The Umhlathuze Municipality in Richards Bay has pressed charges against the government and Transnet for their alleged neglect in maintaining rail infrastructure, resulting in significant congestion of cargo trucks, particularly those transporting coal to the port, as reported by SABC News. Mayor Xolani Ngwezi has labelled the situation a crisis and is urgently calling for intervention. Ngwezi has accused both the government and Transnet of failing to uphold their responsibilities. “This problem has persisted for at least two to three years,” highlighted Ngwezi. “While we have a tripartite agreement with the port, the Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), and the city, it appears to be ineffective. The issue continues to impact our budget significantly.”
Students Pursue Legal Redress for Release of Matric Results Following Cheating Scandal
Following accusations of cheating, over 300 pupils are taking legal action against the Department of Basic Education for withholding their 2022 matric results, as per News24. The students contend that the department’s disciplinary process was unjust and deviated from proper procedure. In their legal petition, they are seeking the release of their withheld results, asserting that their future prospects are being unfairly jeopardized. While the department nullified certain results and granted the opportunity to rewrite exams, the students are adamant about having their original results reinstated. With the court granting an extension for the department to provide a response, costs have been imposed for the delay. This marks the students’ second endeavor in court following a prior dismissal for lack of urgency. The case is slated for hearing at the Mbombela High Court in 2024.
Rising Interest Rates Compel Homeowners to Sell Properties
The percentage of homeowners selling their properties within two years of purchase has seen a substantial surge, escalating from 2% to 3.7% within a year, indicating an 80% upturn, according to a report from Moneyweb. This pattern follows the decline in interest rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, with subsequent increases posing challenges in mortgage repayments. Lightstone, an agency specialising in property information, valuations, and market intelligence in South Africa, has observed a decline in property acquisitions and bonds, indicative of a shrinking buyer pool in the market. The distress sales primarily impact lower-middle-class properties under financial strain, signifying an ongoing trend of sales due to financial limitations.
