By Selloane Ntshonyane

• Evah Modise planned to pay about R8,000 a year at a public school but now spends R3,500 every month on private school fees after her daughter was denied a place.

• Parents say a shortage of space at public schools is forcing families to make expensive choices just to keep their children in class.

When school applications opened in 2023, Evah Modise wasted no time.

The 35 year old mother from Soshanguve applied for a place for her daughter at Laerskool Haakdoorn, hoping she would attend a school close to home.

She submitted all the required documents as soon as applications opened.

But despite applying early, her daughter did not get a place.

The school told her it had already reached full capacity.

Modise went to the school to ask for help.

She was then referred to the district education office.

There, officials offered her daughter a place at Lesedi Primary School.

But Modise said the school was not suitable because her daughter had been learning in both Afrikaans and English at daycare.

“We planned everything around Haakdoorn because it is only about 15 minutes from our home,” she told Scrolla.Africa.

The family had budgeted carefully.

She expected to pay about R8,000 a year in school fees and around R700 a month for transport.

Instead, they had to enrol their daughter at Acudeo, a private school.

The decision came at a heavy price.

The family now pays R3,500 every month in school fees and another R500 for transport.

On top of that, they also pay for school activities such as swimming and netball.

“We were affected financially, but we did not want our child to stay at home,” said Modise.

She said paying private school fees has placed extra pressure on the family’s monthly budget, but they felt they had no other option.

Modise hopes more classroom space will be created at public schools so that other parents do not face the same difficult choice.

For her, every parent deserves the chance to send their child to a nearby public school without being forced to spend thousands of rand they cannot afford.

Pictured above: Evah Modise says she was forced to enrol her daughter in a private school after failing to get a place at a nearby public school. 

Image source: Supplied.

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By Palesa Matlala

• A financial expert says many South Africans can save more by checking benefits they already pay for and avoiding paying twice for the same cover.

• With many families living from payday to payday, experts say automatic savings and family money talks can help build a financial safety net.

Many South Africans believe saving money means giving something up.

For some, that means no more takeaways.

For others, it means cancelling streaming services or skipping a favourite coffee.

But financial adviser Charlot Mokopane from Metropolitan says saving money does not always have to mean spending less.

She says many people could save more simply by taking a closer look at where their money is already going.

Research from the Bureau of Market Research shows that more than one in four South African adults cannot save at all because every rand they earn is already spoken for.

Mokopane says the answer is not always cutting the household budget.

Instead, people should first check whether they are getting full value from the money they already spend.

One common mistake is paying for benefits people already have.

Many bank accounts, credit cards, insurance policies and employee benefits already include services such as roadside assistance, travel insurance, legal advice and shopping rewards.

“Before paying for another service, check whether you are already covered,” she said.

She also warned that families often pay twice for the same insurance without realising it.

For example, an elderly parent may already have funeral cover through an employer while adult children are paying for another policy.

Mokopane believes one of the best ways to save is to make it automatic.

She says people should treat savings like any other monthly bill.

As soon as a salary is paid, a small amount should automatically move into a savings account.

Even small amounts saved every month can grow over time.

She also encourages families to talk openly about money.

A simple monthly discussion can help families spot unnecessary spending, avoid paying twice for services and decide what their savings should be used for.

Another useful tip is to keep savings separate from everyday spending.

A savings account that cannot be accessed immediately makes it harder to spend money on impulse.

Giving the account a name, such as “School Fees”, “House Deposit” or “Emergency Fund”, can also help people stay focused on their goals.

Mokopane says families should also build emergency savings together.

Unexpected costs such as funerals, retrenchments or medical emergencies often affect the whole family.

Sharing the responsibility makes it easier to cope.

She says stokvels, burial societies and savings groups can also help people stay disciplined because members encourage each other to keep saving.

“Saving is not always about earning more money,” she said.

“It is about making better use of the money you already have.”

Twenty one year old IT intern Tumelo Manhla knows what it means to change his spending habits.

Before becoming a father, he spent freely on weekends.

Now, his priorities have changed.

“Before I had a son, I could go out every weekend and spend whatever I wanted,” he told Scrolla.Africa.

“But after becoming a dad, I knew I had to start saving for his future and for emergencies.”

Manhla says he has not stopped enjoying life.

Instead, he has cut back.

He now goes out for drinks only twice a month and keeps Sunday as a special family day to eat out together.

His advice is simple.

“You don’t have to stop living. You just have to spend smarter.”

Pictured above: Money notes

Image source: File.

By Nontokozo Gemani

• Residents say they wake up to dry taps, low water pressure and electricity that does not last the month despite paying higher municipal tariffs.

• Ekurhuleni owes more than R7-billion, including billions to Eskom and Rand Water, raising fresh concerns about the future of basic services.

When Gugu Tshabalala wakes up before sunrise to get ready for work, she never knows if water will come out of the tap.

The Shoprite worker from Langaville Extension Three says dry taps and low water pressure have become part of everyday life.

Some mornings there is only a trickle.

Other days there is no water at all.

Residents in Langaville Extensions Four and Seven told Scrolla.Africa they have also been battling water outages and low water pressure for more than a month.

“It has been very difficult because I leave for work early and there is often no water to boil for my bath,” said Tshabalala.

When she gets home after work, the problem often continues.

To cope, she fills her bathtub with water whenever the taps are running so she has enough to use later.

“There was no warning. No one tells us what is happening,” she said.

Water is not the family’s only struggle.

Tshabalala spends nearly R2,000 every month on prepaid electricity.

Even that is not enough to last until payday.

“I do not even have a geyser. If I had one, I would be paying much more,” she said.

Her frustration comes just weeks after the City of Ekurhuleni increased municipal tariffs.

From 1 July, electricity tariffs increased by an average of 9.01%, while water tariffs went up by 11% as part of the city’s R70.9-billion budget.

Residents are now paying more while many say services are getting worse.

The city’s financial problems are adding to those fears.

According to Gauteng Finance MEC Nkululeko Dunga, Ekurhuleni owes creditors more than R7-billion.

That includes R5.758-billion owed to Eskom and R555-million owed to Rand Water.

The city has only about R2-billion available in cash, far less than what it owes.

Residents worry that the growing debt could affect essential services if the municipality cannot keep up with its payments.

Democratic Alliance mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane recently warned that Ekurhuleni’s service delivery is “on the brink of collapse”.

She said the city’s failure to pay Eskom and Rand Water on time could eventually lead to electricity supply cuts or water restrictions.

Earlier this year, Eskom issued a formal notice warning that electricity supply could be reduced or interrupted because of Ekurhuleni’s unpaid debt before the two sides later reached a payment agreement.

Scrolla.Africa asked the City of Ekurhuleni what residents should expect, how it plans to deal with its growing debt and what steps are being taken to protect water and electricity services.

The city had not responded by the time of publication.

For Tshabalala, however, the debate about billions of rand in debt means very little.

She simply wants to wake up knowing there will be water in the tap and enough electricity to get her family through the month.

Pictured above: Langaville residents say they are paying more for water and electricity while battling dry taps and rising household costs as Ekurhuleni’s debt continues to grow. 

Image source: Supplied.

By Palesa Matlala

• Brown Mogotsi returns to court after failing to win bail, while alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s trial within a trial also continues.

• A Pretoria man accused of deliberately infecting his former girlfriend with HIV is expected back in court as the Democratic Alliance calls for the anti-corruption unit to be scrapped.

Several high-profile court cases are back before Gauteng courts this week.

Among them are an alleged fake assassination plot, the ongoing Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala trial, a man accused of deliberately infecting his former girlfriend with HIV, and fresh calls to shut down the country’s anti-corruption unit.

Johannesburg Magistrates Court: Brown Mogotsi is expected back in the dock on Monday after losing his bid to be released on bail.

The Gauteng High Court ruled last week that Mogotsi had failed to present any new facts that would justify his release.

He remains behind bars while his case moves towards trial.

The self-proclaimed political fixer was arrested in May.

He faces five charges linked to allegations that he staged an assassination attempt on himself in Vosloorus during 2025.

The charges include perjury, defeating the ends of justice, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and firing a gun in a public place.

A magistrate previously refused him bail because he could not provide a verified residential address.

The High Court agreed with that decision.

Meanwhile in the Gauteng High Court: the trial within a trial involving alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and four co-accused is also set to continue in the Johannesburg High Court.

Police Captain Pimi Sekgobela is expected to return to the witness stand for a sixth day.

The court is hearing arguments about whether evidence collected during the arrest of accused Musa Kekana was obtained lawfully.

The defence argues that police failed to follow the correct procedures and wants the evidence excluded from the main trial.

Last week, proceedings were delayed after defence lawyer Advocate Annelene van den Heever referred to a South African Police Service standing order during cross-examination but could not immediately produce the document.

Judge Carrim Moosa ruled that any legal authority relied on in court must be available when questioned.

Another member of the arrest team is expected to testify after Sekgobela completes his evidence.

The State insists the arrest, search and seizure of firearms were lawful and denies allegations that Kekana was assaulted or tortured.

In Pretoria, a 47 year old man accused of deliberately infecting his former girlfriend with HIV is also due back in court.

He faces a charge of attempted murder.

The National Prosecuting Authority says the couple were in a relationship between October 2025 and June 2026.

The woman allegedly discovered antiretroviral medication in his bag and confronted him.

The State claims he admitted he was HIV positive and deliberately infected her because he did not want her to be with anyone else.

She later tested positive for HIV and reported the matter to police.

The TEARS Foundation said, if the allegations are proven, they would amount to a serious violation of trust and informed consent.

The organisation also warned against stigmatising people living with HIV, saying the focus should remain on the alleged intentional deception and harm.

Away from the courtroom, the Democratic Alliance has called for the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption to be disbanded.

The party says the unit’s credibility has been damaged beyond repair.

Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament Glynnis Breytenbach said South Africa needs a fully independent anti-corruption commission established outside the National Prosecuting Authority.

She said the new body should have its own law, budget and independence to investigate corruption without political interference.

Pictured above: Brown Mogotsi, the Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala trial, an alleged HIV deception case and calls to replace the country’s anti-corruption unit dominate Gauteng court proceedings this week. 

Image source: File.

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By Palesa Matlala

• Petrol prices are expected to stay almost unchanged in August, while diesel could rise by as much as R1.91 a litre because of higher global fuel prices.

• Rising diesel costs could push up the price of food, transport and other goods as businesses pass higher fuel costs on to consumers.

South African motorists could see mixed fuel prices this month.

Petrol is expected to stay almost the same, but diesel users are likely to be hit with a steep increase.

Latest data from the Central Energy Fund shows that 93 Unleaded petrol could drop by about five cents a litre.

The price of 95 Unleaded petrol is expected to remain unchanged.

But diesel tells a different story.

The wholesale price of 50 parts per million diesel is expected to increase by about R1.75 a litre.

The price of 500 parts per million diesel could rise by as much as R1.91 a litre.

That means diesel users will pay much more to fill up.

At the coast, the wholesale price of 500 parts per million diesel could increase to about R25.82 a litre.

In Gauteng, it could reach about R26.69 a litre.

The retail price at the pump will be even higher because diesel prices are not regulated like petrol.

Petrol prices are expected to stay around R25.23 a litre for 95 Unleaded at the coast and about R26.11 inland.

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is expected to announce the official fuel prices early this week.

The final prices could still change depending on the Slate Levy.

This levy helps fuel companies recover losses caused by changes in international oil prices.

If the levy is reduced, motorists could see a bigger petrol price cut and a smaller diesel increase.

But there is no guarantee that will happen.

The expected diesel increase comes after international fuel prices climbed sharply during July.

Oil prices have been highly unstable because of tensions in the Middle East.

Fears that conflict could disrupt oil supplies pushed global oil prices sharply higher.

Although prices later eased after hopes of a ceasefire, they remain much higher than they were at the start of the month.

While petrol drivers may escape another big increase for now, the diesel hike is expected to affect more than just motorists.

Higher diesel prices usually increase transport costs for trucks, buses and farming equipment.

Those extra costs often lead to higher prices for food and many other everyday goods.

For many South Africans already struggling with the rising cost of living, the increase could place even more pressure on household budgets.

Pictured above: Diesel users are expected to pay much more this month, while petrol prices are likely to remain almost unchanged.

Image source: File.

By Buziwe Nocuze

• Residents say trolley operators charged just R25 to R30, but now they must pay taxi operators between R80 and R100 to transport groceries.

• Former trolley operators say taxi drivers told them to stop working because they were taking away business, while Codeta says it will investigate the claims.

Residents in Khayelitsha say they are paying much more to get their groceries home after trolley operators were allegedly chased away by taxi drivers and owners.

The trolley operators used to charge between R25 and R30 to transport shopping from the Site B Centre in Cape Town.

Now, residents claim they are being forced to use taxis that charge between R80 and R100 for the same trip.

Many say they simply cannot afford it.

Nolizwi Mfeya, who survives on part-time jobs and her two children’s social grants, said the cheaper trolley service helped families already struggling with the high cost of living.

“They chased away the trolley operators so they can charge us much more. We are already paying a lot for food and transport. Now we must find even more money just to get our groceries home,” she told Scrolla.Africa.

Mfeya said residents should be free to choose how they transport their shopping.

“What they are doing is wrong. It feels like they are bullying both the trolley operators and the community. Many of us don’t have jobs. Every rand counts. We just want the trolley operators to be allowed to work again,” she said.

Former trolley operator Lizo Nkwali said he was shocked when taxi drivers told him to stop working.

“Two taxi drivers asked me who gave me permission to work there. I told them nobody did because I didn’t know I needed permission. They said I was taking their business and had to stop,” he said.

At first, Nkwali thought they were joking.

But after speaking to other trolley operators, he realised they had also been told to leave.

He said losing this job has left him with no way to support himself.

Before pushing trolleys, Nkwali sold chicken feet and Russians.

He said he stopped because he was expected to pay protection fees.

“I never thought taxi drivers would also chase me away from this job. Now I don’t know how I will survive,” he said.

Residents are now calling on taxi operators to allow the trolley operators back so shoppers can once again choose the cheaper service.

Codeta spokesperson Makhosandile Tumana said he was unaware of the complaints.

“This is the first time I am hearing about it. I will speak to the Site B station route about these allegations,” he said.

Pictured above: Khayelitsha residents say they are paying more to transport groceries after trolley operators were allegedly forced to stop working.

Image source: Supplied.

By Anita Dangazele

• The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group found South Africa’s average household food basket rose again to R5,530.52 in July.

• Springbok had the country’s priciest food basket at R6,010.49. Durban stayed cheapest at R5,067.85, a gap of R942.64 between them.

South Africa’s grocery basket keeps climbing, even when the shelf tells a different story.

The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) released its July 2026 Household Affordability Index this week. It tracks the price of 44 basic food items across the country every month.

The average household food basket cost R5,530.52 in July. That is up R28.11 from June and R87.81 more than the same month last year.

Half the basket got cheaper. Half got more expensive. Of the 44 items tracked, 22 rose in price and 22 fell.

Apples rose the most, up 6% in a single month. Maize meal, wors and tomatoes each rose 4%. Potatoes, eggs, beef tripe and stock cubes rose 3%. Cabbage, frozen chicken portions, peanut butter and polony each rose 2%.

Where you shop matters too. Springbok in the Northern Cape had the country’s most expensive basket. Durban was the cheapest, at R5,067.85. Pietermaritzburg came in as the second cheapest city surveyed, with an average basket of R5,434.76.

The PMBEJD also tracks what it costs to feed one child a basic, nutritious diet. In July that figure was R980.66, up R3.14 from June and R23.26 from a year ago.

Maize meal going up 4% matters most to families who rely on it as a staple, and it just got more expensive.

Pictured above: South Africa’s average household food basket rose to R5,530.52 in July, up R87.81 on last year, though 22 of the 44 items tracked got cheaper.

Image source: File

By Palesa Matlala

• Sinesipho Dambile sprinted to gold in the men’s 200 metres, while Kyle Rademeyer, Timothy Meuwsen and Donne Breytenbach also climbed onto the podium.

• Team South Africa has won 28 medals at the Commonwealth Games so far, with seven gold, 11 silver and 10 bronze medals before the final day.

Team South Africa produced another memorable day at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, collecting more medals and moving closer to a strong finish.

By the end of Saturday, South Africa had won 28 medals.

The team has collected seven gold, 11 silver and 10 bronze medals, placing the country 11th on the medals table with one day of competition still to come.

The biggest celebration came on the athletics track.

Sprinter Sinesipho Dambile stole the show by winning gold in the men’s 200 metres.

Dambile exploded down the straight and crossed the finish line in a brilliant 19.96 seconds.

He comfortably beat Nigeria’s Udodi Onwuzurike, who took silver in 20.09 seconds.

It was one of South Africa’s best performances of the Games.

Another athletics medal came from Zakithi Nene in the men’s 400 metres.

Nene produced a determined run from lane two to finish third in 45.21 seconds and claim the bronze medal.

In the field events, pole vaulter Kyle Rademeyer also delivered a superb performance.

He cleared a season best height of 5.70 metres on his second attempt to secure the silver medal.

Rademeyer then made three brave attempts at 5.80 metres but could not clear the bar.

Australia’s Kurtis Marshall claimed the gold medal.

South Africa’s judokas also impressed.

Timothy Meuwsen fought his way to the men’s under 81 kilogram final after dominating his earlier matches.

He needed just 17 seconds to beat Samoa’s Peniamina Percival in the quarterfinals.

In the semifinals, he defeated Cyprus’s Odysseas Georgakis after a tough contest that lasted more than six minutes.

Although he lost in the final to Malaysia’s Amir Daniel Bin Abdul Majeed, Meuwsen walked away with a proud silver medal.

Donne Breytenbach also stepped onto the podium after winning bronze in the women’s under 57 kilogram division.

She opened her campaign by defeating Zambia’s Sylvia Nawila with an Ippon in just 35 seconds.

After losing in the semifinals, Breytenbach bounced back to beat Marie Begue of Mauritius in the bronze medal contest.

Her victory added another medal to South Africa’s growing collection.

With one day of competition remaining, Team South Africa will hope to add to its impressive medal haul and finish the Games on a high.

The Commonwealth Games bring together athletes from countries across the Commonwealth every four years and are one of the world’s biggest multi-sport events.

Pictured above: Sinesipho Dambile led Team South Africa’s medal charge by winning gold in the men’s 200 metres at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. 

Image source: Sinesipho Dambile.

By Palesa Matlala

• The rising cost of food, electricity and transport is forcing many families to skip meals and fall behind on bills.

• More than seven out of 10 South Africans say they are under financial stress as salaries fail to keep up with living costs.

For many South Africans, payday no longer feels like good news.

It is simply the day when bills must be paid.

After paying for food, electricity, transport, rent, school costs and debt, many families are left with almost nothing.

New research shows that the cost of living is now one of the biggest worries in the country.

Inflation rose to 5% in June.

Food and fuel were among the main reasons for the increase.

The South African Reserve Bank also kept the prime lending rate at 10.5%.

This means people with home loans, car finance and other debt are still paying high interest rates.

But the real pressure is felt at home.

Families must divide their salaries between groceries, transport, electricity, rent or bond payments, school fees and debt.

There is often no money left for savings or emergencies.

The Competition Commission says inflation does not show the full picture.

Poorer families spend most of their money on basic needs.

This means even a small price increase can cause serious problems.

Electricity prices have increased by about 85% since 2020.

Water prices have gone up by about 68%.

Over the same period, general inflation increased by about 30%.

Food is another major problem.

The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group says a basic household food basket costs about R5,502 a month.

A healthy food basket for a family of seven costs about R6,705 a month.

This means many families can buy enough food to survive, but not enough healthy food.

Workers earning the national minimum wage are under even more pressure.

After paying for transport and electricity, many do not have enough money to feed their families properly.

The Child Support Grant also remains too low to cover the cost of a healthy diet for a child.

Buying a house is also becoming more difficult.

BetterBond says the average first home now costs about R1.4-million.

Many first-time buyers earn much more than the average worker.

This shows that home ownership is moving out of reach for many people.

Debt is making the situation worse.

DebtBusters found that 72% of South Africans are under financial stress.

More than half spend over 40% of their take-home pay on debt.

Many people are now skipping meals, missing payments and giving up on saving.

The National Debt Counsellors’ Association says the problem is not always bad money choices.

In many homes, monthly expenses are simply higher than monthly income.

TransUnion found that almost four out of 10 South Africans expect to miss at least one bill or loan payment.

Budget Insurance also found that more than half of people cannot afford to save.

One in six said they had cut down on food to make their money last longer.

Experts say people should be careful before taking on new debt.

But for millions of South Africans, there is already no room left in the budget.

The cost of living has become a daily fight for survival.

Pictured above: Receipts.

Image source: File.

South Africa’s parties are all chasing the same prize this election season, the blessing of traditional leaders. But no party’s position is more awkward than the South African Communist Party’s, writes Celani Sikhakhane in Mzansi Royals.

The South African Communist Party has long been on record opposing the traditional leadership system, viewing it as feudal and exploiting ordinary people to enrich a few. Yet, for the first time in its history, the SACP is contesting the November local government elections on its own, without its old ally the ANC, and it has turned to the very structure it once condemned.

The party held a formal meeting with the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa last year, with General Secretary Solly Mapaila describing traditional leaders as a key constituency the SACP intends to win over, with joint plans to mobilise around land reform.

Whether communities under traditional rule will embrace a party that has spent years criticising that very system is the real question hanging over the SACP’s campaign.

Meanwhile, the ANC is working its old strongholds hard. President Cyril Ramaphosa recently visited King Dalindyebo Matanzima at Qamata Great Palace in the Eastern Cape, telling His Majesty that his party will ensure traditional leaders are paid like Members of Parliament. Other ANC leaders have visited the Zulu King to brief him on their election plans and seek his blessing.

The DA has taken a more structured approach. Its policy on traditional leadership calls for formal agreements between municipalities and traditional councils, giving chiefs and traditional leaders clearly defined roles in local development plans and service delivery, while also pushing for financial transparency and a code of conduct to keep everything within the bounds of the Constitution. The party has visited traditional leaders including the Ndebele Monarch and the Zulu King in different parts of the country as part of this approach.

The African Transformation Movement has one of the closest bonds of any party with a monarch. ATM parliamentary leader Vuyo Zungula, who was born and raised in Mthatha and comes from the Dosini royal house, shares deep cultural and political ties with AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, who has publicly urged his subjects to vote for the ATM.

For now, it looks like the SACP’s toughest fight this election season won’t be against the ANC or the DA. It will be convincing communities under traditional rule to trust a party that has spent years telling them their kings and chiefs are part of the problem.

Pictured above: South African Communist Party General Secretary Solly Mapaila.

Image source: South African Communist Party/Facebook Page