The increase in the minimum wage amount is not as impactful as the minister of labour and employment would suggest.
The minimum wage amount has increased to R30, 23 per hour from R28, 79 per hour.
The new minimum wage is still not enough to sustain South Africans.
Millions still struggle to cater to their basic needs.
The minimum wage amount is set to increase to R30,23 per hour, from R28,23 per hour as of March 1, 2026. South Africans are beyond frustrated by this small change.
“The income is basically the same, given that the economy is also changing. [The government] increasing the minimum wage doesn’t change the fact that things are also getting more expensive. If, lets say, they were increasing the wages, but the economy’s status was still the same at least [there] would be a bit of a change, compared to right now,” said Rose Mongwe, a third-year bachelor of education student.
The minimal increase, means Mongwe, whose mother is a domestic worker will not get an allowance increase this year. She uses what her mom can give her for toiletries and other personal needs. “It is not [as much] as I would want it to be but then it kind of helps here and there and sustains me when I’m unable to get some money for myself,” she said.
Muhammed Siyad the Regional Investment Growth Manager for Southern Gauteng at Absa said, “At the rate at which inflation is climbing, this increase of the minimum wage amount per hour I don’t feel it would affect any households in a positive sense, the reason for that is everything else is getting more expensive, its making it harder for people to manage based on the current salaries.”
Neo Bapela honours in bachelor of education said, “I feel like the [minimum wages amount] is very little, but also it goes according to peoples’ responsibilities, I might think that the money is enough for me, because I don’t have kids, I don’t have other responsibilities.”
The increase of the minimum wage amount does not keep up with the rising cost of living. Many households continue to stretch out their money, the increase of R1,44 offers little to no relief.
FEATURED IMAGE: Cash and coins. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
South Africa is again debating the name changes of provinces and towns.
Over the past month, there has been nationwide debate over the name changes of various towns and provinces. This puts into question South Africa’s history and if we should preserve the current names as a reminder or change them to honour our heritage.
Name changes carry real and expensive costs. The updating of maps, road signs, business branding and tourism material require funding and resources that could be used elsewhere. The country has a multitude of more pressing issues – such as a high unemployment rate, and water and electricity shortages- changing the names of provinces and towns shouldn’t be the top priority for the current economic climate of South Africa.
The Eastern Cape’s is currently undergoing a massive transformation on this front. Gayton McKenzie , the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, approved 21 geographical name changes, including renaming East London to KuGompo and Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe Town. This has been in line with public consultations and recommendations made from the South African Geographical Names Council.
The name changes are yet to be confirmed as it is the department’s ongoing commitment to ensure that the names highlight the country’s diverse heritage and history. Most residents in Eastern Cape are against the name changes highlighting that the towns historical identity and heritage should remain, as this keeps history intact.
Other residents argue that the changes are long overdue, as the original names are reminiscent of our history and it is important to keep reminders around, so that people do not forget. The renaming project can be viewed as a form of decolonialisation and reclaiming our history and instilling pride over the South African landscape.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini recently reignited the debate by calling for the removal of “Natal”, from the provincial name “KwaZulu-Natal”, he argues that before colonial efforts the area was simply called KwaZulu. The Zulu king is pleading with politicians to broaden the public debate about these historical boarders as they have been shaped by colonial authorities.
The African National Congress (ANC) has responded cautiously, particularly around the proposals to rename KwaZulu-Natal, stressing that it has not yet adopted an official position on the matter. The party emphasised that any provincial name changes must follow proper constitutional and legal processes.
As the debate continues, we need to critically ask ourselves what impact the name changes will have on the community, whether positive or negative, it will be the residents that deal with the massive changes, and their opinion is of high importance.
FEATURED IMAGE: Geographical name changes debate. Graphic by: Bonolo Mokonoto
Four seasons in, Bridgerton struggles with originality, yet it feels as genuine than ever.
Dearest gentle reader, in this highly anticipated new season of one of Netflix’s most-watched series, Bridgerton season four, part one, is not quite what we expected.
This season focuses on the notorious playboy Benedict Bridgerton’s love story and his quest to find life partner. He meets a lady named Sophie at a masquerade ball and makes it his mission to find her after she leaves the ball in a hurry. This season uses the Cinderella trope, but instead of a glass slipper, Sophie leaves behind a glove. This story line makes the story predictable, as many audience members are very familiar with this trope, it lacks originality.
A very interesting aspect of this new season is that we get an inside look into the servants’ quarters. We are offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how the lives of the rich and royal are kept in-order by those who are rarely noticed in these spaces. It is reminiscent of renowned period drama, Downton Abbey.
Through this shift in perspective, the series highlights the invisible labour that sustains the grandeur of high society. Lady Whistledown makes a point of exposing and sharing the stories of these workers, further emphasising their importance in society.
A carriage driver remarks on the behaviour within the ton, stating, “It’s thrilling for them, chaos for us.” This line emphasizes the immense labour servants must perform to maintain the magnificence or grandeur of the balls and social events hosted during the debutante season.
Throughout the Bridgerton series, Benedict has been depicted as sexually fluid, which makes his search for a wife this season feel out of left field and somewhat out of character.
It would have been more compelling to watch him seek companionship with both men and women, ensuring that the character development establishing him as pansexual in previous seasons, did not go to waste.
The chemistry between Benedict and Sophie is undeniable. This is the first season where the main couple get to know each other in a friendly manner, and this was entertaining to watch.
The playfulness and gentle ease they have with each other is refreshing, from the conflict we initially see with the previous main couples in the series.
Despite the predictability and missteps on Benedict’s character development, Bridgerton season four succeeds in feeling emotionally sincere.
This may not be the most original chapter in the Bridgerton storyline, but it proves that familiarity, when written well, can still be engaging.
Vuvu rating: 7.5/ 10
FEATURED IMAGE: Bridgerton season 4 review. Photo: Netflix
Technology is advancing and getting involved will help postgraduates not get left behind.
The Wits Postgraduate Orientation introduces students to their chapter as ‘seniors’ on campus.
App development in academic research is encouraged.
Apps can be beneficial but also have various limitations.
From left to right, Simone Dahms Vester, Tasneem Hassem and Lesego Molefe, at the Post Graduate Orientation panel discussion session. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
In the age of artificial intelligence, postgraduate research needs to adapt quickly to not just keep up but lead the way. This is what new students were told during their Postgraduate Orientation on January 28, 2026 at the Great Hall.
Beyond using apps and tools that already exist, students were encouraged to be creative and develop their own apps instead of relying heavily on AI for their research. “[With] something like ChatGPT, we need to know who developed it and what data it has been trained on, especially with mental health, a lot of the phrases or tools that have been developed come from the west, so when we transfer it to South Africa there is a mismatch on how we understand mental health” said Tasneem Hassem Senior lecturer in Psychology.
Students were urged to take advantage of digital platforms to create their own apps, using a data collection tool or analysis app. The speakers noted that by identifying everyday research challenges, students can find practical solutions without having any app development background.
Postgraduate students in attendance at the Postgraduate Orientation. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
As beneficial as apps can be, they also have their own flaws. Lesego Molefe, a master of science student, shared some concerns regarding the Wits app. “I will always reference the Wits mobile app, it is literally the one stop shop to everything, but there is one problem- it’s that, it’s a bit fragmented” she said. The Wits app needs to bring together the student element, by making it more interactive for it to function as a social media platform.
New technologies should be seen as an opportunity to enhance research rather than an obstacle to tackle.
FEATURED IMAGE: From left to right, Simone Dahms Vester, Tasneem Hassem, Lesego Molefe and Prof Jennifer Fitchett, at the Post Graduate Orientation panel discussion session. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
Being a first-year can conjure up a rollercoaster of emotions, and navigating it can turn survival into belonging.
The moment my parents’ car disappeared down the road outside my residence four years ago, reality hit me. Standing there in a new place, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and unpacked boxes, I felt a knot in my stomach and my chest tightened with anxiety. It was bittersweet watching them leave, I felt a mixture of both excitement and fear settling in all at once. As shy as I was, I knew this was an opportunity of a lifetime.
Around me, students laughed as their parents helped them carry boxes upstairs, rooms and corridors buzzed with conversation, and new friendships seemed to form effortlessly. I knew no one. I kept questioning if I truly belonged here. I did not realise then, what I know now, which is that almost everyone around me was feeling the exact same way I did. Even in my loneliness, I promised myself that I would make the most out of this experience.
Walking onto the Wits University campus for the first time can be both exciting and terrifying. Your first year at Wits represents a sense of freedom and possibility, but also pressure and uncertainty, this marks the beginning of a journey that will test you in ways you never expected.
Wits is more than just attending lectures and keeping up with submission deadlines. Outside of classes you will quickly come to realise that this university has so much more to offer. Whether you are grabbing something to munch on at the Matrix, sitting on the Lawns with your new formed friends, or doing the occasional people-watching on the Great Hall steps, these spaces become the heart of student life on main campus.
The fountain separating the Great Hall from the Library Lawns, it brings a relaxing white noise during stressful days. Photo: Bonolo MokonotoThe Matrix, located on east campus. This is a busy student center, with food vendors, banks and the Campus Bookshop. Photo: Bonolo MokonotoThe Main campus bus stop. This is where you will catch the Wits bus that takes you to the other wits campuses and residences. On the same road is AMIC Deck which is the bridge that connects east and west campus. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
Hundreds of events are hosted by various clubs and societies and pop- up performances are frequent; this is to remind you that Wits is a community, as much as an academic space. Ensure that you get involved as it will help make campus feel less stressful and more like home.
Speaking of stress, the change from high school to university is drastic and this can be overwhelming. No one is here to remind you of deadlines or check if you are keeping up academically, it is important that you take agency over your own life. First year is not about being perfect, it is about learning how to manage your time efficiently to avoid unnecessary stress later on.
Making friends can be tricky, campus is constantly busy and it is easy to feel alone in the crowd, as was I upon arrival. People might seem like they have it together, but they are silently navigating the confusion and anxiety just as you are. Do not be afraid to talk to the person sitting next to you in a lecture or ask questions in tutorials, you would be surprised how many people feel exactly the way you do.
Zesti Lemonz on west campus, this eatery provides light meal takeaways for students on the go and provides an outdoor seating area to mingle with friends. Photo: Bonolo MokonotoJimmy’s, located on west campus with a corresponding location at the Matrix. Photo: Bonolo MokonotoThe Wits Anglo American Digital Dome is a 360° immersive digital facility on east campus. It provides a state- of -the art venue showcasing science, arts and culture. Photo: Bonolo Mokonto
As the year continues, it is important to know where you can seek out help. Wits offers academic development units such as the Wits Writing Centre, tutors, and libraries that are there to support you. Make use of these facilities early on, there is no shame in seeking help.
Recreational sports facility located on west campus, this is where you can bond with other sports lovers and engage in the ever therapeutic team sport. Photo: Bonolo MokonotoOutdoor gym on west campus close to Barnato Hall Residence. Photo: Bonolo MokonotoA deeply hidden dam and water feature located on west campus next to Barnato. This is known to the seasoned witsies as a secret getaway from the constantly hectic wits campus. Photo: Bonolo MokonotoAlumni House on the lower end of west campus, it houses Olives and Plates a restaurant on campus for all to enjoy. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
First year will test you, you might fail a test, or question whether you belong or not. Do not give up, keep showing up and take it one day at a time.
Oh and remember, once a Witsie always a Witsie!
FEATURED IMAGE: The Great Hall at Wits University. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
The Vanderbijlpark scholar transport accident exposes how reckless driving and weak enforcement continue to cost lives on South Africa’s roads.
On Monday, January 19, a scholar transport minibus was involved in a devastating collision in Vanderbijlpark, situated south of Johannesburg. The tragic accident resulted in fourteen fatalities, sending shockwaves through Gauteng and the country at large.
As investigations continue, the 22-year-old driver appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistate’s Court, where the case took a drastic turn as he abandoned bail and additional charges were added. The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed on Thursday, January 22, that the driver, Ayanda Dludla, now faces 14 counts of murder, upgraded from the initial charges of culpable homicide. Other charges include three counts of attempted murder, one count of driving without a valid permit and one count of operating an unlicensed vehicle.
Initial reports and video footage point to reckless driving during peak traffic. Too often, scholar transports operate in a grey area where unroadworthy vehicles, missing permits and unqualified drivers are treated as a miner issue, rather than a life-threatening risk for the lives of people on the road.
The tragedy that unfolded in Vanderbijlpark is not just a heartbreaking reminder of how dangerous our roads have become; it is an indication of the disappointing system that has repeatedly failed to protect even its most vulnerable users. For years, communities and road safety advocates have warned about reckless driving and weak enforcement from road officials.
The Department of Transport’s recent push to verify scholar transport operators, to ensure proper registration and the possession of valid documentation, is crucial. This raises an uncomfortable question: why did it take the loss of fourteen young lives for this urgency? Road stops after such a tragedy are not enough, enforcement must be consistent and uncompromising, not just reactive.
Scholar transport drivers are entrusted with young lives, and that responsibility needs discipline, patience and respect for the rules of the road. Reckless overtaking, speeding and a complete disregard for traffic laws are acts of negligence with inevitably devastating consequences.
Parents and community members should be empowered to play a role and verifying whether a scholar vehicle is properly registered, checking operating permits, and refusing to use services that cannot prove the above should be normalised. Communities should feel supported and not intimidated or discouraged when reporting unsafe drivers.
The way forward requires more than apologies and condolences. It demands stricter enforcement, routine vehicle inspections and serious consequences. The Vanderbijlpark tragedy must mark a turning point for South Africans. Our children deserve to travel safely to and from school, anything else is a failure we can no longer accept.
Investigations into the accident are ongoing and the case has been postponed to March 5, 2026.
FEATURED IMAGE: Bonolo Mokonoto profile image. Photo: Paul Botes
Behind Johannesburg’s title as a world-class African city lies Wits and UJ transforming the city into Africa’s intellectual powerhouse.
Every lab, start-up and innovation hub is part of Johannesburg’s knowledge.
Together, the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)and the University of Johannesburg(UJ) represent both prestige and purpose. One drives global excellence, the other ensures progress is inclusive and grounded in local realities.
University expertise is embedded in municipal development, bridging knowledge with real-world governance.
As “Joburgers” would say in Setswana: “Joburg ke country,” meaning Johannesburg is a country. A city that feels like a nation itself, whose name echoes with the roar of commerce. For over a century, its identity has been forged in the deep-level gold mines beneath its tall buildings. It is South Africa’s economic and commercial epicentre, a city built on tangible assets. But the gold of the 21st century isn’t dug from the ground, it is cultivated in lecture halls, coded in digital hubs and debated in policy forums. Today, Johannesburg’s claim as a world-class African city is redefined not only by its physical infrastructure, but by a formidable concentration of intellectual capital.
Image of Wits University standing tall in Jorissen Street. Photo: Abena Mahlahlane
Walking through Braamfontein, the heartbeat of Johannesburg feels close to the surface. The streets are alive with the sound of taxis hooting, car guards filling the area at parking lots, and groups of students in Wits hoodies spilling onto Jorissen Street, cracking jokes and bursting into laughter. Wits University is at the centre of it all, its sandstone buildings rising between the city’s noise and ambition[Ed1] .
Barely five kilometres from inner-city Braamfontein away is the suburb of Auckland Park, where the University of Johannesburg (UJ) beats with its own rhythm. The atmosphere shifts from inner-city street buzz to a campus alive with experimentation. Young innovators huddle as they test prototypes and plan start-ups.
More than just neighbours, the universities are the twin engines of a thriving knowledge economy, providing a growing density of research, innovation and talent. Their combined influence transforms the city into a knowledge economy, where ideas are currency, and innovation is the infrastructure.
Pillars of a knowledge city
Unlike some African cities which dominated by a single major university, Wits and UJ complement each other rather than compete. While Wits University delivers globally benchmarked research, UJ leads in socially embedded innovation. This unique dynamic is validated by the world’s most respected university ranking systems.
Wits University is ranked number 267 in the world, and second in Africa, according to the 2025 QS World University Rankings. Long celebrated for its groundbreaking research, and alumni who’ve shaped South Africa’s story, Wits continues to hold its own among the world’s best.
“From my point of view, rankings are important because institutions want to do well, it is what people see first. We participate in rankings where research is a major component, because that is the hallmark of a good university,” said Wits Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lynn Morris.
Together, Wits and UJ form the intellectual backbone of Johannesburg. Universities whose ideas don’t stay trapped in ivory towers but spill into the city streets, innovation hubs and communities.
The deep science engine: Wits
Founded in 1922, Wits University is Johannesburg’s oldest and arguably most prestigious university. A beacon of deep research and frontier science. With over 380 NRF-rated researchers, its labs have birthed discoveries from mining engineering to quantum computing.
Wits Quantum Initiative, the first of its kind in Africa, positions the university at the cutting edge of subatomic physics and computational research. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wits scientists collaborated across disciplines, from epidemiology to data analytics, demonstrating the university’s capacity for rapid, high-impact innovation.
Under its Wits 2033 strategic plan, the university aims to cement its identity as a research-intensive, globally engaged African leader. The plan envisions Wits as a bridge between Global South and North, a hub for scientific collaboration that also speaks to local realities.
Innovation with social purpose: UJ
While Wits chases the stars of scientific prestige, the University of Johannesburg grounds innovation in human impact. UJ’s philosophy is clear: research must solve problems.
Its Strategic Plan 2035, “Reimagining the Future. Realising Possibility” aligns the university’s goals with the UN’s Sustainable Development Agenda. The result is an institution where inclusivity and integrity are baked into the research DNA. With research productivity of 2.35 accredited output units per scholar (double the national average). UJ turns efficiency into impact.
This academic prowess is not confined to campus grounds. Both universities have built powerful, dedicated innovation hubs that act as direct channels for executing economic and social policy, turning abstract knowledge into jobs, businesses and solutions.
Wits and the digital heartbeat of the inner city
Built on the site of a former print works, Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct buzzes with coders, designers and start-ups. It’s not just a space, it’s a policy instrument, part of Johannesburg’s broader urban regeneration strategy. With its name meaning “new beginnings” in Setswana, the precinct operates on three pillars: Digital Skills Development, Incubation & Acceleration, and Market Access. Tshimologong is Wits’s engine for commercializing digital innovation.
I visited the precinct late one afternoon and was immediately greeted by a cheerful administrator, who called for executive assistant Kgaugelo Modiba to assist me. “Don’t be nervous,” Modiba reassured me, as I prepared to interview the initiative’s CEO Mark Harris.
A few people sat nearby in the café area, eyes hooked on laptops, making the most of the precinct’s quiet hum and free Wi-Fi. It was exactly how Prof. Morris described it, “you should visit the precinct, it is a rather refreshing space where everyone is welcome. You can grab coffee and enjoy perks of free Wi-Fi.”
Kgaugelo led me down a corridor into a boardroom flooded with natural light. Tshimologong CEO Mark Harris greeted me with a glass of water and an easy smile. It seems conversations for the people at the precinct come easily. “So what kind of journalist are you going to be? The good kind or the bad one,” Harris laughed.
I asked Harris why Tshimologong had been placed in the heart of Braamfontein, and his answer echoed the vision of the late Professor Barry Dwolatzky (founder of Tshimologong), which was that young people hold the creativity, energy and reason to build a new South Africa. Braamfontein was chosen because its streets are alive with students and young creators.
“The vision was to spot people like yourself who are educated and ambitious, create space for them to become entrepreneurs,” said Harris.
The precinct was never meant to sit safely inside the university walls, but to stand open to all youth, educated, self-taught and anyone with the will to innovate and build.
Tshimologong’s Digital Skills Academy is a crucial accelerator, taking high-potential youth and equipping them with job-ready skills in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and the Internet of Things; the core competencies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
This isn’t just for the sake of training, the precinct works with corporate partners on Enterprise Supplier Development (ESD) programs. These aim to secure employment through its network, creating a direct pipeline from the classrooms to the economy.
“From what I’ve seen of the youngsters who come here, these are people who want to make an impact. Our trainers are just as committed, they are determined to empower future entrepreneurs. The youth are showing up positively, they are hungry for change, and they want to help South Africa grow. We often hear the negative stories about crime and violence, but I refuse to only see that side. There is so much potential here, and I believe in them,” said Harris.
As the discussion continued to unfold, it moved beyond Braamfontein’s physical space to the culture it nurtures. Harris’s belief in the potential of young people seem to find its proof just outside the boardroom walls.
This spirit is best captured by the Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival, hosted at Tshimologong every year. This festival turns Braamfontein into a pulsing circuit of creativity. The 2025 edition, themed #PowerSurge, called on Africa’s digital creators to “take control on the grid”, blending ancestral intelligence with artificial intelligence.
The Fak’ugesi festival turns Braamfontein into a living circuit of art, technology and collaboration, celebrating Africa’s creative power in the digital age. Photo: Abena Mahlahlane
Walking through the entrance felt like stepping into an animated scene. Walls alive with colour, music weaving between exhibition stands and a soft buzz of conversation rising from every corner. A row of Virtual Reality headsets lined one side of the room, where groups of young people tested immersive worlds. Up the staircase were two small rooms that had been turned into gaming rooms, complete with PS5 and Xbox consoles that drew clusters of gamers competing in friendly matches.
Panels of speakers shared stories of small start-up creators and local digital enterprises. Every corner felt like a classroom and playground combined, a space where learning, creativity and collaboration merged.
“When I curated #PowerSurge I looked at what is currently happening in the African digital continent, we saw last year in 2024, about 65 billion Rands worth of investments that went into start-up, technology and creative sectors,” said the director of Fak’ugesi festival, Alby Michaels. “This year we wanted to showcase what is next in the African continent. We have been creating this beautiful content for our creators for years, but I think now it was all about owning up agencies, standing together and moving forward with purpose.”
Through such initiatives, Johannesburg asserts itself not merely as a consumer of global tech, but as a producer of digital culture and creativity, solidifying its reputation as a continental innovation capital.
“Creators are doing amazing stuff, we are not just consumers of the digital space we are actually critics of those spaces,” said Michaels.
Ideas move faster than light, a panel of artists, technologists and innovators reimagining what it means to create in the digital age. Photo: Abena Mahlahlane
CALSTEAM: UJ’s Future-of-Learning Lab
UJ’s Centre for Advanced Learning Technologies in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (CALSTEAM) redefines how the next generation learns.
Instead of chalk and paper, lessons unfold through virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), tools designed to make abstract science visible and alive. “VR allows students to step inside the science,” explained Professor Mafor Penn, who leads research at the centre. “Concepts like molecules, cells and sound waves suddenly become visible, something you can interact with rather than just imagine.”
Concepts like molecules, cells and sound waves suddenly become visible, something you can interact with rather than just imagine.
CALSTEAM evolved from UJ’s former VARSTEME hub, broadening its focus to include the arts and entrepreneurship. Its mission is not only to enhance teaching but to cultivate educators who are also innovators. Teachers who can create, adapt and apply technology to suit local contexts.
For many South African schools where resources remain scarce, CALSTEAM is deliberate about accessibility. Many of its tools are designed for affordability, ensuring that immersive learning is not limited to well-resourced schools. “We don’t want to widen the gap between those who have and those who don’t,” said Penn. “That’s why we work with scalable, low-cost technologies that can be used anywhere, even in under-resourced classrooms.”
The centre’s pioneering project, Culturally Anchored Virtual and Augmented Reality Simulations (CAVARS), takes this philosophy further by merging indigenous knowledge systems with science education. In one simulation, African drumming demonstrates sound waves, turning cultural practice into scientific inquiry. “Science should never feel foreign,” Penn added. “When learners see their heritage reflected in what they study, it becomes meaningful and memorable.”
Through coding clubs, immersive learning workshops, and postgraduate programmes in Educational Technology, CALSTEAM envisions a future where learning is not confined to textbooks but expands into virtual space, interactive, inclusive, and distinctly African.
Hardwiring Academia into the city’s DNA
Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) offices at Wits. Photo: Abena Mahlahlane
A true world-class city does not just produce knowledge, it governs through it. The Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) is the institutional glue that connects Wits, UJ and the Gauteng Provincial Government. This is not a case of academia simply advising from the sidelines, it is a deep, structural partnership.
“The GCRO is an important research unit that provides data to the provincial government to help them understand and know where to place their resources, to know what interventions to look at, plan and think about the health of the city. “Wits and UJ also plays part and contribute to providing evidence and the data needed”, said Prof. Morris.
Binding the partnership together is the Quality of Life Survey, a mirror reflecting how Johannesburg’s residents navigate the promises and pressures of city life. From employment and housing to public transport and social cohesion. The survey provides policymakers and researchers with a shared lens on how people actually experience the city. “Our work has to have both the rigorous foundation and approach of academics, but be structured in a way that could be useful to policy makers. So, questions are tailored to what problems we see in Johannesburg region and how they could be academically rigorous to answering those questions,” said GCRO researcher, Jason Bell. “Wits and UJ are historic centres of debate, discussion, knowledge generation. They play an active role in the ecosystem of policy identification.”
The road ahead
Both institutions have formalized their future through long-term strategies, Wits 2033 and UJ 2035, each mapping a decade of sustained excellence.
Wits aims to strengthen its position as the leading research university in the Global South, while UJ envisions itself as the model of inclusive innovation. Their combined trajectories ensure that Johannesburg’s intellectual ecosystem remains globally competitive and locally transformative. If executed, these roadmaps could make Johannesburg the continental capital of knowledge innovation, leading Africa into the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
“People want to see more than just the research, they want to see that the research is actually deployed. Whether it is a new of doing things, a new product or a new device, something tangible, an improved process,” said Morris.
The city that thinks
In small, ordinary moments, a lecture’s spark, a student’s first breakthrough, a start-up’s first pitch, Johannesburg’s new gold is being mined.
Through innovation hubs that drive economic growth and educational equity, and a unique governance model that embeds their expertise into the very fabric of the city, these two universities are doing more than just educating students. They are actively building a more resilient, prosperous, and innovative Johannesburg—a true world-class African city for the 21st century.
FEATURED IMAGE: A collage of Johannesburg’s academic icons, representing the city’s transformation into a world-class hub of knowledge. Photo: Abena Mahlahlane
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
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.
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
In episode six of We Should Be Writing season 7, the team unpacked the evolution of music as a form of expression and protest, through four decades in the South African context. The episode explores the journey of South African music and its consumers from the 80s, 90s, early 2000s and contemporary listeners. From the […]
