AGOA and South Africa: A Trade Deal on Borrowed Time
AGOA is technically back, but a stack of new tariffs and political friction with Washington mean South African exporters are still guessing what it's worth.
News
Welcome to the News section of the South Africa Facts blog. We take the stories shaping South Africa, from load shedding and water infrastructure to immigration policy and major industry takeovers, and explain what actually happened and why it matters. No spin, just the facts behind the headlines, written for readers who want to understand the country's current affairs rather than just skim them.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease in South Africa: Where the Outbreak Stands Now
Is your meat still safe to eat? Foot-and-mouth disease has now reached all nine SA provinces. Here's what's happening with outbreaks, vaccines and trade bans.
El Niño Is Back: What It Means for South Africa's Weather
El Niño has officially returned, and forecasters warn it could become one of the strongest on record. Here's what that means for South Africa's drought risk, rainfall and water supply this summer.
South Africa Beat Load Shedding, So Why Isn't the Energy Crisis Over?
Eskom stopped the blackouts, but transmission bottlenecks, coal's slow exit and cable theft show the power problem just moved, not disappeared.
Illegal Immigration in South Africa: Where Things Stand in 2026
Deportation numbers, the ZEP permit saga, vigilante crackdowns and a new White Paper: where South Africa's illegal immigration debate actually stands in 2026.
2027 Cricket World Cup: What We Know About South Africa's Home Tournament
South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia host the 2027 Cricket World Cup in October and November. Here's what's confirmed on venues, format and teams so far.
Canal+ Now Runs DStv: Is the Takeover Good or Bad for South Africa?
Canal+ has completed its takeover of MultiChoice. We weigh the price freeze and R30bn local content pledge against Showmax's shutdown, SuperSport losing control, and pressure on local production.
The Humpback Whales Are Back: Record 'Supergroups' Return to South Africa's Cape Coast
A record 299-whale supergroup off Cape Town's coast made global headlines in 2026. Here's what's driving it, the new dangers whales face, and where to see them yourself.
South Africa's Water Infrastructure Crisis Explained
SA's dams are full, but ageing pipes, failing sewage works and 47% non-revenue water mean the taps still fail. Here's the full picture.