1. Eskom Celebrates Full Year Without Load-Shedding

South Africans woke up to landmark news on Monday: Eskom has officially achieved a full year without implementing load-shedding for the first time in eight years. The power utility confirmed that at 00.01 on Saturday, it delivered 365 consecutive days of uninterrupted power supply – a milestone last reached in September 2018.

Eskom said the sustained reliability over the past three years has saved approximately R26.9 billion in diesel costs while allowing the utility to meet 100 percent of the country’s electricity demand. The utility’s energy availability factor improved from 54.56 percent to 65.16 percent, while unplanned outages declined sharply from 32.34 percent to 22.88 percent.

Eskom board chairperson Mteto Nyati praised the utility’s employees for delivering using their deep technical and institutional capability. Group CEO Dan Marokane described the achievement as a “decisive turning point and a structural shift from a recovering grid to a stable, high-performing power system,” adding that South Africa now has a stable electricity platform to enable an orderly transformation of the industry.

However, while the end of load-shedding has been widely celebrated, many South Africans say electricity prices have now become the new crisis. Economist Duma Gqubule has warned that impending above-inflation electricity price increases, which range from 6.6 percent to 10.5 percent across the country, may “sow the seeds of a rebellion”. Households and businesses remain deeply concerned about rising electricity costs and load reduction in some areas, even as the grid shows improved stability.

2. NPA to Suspend Prosecutor as High-Profile ‘Ferrari’ Sibanyoni Case Collapses

In a dramatic development in Mpumalanga, the extortion and money laundering case against prominent taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni and his co-accused has been struck off the roll at the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court. The case collapsed after the prosecutor was convicted of contempt of court for failing to appear.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced that the prosecutor will be suspended pending appropriate disciplinary action. National Director of Public Prosecutions Andy Mothibi expressed his shock and dismay at the turn of events, but appealed to the public to be patient while the NPA deals with the matter internally.

Mothibi stressed that the NPA remains within its legal rights to reinstate the case once there is compliance with legal provisions governing matters removed from the court roll in this manner, insisting that “there was no room for impunity.”

3. Former North West Premier Bushy Maape Dies

Veteran politician and former North West Premier Kaobitsa Bushy Maape has passed away. Maape died in Johannesburg on Saturday, 16 May 2026, after a short illness, surrounded by his family. Current North West Premier confirmed the news, and the African National Congress (ANC) has paid tribute to Maape, describing him as a humble, ethical, and disciplined leader.

Maape served as North West Premier and was widely respected within the ANC for his steady leadership and commitment to public service. Flags are expected to be flown at half-mast across the province in his honour.

4. Unemployment Crisis Worsens: Rate Surges to 32.7%

South Africa’s unemployment crisis continues to deepen. Statistics South Africa reported that unemployment rose to 32.7 percent in the first quarter of 2026, with 345,000 jobs lost and youth unemployment remaining above 45 percent. According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey, the number of employed people fell by 345,000 to 16.8 million, while the number of unemployed rose by 301,000 to 8.1 million.

Most job losses occurred in the services and construction sectors, while employment in manufacturing, mining, and agriculture showed only slight improvements. The dire figures have reignited scrutiny over whether government skills programmes are delivering real economic outcomes, with Parliament, political parties, and labour stakeholders questioning the effectiveness of post-school education and training systems.

The Department of Higher Education and Training defended its programmes, stating that it relies on labour market intelligence tools and that Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) fund workplace-based learning programmes, though they acknowledged that SETAs do not create jobs directly.

5. Eskom Threatens to Cut Power to Johannesburg Over R5.2 Billion Debt

In a move that has sent shockwaves through Gauteng, Eskom has threatened to cut power to Johannesburg over a R5.2 billion debt it says is owed by City Power. In a letter to city manager Floyd Brink, which Sowetan has seen, Eskom said Johannesburg continued to owe despite a court-ordered settlement agreement regulating the repayment of the debt and current electricity usage.

The threat comes just days after Eskom celebrated a full year without load-shedding, underscoring the ongoing financial tensions between the power utility and major municipalities. City Power has yet to issue a formal response, but the potential power cut could plunge South Africa’s economic hub into darkness.

6. Harvard-Bound Architect Walks 1,600km to Highlight Housing Crisis

In a remarkable story of social activism, KwaMashu architect Wandile Mthiyane, 32, is walking 1,600 kilometres from Durban to Cape Town to raise awareness about South Africa’s housing crisis. The journey, which covers nearly 30 kilometres daily, was inspired by Mthiyane’s childhood in informal settlements and the recent death of his aunt, who received a government housing number but died while still waiting for her RDP home.

“I grew up in and around informal settlements, where housing was never just about shelter. It was about dignity, safety, and whether you felt seen,” Mthiyane told News24. He is also promoting Ubuntu Home, an AI platform that helps people design, finance and build their own homes wherever they are. “We are done waiting. Thirty years into democracy, millions of South Africans are still waiting for something as basic as a home,” he said.

Mthiyane has recently been accepted into Harvard University’s Master’s in Design Engineering programme – one of only 25 students selected globally. The opportunity comes with a significant financial commitment of approximately $160,000 (about R2.9 million), and his immediate goal is to raise $30,000 (about R550,000) to cover his first semester. So far, he has raised $6,594 (approximately R120,000).

7. Government Extends Deadline for Capital Flow Management Regulations

In financial news, the government has extended the deadline for public comments on the draft Capital Flow Management Regulations to the end of June. The original deadline was set for 18 May 2026, but the extension notice will be gazetted in due course, SAnews reported.

Separately, the government has launched an investigation into the alleged unauthorised use of the Coat of Arms by the Somali Association of South Africa. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has requested the Bureau of Heraldry South Africa to conduct a formal investigation into the matter.

8. Western Cape Battles Destructive Storm; Community Displaced

The Western Cape continues to reel from severe weather, with a destructive storm leaving communities displaced. Families in Nomzamo near Strand have been forced from their homes after heavy rains caused flooding. As floodwaters slowly recede across parts of the province, families are returning to homes caked in mud, with furniture destroyed and livelihoods washed away.

Experts have warned that the extreme weather is yet another devastating sign of climate change tightening its grip on South Africa. The South African Weather Service has issued a strong weather warning of damaging coastal winds expected between Table Bay and Cape Agulhas into Tuesday. Seven people were also killed in two separate shooting incidents in Cape Town over the weekend, with police indicating the murders appear to be gang-related.

9. Alleged Witchcraft Mob Justice Claims Life of Elderly Woman in Eastern Cape

In a tragic incident highlighting the persistence of mob justice, police in Ngcobo, Eastern Cape, are investigating the murder of a 75-year-old woman who was killed by a group allegedly accusing her of witchcraft. The brutal attack took place at Zadungeni A/A, Luthuthu Locality in Ngcobo on the morning of 17 May 2026.

No arrests have been made yet, and police have appealed to the community to come forward with any information that could assist in the investigation. The case has reignited concerns about vigilantism and traditional beliefs leading to violence in rural communities.

10. SASSA Rolls Out Digital Queue System to Curb Long Lines

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has introduced a new digital queue system at one of its busiest offices in Cape Town in an effort to curb long lines and improve service delivery. SASSA CEO Themba Matlou visited the Athlone office on Monday to assess the progress of self-service kiosks and digital platforms.

The new system is part of a broader modernisation drive aimed at reducing the notoriously long queues that have frustrated grant recipients for years. If successful, the digital system may be rolled out to other busy SASSA offices across the country.

11. Brown Mogotsi to Appear in Court on Assassination Plot Charges

Controversial businessman Brown Mogotsi is expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges related to allegedly staging an assassination attempt. Police arrested Mogotsi shortly after he concluded his testimony at the Madlanga Commission. His name is already linked to more than 10 criminal dockets being reviewed by the National Prosecuting Authority, according to Daily Sun reports.

The arrest piles more pressure on Mogotsi, who has been at the centre of multiple legal battles in recent months. The state is expected to oppose bail.

12. NHI Act Faces Constitutional Court Challenge

The future of South Africa’s National Health Insurance (NHI) Act hangs in the balance as the Constitutional Court hears two challenges that could see the landmark legislation ruled invalid and unconstitutional. The Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) and the Premier of the Western Cape have both brought applications arguing that key provisions of the NHI Act are inconsistent with the Constitution.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health has noted a separate Constitutional Court judgment declaring that sections 36 to 40 of the National Health Act 61 of 2003 are inconsistent with the Constitution, adding to the complex legal landscape surrounding healthcare reform in the country.

13. Gauteng Considers Decentralised Education Finance Model

Gauteng is considering a decentralised model for managing education finances, as the municipal debt of schools has risen to a staggering R583 million. MEC for Education Lebogang Maile wants schools to manage their own finances, Business Day reported. The proposal comes amid growing concerns about financial management in the education sector and the burden of debt on schools across the province.

14. Phala Phala Saga Continues as Ramaphosa Reportedly Seeks Interdict

President Cyril Ramaphosa is reportedly seeking an interdict to delay Phala Phala impeachment proceedings. According to ANC sources cited by The Star, the president has decided to obtain an interdict against the proceedings, with the party supporting the move. The Constitutional Court recently ordered Parliament to revive the Phala Phala findings, putting the president under renewed legal pressure.

15. Johannesburg Descends into Crisis, Says MyBroadband Report

A damning report on MyBroadband describes Johannesburg as a city in crisis, with collapsing infrastructure, widespread electricity and water outages, rampant crime, and dire finances. The report paints a bleak picture of South Africa’s largest city, where municipal services have deteriorated sharply. Emfuleni residents are also battling with uncollected refuse and illegal dumping, with waste collection having collapsed in parts of Vanderbijlpark, Sharpeville, Boipatong and Sebokeng in the Vaal.

16. SADC Ministers to Meet Over Food Security

Southern African Development Community (SADC) ministers are set to meet this week to discuss food security and the blue economy. Among the key issues on the agenda will be an update on the region’s food and nutrition security situation, including an assessment of the 2025/26 rainfall season, agricultural production forecasts, and climate projections for the 2026/27 season.

17. Government Probes Alleged Unauthorised Use of Coat of Arms

As reported by SAnews, the government has launched an investigation into the alleged unauthorised use of the Coat of Arms by an organisation. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has formally requested the Bureau of Heraldry South Africa to conduct a formal investigation. The move follows controversy over the misuse of national symbols.

18. MTN to Invest R480 Million in Free State and Northern Cape Network Upgrades

In business news, MTN has announced it will invest R480 million in network upgrades and expansion in the Free State and Northern Cape to improve digital access in the two provinces. Through this programme, MTN aims to expand 5G connectivity coverage to 82 percent in the Free State and 75 percent in the Northern Cape by 2026, while also improving 4G services.

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SUMMARY OF OTHER TOP STORIES:

• Two Popular South African Fast Food Brands Launch Internationally: Famous Brands has successfully launched a Steers and Debonairs combo in Malaysia, marking the group’s entry into the Asian market.
• Somali Community Event Sparks Social Media Storm: A Somali diaspora event in Johannesburg went viral after being misinterpreted as a “king coronation,” fuelling heated debate on social media.
• Ebola Outbreak Declared International Emergency: The World Health Organization has declared an Ebola outbreak in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo a “public health emergency of international concern”.
• Converge Africa 2026 Brings Digital Commerce Leaders to Cape Town: The three-day event returned to the CTICC, bringing together Africa’s most influential tech leaders and global investors.
• TMPD Officer Found Guilty of Accepting Bribes: A Tshwane Metro Police Department officer was convicted following an undercover operation conducted by the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit and the Hawks.
• Weather Warning for Western Cape: The SA Weather Service has issued warnings for damaging coastal winds and continued rainfall across multiple provinces.

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This summary was compiled from major South African news sources including News24, TimesLIVE, IOL, Daily Maverick, The Citizen, Sowetan, Business Day, EWN, The South African, BusinessTech, MyBroadband, SAnews.gov.za, Daily Sun, and SABC News.