The African Arena

July 2025 SASSA Payment Dates – The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially published the full July 2025 grant payment schedule, confirming the dates on which beneficiaries can expect their money. This update is crucial for millions of South Africans who rely on monthly financial support to survive, especially the elderly, persons with … Read more

Grant Increases – In a recent ruling that has sparked frustration and confusion among millions of grant beneficiaries, the South African High Court has confirmed that there will be no further increases in SASSA grant payments until October 2025. This verdict follows mounting pressure from the public and advocacy groups pushing for a mid-year adjustment … Read more

Volkswagen Investment – In a major boost for South Africa’s automotive sector, German carmaker Volkswagen (VW) has confirmed a groundbreaking investment of R4 billion into its Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape. The funding will support the launch of the all-new Volkswagen Tera SUV, which is expected to roll off production lines by July 2026. The … Read more

Western Cape Heavy Rainfall – The Western Cape is currently bracing for one of its most intense weather events in recent history, as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a high-level flood alert due to severe rainfall between June 26 and June 28, 2025. The heavy downpour is expected to impact most parts … Read more

New US Visa Rule for South Africans – In a major policy update that could affect thousands of South African travelers, the United States has announced a new visa regulation effective from July 1, 2025. Under this updated rule, all South African visa applicants must now submit details of their public social media profiles as … Read more

BYD Dealerships – China’s electric vehicle giant, BYD (Build Your Dreams), is making a bold and strategic push into the South African automotive market. With plans to establish 100 dealerships across the country by the end of 2026, the brand is targeting dominance in the fast-growing EV space. The expansion is being backed by aggressive … Read more

Foster Child Grant – South African families relying on the SASSA Foster Child Grant have just received an important payment update. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially announced that the next R1,250 Foster Child Grant will be released on July 4, 2025. However, with this announcement comes a critical warning: all recipients … Read more

R150 Million Fraud – In a major development that has sent shockwaves across South Africa, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has detected a staggering R150 million in fraudulent grant payments during July 2025. This discovery has triggered an immediate investigation involving over 200,000 grant accounts suspected of irregular activity. With payments to many … Read more

Smart Meter Deadline – In a major announcement that affects millions of prepaid electricity users across South Africa, authorities have declared that all consumers must install smart prepaid electricity meters by July 28, 2025. After this date, those without the newly approved smart meters will no longer be able to purchase prepaid electricity tokens, effectively … Read more

R2315 Disability Grant – The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially confirmed that the monthly Disability Grant payout of R2,315 will begin from Wednesday, July 3, 2025. Beneficiaries across the country have been urged to urgently verify and update their banking details and ID information to avoid payment delays or missed grants. With … Read more