By Marcus Moloko
Mahindra Fusion Fest in Pretoria
What happened: The Mahindra Fusion Fest brought together music, fashion, and art at SunBet Arena, Times Square.
It showcased South Africa’s growing role as a cultural hub, attracting international attention and boosting tourism. The event highlighted the country’s creative industries as drivers of economic growth.
Department of Transport Annual Performance Plan
The Department of Transport tabled its 2025/26 plan, confirming the proposal to extend driver’s licence validity from five years to eight years.
This policy shift promised reduced administrative burdens and costs for motorists, aligning South Africa with international standards. It also reflected government responsiveness to public demand for longer licence cycles.
G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg
South Africa hosted the first‑ever G20 Summit on African soil, welcoming leaders from 42 nations and organizations.
This was a historic diplomatic achievement, positioning South Africa as a bridge between developed and developing economies. The summit focused on climate change, debt relief, and digital transformation, reinforcing Africa’s voice in global governance.
African digital media paywall initiatives
Several South African media houses including Media24 (via News24 and Netwerk24) and Arena Holdings (via TimesLIVE and Business Day), have implemented hybrid paywall models to monetize their digital content. This approach typically involves a metered or freemium model.
This marked a turning point in the sustainability of journalism, reflecting broader efforts to secure revenue streams in the digital age. It also aligned with global trends in media monetization and audience engagement.
World Supercross Championship in Cape Town
Cape Town hosted the finale of the World Supercross Championship, the first time the event was held in Africa.
The successful hosting demonstrated South Africa’s capability to stage major international motorsport events. It sparked discussions about the country’s potential to host Formula 1 and other global competitions, boosting its profile in sports tourism.
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