The Weekend View

Are kids using their phones to the best of their abilities? Nov 1, 2026 318 As South Africa debates tighter cellphone controls in schools, the bigger question is not only how much time children spend on their phones, but what they are doing with that time. Smartphones can distract learners, but they can also place curriculum-aligned lessons, practice activities and exam preparation in their hands. A Stellenbosch University study has found that teenagers spend an average o

Voters Prepare to Cast Their Vote in the Local Government Elections Nov 1, 2026 1252 With local government elections just a few hours away, over 29 million registered voters will decide on the control of councils across the country. Political parties have criss-crossed the country doing door-to-door campaigns, elections rallies have been held, debates have been conducted and elections manifestos launched...now its almost time for you, the voter to make your mark. Challenges are va

Analysis on arrest of former IDAC Head, Advocate Andrea Johnson and former Deputy Head of Crime Intelligence, Feroz Khan Oct 31, 2026 346 Former IDAC Head, Advocate Andrea Johnson and former Deputy Head of Crime Intelligence, Feroz Khan have been granted bail of R10 000 each. This after the pair appeared briefly in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (Johnson as an accessory after the fact), and defeating the administration of justice. In addition, Johnson also faces a charge

Libraries and access to books can help strengthen children's literacy Oct 31, 2026 447 The 2030 Reading Panel's 2026 report featuring findings from the Department of Basic Education's (DBE) Funda Uphumelele National Survey, has revelaed that only 30% of learners in Grades 1–3 are reading at grade level in their home language, while 15% of Grade 3 learners cannot read a single word.  According to the DP World & Motus Community Trust, these findings highlight the urgent

African Universities called to do more than teach and research but drive social change Oct 31, 2026 393 African universities are often discussed in terms of what they lack: funding, infrastructure, research capacity or positions in global university rankings. But according to new research from the University of Cape Town, African universities can do more than teach and research, they can drive social change. The research examines how universities can contribute to social innovation and sustainable d

Another Meeting Set For Monday Over Taxi Violence In Cape Town Oct 31, 2026 364 The Western Cape Mobility Department says legal action against the taxi associations in Cape Town are on the cards due to the unofficial go-slow at several taxi-ranks on Friday. The department says they have received reports of disruptions with services being suspended or operations of taxi's reduced. This follows the upsurge of taxi - violence that has claimed the lives of several people and inju

WaterCan: 'We Need Water Now' Oct 31, 2026 368 WaterCAN has called on government to urgently intervene in the escalating water crisis in various parts of Johannesburg and the greater province of Gauteng. This as large parts have been without water for days, wish some reportedly enduring outages of up to 10 days.  Executive Director of WaterCAN, Dr Ferrial Adam warns that government should not mistake people's patience for acceptance addin

Law Expert: 'Durban Court In Line with Constitution Over Marchers' Oct 31, 2026 396 The Durban High Court has allowed March and March to continue protesting but ordered the movement to suspend demonstrations during next week's local government elections. The police had initially sought a two-week suspension, arguing that it needed to preserve police manpower to maintain public safety and secure the elections. Judge Peter Olson ordered that demonstrations must be peaceful, with no

Tearful Former MKP SG, Sibonelo Nomvalo Details of his Ousting From The Party Oct 31, 2026 254 Fired MK Party secretary general - Sibonelo Nomvalo - says fake intelligence reports and AI-generated images were used to manipulate the party leader - Jacob Zuma - into ousting him. Nomvalo addressed the media in Durban about his removal from the party. Last week, Zuma removed Nomvalo as secretary general and from it's parliamentary caucus. This came after allegations of tampering with the candid

Suliman Carrim Court Care Postponed to 9th November Oct 31, 2026 233 The Musina magistrate's court postponed the case against North West businessman, Suliman Carrim to the 9th of November. He appeared in the magistrate’s court in Limpopo, applying for bail. In his affidavit, he denies knowing about the fraudulent documents allegedly found in July with his employees at the Beitbridge port of entry in Musina. The Malawian nationals and co-accused, Musa Phi

Professor Bismark Tyobeka says South Africa has the capacity to train its doctors Oct 25, 2026 590 Its been 30 years since South Africa introduced the Nelson Mandela-Fidel Castro (NMFC) programme, a bilateral medical training agreement with Cuba aimed at addressing the shortage of Doctors in South Africa's public and rural health sectors. Recent reports have highlighetd the challenges faced by students.  Participants have reported deteriorating conditions, living in cramped rooms with inco

More Action Called For The Water Challenges in Bronkhorstspruit and Across the Country Oct 25, 2026 1611 Some residents of Zithobeni in Bronkhorstspruit in Gauteng, have vowed to boycott the upcoming local government elections, saying they still do not have access to safe drinking water from their taps.  More than 400 people have been treated for gastrointestinal illness after drinking water that the City of Tshwane failed to chlorinate adequately. Residents are demanding that the water issue be

South Africans urged to review their financial plans Oct 24, 2026 316 Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered the mid-year report card, also known as the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) this week,  announcing a temporary reduction in the fuel levy and revealing that government's finances have finally stopped deteriorating. However, economic growth is still too slow to make a real difference to most households. Therese Grobler, Head of Advice and

'People Getting Sick Sounded The Alarm' MP Stephen Moore Oct 24, 2026 1312 Water tankers supplying Bronkhorstspruit residents are now sourcing water from Cullinan, following the temporary shutdown of the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant for rehabilitation after an E. coli contamination crisis. But the alternative supply has done little to reassure some residents, who question the safety of the tanker water and say the available trucks are insufficient. More than 40

IEC Affords 32 Political Parties an Olive Branch Oct 18, 2026 1516 The IEC has extended an opportunity to submit candidate lists to 32 political parties it says were in a similar position to the ANC, ahead of the November fourth local government elections. The Commission says the decision is aimed at ensuring equal treatment of political parties following the Constitutional Court ruling in favour of the ANC. The IEC says the 32 parties had nominated compliant can

Green Connection calls on NERSA to reject Eskom's proposed 8.83% electricity tariff increase Oct 18, 2026 285 The Green Connection calls on the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) to reject Eskom's proposed 8.83% electricity tariff increase for the 2027/28 financial year. The eco-justice organisation, working closely with grassroots coastal communities and small-scale fishers, warns that another substantial increase will place an unacceptable burden on households already struggling with the

Gauteng Government Institute Criminal Charges Against Computer Science Student Oct 18, 2026 556 The Gauteng government has confirmed that it intends to open a criminal case against the Stellenbosch student who discovered flaws in the e-Panic Button App, a tool residents rely on in moments of danger. The computer science student allegedly discovered that the app exposed the most sensitive personal information of the users of the app to report crimes. Spokesperson for the Gauteng Provincial Go

AIDC says austerity, privatisation and monetary reforms are hollowing out the state and have made it dysfunctional Oct 18, 2026 345 South Africa's Finance Minister is expected to present the country's 2026 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on Wednesday. The MTBPS is an important economic update from the government, and gives an indication of what it will do in future budgets. Ahead of the statement , the  Alternative Information & Development Centre (AIDC) argues that austerity, privatisation and monetary re

Practical advice on how matriculants can approach their final exams with confidence Oct 18, 2026 370 With South African public-school learners back at school for Term 4, attention now is on the final assessments and exams. For many families, the instinct at this point is to increase study hours. But experts suggest more time spent studying does not necessarily tell a learner what they need to work on.  Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Siyabonga Manana, Principal of SPARK Midrand High...

Crime and Security Expert says Carrim has stressed test the Madlanga Commission Oct 17, 2026 369 North West businessman Suliman Carrim's bail application has been postponed to Monday in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court. Carrim faces charges linked to his alleged failure to appear before the Madlanga Commission and provide requested documents. The State is opposing bail, citing concerns about his previous conduct and the accuracy of his residential address. The defence has accused the State of

Despite fears that tension in the Tripartite Alliance could mark the beginning of the end of the historical pact, experts believe the alliance can still be saved Oct 17, 2026 241 INTRO : Despite fears that tensions in the Tripartite Alliance could mark the beginning of the end of the historical pact, political analysts believe the alliance can still be saved. The ANC, COSATU and SACP pact will be tested at next month's municipal polls. Tension among the alliance partners surfaced at the COSATU national congress earlier this week. ANC National Chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, w

Madlanga Commission named South Africa's 2026 Word of Year Oct 17, 2026 419 The Madlanga Commission has been named South Africa's Word of the Year for 2026 by PanSALB and media research company Focal Points. It accounted for 47% of coverage among six shortlisted terms, followed by gender-based violence at 15% and illegal immigration at 12%. "Clock It" won the social media category, representing 85% of coverage among seven shortlisted expressions. The South African Sign La

SAPU Welcomes Reinstatement of Commissioner General Fannie Masemola Oct 17, 2026 250 The South African Policing Union has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to lift National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola's precautionary suspension. Masemola will resume his duties on Monday following the formal withdrawal of charges against him. SAPU says his return presents an opportunity to restore stability and strengthen leadership within the police service. The union h

Municipalities must ensure billing disputes are resolved quickly Oct 17, 2026 378 South African municipalities are owed billions by consumers.  Municipalities are struggling to collect revenue while residents face mounting bills and the threat of having their electricity or water disconnected over disputed amounts. Monei Seleho, Nedbank's Head of Public Sector says that municipal debt can't be treated as a single problem. Household, business and government debt require dif

National Consumer Commission extends deadline for the public to comment on its draft guidelines for the National Opt-Out Registry Oct 17, 2026 465 How annoying are those unwanted calls? You know those ones that either try to sell you something, or check if they can pass on your number to potential service providers? If you are lucky your phone can automatically alert you that these are spam calls, but what about those unwanted SMS'? At times you ask yourself how did they get my number? According to Truecaller's 2026 South Africa Spam Report,

IEC Affords 32 Political Parties an Olive Branch Oct 17, 2026 203 The IEC has extended an opportunity to submit candidate lists to 32 political parties it says were in a similar position to the ANC, ahead of the November fourth local government elections. The Commission says the decision is aimed at ensuring equal treatment of political parties following the Constitutional Court ruling in favour of the ANC. The IEC says the 32 parties had nominated compliant can

Analysis: Unrest raises questions of security and what will happen after local government elections Oct 11, 2026 2631 The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, NATJOINTS, says heightened police deployments will remain in place at hotspots in Durban and Johannesburg, where violent protests erupted over the last few days. Chaos broke out in the Durban CBD as well as Soweto and Johannesburg, earlier this week, following violent anti-undocumented immigration protests. Thirty people have been arrested

Mamelodi Twins Laid To Rest Oct 11, 2026 208 14-year-old twin brothers, Bonolo and Bohlale Makena were laid to rest yesterday. Their funeral service took place at the Ethiopian Catholic Church in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria. The twins' lifeless bodies were reportedly found with multiple stab wounds at their home by their mother when she returned from work last week Friday. The motive for their killing remains unknown. Thabiso Radebe has the d

'South Africans Deserve to Know What is in Their Food' Oct 11, 2026 297 This week, civil society organisations including HEALA ( Healthy Living Alliance) launched their  "90 Days to Protect Our Health" campaign. According to the group , this is an intense public accountability campaign demanding that the Government and Department of Health , Minister of Health, immediately finalise and ratify South Africa's stalled Front-of-Pack Warning Label regulations (Regulat

Economist warns of SA Households Using Credit For Food Items Oct 11, 2026 379 South African households are in an affordability crisis according to the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD). This as rising fuel prices and interest rates put further pressure on already stretched budgets. The group says the crisis is forcing households to make a trade-off between the cost of food and its nutritional value, and this can also be seen in the choices househo

Princy Mthombeni says it is time for government to declare the immigration crisis a national disaster Oct 10, 2026 697 President Cyril Ramaphosa says he hopes that there is no loss of life during the violent protests that have taken place in both KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Tensions once again escalated in Durban, where hundreds of protesters marched through the streets of the CBD destroying buildings and property. The demonstrators were marching against the Constitutional Court's ruling on asylum seekers. The same

Debt doesn't disappear when you die but becomes an issue your family has to resolve Oct 10, 2026 464 Most of us think of debt as a today problem: the instalment that leaves on the 25th, the card balance that never quite clears. Few of us think about what happens to it when we're no longer here. Debt doesn't disappear when you die but becomes an issue your family has to resolve, often at the worst possible time. To unpack what happens to your debt when you die Bongiwe Zwane spoke to  Cebile Z

AA Condemns October 7th Fuel Increase Oct 10, 2026 421 The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) condemns the fuel price increase that took effect on 7 October, which pushed petrol and diesel to the highest prices South Africans have ever paid. Early data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) signals a further rise of up to R4.58 a litre for petrol in November. Adding insult to injury is the Road Accident Fund (RAF), publishing its annual report fo

SACAP Raises Concerns Over proposed Council for the Built Environment Bill Oct 10, 2026 278 The South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP), has expressed concern regarding the proposed Council for the Built Environment Bill. The Bill is aimed at giving the Council stronger investigative powers, consolidating regulatory functions, and establishing it as a single, more effective regulator for South Africa's built environment. The proposed bill was announced following th

Mental health Advocate Challenges the Stigma that Follows Disclosure Oct 10, 2026 506 As the country marks Mental Health Awareness month, we are encouraged to talk more openly about mental illness, but what happens when someone actually tells you they have a diagnosis? For Mental health advocate, Yael Geffen this is a question she has taken up her strides by challenging the stigma that can follow disclosure. Drawing on her own experience of living openly with a mental health condit

Concerns Raised Over Alleged Breach of User Information on e‑Panic Button App Oct 4, 2026 1199 Public outcry continues to pour over reports that the e‑Panic Button App, a tool residents rely on in moments of danger, exposed their most sensitive personal information. University computer science students discovered the flaws while analysing the app's code last week. The Gauteng Legislature's Portfolio Committee on e‑Government, Research & Development has described the breach as larming an

AIDC says policies are in place to fight GBVF but interventions from government are not effective Oct 4, 2026 447 Alternative Information and Development Centre (AIDC) says years of underfunding have undermined South Africa's fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). AIDC says government cannot keep acknowledging gender-based violence as a national crisis while treating its funding as optional. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Suraya Jawoodeen,  Economic Justice Programme Coordinator at Alt

William Bird says it is astonishing that government is not able to come up with funding needed for the SABC to do its job Oct 4, 2026 555 The CEO of the SABC, Nomsa Chabeli, has assured MPs that the public broadcaster will cover the November 4 local government election, to the extent its finances will allow. The SABC and ICASA appeared before the Porfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, to brief MPs on its state of readiness to cover the election. In previous meetings the SABC has made the committee aware of it

Creativity provides children with a safe way to express emotions and understand the world around them Oct 4, 2026 297 Long before children can confidently explain their ideas, they find other ways to show us what they are thinking. A drawing, a sculpture made from clay, an imaginary game or a joyful dance can communicate things they may not yet have the words to express. For young children, creativity is not simply an enjoyable activity to fill the day. It is one of the most important ways they explore, understan

Analyst says systems to fight crime in South Africa are in place but there is no implementation Oct 3, 2026 207 The current murder rate and the mass killing of women are serious events that do not warrant side-show commentary from the government and the president. This is according to Senior Researcher at Africa Asia Dialogues,  Thembisa Fakude. He furtehr adds that these uncertain times require a different measure of intervention as the country is in state of terrorism.  For more Bongiwe Zwane sp

Police continue to intensify their presence in Mashobote following clashes between illegal miners Oct 3, 2026 273 Calls are intensifying for the deployment of soldiers to Mashobote in Mpumalanga. This follows deadly gun battles allegedly involving rival groups of illegal miners in the area, along the N4 Schoemanskloof toll road. Two bodies with multiple gunshot wounds, believed to be those of suspected illegal miners, were found near the road on *Wednesday and Thursday*. For the latest Bongiwe Zwane spoke to

South Africans unaware of the dangers of using unregistered medicine Oct 3, 2026 446 A recent regulatory and legal action against pharmacies illegally compounding GLP-1 weight-loss medicines has affected up to 300,000 South Africans.  Obiflex , a doctor-led health management programme says with the compounded route now closed, and with an appetite for weight-loss GLP-1s in South Africa estimated at R3 billion, affected patients face a tough choice, seek out other unregulated

Political Analyst Warns that the Lack of Water Provision will be Crucial in Upcoming Elections Oct 3, 2026 283 Non-governmental organisation, My Vote Counts has written to political parties asking that they outline their plans for coalition negotiations before the local government elections on November the 4th. They argue that voters should have this information before casting their ballot. Meanwhile, Africa Check, another non-governmental organisation says after it has extensively followed political party

Excessive Alcohol Consumption Takes Centre Stage at National Alcohol Summit Oct 3, 2026 425 Participants at the National Alcohol Summit argue that excessive alcohol consumption is increasingly causing harm in society in the form of gender-based violence, road fatalities, health problems and the breakdown of family structures. The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance in South Africa (SAAPA SA) - which is hosting the summit - is calling for tighter measures to restrict excessive alcoho

'Wealth Begins by Starting Somewhere and Creating the Right Habits' Oct 3, 2026 446 What does it really take to build wealth in South Africa?  That is the question at the heart of Welvaartskeppers, South African financial television series and book project focused on wealth creation and financial strategies. The series is hosted by financial advisers and brothers PJ and Geo Botha. The series swaps financial theory for real stories, unpacking not only how people built wealth,

Preserving , protecting and promoting languages is a shared responsibility of all South Africans Sep 27, 2026 1255 As South Africa observes Heritage Month , the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) calls on all South Africans to recognise language as one of the most important and enduring expressions of cultural heritage and to recognise that our languages are not merely tools of communication, but are living repositories of our traditions, histories, identities and knowledge. For more Bongiwe Zwane spok

City of Joburg Warns Residents of Being Scammed by Fraudsters Sep 26, 2026 375 The City of Johannesburg is warning residents about sophisticated scams involving people posing as City officials and contractors. Criminals are allegedly visiting properties with forged job cards, threatening immediate disconnections of water or electricity and demanding payment. The City says reported losses range from three-thousand five hundred to a 120-thousand rands. Residents are urged neve

Bullying Remains a Huge Concern Amongst Young People Sep 26, 2026 226 As the country observes Anti-Suicide Month, there are concerns about escalating bullying incidents involving school children, which sometimes lead to suicides. In Mpumalanga, several assault cases stemming from bullying incidents have been reported to the police. Meanwhile, a number of videos of girls in schools reportedly assaulting each other have recently been circulated on social media. Mthobi

A Daughter's Smile Keeps Hope Alive For Durban Mother Sep 26, 2026 405 Durban mother Linda Govender has returned to South Africa after spending two weeks in Nepal searching for her missing daughter, Terricia. Terricia was in Nepal when floods struck the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26. Linda says returning home does not mean giving up the search. The natural disaster left more than a thousand four-hundred people dead, while over six thousand remain missing. Linda Gov

Additional resources needed to ensure adequate policing in fighting gender based violence: Dr Mmusi Maimane Sep 26, 2026 621 The Standing Committee on Appropriations in Parliament says it will be  taking a proactive role in examining government funding to address gender-based violence (GBV). This follows the tragic recent discovery of the bodies of nine women in Kempton Park and other parts of Ekurhuleni in Gauteng. Chairperson of the Standing Committee on AppropriationS, Dr Mmusi Maimane says the committee will ex

Colombia's new government withdraws its intervention in South Africa's genocide case against Israel at ICJ Sep 26, 2026 200 Colombia's new government has withdrawn its intervention in South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. South Africa accused Israel of violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention with its military operations in Gaza, allegations Israel, rejects. As Khayelihle Khumalo reports, Colombia informed the World Court about its decision...

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola defends South Africa's democracy at UNGA Sep 26, 2026 249 South Africa has used the United Nations' biggest diplomatic stage to defend its democracy while demanding fundamental changes to a global system it says is failing Africa and the developing world. Addressing the General Assembly in New York, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola said South Africa had built a democracy strong enough to resist what he called "external supervision and tutel

City Power monitors over 108 problematic buildings, owing about R115 million in total. Sep 23, 2026 235 City Power is continuing its cut-off operation in Johannesburg’s Inner City, targeting problematic buildings affected by electricity theft, illegal connections and vandalism. The entity says five buildings in Doornfontein and surrounding areas owe almost five-million-rand. City Power says it is monitoring more than 108 problematic buildings, with combined outstanding debt of about 115-millio

Tsakane Matlala, two others granted R20K bail Sep 23, 2026 170 Four people, including businessman Vusumuzi Matlala and his wife Tsakani, have appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on fraud, forgery and uttering charges linked to an alleged fraudulent lease agreement. NPA says three accused were granted R20, 000 bail each, while Matlala abandoned his bail application. The National Prosecuting Authority says the State will oppose his bail applicatio

KwaMakhutha Mass Shooting: Police Launch 72-Hour Operation Sep 23, 2026 135 SAPS has activated a 72-hour operation to track suspects linked to the KwaMakhutha mass shooting, south of Durban. Eleven people were killed and three others injured after armed suspects opened fire at a house in the Ziko area on Tuesday night. The motive remains unknown, while police say they are following a promising lead.  SAPS Head of Communications  is Major General Nonkululeko Phok

19 foreign nationals found among 20 shacks destroyed in Copesville fire. Sep 20, 2026 169 KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma says verification following Saturday’s fire in the Swapo informal settlement in Copesville, Pietermaritzburg, found that 20 shacks were destroyed. Duma says 19 foreign nationals occupied the affected shacks, while one South African had an identification document whose authenticity is being verified by Home Affairs. He says the w

Man allegedly caught with R2m heroin at OR Tambo. Sep 20, 2026 95 SAPS and the Border Management Authority have arrested a 52-year-old South African man at OR Tambo International Airport. Police say suspected heroin worth more than two million rand was found in his luggage. Police say the suspect had arrived from Accra, Ghana, when he was intercepted during an intelligence-led operation. Police say they found bullet-like objects and blocks containing substances

Calls intensify for justice to be served urgently for ekurhuleni killings. Sep 20, 2026 2456 Feminist movement - Black Women Caucus has given the Kempton Park police station in Ekurhuleni 10-days to convene a multi-stakeholder engagement to outline how to deal with the murder of women. The group led a picket outside the police station on Friday. This follows the discovery of a woman's body in Villa Liza in Boksburg on Thursday- bringing to NINE the number of women's bodies discovered acro

CAMPAIGN TRAIL WRAP - GOOD PARTY & UDM IN CAPE TOWN Sep 20, 2026 246 In Cape Town, the GOOD Party and the United Democratic Movement's (UDM) election campaigns ahead of this year's Local Government Elections saw a focus on issues including making the City of Cape Town more affordable for Capetonians and the ongoing scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Tando Ntunja reports

Health expert warns of dangers of Chronis Stress Sep 20, 2026 486 Chronic stress may be doing far more than affecting South Africans' mental health – it could be contributing to the country's growing burden of obesity, diabetes and other metabolic disorders, many of which are also major risk factors for cardiovascular disease .  While stress is often viewed as an unavoidable part of modern life, mounting scientific evidence suggests that prolonged psy

Woman dies as fire destroys 14 shacks in Copesville, Pietermaritzburg. Sep 19, 2026 129 One woman has died, while her child and partner sustained serious burn wounds following a fire that destroyed between 13 and 14 shacks at the Swapo Informal Settlement in Copesville, Pietermaritzburg. KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma says he was contacted by a distressed community leader at around 3:30 this morning. Duma says teams from his office, provincial and nat

Madlanga Commission Welcomes Extension of Its Deadline Sep 19, 2026 76 The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and alleged Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, commonly known as the Madlanga Commission, has welcomed the final extension of its deadline announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Commission says the extension to 25 January 2027 will allow it to hear outstanding testimony and finalise its report. The Commis

Two arrested, three suspects fatally wounded in Libode police killings. Sep 19, 2026 214 Police say two suspects have been arrested, while three others were fatally wounded following a 72-hour operation into the murder of two police officers in Libode, near Mthatha. The officers were killed while responding to a robbery at a spaza shop. Police say an AK47, three handguns and ammunition have been recovered. Charges including attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammuniti

Property expert's warning to both tenants and landlords Sep 19, 2026 396 For South Africa's landlords, few situations are as financially damaging as a tenant who stops paying rent but remains in the property. While their rental income has come to a stop, they'll still have to cover rates, levies, insurance and in some cases, monthly bond repayments. But even after cancelling the lease, the way South Africa's eviction laws are structured, it means that a landlord cannot

IEC responds to UDM dispute over Buffalo City final candidate lists. Sep 19, 2026 467 Applications for special votes for the 2026 Local Government Elections will open on Monday, the 21st of September. The IEC says the application period will close on the 12th of October at 5pm. Special votes are available to registered voters who cannot physically travel to their voting station, as well as essential service workers, media personnel and voters who can reach their voting station but

US President, Donald Trump Bans Certain Media From White House Sep 19, 2026 136 US President Donald Trump says he is banning three major news outlets – CNN, MS NOW and Politico – from the White House in his latest threat to the independent press. The move is almost certain to face legal challenges as free-speech experts said it conflicts with the US Constitution's First Amendment protections for free speech and a free press. Here is a snippet of President Tr

Health experts warn against panic amid a rise in cases of Mpox virus in the country Sep 19, 2026 338 The National Health Department has warned of the rapid increase in MPOX  cases, with 18 confirmed cases and one probable case recorded across South Africa. The department says the Western Cape has recorded the highest number of cases, while three have been reported in Gauteng and one in KwaZulu-Natal. Health officials say people who have been in close contact with an infected person are urged

KZN COGTA Gives Assistance to Areas Affected by Persistent Rains Sep 19, 2026 310 Disaster Management Teams in KwaZulu-Natal have been on standby for any eventuality overnight as persistent rains continue to batter various parts of the province. In eThekwini, disaster teams have opened the Isipingo Canal in order to prevent flooding along the R103 of the Industrial area. Mud slides have also been reported in Umsinga where stones have fallen onto the R33 road due to prolonged ra

Ekurhuleni Gears Up For A Compete Shutdown Over Women Killings Sep 19, 2026 213 Social movements including various sectors of society have expressed great displeasure and impatience towards law enforcement authorities setting deadlines for meaningful engagements aimed at effectively dealing with the murder of women and children. In Ekurhuleni, many took to the streets leading pickets at various police stations. This follows the discovery of a woman's body in Villa Liza in Bok

FFPlus says coalition governments could become the new norm in municipalities after the November elections Sep 13, 2026 173 Freedom Front Plus leader Corné Mulder says coalition governments could become the new norm in municipalities after the November elections.  He was speaking in Pretoria today as the party launched its 2026 local government election manifesto, outlining a ten-point plan focused on service delivery, accountability and tackling maladministration.  Zara Groenewald reports.

Professor Keith Engel: The only way to increase the tax base is through better enforcement Sep 13, 2026 390 What happens after the tax is collected? And who ultimately pays when government needs more revenue? With South Africa heading towards the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, questions around VAT, tax increases, economic growth, fiscal sustainability and the future of SARS are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. These questions will take centre stage at the South African Institute of Taxat

DA and Action SA lay complaints against Majodina over alleged comments levelled at disabled man Sep 13, 2026 144 A spokesperson in the office of Water and Sanitation minister, Pemmy Majodina, says she is not available for comment, after an incident at a recent government event at Kouga municipality in the Eastern Cape. A video is trending on social media, where Majodina can be heard allegedly swearing at a member of the public. Two parties in Parliament have laid complaints at the Joint Committee on Ethics a

Madlanga Commission Draws Close To A Year Since Inception Sep 13, 2026 1584 It's been almost a year since the Madlanga Commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa, following Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's controversial press briefing on 6 July 2025. During the briefing, Mkhwanazi made allegations of criminal infiltration within law enforcement agencies and political interference in these institutions. Since its establishment, the Commission has heard

Zulu Monarch Calls For An End To GBV At Annual Reed Dance Sep 13, 2026 329 AmaZuluKing MisuZulu ka Zwelithini has used this year's Umkhosi Wo Mhlanga, or Reed Dance, to call on the nation to take a stronger stand against gender-based violence. Speaking during the annual cultural gathering at Emashobeni Royal Palace in uPhongolo, the King urged men and communities to respect and protect women and girls. His message comes as the Reed Dance continues to provide a platform f

COSATU Gears Up For Its 15th National Congress Sep 13, 2026 215 COSATU says preparations to host its 15th National Congress at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from the 14th to the 17th of September this week are on track. The union says it expects 1800 delegates to be in attendance including members from its sixteen union affiliates. The congress will see the election of the new leadership who will be tasked with taking the resolutions and the agenda of

Report shows South Africa's middle-class households are the biggest withdrawers of two-pot retirement savings Sep 12, 2026 282 When South Africa's two-pot retirement system was introduced, the big question was whether people would treat their retirement savings as easy money to dip into, or leave it alone for retirement. Two years later, the data tells a more complicated story – one driven primarily by real financial pressure.   A survey conducted by Momentum Corporate on the two-pot system and who is making th

Call to end victimisation of documented foreign nationals in South Africa Sep 12, 2026 471 KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has expressed his frustration over the absence of representatives from countries whose nationals are among the refugees camped outside the Department of Home Affairs offices in Che Guevara Road for about four months now.  He visited the offices yesterday (FRIDAY) , together with the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo to South Africa John Kalunga N

Rural areas face severe risks during El Niño Sep 12, 2026 411 The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that South Africa is likely to experience below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures this spring as a strong El Niño event develops in the Pacific Ocean. According to the weather service, the latest predictions indicate that El Niño is likely to intensify further and could become the strongest event in living memory. Accord

Biko Remembered Ahead of Local Government Elections Sep 12, 2026 267 AZAPO President, Nelvis Qekema, says the seventh democratic local government elections should be about the full restoration of the dignity of black people who are still living in squalor over three decades after the attainment of their freedom. He insists this would be a fitting tribute to the late Black Consciousness Movement Leader, Steve Bantu Biko. The late BCM leader was killed by the aparthe

FF+ To Launch Its Election Manifesto in Pretoria Today Sep 12, 2026 197 The freedom front plus will target structural change within municipalities come the local government elections. This comes as the Freedom Front Plus is set to launch their local government elections manifesto in Pretoria TODAY. National Spokesperson, Wouter Wessels spoke on what voters can expect the party to focus on if successful after the November 4th polls. Zara Groenewald reports...

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