For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Sane Dhlamini.
Making headlines: Ramaphosa says, on its own, comprehensive social protection will not end poverty, Cape Town residents fuming over electricity tariff hikes and, Nomvula Mokonyane says SA will remain a member of ICC

Ramaphosa says, on its own, comprehensive social protection will not end poverty

President Cyril Ramaphosa has said that for government to end poverty, it needs an economy that grows, attracts investment, creates jobs and allows new companies to emerge and thrive.

He said that the provision of comprehensive social protection will not, on its own, end poverty or inequality in the country’s society.

This month, South Africans will celebrate the life and work of former President Nelson Mandela, on Mandela Day on July 18.

Ramaphosa reminded South Africans that through government's substantial social protection programmes, it has provided vital support to millions of South Africans, lifting many out of extreme poverty and meeting many of their basic needs.

Ramaphosa said social protection in South Africa goes far beyond the provision of social grants for the elderly, children, people with disabilities and military veterans.

Cape Town residents fuming over electricity tariff hikes

Struggling Capetonians are feeling the pinch after the City of Cape Town's 17.6% electricity tariff increase came into effect from July 1.

Locals are up in arms saying they are getting no value for their money and many people say the latest electricity hike plunges ordinary residents further into poverty.

The City implemented its new budget for the 2023/24 financial year with a capital expenditure budget of a record R69.9-billion but the budget comes with steep increases in municipal rates and tariffs.

A total of 1 400 comments were received of which the majority raised concerns about the electricity tariffs, loadshedding, electricity provision for informal settlements, increase in property rates, and traffic calming measures to be put in place in Mitchells Plain, Gugulethu, Khayelitsha and Kraaifontein.

Nomvula Mokonyane says SA will remain a member of ICC

ANC first deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane stressed that South Africa will remain a member of the International Criminal Court, however, she added that her party would not remain silent if its membership is "abused for other motives".

The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin for the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine.

ICC president said the Russian president can be arrested if he travels to ICC member countries, including South Africa.

South Africa is set to hold a Brics Summit in August and speculation about whether Putin will attend is rife.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today
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