Free SA warns marginal job gains hide deepening South African labour crisis

Saturday Star Reporter|Published

The labour market shows marginal improvement, but Free SA stresses long-term reforms are needed to tackle structural unemployment.

SONA 2026: No more piecemeal fixes, it’s systems change time

Motshegwa More|Published

The writer says President Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address highlighted economic progress, persistent structural challenges, and a growing recognition ...

Land, homes, trust: The real test of SONA 2026’s housing promises

Zama Mgwatyu|Published

President Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address highlighted concrete housing interventions, from releasing well-located public land and unblocking stalled ...

Poetic Licence: SONA, The easy part is the speech, the hard part is delivery

Rabbie Serumula|Published

The writer argues that SONA 2026 was a carefully staged performance: loyal applause from the ANC, cautious responses from the DA, and sharp criticism from the opposition. ...

Green Shoots: The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice

Ashley Green-Thompson|Published

The author notes that suffering is widespread, from the conflicts in Sudan and Gaza to local challenges like water shortages and violence. While the scale can feel ...

Beyond 'no means no': Why South Africa needs a new language for consent

Sharon Gordon|Published

The writer says consent can’t be whispered in classrooms anymore. Parents must equip children with language, understanding, and clarity to protect themselves and ...

The Hangout: Big riffs, bigger crowds and a punk tour worth the noise

Kerry-anne Allerston|Published

With local legends, rising acts and international guests Ignite on the bill, South Africa’s punk scene is gearing up for a run of high-energy shows that celebrate ...

When teachers can’t teach: A call for change

Alison Scott|Published

From paperwork and policy changes to emotional support and digital distractions, teachers are expected to manage it all. It’s no wonder classrooms are struggling. ...

The Hangout: A guide to Valentine’s parties, music and love in Johannesburg

Kerry-anne Allerston|Published

From dinner dates to drum & bass nights, this guide helps you celebrate Valentine’s in all its messy, hopeful, layered glory.

Poetic Licence: R500m and how the war on drugs was lost in police vaults

Rabbie Serumula|Updated

A chilling account of how R500 million worth of drugs vanished from SAPS storage in Tshwane, only to return to the streets. Witnesses tell Parliament of stolen evidence, ...

Beyond the blush: Teaching children the language of their bodies

Sharon Gordon|Published

In South Africa, euphemisms for children’s genitals may feel harmless, but they create shame, silence, and risk. Here’s why accurate anatomical language is critical ...

Green Shoots: Misogyny, power and the law

Ashley Green-Thompson|Published

The Mbenenge case exposes how power and misogyny intersect in South Africa’s courts. A Judicial Conduct Tribunal found him guilty of lesser misconduct for a relationship ...

Heat, hunger and hope: Inside Home Affairs queues across SA

Brandon Nel , Simon Majadibodu , Wendy Dondolo and Xolile Mtembu|Published

An IOL investigation across nine Home Affairs branches reveals persistent long queues and delays, despite online booking systems and promises of improved service. ...

SA youth are prey for the predators

Zoubair Ayoob|Published

Recent reports from Southeast Asia confirm, that South Africa's youth unemployment tragedy has evolved into a recruitment pipeline for a sinister global industry: ...

Green Shoots: Ordinary heroes shape our resistance today

Ashley Green-Thompson|Published

Beyond the celebrated figures of the anti-apartheid movement, countless ordinary people risked their lives and defied injustice. Through personal stories and memories, ...

The Hangout: CHOC's Flip Flop Day 2026 launches to support children with cancer

Kerry-anne Allerston|Published

This February, Flip Flop Day proves that even the simplest gestures - flip-flops and stickers - can provide life-changing support to children with cancer.

Prostate health: The quiet issue undermining men’s confidence

Sharon Gordon|Published

Prostate health affects far more than urinary function - it influences energy, confidence, sexual wellbeing, and overall quality of life. This piece explores common ...

SARB's rate hold: Stability over speed in South Africa's economic recovery

Dr Shahiem Patel|Published

The South African Reserve Bank has maintained the repo rate, reflecting confidence in the current inflation trajectory while balancing global risks. Analysts say ...

Homebuyers still benefit as SARB keeps rates unchanged

Eva August|Published

The South African Reserve Bank has held the repo rate at 6.75% and the prime rate at 10.25%, providing stability for homeowners and buyers. Analysts say the decision ...