For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Leah Asaram.
Making headlines: Inflation rises for first time in months as food price hikes hit 13.6%, ANC applauds State security’s response during EFF shutdown and, Lamola reflects on injustices of past

Inflation rises for first time in months as food price hikes hit 13.6%

Big hikes in food prices contributed to a 7% increase in annual consumer inflation in February from 6.9% in January – the first increase in four months.

The consumer price index rose by 0.7% between January and February, the biggest monthly increase since July 2022.

In February, food and non-alcoholic beverages annual inflation hit 13.6% - the highest level since April 2009.

Transport including fuel prices also contributed to February's high inflation rate following recent price hikes.

ANC applauds State security’s response during EFF shutdown

The African National Congress said today that it was pleased with the responsiveness of the State security machinery to their mandate to protect life and property during the Economic Freedom Fighters’ national shutdown.

On Monday, the EFF embarked on a national shutdown, calling for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s resignation and for an end to loadshedding.

ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula said the State security’s preparedness ensured that the country is not plunged into chaos as “the organisers of the shutdown” intended.

Earlier this week government deployed 3 474 members of the South African National Defence Force across the country in response to the shutdown.

The ANC reiterated its strong held view that the EFF march was neither in the interest of the country nor did it advance the country’s hard-worn democracy.

Lamola reflects on injustices of past

Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola pointed out today that South Africa comes from "a shameful history of the brutal system of colonialism and apartheid" and in response, its "forebears waged a courageous struggle for freedom.

He was speaking at a conference on the Constitution held at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, under the theme "Reflections and the Road Ahead", as South Africans celebrated Huma Rights Day, yesterday.

He said one of the distinguishing features of South Africa’s Constitution from others is that it was crafted with the ultimate goal of addressing socioeconomic rights.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today
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