Author: Nomthandazo Ntisa

Pay television provider DStv has reduced decoder prices and introduced a new cost-sharing feature that allows subscribers to split monthly subscription payments, as competition from streaming platforms and household budget pressure continue to intensify. The changes affect existing and potential subscribers nationwide, including Gauteng households that rely on satellite television as a primary source of entertainment. The update matters now as temporary promotions introduced late in 2025 come to an end and are replaced with longer-term pricing adjustments.

The City of Tshwane operates weekday municipal bus services connecting Pretoria Central to surrounding suburbs, including Brooklyn, Sunnyside, Colbyn, and Muckleneuk. These bus routes affect commuters travelling to government offices, universities, hospitals, and workplaces in and around the Pretoria CBD. With most services limited to weekdays and fixed departure times, access to accurate route and timetable information remains critical for residents who rely on municipal transport.

Boxer has released its latest cycle of in-store specials running from 22 January to 8 February 2026, covering food staples, household essentials, personal care items, and liquor products at participating stores. The specials affect households across Gauteng at a time when food, transport, and school-related costs continue to place pressure on monthly budgets, particularly for families relying on fixed incomes.

Thousands of applicants across Gauteng continue to see their Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant applications marked as “pending” in 2026, delaying access to monthly payments many rely on for basic needs. The status affects unemployed individuals who have already applied and met the initial requirements but are still waiting for final verification. According to the South African Social Security Agency, a pending status means an application has not yet completed cross-checks with government and financial databases.

In 2026, residents of Gauteng can collect Smart ID cards and passports at selected bank branches instead of visiting traditional Home Affairs offices. The option applies to applicants who completed their applications through the official online system and booked appointments at participating banks. The arrangement affects thousands of residents who rely on identity documents for travel, employment, education, and access to government services, particularly in Gauteng, where demand continues to exceed capacity at Home Affairs offices.

The City of Tshwane requires all spaza shop owners operating within the metro to register their businesses before trading. The requirement applies across residential and commercial areas, including Pretoria CBD, Mamelodi, Soshanguve, Atteridgeville, and Hammanskraal. For informal traders in these areas, registration determines whether a business may legally operate or face closure during

Major grocery price reductions at Shoprite are in effect between 26 January and 1 February, affecting food staples, household essentials, and personal care items across Gauteng. The specials come as many households continue to manage tight budgets following the back-to-school period and rising living costs. For families relying on bulk buying and weekly specials to plan monthly spending, the price changes offer short-term relief on essential items.

The City of Tshwane operates several municipal bus routes connecting Centurion with Pretoria and surrounding residential areas. These services affect daily commuters in Olievenhoutbosch, Highveld, Irene, Lyttleton, and western Centurion suburbs who rely on scheduled public transport for work and school travel. With limited Saturday services and no buses on Sundays or public holidays, access to accurate route and timetable information remains essential for residents planning weekday commutes.

South Africa’s National Department of Health has confirmed that the country’s supply of antiretroviral medicines remains stable despite two pharmaceutical companies contracted under the current ARV tender entering business rescue. The development affects millions of HIV patients reliant on uninterrupted treatment, particularly those using public health facilities in Gauteng. Health authorities say contingency measures were activated immediately to prevent any disruption to treatment.

Boxer Superstores has introduced a limited-period promotion that allows selected SASSA grant recipients to receive store eCoupons equal to the value of their monthly social grants. The campaign applies to beneficiaries who collect their grants at Boxer stores between 22 January and 8 February 2026 and coincides with the February SASSA payout cycle. This matters as Gauteng households enter a high-pressure spending period marked by rising food prices, transport costs, and constrained grant values.