Author: Zainab Naidoo

South Africa accelerates shift to smart ID cards Home Affairs shift in plan to discontinue green ID books in South Africa has taken a major step forward, as the government intensifies efforts to modernise the country’s identification system. The Department of Home Affairs is prioritising the rollout of smart ID cards, signalling the gradual end of the long-standing green barcoded ID book. This transition forms part of the department’s 2026/27 Annual Performance Plan, which outlines an ambitious strategy to digitise identification, improve security, and streamline access to civic services across the country. Focus on first-time applicants entering adulthood A central…

Government urges Elon Musk to ‘move on’ amid Starlink racism claims Government urges Elon Musk to ‘move on’ amid Starlink racism claims as tensions escalate between South African authorities and the billionaire entrepreneur over the stalled launch of satellite internet service Starlink South Africa. The dispute has drawn widespread attention after Elon Musk alleged that his company was blocked from operating in the country due to racial requirements embedded in local telecoms regulations. However, the South African government has strongly rejected these claims, calling them unfounded and urging Musk to focus his efforts elsewhere. Elon Musk’s Starlink allegations spark controversy…

Kayoola Electrical Bus From Kampala to Capetown Kayoola Electrical Bus From Kampala to Capetown is redefining what Africa can achieve in engineering, transport, and innovation. The groundbreaking journey by the Kiira EV Kayoola e-Coach has captured attention across the continent, as a fully electric bus travels over 13,000 kilometers from Kampala to Cape Town and back without using a single drop of fuel. Developed by Kiira Motors Corporation, this bold expedition is more than just a road trip—it is a powerful statement about Africa’s growing capabilities in clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Electric bus Africa revolution takes shape The Kayoola…

Elon Musk claims a Starlink licence block in South Africa is down to ‘racism’ Elon Musk claims a Starlink licence block in South Africa is down to ‘racism’ after the billionaire accused the South African government of preventing his SpaceX subsidiary Starlink from obtaining an operating licence. Musk, who was born in South Africa, made the remarks on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting that regulatory barriers were motivated by anti-White discrimination rather than legal compliance requirements. The comments have sparked intense debate over technology regulation, economic transformation policies, and the expansion of global satellite internet services. Starlink, which provides high-speed internet…

BRICS Plus countries increase gold reserves to more than 6000 t BRICS Plus countries increase gold reserves to more than 6000 t as global monetary shifts accelerate, reshaping the balance of power in global foreign exchange reserves, strengthening the de-dollarisation trend, and reinforcing long-term demand in the gold market. Members of the BRICS Plus trade bloc now hold more than 6 000 t of gold, according to financial services group EBC Financial Group, highlighting a significant structural shift in global reserve allocation and rising central bank gold buying activity across emerging economies. BRICS Plus gold reserves signal structural monetary shift…

Brothers Behind WeBuyCars Set to Take Control of JSE-Listed Property Giant Cornerstone Article | eKayNews A Transformational Deal in South Africa’s Market The planned acquisition of RMB Holdings by the founders of WeBuyCars marks a pivotal moment in South Africa’s corporate and property investment landscape. Billionaire entrepreneurs Faan van der Walt and Dirk van der Walt are set to take control of the JSE-listed firm through a strategic buyout that could reshape how property assets are managed and valued. This cornerstone eKayNews article provides a comprehensive, authoritative breakdown of the deal, its structure, and its broader implications for investors and…

Trump threatens to kill 90 million Iranian: A War of Erasure eKayNews exposes Trump’s threat to end Iranian civilization and the massacre of 167 schoolgirls that the ICC continues to ignore in 2026. Trump threatens to kill 90 million Iranian citizens with a single social media post that has rewritten the rules of modern warfare and international diplomacy. On the morning of April 7, 2026, Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform to issue an ultimatum so severe that humanitarian organizations have categorized it as a “threat to commit genocide.” In a moment that will forever be etched in…

South African rand and Nigerian naira ranked among currencies soaring against the U.S. dollar South African rand and Nigerian naira ranked among currencies soaring against the U.S. dollar as global forex markets continue to shift in response to changing economic fundamentals, capital flows, and monetary policy expectations. The latest performance data highlights a notable resurgence in several emerging market currencies, with Africa’s two largest economies—South Africa and Nigeria—standing out among the strongest gainers against the greenback over the past year. This upward movement signals renewed investor interest in emerging markets and reflects improving domestic conditions, fiscal adjustments, and external market…

Petrol goes up by R3,06 per litre, diesel by R7,37: A Historic Fuel Price Increase Petrol goes up by R3,06 per litre, diesel by R7,37, marking one of the most severe financial blows to South African motorists, businesses, and consumers in recent memory. The sudden and steep climb in energy costs has sent shockwaves through the local economy, prompting widespread concern about the rising cost of living. This massive adjustment comes at a time when consumers are already heavily burdened by inflationary pressures, making the newly announced tariffs a critical turning point for household budgets and commercial logistics alike. As…

Namibia Rejects Starlink Over Ownership and Safety Concerns Namibia rejects Starlink over ownership and safety concerns, effectively halting the highly anticipated rollout of Starlink, the satellite internet service developed by SpaceX. The decision marks a significant moment in Africa’s evolving digital economy, where governments are increasingly asserting control over foreign technology companies seeking access to local markets. The move by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has sparked widespread debate across the continent, raising questions about digital inclusion, economic sovereignty, and the role of multinational corporations in bridging Africa’s connectivity gap. Why Namibia Rejects Starlink Over Ownership and Safety…