According to the 2023 research from Accenture Africa, there are more than 150-thousand spaza shops in South Africa with an estimated market size of 178-Billion Rand.  As the nation commemorates 30 years of democracy, there have been growing calls that both rural and township economies be supported and properly regulated so they can become integral part of the country's mainstream economy. Producer Tshepo Ikaneng has compiled this report.

According to the 2023 research from Accenture Africa, there are more than 150-thousand spaza shops in South Africa with an estimated market size of 178-Billion Rand.  As the nation commemorates 30 years of democracy, there have been growing calls that both rural and township economies be supported and properly regulated so they can become integral part of the country's mainstream economy. Producer Tshepo Ikaneng has compiled this report.

Democracy 30: Boosting South Africa’s Township and Rural Economies

The first container of locally produced avocados by global commercial farmer, Westfalia Fruit, has arrived in China. The historic shipment follows the successful conclusion of bilateral discussions between BRICS member states, South Africa and China. The supplier, with leading avocado farming operations in Limpopo, is optimistic about future economic prospects following the export agreement. 
SABC News Reporter, Karabo Kgafane compiled this report.

The first container of locally produced avocados by global commercial farmer, Westfalia Fruit, has arrived in China. The historic shipment follows the successful conclusion of bilateral discussions between BRICS member states, South Africa and China. The supplier, with leading avocado farming operations in Limpopo, is optimistic about future economic prospects following the export agreement.  SABC News Reporter, Karabo Kgafane compiled this report.

Democracy 30: South Africa's Westfalia Fruit Makes Historic Avocado Shipment to China

The high crime levels in Gauteng have left many businesses reeling and comtemplating closing shop. Many enterprises face severe financial losses due to burglaries and theft, as well as fearing for their safety and those of their families and employees. Those operating in the townships have to contend with the extortionists demanding that they pay them "protection fee". Security experts say crime syndicates are increasingly targeting businesses with high-value assets, such as expensive industrial equipment, generators and machinery, amongst others. Sashin Naidoo has the details.

The high crime levels in Gauteng have left many businesses reeling and comtemplating closing shop. Many enterprises face severe financial losses due to burglaries and theft, as well as fearing for their safety and those of their families and employees. Those operating in the townships have to contend with the extortionists demanding that they pay them "protection fee". Security experts say crime syndicates are increasingly targeting businesses with high-value assets, such as expensive industrial equipment, generators and machinery, amongst others. Sashin Naidoo has the details.

Democracy 30: Crime wave cripples Gauteng businesses

Residents of various townships, which were once home to industrial sites serving as economic hubs across Limpopo during the Bantustan governments, have urged the government to consider reopening the factories. More than fifty percent of the factories in townships like Seshego, Lebowakgomo, and Nkowankowa now stand unoccupied. Residents attribute the closure of these factories to the rise in crime and unemployment rates. Rendani Raliphswa reports.

Democracy 30: Limpopo residents call for the reopening of abandoned factories amid rising unemployment and crime

SABC radio stations, which have amassed millions of listeners, continue to take pride in promoting all 12 official languages of South Africa. The SABC's language policy plays a crucial role in ensuring equitable treatment of all these languages. In Limpopo, the three radio stations—Phalaphala FM, Munghana Lonene FM, and Thobela FM—celebrate and promote the heritage of each language group not only during Heritage Month but throughout the year. Vutivi Maluleke has more.

SABC radio stations, which have amassed millions of listeners, continue to take pride in promoting all 12 official languages of South Africa. The SABC's language policy plays a crucial role in ensuring equitable treatment of all these languages. In Limpopo, the three radio stations—Phalaphala FM, Munghana Lonene FM, and Thobela FM—celebrate and promote the heritage of each language group not only during Heritage Month but throughout the year. Vutivi Maluleke has more.

Democracy 30: SABC Radio Stations promote South Africa's linguistic heritage year-round

As South Africans celebrate Heritage Month, it has become evident that sport is a crucial component of the country's heritage. Sporting codes such as rugby and sporting heroes occupy a special place in the hearts and minds of ordinary citizens. South Africa's success in world rugby, in particular, has united a divided nation in many ways, based on their shared experiences, since the Springboks lifted the Webb Ellis Cup for the first time in 1995. Samantha Marie reports.

As South Africans celebrate Heritage Month, it has become evident that sport is a crucial component of the country's heritage. Sporting codes such as rugby and sporting heroes occupy a special place in the hearts and minds of ordinary citizens. South Africa's success in world rugby, in particular, has united a divided nation in many ways, based on their shared experiences, since the Springboks lifted the Webb Ellis Cup for the first time in 1995. Samantha Marie reports.

Democracy 30: Rugby as part of South African culture and heritage

A pioneer of Xhosa heritage, Madosini Mphahleni, passed away nearly two years ago in December 2022. However, this musical icon's legacy still stands proud as she singlehandedly introduced the world to the traditional instruments of the Uhadi and Umrhube. She preserved the tradition of playing these indigenous instruments. Her work was also recognised by Rhodes University, which conferred an honorary doctorate upon her. Her legacy continues through the Dr. Latozi Madosini Mpahleni Foundation. Despite her fame, she remained a daughter of the earth. Fundiswa Mhlekude compiled this feature

A pioneer of Xhosa heritage, Madosini Mphahleni, passed away nearly two years ago in December 2022. However, this musical icon's legacy still stands proud as she singlehandedly introduced the world to the traditional instruments of the Uhadi and Umrhube. She preserved the tradition of playing these indigenous instruments. Her work was also recognised by Rhodes University, which conferred an honorary doctorate upon her. Her legacy continues through the Dr. Latozi Madosini Mpahleni Foundation. Despite her fame, she remained a daughter of the earth. Fundiswa Mhlekude compiled this feature

Democracy 30: Celebrating the legacy of Madosini Mphahleni: Pioneer of Xhosa Heritage

Some coloured people in Bloemfontein, in the Free State believe the term "coloured" should be scrapped from legislation as it creates more racial division. As the country commemorates Heritage Month, the group feels most South Africans are mixed races. They say their rare culture is a fusion of various traditions. The Afrikaans speaking group still feel marginalised and believe their unique history that include the indigenous people of the Khoi and San, should be viewed as a way of living and not be labelled by their fair skin tone. Most of them residing from a coloured dominating community dubbed Heidedal, say locals celebrate their ethnicities differently. Refilwe Mekoa compiled this report.

Some coloured people in Bloemfontein, in the Free State believe the term "coloured" should be scrapped from legislation as it creates more racial division. As the country commemorates Heritage Month, the group feels most South Africans are mixed races. They say their rare culture is a fusion of various traditions. The Afrikaans speaking group still feel marginalised and believe their unique history that include the indigenous people of the Khoi and San, should be viewed as a way of living and not be labelled by their fair skin tone. Most of them residing from a coloured dominating community dubbed Heidedal, say locals celebrate their ethnicities differently. Refilwe Mekoa compiled this report.

Democracy 30: Rethinking Identity: Bloemfontein's coloured community speaks out

With a high level of unemployment and saturated job markets, more women in South Africa are entering traditionally male-dominated industries. Over the last few years, Limpopo has seen a significant increase in women participating in sectors such as the operation of heavy vehicles and machinery, as well as construction. As South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy, we explore some of the women treading unfamiliar territory. Vutivi Maluleke reports.

With a high level of unemployment and saturated job markets, more women in South Africa are entering traditionally male-dominated industries. Over the last few years, Limpopo has seen a significant increase in women participating in sectors such as the operation of heavy vehicles and machinery, as well as construction. As South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy, we explore some of the women treading unfamiliar territory. Vutivi Maluleke reports.

Democracy 30 : Women break barriers in male-dominated industries in Limpopo

As South Africa marks thirty years of democracy, we look at some of the legislation that Parliament had to rectify to align with the Constitution. The Divorce Act is one of the laws that needed to be changed to recognize Muslim marriages. The Women’s Legal Centre, a women’s advocacy group, successfully launched a constitutional court challenge that took more than eight years. Mercedes Besent looks back on how things unfolded.

As South Africa marks thirty years of democracy, we look at some of the legislation that Parliament had to rectify to align with the Constitution. The Divorce Act is one of the laws that needed to be changed to recognize Muslim marriages. The Women’s Legal Centre, a women’s advocacy group, successfully launched a constitutional court challenge that took more than eight years. Mercedes Besent looks back on how things unfolded.

Democracy 30: Key Legislative Reforms: Recognising Muslim Marriages in the Divorce Act

2024 marks 30 years since South Africa’s first democratic elections on 27th April 1994. Throughout the year, on all our platforms, SABC News will remind you of key moments in our democratic history

2024 marks 30 years since South Africa’s first democratic elections on 27th April 1994. Throughout the year, on all our platforms, SABC News will remind you of key moments in our democratic history

Democracy 30

Reflecting on 30 Years of Democracy: Achievements, Challenges, and the Path Forward.

Reflecting on 30 Years of Democracy: Achievements, Challenges, and the Path Forward.

Democracy 30

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