The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg has delivered a mixed ruling in a legal dispute between GoldenRod Group and the City of Johannesburg over alleged illegal structures erected at Marble Towers in the Johannesburg CBD. The City alleged that GoldenRod Group constructed container-style and informal trading structures at the base of Marble Towers without approved building plans, in contravention of South African building regulations. According to the municipality, the structures are illegal and pose safety risks, including concerns relating to…

The Border Management Authority (BMA) and law enforcement agencies have intercepted a major drug consignment weighing 713,000 grams, with an estimated street value of R998.2 million, at the Beitbridge Port of Entry. Authorities confirmed that the substance was identified as methaqualone (ABBA), commonly used in the production of mandrax, and was discovered inside a truck travelling from Malawi into South Africa. The vehicle was subjected to a non-intrusive inspection using a cargo scanner, which flagged suspicious substances. This led officials…

Widespread municipal tariff increases are expected as the City of Ekurhuleni tables its new budget for the 2026/27 financial year. The city has warned of increasing pressure on its ability to deliver services, driven by rising operational costs and significant revenue losses. The City’s MMC for Finance, Jongizizwe Dlabathi, confirmed that property rates will increase by 2%, which is below the current inflation rate. Electricity tariffs will rise in line with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA)-approved guideline…