Sechaba Youth

Category: News

  • South Africa’s Proposed Budget for 2025/26 and How it Affects You

    On 12 March 2025, South Africa’s Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, delivered the national budget speech, outlining the government’s fiscal plans amidst economic challenges. A notable aspect of the budget was the proposed 0.5% increase in Value-Added Tax (VAT) from the current 15%, effective from 1 May 2025. Allocation of Funds in the 2025 Budget

    The 2025 budget prioritises several key sectors to stimulate economic growth and address pressing social issues:

    Education and Early Childhood Development:

    Recognising the foundational importance of early education, the government has allocated funds to enhance early learning centres and improve literacy and numeracy among young children. This initiative aims to address the alarming statistic that over 80% of 10-year-olds in South Africa cannot read for meaning.

    Electric Vehicle (EV) Production:

    To transition the automotive industry towards sustainable energy, the government has committed R1 billion to support local production of electric vehicles, batteries, and related manufacturing projects. This investment is expected to attract significant private sector funding and position South Africa as a key player in the EV market.

    Healthcare:

    In response to ongoing public health challenges, the budget includes increased funding for healthcare services, aiming to improve infrastructure, access, and quality of care across the country.

    Infrastructure Development:

    Significant investments are planned for infrastructure projects, including transportation networks and energy supply, to bolster economic activity and create employment opportunities.

    Impact of the 0.5% VAT Increase on Ordinary Citizens

    The proposed VAT increase from 15% to 15.5% has sparked discussions regarding its potential impact on South African households:

    • Cost of Living: A higher VAT rate will raise the cost of most goods and services, including essential items such as food, clothing, and transportation. This increase is particularly concerning for low- and middle-income households, who spend a larger proportion of their income on consumables.

    • Inflationary Pressures: The VAT hike could contribute to inflation, further eroding purchasing power. Previous VAT increases have been associated with a rise in inflation, leading to higher interest rates and increased financial strain on consumers. • Economic Inequality: Critics argue that VAT is a regressive tax, disproportionately affecting the working class and the poor. Organisations like the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) have expressed strong opposition to the increase, suggesting it will deepen existing inequalities and exacerbate economic hardships. In conclusion, while the 2025 budget aims to address critical areas such as education, sustainable energy, healthcare, and infrastructure, the proposed 0.5% VAT increase raises concerns about its impact on the cost of living and economic inequality.

    As the government seeks to balance fiscal responsibility with social welfare, it faces the challenge of implementing policies that promote growth without disproportionately burdening vulnerable populations.

  • Elon Musks Twitter/X Hit with Cyberattack

    On Monday, 10th March 2025, the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, experienced multiple outages throughout the day, affecting tens of thousands of users worldwide. The disruptions began around 11:30 AM GMT, with a significant spike in outage reports peaking at approximately 2:00 PM GMT, as tracked by Downdetector. 

    Elon Musk, the owner of X, attributed these interruptions to a “massive cyberattack.” He suggested that the attack was executed with substantial resources, potentially implicating a large, coordinated group or even a nation-state. Musk stated, “We get attacked every day, but this was done with a lot of resources. Either a large, coordinated group and/or a country is involved.” 

    The outages affected both the X mobile application and its website, with users reporting issues such as the platform not loading, continuous buffering, and error messages indicating that posts were not loading. These technical difficulties persisted intermittently throughout the day, leading to significant disruptions in user access. 

    In response to the outages, many users turned to alternative social media platforms, such as Threads and BlueSky, to discuss and seek information about the situation. 

    As of the latest reports, X’s technical teams are actively investigating the source of the cyberattack and working to restore full functionality to the platform. Users are advised to stay updated through official channels for further information regarding the service status. 

  • Israel’s Siege on Gaza: A Crime Against Humanity and the Complicity of Its Allies

    In one of the most harrowing humanitarian crises of our time, Israel has cut electricity and stopped the supply of food, water, and essential aid into Gaza, plunging over two million Palestinians into unimaginable suffering. This deliberate act of collective punishment is not just morally indefensible—it is a blatant violation of international law. Yet, despite the sheer horror unfolding before the world’s eyes, many Western governments, including the United States and the United Kingdom, continue to support Israel, making them complicit in this atrocity.

    The Unfolding Humanitarian Catastrophe

    Since Israel imposed a total siege on Gaza, conditions have rapidly deteriorated. With electricity cut off, hospitals are struggling to function, relying on dwindling fuel reserves to keep life-support machines running. Medical facilities are overwhelmed, unable to provide adequate care to the injured, sick, and vulnerable.

    The blockade on food and water is pushing Gaza’s civilians—half of whom are children—toward mass starvation. With no fresh supplies entering, shelves are empty, and families are left scavenging for scraps. The lack of clean water has made the risk of disease outbreaks dangerously high, worsening an already dire situation.

    This is not a mere byproduct of war; it is a calculated strategy to inflict maximum suffering on an entire population. Collective punishment is illegal under international law, yet Israel carries it out with impunity.

    A Crime Against Humanity


    The deliberate targeting of civilians by depriving them of basic necessities constitutes a war crime under the Geneva Conventions. Cutting off electricity, blocking food, and preventing humanitarian aid from reaching desperate civilians are clear violations of human rights and international law.

    Despite these blatant violations, Israel continues to justify its actions under the guise of self-defence. But there is no justification for starving an entire population, for depriving babies of milk, or for leaving hospitals to collapse under the weight of the wounded. These actions are not about security; they are about inflicting suffering, breaking the spirit of a people, and further entrenching a system of oppression.

    The Shameful Complicity of Israel’s Allies

    Perhaps even more disturbing than Israel’s actions is the unwavering support it receives from its Western allies. Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany continue to provide military aid, diplomatic cover, and financial support, enabling Israel’s crimes to continue.

    By supplying weapons and funding, these nations are directly contributing to the atrocities being committed against the Palestinian people. By blocking UN resolutions and silencing calls for justice, they shield Israel from accountability. Their inaction in the face of genocide speaks volumes: they are not just bystanders; they are active participants in this unfolding horror.

    The Urgent Need for Action

    The international community must demand an immediate end to Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Governments must stop arming and funding a regime that commits war crimes. The people of the world must rise in protest, refusing to allow their leaders to be complicit in this brutal oppression.

    Humanitarian organisations must be granted unrestricted access to Gaza to deliver desperately needed aid. The siege must end, and those responsible must be held accountable for their crimes.

    History will remember this moment. It will remember who stood up against injustice and who turned a blind eye to suffering. The world must act now—before it is too late.



  • Elon Musk Business Not Looking Good

    According to many sources Mr Musk is just not having a great year despite being the chief of the White House. It does seem however that that is the reason for his woes.

    The beloved South African born billionaire is still the worlds richest man and it seems he wants to use his new found status at DOGE to ensure that he remains top.

    Loss in value of many of his businesses sparked by investors not having much confidence in him as leader of the companies and erratic movements and misinformation spread by him on his app Twitter. More so rallying continued hate by boere of South Africa emboldened by the likes of Afriforum and Solidarity racists.

    More failings include but not limited to:

    • Tesla: $800bn loss in value
    • Starlink: contracts cancelled in Canada, second biggest market ($100m); Latin America ($22billion); Italy is reconsidering a $1.6 billion deal
    • Space X: publicly funded. Failed to launch a rocket. Again.

    Guess Trumps biggest ally outside of bff Putin and Genocide Netanyahu – Elon, is not having a great year at all.

  • McDonald’s and Old Mutual’s Midesk Donations Put Corporate Advertising Over Students’ Needs

    McDonald’s and Old Mutual are donating Midesk foldable tables to students. These tables are large and must be carried daily. While this may seem generous, it primarily serves corporate advertising interests rather than students’ educational needs.

    Midesk Tables Are Inconvenient for Students

    Children already carry heavy school bags. Adding large, foldable desks increases their burden. Instead of helping, this donation creates inconvenience. The focus should be on providing permanent classroom desks, not promotional furniture students must transport.

    Corporate Logos Prioritised Over Practical Solutions

    The donated Midesk tables feature prominent corporate branding. Instead of discreet support, McDonald’s and Old Mutual use students as walking billboards. Their logos receive daily exposure while students struggle with impractical furniture.

    Schools Need Permanent Infrastructure, Not Marketing Gimmicks

    South African schools lack proper infrastructure. Many need desks, chairs, and classrooms. A real solution would be permanent furniture, not temporary fixes that benefit corporations more than students.

    Corporations Should Contribute Without Self-Promotion

    If McDonald’s and Old Mutual genuinely cared, they would fund proper classroom furniture. Instead, they prioritise brand visibility over meaningful change. True corporate responsibility means supporting education without exploiting students for advertising.

    McDonald’s and Old Mutual’s Midesk donations are a marketing strategy disguised as generosity. Students deserve real support, not branded burdens. Corporations should invest in permanent solutions that truly benefit education. What is worse is the idea that the Department of Basic Education through the Minister Gwarube willfully endorsed this by advertising this. Many agencies are involved in this initiative with Midesk which then puts into context why this made sense in any way or fashion.