Latest news with #R690
IOL News
28-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
The data black hole: South Africa cannot govern what it cannot see
At Beitbridge alone, an estimated R690 million in smuggled goods passes annually, says the author. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives At South Africa's northern border, the crossings continue quietly, steadily and mostly unrecorded. While public debate often centres on the visibility of foreign nationals, the far more consequential reality remains largely neglected: South Africa has not conducted a comprehensive national audit of migration flows in over a decade. There is no integrated system tracking who enters, who stays or how movements across borders intersect with labour markets, infrastructure pressure or regional development. This absence is not merely an administrative gap; it is an entrenched institutional blind spot that weakens governance, inflames public anxiety and erodes our credibility in a continent that is moving towards integration through data. The Department of Home Affairs, along with other state organs, operates with fragmented or outdated systems. A biometric border management system, budgeted at R400 million between 2020 and 2023, remains partially deployed and disconnected from labour, policing and regional intelligence networks. As confirmed in the 2025 White Paper on Labour Migration, South Africa has yet to establish a functional labour market information system that connects cross-border movement data to national planning. Stats SA's Quarterly Labour Force Surveys and Mid-Year Population Estimates offer no clear picture of undocumented populations. Civil society and academic estimates vary widely, from 2.5 to over 5 million undocumented migrants. In this vacuum, policies are constructed, services are stretched and myths are allowed to harden into assumptions. The cost of not knowing is rarely borne by those in power. In practice, this sustained opacity benefits a wide range of actors. At Beitbridge alone, an estimated R690 million in smuggled goods passes annually, enabled by under-monitored crossings and document fraud. Informal labour markets, particularly in construction, agriculture and retail, absorb undocumented workers under exploitative conditions, displacing regulation and depressing wages. According to a 2022 WIEGO study, 44% of informal traders in Johannesburg's inner city are foreign nationals, operating with little oversight. At the upper end of the labour market, foreign professionals are frequently hired in sectors such as academia, banking and technology; yet there is no public system for tracking or disaggregating these appointments by origin, skills category or permit status. This lack of consolidated data limits institutional accountability and makes it difficult to assess either the scale of crossborder hiring or its alignment with national development priorities. For political actors, the absence of reliable data allows migration to become a rhetorical device, one that can distract from policy failures when evidence is lacking. The implications of this data vacuum stretch across all tiers of governance. Human trafficking, a R10 billion industry in Southern Africa, flourishes in the blind spots between policy and enforcement. The cost of deportation operations alone has reached R1.2 billion over the past two years; funds that could be redirected to stabilising urban infrastructure or creating employment pathways for local youth. South Africa's 8.9 million NEET youth (not in employment, education or training) compete in an increasingly chaotic labour environment. In the absence of disaggregated skills and migration data, their anxieties are misdirected and their prospects uncertain. Meanwhile, AfCFTA's R50 trillion market potential, built on the free movement of people and goods, assumes that member states can at least measure who is moving. At present, South Africa cannot meet that assumption. According to the International Organization for Migration, over 70% of intra-SADC migration, formal and informal, culminates within South Africa's borders. As neighbouring countries like Eswatini, Mozambique and Namibia become holding zones or corridors for redirected global migration, South Africa increasingly absorbs the outcome of upstream policy decisions. In the absence of regional coordination and continuous cross-border insight, onward movement into South Africa becomes both untraceable and increasingly difficult to manage. Yet without this capacity, we remain unaware of the scale, the conditions and the consequences. The lack of coordination across the region is now more than a technical failure; it is a strategic risk. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Migration data is more than a governance tool; it is a lever for national development. The 2023 Africa Migration Report shows that countries linking mobility to infrastructure, skills and labour planning see stronger growth and more social cohesion. Africa's growth now hinges on human mobility: artisans, engineers, students and informal traders moving across borders. Yet South Africa has not embedded mobility into its planning frameworks. In the absence of integrated data systems, migration remains untracked, unaligned and undervalued. As data scientists and statisticians gather this November, from the South African Statistical Association's summit in Gauteng to the Global Data and AI Summit in Nairobi, African states are preparing to lead with insight. South Africa must do the same. South Africa's leadership in Africa cannot rest on sentiment alone. True Pan-Africanism is not about borderless idealism; it is about accountable systems, shared data and the ability to protect both sovereignty and solidarity through intelligence and cooperation. Until we have the capacity to measure movement, protect labour markets and coordinate with neighbours, liberalisation is not visionary; it is volatile. Pan-Africanism must evolve from declarations to data. That is how we protect the integrity of regional integration. The answer lies not in simply closing borders but in building intelligent ones. South Africa's ability to respond begins with a national migration audit, conducted over 12 months and grounded in interdepartmental collaboration. A digitally enabled migration observatory, anchored in Pretoria and integrated with SADC partners, would help close critical information gaps and restore transparency. This should be complemented by a real-time regional registry and a public-facing dashboard that informs rather than inflames national debate. This is not just a state imperative; it is a national one. Training up to 100 000 NEET youth in migration analytics, digital registry design and regional coordination would create new professional pathways while restoring confidence in the function of the state. Private sector institutions, from banks to transport firms, must also align to new standards of identity verification and border logistics, investing in systems that support clarity and social cohesion. Cities such as London and countries like Morocco demonstrate that well-resourced migration data systems, when implemented with robust oversight, can build coordination and accountability; though even these models must guard against overspend and privacy breaches. Africa is not short of talent or templates. What we need is clarity of vision and the institutional courage to act on what we find. South Africa risks falling behind not because migration is inherently destabilising but because we do not see it clearly enough to manage it constructively. Visibility is no longer optional. It is a strategy for sovereignty, cohesion and credibility in a regional future already unfolding around us. Nomvula Zeldah Mabuza is a Risk Governance and Compliance Specialist with extensive experience in strategic risk and industrial operations. She holds a Diploma in Business Management (Accounting) from Brunel University, UK, and is an MBA candidate at Henley Business School, South Africa. Image: Supplied Nomvula Zeldah Mabuza is a Risk Governance and Compliance Specialist with extensive experience in strategic risk and industrial operations. She holds a Diploma in Business Management (Accounting) from Brunel University, UK, and is an MBA candidate at Henley Business School, South Africa. *** The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Independent Media or IOL. BUSINESS REPORT
Time Out
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Out and About in Johannesburg: Things to do this weekend
From rooftop sing-alongs and house-infused gospel to puppy cuddles and Christmas in July karaoke, Joburg is buzzing with heart and heat this week. Whether you're in the mood to dance, give back, or just soak up some seriously good vibes, there's a gig (or three) with your name on it. Sandton Orinoco Flavours Mexican Kitchen Cooking Class Saturday, July 19, from 10 am- 4 pm Private location in Bryanston Tickets can be purchased via WhatsApp on 0768110302. They range from R690 - R980. Do you enjoy making Mexican food? Then this event is just for you! Learn how to make Latin American cuisine. The Orinoco Flavours Mexican Kitchen is hosting a cooking class this weekend. There will be free coffee, tea, and a welcome cocktail, plus plenty of food. Johannesburg Central Later Alligator & Karaoke 4A Cause Sunday, 20 July, from 12:30 pm The Troyeville Tickets R100 Your favourite gators, Later Alligator, are taking over the rooftop at The Troyeville for a heartwarming winter jam like no other! Join them this Sunday for a live set followed by Karaoke 4 a Cause, where you can belt your heart out in the sun, sing with the band, or just soak in the good vibes — all in the name of giving back. This Christmas in July edition is all about collecting unwrapped toys or gifts for the brave kids and teens at CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation. Your entry? Just a gift, or a R100 donation if you'd prefer. Come for the music, stay for the magic, and help spread some serious joy this winter. Northern Suburbs Christmas in July Wine Walk 2025 Saturday, July 19, from 11:00 am - 05:00 pm Parkhurst 4th Avenue Tickets from R350 Experience the ultimate wine tasting event at Parkhurst 4th Avenue's Christmas in July Wine Walk. Wander along the vibrant high street, sipping on a selection of fine wines from curated stalls, explore stylish boutiques and enjoy gourmet dishes from top local restaurants. This is the perfect afternoon to indulge in great flavours, unique shopping and an awesome atmosphere. Tickets are required for wine tasting only. Everyone is welcome to join. Southern Suburbs Bassline Live: Soweto Gospel Choir x MÖRDA at The Lyric Friday, July 18, from 08:00 pm The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City Tickets from R350 Celebrate 30 years of Bassline with a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration as the Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir joins forces with Grammy-nominated MÖRDA for History of House x Vault by MÖRDA. Expect a powerful fusion of soaring gospel harmonies and Afro-futuristic house beats in a genre-blending experience that honours the past while pushing the sound of South Africa into the future. Soweto 2nd Kota Fest Saturday, 19 July, from 11:00 am Ko-Boiketlong Situations Tickets cost R150 Indulge in delicious kota (bunny chow) at one of the biggest kota festivals in Soweto. You will also receive a buddy cold drink. This event is not just about enjoying delicious food, but it is also about raising funds for people who are living with cancer. It is done in collaboration with Cancervive. There will be cancer education and awareness. East Rand Harvest Place Night Market Friday, July 18, from 04:00 pm - 10:00 pm Harvest Place Free entry Kickstart the weekend at Harvest Place Night Market. Come hungry and ready to explore a variety of flavours, while being entertained with live music. West Rand Puppy Yoga for a Purpose Saturday, July 19, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Place a pup rescue Tickets R67 Stretch, breathe, and cuddle for a cause at the Mandela Day edition of Puppy Yoga for a Purpose on Saturday, 19 July. This 60-minute session at Place a Pup Rescue blends gentle movement with puppy playtime, all in support of their BackaBuddy housing campaign. Midrand Christmas in July Fun Run/Walk Sunday,20 July from 10 am Riversands Farm Village Tickets cost R130 for adults and R20 for children under 12. Why wait until December when you can start having fun for Christmas this weekend? The Riversands Farm Village is hosting a fun-filled walk for a good cause. The event is in support of Friends of Free Wildlife, an organisation that cares for indigenous animals. Because Christmas is all about giving love and gifts, participants will not go home empty-handed. They will receive a medal and a Secret Santa gift. Heading to Cape Town for the weekend? Check out what's happening in the Mother City. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Johannesburg 🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg 📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg
IOL News
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Hollywoodbets Durban July: A celebration of South African heritage and horse racing
Amahle Ndlovu, wearing a Nelisiwe Dlamini design, and Luyanda Majozi in Nelly Nxumalo's interpretation, get to grips with the Hollywoodbets Durban July form guide at the Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops on Thursday Image: Graham Daniel/Gameplan Media The Hollywoodbets Durban July taking place on Saturday, July 5, is expected to attract about 45 000 race-goers. A highlight on the horse racing calendar, the Durban July, as well as other events around the city is expected to inject R690 million into the city's economy. This year's theme 'Marvels of Mzansi' celebrates South Africa's rich heritage, cultural diversity, and breathtaking landscapes, paying tribute to the nation's extraordinary achievements. Stephen Marshall, Hollywoodbets events and marketing executive, said they expect 45 000 guests, including a mix of celebrities, influencers, and high-profile dignitaries from across the country. "This year, we are especially thrilled to introduce an exclusive VIP Marquee Village, which will offer a curated, high-end experience that truly showcases the glamour, fashion, and excitement that the Hollywoodbets Durban July is renowned for. "The experience at the Hollywoodbets Durban July, at the Hollywoodbets Marquee is a celebration of style, exclusivity, and sophistication. Guests can expect a proudly South African-inspired menu featuring gourmet cuisine and premium refreshments, carefully curated to match the elegance of the day." Marshall said the VVIP marquee is situated trackside on the inner side of the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, offering exceptional views of the racing action. "This prime location places guests right at the heart of the event, surrounded by high fashion, entertainment, and a vibrant atmosphere. "Whether in the marquee or our equally luxurious hospitality room, every VVIP guest enjoys the same world-class experience, a true front-row seat to Africa's greatest horse racing and social event," said Marshall. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Among the guests on the Hollywoodbets list are Pepsi Buthelezi, Ayanda Hlubi, Khaya Zondo, Jessica Nkosi, Phupho Gumede, Sphokuhle Ntshalintshali, Nadia Jaftha, Jessica Van Heerden, Naliyani Uma, Alphi Sipho, Bheki Ndamase, Robert Marawa, Carol Tshabalala, Anthony Delpech, Odwa Ndungane, Jerry Sikhosana, Teko Modise, Brain Baloyi and Vernon Philander. The Hollywoodbets marquees will be a luxurious celebration of the Marvels of Mzansi, showcasing interpretations of South African heritage. "Expect to see rich textures like beaded detailing, paired with luxurious fabrics in golds, earthy tones, and vibrant traditional colours. Décor will feature African-inspired patterns, geometric motifs, and statement pieces including custom furnishings, greenery, and artful lighting. "From safari sophistication to modern tribal minimalism, the spaces will reflect the diversity, style, and spirit of South Africa, all wrapped in world-class elegance," said Marshall. Eden Radebe wearing Young Designer Andile Cele's interpretation of Marvels of Mzansi at the Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops on Thursday Image: Graham Daniel/Gameplan Media The Hollywoodbets Durban July main stage will be headlined by some of South Africa's most celebrated music talent, including multi-award-winning Afro-pop duo Mafikizolo, Potion, South Africa's 'Diva of Soul' Lira, Hot Water, GoodLuck, DJ Dalootz, Lee Cole and Sunset Sweatshop. Zolani Mahola will sing the national anthem before the main race. The 10 finalists vying for the Young Designer Award will show off their designs on the day. All three elements of the Durban July fashion experience – the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award presented by Durban Fashion Fair; Hollywoodbets Durban July Invited Designer Showcase presented by Dove; and the Hollywoodbets Durban July DFF Rising Stars Collection – will show off their interpretations of the Marvels of Mzansi fashion. According to eThekwini Municipality there will be about R278.6 million boost in direct spend and R689.4 million GDP contribution. About 4 403 jobs are expected to be created during this period. eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba has urged everyone to celebrate the vibrant spirit of Durban as the city transforms into a hub of glamour, excitement, and world-class entertainment. 'Come and experience the thrill of the races, the stunning fashion, and the unforgettable moments that make the Durban July a must-attend event. Whether you're a punter, a horse racing enthusiast, or simply looking to enjoy a fabulous day, come and be part of this iconic celebration,' said Xaba. He said Durban is the place to be this July, where unforgettable memories are made.A line-up of events taking place around the city over the Durban July weekend include Fact Durban Rocks, Anywhere in Your City, Any Given Sunday, Mojo's July Weekend and the All White Maxi's Lifestyle Party, among others. Brett Tungay, chairperson of theFederated Hospitality Association ofSouth Africa (Fedhasa) East Coast region, said the Durban July has always been a good event for the local hospitality industry. "And with the school holidays, most establishments are reporting decent booking figures. Accommodation in Ballito on the north coast and the Drakensberg is looking good. The beginning of this year has not been good. Everyone's looking forward to the few days of good trading around the Durban July," said Tungay.
IOL News
24-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Durban July to deliver R690 million boost to city's economy
Durban is set to receive a massive boost of around R690 million to its economy Image: Supplied Durban is set to receive a massive boost of around R690 million to its economy as the highly anticipated Hollywoodbets Durban July horse racing event returns on July 5, 2025. According to a statement issued to the media by eThekwini Municipality on Tuesday, the event is expected to draw around 45,000 visitors, creating thousands of jobs and benefiting local businesses across sectors such as fashion, hospitality, and transport. Last year's race saw the racecourse "packed to capacity with more than 50,000 spectators". "The Hollywoodbets Durban July is one of the major events on the City's calendar and is a drawcard that brings people from across the country and beyond to Durban. It is an event that has a huge economic impact on the City," the Ethekwini Municipality said. "Projections show that about R278.6 million will be a boost in direct spend and R689.4 million in GDP contribution. Additionally, 4,403 jobs are expected to be created during this period." "Businesses across various sectors, including the informal economy, will also experience a boost. Other sectors set to benefit from the Durban July are fashion and textile, transportation, restaurants, hair and beauty, and businesses selling fast food". Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The event is expected to draw around 45,000 visitors, creating thousands of jobs and benefiting local businesses Image: Supplied eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba urged residents and visitors to embrace the "excitement" of the Durban July, highlighting the event's "thrilling" races. 'Come and experience the thrill of the races, the stunning fashion, and the unforgettable moments that make the Durban July a must-attend event," Xaba said. "Whether you're a punter, a horse racing enthusiast, or simply looking to enjoy a fabulous day, come and be part of this iconic celebration,' Xaba said. IOL Business Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
Daily Maverick
11-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Gauteng schools face utility crisis as department transfers debt burden amid funding shortfalls
Gauteng's no-fee schools face water and electricity cutoffs after the provincial education department abruptly shifted responsibility for unpaid utility bills, leaving already-struggling communities to cover a staggering R300-million debt. Many non-fee-paying schools across Gauteng are facing the threat of having their electricity and water cut off, as the Gauteng Department of Education abruptly reversed its 2024 decision to cover utility bills — offloading more than R300-million in historical municipal debt onto already under-resourced school communities. Earlier this year, the department had committed to paying utility costs for non-fee-paying schools. But after failing to keep up with payments and racking up a massive arrears backlog, the department issued a directive in March stating that, from April 1, all schools would be solely responsible for managing and settling their own municipal accounts. The result: schools have been saddled with old debts they had no role in incurring, with some receiving disconnection warnings for bills dating back more than 90 days — long before the policy shift took effect. In Eldorado Park alone, 34 schools have already been affected. Across the province, in areas like Tshwane, Soweto, and Sedibeng, schools are reporting similar challenges as the scale of the crisis becomes clear. Schools left in crisis Charis Pistorius, a school governing body (SGB) member at Eldomaine Secondary School in Eldorado Park, described the situation as critical. She said some schools hadn't seen a single utility payment from the department for nearly two years, yet were now expected to shoulder full responsibility — including paying off arrears running into hundreds of thousands of rand. She noted that schools had received only about 25% of their annual funding allocations so far. At her school, the math didn't add up: with a government allocation of R410,000 per year and a utility bill of R1-million, they were left with a R690,000 shortfall — with no way to close the gap. Fundraising, she added, was nearly impossible in a community where unemployment hovered at 45%, and families were struggling to survive, let alone support school finances. At Noordgesig High School, SGB member Ravern Martin said they had been ordered to pay more than R500,000 in overdue utility bills. While they managed to pay R27,000 last month, the expected bill for this month could exceed R700,000. Parts of the school remained without electricity, and the administration block had not been fully rehabilitated. Martin stressed that this wasn't just about one school — it was about entire communities being left behind. He argued that if schools were being forced to take over utility responsibilities, the department should write off historical debt to give them a fair starting point. Schools like Cosmo City Junior 1 and Heerengracht Primary had also received disconnection threats. Some were already operating without electricity or water — affecting teaching, hygiene, and safety. A widening problem According to DA Shadow MEC for Education, Sergio Isa Dos Santos, the problem was far more widespread than initially acknowledged. He said he began receiving complaints from schools across Tshwane, Soweto, and Sedibeng — all facing similar issues — prompting his office to submit urgent parliamentary questions to determine the full scale of the crisis. Dos Santos said the Gauteng Education Department improperly invoked Section 21(1)(d) of the South African Schools Act to transfer financial responsibilities to schools without following legal procedures. The act requires that schools undergo a capacity assessment, receive training, and give informed consent before such a transfer can take place. He said none of the affected schools reported receiving such support. 'The department seems to have simply offloaded this burden without due process,' he said. Dos Santos painted a dire picture of the financial toll. Some schools now owed as much as R4.7-million. Many of the outstanding bills were marked '90+ days overdue', reflecting more than three months of non-payment before the schools were even made responsible. 'The reality is that under-resourced schools are being forced to take on massive debts they didn't create,' he said. 'It's completely unjust.' Impact on learners The consequences are already being felt in the classroom. Some schools lack running water and electricity, which is especially disruptive during exam periods. Learners are sitting in dark classrooms, unable to use smartboards, flush toilets, or even see what they're writing. Dos Santos warned that the breakdown of basic services directly undermined education, particularly in communities that were already disadvantaged. He added that the department had not explained why utility bills went unpaid in the first place. In some cases, schools reported abnormally high charges during school holidays, raising concerns about incorrect meter readings or billing errors. Yet, Dos Santos said there was no evidence the department had engaged municipalities to dispute charges or request corrections. No clear answers from the department Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane acknowledged ongoing issues with municipal payments across the province, and that they had made a commitment to clear outstanding municipal accounts for schools. He said the department was working to assist non-fee-paying schools with clearing arrears at a head office level, but insisted that fee-paying schools must cover their own municipal costs. Chiloane emphasised that there was no intention to harm schools, and that the fee-paying designation was a joint decision between school management and SGBs. Once classified as such, these schools were expected to use school fees to supplement government funding. In response to questions from Daily Maverick, the department issued a generic press statement on 28 May 2025 — making no mention of the utilities crisis. Instead, it focused on the delayed opening of Tanganani Primary School in Diepsloot, citing community protests and construction delays. The statement detailed interim solutions at that school, including mobile toilets and water tankers — but offered nothing on the broader issue of disconnections, unpaid bills, or the fate of schools now expected to operate without basic services. DM
