The Witness

1 day ago | witness.co.za | Chris Ndaliso

KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers has addressed growing concerns from provincial departments over their inability to process payments to suppliers, clarifying that the fault lies not with KZN Treasury or provincial entities, but with a national system transition. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Rodgers acknowledged the frustration expressed by various departments but emphasized that the problem extended beyond KZN and was affecting provincial governments across the country.

1 week ago | witness.co.za | Nompilo Kunene |Chris Ndaliso

The Democratic Alliance (DA) was dealt a heavy blow when the uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) snatched Ward 110 during Wednesday’s by-election. The win secures the MKP its first seat in the eThekwini Metro Council. The ward has been under DA control since the 2021 local government elections. It includes parts of Phoenix, KwaMashu, and Durban North (Glen Anil, Glen Hills, Sunningdale, and Rinaldo Park — all traditionally DA strongholds).

1 week ago | witness.co.za | Akheel Sewsunker |Ntombizethu Ngcobo

As the Easter weekend approaches, uMgungundlovu District Mayor Mzi Zuma has emphasised the need for tolerance and safe driving practices on the roads. Zuma said this during a multi-disciplinary stakeholder road-block held on Thursday morning along the R617 in Boston. “It is possible, all that is required is the right attitude from drivers and other road users. Let’s be tolerant of each other on the roads,” said Zuma.

1 week ago | witness.co.za | Chris Ndaliso |Londiwe Pearl Xulu

Heavy rains earlier this week flooded roads and caused rivers to rise across KwaZulu-Natal, once again disrupting daily life for many residents. Ashburton resident Shirley Bradshaw couldn’t return home in the afternoon due to a flooded bridge on Tuesday. The South African Weather Service (Saws) had issued a level four alert for disruptive rain and the storm caused flooding on several low-lying bridges, leaving several informal settlements, as well as roads across the province, flooded.

1 week ago | witness.co.za | Clive Ndou

The South African government is in talks with the country’s universities amid fears that the U.S.’s withdrawal of research funding could disrupt major HIV/Aids research programmes, leading to job losses and even deaths. In January, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order halting U.S. foreign development assistance to foreign countries, including South Africa, which last year received about R7,5 billion in funding from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar).