According to Sowetan, South Africa's major cities are struggling with financial management, as highlighted by auditor-general Tsakani Maluleke. She warns that deteriorating governance, failing service delivery, and significant losses due to irregular expenditure pose a threat to the country's sustainability.

Johannesburg has taken out a significant loan to address its electricity issues, as the city's power infrastructure and billing systems require urgent improvements. A survey indicated that only 38% of residents were satisfied with their electricity services in 2023/2024, a sharp decline from 77% in 2017/18. The auditor general reported that the city allocated only 1% of its operating budget for maintenance in 2024/25, well below the recommended 8%.

Despite a reduction in load shedding and fewer power cuts in South Africa, electricity bills are increasing. This rise in costs is attributed to significant tariff increases approved by the National Energy Regulator, leading to confusion among consumers about why prices are climbing when the power supply is more stable.

Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke has reported concerning declines in the financial health and service delivery of South Africa's eight largest municipalities, highlighting the need for immediate action to address these issues.

As global temperatures rise, surface water sources in Africa are becoming increasingly erratic, leading to concerns about water availability. Approximately 400 million people in Africa lack access to basic drinking water services. However, scientists are focusing on mapping and monitoring the continent's groundwater, which is estimated to be 0.66 million cubic kilometers, significantly more than the freshwater in all of Africa's lakes combined, to prepare for future climate challenges.

Salaries in South Africa have reached a two-year low, with net pay decreasing to R21,000. This decline in real earnings is attributed to salary growth not keeping pace with rising inflation, according to The Citizen Business.