South Africa’s army in crisis, and education department’s big failure

Here’s what is happening in and affecting South Africa today:

• Education department’s big failure: The Department of Basic Education built only one school last financial year, falling short of the planned nine. The completed school replaced one made from unsuitable materials. A report noted ongoing infrastructure issues in rural Eastern Cape schools, highlighting historical inequalities. Equal Education criticised the performance of the School Infrastructure Backlog Grant (SIBG). From April 2024 to 2027, R5.3 billion has been allocated to replace 100 unsafe schools and improve sanitation for 320 others. [News24]

• Defence Force in dire state: The SANDF is facing a crisis due to excessive commitments, limited funding, and aging equipment. Military analysts warn that without prioritising resources, the SANDF’s decline could harm South Africa’s regional standing. The auditor-general recently flagged the risk of the SANDF failing to meet obligations to SADC and secure maritime borders, increasing illicit activities. By 2023/24, 62% of its commitments were unfunded, while irregular spending nearly doubled from R8.13 billion in 2019/20 to R16.83 billion. [Business Day]

• Corruption turns stadium into a dumping site: A community in Limpopo has called for accountability after a local sports stadium sat unused for nearly ten years. A total of R38 million was allocated for the project, with the municipality contributing an additional R7 million. However, despite the contractor receiving R29 million, the project remains incomplete. [News24]

• Expert says gov ignored food contamination warnings: Laboratory tests have confirmed that the toxic pesticide Terbufos, used in spaza shops to deter insects, is responsible for the deaths of over 20 children. Professor Lucia Anelich stated that the government failed to act, despite knowing about the illegal use of such pesticides for years, with a 2010 report warning of the risk. [EWN]

• Markets: The rand firmed on Thursday after the central bank opted for another small cut to its main interest, quashing hopes of a bigger move. On Friday (22 November), the rand was trading at R18.09 to the dollar, R22.83 to the pound, and R18.94 to the euro. Oil is trading at $74.36 a barrel. [Reuters]