🇿🇦 Kagiso Rabada Suspended After Positive Drug Test South African cricket star Kagiso Rabada has been provisionally suspended after admitting to using a recreational drug. The 29-year-old fast bowler, currently ranked second in the ICC Test bowling rankings, expressed deep regret and apologized to fans. This development casts uncertainty over his participation in the upcoming World Test Championship final against Australia in June.

⛽ Fuel Price Adjustments Announced for May Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe has announced significant fuel price changes effective this month. The adjustments are attributed to shifts in international oil prices and the weakening of the rand. These changes are expected to impact transportation costs and the overall cost of living for South Africans.

💳 Standard Bank Issues Fraud Alert Standard Bank, South Africa's largest bank by assets, has issued a warning about a surge in fraudulent activities, particularly involving fake job offers and phishing scams. Customers are advised to remain vigilant and verify communications to protect their personal and financial information.

🏉 Blitzboks Advance to Semi-Finals in LA The South African Sevens rugby team, the Blitzboks, remain unbeaten as they secure a spot in the semi-finals of the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles. Their victories over France, Samoa, and the USA have bolstered national pride and anticipation for the upcoming matches.

Is anyone on this sub watching this show?

So earlier today, the Finance Ministry scrapped the planned VAT increase that was meant to kick in on May 1st. The idea was to raise VAT from the current 15% to 15.5% in 2025, and then to 16% in 2026. But after major pushback from political partners (especially the DA) and civil society, they dropped it.

Why it matters: This move avoids putting more pressure on South Africans who are already struggling with the cost of living. But it also leaves a R75 billion hole in the national budget over the next few years — so… where is that money going to come from now?

Side note for the people who don't know: VAT = Value Added Tax. It’s that sneaky extra cost added to most things you buy, like food, clothes, tech, etc. When VAT goes up, everything gets a little more expensive.

Let’s talk: Do you think this was the right move? Should they have gone ahead with the increase to support public services, or is the cost of living already too high? And how do you think they’ll cover the budget gap?