South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Thursday,22 February 2024 Images: Stock/Canva/Gov.za
South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Thursday,22 February 2024
In the latest news in South Africa on Thursday 22 February 2024, the permanent SASSA grants will be INCREASED. Here is what you should know.
South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Thursday,22 February 2024 Images: Stock/Canva/Gov.za
We’ve got all the latest news stories and headlines in South Africa you really need to know on Thursday, 22 February 2024.
It has been confirmed that the permanent SASSA grants will be INCREASED. Here is everything you should know.
In other news, the much-anticipated 2024 budget speech was delivered, and the alcohol, vape, and smoking tax has INCREASED.
It was also revealed in the budget speech that the National Treasury will not hike the General Fuel Levy nor the Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy this year.
Meanwhile, a Kruger National Park employee was bitten by a hyena on her arm while sleeping at the Berg en Daal staff living quarters.
Lastly, SA will have 14 public holidays in 2024 – including an additional day off to celebrate one public holiday which falls on a Sunday.
TODAY’S LATEST NEWS IN SOUTH AFRICA, THURSDAY, 22 February 2024
CONFIRMED: Here are the official SASSA grants INCREASES
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed Wednesday that the permanent SASSA grants will be INCREASED.
Godongwana delivered his 2024 Budget Speech to Parliament on Wednesday.
Permanent social grants are increased to keep pace with inflation and increase access:
- An increase of R100 to the old age, war veterans, disability and care dependency grants. This amount will be divided into R90 effective from April, and R10 effective October;
- A R50 increase to the foster care grant; and
- A R20 increase to the child support grant.
Alcohol, vape and smoking tax INCREASES for South Africa
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered his much-anticipated budget speech on Wednesday afternoon.
It comes amid high unemployment rates, rising living costs, and a tough economic environment.
For alcohol products excise duties, above-inflation increases of between 6.7 and 7.2 per cent for 2024/25 are proposed. This means:
- A can of beer increases by 14 cents;
- A can of a cider and alcoholic fruit beverage goes up by 14 cents; • A bottle of wine will cost an extra 28 cents;
- A bottle of fortified wine will cost an extra 47 cents;
- A bottle of sparkling wine will cost an extra 89 cents; and
- A bottle of spirits, including whisky, gin or vodka, increases by R5.53.
Budget Speech 2024: Some fuel relief for suffering South Africans
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed in his 2024 Budget Speech on Wednesday, 21 February that National Treasury will not hike the General Fuel Levy nor the Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy this year.
In what was some good news for suffering South Africans, Godongwana mentioned that government is mindful of the current high cost of living and the impact that fuel prices have on food and transport costs.
2024 Budget Speech: 10 000 new police recruits
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana presented the 2024 Budget Speech on Wednesday, 21 February, reaffirming the government’s commitment to achieving social and economic justice.
With a focus on tackling inequality and deprivation, the budget aims to bolster the economy and uplift society.
Over the past three decades, the government’s mission has been to redress historical injustices and combat systemic discrimination.
Kruger National Park employee bitten by hyena
A hyena had to be euthanised at the Kruger National Park after it bit an employee on her arm while sleeping at the Berg en Daal staff living quarters.
In a post by the park on social media, management confirmed the incident.
“The staff member was stabilised after the incident and rushed to the hospital for further medical attention.
“The Section Ranger and his team then went on a search for the hyena, which regrettably had to be euthanised.”
the Park said.
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