🇿🇦 *SA UPDATE | Wednesday - 11 June 2025*   https://x.com/IpIndependent/status/1932705792337047904 Here's what's happening in *South Africa today:* 👇🏼 ◼️ *SA closely monitoring new COVID variant:* India is the latest country to experience a surge in new COVID-19 cases due to the emergence of the new variant, NB.1.8.1. According to the Independent, infections have been confirmed in several Asian countries, including Thailand, Indonesia and China. In addition, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency reported the first 13 cases of this variant in England last week. https://independentpress.cc/sa-closely-monitoring-new-covid-variant-spreading-across-asia/2025/06/11/ -------------  ◼️ *South Africa asks for a favour:* South Africa has asked the United States to maintain the current tariff rate of 10% if negotiations on a new trade framework are not finalised by 9 July. This date marks the end of a 90-day suspension of the 30% reciprocal tariffs imposed on South African exports. https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/south-africa-asks-us-not-to-hike-tariffs-to-30-on-july-9-if-talks-on-new-trade-framework-still-ongoing-2025-06-10 -------------  ◼️ *Freezing Weather Threatens Thousands of Homeless in Gauteng:* According to Statistics South Africa’s 2022 census, there were 55 719 homeless people in the country, with around 25 000 of those in Gauteng. The province has the highest proportion of homeless people nationally (46%), with the City of Tshwane holding the largest share at 18.1%, followed by City of Joburg at 15.6%. https://www.citizen.co.za/news/thousands-of-homeless-vulnerable-as-freezing-weather-grips-gauteng/ -------------  ◼️ *How much taxpayer money she spent on travelling:* Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s response revealed that he spent R346,000 per night on accommodation in London for himself and his spouse, Humile Mashatile. This formed part of a working visit to Ireland and the United Kingdom from 26 September to 4 October 2024, which cost taxpayers R5.475 million. https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/827700/one-minister-hiding-how-much-taxpayer-money-she-spent-on-travelling/ -------------  ◼️ *Bad news for biggest medical aid:* In 2024, nine of the 16 core Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS) options saw declines in membership compared to 2023, according to the annual report released before the AGM in June. The largest plans, Classic Comprehensive and income-limited KeyCare Plus, experienced declines of 7% and 11%, respectively. https://www.moneyweb.co.za/mymoney/moneyweb-personal-finance/more-than-half-of-discoverys-medical-aid-plans-saw-declines-in-members-last-year/ -------------   🔴 Get short and instant News alerts by joining *INDEPENDENT PRESS* WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22