Used Ihrams Turned Into Bags, Pillows & Souvenirs
Through Saudi Arabia’s Sustainable Ihram Initiative, over 211 tons of ihram fabrics have been recovered from landfills, recycled, and turned into items such as bags, pillows, covers, and souvenirs.
Eskom’s R1.2 Billion Solar Power Plant Begins Construction
Based at the Lethabo Power Station, Free State, Eskom is building a groundbreaking 75MW solar plant worth R1.2 billion, which aims to integrate renewable energy generation into the coal-fired power utility’s fleet.
Hajj 2026: Over 1.7 Million Pilgrims Recorded
According to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) the total number of pilgrims that performed Hajj 2026 is 1,707,301, which includes male and female pilgrims across the holy sites.
KZN: R2 Billion School Funding Secured
This week, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Treasury secured R2 billion from the National Treasury, which aims to assist the provincial Department of Education meet its school funding obligations across KZN.
Cornubia Homes Handed Over to Flood Victims
Years after the devastating impacts of the April 2022 floods in Durban, affected families have recently been handed over new homes in the Cornubia area.
Off-Grid Electric Vehicle Charging Station Launched
This week, one of two off-grid, solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations was launched along the N3; a key connection between Johannesburg and Durban.
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Masjid al-Haram: Cool Temperatures Maintained Amidst Peak Summer Heat
Where the peak summer temperatures in Makkah exceed 45°C, Masjid al-Haram maintains a consistent and comfortable 22°C-24°C indoor temperature.
Two Gazan Sisters Turn Rubble Into Reusable Bricks
Amidst the war in Palestine, two teenage sisters Farah and Tala Mousa from Gaza were recently awarded for having created reusable building bricks from rubble.
China Implements Zero-Tariff Scheme For South Africa
The Government of the People’s Republic of China has introduced a temporary zero-tariff scheme for 20 non-least developed countries in Africa, including South Africa. This preference scheme affects African countries which have diplomatic relations with China.
Severe Rains and Snowfall Declared National Disaster
Since experiencing severe flooding, rainfall, thunderstorms, snowfall, and heavy winds across the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, North West, Free State, Northern Cape, and Mpumapalanga provinces since 4 May 2026, the Head of the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), Elias Sithole, has declared these events a national disaster.
South Africa To Expand Trade & Investment Ties With Japan
This week during bilateral talks between International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola and Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Pretoria, South Africa aimed to expand trade and investment relations and seeks to collaborate with Japan in other sectors.
Hajj 2026: Smart Road Lighting To Reduce Driver Fatigue
In an effort to improve road safety for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, the Saudi General Authority for Roads launched the “Darbak Noor” (‘Your Path is Light’) initiative, which focuses on reducing driver fatigue and improving visibility on busy roads used by pilgrims.
Railway From Turkiye To Jeddah Planned
In a collaborative effort, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye are currently planning a railway from Turkiye to Jeddah, which will travel through Makkah, Madinah, Jordan, and Syria, then to Istanbul.
Fuel Price Relief Extended
In light of the Middle East war and rising fuel prices, the National Treasury and Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has announced an extension for fuel price relief for South Africans. The relief initiative was supposed to have ended in early May, but has now been extended to June.
Border Overhaul To Improve Security, Trade, And Travel
The Department of Home Affairs has recently announced a public-private R12.5 billion border infrastructure overhaul partnership, which is expected to improve travel and trade routes.
Jamarat Upgrades Completed For Hajj 2026
In preparation for Hajj 2026, Kidana Development Company has installed new cooling spray columns, mist fans, and over 66,000 square metres of rest areas have been built along pedestrian walkways.