kruger noted that while some improvements will proceed regardless, the scale of investment will depend on whether the international organisers confirm South Africa’s inclusion in the upcoming calendar.
Eyes locked on the track, South African female driver Simphiwe Mohlahlo waits in her BMW, focused and ready for her race on one of the country’s most iconic circuits. For her, Kyalami represents both legacy and opportunity for women in motorsport. Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
Hands gripping the steering wheel, eyes locked on the track, Nathi Msimanga sits in full focus, ready for the challenge ahead. The determination in his gaze says it all: he’s here to compete, to push limits, and to belong among South Africa’s best. Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
For Wits mechanical engineering student and professional Toyota Gazoo Racing driver Nathi Msimanga, Kyalami is more than just a circuit, it’s “the most prestigious track in the country;” a place that mirrors the speed and sophistication of international circuits. Yet despite Kyalami’s world-class design, Msimanga remains doubtful about Formula One’s return in 2027, though he believes it could shine a spotlight on South African motorsport.
“If F1 does come here, it’ll force companies, sponsors, and media to finally give our sport the attention it deserves,” he says. He adds that consistent funding, promotion, and government support are key to making racing accessible for all, and to inspiring the next generation of South African drivers.
And for South African female driver Simphiwe Mohlahlo, who competes in the MSA4 and Formula Libre series, Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit represents more than just asphalt and corners, it’s a symbol of legacy and opportunity. “Racing there feels like being part of history,” she says, noting how rare it is for local drivers to experience the track.
Screens, radios, and precision, the nerve centre of every race. From here, officials monitor every lap, every turn, every moment that defines safety and speed. It’s the unseen engine that keeps Kyalami running.
Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
Mohlahlo believes that a possible F1 return in 2027 would not only spotlight the perseverance of South African motorsport but also open doors for emerging talent, particularly women. She praised initiatives like the F1 Academy for inspiring young girls and called for more national activations, academies, and sponsorship support to grow the sport sustainably. Confident in the country’s ability to host F1, she adds that such an event could invigorate the economy and elevate local representation on the global stage, a dream she hopes to see realised in her lifetime.
How Major Events Put South Africa on the Map
Hosting big sports events has been a game-changer for South Africa, and the potential F1 has the potential to be another.
The 1995 Rugby World Cup stands as one of South Africa’s most powerful symbols of unity and healing after apartheid. When Nelson Mandela wore the Springbok jersey to present the trophy, it became a defining moment that showed the world a nation coming together, united through sport and shared pride.
The iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, sprawled across Midrand’s picturesque landscape, is more than just a racing track, it’s the pulsating heartbeat of SA’s motorsport. This revered circuit has been the stage for countless thrilling moments. With its rich history and nostalgic charm, Kyalami is a treasured gem in the world of racing, and the nation is eagerly yearning for the day when it will once again reverberate with the thunderous roar of Formula 1 engines, sending shivers down the spines of petrolheads and reviving the country’s glorious racing heritage.
Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
In 2010, South Africa made history as the first African nation to host the FIFA World Cup, a moment that not only boosted the economy but reshaped the nation’s image. The government invested over R30-billion in infrastructure, from transport and airports to world-class stadiums, creating around 66 000 construction jobs and injecting R7,4-billion into the economy, with R2,2-billion benefiting low-income households. Beyond the numbers, the tournament became a nation-branding triumph, transforming global perceptions of South Africa’s people, cities, and capability to deliver on the world stage.
The World Cup showed the world that South Africa is a great country to visit and host events. Over 500,000 South Africans, including taxi drivers and volunteers, helped make visitors feel welcome. The country got the highest score ever for hosting a World Cup, which was a big achievement. After the tournament, more people came to South Africa for vacation (up 31%) and business (up 47% in Cape Town).
Hosting major events does more than bring sporting success; it reshapes how the world sees a country and strengthens national pride. For Johannesburg, a successful return of F1 to Kyalami could have the same effect, boosting the city’s reputation, inspiring locals, and attracting new investment. Beyond the race itself, it would signal that Johannesburg is not only capable of hosting world-class events but also stands out as a vibrant, globally recognized African city, a symbol of ambition, progress, and pride. Such high-profile events play a key role in nation and city branding, showcasing South Africa’s potential on the international stage while reinforcing Johannesburg’s identity as a world-class African city.
A relic of Kyalami’s F1 past, this worn Goodyear tyre carries the weight of history, rubber that once touched the same tarmac where legends raced three decades ago. It marks the last time South Africa hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix, a moment that still echoes in the hearts of local fans who remember the roar of engines and the pride of seeing their country on the global stage. Today, it stands as more than just an object of nostalgia, it’s a symbol of unfinished business, a reminder of a dream paused but never forgotten. Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
According to Professor Mfaniseni Sihlongonyane from Wits University’s School of Architecture and Planning, hosting international events such as F1 presents both opportunities and significant challenges for cities. He notes that infrastructure, funding, and the “critical mass” of participants are key factors in determining whether a country can successfully host and sustain such events. However, Sihlongonyane acknowledges that F1’s return could stimulate multiple sectors, from hospitality and transport to food and automotive industries, creating employment and boosting economic activity. He cautions, though, that South Africa must ensure inclusivity by supporting small businesses, women, and youth through subcontracting and empowerment initiatives. “It shouldn’t just be about large corporations benefiting,” he explains. For him, Johannesburg’s approach should centre on a social contract with F1, one that promotes economic growth while advancing social justice and community participation.
Who Decides F1’s Return?
While Kyalami may be ready to host, the final decision on whether F1 returns to South Africa does not rest in its hands. According to Kruger, the circuit’s role is limited to being the venue. “Kyalami is not really responsible for F1 coming back, that’s very much up to the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and a promoter,” he explains.
The government, together with F1 Management, will ultimately decide whether South Africa secures a spot on the 2027 racing calendar. Kyalami’s task, meanwhile, is to ensure the track remains in top condition and meets all technical and logistical requirements once approval is granted.
Eighteen eyes on every corner. The circuit’s surveillance system reflects Kyalami’s world-class standards, a blend of technology, safety, and ambition as it prepares for potential FIA-level events. Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
Behind the scenes, negotiations and financial guarantees have already been submitted, but the costs involved are steep. “The planned track upgrades are expected to cost around R100-million, an amount that will be self-funded by Kyalami’s owner, OT Venter Investments,” Kruger says.
Formula One is a huge money-maker globally. In 2024, it earned over $3.4 billion, with a big chunk coming from cities and countries paying to host races. This shows how valuable it is to host an F1 event. The sport is also super popular, with 5.7 million people attending races in 2022, a big increase from 2019. Kruger acknowledged that while the enthusiasm for F1’s return is strong, the financial reality remains daunting. Hosting fees for international races can range between $25 million and $54 million, depending on the location.
Logistics and Local Impact
Bringing F1 back to South Africa would be a complex operation, one that extends far beyond the racetrack. Temporary grandstands, hospitality suites, and infrastructure upgrades would all have to be set up to meet F1’s international standards. The surrounding roads and access routes to Kyalami would also need attention to accommodate the thousands of fans expected to attend.
Shops and restaurants hum quietly inside Kyalami Corner, just a few minutes from the racetrack. For now, the calm reflects ordinary life, locals grabbing coffee, but if Formula 1 returns, this space could transform overnight. The sound of engines would spill into nearby businesses, bringing a rush of fans, tourists, and international media. For store owners, it’s more than just excitement, it’s the promise of economic revival, a chance to feel the same national buzz last seen during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
Beyond the logistical hurdles, the project holds the potential to benefit local communities. Kyalami’s management has expressed plans to include fan parks and fan zones that would create space for small vendors and local entrepreneurs to participate, ensuring that the excitement of the event extends beyond the gates of the circuit.
Kruger emphasizes that a return of this scale would not be fleeting. “F1 doesn’t do once-off events. They will want to sign a deal for a minimum of five years to seven, and sometimes up to ten years,” he says. Such a long-term commitment would not only secure South Africa’s place on the global racing calendar but also demand consistent investment in maintenance and event management to keep the circuit world-class.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the possibility, Kruger remains grounded about the uncertainty of the outcome. When asked what message he had for South Africans hoping to see the sport return home, his response is simple: “Pray. It’s really not in our hands; we can only stay hopeful that negotiations with F1 Management are successful.”
As South Africa awaits an official decision, the prospect of F1 returning to Kyalami is tantalizingly close. Backed by Toby Venter’s revival efforts, FIA approval, and public excitement, this moment reinforces one thing, Joburg truly is a world-class African city, capable of hosting global events that bring people and opportunities together. The wait may be long, but South Africa’s F1 dream is finally on track and ready to take off.
From the outside, Kyalami stands as both a landmark and a promise, a place where South Africa’s motorsport legacy meets its future ambitions. Once the stage for legendary Formula 1 races, the circuit now waits, carrying decades of history, triumph, and struggle within its walls. For many, this circuit symbolise a new chapter, a nation eager to reclaim its place on the global racing map and prove that world-class competition can thrive again on African soil. Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
FEATURED IMAGE: Kyalami Grand Prix Racetrack. Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
The city of gold is losing its shine as it continues to neglect the lives of miners.
Visiting the Gold Reef City Mining Exhibition was an unforgettable experience that dropped me into the depths of Johannesburg’s rich gold mining history. I was welcomed by tour guides laughing loudly with all-teeth showing. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming as I was given a safety helmet and torch to go underground. As I prepared to descend the shaft, a wave of anticipation mixed with anxiety washed over me. The gate of the shaft was sealed shut and my guide began her rehearsed rant as my heart raced at each gradual bump I felt, as we began to descend. The sun disappeared the lower we went and my grip on the railing tightened. The mine entrance glistened with light streams of water as we were engulfed in darkness.
We are now 75m underground, the chilly air shocked me as I was expecting a wave of heat, but the calm tour guide Zakile shared that it was due to the ventilation underground. I could see smoke appear as I talked, my hand searching for my torch to take it all in. The dim light flickered as we passed through narrow mine tunnels, Zakile pointing out the rocks and mannequins placed to give a more realistic experience. You can hear each thump of our steps, leaving an echo, the trickling of water droplets from the walls. The walls around us were rough and hard, the decades of extraction felt, right on my fingertips. I can see the remnants of thousands of miners who have been down this mine, day in and day out, dealing with harsher conditions than what we are experiencing now. The souls that have walked these pathways and helped make Johannesburg the City of Gold it’s known to be today.
The life of David Muphandu
My experience couldn’t have been further removed from the dangerous realities that gold miners face every day. Long hours spent in tight cramped tunnels, thick hot air, sweat dripping from their foreheads, a life David Muphandu, a miner of over 14 years, knows all too well.
“I would clock in at 05:00, then once I clock in, I go straight to the shaft waiting for the cage to go down. The shaft was supposed to come and collect us past six, then we go down,” says Muphandu, his cadence is slow and monotone, as he recalls his days at the mine “[By] 08:00, we have a safety meeting underground. After [the] safety meeting, we sign the book [to confirm attendance], then we go straight to the workplace,” he shares.
Commissioned in 1926, the Winder machine was originally part of the Crown Mines, which was once the largest and richest gold mining operation in the world. The winder controlled the cables that raised and lowered cages carrying miners and equipment down the vertical shaft. The machine helped create efficient transportation for the mine. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
Muphandu would ensure that the machine he is operating works properly, because any faulty part could lead to serious injury. He exits the mine when they are done after 13:00 or 14:00, he pulls out his silver container as he proceeds to quickly eat his lunch. After work he removes his Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), showers, puts on his home clothes and leaves.
Having a typical nine to five is rare in the mining industry. “It depends sometimes, if we don’t work well straight, maybe we have a delay of tools or maybe someone is not there. Sometimes we can leave latest let’s say at 17:00 or 18:00,” he says.
His story reflects the reality behind the shiny image of Johannesburg as the city of gold and pulls into question its status as a world- class African city.
Where it all began
Gold was first discovered in the Witwatersrand area in 1886 by George Harrison, which led to the Witwatersrand Gold Rush. Johannesburg was soon established as a mining town and rapidly became South Africa’s largest city and economic hub often called the “City of Gold” due to the massive gold deposits in its surrounding areas.
In the early 20th century, Johannesburg’s economy and urban growth revolved heavily around deep underground mining operated by large corporations. The mining industry attracted a diverse workforce, including local Black Africans who worked in difficult, often dangerous conditions, as well as skilled European miners.
The mining industry is full of diversity, “On the mine, we are not the same and we come from different places, there [are] people from Maputo, there’s people from Lesotho, there’s people from Mthatha, there’s people from KZN, there’s people from Venda, people from Bush, people from different places,” says Muphandu.
Over more than a century, gold mining has driven Johannesburg’s development but also left a legacy of social inequality, environmental damage, and health issues, not just for the miners, but the community surrounding the mine.
In recent decades, Johannesburg’s gold mining has declined due to depletion of shallow deposits, rising operational costs, infrastructure challenges, and global market shifts. Most of the mines have shut down, jobs have been lost, and the sector’s contribution to the city’s economy has decreased, in comparison to other metal groups, such as platinum.
Johannesburg faces the challenge of balancing its identity as a historic “City of Gold” with the realities of a contracting, troubled mining industry that continues to impact many workers’ lives.
Golds contribution to the economy
The average price of gold as of October, 2025, has risen significantly, reaching around R59, 169 ( $3, 275) per ounce, and would waver between R48, 939 and R75, 385 per ounce throughout the year. This creates space for investment in the country and potential socio- economic growth. The gold mining industry’s contribution to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been decreasing slowly over the past five years due to the depletion of gold and increased global competition. Out of all the primary platinum metal groups, gold is performing or contributing the least in production.
“The gold price is doing very well in the international market. I mean it’s now on record price; it’s now on four thousand dollars an ounce,” says Livhuwani Mammburuu, the head of communications for the National Union of Mine Workers. The new developments in the gold price are exciting however miners are not able to take part in claiming the fruits of their labour. “You will find a situation where the executives’ pay themselves millions of bonuses and workers who work hard underground do not get anything,” he says.
This reenactment captures the ancient gold smelting process where raw gold is heated in a furnace to over 1,064°C, melting it into liquid form. Once molten, the gold is carefully poured from the crucible into moulds, solidifying into bars, a crucial final step in transforming mined gold. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
The realities of working in the gold mining industry
In 2025 the lives of gold miners remain challenging as they try to adapt to changing circumstances. Many miners that are employed on formal operations still experience low and fixed wages. [The] National Union of Mine Workers (NUM) is having wage negotiations with one of the biggest gold companies in South Africa, called Sibanye-Stillwater, and the negotiations are not going well at all,” says Mammburuu.
“We have just recently declared a dispute with Sibanye-Stillwater, because we do not agree on the wage offer that they’re presenting to us. They are presenting 4,5% salary increase, which- the NUM, is not happy with,” he says.
“It’s very tough [when] you are dealing with a company that does not want to pay good salaries for its employees who are our members,” says Mammburuu, breathing heavily with anger and frustration.
Many miners, face physically demanding and often hazardous working conditions deep underground. These miners work for hours with varying hours to make more money.
“According to the working hours it was eight hours, but because of delay of work and transport to take us to the surface, sometimes we could be there for two days, the shaft being damage, there is no escape road for emergency,” Muphandu says. “Sometimes we take shortcuts to finish the job or manage time, but these shortcuts are more dangerous. Before working, we must put in temporary support and wait for the safety officer’s approval, but sometimes the safety officer doesn’t come. We are often forced to use old tools because of delays in new tool deliveries, which is very dangerous and can lead to accidents,” he says.
South Arica’s gold mining industry reported a total of 11 fatalities in 2024, which is a 45% decrease from 20 in 2023, the industry still has a long way to go to ensure zero fatalities.
“There is the Mine Health and Safety Act, companies need to adhere to [it], at NUM we are still worried about workers that are still dying underground. It’s not enough to see workers fatalities happening in the mines, we want to see a situation where there are zero fatalities and zero injuries in the mining industry, that’s what we are striving for,” says Mammburuu.
“There were people who got sick, so we always wear masks and full PPE before getting on the cage to go underground. But underground, because it’s hot, many take off their masks, which is wrong, since it helps prevent dust and coughing from spreading illnesses like TB. I personally never got sick from the mine, but I once fell because I incorrectly put my safety belt on, and I injured my left leg. Some miners even fall off the cage before it reaches the ground, it can get very dangerous underground,” says Muphando.
The living conditions of miners remain inhumane. Many miners have resorted to living in shacks, as these are the only form of housing closest to the mine. “If you look at- where these mines are situated, you’ll see a lot of shacks around those mines. Our members are also getting a living at allowance. A living at allowance is equal as a housing allowance so members when they get that living at allowance, they’ve got a duty to go and rent or buy decent houses, “says Mammburuu.
Ntando Ndlovu, a fourth-year mining and engineering student, did his vacation work at the Sibanye-Stillwater mine. “They said to me if you don’t enjoy your job you are going to do the least and but for them, they actually enjoy what they are doing, in a team environment, that team dynamic is actually what keep[s] them going every now and then,” Ndlovu says.
Miners must receive a fair income to support their families. When one mine is no longer operating or supportive, they will move to a different mine. “Yeah, but you know now the mine industry, especially if you no longer have that mentality to mine, you always discuss which shaft pays and how to get there, so some of us left and went to Rustenburg’s platinum mines where it was better, but then COVID-19 happened and we couldn’t get in, though some friends still work there; you know, to work in SA you have to do something or get information,”Muphando says. “I quit the mine, during COVID-19, so I left around 2020 or 2021.”
The future of gold mining in Johannesburg
As gold mines around Johannesburg continue to shut down and lay off miners who depend on that income, what is a way forward for this once fruitful industry? “We see poverty, we see shacks, to be honest there is nothing much that is being done to empower communities and empower mine workers themselves. We don’t really see much of what mining is doing for communities around Gauteng,” says Mammburu.
Non-profit organizations find ways to include and support mine workers that have been retrenched due to a mine shut down, to find other means of employment. Providing miners with skills that can support them on and off the mine can be beneficial for the whole community.
“We’ve [NUM] got an entity called Mine Workers Development Agency. It helps our members who are retrenched, to start businesses and – farming – it is playing a very big role to empower those workers that have been retrenched. The other thing the NUM is doing is we have built an artisan academy. [The miners] get trained, they get qualifications and become qualified artisans, they go and look for jobs again.”
“The gold price is increasing exponentially, but from where I was the gold is depleting, so the mine will close in three to five years to come. It’s a major issue because most of the people in the surrounding community rely on the Sibanye water operation,” Ndlovu says.
The current high gold price offers hope for investment within the country and improved working conditions for miners. However, we need to come to terms with a harsh reality. Johannesburg cannot claim its place as a world-class African city when the very people who built it continue to struggle daily. True wealth and progress within a city is seen through the lives of those who live and breathe it. The abundance from gold wealth needs to be shared fairly and miners’ dignity and livelihoods need to be prioritised and valued.
FEATURED IMAGE: The above photograph shows the passageway of the Gold Reef City mine, located 75 meters underground. The dimly lit tunnel echoes the footsteps of over 40,000 miners who travelled this path decades ago, offering a glimpse into the challenging conditions deep within Johannesburg’s historic gold mine. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
As the G20 Summit approached, women all around the country demanded to be heard, and now that the proceedings have concluded, have they been?
The G20 declaration was adopted, uncontested.
Priorities for equality, growth, and safety for women were highlighted.
For South Africa, concerns about implementation are significant.
From climate change to debt relief, the declaration highlighted some of the most pressing global challenges.
With the theme of sustainability, equality, and solidarity, President Ramaphosa reiterated in his opening that a “solid plan” will leave “no person, community, or country behind.”
Yet, lingering was the concern of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa.
G20 women’s agenda
Deviating from tradition, President Ramaphosa asked the G20 leaders to adopt the declaration at the start of the summit, rather than at the end. By a show of hands, the statement was adopted by every present country without objection.
In doing so, each country represented committed to prioritising gender equality and attempting to end all forms of violence against women. This includes greater access to financial, economic, and market resources to support entrepreneurship and women-led businesses; and adopting the revised Brisbane-eThekwini Goal to reduce the gender labour gap by 25% by 2030.
Wits Vuvuzela spoke to Professor Narnia Bohler-Muller, head of the delegation for Women20 South Africa, who explained that “the G20 Leaders’ Declaration places women’s rights and safety at the centre of inclusive growth. For South Africa, this directly intersects with the fight against Gender‑Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), declared a national disaster by President Ramaphosa.”
Session one of the G20 Leader’ Summit on 23 November 2025. Photo: Jairus Mmutle/GCIS
Despite the prospective positive impact of these proposed areas of priority, Argentina expressed concern about the language used – specifically, “gender” and “all women”, fearing that the terms include gender identities beyond the biological male and female. Daily Maverick reported that this linguistic debate took away from strategic discussions.
When the nation spoke
Leading up to the summit, Women for Change National Shutdown turned the country purple, from lit up buildings, to social media profiles, support for women was immense, even the jacarandas joined.
Following the shutdown, and just before G20 proceedings, President Ramaphosa declared GBVF a national crisis, and later, a National Disaster.
Bohler-Muller highlighted that this means that “South Africa must treat violence against women with the same urgency as a pandemic or flood – unlocking emergency powers, funding, and accountability to save lives and restore dignity.”
In this effort, the government plans to strengthen existing policies rather than create new ones. “Our policies and plans are good. Implementation sucks,” Bohler-Muller said.
The youth perspective
Y20 delegate and Wits student, Jamiela Suliman, expressed that “the overall event seemed tokenistic, exclusionary, and elitist,” referring to the T20 and G20 social summit.
“The experience of Women for Change was poor. They were invited to give a speech at the Social Summit for 10 minutes. They funded the trip themselves, had their speaking time abruptly cut down to three minutes, and the Minister of Women, Children, and People with Disabilities walked out before they started speaking,” she said.
GBVF is not only a national disaster, but also an international one.
On November 19, the World Health Organisation (WHO), released a report highlighting that an estimated 840 million women around the world experience partner or sexual violence.
So, with global cooperation, will declarations’ priorities for women be implemented, or will they be the ones left behind?
FEATURE IMAGE: Media room live footage of President Cyril Ramaphosa addressing the G20 leaders. Photo: Ekta Seebran.
Africa’s first G20 Summit put youth, fairness and global cooperation at the centre amid grandstanding from a key member.
The 2025 Declaration is stronger than last year’s, adding clear commitments on youth unemployment, food security and critical minerals.
South Africa kept the summit focused despite the United States’ boycott, showing that no single country is bigger than the G20.
Experts and youth leaders say this summit is a turning point, giving Africa a louder voice in global decisions.
Group photograph of world leaders at the G20 summit on 22 November 2025. Photo: Jairus Mmutle/GCIS
The first G20 Summit held on African soil opened with symbolism that felt heavier than just ceremonial. Johannesburg, the “cradle of humanity,” as President Cyril Ramaphosa framed it, hosted a meeting shaped by global fragmentation, a US boycott, and the weight of expectations that Africa would finally speak in its own voice.
The unanimous adoption of a declaration on Saturday, November 22, signals a level of global consensus on pressing matters. Beyond the speeches, the real significance of this summit lies in what the declaration promises, how it differs from past commitments, and how South Africa managed the absence of one of the world’s most powerful nations.
What’s in the declaration?
Compared to Brazil’s in 2024, the 2025 Johannesburg Declaration is far more assertive in addressing long-standing inequalities between the Global North and South. It introduces structural reforms that African states have demanded for decades.
These include deepening international financial architecture reform, expanding multilateral development bank lending capacity, and setting up the first-ever G20 Critical Minerals Framework, which pushes beneficiation and manufacturing in resource-rich developing countries.
The declaration also goes further than previous years on food security through the Ubuntu Approaches, focusing on price volatility and support for smallholder farmers.
The declaration introduces the Nelson Mandela Bay Target, which aims to reduce the number of young people who are not in employment, education or training by 2030.
This target will be supported by new training programmes, more job-creating investments, and digital skills initiatives that the G20 has committed to rolling out for young people.
Rather than simply stating a percentage, this commitment signals that the G20 now recognises young people not in employment, education or training (NEET) as a measurable crisis that requires intentional policy, financing, and monitoring a major shift from previous summits where youth were mentioned only in passing.
It essentially means governments are now expected to treat youth unemployment as a structural problem that must decline meaningfully, not symbolically.
Dismissing the boycotter in chief and the future
For Frank Lekaba, Senior Lecturer at the Wits University, South Africa handled its diplomatic tensions with the US strategically.
“Ramaphosa refused to let the absence dominate the narrative,” he says.
Lekaba repositioned the G20 as larger than any one member. “The message was clear: there’s the G20, and then there are member states. None is bigger than the G20.”
Youth representatives also see this summit as a turning point. Levi Singh, the sherpa of the Y20, says the declaration “contains good context” for addressing youth unemployment, even if gaps remain.
“While it doesn’t prioritise youth issues as strongly as it could, the participation of young people is finally being recognised,” he says.
He praises the South African presidency for modelling a more people-centred, human-focused approach to multilateralism. “It showed that the G20 can be a platform for the Global South. It located Africa’s voice inside the G20.”
With the US absent, some feared the summit would fracture. Instead, South Africa secured unanimous agreement on a declaration that places Africa’s priorities at the centre of global governance discussions.
FEATURED IMAGE: G20 signage outside the media centre at Nasrec. Photo: Likho Mbuka
Investigative journalism is alive and well in Africa, report Lulah Mapiye and Sechabe Molete.
Journalists and media workers from over 30 African countries gathered for the AIJC conference.
Journalists were reminded to apply journalistic basics to produce the best work.
The annual AIJC conference will take place in Kenya next year.
Investigative journalists from South Africa, The Gambia and Ghana walked home with all the spoils of the third edition of the African Investigative Journalism Awards held on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
The ceremony, hosted in partnership with ABSA, brought together journalists and media workers from over 37 African countries and 45 further afield, reaffirming a common desire to change the world through storytelling.
As broadcaster Sakina Kumwendo introduced the night’s various speakers, it became evident that the future of African journalism is in good hands.
“As I look around, I see not just fellow journalists, but I also see the ultimate custodians of truth on our continent. Women and men who carry the torch in the darkest corners where power hides, knowing full well that this very light they bare makes them targets,” said the Editor in Chief of Nation Media Group, Dr. Joe Ageyo, in his keynote address.
From left to right: Seth Bokpe, Dewald van Rensburg, Edmund Agyemang Boateng and Mustapha K Darboe at the African Journalism Awards. Photo: Leon Sadiki
Ageyo’s message was a call to action for all African journalists to sharpen their tools to save Africa from the horrors brought on by corruption, negligent leadership and weaponised incompetence that continue to torment her.
South African journalist Dewald Rensburg won the award for his 10-part series titled ‘City of Gold’ last night. Rensburg’s ‘City of Gold’ piece exposes a large Gold-based VAT scam worth billions. His exposè shines light on organised crime and money laundering in Johannesburg’s gold sector.
Convener of Judges, Gwen Lister, revealed there were many compelling submissions, which almost made choosing one ultimate winner impossible. However, what sets winning journalists apart from the rest is the ability to go back to journalistic basics.
And 2025’s awards did not only celebrate the first prize recipient, second place went to Mustapha K Darbae of The Republic, The Gambia for “The Assets Go for a Song”. In third place were Seth Bokpe and Edmund Agyemang Boateng of The Forth Estate, Ghana for “Forest invasion.”
The investigative journalism work continues and delegates will convene in November 2026 at Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya for the fourth AIJC.
FEATURED IMAGE: Dewald van Rensburg giving a speech after winning. Photo: Leon Sadiki
Buy Now Pay Later services promise a convenient payment method to make shopping easier, but for many, that convenience comes at a hidden cost.
BNPL is marketed as interest-free but relies on retailers and penalties.
Lower-income consumers use BNPL services due to economic inequality and immediate gratification.
BNPL services have hidden costs that pose financial risks.isksto consumers.
It’s currently 01:15 am, and the only light glowing in the room is from a phone screen. Tumelo is mindlessly scrolling through endless digital aisles. Tap, tap, tap – her thumb dancing against the glass screen and then finally, she sees it; her heart beating with jolts of excitement, the one item she’s been searching for – a cow print denim skirt. Her cart is already overflowing with festival gear. The total, a shocking R1274.64 “That’s way too much” she says.
She can’t afford all the items in her cart, but this festival is all everyone’s been talking about, this denim skirt is the last item that would complete her look. And then like a flash, something catches her eye, it was almost as if the whole room had lit up “make shopping easier with 4 interest-free payments.”
At first, she hesitates, but then thinks of how good she would look at the amapiano festival two weeks from now, contemplation swims in her head and finally, she’s convinced herself that it’s harmless. It’s just four payments of R318.66. No interest. No catch.
Or so it seems. Without another thought, she clicks “checkout with PayFlex” before she can even change her mind. But how exactly does this interest-free model work? With major providers like PayFlex, PayJustNow and Mobicred as alternative payment options, it has never been easier to get what you want, when you want it. By just a click of a button, you can get all your heart’s desires now and worry about the bill later.
The Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) industry is rapidly growing in South Africa. It offers customers a convenient way to shop by allowing them to purchase items without paying the full amount at once.
BNPL services are marketed as interest-free payments split into weekly or monthly manageable instalments. This is similar to the traditional lay-buy systems, but the only difference is that with BNPL, customers receive purchased products immediately and do not have to wait for it to be fully paid.
While BNPL have convinced customers that you can get whatever you want whenever you want it, at a small price, their interest-free claims raise the million-dollar question: how exactly do these companies generate their revenue?
Image of Payflex zero-interest offer payment plan. Photo: File/Payflex.com
Why South Africans flock to BNPL
According to a Research And Markets report, South Africa’s BNPL industry has undergone a significant growth between 2021 and 2024 and is projected to increase further from USD 717.3 million to approximately USD 1.3 billion by the end of 2030.
This growth is attributed to the increasing demand of interest free payment options, particularly as digital payment methods become more popular, especially among the younger consumers.
This upward trend only highlights the deep-rooted inequalities faced by regular South Africans. In an economy that frequently excludes lower-income consumers, many turn to BNPL providers as a financial lifeline, especially for those unable to pay for essentials up front. These platforms make large purchases feel more manageable.
In addition to the rising cost of living, a large population of South Africans either lack access to traditional credit or have limited financial services available to them.
Professor Gary van Vuuren of the Wits School of Economics and Finance argues that it’s a system that taps into the idea that things will look good in the future, that one will be able to pay their debts in time, “We always misjudge our future obligations – but other things always come up,” he says
He explains that it is a system built on optimism, “humans believe that they will have the money in a few months’ time… but life doesn’t work that way – immediate gratification, that’s what humans love.”
The illusion of “interest-free”
So, how do BNPL providers make their money if they are not charging interest?
First, it starts with the retailer. BNPL provide a service to merchants. These merchants are your everyday retail stores such as Superbalist and Takealot, they partner up with a BNPL provider and pay a small fee every time customers opt for the BNPL option at checkout. This is a simple arrangement that creates a win-win situation where the retailer boosts sales with fewer abandoned carts and the BNPL provider earns a commission.
Research by Stitch shows that customers spend 20-30% more when using Payflex, in fact, 83% of customers say they shop more often when Payflex is available.
Applying is made deliberately simple, at the point of checkout, you are required to provide your personal details such as your ID number and your debit or credit card information.
Providers then conduct a light credit check to assess if you will be able to pay these instalments when the time comes without digging too deeply into your credit history.
This speedy process is the key to their success, “They don’t want to do a deep credit dive – it costs time and money,” van Vuuren explains.
The consequences
While the promise of no interest is plastered in bold across all BNPL marketing, the real conditions are often buried in the lengthy terms and conditions – a place very few customers look.
For Tumelo, the “no catch” was a promise short-lived. A week after the festival, she received an SMS from Payflex informing her that the R318.66 payment was overdue and that a R95 default fee had been added. “I completely forgot about the payment,” she recalls, “I didn’t even have the money to pay them back when I saw the message.”
The assumption that BNPL services are interest-free makes them seem minimal risk, but a deeper look reveals the hidden costs associated with using these platforms.
According to Professor van Vuuren, many consumers lack the financial education needed to navigate these services. “The average customer probably won’t be very financially literate… these places rely on the fact that people don’t pay on time,” he warns.
With Playflex, their catchphrase is simple: “No interest, no drama”, but what happens when you miss a payment?
When you miss a payment on its due date, Payflex automatically charges a default fee. For its “Pay in 4” payment plan, you are charged R95.00 and for a missed “Pay in 3” payment, the fee charged is R125.00. This default fee is charged weekly for a maximum of three charges until the outstanding balance is paid in full.
Screenshot of Payflex Terms and Conditions. Photo: File/Paylex.com
But that’s not all. If the overdue balance remains unpaid, it starts to result in default interest at 2.00% per month. This happens because the overdue payment effectively reclassifies the initial transaction as an incidental credit agreement under the National Creditors Act (NCA) – additional charges which are hidden from sight.
For those who fail to make payments on time, the consequences can be severe. A missed payment might seem like a minor issue in the moment, but it can leave you in a web of financial entanglements down the line.
So essentially, the real revenue for BNPL companies comes from default and penalty fees from missed payments.
“These companies are going to make people poorer in the long run. They give people the expectation that they can afford things that they actually can’t,” says van Vuuren.
While BNPL services claim to be interest-free, the hidden costs are stitched quietly beneath the fabric of a soft cotton blouse or the travel tickets to a beachy holiday in Cape Town – penalties and mounting charges that only reveal themselves after the fact, turning an interest-free purchase into a costly debt.
Before clicking the shiny, appealing button that says, “Pay Later” consider this: what are you really delaying – the cost, or the consequence?
Professor van Vuuren’s advice remains clear: “Make sure that you know the conditions of these contracts.”
While BNPL may seem harmless or even helpful, sometimes reading the fine print is what may save you from a financial trap.
FEATURED IMAGE: Image of online purchase being made with Paylex option and logos of various BNPL services. Photo: Nthabeleng Phayane
The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) correlates with the evolution of digital crimes.
Financial institutions use AI to detect fraud, but criminals are also using AI to develop new ways of committing fraud.
In the pursuit of developing world-class AI for Africa, data security is the most critical element in securing Africa’s digital economy.
In an undeniable reflection of Africa’s burgeoning digital economyby Mastercard, the continent’s AI market is projected to skyrocket from an estimated R78 billion in 2025 to a massive R286,9 billion by 2030. South Africa’s projected AI market size is over R20 billion as of 2025, according to the report by Mastercard. As a direct response to this financial surge, nations like South Africa are moving to secure this digital future.
As we progress further in the development of a digital Africa, traditional, rule-based security systems are proving to be slow and ineffective. From phishing emails, spam texts to sophisticated deepfake attacks, criminals are constantly evolving their methods.
Standard Bank’s Head of payments, Rufaida Hamilton, wrote an article discussing the role of AI in detecting, monitoring, and preventing payments fraud. Hamilton states that AI is transforming fraud prevention in the financial sector by moving beyond traditional rule-based systems to proactively detect and monitor payments fraud in real time. AI-powered systems can detect these patterns in transaction data, identify unusual customer behaviour, and even analyse text and voice to flag suspicious activity in real-time.
Above: Data chart showing the number of AI-related scams over a three-year period. Graphic: Katlego Makhutle/TRM Labs
However, the article also notes that this is a continuous cat and mouse game, as criminals are simultaneously using AI to develop more sophisticated scams and mimic human behaviour. The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) released an annual report in 2024 stating that there’s an uptick in AI-powered financial crimes, with criminals getting more creative in their use of AI to commit phishing, deep fakes and creating synthetic identity frauds.
According to SABRIC, a major underlying threat is the rise of synthetic identities, which are fictitious personas created by AI that blend real and fake data. These digital phantoms are used to apply for loans and open fraudulent accounts, bypassing traditional verification systems designed to spot real people.
Application fraud remains a significant concern, with false applications alone contributing 2.9% of card fraud losses. Beyond just tricking individuals, AI is also enabling a new kind of “ghost” fraud that attacks the very foundations of the financial system. TRM Labs also reported that criminals are now using AI to generate hyper-realistic deepfakes of executives to trick employees into wiring millions.
SABRIC’s report also reveals that criminals are no longer just relying on clumsy, rule-based attacks but are harnessing AI to craft a new generation of scams. Gone are the days of misspelt phishing emails and awkward grammar.
Instead, criminals are deploying generative AI to produce “error-free phishing emails” and “AI-generated WhatsApp messages.” This shift makes every text and email a potential trap, turning the most common forms of communication into potential tools for digital fraud.
While overall financial crime losses saw a decline of nearly 18%, dropping from R3.3 billion in 2023 to R2.7 billion in 2024, digital banking fraud has surged, becoming the dominant threat South Africa’s digital ecosystem.
The number of reported digital fraud cases more than doubled, soaring from 31,612 in 2023 to 64,000 in 2024. This dramatic increase resulted in a proportional rise in financial losses, which climbed from R1 billion to over R1.4 billion in the same period.
The fight for control over Africa’s digital financial landscape is a new kind of “Code War,” where fintech innovations and AI-powered defences are locked in a continuous escalation with sophisticated digital criminals.
However, the adoption of AI in this context is not without its own set of challenges, particularly concerning data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the need for robust regulatoryframeworks. The solution to these escalating threats extends beyond technology and connects directly to the concept of data sovereignty and security in Africa.
Wits University’s School of Electrical and Information Engineering lecturer, Dr. Martin Bekker, noted that AI in Africa still needs to be given representative data by Africa and for Africa. Bekker highlights that sharing data with any Language Learning Model (LLM) is not secure or private and sharing data with these tools does not present any “unique” security challenges; instead, it exacerbates existing challenges.
“Digital security is always relative [and] never absolute…[its] a bit of a cat-and-mouse game. However, there are ideas such as hosting your own open-weight LLM internally, as opposed to using an online service, which are emerging as best practices. As for the ethics – AI training appears to rely on quite a bit of IP misappropriation, super-high energy use, and if there is RLHF (Reinforcement learning from human feedback), possible labour exploitation too,” Bekker stated.
At the recent GovTech 2025 conference, South African Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, warned that without digital sovereignty, the country’s national sovereignty is at risk, as data becomes increasingly controlled by foreign tech giants.
“We need digital sovereignty. We can’t have our data controlled by everybody, anywhere in the world,” Nzimande stated. The purpose of building local data centres is not solely based on the physical storage of data. It also points to a strategic move that is working to ensure that African-based financial data remains within the continent’s borders, is subject to local laws and is used to develop a domestic AI industry that serves African needs and values.
The long-term defence against AI-powered crime and data breaches must be a holistic one. However, simply localising data and regulating financial institutions does not automatically guarantee security or sustainability. The story of AI in Africa’s financial sector is therefore a complex narrative of innovation and vulnerability. An ever-changing and unfolding story, where advanced digital technology is the best defence against crime and the most potent weapon for digital fraudsters.
FEATURED IMAGE: Hand holding phone with scam alert on the screen Photo: Katlego Makhutle
Due to the high unemployment in South Africa, citizens have resorted to finding gaps within the formal sector, creating informal employment for themselves, running errands.
A lack of job security pushes people to trade in the informal sector, with women the most affected.
Runners use social media platforms to conduct their business and reach customers.
The runners typically operate in big, bustling cities.
It’s a Wednesday evening in September, Kamogelo has just arrived at her residence after a long day of teaching practicals. She is now on a call trying to correct a mix-up with orders she placed last weekend from Johannesburg to Pretoria’s Mamelodi Mall.
Kamogelo Matshate (22), a final year bachelor of education student at Wits University, has been a runner since May 2024. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, she goes to Johannesburg CBD, Dragon City and China Mall to buy items for customers and send them via courier services.
People who buy items on behalf of others are referred to as personal shoppers or runners. Matshate is guaranteed at least R1,000 at the end of each month, which she makes by charging a runner fee of R150-R250, depending on the size of the order.
Runners inside the Lotto building in Joburg CBD queuing to pay for blankets and mats for their customers. Photo: LulahMapiye
The informal sector pays the bills
A report by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) released in March 2025 shows that South Africa’s informal sector accounted for 19.5% of total employment in the fourth quarter of 2024.
This is in line with scholarly research, which shows that the majority of people operating in South Africa’s informal sector enter it out of necessity, a direct result of the country’s tough economic climate.
“This is particularly true for economically marginalized groups, most notably youth and women. Due to a lack of formal opportunities, black women are disproportionately forced to enter the informal sector,” said Siphelele Ngidi, an associate researcher on the labour market project at the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies at Wits.
This is true in Matshate’s case. She felt pushed by circumstances to become a runner. Her mother, who was a volunteer at a non-profit organisation (NPO), earning an incentive of less than R2,000 a month, was released from her duties in April 2024. Matshate’s mom took up the volunteering role as she had given up on hopes of formal employment. She has been applying for jobs for years with no luck.
A 2023 study by Stats SA, reported that the participation of women in the labour force remained lower than that of men, at 54.3% compared to 64.9% for men. This is a byproduct of South Africa’s history, where the labour market was separated on the basis of race and gender. Unfortunately, this remains true 31 years into democracy.
In addition, moments of uncertainty like the 2008 global financial crisis and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic saw millions of people lose their jobs and enter the informal sector for survival.
Seeing her single mom fail to secure a job for years and struggling to provide for her little brother, who was then in matric, devastated Matshate. Her National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) allowance of R1,700 was not enough to feed her and her family back home.
“My mother doesn’t have Facebook, so it would have been difficult for her to market products to people. I have 7,300 followers on Facebook, which gave me a starting advantage.
“Referrals also help boost my customer base and trust,” said Matshate, who has been using the money she makes from running errands to feed her family and pay for their funeral policy.
“Factors like the quality of employment can push people into the informal sector. When formally employed people are paid below a living wage, they may quit their jobs for full-time informal work or keep their jobs and do part-time work in the informal sector,” said Ngidi.
Essential middle(wo)men
This is the reason Nonti Mpofu (40), is a part-time runner in Johannesburg. She works four days a week as a domestic worker and two days a week as a runner. Her supply base goes beyond South Africa, as she stocks many items for customers in Malawi and Zimbabwe.
Mpofu has created a name for herself, and her customers value her service. “I stay in Pongola and sell in Ndubazi area, under Sishelweni region, Eswatini, leaving Pongola to stock in Joburg slows down my business, as I have to carry my bags and knock door to door selling.
Sending money to auntie Nonti to stock for me saves me money and gives me an opportunity to maximise on sales,” said Lengton Bishi, Mpofu’s customer from KwaZulu-Natal.
Standing next to a young man who was using a clear pallet wrap to wrap a parcel from the first floor of the Lotto building in Joburg CBD, “Depending on how big the parcel is, wrapping ranges from R20-R50. We do it to keep a customer’s parcel safe. Obviously, if the parcel arrives without the wrap, I’d know someone tempered with it,” said Mpofu.
Inside the large black plastic bag were baby diapers. Mpofu plans to take the parcel to Newtown to put it on a bus to Zimbabwe for a fee of R200. Her customer runs a small business in a village called Dewedzo.
Runners benefit the formal market, as they use transportation services like buses and taxis, courier services like PEP’s Paxi and shops for stock.
Mpofu charges between R100 and R150 for orders up to R1,000. For orders up to R4,000, she charges 15% of the order amount, and for orders above R4,000, she charges 10% of the order amount. This is how she makes a profit.
Most of the stores where Matshate and Mpofu buy stock encourage bulk buying, which allows for negotiation, discounts and ultimately increased profit.
Through this informal trading, these women are able to feed their families. Mpofu has built herself a house, sent her son to college and her daughter to a private primary school.
The informal sector in South Africa is growing, with Stats SA reporting a rise in informal businesses from 1.5 million in 2013 to 1.9 million in 2023, consistent with the rise in unemployment.
Moreover, the informal sector has the same dynamics as the formal sector as more men are employed than women.
Filling a technological gap
The shops that Matshate and Mpofu stock from use only WhatsApp to market their products. They do not have business websites, which makes it difficult for their customers to shop directly from them. When customers are unsatisfied with a product they ordered online, there is usually a procedure they can follow to return it. However, they cannot do that with the type of shops runners typically source from.
As a result, runners take the place of an online presence. Filling an essential gap and going above and beyond to satisfy their customers. “Unlike ordering online and getting surprised, I get in store [sic] and feel the quality of the product, see if it matches the product description. If it does not, I quickly inform my customer before stocking up,” said Matshate.
Mpofu showing a salesman WhatsApp pictures of what her customer from Midrand wants. Photo: Lulah Mapiye
According to GG Alcock, author of Kasinomics, informal economies are highly fragmented, and opportunities lie in aggregated models. For example, the success of Uber lies in aggregating millions of drivers on a single app. Uber recognized that a million drivers are more powerful than a hundred thousand taxis.
Similarly, runners understand that a thousand customers are better than trying to set up a thousand individual shops. Aggregation models are being used in the informal sector because that is where opportunities lie. Using technology for marketing, making payments and orders, including messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, helps numerous informal businesses aggregate their businesses.
Challenges of being a runner
When Wits Vuvuzela attempted to get a perspective from the store owners and workers on their experience with runners, they refused to speak. “They are afraid that you might be working with the Johannesburg Metro Police,” said Mpofu.
Johannesburg Metro Police often raid, and confiscate items sold in the shops Matshate and Mpofu buy stock from because most of the clothing shops sell counterfeit products. “Though runners are not directly harassed, there is a ripple effect on the success of their business because of these police raids,” said Ngidi.
Anele Zwane, a 24-year-old student in Pietermaritzburg, became a runner in 2024. Her plan was to help busy people with their grocery shopping for a small fee of R150, but she did not get any customers.
She soon realised, “Things are expensive in Martizburg, I could not be a runner for any other thing except food. Unfortunately, people here prefer shopping on their own. They viewed paying me R150 to help them as a rip off,” said Zwane.
Mpofu attested that location is key, as she left Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, her hometown, for greener pastures in Joburg. “No one needs anything from Estcourt but most people in Estcourt need a lot of things from Johannesburg. And some of my customers are from Estcourt,” said Mpofu.
Mpofu, Zwane and Matshate claim it is rare to find a runner who works outside of Johannesburg and Durban, runners typically operate within these cities.
The South African informal sector is growing rapidly as many citizens need to put food on the table and formal employment is either not available or not paying enough. The policies of trade in the informal sector make it difficult for some to enter. The solution lies in the informal and formal sector working together and using aggregation models and technology to boost the country’s economic status.
FEATURED IMAGE: Dragon city where runners buy hair and other products for their customers. Photo: Lulah Mapiye
A new amendment to the National Credit Act could see students with debt blacklisted as soon as they graduate.
On August 13, 2025, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Parks Tau, submitted draft amendments to the National Credit Act, proposing that educational institutions may report student debt to credit bureaus. If passed, this would mean that graduates could be blacklisted for their debt. Public comment is open until September 12, 2025.
At first glance, this policy looks like accountability. But in reality, it is yet another tool that widens South Africa’s already staggering inequality gap. For wealthy families, paying university fees is not a burden. For the poor, especially the Black majority, it is another chain tying us down.
South Africa is already split in two: those who have, and those who struggle to survive. Instead of building bridges, the ruling party seems determined to burn them down, shutting off access and any chance to ever cross that bridge. The Afircan National Congress continues to oppress young people, creating more obstacles than opportunities. Instead of uplifting us, they are burying us deeper under the weight of policies that do not understand our lived realities.
Not every student has parents who can afford fees for tertiary education. Those who manage through bursaries and student loans, then graduate into an economy that demands work experience for jobs, while internships often pay next to nothing. The lucky few who evade unemployment through entry-level jobs can earn as little as R5000 a month. How must that cover rent, food, transport, and other essentials, and still stretch to settle student debt?
This amendment doesn’t simply manage debt, it weaponises it. It tells young South Africans that their dreams of education come with a punishment clause. That, unless you are privileged, your qualification is a curse that follows you into every financial decision, from applying for a job to renting a flat.
Are our leaders truly this blind? Or are they deliberately working against the success of young South Africans? Each new barrier makes it harder to believe they care.
But we are not powerless. The public has until September 12, 2025, to oppose this amendment. Send your comments to credit@thedtic.gov.za
Raise your voice, share your story, and remind those in power that the future of this country depends on its youth.
To the politicians who continue to oppress us: we will meet you at the ballot box.
Loading Kudu Bucks onto student cards is still a daily struggle at Wits University.
Terminals on East and West Campus are faulty.
Students insert banknotes into the machines, only to have the money disappear without the corresponding credit being loaded onto their accounts.
Others report that the machines outright reject their notes, leaving them unable to top up their balances at crucial moments whether to print or book a consultation at Campus Heath.
The issue has become a familiar and frustrating cycle.
This systemic failure has created a trail of lost funds, forcing students to either go without essential services or spend more money to get their tasks done.
Technical Security Solutions (TSS) management has attributed this to an aging access control system that is slowly being updated, hence their intermittent functionality.
FEATURED IMAGE: Faulty Kudu Bucks terminal on West Campus. Photo: Lukholo Mazibuko
A moving memorial service honoured Tshidi Madia’s dedication, mentorship, and enduring passion for journalism.
Tshidi’s memorial program. Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
Tshidi Madia, passed away, at age 42, after a short illness.
Remembered as a passionate journalist, mentor, and friend at her memorial.
Her dedication and influence have left a lasting mark on South Africa’s media community.
The South African media fraternity bid farewell to veteran journalist Tshidi Madia (42), Associate Editor for Politics at Eyewitness News (EWN), who died last week, on August 27, 2025 after a short illness.
On Tuesday,September 2, friends, family, and colleagues gathered at Primedia, Sandton for a memorial service that celebrated her life and lasting impact. The ceremony opened with a moving performance by the Greenside High School choir, whose soft, tender hymn wrapped the hall in an atmosphere of sorrow and grace.
Madia, remembered for her warmth and lively spirit, was described as a journalist who deeply loved her country, her profession, and the people around her. Nisa Allie, EWN’s Editor-in-Chief, spoke on behalf of the newsroom, recalled Madia’s tireless passion for political reporting.
“Even when she was not on diary, Tshidi would pop into our WhatsApp groups just to say she was going to stop by an event or gathering to see what she could get or who she could talk to. That’s how passionate she was,” Allie said.
For younger journalists, Madia was more than a colleague. Alpha Ramushwana, a news reporter at EWN, shared how she became his mentor when he first joined as an intern in 2022.
Tshidi’s memorial venue in Sandton. Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
“Tshidi saw something in me that I didn’t see. She told me I would have a great career in journalism, and for the past three years, she kept affirming that,” Ramushwana said.
Her family, too, paid tribute to her unwavering dedication. Reabetjoe Makoko, Madia’s sister, said: “My sister worked hard, she loved what she did, and so many people didn’t know until that moment of the US, but trust me she’s been working so hard for many years.”
As memories and tributes flowed, a portrait emerged of a woman who was not only a formidable journalist but also a loving sister, mentor, and friend. Tshidi Madia will be remembered for her beautiful heart, her relentless work ethic, and the love she shared with all who knew her.
FEATURED IMAGE: Tshidi Madia’s image at the memorial. Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
Behind every ride-share hailed and every taxi boarded lies a struggle for territory, income and safety, one that turned deadly in Soweto.
A clash at Maponya Mall left one driver dead and reopened old wounds in South Africa’s long running battle over passengers, power and survival.
As violence flares once again between e-hailing and taxis, commuters are forced to confront the risks hidden in their daily rides.
Years after promises of new transport laws, the streets remain unregulated battlefields where young drivers are left vulnerable.
On an August evening outside Maponya Mall in Soweto, smoke from two burning cars lingered. It was supposed to be another ordinary shift for Siyanda Mthokozisi Mvelase of evening Uber trips around Soweto to earn enough probably for a week’s rent, or even groceries. Instead, he became the latest victim in the escalating conflict between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers.
The 27-year-old e-hailing driver, who had reportedly only been working for a few days, was ambushed at a/the Soweto shopping center. According to Independent Online (IOL), eyewitness reports and preliminary police investigations, Mvelase was shot before his car was set alight. The barbaric nature of the attack left another vehicle (of another unnamed e-hailing driver) in burnt pieces, and a passerby injured. This incident has cast a harsh spotlight on the unresolved tensions that continue to claim lives and instill fear within the public transport sector.
While police investigations are still underway with a case of murder and two counts of attempted murder being investigated, the incident is widely believed to be the latest casualty in the violent feud between the taxi industry and the increasingly popular e-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt. In the immediate aftermath, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) condemned the violence, and offered to cover Mvelase’s funeral costs.
However, many remain skeptical, viewing the gesture as an attempt at damage control in the face of public outrage. Uber also issued a statement of condolence, though it clarified that the driver was not registered on its platform at the time of the incident. This detail has made matters even worse, leaving questions about the regulation and oversight of the broader e-hailing sector.
Hustling in a collapsing economy
Mvelase was part of a growing wave of young people turning to platforms like Uber and Bolt to make a living in an economy with high youth unemployment. With scarcity of proper jobs, e-hailing has become a fallback hustle – a little more flexible, relatively easy to enter, and a way to cover the costs of living. No application processes, no expensive qualifications, just a car and a smartphone.
However, for drivers, every trip carries uncertainty. Shopping malls, Gautrain stations and airports are hotspots for intimidation, harassment and in many cases, violence. A Bolt driver interviewed by Wits Vuvuzela, Xolani Mdlalose, said that for every pick-up and drop-off, he constantly has to look over his shoulder, that the life struggles they try to overcome are what puts their lives in danger.
The human cost is quite heavy, and for many considering e-hailing services as a side hustle, stories like Mvelase’s leave a bitter taste in one’s mouth.
Commuters caught in the middle of the feud
For students, Ubers and Bolts are not just luxury, they are often the safest option for navigating Johannesburg. From late-night study sessions to off-campus accommodation in scattered suburbs or social gatherings that end after public transport (taxis) working hours, all depend on Uber or Bolt.
“I take a taxi from Soweto to campus every day because it’s cheaper,” said Nkululeko Dlamini, a second year property studies student. “But you find that sometimes, especially early mornings, we wait for a while if there aren’t enough passengers to fill the Quantum. This is stressful on days I have morning classes”
Others turn to Uber or Bolt for reliability. “I prefer Uber more than taxis, because it is more convenient. Literally picks me up from wherever I am, at any time, and drops me off exactly where I am going,” said Refilwe Molefe, a first-year computer science student. “It feels safer but after what happened at Maponya Mall, you realise one’s safety is not really guaranteed.”
Students are caught in the middle of affordable taxis on one side and the relative convenience of e-hailing on the other, with both overshadowed by safety concerns. It’s a choice many describe as a gamble.
Regulation and Governance
The irony is that the legal framework to regulate these tensions already exists. In June 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the National Land Transport Amendment Act (Act 23 of 2023) (NLTA), a long-awaited update to South Africa’s transport law. This law was supposed to bring order to the chaos. For the first time, e-hailing services are formally recognized and regulated, requiring drivers to hold proper operating licenses and platforms like Uber and Bolt to be endorsed by the licenses.
The Act also empowers provincial regulatory authorities to suspend or withdraw licenses for offences and ties permits to municipal Integrated Transport Plans (a mechanism designed to avoid the oversupply “flashpoints” that often lead to violent clashes at malls and taxi ranks).
But more than a year later, implementation is stuck. The regulations that give the law significance remain delayed. Provinces struggle with license backlogs, enforcement authorities lack resources and platforms like Uber and Bolt continue to operate in grey zone and are seen as unregulated competitors. As a result, many e-hailing drivers are left exposed, fueling friction with the taxi industry.
A way forward
In response to the public outcry, government officials vowed to take decisive actions. The Minister of Transport has announced the imminent and full implementation of the NTLA Act.
But without these regulations, commuters and drivers remain vulnerable. Taxi associations continue to assert territorial control, sometimes violently, while e-hailing platforms distance themselves from accountability by pointing to legal ambiguities.
For commuters and the unemployed, the resolution of this conflict is not just a matter of convenience, it’s a matter of safety and access to opportunities. The tragic death of Siyanda Mvelase serves as a reminder of the human cost of unresolved tensions.
As a generation striving to build their futures in a challenging economy, young people and students in Johannesburg deserve a safe and reliable public transport system that allows them to pursue their aspirations without the constant fear of violence. The effective implementation of the NLTA Act, coupled with meaningful engagement and enforcement, offers a glimmer of hope for a future where both e-hailing drivers and passengers can navigate the city’s roads with greater security and peace of mind.
But until then, both drivers and passengers remain at risk.
FEATURED IMAGE: A picture of a taxi and a private car next to each other to represent the feud. Image: Lulah Mphiye
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