Latest news with #EasternCapeProvince
Washington Post
a day ago
- Climate
- Washington Post
At least 49 people have died in flooding in South Africa with toll expected to rise, officials say
JOHANNESBURG — At least 49 people have died in flooding in South Africa's Eastern Cape province after an extreme cold front brought heavy rain and snow to parts of the country, officials said Wednesday. Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane said police provided the death toll, which is expected to rise as authorities continue to search for missing people.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
South Africa: President mourns passing of Justice Sangoni, former Judge President of the Eastern Cape
President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted with sadness the passing of former Judge President of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Justice Clement Temba Sangoni. Judge Sangoni retired in 2017 and passed away earlier today, Tuesday, 10 June 2025, after a short illness. President Ramaphosa offers his condolences to the extended family of the late Judge Sangoni Aah! Dilizintaba, who was a senior traditional leader of the Qokolweni-Zimbane Traditional Council at Mthatha. President Ramaphosa said: 'The passing of Justice Sangoni is a devastating loss to his family and immediate community and it is a profound loss to our judiciary and our legal heritage. 'Judge Sangoni lived for justice and the improvement of the material conditions of communities in the Eastern Cape and elsewhere through constitutionally sound, progressive jurisprudence. 'Under his leadership, the Judiciary in the Eastern Cape also applied its mind collectively and individually to matters pertaining to the development of this economically vital province. 'Judge Sangoni served the people of the Eastern Cape from the Bench and through his deep involvement in community life in his role as a traditional leader – a role which enriched his adjudication of a broad range of matters placed before the courts. 'We will continue to appreciate his contribution to the rule of law and the wisdom of law in our country and to the communities in which he lived and served with distinction. 'May his soul rest in peace.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
The Herald
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald
Unemployment crisis must be tackled urgently by provincial government
The Eastern Cape is bleeding jobs. More than 83,000 people lost their jobs in the first three months of 2025. But that is not only 83,000 jobs, it is 83,000 families. Most of them are probably the families' breadwinners. The official unemployment rate has soared to 39.3%, while the expanded definition, which includes discouraged jobseekers, has hit an alarming 49%. This is not a blip or seasonal dip. It should be seen as a warning. The hardest-hit sectors — trade, private households, agriculture, manufacturing and construction — historically provided large-scale employment, especially for lower-skilled and rural workers. The modest gains in finance, transport and social services, while welcome, are too narrow to offset the damage. Economists repeatedly call for stimulating small businesses and investment by cutting red tape. But as Nelson Mandela University emeritus professor Charles Wait said, it just does not happen. The provincial government has acknowledged the crisis and pointed to plans on skills development, youth employment and strategic sectors like the oceans economy and agriculture. While the provincial government says the current statistics are a setback, it wants to build a more inclusive, dynamic and resilient economy. While commendable, it is insufficient and will take years to have a proper effect. The government can have all the plans and a lofty vision, but businesses need a crime-free environment with no infrastructure issues relating to water, sanitation and electricity. Without these, a business will not thrive. Instead, the economy is throttled by logistics inefficiencies and frequent infrastructure breakdowns. The province needs urgent, practical reforms. Accelerate logistics overhauls, fix infrastructure and restore public safety. Local governments — particularly metros and district municipalities — have to be well-run. When they fail, the economy falters. This is clear in Nelson Mandela Bay, where the manufacturing sector is hurting from failing basic services. How do you talk about job creation while businesses deal with potholes, load-shedding, cable theft, dry taps and constant water leaks? It makes no sense. The provincial government should focus on municipalities and ensure they supply the basics. From there, positive changes will come. The Herald
