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Lootura Dailydaily fragment rare
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Daily fragment: May 2017 Kabul bombing
A car bomb explodes in a crowded intersection in Kabul near the German embassy during rush hour, killing over 90 and injuring 463.
News24 South Africa
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News24 | Drugs worth more than R5m seized as Operation Prosper continues to sweep across Western Cape
As soldiers and police continue their street-by-street offensive against gang violence in the Western Cape, joint operations have resulted in the seizure of firearms, drugs valued at more than R5 million and the arrest of dozens of suspects linked to a range of criminal activities.
Ed StoddardDaily Maverick
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WILD WEATHER: History suggests a ‘Godzilla’ El Niño could be on our doorstep
It’s impossible to predict exactly what will happen during the El Niño event now looming, but previous patterns have given rise to alarm among scientists. And other factors darken the picture, too.
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News24 South Africa
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News24 | Letoya Makhene’s custody clash: Baby daddy, ex-wife, and cousin air dirty laundry
South African actor and singer Letoya Makhene has once again found herself at the centre of public controversy following explosive custody claims made by her baby daddy, Johnson Masondo.
Mark BarnesDaily Maverick
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CITY REFORM OP-ED: As a financial fix for Joburg’s water problems, honeycombs hit the sweet spot
Instead of continuing to fund Joburg and other municipalities as they are now, elements of the solution are to be found in the incredible efficiency, strength and stress-resistance of honeycombs.
ReutersSABC News
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Evans wins in Japan to extend championship lead
Toyota’s Elfyn Evans won Rally Japan on Sunday to extend his world championship lead over teammate Takamoto Katsuta to 20 points at the halfway point in the season. The win was the Welshman’s second in seven rounds, his third in Japan and also his 50th career championship podium. Reigning world champion Sebastien Ogier finished second and 12.8 seconds behind with Sami Pajari third and Katsuta fourth as Toyota, competing on home asphalt roads around Aichi and Gifu, locked out the top four places. “There’s a long way to go in the championship yet. It’s too early to really talk about (winning it), but we have to just enjoy this win,” said Evans, who now has 151 points, ahead of Katsuta on 131 and Toyota’s Oliver Solberg on 102.
Blitzboks set up Sevens final against Australia after downing Argentina
The Blitzboks produced a strong second-half performance to come from behind and beat Argentina 19-7 in their Spain Sevens semifinal in Valladolid on Sunday, setting up a final against Australia later in the day (kick-off 4.26pm). It is the second of three HSBC SVNS World Championship events, with the Blitzboks winning the first in Hong Kong last month, and they will now be looking to clinch the second, ahead of the third event in Bordeaux, France next weekend. Regardless of what happens in the final, the Blitzboks will stay top of the log going into the final event of the season, which will give them a great chance of adding the championship to the series title they picked up earlier this year. In the match it was a good start from the Blitzboks , and after working their way up field into the Argentina 22m, the ball went wide and Sebastiaan Jobb went over in the corner after just two minutes. But Argentina hit straight back as they attacked from the kick-off, breaking into the Blitzboks 22m and Santiago Vera Feld went over next to the uprights for the converted score to take a 7-5 lead in the fourth minute. Stopped short The Blitzboks almost retook the lead on the halftime hooter when Selvyn Davids hit a gap and broke up field, but a desperate tackle from Pedro de Haro, clinging to his jersey, stopped him just short. The second half started as the first ended, with the Blitzboks almost going ahead as Quewin Nortje made the break this time, but he was hunted down by Marcos Moneta and tackled short of the line. A wonderful solo effort from Ricardo Duarttee, stepping and weaving his way through the Argentinian defence, finally put the Blitzboks ahead in the 11th minute, with him converting his score to make it 12-7. With time ticking down the Blitzboks kept hold of the ball and earned a penalty in the Argentina 22m, where they chose to scrum and attacked, getting close and Ryan Oosthuizen went over to seal the win In the first semifinal Australia beat Fiji 21-14 in an entertaining back and forth encounter to secure their place in the final. Scorers Blitzboks: Tries – Sebastiaan Jobb, Ricardo Duarttee, Ryan Oosthuizen; Conversions – Duarttee (2) Argentina: Try – Santiago Vera Feld; Conversion – Vera Feld
Ntlantla KgatlaneSABC News
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DA tops political party donations in IEC’s fourth quarter report
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has released its latest political party donation report for the fourth Quarter of the year 2025-2026. The report shows that the Democratic Alliance (DA) received the highest number of donations got over R57 million followed by Rise Mzansi at R30 million and Action-SA at over R9 million. Other parties that made declarations include Build One South Africa (BOSA) and Alliance of Citizens for Change. Meanwhile the African National Congress (ANC) declared its late donations of R10 million from Botho Botho Commercial Enterprises. The IEC says collectively, political parties declared just over R97 million during the fourth quarter.
sarugbymagThe Citizen
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Elton Jantjies in trouble with taxman
Former Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies is reportedly being pursued by both Sars and creditors over unpaid debts. The Sunday Times reports that the South African Revenue Service has issued Jantjies with a final demand for more than R300,000 linked to an alleged tax claim from Japan dating back to 2022. The notice reportedly warns that if the debt is not settled within 10 business days, Sars could pursue civil judgement and attach assets. Jantjies played club rugby in Japan for the NTT Shining Arcs between 2014 and 2018, and the Red Hurricanes Osaka in 2022. Sars spokesperson Siphithi Sibeko declined to comment on the matter due to taxpayer confidentiality rules, while Jantjies reportedly did not respond to requests for comment. Attaching assets In a separate case, the Johannesburg high court has authorised the sheriff to attach movable assets from Jantjies’ Bryanston property over another alleged unpaid debt of more than R390,000. The matter relates to a dispute involving sports agent James Adams and In Touch Sports, who claim outstanding commissions and fees linked to management agreements signed in 2016 and 2018. According to court papers cited by the Sunday Times , the agency negotiated contracts and commercial opportunities for Jantjies during his time in Japan. The report states Jantjies later signed an acknowledgement of debt for more than R690,000 and agreed to repay the amount in instalments, but allegedly failed to keep up with payments. Court documents reportedly show he later paid R300,000, leaving an outstanding balance of R392,250. Jantjies’ professional rugby career effectively ended in 2024 when he received a four-year ban after testing positive for the banned substance clenbuterol. This story was first published on sarugbymag.co.za. It is republished here with permission.
No 'Hola Bafana Bafana' yet as VISA issues delay travels
No 'Hola Bafana Bafana' yet as VISA issues delay travels Siya Tsewu Sun, 05/31/2026 - 11:22 JOHANNESBURG - Bags are packed, flights and accommodation's booked and goodbyes have been said, but the Bafana Bafana is going nowhere, at least not yet. eNCA has reliably learnt that despite the 26-man squad being expected to travel to Mexico on Sunday, they are still on home shores due to VISA issues. Reports indicate all the players have their documents in order, but are being held up by some members of the technical staff who still don't have their VISAs. The team cannot leave without all of the changeroom staff. Contacted for comment, the South African Football Association would neither confirm nor deny the reasons why the team is not yet airborne. It is also still unclear when the documentation issue will be sorted. The team's first match is on June 11 against Mexico, one of the three hosts. Teams generally need at least two weeks to acclimate in a foreign country before matchday. This is a developing story.
Elrees MashabaSABC News
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IFP Gauteng set to visit family of slain councilor Mbuso Mthimkhulu
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in Gauteng is set to visit the family of slain Rand West City councillor, Mbuso Mzwandile Mthimkhulu, at their home in Bekkersdal. The 46-year-old PR councilor was shot and killed on Thursday evening after a community meeting. The party’s Gauteng Chairperson Bonginkosi Dhlamini will lead the delegation as they extend condolences and offer support to the grieving family. Dhlamini says the visit also aims to honour Mthimkhulu’s dedicated service and commitment to uplifting his community. An Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) PR Councillor at the Rand West City Local Municipality in Gauteng, Mbuso Mzwandile Mthimkhulu, has been murdered. https://t.co/wl9zmWBqxO pic.twitter.com/Yf0cV9RyfN — SABC News (@SABCNews) May 29, 2026
McKenzie hits out at Safa as Bafana World Cup departure hits visa snag
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie hit out at the South African Football Association on Sunday after Bafana Bafana were unable to fly to Mexico for the 2026 Fifa World Cup finals. Bafana were due to depart in a charter plane on Sunday for their training camp at altitude in Pachuca. The team, however, could not hit the runway because of visa issues, according to SABC News. McKenzie – ‘We are being made to look like fools’ “This @SAFA_net travel & visa debacle is embarrassing & grossly unfair towards the players & coaching staff. I have informed @SAFA_net that I need a report and action must be taken against those responsible for this mess. We are being made to look like fools,” McKenzie tweeted. This @SAFA_net travel & visa debacle is embarrassing & grossly unfair towards the players & coaching staff. I have informed @SAFA_net that I need a report and action must be taken against those responsible for this mess. We are being made to look like fools. – Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) May 31, 2026 Much of the focus will again turn to controversial Bafana team manager Vincent Tseka. Tseka previously hit the headlines after Bafana were charged by world footballing body Fifa for fielding an ineligible Teboho Mokoena in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho on March 21, 2025. Mokoena had already received two yellow cards in qualifying and was supposed to be suspended for that game. But Bafana did not realise and the match was awarded as a 3-0 win to Lesotho. Perhaps surprisingly, Tseka continued in his role as team manager. Safa’s excuse was that Tseka had left the venue to fetch ice when Mokoena had picked up the caution in June 2024 against Zimbabwe that should have led to his suspension. The loss of three points threatened to jeopardise Bafana’s chances of making it to the World Cup finals. In the end, however, a 3-0 win over Rwanda on October 14 was enough to book their place at the 48-team competition. Tseka did not exactly show humility after that game, walking on the pitch and putting his finger to his lips, in a gesture clearly meant for his critics. Why is @SAFA_net still keeping the arrogant Vincent Tseka as Bafana Bafana Team Manager? pic.twitter.com/DhyEY4hzHz – Moses M (@MosesM_) May 31, 2026 Bafana sechedule Bafana will kick off their campaign on June 11 in the opening match against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. On Friday, Bafana drew 0-0 with Nicaragua at the Orlando Amstel Arena in their final friendly before leaving for Mexico. They are supposed to play Jamaica in another friendly in Mexico on June 5. But the question now is when they will get to Mexico.
Reneé HeineSABC News
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KZN officer nabbed for allegedly helping suspects flee custody
A police officer has been arrested in KwaZulu-Natal for assisting three suspects to escape from police custody at KwaMsane on the north coast. It is believed the suspects escaped from the KwaMsane police station holding cells in February 2024, after cutting through steel burglar bars and iron roof sheeting. Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda says a month later, Sibusiso Gumede, one of those who had escaped, was rearrested at a roadblock in Vryheid. “Police investigations revealed that Gumede and his two accomplices’ escape was orchestrated by a Detective Warrant Officer who supplied them with a steel saw, allegedly after they paid him an amount of R5000. A warrant of arrest was issued by the court and the police officer was duly arrested. He will appear before the KwaMsane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 2 June 2026 on charges of aiding and abetting suspects, defeating the ends of justice and corruption.” #sapsKZN #SapsZeroTolerance [POLICE OFFICER ARRESTED FOR ASSISTING INMATES TO ESCAPE FROM POLICE CELLS AND CORRUPTION] KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Anti-Corruption officers arrested a police Warrant Officer at KwaMsane on 29/05 for allegedly aiding and abetting suspects to escape… pic.twitter.com/gxTLnanBH2 — SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) May 31, 2026
Jarryd WesterdaleThe Citizen
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Johannesburg municipality confirms billions to be loaned from German development bank
The Johannesburg municipality will be pushing ahead with a multi-billion-rand loan from a European financier. The city on Friday confirmed it had secured a €200 million loan facility with Germany’s state-owned development bank, Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW). City Power will be the sole beneficiary of the loan, with the municipality stating the entity had an infrastructure backlog totaling an estimated R40 billion. The city has identified R5.5 billion worth of City Power infrastructure projects over the next three years, with R3.8 billion of that coming from the KfW loan. “The city believes that strategic collaboration between government, development finance institutions, and the private sector will remain critical in supporting Johannesburg’s long-term energy transition and infrastructure recovery agenda,” officials stated on Friday. Billions repaid over 15 years The €200 million loan was secured to finance City Power’s “infrastructure refurbishment, maintenance and modernisation backlog”. Projects being prioritised include upgrades to bulk infrastructure, substations, medium and low voltage networks, metering, public lighting, and more. “The city further notes that the scale of Johannesburg’s infrastructure requirements cannot be addressed through conventional municipal funding mechanisms alone. “As a result, the city and City Power continue engaging additional financial institutions, development agencies, and private sector partners to explore further infrastructure funding and blended financing opportunities,” the municipality stated. The loan will only be repayable from May 2031 at a fixed rate of 8.56% per year for a 15-year repayment term. “Every rand of this facility will go directly into the ground – into transformers, cables, meters, substations and renewable energy infrastructure that will make City Power more reliable, more efficient and more financially sustainable,” stated the municipality’s CFO Tebogo Moraka. Bonuses to be frozen ActionSA stated last week that it would not support the approval of the loan, citing existing financial challenges plaguing the municipality. These include R23 billion in wasted funds flagged by the Auditor-General of South Africa, over R6 billion owed to Eskom, and a multi-year R10 billion deal with the municipal workers’ union flagged by National Treasury . “This superficial and frenzied attempt to repair the mismanagement of the City of Joburg’s finances will not improve electricity supply. “Instead, it will entangle the residents to an unaffordable loan agreement over a period of 15 years,” stated the party’s Johannesburg mayoral candidate Herman Mashaba. The Democratic Alliance (DA) supported the loan on condition that the funds went only to specific infrastructure projects and be subject to strict auditing measures. “The DA in Johannesburg has supported the proposed R3.8 billion KfW loan for City Power after successfully pushing for stricter oversight, accountability, and financial safeguards,” confirmed DA shadow MMC for finance Chris Santana. Additional conditions set by the DA include the German government overseeing implementation, as well as City Power agreeing to freeze executive salaries and bonuses for two years. “Debt should never be taken lightly, especially when residents are already dealing with collapsing infrastructure, rising costs, and poor service delivery,” Santana concluded.
Siya TsewueNCA
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IPHC founder's daughter demands DNA tests
IPHC founder's daughter demands DNA tests Siya Tsewu Sun, 05/31/2026 - 10:34 JOHANNESBURG - A multi-million rand church empire, allegations of a captured judge, and a new twist that threatens to unseat all contenders for the International Pentecostal Holiness Church's throne. Jacqueline Modise, the only remaining daughter of church founder Frederick Modise, claims her father's successor, Glayton, was not his biological son. As a result, Michael Sandlana, Tshepiso and Leonard Modise cannot claim to be the rightful heirs. It's a sordid chapter for an institution that arose from humble beginnings. Frederick Modise founded the International Pentecostal Holiness Church in 1962. His charismatic ministry saw the church rapidly balloon into one of South Africa’s largest and wealthiest denominations. He left behind a three-million-strong congregation when he died in 1998. Today, the church is a complete shadow of itself, split into three factions, fuelled by a bitter and bloody succession dispute. READ | More arrests imminent in IPHC bribery case - Hawks "They claim that they are my father's grandchildren. They are not. Glayton is the son of Baby Sekano. My late mother's sister. I want this fight to end. Everyone is fighting for a stake, even those who don't have a right to claim it. I am the only heir. Sandlana is nothing to me. He is not a Modise. However, Tshepiso and Leonard, I want to ask them to take DNA tests so that we can put an end to this," Modise said. Her nephew, Bogosi Modise, added that they need to wrap up the estate. "We feel like it is important that the estate gets resolved. Anyone who can assist us in resolving this, if the judge can get allegedly bribed, what else is happening? We have been trying to fight this thing since 2011. It is not normal for an estate to take this long." Modise is now pinning her hopes on the Public Protector to ensure her father's estate is finalised. Individuals claiming to belong to the Modise family lineage will be asked to undergo DNA testing. The primary goal is to build a kinship family tree and allow for the founder's estate to be wound up.
SABCSABC News
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N. Cape Golf Day targets R10m for tertiary student bursary fund
The Northern Cape government is aiming to raise R10 million through this year’s Premier’s Golf Day in Kathu. The initiative, now in its fourth year, raises funds for the Premier’s Bursary Programme, which supports students from poor households studying at tertiary institutions across the country. The event has already raised millions of rands, since its inception in 2023. On the fairways of Kathu, the competition may be centred around birdies and par but the real prize lies far beyond the 18th hole. Businessmen swapped their suits for golf spike, all driving toward a common goal – raising funds to give Northern Cape learners a shot at a brighter future. The Premier’s Golf Day has grown from a modest fundraising initiative into one of the province’s biggest education funding drives. What started with just R86 000 in its first round has now swung past the R6m-mark. This year, the Premier is aiming for a R10m hole-in-one. “The R10m will be added to the R16m that is normally contributed by the Premier’s Office through the Premier’s Bursary Fund. We want to increase the number of learners we are supporting. We are busy trying to establish an industrial hub here because there are more than 20 mines in the area, and bringing the event here makes it more impactful because the CEOs of these mines are participating,” says Northern Cape Premier, Dr. Zamani Saul. The most successful 3rd Premier’s Golf Day to raise funds for the NC Premier Bursary Fund. We surpassed our target of R4 million as we managed to raise over R6.5 million. This year, we distributed R17.2 million to 302 deserving students from the Northern Cape for post-matric… pic.twitter.com/tpi5zzrTTO — Dr. Zamani Saul (@dr_zsaul1) March 15, 2025 The bursary fund currently supports more than 300 students studying critical skills programmes including medicine, engineering, ICT, agriculture and law. For business the Golf Day is about making sure talented young people are not left behind due to financial hardship. While players battled sand traps and long putts on the course, a beneficiary of the programme says the bursary removed obstacles in her own life. Twenty four-year-old Potso Malope from Kimberley recently completed her diploma in Real Estate. She says the bursary allowed her to keep her eye on the ball – focusing fully on her studies while the programme covered the costs. “That every year there’s been smooth sailing. There were no problems in terms of them paying the costs they had to cover because that’s the main focus. I should focus on my studies, and they cover everything. So, it was a smooth-sailing year, and all I had to do was focus on my studies. With the bursary, you’re just supposed to focus on your studies, and then they cover the costs, which include accommodation, registration fees, study materials and tuition fees,” Malope. Last year, the fund also contributed R1.5m to assist students at Sol Plaatje University with historical debt. Through this initiative the bursary leaves students debt-free after studies.
sarugbymagThe Citizen
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Ntlabakanye set to serve doping ban
Asenathi Ntlabakanye is unlikely to appeal his 18-month doping suspension. According to Rapport, the Lions and Springbok prop has little appetite to challenge the ruling that will keep him sidelined until November 2027. Ntlabakanye was suspended after testing positive for the prohibited substance anastrozole, while dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was declared on a medication form as part of the treatment he was receiving. The 27-year-old faced a potential four-year ban because DHEA is classified as an anabolic steroid. However, the tribunal considered mitigating circumstances beforeimposing an 18-month suspension. A further complication for Ntlabakanye is that an appeal could potentially result in a harsher sanction rather than a reduced one, while also bringing significant legal costs. Former Lions team doctor Rob Collins reportedly declined a request from Ntlabakanye’s legal team to testify during the hearing. The player, the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (Saids), World Rugby and the World Anti-Doping Agencyall have until 7 June to appeal the outcome. “No official correspondence has been received thus far,” Saids chief executive Khalid Galant told Rapport . This story was first published on sarugbymag.co.za. It is republished here with permission.
Siya TsewueNCA
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Businesses begin reassessing work locations - expert
Businesses begin reassessing work locations - expert Siya Tsewu Sun, 05/31/2026 - 09:47 JOHANNESBURG - Distance to the office may become the new sweetener in recruiting and retaining staff. This as the cost of living and fuel prices continue to rise. It's beginning to compete on working conditions and salaries as well. Andrew Dewey of Swindon Properties said your location could either help or hinder businesses' recruitment of talent. "I think the realisation is that the employer needs to now assess location over a number of other expenses in their business and make sure that the location of their office is suitable for the employees that they're trying to recruit or trying to retain. "And what we're finding is that there's a fine balance between wage increases or salary increases and the cost of employees actually getting to the office or to the industrial space that they work in," Dewey said.
Lutendo BobodiSABC News
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Musina cross-border shopping hub driven by lower prices, better value
Many nationals from neighbouring countries say lower prices, better value, and quality of products in South Africa entice them to come to the country to buy essential goods. The border town of Musina in Limpopo has become a bustling economic hub over the years, with people from countries such as Zimbabwe and Zambia crossing the Beitbridge border post to do shopping. Cross-border shoppers Downtown Musina is a whirlwind of activities as South Africa’s northernmost town welcomes thousands of cross-border shoppers and traders who come to buy commodities such as food, hardware materials and clothes. The buyers and traders say South Africa offers a wider variety of affordable consumer goods. They say many important commodities are either unavailable or expensive back home. One public transit driver explains, “As far as I’m concerned, it is very easy and convenient. Myself as a transporter, I take people from Zimbabwe to buy here in Musina. They buy and sell back at home. This becomes very reliable and convenient for us.” A frequent buyer says, “I love coming here because things here are cheaper than in Zimbabwe and some important things are not available there.” Some businesspeople in Musina say people from neighbouring countries are the mainstay of their businesses. Musina businessman, Ali Ahmed Dofa says, “One can see a lot of businesses belong to foreigners, but what we are doing here is selling to Zimbabweans. Should Zimbabweans not come to South Africa, we will not have any business. Once we see the border closed, no one will have business around here.” The Limpopo Chamber of Commerce and Industry says cross-border buyers pump billions of rands into the South African economy annually. President of the Limpopo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Albert Jeleni says, “These cross-border shoppers and commercial traders do far more than just buy groceries, they act as decentralized exporters, by purchasing South African manufactured goods, textiles and building materials directly from local wholesalers. “They pump billions of rands into our retail sector and keep thousands of our SMMEs alive. If we were to look at these from the import-export point of view their massive purchasing power is the literal foundation justifying major projects like the Musina-Makhado special economic zone and the multi-billion rand upgrade to the Beitbridge border,” Jeleni adds.
LibraryMail & Guardian
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KZN village cut off as deadly river crossings claim lives
The village of uMhlwazi, which sits among the rolling mountains of uMhlumayo in KwaZulu-Natal’s uThukela district, feels forgotten. With barely any services and almost entirely cut off from the rest of the predominantly rural district, daily life in the impoverished village is marked by isolation and hardship. The Mail & Guardian witnessed first-hand the struggles faced by residents trying simply to move in and out of the community. After more than three hours on a heavily potholed tar road that ends halfway, the journey continued along a punishing gravel route leading to the village. uMhlwazi lies roughly three hours from the seat of the Alfred Duma local municipality, headquartered in the town of Ladysmith, known to locals as eMnambithi. Running through the middle of the village is the Indaka River, both a lifeline and a danger to residents . With no water infrastructure, villagers rely on the river as their only source of water, sharing it with livestock. But locals say the river has also claimed six lives over the years, earning it the grim nickname: “the river of death”. Community leader Khanyisani Sibisi initially appeared reluctant to speak to the M&G . “ Nizohlekisa ngosizi lwethu ,” he said angrily. “You’re here to make a mockery of our struggles. People are perishing here.” Village elder Mboniseni Mazibuko later explained the source of Sibisi’s frustration. “Please pardon him. He lost his younger brother in these waters,” Mazibuko said, pointing at the river. “Government officials have come here and made a lot of promises. People are angry.” Pupils not only walk kilometres to reach Mandlakhe High School, the only secondary school serving several surrounding villages but must also risk crossing the Indaka River, which residents say is infested with crocodiles. The community has never had a bridge connecting it to the other side. Local councillor Bongani Nicholas Madondo said the provincial department of transport must take responsibility for the community’s ongoing suffering. “Government officials and the department of transport have visited this area several times and made many promises,” Madondo said. “The first was former KwaZulu-Natal transport MEC Willies Mchunu, who presided over a sod-turning ceremony and promised a bridge would be built. Nothing came from that. The current education MEC, Sipho Hlomuka, also conducted a sod-turning ceremony in 2023.” Madondo said residents remained traumatised by repeated drownings, including the death of 36-year-old Lungeleni Shabalala. Shabalala had travelled to Ladysmith, the nearest town serving the surrounding villages, to buy household items when she drowned while attempting to cross the river, he said. Her body was recovered the following afternoon. “Two learners have also died in similar incidents,” said Madondo. “Parents sometimes keep their children at home during rainy days because they fear for their safety. The situation is catastrophic.” He said the lack of a bridge also stripped grieving families of dignity during funerals. “During burials, families are forced to carry coffins across the river,” he said. “It completely takes away their dignity.” Mncedisi Maphisa, chairperson of the transport portfolio committee in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature, described the situation as “a travesty of justice”. “We will seek answers about what happened to the funds meant for the construction of this much-needed bridge,” Maphisa said. “If there are people who must be held accountable, heads will roll.” In the nearby village of Mbondwane, about 15km away, residents described similar hardship. The only bridge serving the community was damaged during floods, forcing parents to carry children on their backs across dangerous sections so they can reach Mnyanda Primary School. Villagers also told the M&G that there are no nearby clinics and that poor cellphone reception leaves them isolated. “We are shut off from the world because there’s no network in our village,” said resident Sphelele Gumede. “We have to climb the mountains just to make calls or receive important ones.” uMhlumayo falls under the traditional leadership of eMangweni. KwaZulu-Natal transport department spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya said he was uncertain about the status of the bridge project. “I will have to check with the engineers regarding the status of the bridge,” he said.
ReutersSABC News
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WHO Chief appeals for early Ebola treatment, safe burials in Congo
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has urged residents in Ebola -affected areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to seek early treatment and observe safe burial practices as authorities work to contain the outbreak. This marks the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak and one of the largest in the past 50 years. Ghebreyesus has warned against some traditions that may spread the disease. “Certain practices, including touching the bodies of those who have died from Ebola can spread the virus further. While we grieve for those we have lost, we must do everything we can so that we do not lose another and get into a cycle of grief. Protecting each other, even in grief, is one of the hardest and most important things we can do.” The World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Saturday arrived in Bunia, the epicentre of the Ebola outbreak and called on communities in the centre of the Congo’s latest Ebola outbreak to play a central role in fighting the disease.… pic.twitter.com/Kog6JH4luY — SABC News (@SABCNews) May 30, 2026
Jaco Van Der MerweThe Citizen
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Citroën Basalt breath of fresh air among endless supply of SUVs
There might be many things you can accuse French carmaker Citroën of, but building mundane cars isn’t one of them. The arrival of the newly-introduced Citroën Basalt at our offices this month offered a welcome break from the seemingly endless line of Chinese SUVs which is getting harder to differentiate due to their copy and paste styling similarities. Especially in the densely populated compact crossover/SUV segment the Basalt is competing in. The Basalt has been introduced between the C3 and C3 Aircross, which have been the best-selling badges in the entire local Stellantis stable consisting of 11 brands. The Basalt rides on the same platform as its siblings and is built on the same assembly line in India, a major contributing factor in its competitive pricing. The flagship Max derivative The Citizen Motoring sampled is stickered at R369 900. Anything but mundane In typical Citroën style, the Basalt’s styling alone warrants a second look. An SUV it is most certainly not, with its coupe-styled sloping roofline creating more of a crossover sedan with a good splash of fastback thrown into the mix. But whichever description you settle on, the unique styling makes it stand out from the crowd. The Citroën Basalt rides on 16-inch alloys. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe Up front, the Basalt’s grille design, LED daytime running light and LED foglamps are very similar to the Aircross. The sloping roofline is the highlight at the rear, while standard 16-inch alloys and wheel arch cladding features along the sides. Black door mouldings – in civilised proportions – also serves as a tiny reminder of the C4 Cactus of old with its familiar armour cladding. The quirkiness continues on the inside, where the two-tone black-and-grey fabric with a red strip and Citroën embroidery is a very nice touch. The red touches are extended to the sides of the centre console and dash. This along with the use of materials on the dashboard, patterns of diagonal lines everywhere and ambient lighting does a sterling job of disguising lots of hard plastics. Citroën Basalt spacious inside Standard is a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, seven-inch digital instrument cluster and multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Basalt does not have automatic lights and quite strangely, also not a warning chime when you forget the lights on after switching off the car. The 10-inch infotainment system takes centre stage. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe A length of 4 352mm ensures plenty of legroom in the rear, but head room also not impacted too much by the sloping roof. Boot space of 470 is also very generous for this segment. Safety comes in the form of six airbags, electronic stability control and hill-start assist. A reverse camera, rear parking sensors and tyre pressure monitor are also standard on the Max derivative. Impressive powertrain The undisputed highlight of the Citroën Basalt is its drivetrain. The three-cylinder 1.2-litre PureTech turbo petrol engine is a stalwart in the Stellantis stable and again proves why it has scooped numerous awards over the years. In the Basalt, the three-pot mill produces 81kW of power and 205Nm of torque. This goes to the front wheels via six-speed automatic transmission . It is hard not to like this peppy engine. Largely devoid of low-down turbo lag, the mill sparks into life the moment you step on it, with the auto box ensuring buttery smooth gear changes. No doubt aiding the sprightly acceleration is the modest kerb weight of 1 214kg. Black and grey fabric with a red stripe work a charm. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe And it doesn’t stop there. Light and direct steering along with excellent suspension featuring progressive hydraulic cushions contribute to a very enjoyable ride. Citroën Basalt a bit thirsty The only downside to the ride is its fuel consumption that sadly teethers on the high side. We averaged 8.4 litres per 100km over a week, which is a full two litres over Citroën’s claim. We can’t deny that our spirited driving did this number no favours. But it is similar to what we recorded in the Opel Corsa with a 96kW/230Nm version of the PureTech mill. We really liked the Basalt and what if has to offer. What it lacks in terms of technology, it makes up for in driveability. And that is a huge selling point in a segment that has become such a mad race for technological superiority that the intended purpose of a car is often overlooked.
Michael MdluliSABC News
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Ndlovu praises KNP staff, urges communities to help protect wildlife
Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu has lauded the role played by Kruger National Park’s staff in preserving the park. He was speaking at the WATCH | Seven communities have signed a beneficiation scheme agreement with SANParks at Skukuza Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga. pic.twitter.com/DTYf3QRjZO - SABC News (@SABCNews) May 30, 2026 " target="_blank">Kruger Park’s centenary celebration official launch in Skukuza. This year marks 100 years since the Kruger National Park was formally proclaimed. Ndlovu calls on citizens, especially neighboring communities, to play a meaningful role in protecting wildlife at the park. “Our brave rangers, the honest men and women on the front line who risk their lives daily to protect wildlife against the persistent threat of poaching. Our scientists and conservationists, whose groundbreaking research keeps the delicate ecosystem thriving. Our neighboring communities, whose indigenous knowledge, patience and partnership have been the foundation of the park’s success and survival over the years.” WATCH | Seven communities have signed a beneficiation scheme agreement with SANParks at Skukuza Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga. pic.twitter.com/DTYf3QRjZO — SABC News (@SABCNews) May 30, 2026 Preserve tourist attractions Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has emphasised the need to preserve tourist attractions such as the Kruger National Park. De Lille was among the dignitaries attending the official launch of the Kruger National Park’s centenary celebrations in Skukuza. “Indeed we are here tonight to commemorate 100 years of the Kruger National Park but at the same time to honor the previous generations of rangers, of scientists, of the communities that have built and protect the Kruger National Park. Now we have to preserve that for future generations. Yes it’s a very iconic tourism establishment. It’s known all over the world. We’re very proud of it and we will continue to market it as such.” Safety of tourists The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Willie Aucamp, says a lot is being done to ensure the safety of tourists in the Kruger National Park. Aucamp says they will not only deploy additional rangers in certain strategic areas of the park but will also use the latest technology to enhance the safety of visitors. This comes after the recent murder of a couple, Ernst Marais and his wife, Dina. They were allegedly stabbed to death in a river close to Crooks’ Corner in the secluded northern Pafuri section of the park. Aucamp spoke to the members of the media ahead of Sunday night’s launch of the Kruger National Park’s centenary celebration in the Skukuza Rest Camp. “I firmly believe that the Kruger National Park is still one of the safest, if not the safest place in the country. And we should not let the people that committed this heinous crime win. If we are going to stay away, they will win. The Kruger National Park has always been safe. We have always have a lot of safety measures in place. Once you drive through our gates and you get your permit and you go through that security, everybody that’s done that before will know that there’s a lot of security. Our rangers that are in the field, our dog units, our helicopters, our technology that we’ve got, that’s always been there. And that is maybe why in 100 years only once did this happen.” Kruger National Park | Minister Aucamp pays homage to Ernest and Dina Marais
LibraryMail & Guardian
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Court puts municipality in its place
A court case that most South Africans probably scrolled past this month deserves a lot more attention than it got. On 30 April 2026, the Western Cape High Court ruled that Cape Town’s fixed charges for citywide cleaning, water and sanitation were unlawful and unconstitutional. The South African Property Owners Association (Sapoa) brought the case and won. The city has since decided not to appeal, which tells you everything you need to know about the strength of its legal position. The issue was that Cape Town had structured the fixed service charges so that the amount you paid was calculated based on your property’s value. The more expensive your property, the more you paid for cleaning and basic water, regardless of how much water you used or how much rubbish you generated. The court found that linking a service charge to property value converts it into a property tax in disguise. Municipalities don’t have the legal authority to introduce new property taxes. That power sits with the national government. What looked like a service charge was, legally speaking, an unlawful levy. The city is scrambling to rework a budget that depended on roughly R2 billion in revenue from those charges. A new draft budget goes out for public comment on 27 May 2026. Sapoa has said citywide cleaning should be funded through property rates, the mechanism that exists for broad-based municipal expenditure. The city appears to agree. Why does this matter beyond the Western Cape? The ruling is a mirror being held up to every municipality in the country. Municipalities have a problem and it is one that few are willing to talk about honestly. They are over-reliant on a small group of people to fund their budgets — property owners. Property taxes and rates make up a disproportionate share of municipal income in most of our major cities. When you add surcharges and service fees that get stacked on top of rate bills, a significant portion of what municipalities collect comes from the same pool of ratepayers. That is not a sustainable funding model and it creates a political temptation that is almost impossible to resist. To put it another way, if you need more money, you look at property owners because they’re paying, their properties are registered and they’re relatively easy to bill. Cape Town’s value-linked charges were a version of that temptation. Instead of going through the proper legislative process to increase rates, which requires alignment with the national framework and public consultation, the city found a creative workaround. Link the service charge to property value, collect more from higher-value properties and achieve the revenue outcome without technically calling it a rate increase. The court said no. Here is what the data tells us about the broader problem. According to research compiled from the National Treasury’s local government data, property rates as a share of municipal operating revenue have climbed steadily over the past decade. In the metros, rates income has in many cases grown faster than inflation — and significantly faster than the property values being taxed. The City of Cape Town’s budget shows rates income growing at compound rates that have consistently outpaced CPI. The same pattern holds in Johannesburg, Tshwane and eThekwini, where property rate increases have run between 8% and 12% annually, even during periods when inflation was at 4% or 5%. For property owners, this is not an abstract policy conversation. It lands on your doorstep in the form of a municipal account that seems to grow faster than almost anything else in your cost of living. Being a property owner in South Africa in 2025 is sometimes not as glamorous as it looks. The romanticised version of buying a property, building wealth, collecting rent and retiring comfortably has become something different. The costs of owning, maintaining and managing property have escalated dramatically while the income from that property has often not kept pace. Think about what goes into owning a property. You start with transfer duty on acquisition, which applies at a graduated rate to purchases above R1.1 million, plus conveyancing fees, bond registration costs and potentially an estate agent commission. That’s before you’ve switched on a light. Then come the monthly costs of the bond, levies if you’re in a complex, property rates, building insurance, maintenance and repairs. If you’re a landlord, add vacancy periods, property management fees if you use an agent, the cost of tenant disputes and the risk of a non-paying tenant you cannot remove quickly because the Rental Housing Tribunal moves at its own pace. As for the effectiveness of the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act 19 of 1998, let me save the rant for another article. Rates alone have become a material line item. A property valued at R3m in Cape Town can attract a monthly rates bill of R2 500 to R3 500 or more, depending on the category and the valuation cycle. The number was lower five years ago. In Johannesburg, where property values in many areas have gone flat or backwards in real terms, rates bills have kept climbing. You are paying more for a municipal service in a city where the roads are worse, the water infrastructure is under pressure and load shedding, while recently improved, has cost property owners significantly in generator investments and electricity surcharges. The cumulative effect on affordability is real and underestimated. When first-time buyers do the maths on whether they can afford a property, they typically look at the bond repayment and maybe the levy. Rates often get underestimated. The cost of maintenance, which, for an average freestanding house, is roughly 1% of the property value a year almost never features in the calculation. The true cost of owning property is considerably higher than the headline price suggests. Municipalities raising their rates above inflation year after year are making that calculation worse. None of this is an argument against municipalities collecting revenue. They need it. Roads, water reticulation, waste removal and electricity infrastructure cost money and property owners benefit from them. A well-run city with reliable services and maintained infrastructure is the most important driver of property value. I have made this argument in this column before: the reason Cape Town properties appreciate the way they do is not just the mountain and the ocean. It is the fact that the city’s lights stay on, the sewage system mostly works and the streets get cleaned. That is worth paying for. But paying for it and being exploited are two different things. When a municipality creates a charge that is linked to the value of your asset and not to your usage, not to the cost of the service but to how much your property is worth, it has crossed from taxation into something that looks more like a wealth levy applied to an illiquid asset. You cannot sell 10% of your house to pay your rates and you cannot easily liquidate equity. You are being asked to fund the municipality based on a notional value, while the municipality often fails to justify how the number translates into service delivery. Sapoa is engaging Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality on the same issue. Other municipalities had better take note because the precedent is set. The lesson is not complicated. Property rates and proper service levies are legitimate. They are the clean, constitutionally sound way to fund shared municipal services. Sapoa has said it supports the mechanism. What is not legitimate is using property values as a proxy for ability to pay, packaging it as a service charge to avoid legislative scrutiny and then running a R2bn hole in your budget when a court calls it out. Municipalities need to do the hard work of broadening their revenue bases rather than returning to the same well. They need to improve billing and collection rates and be transparent to ratepayers about how their money is being spent. Property owners are carrying more than their fair share of an increasingly heavy load. They are not an inexhaustible revenue source. As this court case has reminded us all, they are not without legal recourse either.
Alex Japho MatlalaThe Citizen
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ANC leaders accused of sitting idle while Limpopo’s healthcare system collapses
Non-compliant and unhygienic facilities, poor stock management and medical supply shortages, infrastructure hazards, inadequate water supply and insufficient human resources are some of the factors crippling clinics and hospitals in Limpopo in recent months. This was revealed by the office of the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) recently, with opposition parties using it to criticise Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego ahead of the upcoming 2026 local government elections. Political parties said the AG’s revelation was exactly what Limpopo’s 6.4 million residents face every day when they visit the province’s clinics and hospitals. Deteriorating healthcare services The secretary-general of the Bolsheviks Political Party of South Africa, Seun Mogotji, accused the ANC’s leaders of sitting idle while the province’s healthcare system collapsed. “While ordinary people wait for medication, ambulances, clean facilities and proper treatment, millions of rands continue to disappear through irregular expenditure and questionable procurement processes. The reported irregular expenditure relating to coal supply and public health linen demonstrates a government system that increasingly prioritises elective conferences, awarding of wayward tenders and political comfort over the lives of patients and struggling communities. “While communities suffer inside collapsing clinics and overcrowded hospitals, ANC leaders continue holding expensive conferences and gatherings while basic healthcare services deteriorate,” he said. Mogotji said it was unacceptable that in 2026 many healthcare facilities in Limpopo still struggle with water shortages, infrastructure hazards, medicine shortages and inadequate staffing levels. “These are not luxury demands; they are basic constitutional obligations. We are calling on the ANC in Limpopo to stop prioritising political conferences and internal events while the healthcare system continues to collapse. Public resources must serve the people first.” R12-billion legal claims DA member of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature (MPL), Jacques Smalle, said Mashego and her department have made a grave mistake by failing to address these challenges. “As a result, only 5 of 30 district hospitals (17%), 2 of 5 regional hospitals (40%) and only 289 of 476 primary health care (PHC) facilities (61%) attained ideal status in 2024/25 financial year,” he said. Smalle said Limpopo is currently dealing with medico-legal claims in excess of R12 billion that continue to threaten the ability of the department to provide adequate health services. The AG presentation, he said, also highlighted the irregular expenditure incurred , with the main contributors being the supply and delivery of fire tube boiler coal at R39.5 million and the supply and delivery of linen worth R88.7 million. Smalle said the department’s shortcomings reduces the quality of the healthcare in Limpopo and put patients at risk. He said to address these issues, Mashego must prioritise infrastructure upgrades and maintenance, strengthen supply chain management, ensure adequate staffing and training, and implement quality assurance measures. Limpopo health department responds Responding to the allegations, the spokesperson of Limpopo department of health, Neil Shikwambane, urged opposition parties not to draw conclusions solely from the audit findings without considering progress made by the department. “The issues you are raising emanate from the Auditor-General’s report for the 2024/25 financial year, which was concluded in July 2025. The AG is currently finalising the 2025/26 audit process, which will provide a more comprehensive picture on progress made or shortcomings identified since the previous audit cycle. It would therefore be prudent to allow that process to conclude so that public discourse is informed by updated audit outcomes,” he said. Shikwambane further stated that while challenges remain, the department has recorded achievements aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery across the province. These include improvements in access to primary healthcare services, continued infrastructure upgrades at selected facilities, recruitment of healthcare professionals in critical areas, expansion of specialised health services, and efforts to improve medicine availability and supply chain management. “The department remains committed to improving healthcare delivery for all residents of Limpopo. We acknowledge existing challenges and continue implementing interventions to address infrastructure backlogs, staffing shortages, water supply constraints and service delivery concerns identified through internal monitoring and external oversight mechanisms,” he added.
Parly’s Impeachment Committee must seek truth fearlessly: Hill-Lewis
The Democratic Alliance (DA)’s Federal Leader, Geordin Hill-Lewis says the mandate of Parliament’s impeachment committee is to pursue the truth rigorously and without fear or favour. He made the remarks on the sidelines of the DA’s voter registration rally in Eersterust, Tshwane, on Saturday. Hill-Lewis stressed that the process is not aimed at protecting any individual but ensuring that ethics, accountability and honesty in government are upheld. He says any findings must be guided strictly by evidence, with those responsible for wrongdoing held accountable regardless of political standing. “This is not about this government, it’s about something much bigger than this government. It is much bigger than any individual person or president. It’s about the kind of future we want for our country. If we want a better future we have to stand up for some values and those values like accountability, like ethics have to be much more valuable, precious and important. So, they will stand up for those things. If there is evidence of wrongdoing then the person responsible must be accountable. There can be no fear or favour.” X | DA Federal Leader Geordin Hill‑Lewis says the mandate of the Phala‑Phala impeachment committee is ethics, not favour. pic.twitter.com/YgEiIW5IRN — SABC News (@SABCNews) May 30, 2026
Ross RocheThe Citizen
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Major Feinberg-Mngomezulu blow as Stormers count the costs of URC victory
The Springboks and Stormers suffered a major blow when star flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu limped off the field during their United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-final win over Cardiff in Cape Town on Saturday. Feinberg-Mngomezulu ran in a lovely try in the second half of their 44-21 victory , but as he was coming in to get closer to the poles, he was tackled by Cardiff flyhalf Ioan Lloyd, and he stayed down for treatment after dotting the ball down. He still has to go for scans to determine the extent of the injury, which initially didn’t look too bad after he walked off the field himself, albeit with a limp, but Feinberg-Mngomezulu was later seen leaving the ground on crutches. Stormers director of rugby John Dobson said they were expecting the worst, which could see the backline star out for a couple of months and potentially rule him out of the start of the international season for the Boks. But Dobson tried to put a positive spin on the probable loss by backing Stormers backup flyhalf Jurie Mathee who may have to step in for their URC semifinal against Leinster in Dublin next weekend. ‘Pretty serious’ “It looks pretty serious, to be honest. He’s obviously going for a scan, but the doctor has given me his view, and it’s a proper ankle ligament injury. He was cramping a bit before then (the try), and then (Lloyd) got him from behind,” explained Dobson. “It’s a big blow, but we’re going to be okay. Jurie Matthee is doing really well in the team. You always have blows, but we always sort of get together, gel together and fight, so I think we’re going to be okay.” Feinberg-Mngomezulu wasn’t the only blow for the Stormers , who are also potentially losing another three players for their next URC play-off, including the incredibly unlucky Seabelo Senatla, who was playing just his sixth game of the season due to various injuries. “Senatla is a criteria 1 (concussion), so he was knocked out and won’t play next week. I thought he was absolutely magnificent. For a guy who’s been out for so long, he was imperious in the air, on defence and with his work rate. It’s a hell of an effort,” said Dobson. “(Ruben) van Heerden (lock) was withdrawn at the break due to an HIA, while Dan (du Plessis, centre) has a knee injury. So, it was an expensive game.” The Stormers will now be kicking themselves for the way their pool campaign ended, with a draw against Ulster and a loss against Cardiff both away, which pushed them from top of the log to third, as they now have to travel to Ireland for their semifinal, possibly with a weakened group.
Siya TsewueNCA
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Europe's green jet fuels see upside in Iran war
Europe's green jet fuels see upside in Iran war Siya Tsewu Sun, 05/31/2026 - 08:12 BRUSSELS - At a plant near Frankfurt, in Germany, hydrogen and CO2 sourced from a chlorine factory and a biogas facility nearby are piped into a reactor and, after a few more steps, turned into jet fuel. Interest in such synthetic propellants is growing as the Iran war pushes Europe to reassess its dependencies, raising hopes of a turnaround for the struggling sector, according to industry experts. The conflict "made the business case for e-SAF much stronger," Mariano Berkenwald, head of strategy at Ineratec, the firm operating the Frankfurt facility, told AFP. Before the war squeezed Europe's jet fuel supplies, electro-Sustainable Aviation Fuel (e-SAF) was largely touted for its climate-friendly credentials. Doing away with oil, it can reduce by 90 percent planet warming emissions from aviation by 90 percent, proponents say, itself responsible for up to four percent of all greenhouse gases released in the European Union, proponents say. Brussels has made it a key component of a push to green up transport, mandating fuel suppliers to blend at least 1.2 percent of the stuff into the kerosene made available at EU airports by 2030 and 35 percent by 2050. But the sector has struggled to take off, bogged down by high costs and low investments. - 'Zero' to hero? - Founded 10 years ago, Ineratec launched production last year, and its small German facility is currently the only one in Europe making the propellant. About 40 more projects under development are stuck in a rut, unable to secure the funding needed to start production plants, said Camille Mutrelle of advocacy group Transport & Environment (T&E). Europe needs roughly nine more factories to meet the 2030 target, but "we still have zero", she said. Ineratec's plant churns out some 2,500 tonnes of fuel a year, enough to power only about 50 transatlantic flights. With the clock ticking, Brussels, which recently scaled down the ambition of other climate goals, notably for cars, has been under pressure to scrap the target or at least the hefty fines suppliers would face for not meeting it. The industry was braced for a review of the mandate due next year. It now believes the Iran war and the resulting closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane for global gas and oil, might have changed the momentum. Since its key ingredients can be sourced entirely in Europe, e-SAF has drawn attention from military forces, which worry about the ready availability of fuel to power fighter jets, helicopters and other vehicles -- and could pay a premium for it, according to Matteo Mirolo, an aviation consultant specialising in sustainable fuels. - Defence interest - E-SAF costs about 10 times more than kerosene, and even supporters concede it is unlikely to ever match the price of its fossil fuel-based rival. Germany's armed forces recently tested Ineratec's fuel. And other governments are known to have expressed interest in building capacity, said Mutrelle. "The current crisis is a wake-up call regarding Europe's energy independence," said Ourania Georgoutsakou, managing director of Airlines for Europe, a civil aviation lobby group. Making sustainable fuels cheaper and more readily available should be "an urgent strategic priority", she added. Supporters hope that getting governments behind the technology could finally persuade investors to bet on it. Doubts over the sector and low prospective returns meant that energy majors have so far largely stayed away, preferring to invest in biofuels, said Mutrelle. Derived from waste, these propellants are also part of the EU's climate plans. But production often relies on waste oil and fat imports from China, which makes them less palatable from a security of supply perspective. Fuel manufacturing group FuelsEurope did not reply to a request for comment. The European Commission said it was considering the establishment of an EU financing mechanism for e-SAF to support development. "We need home-grown energy, including fuels and aviation fuels," a commission spokesperson said. Berkenwald of Ineratec said the company has been getting more calls of late, but they have yet to translate them into contracts. "We are hopeful that that's where this is heading," he said. By Umberto Bacchi Article by AFP
Agence France PresseThe Citizen
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Gauff French Open title defence ends, Sabalenka, Osaka set up last-16 clash
Reigning champion Coco Gauff’s French Open title defence came to an end in the third round on Saturday as top seed Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka both won to set up a blockbuster last-16 clash. Gauff went down 4-6, 7-6 (7/1), 6-4 to Austrian 28th seed Anastasia Potapova as the top seeds continued to fall right up to the close of a scorching opening week at Roland Garros. The 22-year-old fourth seed had been a break up in the deciding set before Potapova put together a run of five games for the loss of just one to condemn Gauff to her earliest Roland Garros exit since her debut in Paris six years ago. The two-time major winner insisted being the reigning champion had not affected her play, unlike in 2024 when she was defending her title in New York. “I think at the US Open it did a lot more but honestly this time it didn’t. I wasn’t really nervous,” Gauff said. “That’s what’s more frustrating because I felt like I learned a lot from that US Open experience and I’m a better player since then and I just don’t think I portrayed that today.” In a match defined by breaks of serve, Gauff conceded the crucial 10th game of the final set despite being 30-0 up behind her own delivery with a double fault sandwiched between two booming Potapova winners, before a powerful return on her second serve forced her to hit long and bid adieu to the French capital. It was a third win for Potapova against Gauff — in their first meeting since 2023 — but she said it was a “top three (career victory) for sure”. With it she equalled her best ever Grand Slam performance, when she also reached the fourth round at the French Open two years ago. She can better that on Monday when she faces 22nd seed Anna Kalinskaya. Sixth seed Amanda Anisimova also departed as the American fell in a third-set tie-break to France’s Diane Parry. Former Australian Open winner Madison Keys edged ninth seed Victoria Mboko 6-3, 5-7, 7-5. Earlier, Sabalenka beat Australia’s Daria Kasatkina 6-0, 7-5 in just 76 minutes to stamp her ticket to the fourth round. After racing through the first set, Sabalenka went an early break down to her 53rd-ranked opponent before battling back. ‘Anything it takes’ The Belarusian world number one set up a meeting with her fellow quadruple major winner, Osaka. Sabalenka and Osaka, both 28, have won two Australian Opens and two US Opens apiece. Sabalenka has beaten Osaka twice this season, but Osaka won their only previous meeting at a major — at the same stage in the 2018 US Open, the first of her major titles. “I’m just ready for the fight,” Sabalenka said of facing Osaka. “I’m ready to go out there to fight for that match, for that win. Ready to do anything it takes to get the win.” The Japanese 16th seed battled past American 18-year-old Iva Jovic 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (3/7), 6-4 to progress. “I was a lot calmer than in my first matches… In a Slam the further I get the calmer I am. It’s such an honour to be here,” Osaka, who had never before gone past the last 32 at Roland Garros, said. With the men’s side of the draw wide open following the shock early exits of top seed Jannik Sinner and 24-time major winner Novak Djokovic, Felix Auger-Aliassime is now considered a prime contender to win his first Grand Slam. The Canadian fourth seed battled past Brandon Nakashima 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/1) in the night session. ‘A complicated match’ “It was a complicated match for me,” he said. “The positive is the victory and moving into the next round.” There he will meet Alejandro Tabilo for a spot in the quarter-finals, after the Chilean ended the fairytale run of French 17-year-old Moise Kouame. Italian 10th seed Flavio Cobolli produced an emphatic straight-sets victory over world number 18 Learner Tien. He will next face 85th-ranked Zachary Svajda, who downed 25th seed Francisco Cerundolo. Cerundolo’s brother, Juan Manuel who beat Sinner in the last round in five sets, emerged victorious from an epic five-setter that clocked in at two minutes shy of six hours against Martin Landaluce. He will face Matteo Berrettini, who will be marginally fresher than the 24-year-old after spending only five hours and 13 minutes on court for his 7-6 (7/3), 5-7, 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 7-6 (15/13) win over Francisco Comesana. Frances Tiafoe of the US and Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi also won long matches that went the distance to reach the second week at Roland Garros.
News24 South Africa
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News24 | World first: What it takes to take on the ‘stupid’ 29-hour double False Bay swim
As Chris Oldnall and Peet Crowther were knee deep in the surf at Miller’s Point beach in Cape Town – about to embark on a world first swim, a double crossing of False Bay – Crowther looked at his swimming partner and jokingly said: “This is so stupid, there must be easier ways to raise money.”
ReutersSABC News
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Brazil investigates suspected Ebola case in Sao Paulo
Health authorities in Brazil ‘s Sao Paulo state are investigating a suspected case of Ebola reported on Saturday in the state capital, officials said. A man from the Democratic Republic of Congo presented with a fever after recently visiting the African country, which is experiencing an Ebola outbreak. The patient is in isolation at a hospital specialising in the care of suspected or confirmed cases of the disease, authorities said in a statement.
Siya TsewueNCA
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Trump says Iran has agreed to no nuclear weapons
Trump says Iran has agreed to no nuclear weapons Siya Tsewu Sun, 05/31/2026 - 07:31 WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump said he had secured guarantees from Iran that it would not develop nuclear weapons, as reports emerged he had sent a tougher peace proposal back to Tehran. Any tweaks to the proposal could prolong even further an agreement to formally end the Middle East war and open the Strait of Hormuz maritime route after weeks of efforts to secure a deal despite fractious rhetoric and the occasional flare-up of armed conflict. The New York Times and Axios media outlets reported on Saturday that Trump had sent back a new framework to be considered by Iran with "tougher" terms, though it was not immediately clear what that entailed. Trump has said his priorities for any deal include stopping Iran from any nuclear weapon development and reopening the blockaded Strait of Hormuz. "The one guarantee that I have to have is that there will be no nuclear weapons. They've agreed to that, and it was very interesting," he told his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, in an interview broadcast on her Fox News program on Saturday night. But Tehran has previously cast doubt on Trump's assertions and the parties appeared far apart on their key priorities. Iran has said it requires the release of $12 billion in frozen assets before it moves to substantive talks on issues such as its nuclear program and called earlier Trump comments that its enriched uranium, a precursor for nuclear weapons, would be destroyed "baseless", according to Iranian media. Tehran has also insisted that Lebanon must be included in any end to the war despite ongoing fighting, with Beirut accusing Israel of a "scorched-earth policy" as its forces advanced and carried out further airstrikes it says target Iran-backed group Hezbollah. After Trump and US officials earlier said they were on the brink of striking a deal, he struck a less urgent tone and hinted at renewed military action in the Fox interview. "I'm in no hurry," he said. "Slowly but surely we're getting, I think, what we want, and if we don't get what we want, we're going to end in a different way." - Flare-ups - That echoed comments from Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, who said at a defense summit in Asia on Saturday that Washington was "more than capable" of restarting the war if necessary. Though daily strikes throughout Iran and the Gulf have stopped since Tehran and Washington struck a temporary ceasefire in April, followed by historic talks hosted by Pakistan, bursts of armed conflict have continued. Iran's Revolutionary Guards had shot down a US military drone "about to enter Iranian territorial waters to conduct hostile operations", Iran's state broadcaster IRIB reported, an incident that has not been confirmed by the United States. Earlier in the week, the worst fighting since the fragile ceasefire broke out when US forces carried out strikes on the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, countered by retaliatory fire from Iran. AFP/File | - Nevertheless diplomacy has continued with Trump under pressure to reach an agreement that would lift US and Iranian competing blockades around the Strait of Hormuz that have choked international oil supplies and threatened the global economy with rising prices. After Trump said on social media that Tehran would charge "no tolls" on ships passing through the strait once the blockades were lifted under any deal, Iranian news agency Fars cited sources saying "no such clause appears in the text of the agreement." Iran's ISNA news agency on Saturday cited lawmaker Alireza Salimi as saying a plan "to implement Iran's management and sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz will soon be approved by parliament." - Expanded Lebanon operations - Israel's military issued evacuation warnings for more villages in south Lebanon on Saturday, a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces had pushed more than 30 kilometres (20 miles) into the country. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of pursuing a "scorched-earth policy and collective punishment", and called for "a swift and real ceasefire." AFP | - Israel's military confirmed it was expanding its ground offensive in a statement released early on Sunday, saying "a significant number" of its forces had advanced past the Litani river and were carrying out expanded operations against Hezbollah in the Beaufort Ridge and Wadi al-Saluki area. A truce between Israel and Hezbollah began on April 17 but has never been observed, with both sides accusing each other of violating it. In early March, Tehran-backed Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes, prompting Israel to carry out near-daily air raids in Lebanon and launch a ground invasion. Israel and Lebanon began direct talks in April, with a fourth round expected in the coming week. By Afp Teams In Washington, Tehran, Beirut, Jerusalem Article by AFP
Sipho MabenaThe Citizen
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Acting high court judge hauled before tribunal over alleged R5 000 bribe
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has referred a complaint against acting Johannesburg High Court judge Samuel Makamu to a judicial tribunal – a significant development amid allegations that he took a R5 000 bribe in exchange for a favourable leave-to-appeal ruling. The latest development means the committee found that there is a prima facie case warranting a full tribunal investigation into allegations of gross misconduct against the acting judge. Complaint against acting judge The complaint was lodged in August 2025 by businessman and lawyer Bouwe Wiersma, who alleges Makamu requested money to grant leave to appeal an eviction order handed down against him. Wiersma said the tribunal referral was confirmation that the complaint had passed an important legal threshold. “Fresh new ruling in. Again, confirming prima facie investigation now to be escalated to a Tribunal. Since filing it on 25 August 2025, it was served only on 23 December 2025 before JCC then, now before a duly appointed judge of appeal and still the process lingers on. One should be grateful that the wheels of justice are at least turning in the right direction,” he said. Wiersma said that the complaint had allegedly been strengthened by an affidavit from a senior counsel. “I am told the strongest evidence in the JSC’s arsenal is an affidavit deposed to by senior counsel against the judge,” Wiersma said. The matter was handled by Supreme Court of Appeal judge Halima Saldulker, who was appointed to determine the merits of the complaint following a directive by deputy chief justice Dunstan Mlambo. R5 000 bribe request According to documents submitted to the JSC, Wiersma alleges that shortly after an eviction order was granted against him in August last year, he received a call from a person claiming to be calling from Makamu’s office. The individual allegedly offered to assist him in obtaining leave to appeal the eviction ruling. Wiersma further claims that Makamu later contacted him directly from his private cellphone and initially requested R7 000 to grant the appeal application. The amount was allegedly reduced to R5 000 during subsequent discussions. Payment made to Makamu’s nephew Banking records and WhatsApp messages submitted to the JSC allegedly show that the money was paid into a Capitec account belonging to Makamu’s nephew on 17 August 2025. However, despite the alleged payment, Makamu ultimately dismissed the leave to appeal application with costs. Wiersma said he deliberately proceeded with the payment in an attempt to expose alleged corruption within the judiciary. The judicial tribunal process, which deals with complaints of gross judicial misconduct, could ultimately recommend severe sanctions if the allegations are substantiated. Makamu could not be reached for comment.
SABCSABC News
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Gauteng faces water disruptions amid Rand Water maintenance programme
Water expert and former Director-General of Water and Sanitation Mike Muller has welcomed Rand Water’s current maintenance programme , saying routine upkeep is essential to ensure long-term water supply reliability. Phase one of the maintenance programme began on Friday and is expected to continue until Tuesday, with phase two set for 17th July. Some areas in Gauteng are experiencing little to no water supply while the maintenance work continues. Muller warns that ageing and leaking infrastructure continues to place pressure on the province’s water system. “This kind of maintenance, whether it lasts 12 or 24 hours, should not disrupt the water supply if the cities and towns supplied by Rand Water have enough reservoir capacity to continue providing services while the system is temporarily shut down. However, I think what we have discovered is that the population has grown very quickly,” says Muller. WATCH | Rand Water has begun planned maintenance, causing widespread water outages across Gauteng, affecting Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni. Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo has the latest. pic.twitter.com/b9PjIAwM7j — SABC News (@SABCNews) May 30, 2026 Intermittent supply Meanwhile, the City of Tshwane says some areas are still experiencing low water pressure and intermittent supply despite the completion of phase one of Rand Water’s maintenance work. The metro says while pumping has resumed at close to 90%, reservoirs, towers and bulk pipelines are still recovering and stabilising across the network. The City’s spokesperson Selby Bokaba says Region 1 remains the hardest hit, with residents in Mabopane, Winterveldt and parts of Soshanguve continuing to face water supply challenges. Bokaba is urging residents to use water sparingly as efforts to fully restore the system continue. “Residents in Mabopane, Winterveldt and parts of Soshanguve may still experience low water pressure or intermittent water supply until the system fully recovers. The City reminds residents that the restoration of pumping does not immediately translate into the restoration of water supply to all areas. Reservoirs, towers and pipelines require time to recover before normal distribution pressures can be fully restored across the network,” says Bokaba. VIDEO | Gauteng Water Crisis | Rand Water completes Phase 1 of maintenance programme
Richard Anthony ChemalyThe Citizen
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Emfuleni by-election is a sign that people no longer trust the ANC
Spare a thought for the mayor who lost a ward by eight votes to the DA and then lost his job as a result. Something positive will come out of it though – betting platforms will be making millions on odds guessing where he will mushroom next. My money’s on leading a yet to be established Ministry of Local Governance Improvement. The downside is that the DA is going to have something else to remind you about on election day, as though the three phone calls about the successes of Midvaal, uMngeni and Kouga you’ll get wouldn’t be enough. DA wins ward in Emfuleni It’s a big deal though. Not only did the ANC lose the ward but they lost it on the strength of the community seeing how much better things were in the neighbouring Midvaal municipality. This is not a whitey stronghold moving from their fractional local cousin politician to the DA. This is a township…in Gauteng. It’s a big deal even if it was won through very strategic campaigning and focus on a particular voting station area. It got the job done and sent an unfathomably powerful message. It also equips the DA with the power to show what they can do with a single ward in six months ahead of the local elections. That’s a tool that the ANC just handed the DA; and they’ll be unhappy about it. Another bet: in October 2026, we’ll see some DA campaign about what they did in Evaton West and how they can do it for you too. I can already see the billboards. You still have to feel sorry for the ousted mayor, Sipho Radebe. He did nothing wrong. Well, that’s not true; he did a lot wrong. What I mean is he did nothing that isn’t in the typical township mayor ANC playbook. He just happened to have a by-election at the wrong time but it’s not like things are better in Vhembe, Alfred Nzo, Elliotdale and Zululand. He’s probably looking at all the other mayors wondering what he did differently that was so wrong as to cost him his job while they kept theirs. Have people lost faith in the ANC? Eight votes! That’s all it took to make the comrades tell him to fall on the sword that’s in front of all of them. Have you any idea how easy it should have been to overcome those eight votes? This was never a rich area. This was never a place any other party has had control for 32 years. This was a place primed for Sipho Radebe to offer the promise of a better life for all… and his team had 32 years to do it. What’s the result been? Upsetting the constituency gifted unto you by the horror of apartheid does not seem to be a way to give them a better life. Regifting your constituency to your political rivals does smack somewhat of an admission that you couldn’t do your job. But it wasn’t just the DA that gave the ANC a thrashing. The EFF also showed up strong and that doesn’t just tell you that people were buying into another party. It shows you that people were opting out of trusting the ANC. It’s the last thing that the ANC’s Fikile Mbalula, the former Minister of Razzmatazz, needed as he gears up to an election campaign. I’d like to think that it would be the wakeup call the party needs in order to jack up local services, but even losing a three-decade national majority couldn’t galvanise any of their leadership into service. I can’t imagine it will rouse a couple of mayors who still have a few months to get what they can out of their positions.
ReutersSABC News
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Trump to headline 250th anniversary fair opening after performers drop out
US President Donald Trump will headline an event commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary on the National Mall next month, organizers said on Saturday, after several musical performers scheduled to appear in the celebration canceled, citing concerns about its association with him. The concerts were planned as the opening ceremony of the Great American State Fair, a 16-day event running from June 25 to July 10, 2026. Organizers said the fair, organized by the Freedom 250 group, would stretch on the National Mall from the US Capitol to the Washington Monument, with concert stages, state pavilions, exhibits, rides, and other attractions. But the musical lineup has been hit by a series of cancellations. On Friday, Bret Michaels, the lead singer of the rock band Poison, became the fifth performer to withdraw from the concerts, saying that the event was not the nonpartisan celebration that he thought it would be. Trump is now scheduled to “personally kick off this historic celebration,” Freedom 250 posted on social media. Organizers have not publicly detailed the reasons for the departures, though the exits have raised questions about the viability of the event as originally envisioned. The group did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. In a post on Truth Social earlier on Saturday, Trump suggested the concert series may no longer be necessary if performers continue to back out. He floated the possibility of giving a speech on the National Mall instead, portraying himself as a more powerful draw than any musical act. “The fact is that I am, according to many, the Number One Attraction anywhere in the World,” Trump wrote. He added that he gets “much larger audiences than Elvis in his prime” and “does so without a guitar.” The president said he is “ordering my Representatives to look at the feasibility of doing an AMERICA IS BACK Rally.” Freedom 250 is a public-private partnership created by the White House to coordinate celebrations of the United States’ 250th anniversary alongside federal agencies.
EyaazMail & Guardian
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Land Rover Defender is freedom on wheels
Late last month, the Mail & Guardian celebrated Freedom Day with a special Freedom Day edition. Unfortunately, I was not part of that edition because I took some leave to welcome my daughter to the world. Nevertheless, our editor-in-chief Japhet Ncube asked the newsroom to pour into the paper what freedom meant to them. When I got back to the newsroom, I read the incredible edition and felt like the opportunity passed me by to express what Freedom meant to me but I was also driving the Land Rover Defender 110 X-Dynamic HSE that week and realised that maybe I can still capitalise on the theme of freedom but from a motoring perspective. You might wonder how but the Defender is always a car I’ve classified as freedom on wheels. That’s because it is a car that is built to do what you want, when you want to. The variant I had came with a 3 litre twin-turbo inline six cylinder diesel engine that produces 257kW of power and 700Nm or torque. That means that it has no shortage of power on the road. Because the car has an immense amount of ground clearance and you sit in an elevated position, the vehicle absorbs road imperfections with absolute ease. The vehicle is also equipped with an array of advanced off-road hardware and software systems. This configuration combines the high-torque output of the 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engine with Land Rover’s iconic all-terrain architecture. A wading depth of 900mm is assisted by wade sensing which uses ultrasonic sensors in the door mirrors to display real-time water depth relative to the vehicle’s maximum limits on the Pivi Pro infotainment system. The electronic air suspension can raise the ground clearance to 291mm which is incredible for off-roading and features like the electronic active differential, all terrain progress control and the 3D camera with a clear sight ground view just gives you confidence to go wherever you want and tackle any terrain. Not to mention, the Defender is a Land Rover at the end of the day, which means that the interior is always going to be executive level, despite the rugged nature of the car. The seats are upholstered in Windsor leather combined with Robustec ribbon accents. Land Rover’s 11.4 inch floating infotainment screen is present and even though it is a seven seater, all three zones have climate control. The only downside I will say is that when all seven seats are up, you lose a significant amount of boot space. It also features an immersive 400W Meridian Sound System which just makes the music sound better. Most cars are good at a few things but cannot do everything and it is exactly why I have likened the vehicle to freedom. It’s commanding, it’s quick, spacious, luxurious and can tackle any terrain comfortably. I suppose the only irony about this article is that freedom in this sense costs a lot of money. Priced from R2 033 000, it’s a dream vehicle to jump into but it’s also out of budget for most South Africans. While the boxy shape has become a fashionable design within the automotive sector now and there are cars that certainly resemble the Defender, there is none that actually does it like the Defender. Is that a bad thing? Absolutely not. Cars like the Jetour T2 might be built to look like it and have some off-road capabilities and while it may never match what you get from the Land Rover Defender, it certainly offers enough for a third of the price to make South Africans feel like they own something like the Defender.
Katlego LegodiSABC News
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SA forges new economic path as BRICS-Plus trade agenda takes shape
South Africa is actively drawing up new economic blueprints as it seeks to expand trade and investment within the newly enlarged BRICS-Plus framework. The South African Chapter of the BRICS Business Council has wrapped up the first in a series of structured consultative dialogues focusing on global trade and financial systems. The push comes amid persistent local trade deficits and massive shifts in international commerce. Chairperson of the Trade and Investment Working Group Advocate Mtho Xulu, says the focus must shift toward local industrial value addition. The South African chapter of the BRICS Business Council is pushing for local businesses to benefit from the trade bloc. Sector experts and business leaders wrapped up high-level talks in Johannesburg to examine practical options to expand South Africa’s role in BRICS-Plus trade and financial architectures. The strategic push comes amid growing concerns over whether the country is leveraging its membership sufficiently-especially given persistent trade deficits and a narrow export basket. Chairperson of the Trade and Investment Working Group, Advocate Mtho Xulu, says local industries need to aggressively shift their focus toward value-addition rather than simply increasing raw production volumes. “In most instances, we are still showing a trade deficit, meaning that we are buying more than we are selling, and also the sophistication of what we sell will still be dominated by primary goods such as raw minerals and a primary agriculture, which obviously doesn’t give us the full value of the consumption capacity of BRICS nations and the nations of the world.” Xulu says with the shifts underway in global trade and finance, influenced also by geopolitics it is imperative to identify where the country is most vulnerable and which sectors face the greatest risk. “You only just have to look at the condition of economies now, with the cost of energy, and then, you know, the limited negotiating power that we have on the global stage, to realise that we still have a long way to go And that long way to go can actually be shortened, infused. We need to start building one thing that we already have. And I say, it the Brics conversation It’s very strategic.” South Africa’s total trade volume with its BRICS partners reached a massive 62 billion US dollars in 2025 However, the balance remains heavily skewed. While South Africa exported 23.2 billion dollars worth of goods, it imported a staggering 38 billion dollars-leaving the country facing a steep trade deficit. To bridge this gap, Xulu says specific priority sectors must be identified to drive aggressive local industrialization and push back against the raw material export trend. “ICT, mining, Agri, are primary, and then, obviously, all that under bedded by manufacturing, which is supposed to make us very, uh, uh, uh, attractive from an industrialisation point of view, to create domestic jobs and obviously to drive investment in production and manufacturing in South Africa.” According to Xulu, payment-system reform remains one of the most difficult negotiations, requiring coordination among finance ministers, central banks and regulators. “Ultimately, we believe that there’s a lot of innovation from a tech base, and digital payments, at which we believe that we need to lobby our finance ministers and our central bank accounts, to start harmonising fiscal and monetary policy, to allow inter- interoperability within our deserved banks, to be able to trade simulars to local currencies and amongst ourselves as BRICS nations.” The conversations will now move to the 18th BRICS leaders summit in India in September, China takes over the BRICS chairmanship in 2027 and then South Africa plays host in 2028.
EyaazMail & Guardian
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South Africa’s double defeat – smoking up, vaping unchecked
Every year, on 31 May, the world observes World No-Tobacco Day. It is a reminder that tobacco causes about seven million premature deaths globally each year. Behind every one of the deaths is a family left wondering why their loved one could not stop smoking in time. The answer almost always comes back to the same thing: addiction. Nicotine is highly addictive. Some studies suggest that it rivals heroin. Most people who have quit smoking will testify that it was very difficult to do so. Many others have tried but have been unsuccessful. This year’s World No-Tobacco Day campaign, Unmasking the Appeal , poses an uncomfortable question: How does an industry that loses millions of customers to premature death every year keep recruiting their replacements? The answer, increasingly, is by targeting young people. Global progress, partly undone The world is winning the older fight against combustible tobacco. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 20% of people aged 15 and older used tobacco products in 2025, down from about 30% in 2000. This is the result of concerted efforts to denormalise smoking. Most countries have banned tobacco advertising and sponsorship, passed laws preventing smoking in indoor public places and substantially increased excise taxes to make cigarettes less affordable. Many have also introduced graphic pictorial health warnings on cigarette packs and a growing number have adopted plain packaging, which strips all colourful branding from packs apart from the product name. Some countries are even considering a tobacco “endgame”, typically defined as a situation in which smoking prevalence is so low (often below 5%) that addressing tobacco use is no longer regarded as a public health priority. The UK recently passed the Tobacco and Vapes Act , which stipulates that people born on or after 1 January 2009 may never legally buy tobacco products during their lifetime. In 2024, Canada became the first country to require cigarette manufacturers to print warning messages on every cigarette stick, not just on the packaging. But the progress in many countries is being offset by an industry that has reinvented itself. E-cigarettes, nicotine pouches and other novel products are marketed as innovative and less harmful alternatives to combustible cigarettes but their flavours, sleek designs and social media presence are calibrated for one purpose: recruiting a new generation of nicotine users. The WHO estimates that at least 15 million adolescents aged 13 to 15 are using e-cigarettes worldwide and in countries with available data, children are on average nine times more likely than adults to vape. This is not accidental. It is the result of an industry that has learnt to reinvent and repackage its products to hook the young. For hardened smokers who cannot quit, vaping might offer some value as a cessation tool , though the evidence remains contested . There is no equivalent justification for children and young adults who have never smoked to use these products. A habit that looks fashionable today is, for many young people, the beginning of a lifetime of addiction and adverse health outcomes. South Africa: the worst of both worlds South Africa is moving in the wrong direction on both tobacco and vaping. Cigarette smoking prevalence rose from below 20% in 2010 to about 24% in 2021. Vaping has spread rapidly among South African youth. A 2024 study across 52 South African high schools found that nearly 17% of learners vape. Among those who do, 38% vape every day and more than half vape on four or more days a week. About 88% reported using devices containing nicotine and 47% said they vaped within the first hour of waking, a pattern strongly suggestive of nicotine addiction. Based on learners’ vaping behaviour, the study estimates that up to 61% of the sampled high school learners who vape might be seriously dependent on nicotine. An outdated and unregulated legal framework Both failures share a common thread: South Africa’s legal framework has not kept up. The Tobacco Products Control Act dates from 1993, was last meaningfully amended in 2008, and is a generation behind the global frontier of tobacco control. The health warnings on cigarette packs date from the mid-1990s, indoor smoking is permitted in designated areas of many establishments and point-of-sale tobacco advertising is rampant. The tools that have driven smoking down elsewhere are not being used effectively here. Additionally, outside a small excise tax, no regulations apply to e-cigarettes. The regulatory vacuum allows aggressive vape-related marketing, particularly on social media and at retail outlets, to reach adolescents with minimal restriction. The Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, stalled since 2018, would close both gaps, modernise South Africa’s tobacco laws and bring e-cigarettes under regulation for the first time. It is strongly opposed by the tobacco and vaping industries. That opposition is itself revealing. Strong, well-implemented legislation reduces smoking and vaping. That is good for public health and bad for industry profits. Rogue industry behaviour facilitated by poor government decisions Price is the single most effective tool for reducing smoking, especially among young people, who are most price-sensitive. South Africa has effectively disarmed itself on this front. Since 2010, tobacco excise has risen only with inflation, leaving cigarettes no less affordable in real terms for a decade and a half. The treasury’s reluctance to push harder reflects a ballooning illicit market that accounts for about 60% of cigarettes sold in South Africa. This market was seeded by the 2014 dismantling of specialised Sars units pursuing illicit manufacturers, then supercharged by the government’s ill-considered tobacco sales ban in 2020, which drove legal smokers into the illicit market en masse. Many never came back. The result is a self-reinforcing trap. Cheap, untaxed cigarettes remain widely available, including to teenagers. The new Sars commissioner’s planned Track-and-Trace system for cigarettes is a meaningful step towards restoring the credibility of excise policy. It is early days but it is the first serious signal in years that the state intends to reclaim ground it has long since ceded. A choice for government The question for the South African government is whether it will prioritise the health of South Africans or keep pandering to industries whose business model depends on disguising addiction as flavour, innovation and choice. This is not only a health issue; it is an economic and developmental one. For the millions of South Africans smoking, every year of policy inertia means more premature deaths, more bereaved families and mounting pressure on a stretched public health system. For the young South Africans being drawn into nicotine addiction through vaping, it means a health-harming habit that can last a lifetime. On both fronts, the country is paying in deepening cycles of poor health and a non-communicable disease burden it can ill afford. Sam Filby is a research officer at the Research Unit on the Economics of Excisable Products (Reep) at the University of Cape Town. Professor Corné van Walbeek is the director of Reep.
Siya TsewueNCA
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'Totally hooked': Hong Kong targets claw machine addiction
'Totally hooked': Hong Kong targets claw machine addiction Siya Tsewu Sun, 05/31/2026 - 04:02 HONG KONG - Claw machine lover Neiki Lee carefully lowers the metal jaws of a crane with a joystick into a pool of prizes, only to have the small toy slip from its clutches again and again. Dozens of stores filled with claw machines have sprung up on streets and in malls across Hong Kong's finance hub in recent years, promising players a treasure trove of prizes and a sense of fulfilment. The colourfully lit machines, often seen drawing people like moths to a flame, have come under regulatory scrutiny this month, as officials raised addiction concerns over the seemingly harmless games. Lee, 48, admitted that she was "totally hooked" and that "this is definitely gambling", adding that she bets at least five Hong Kong dollars every time she attempts to win a higher-value plush toy. - 'Sunk cost fallacy' - An office clerk, Lee said she has spent around HK$100,000 (US$12,800) on claw machines over two years, roughly half her annual salary. AFP | Peter PARKS "For a HK$70 toy, you might eventually spend 700, or even 1,700, and still not be able to grab it," Lee told AFP. "I really want to give it up. Every day I scold myself and tell myself to quit: no more, no more." Player Tommy Yu, 23, said he sometimes spends hundreds of dollars a day on it despite saying some machines have "traps" built in. "When you put money in but don't get anything back, you feel like you've lost out," he said. "Yet it keeps driving you to play." Gambling counsellor Chu Ho Ming told AFP that "the more (the players) invest, the harder it is to leave empty-handed and walk away". "This is the sunk cost fallacy," he said, adding that "it keeps the addictive behaviour loop". Chu said his team has noticed an increase in youth playing games with "gambling elements". - Too late? - Claw machine operators have been able to expand and operate largely unrestricted, after a court ruled in 2022 that they are not required to possess public entertainment licenses. AFP | Peter PARKS But after a sharp rise in the number of public complaints related to so-called claw machine gambling over the last two years, Hong Kong authorities proposed this month to tighten regulations over prize-based arcades, calling the situation after the 2022 ruling "not ideal". The design and business models of such gaming machines are "extremely diverse", officials said, adding that they were committed to tackle the "deep-seated issues". Some lawmakers have suggested capping the prize value at HK$300 or below, in line with countries including Britain and Singapore. Matthew Chan, who owns three claw machine shops in town, told AFP tighter regulation was needed as the industry "was heading in the wrong direction". AFP | Peter PARKS Chan bemoaned the government's slowness to act, citing that Taiwan's machines must offer a "guaranteed prize" if a certain amount of money is spent. "The market already saw a downsize... (Hong Kong's) consumers have lost confidence in it," he said, adding that some machine operators were ramping up the difficulty and keeping players hooked. But player Lee said she believed operators would find ways to evade any regulation enacted. "It's impossible that a law... can be applied in a way that is both flawless and fair" for the industry, she said. "It is difficult to root out addiction problems simply by passing a law." By William Patterson Article by AFP
News24 South Africa
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News24 | Slain KZN officer laid to rest, SAPS vows justice will be done
A KwaZulu-Natal Crime Intelligence police officer, who succumbed to injuries sustained during a deadly ambush in Mount Edgecombe, was laid to rest at his home in Amatikwe, Inanda, on Saturday.
Bafana Bafana’s departure to Mexico postponed due to visa delays
Bafana Bafana’s FIFA World Cup 2026 journey has hit a bump in the road. SABC News has reliably learnt that the team had to postpone its departure for Mexico due to visa issues. The team was supposed to leave from OR Tambo International Airport on a chartered flight early on Sunday morning. A reliable source says the travel arrangements had to be postponed because several players have not been issued with visas yet. The cause is apparently an administrative bungle. Bafana Bafana are scheduled to play a warm-up against Jamaica in Mexico before they take on the World Cup co-hosts in the opening match of the tournament on the 11th of June. SABC News has reliably learnt that Bafana Bafana has had to postpone it’s departure for Mexico due to Visa issues. Several players have reportedly not been issued with Visa’s yet. Bafana are scheduled to play a warm up match against Jamaica before the start of the WC #SabcNews — Lopang (@LopangAlamu) May 30, 2026
Ross RocheThe Citizen
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URC result: Leinster destroy Lions to set up Stormers semifinal
Ruthless Leinster rebounded from their recent Champions Cup heartbreak by destroying the Lions 59-10 in their United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-final at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday night. The hosts were brilliant, while the visitors were unfortunately error prone, with a first ever play-off appearance seeming too much for the Lions as they made a number of uncharacteristic errors, particularly in their kicking game, which proved massively costly. The win secured a home semifinal for the competition defending champs against the Stormers, who beat Cardiff in their quarter-final, next weekend in Ireland. Fast start In the match Leinster got off to a fast start, taking a 14-0 lead after just 14 minutes which was ominous for the visitors. First after good play in the Lions 22m, they ran out of defenders, as a long pass was sent wide to hooker Dan Sheehan hanging out on the wing, with him running in untouched for the opening score. Five minutes later Leinster were back in the Lions half and attacking into the 22m, where good soft hands from flyhalf Sam Prendergast saw him hold up the ball and put fullback Hugo Keenan into a gap and over, with Prendergast adding the extras again. But the Lions then showed some valiant defence, as Leinster continued to dominate play, but were held out well. The Lions made some poor mistakes, particularly kicking the ball out directly a few times, and also at lineout time, but their scrum was a big positive for them and got on top of the hosts. In the 35th minute Leinster prop Tom Clarkson was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle on Nico Steyn, after he flipped the scrumhalf onto his head. That allowed the Lions to kick to the corner, secure the lineout and maul, with it stopped short, but they got onto the line and outside centre Henco van Wyk picked up and dived over from close range. The usually dead eye Chris Smith saw his conversion attempt hit the post and bounce across, and the Lions received a further blow when Leinster went straight up the other end from the kick-off and lock James Ryan crashed over on the halftime hooter to give them a 21-5 lead at the break. Game over Straight after the restart Leinster basically ended any hopes the Lions may have had by scoring their second try while down to 14 men, as they slowly built up an attack into the Lions half and found space out wide where loose forward Scott Penney went over in the corner. The hosts then scored an incredibly lucky try adding another hammer blow to the Lions, as while making a tackle the ball came off flank Max Deegan’s shoulder and rebounded forward where Prendergast caught the ball in space and raced away to make it 33-5 after 46 minutes. Things went from bad to worse for the Lions in the 53rd minute when fullback Quan Horn was yellow carded for a deliberate knock-on, with Leinster kicking to the corner, getting close and replacement hooker Gus McCarthy went over for the converted try. There was some joy for the Lions as they hit back straight from the restart, getting the ball back and replacement scrumhalf Haashim Pead popped a lovely chip over the Leinster defensive line, with Van Wyk chasing, kicking ahead and scoring, but unfortunately was also injured when tackled while scoring. That was unfortunately as good as it got for the Lions as wings Jimmy O’Brien and James Lowe went over in their respective corners, with Prendergast slotting the touchline conversions to push them over the 50 point mark in the 68th minute. Leinster then finished with a flourish, as Louw extended his try scoring record for the club that he had registered with his first try, as he went over in the corner on the fulltime hooter. Scorers Leinster: Tries – Dan Sheehan, Hugo Keenan, James Ryan, Scott Penny, Sam Prendergast, Gus McCarthy, Jimmy O’Brien, James Lowe (2); Conversions – Prendergast (7) Lions: Tries – Henco van Wyk (2)
Baphelele MalindisaSABC News
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Ramaphosa to host Kenya’s Ruto on State visit to SA
President Cyril Ramaphosa will host Kenyan President William Ruto on a State Visit to South Africa later next week. Ruto will be in the country from the 3rd to the 5th of June, with official engagements taking place at the Union Buildings on Thursday. The visit is expected to focus on strengthening political and economic ties between the two countries. A South Africa/Kenya Business Forum aimed at boosting trade, investment and business cooperation in key sectors will also be held in Midrand. Video| SA-Kenya State Visit I Presidents Ramaphosa, Ruto strengthen ties
PSG beat Arsenal on penalties to retain Champions League title
Paris Saint-Germain claimed back-to-back Champions League triumphs with a 4-3 shoot-out win over Arsenal following a 1-1 draw after extra time on Saturday in Budapest, with Eberechi Eze and Gabriel missing from the spot. Arsenal fall at the last hurdle again Mikel Arteta’s Premier League champions showed great resilience to take the game beyond 120 minutes, but fell to a second final defeat, 20 years after their first in Paris against Barcelona. Luis Enrique’s side became only the second besides Real Madrid to win the competition in consecutive years in the Champions League era. PSG building a dynasty? PSG’s first triumph was 55 years in the making, 14 of those under Qatari ownership, the second could start what they hope is an era of dominance and dynasty-building. Luis Enrique rebuilt the team swiftly and efficiently, removing the club’s superstars and building a cohesive and committed attacking side, capable of shredding opposition with terrifying pace. It was the Spaniard’s third Champions League triumph, making him one of only five coaches to complete a hat-trick — the first coming with Barcelona in 2015. For a while it looked unlikely as Kai Havertz powered Arsenal ahead after six minutes but Ousmane Dembele’s penalty midway through the second half took a tight game to extra time and ultimately penalties. Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber was fit after a groin injury but his rust from over two months out led Arteta to deploy Cristhian Mosquera out of position at right-back. The coach also opted for Havertz in attack over Viktor Gyokeres, and for an hour it seemed like his calls would pay off. Luis Enrique selected 10 of the side which demolished Inter Milan 5-0 in last year’s final as PSG finally lifted the trophy they so badly craved. In Arsenal’s only prior final German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was sent off in the opening stages as they were defeated by Barcelona in Paris in 2006. Havertz strikes first They got off to a far better start at the Puskas Arena, with Lehmann’s compatriot Havertz firing the Gunners ahead after just six minutes. Havertz, who scored the winning goal in Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League final victory, could not believe his luck after Marquinhos’s attempted clearance hit Leandro Trossard and bounced into his path. The forward galloped into open space behind PSG’s defence and towards Matvey Safonov’s goal. Havertz had a tight angle to overcome but rifled a strike into the roof of the net. It was the worst possible start for PSG against a miserly Arsenal side who had conceded just six goals on the run to the final. Their disciplined defending kept the Parisians at bay with consummate ease, as Luis Enrique’s side controlled the ball but could not break through Arsenal’s defensive bastion. Gabriel Magalhaes made an excellent last-ditch challenge to pick Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s pocket. The dynamic Georgian has been the tournament’s best player but in the first half was not allowed room to breathe. The French champions appealed for a penalty when Bukayo Saka bungled an attempted clearance and the ball hit both his arms, but referee Daniel Siebert was unmoved. Fighting back PSG were reduced to frustrated pot-shots from distance and after the break moved the ball quicker to try and destabilise Arsenal’s rearguard. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya saved from Achraf Hakimi’s bouncing free-kick before Kvaratskhelia finally had his say. After the winger’s slick one-two with Dembele, Mosquera bundled him down in the box with a clumsy foul. Dembele sent Raya the wrong way with a low penalty to level, with PSG fans igniting several flares in celebration. It was their 45th goal of the competition, matching the all-time record. PSG almost set a new one when Kvaratskhelia hurtled down the left but teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly deflected his shot against the post. Substitute Bradley Barcola fired a fine chance wide on the break before extra time, as the French side threatened frequently, a tiring Arsenal suddenly giving them too much space. The Gunners pleaded for a penalty of their own when substitute Noni Madueke went down under pressure from Nuno Mendes, but it would have been harsh on the PSG defender whom the winger was pulling. To a shoot-out it went, with PSG confident after already claiming three trophies on penalties this season, and winning their last five. They also took the first spot kick, and at the end in front of their own supporters. Arsenal blinked first, with Ebereche Eze firing wide but Raya then saved from PSG’s Mendes. Declan Rice drilled home to level at 2-2. After Lucas Beraldo put the Ligue 1 winners 4-3 up, Arsenal defender Gabriel was left with the fifth kick for his side and lashed it high over the crossbar to hand PSG the trophy.
PSG retain Champions League title with shoot-out win over Arsenal
Paris St Germain (PSG) retained their Champions League title with a penalty shoot-out victory over Arsenal after a 1-1 draw in a cagey final in the Puskas Arena on Saturday. Arsenal’s Gabriel blazed his penalty over the crossbar to give PSG a 4-3 victory on spot kicks. The French champions made the worst possible start after Kai Havertz fired Arsenal into the lead in the sixth minute, lashing a rising shot past PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov. It looked like PSG would find no way through the meanest defence in Europe but Ousmane Dembele levelled from the penalty spot in the 65th minute after a foul by Cristhian Mosquera on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. A scrappy period of extra time could not separate the sides but PSG held their nerve in the shootout to become the second club in the Champions League era to win the trophy in successive seasons.
Lotto resultsThe Citizen
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Daily Lotto and Daily Lotto Plus results: Saturday, 30 May 2026
Get the Daily Lotto and Daily Lotto Plus results as soon as they are drawn on The Citizen , so you can rest easy and check your tickets with confidence. Estimated Daily Lotto and Daily Lotto Plus jackpots for Saturday, 30 May 2026: Daily Lotto: R400 000 Daily Lotto Plus: R100 000 Daily Lotto and Daily Lotto Plus results for 30 May 2026: The winning Daily Lotto numbers will appear below after the draw. Usually, within 10 minutes of the draw. You might need to refresh the page to see the updated results. Daily Lotto: 05, 09, 10, 16, 24. Daily Lotto Plus: 01, 15, 17, 24, 31. For more details and to verify the Daily Lotto results, visit the National Lottery website . How to play Daily Lotto in SA? If you are buying a ticket in-store: Pick up a betslip in any lottery store. Choose five numbers between 1 and 36 or ask for a Quick Pick. Entries cost R3 each. You can play a max of R150, but you are allowed to play multiple boards. Select how many consecutive draws you wish to enter, up to a maximum of 10. Leave blank for a single draw. Take your betslip to the teller to pay for your ticket. Write your details on the back of your ticket in case you need to claim a prize. If you do not sign your ticket and you lose it, anyone can use it to claim the prize. If you are playing online: Set up a lottery account here and make a deposit to pay for tickets. Choose five numbers from 1 to 36 or select ‘Quick Pick’ to generate a random set. Repeat this on as many boards as you want to play. Decide whether to enter a single draw or multiple draws. Confirm and pay for your entry. What time is the Daily Lotto draw? The Daily Lotto draws take place shortly after 8:30pm every evening, and tickets can be bought until 8:30pm.
ReutersSABC News
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Trump could recall Freedom 250 concerts in D.C. after artists bail
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday he is considering canceling a planned series of concerts on Washington’s National Mall commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary after a string of artists withdrew from the event and replacing them with a speech and political-style rally instead. The concerts were planned as part of the larger Great American State Fair, a 16-day event running from June 25 to July 10, 2026. Organizers said the fair, organized by the Freedom 250 group, would stretch on the National Mall from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument, with concert stages, state pavilions, exhibits, rides, and other attractions spread across the mall. But the musical lineup has been hit by a series of cancellations. On Friday, Bret Michaels, the lead singer of the rock band Poison, became the fifth performer to withdraw from the concerts, saying that the event was not the nonpartisan celebration that he thought it would be. Organizers have not publicly detailed the reasons for the departures, though the exits have raised questions about the viability of the event as originally envisioned. In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump suggested the concert series may no longer be necessary if performers continue to back out. He floated the possibility of giving a speech on the National Mall instead, portraying himself as a more powerful draw than any musical act. “The fact is that I am, according to many, the Number One Attraction anywhere in the World,” Trump wrote. He added that he gets “much larger audiences than Elvis in his prime” and “does so without a guitar.” “The president said he is “ordering my Representatives to look at the feasibility of doing an AMERICA IS BACK Rally.” Freedom 250 is a public-private partnership created by the White House to coordinate celebrations of the United States’ 250th anniversary alongside federal agencies. It remains unclear whether replacement musicians will be recruited, or whether Trump’s proposal to substitute a rally for the performances is being seriously considered by organizers. Video | Donald Trump invites MMA fighters to battle it out on White House grounds
Oratile MashiloThe Citizen
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In case you missed it: Cradock Four documents | Spaza shops gets millions | Parole monitoring criticism
In the news today, the Department of Defence is facing renewed scrutiny over claims that it is withholding documents linked to the murder of the Cradock Four. Meanwhile, the government has approved nearly R180 million in support for thousands of spaza shops despite widespread compliance challenges among applicants. Furthermore, Correctional Services has defended its monitoring systems after criticism over the management of parole absconders. Weather tomorrow: 31 May 2026 The SA weather service warned of isolated showers and rain has been forecast over parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, while much of the country can expect fine and cool conditions on Sunday, 31 May. Full weather forecast here . Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. Defence accused of hiding Cradock Four secrets Sicelo Mhlawuli, Fort Calata, Matthew Goniwe and Sparrow Mkhonto, collectively known as the Cradock Four, were buried in Cradock on 20 July 1985. Picture: Gallo Images The Department of Defence has been accused of withholding key documents linked to the 1985 murders of the Cradock Four. Families and legal representatives believe the records could help uncover the full truth about the apartheid-era killings. The application follows allegations that the Department of Defence failed to comply with a court order issued by Judge President Enoch Beshe during the reopened Cradock Four inquest, directing the department to disclose military and intelligence records related to the case. The documents remain classified under apartheid-era legislation enacted by the former South African Defence Force (SADF), despite SA’s transition to democracy more than three decades ago. CONTINUE READING: Department of defence accused of hiding Cradock Four murder secrets Millions approved for spaza shops Picture: Supplied The government has approved R179.6 million in funding for more than 2 300 spaza shops through the Spaza Shop Support Fund. The funding forms part of the R500 million spaza shop support fund launched last year by the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DITC) to strengthen South African-owned spaza shops operating in townships and rural communities. However, many applications were unsuccessful because businesses failed to meet compliance and registration requirements. Authorities say the programme aims to strengthen township and rural economies while encouraging formalisation. CONTINUE READING : Millions approved for spaza shop support fund but hundreds fail compliance checks DCS defends parole monitoring Image used for illustration. Picture: Polokwane Review The Department of Correctional Services has rejected criticism over its handling of parolees and community corrections. The department says it has systems in place to trace and monitor offenders and disputes claims that supervision measures are ineffective. DCS said public interest in parole supervision and public safety was important, but warned that discussions on the issue should be based on “balance, context and factual accuracy”. It said several cases referenced in the article had already been addressed publicly through media briefings, operational updates and criminal justice processes involving the South African Police Service (Saps). The response follows concerns raised about parole absconders and oversight of offenders in the community. CONTINUE READING: Tracing, tracking and compliance: DCS responds to parole criticism Mkhwanazi named Newsmaker KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Picture: South African Police Service KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has been named the National Press Club’s 2025 Newsmaker of the Year. Mkhwanazi has dominated headlines since his July 2025 media briefing, in which he alleged that a sophisticated criminal syndicate has infiltrated South Africa’s criminal justice system. Following his media briefing, President Cyril Ramaphosa established the Madlanga commission , which has resulted in the arrest of several law enforcement officials. The commission resumes on Monday. Accepting the award, Mkhwanazi dedicated the recognition to his colleagues, emphasising that true service is defined not by awards but by integrity, courage, and a commitment to protecting the people of South Africa. CONTINUE READING: ‘This award must never be misunderstood,’ says 2025 Newsmaker of the Year Mkhwanazi Wife jailed for murder plot Picture: iStock Ntabiseng Tlali, 42, and Lineo Ralitsa, 39, have each been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Pretoria High Court sitting in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court for the murder of Tlali’s husband, David Malewa Tlali. The court heard that the two women, both from Boipatong, worked together to arrange the killing. Prosecutors said Tlali turned to Ralitsa in June 2024 for assistance in finding people to carry out the murder. National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said Ralitsa subsequently contacted a former boyfriend, who helped recruit two men from Lesotho. The pair arrived at Ralitsa’s home on 11 August 2024 and remained there overnight before the murder was carried out. Mahanjana said Tlali later informed Ralitsa by telephone that her husband had arrived at their home, prompting the next stage of the plan. CONTINUE READING: Wife and friend sentenced for plotting her husband’s murder Yesterday’s News recap READ HERE: In case you missed it: 2nd blast hits Woolworths | IFP councillor shot dead | ANC ‘incompetence’ a smokescreen
Water expert and former Director – General of Water and Sanitation Prof. Mike Muller has welcomed Rand Water’s maintenance programme, saying routine upkeep is essential to ensure long-term water supply reliability. Phase one of its maintenance programme began on Friday and is expected to continue until 2nd June, with phase two set for 17th July. Rand Water acknowledges that some areas will experience little to no water supply during the maintenance period. Muller warned that ageing and leaking infrastructure continues to place pressure on the province’s water system. “This kind of maintenance for 12 or 24 hours actually doesn’t need to even interrupt water supply if we have enough reservoirs in the cities and towns which are supplied by Rand Water to maintain the services while the tap is switched off. But I think what we found is that the population has grown very fast.” Meanwhile, Joburg Water says it has deployed both roving and stationary water tankers to areas affected by the ongoing water infrastructure maintenance programme across greater Johannesburg. Affected areas include Roodepoort, Soweto and Sandton. Joburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala says priority is given to schools, hospitals and informal settlements. She urged residents to report any water-related challenges to the utility. “Community members can either contact their councillors; they can also call Johannesburg Water or reach us through our social media platforms. We take complaints very seriously and are against any misconduct. We will investigate that,” says Shabalala.
Jarryd WesterdaleThe Citizen
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Rand Water maintenance shutdown update: Here’s how long supply restoration could take
Rand Water’s planned maintenance is underway and Johannesburg residents are warned to prepare for service disruptions. Phase one of Rand Water’s planned maintenance on the systems servicing Midrand, Sandton, Randburg, as well as the southern, western and central regions of the city, is set for completion by 2 June. The entity and Johannesburg Water stated that the restoration of water supply could take up to five days in some areas. As of Saturday afternoon, the Eikenhof and Zwartkoppies were pumping at 100%, while the Palmiet system was pumping at 89%, in line with the announced programme . “The entity will implement necessary interventions to manage the systems and assist in recovery to affected areas,” Johannesburg Water stated. Johannesburg CBD supply Water tankers have been stationed in affected areas and residents may also make use of self-help water collection points at Johannesburg Water depots. The entity has prioritised hospitals, clinics and old age homes for alternative supply, and tankers will be shuffled according to supply constraints. “Water restoration takes time. Reservoirs must refill, pressure must recover, and the network must stabilise. “Direct-feed areas typically recover first, while higher-lying areas may take longer,” Johannesburg Water stated. Reservoirs supplying the CBD and inner city were empty as of Saturday afternoon, with the Parktown 2, Hector Norris, Alexander Park and Yeoville sites most affected. “Outlets have been closed to allow storage levels to recover once supply is restored. “This controlled approach is necessary to rebuild capacity within the system and support a stable recovery,” the entity stated. Sandton and Midrand The Commando system is slowly building capacity, with Johannesburg Water focusing on the two Hursthill reservoirs. Additionally, the Brixton reservoir is closed, while the Brixton reservoir was not pumping due to low storage levels. The South Hills tower servicing Oakdene, Rosettenville, Tulisa Park and the surrounds is also empty, with water tankers scattered throughout the affected areas. In the northern and eastern parts of the city, the Illovo tower is empty, while the Randjeslaagte reservoir although expected to improve gradually. The Linksfield reservoir outlet is closed in order to build capacity, with the Grand Central and Randjesfontein supply points were “showing resilience”. Eslewhere, the Rabie Ridge, Erand, President Park and Diepsloot reservoirs were low to empty, with capacity slowly building. “Further updates will be provided as system recovery progresses,” Johannesburg Water concluded.
News DigitalSABC News
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Metrobus to reduce services from Monday due to fuel hikes
Johannesburg’s Metrobus is to reduce its services from Monday due to financial constraints and the rise in diesel costs. In a notice to commuters, the bus service says it has experienced sustained budget reductions over the past years and that the increase in diesel costs have made matters worse. The cutback will include reduced off-peak services on selected routes and fewer trips during low-demand periods. Commuters are advised to check the route and timetable changes on the Metrobus website or at depots and terminals. METROBUS NOTICE TO COMMUTERS: TEMPORARY SERVICE REDUCTIONS! Reductions to Metrobus Services – From 1 June 2026 A LIST OF ADDITIONAL AFFECTED ROUTES WILL FOLLOW. #JoburgUpdates #JoburgServices pic.twitter.com/zq6IOhO87a — Joburg Metrobus (@JoburgMetrobus) May 30, 2026 Video | New payment system provokes Joburg Metrobus commuters
Carolyn Silverman, Emily Nicolle and Demetrios Pogkas, BloombergMoneyweb
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Nine crypto whales dominate polymarket disputes worth billions
A handful of UMA token holders effectively decide disputed prediction market bets worth billions of dollars.
SABCSABC News
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Three gang-affiliated suspects arrested in Athlone
Police in the Western Cape have arrested three gang-affiliated suspects during an intelligence-driven operation linked to the attempted murder of a police officer in Athlone earlier this month. Officers recovered a stolen vehicle, a firearm and ammunition. Spokesperson FC Van Wyk says a 27-year-old suspect was traced and arrested after they received information about a hijacking during which two women were robbed o f a vehicle . Van Wyk says the vehicle was later recovered and confirmed to have been stolen in Hermanus. He says information provided by the suspect led officers to a premises in Kewtown, where a shotgun and ammunition were recovered. Two women were also arrested in connection with the stolen vehicle and detained in Hermanus. All suspects are expected to appear in court soon. Video| WC Crime | Police search for suspects in Athlone shootings
Sunshine, fog and scattered showers forecast for Sunday
Isolated showers and rain have been forecast over parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, while much of the country can expect fine and cool conditions on Sunday, 31 May. Here is what the weather is expected to be tomorrow, according to the South African Weather Service (Saws). Weather warnings for 31 May 2026 “An intense cut-off low is expected to affect the Eastern Cape from Wednesday to Friday. The public and all small stock farmers are advised that the combination of snow, heavy rain, flooding, very cold conditions and very rough seas can be expected,” Saws said. Provincial weather forecast Here’s what to expect in your province on 31 May: Gauteng: It will be partly cloudy and cool, but warm in the extreme north. Mpumalanga: Expect morning fog patches over the Highveld. Otherwise, it will be partly cloudy and cool to warm with isolated showers and rain along the escarpment and over the Lowveld. Limpopo: Morning fog patches are expected over the central parts, otherwise it will be partly cloudy and cool with isolated showers and rain. North West: Fine and cool weather awaits, becoming partly cloudy in the afternoon. Free State: It will be a fine and cool day. Northern Cape: Expect cloudy conditions with morning fog along the coast, otherwise it will be fine and cool to warm, becoming partly cloudy in the north-east during the afternoon. Western Cape: Morning fog is expected over the southern parts, otherwise it will be fine to partly cloudy and cool to warm. Eastern Cape (western half): There will be fog over the adjacent interior at first, otherwise it will be fine and warm. Eastern Cape (eastern half): Expect fog over the adjacent interior at first, otherwise it will be fine and warm. KwaZulu-Natal: It will be cloudy with morning fog patches over the interior, otherwise it will be partly cloudy and cool with isolated showers and rain over the north-eastern parts.
Zanele ZunguMoneyweb
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The first 90 days: How to protect your wealth after resignation or retrenchment
The goal is to create the mental and financial space needed to make informed choices that could become a powerful catalyst for financial growth.
Lebogang PebeSABC News
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Molosankwe family says slain activist fought social ills despite risk
The family of slain Social Activist Thato Molosankwe say while he always knew that he would lose his life ‘under the barrel of a gun’, it did not stop him from raising his voice and standing up against the social ills plaguing his community. Molosankwe was killed in a hail of bullets in Lomanyaneng Village in Mahikeng last week. He received a hero’s farewell on Saturday attended by scores of mourners, including government dignitaries, religious leaders and members of Operation Dudula. He was laid to rest in the Heroes Acre at the Matlalong Cemetery in Mahikeng. Molosankwe’s daughter Kgosigadi Lefakane bid him a sombre farewell. VISUALS | The coffin carrying the remains of social activist Thatho Molosankwe has arrived for his funeral service in the North West. Mourners have gathered at the Mmabatho Convention Centre to pay their final respects. Molosankwe was shot and killed at his home in Lomanyaneng… pic.twitter.com/mAmBkEcjUk — SABC News (@SABCNews) May 30, 2026 “I hate that the people who took your life took something so precious from us. I hate the way that you died. But we serve a just God, and I believe that the people who did this to you will be punished. I hope where you are you are resting in peace, but I am also happy that you died for what you believed in” said Lefakane. Video | Molosankwe Funeral | Thato Molosankwe funeral under way in Mahikeng Video | Molosankwe Funeral | Funeral service for NW anti-crime activist Thato Molosankwe
Ross RocheThe Citizen
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URC result: Stormers overpower Cardiff to make semifinals
The Stormers were powered by their imperious scrum, as they overpowered a game Cardiff team 44-21 in their United Rugby Championship (URC) quarterfinal at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday afternoon. It was a superb all-round performance at the set piece for the Stormers , as their scrum fired, their lineout was solid, and they scored a couple of maul tries in a strong showing in front of a packed home support. But Cardiff showed that making the URC playoffs was no fluke, with them scoring the first try of the match, and were well in the hunt with the score 26-21 going into the final quarter, before the Stormers pulled away with two late tries and penalties. The Stormers enjoyed a strong start to the match, with their scrum dominating from the start, but both teams had chances in each other’s 22m in the first 15 minutes, but the respective defences held strong. Cardiff then broke the deadlock in the 19 th minute with a fortuitous score, after defending on their own line for a spell. Intercept try Stormers scrumhalf Imad Khan tried to flick the ball out wide, only for Cardiff wing Jacob Beetham to snaffle an intercept and sprint away, before putting fullback Cam Winnett over in the corner for the converted score in the 19 th minute. The Stormers hit back five minutes later to level the scores as a few penalties allowed them to kick into the corner, where they secured the lineout, set the maul and forced it over for Andre-Hugo Venter to dot down. In the 29 th minute the hosts took the lead for the first time with a superb lineout move on the Cardiff 5m. Venter threw the ball to flank Ben-Jason Dixon, who gave it to fellow loose forward Paul de Villiers, and he handed it off to rampaging prop Ntuthuko Mchunu on the loop, as he powered over to score, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu adding the extras for a 14-7 lead. In the 32 nd minute Cardiff were finally punished for their creaking scrum, as prop Keiron Assiratti was sent to the bin after repeated scrum penalties. That allowed the Stormers to take advantage and in the 36 th they went further ahead after Ruhan Nel was held up ober the line, with them attacking from the goal line drop out, fullback Damian Willemse fed wing Leolin Zas, for him to bump off a defender and race away to score in the corner. Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s slotted the conversion from the touchline which gave them a 21-7 lead which they took into halftime. Cardiff come back Cardiff got off to a good start in the second half and scored in the 45 th minute, with eighthman Taine Basham attacking off the back of a scrum on the Stormers 5m, and bashing over, with flyhalf Ioan Lloyd adding the extras. But the Stormers hit back seven minutes later, after a poor cross kick from Lloyd was caught by wing Seabelo Senatla, who offloaded to Feinberg-Mngomezulu on the loop and he sprinted away to score, but also injured his ankle dotting down and was replaced by Jurie Mathee, with the score 26-14. In the 60 th minute Cardiff got themselves back into range, as they kicked onto the Stormers 5m, secured the lineout and saw their maul stopped short, before flank James Botham reached over and scored from close range, as they reduced the deficit to five points. However it was all Stormers over the rest of the match, with Cardiff replacement prop Javon Sebastian yellow carded for repeated infringements in the 63 rd minute. The Stormers took immediate advantage, kicking to the corner and setting the maul to rumble over for De Villiers to dot down, while in the 69 th minute Mathee slotted a penalty to put them 34-21 up. Two late scores then added gloss to the scoreline, with replacement hooker JJ Kotze hitting a gap to go over for a converted try, before Mathee added another penalty on the fulltime hooter. Scorers Stormers: Tries – Andre-Hugo Venter, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Leolin Zas, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Paul de Villiers, JJ Kotze; Conversions – Feinberg-Mngomezulu (3), Jurie Mathee; Penalties – Jurie Mathee (2) Cardiff: Tries – Cam Winnett, Taine Basham, James Botham; Conversions – Ioan Lloyd (3)
Ruth Carson and Masaki Kondo, BloombergMoneyweb
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The bond investor who stuck with Venezuela is now reaping reward
GMO’s Tina Vandersteel amassed distressed bonds during the default and is now reaping gains from a dramatic rebound.
Blitzboks beat Spain to reach Valladolid Sevens semifinals
Reigning World Rugby Sevens Series champions and World Championship log leaders, South Africa, blew hot and cold on day two of the Valladolid Sevens in Spain , but are through to the Cup semifinals. The Blitzboks, hamstrung by injuries, lost to Australia in their final Pool A match which meant a Cup quarterfinal against Pool C winners, Spain. The South Africans then beat their hosts 14-12 in a nail-biting match to keep alive their hopes of a fifth consecutive tournament win this season. Video| Blitzboks return World Sevens Series champions
Oratile MashiloThe Citizen
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Tracing, tracking and compliance: DCS responds to parole criticism
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has rejected claims that it has abandoned efforts to trace parole absconders, saying its community corrections system continues to actively monitor offenders and work with law enforcement agencies to track those who violate their release conditions. The department was responding to an amaBhungane article that raised concerns about parole absconders, community corrections and offender monitoring. DCS said public interest in parole supervision and public safety was important, but warned that discussions on the issue should be based on “balance, context and factual accuracy”. It said several cases referenced in the article had already been addressed publicly through media briefings, operational updates and criminal justice processes involving the South African Police Service (Saps). Monitoring and tracing parolees According to the department, Community Corrections, which supervises parolees and probationers, employs 1 764 officials supported by managers across the country. DCS said it maintains active tracking and tracing capabilities in all regions and no longer uses “archived absconders” as an inactive category. “Dedicated regional teams continue to strengthen monitoring and re-apprehension efforts. Therefore, any suggestion that the department has abandoned efforts to trace absconders is incorrect,” the department said. The department explained that parolees and probationers are monitored through office reporting, home visits, employment verification and rehabilitation programmes tailored to individual risk profiles. Community Corrections officials also conduct daily lock-up functions to account for offenders under supervision, with discrepancies immediately investigated. To improve accountability, DCS shares details of parolees and probationers, including their release conditions, with nearby police stations and traditional councils. Families and other relevant stakeholders also receive the contact details of monitoring officials. Recidivism figures challenged “The department is concerned by reliance on anonymous allegations and unverified claims regarding recidivism and operational matters,” it said. The department argued that some figures lacked context and failed to distinguish between technical parole violations, new offences, returns to custody and successful reintegration outcomes. According to DCS, recidivism is measured based on parolees who commit offences during their parole period before the expiry of their sentence. Over the past two years, 5 760 parolees reoffended, resulting in a recidivism rate of 10.98%. “Hence ‘thumb-sucked’ recidivism rates cited without empirical basis remain a serious concern,” the department said. Overcrowding and parole reforms DCS said South Africa’s parole system remains a key component of offender rehabilitation, reintegration and efforts to reduce prison overcrowding . The inmate population currently stands at 168 795, including 106 280 sentenced inmates, 62 092 remand detainees and 423 state patients. With approved bed space of 107 067, the correctional system is operating at 58% overcrowding. The department said a further 52 772 parolees and probationers are currently under Community Corrections supervision. As part of efforts to strengthen the parole system, DCS convened a national parole review summit in September 2025, bringing together criminal justice stakeholders, academics, community organisations, parolees and victims’ representatives. The summit examined challenges in the parole system and proposed reforms aimed at strengthening rehabilitation, monitoring systems, community corrections and public confidence. Operational challenges remain The department acknowledged challenges facing Community Corrections , including budget cuts, limited resources, difficult terrain, security risks in high-crime areas and growing caseloads. However, it said these issues were being addressed through operational reviews, budget reprioritisation and collaboration with security stakeholders. DCS also highlighted recent compliance operations in areas including Inanda, Umlazi, Mamelodi and the Cape Flats. “These operations demonstrate the Department’s commitment to compliance, public safety and offender accountability. No area is regarded as a ‘no-go zone’,” it said. Operational oversight continues through the National Operations Committee, chaired by National Commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, which receives weekly reports from all regions. To bolster capacity, the KwaZulu-Natal region received an additional 48 vehicles on 15 May. DCS maintained that parolees are not left unmonitored and said Community Corrections officials continue to perform supervision duties under often difficult and dangerous conditions. The department added that the matter of electronic monitoring remains before the courts and could not be discussed further because it is sub judice.
Rivaldo Jantjies, BloombergMoneyweb
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Africa startups turn inward as US AI boom drains venture capital
Local investors, debt providers and pension funds are filling a funding gap as global venture capital concentrates in US artificial intelligence firms.
Ditaba TsotetsiSABC News
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Uganda confirms two new Ebola cases in Kampala bringing total to nine
Uganda has confirmed two new Ebola cases in Kampala, bringing the country’s total number of cases to nine as health authorities intensify efforts to contain the outbreak. The latest developments come amid growing regional concern over the worsening Ebola situation in the neighbouring DRC. Uganda’s Health Ministry says the two latest Ebola cases were identified in Kampala and involve Congolese nationals. One patient was quickly isolated after showing symptoms linked to Ebola, while the second had already been identified through contact tracing exposure to an earlier confirmed case. Authorities have also temporarily closed parts of Uganda’s border with eastern DR Congo in a bid to reduce the risk of further imported infections, as concerns grow over movement between the two countries. Video | WHO declares Ebola outbreak a global health emergency Video | Ebola outbreak: Russia sends specialists to Uganda to fight Ebola
Siya TsewueNCA
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South Africans feel the pinch from Middle East war
South Africans feel the pinch from Middle East war Siya Tsewu Sat, 05/30/2026 - 16:27 JOHANNESBURG - The war in the Middle East and external pressures are squeezing South Africans' budgets. This past week, the SA Reserve Bank hiked the repo rate by 25 basis points. Fuel prices continue to rise and food inflation is spiking. New research from TransUnion shows consumers are cutting back on spending, leaning more on credit and dipping into savings just to stay afloat. TransUnion CEO Lee Naik said South African households are under significant pressure. "Most consumers only have a small for the fuel they bought just a month ago. Their purchasing power has dropped by some 14%," Naik said. In practical terms, he said, if someone used to buy 50 litres of fuel, they can now only buy 43 litres of fuel for the same amount of money.
Seth Thorne, GroundUpMoneyweb
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Meet the neighbourhood watch patrolling a river to stop pollution
The Roodekrans Neighbourhood Watch believes water needs to be protected as much as people and property.
SABCSABC News
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NFP expels Mbali Shinga with immediate effect
KwaZulu-Natal National Freedom Party (NFP) chairperson Mbali Shinga has lost her appeal against her expulsion and is effectively no longer a member of the party. Shinga was fired by the NFP in April after she was found guilty on charges of misconduct and gross insubordination. The charges emanated from her defiance of the party’s directive to support the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK Party) sponsored motion of no confidence against Premier Thami Ntuli last year. The NFP acts as the kingmaker in the provincial legislature because it holds a single, decisive seat in an 80-member house where no party achieved a majority in the 2024 elections. NFP secretary-general Sunset Bheki Xaba has confirm e d the expulsion of Shinga. Xaba says in a statement addressed to all structures and members of the party that Shinga was found guilty of misconduct and gross insubordination and expelled from the party with immediate effect. H e says Shinga’s termination as N FP member also effectively terminates her seat in the legislature. Video| Disciplinary hearing could see NFP member expelled
Siya TsewueNCA
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Government receives more FMD vaccines
Government receives more FMD vaccines Siya Tsewu Sat, 05/30/2026 - 16:17 JOHANNESBURG - The Agriculture Department has received another 3.5-million doses of foot-and-mouth disease vaccines. The Biogénesis Bagó jabs take the total doses available to 13.5-million. The delivery comes on the back of a High Court ruling. It ordered Minister John Steenhuisen to allow farmers to buy their own vaccines. Agriculture groups had challenged Steenhuisen's move to ban independent procurement. He wanted to centralise the vaccine rollout programme.
Michele Ramsay, Ananyo ChoudhuryMoneyweb
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Africa has the world’s greatest genetic diversity
Yet it’s missing from research: we’re filling the gap.
Preggie MoodleySABC News
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Liverpool sack Slot after title defence turns into European scramble
Liverpool parted ways with Arne Slot on Saturday after the Dutch manager who won the Premier League title in his first season failed to live up to expectations in a roller-coaster second season where they finished fifth. Former Feyenoord boss Slot replaced Juergen Klopp in 2024 and the Dutchman impressed in his first season as Liverpool won the Premier League title on the back of Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah’s 29 goals and 18 assists in the league. However, his second season at Liverpool transformed from a title defence into a desperate scramble for Champions League qualification while they failed to win a domestic cup, marking a dramatic downturn for the defending champions. Liverpool ended the season in fifth place with 60 points, their lowest tally since the 2015-16 campaign and 25 points behind champions Arsenal and the club said they had to make the “difficult decision” to part ways with the Dutchman. ‘CHANGE IS NECESSARY’ “The contribution Arne has made to Liverpool FC in the time that he has been with us has been significant, meaningful and most importantly of all to supporters and ourselves successful,” Liverpool said in a statement. “From the moment that we first encountered Arne, it was immediately clear that he is an individual who does not merely accept responsibility, he embraces it. “This was evident when he agreed to take over as head coach, when he guided us to the Premier League title and throughout the season just ended when he faced considerable challenges and burdens. “At the same time, we have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward. Again, it must be stressed that this is not a decision which has been reached lightly, anything but.” Liverpool said the process to appoint a successor is under way, with media reports linking Andoni Iraola to the role after the Spaniard guided Bournemouth to sixth in the league as they qualified for the Europa League for the first time. NO TROPHY DESPITE RECORD SPEND Slot was heavily backed in the transfer market last year as Liverpool looked to build on the league title, spending a record £446 million ($600.27 million) which included a British record 125 million pounds for Alexander Isak on deadline day. But Liverpool struggled at both ends of the pitch while their once-feared intensity and pressing game — hallmarks of Slot’s debut season triumph — visibly declined. Isak’s injury problems did not make things easier for the Swedish striker to settle while Florian Wirtz, another expensive attacking recruit at 116 million pounds, did not score his first goal until after Christmas. He finished the season with five league goals. Slot’s relationship with the players also seemed to have broken down when Salah publicly questioned his team selection. Salah accused the club of “throwing me under the bus” while claiming he felt he had been scapegoated for their poor start to the season. The Egyptian forward left the club at the end of the season but not before a parting shot when he urged Liverpool to revive “heavy metal” football and rediscover their attacking identity made famous by Klopp. The writing was on the wall towards the end of the season when he was routinely booed by frustrated Liverpool fans. Slot and the squad also had to contend with the death of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota in a car crash in Spain last year. “He also helped guide the club through one of the most difficult periods imaginable following the loss of Diogo. The compassion and humanity he showed throughout that time said a great deal about him as a person,” the club added. “As such, we can only wish Arne well in the next stage of his coaching career, with our expectation being that he will continue to be successful.”
Oratile MashiloThe Citizen
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Millions approved for spaza shop support fund but hundreds fail compliance checks
The government has approved R179.6 million in funding for more than 2 300 spaza shops across South Africa, despite ongoing compliance and licensing challenges that continue to prevent many applicants from accessing support. The funding forms part of the R500 million spaza shop support fund launched last year by the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DITC) to strengthen South African-owned spaza shops operating in townships and rural communities. Speaking during a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday, Department of Small Business Development Director-General Thulisile Manzini said the programme continues to attract significant interest from small business owners nationwide. “Since implementation, the fund has continued to gain traction, reflecting the scale of demand for the fund. “To date, 4,522 complete applications have been received nationally, of which 4,240 have been assessed,” said Manzini. More than 2 300 businesses approved The Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) had approved 1 316 applications worth R79.6 million, while the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) approved 1 053 enterprises valued at R99.9 million. Together, the two implementing agencies have approved support for 2 369 businesses. The approved funding covers stock purchases, point-of-sale devices, infrastructure upgrades, inventory support and other business improvements. Beneficiaries also receive non-financial business development support aimed at improving sustainability and competitiveness. Manzini said businesses that successfully complete verification and compliance processes have been fully supported. “For applications that have completed the verification and compliance process and meet all programme requirements, approval rates remain at 100%, demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting qualifying South African-owned spaza shops,” she said. Licensing remains a major obstacle Despite the programme’s progress, compliance remains a significant challenge for many applicants. According to Manzini, only 58% of applicants are linked to valid business licences or temporary permits issued by municipalities. “As a result, a significant number of applications remain unable to progress until licensing and compliance requirements have been addressed,” she said. Verification and site inspections have also uncovered several irregularities. “As part of ensuring the integrity of the programme, site visits and verification processes have identified 354 applications that could not proceed due to non-compliance, including non-existent businesses, ownership discrepancies, and inconsistencies between applicants and operators,” Manzini said. She stressed that the fund is reserved for South African-owned spaza shops and that strict due diligence measures are in place to prevent abuse. “Only applicants who meet ownership, compliance and operational requirements, and who possess valid trading permits or licences, are approved. “The due diligence processes applied to the programme are specifically designed to identify and mitigate risks such as fronting,” Manzini added. Focus on inclusion and sustainability The department said the fund is also contributing to the government’s transformation goals. According to Manzini, 43% of approved enterprises are women-owned, while 18% are youth-owned businesses and 2% are owned by persons with disabilities. “This demonstrates the fund’s contribution towards broadening economic participation and supporting greater inclusion within township and rural economies,” she said. Beyond funding, SEDFA and the NEF continue to provide training and compliance support covering financial management, digital literacy, point-of-sale systems, credit management, regulatory compliance and business formalisation. The government will also roll out a nationwide outreach and awareness campaign from June to encourage more qualifying spaza shop owners to apply and assist businesses that still need to meet compliance requirements. “The spaza shop support fund forms part of the government’s broader commitment to strengthening township economies, supporting informal businesses, creating employment opportunities, and expanding economic participation within local communities. “Through targeted support for women, young entrepreneurs and other designated groups, the Fund contributes to building a more inclusive and representative economy while advancing the objectives of economic transformation and localisation,” Manzini concluded.
Michael MdluliSABC News
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Kruger National Park is still one of the safest places in SA: Aucamp
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment Willie Aucamp says a lot is being done to ensure the safety of tourists in the Kruger National Park . Aucamp says they will not only deploy additional rangers in certain strategic areas of the park but also use the latest technology to enhance the safety of visitors. This comes after the recent murder of a couple, Ernst Marais and his wife, Dina in the park. They were allegedly stabbed to death in a river close to Crooks’ Corner in the secluded northern Pafuri section of the park. Aucamp spoke to the members of the media ahead of Saturday night’s launch of the Kruger National Park’s centenary celebration in the Skukuza Rest Camp. Our heritage. Our future. Kruger National Park — 100 years of managing one of Africa’s greatest natural treasures, and building a future where people and nature thrive together. #Kruger100 #Next100 #KNP100 #KrugerCentenary pic.twitter.com/7lXELV4KHk — SANParks (@SANParks) May 29, 2026 “I firmly believe that the Kruger National Park is still one of the safest, if not the safest place in the country. And we should not let the people that committed this heinous crime win. If we are going to stay away, they will win. The Kruger National Park has always been safe. We have always had a lot of safety measures in place. Once you drive through our gates and you get your permit and you go through that security, everybody that’s done that before will know that there’s a lot of security. Our rangers that are in the field, our dog units, our helicopters, our technology that we’ve got, that’s always been there. And that is maybe why in 100 years only once did this happen,” said Aucamp, Video | Kruger National Park | The rangers who saw It change, survive, thrive
Siya TsewueNCA
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Babita Deokaran's family is not backing down
Babita Deokaran's family is not backing down Siya Tsewu Sat, 05/30/2026 - 15:11 JOHANNESBURG - The slain whistleblower's brother has said they will not stop speaking out until justice is done. They are demanding that the true masterminds behind her death be brought to book. Deokaran was gunned down after exposing widespread, systemic tender corruption at Tembisa Hospital. The SIU is tightening its grip on those involved, securing preservation orders against syndicate members. The SIU report reveals that Tembisa Hospital was completely hijacked by greedy officials and cartels. Instead of buying food, medicine, and medical equipment for patients, the hospital's budget was used as personal bank accounts for three main criminal syndicates. It is alleged that the Maumela syndicate, run by Hangwani Maumela, siphoned off more than R800 million. Stefan Govindraju's Syndicate X allegedly unduly benefited over R590 million, while Rudolph Mazibuko's companies allegedly received more than R280 million. The latest breakthroughs have given the Deokaran family some comfort, but they want more done. Rakesh Deokaran, Babita's brother said the hitmen didn't hire themselves. He said hitmen didn't hire themselves. "She had an intention to turn this country around as a single human being, a single female. The whole country respects her for what she did that no one else would do. Gauteng Health spokesperson, Steve Mabona, said the department has implemented a turnaround strategy for the hospital. He said the assets of certain officials have been frozen and companies have also been flagged. Activist Alu Gule said while they are happy with the progress, more needs to be done. "All the culprits involved here are roaming the streets while whistleblowers are still being persecuted and harassed." The SIU has successfully forced corrupt officials to pay back tens of millions of rands directly to the state, but litigation continues to claw back the remaining billions from syndicate leaders.
Ntebo MokoboSABC News
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Rating upgrades make SA more attractive for investment: Ramaphosa
ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed South Africa’s sovereign credit rating by global rating agencies Moody’s and S t andard & Poor (S&P) as good news for the country. H e was speaking to SABC News on the sidelines of the launch of the African National Congress (ANC)’s voter registration drive in Riverside View in Diepsloot, North of Johannesburg . In an announcement earlier Saturday, S&P maintained the country’s sovereign credit rating at double-B, keeping its outlook positive while Moody’s revised South Africa’s credit rating from stable to positive la st week . Ramaphosa says this means the country is now becoming attractive to investors. Ramaphosa says, “ This is not self-induced by SA, it is a verdict that has been delivered by entities like Moody’s like S&P. They are the ones who are saying we are now positive, meaning that we are moving forward and we are getting out of junk status. What does that mean? It means we are becoming more attractive to investors. It means that our borrowings are going to be cheaper, so it is good news. It is a good news story and we continue to build up on that good story as we proceed with our reforms and these reforms have not been imposed on us, they are reforms that we ourselves have initiated.” Related video| Stable Outlook | Moody’s keeps SA credit rating at Ba2
Nicholas ZaalThe Citizen
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URC result: Bulls thrash Munster to book URC semi-final v Glasgow
The Bulls beat Munster 45-14 in their United Rugby Championship quarter-final at Loftus on Saturday, to book their spot in next weekend’s semi-final against Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium. The Pretoria side produced a more convincing performance than they did during their 34-31 victory against the same opposition at the same venue in March, winning scrum penalties and turnovers, defending well and winning the kicking contest to record their seventh consecutive URC victory. Their first-half display was much-improved as they scored four tries to lead 31-14 at the break. The Bulls scored another two tries in the second half while keeping 2023 winners Munster scoreless. Bulls dominate Munster The Bulls scored first following a scrum turnover in Munster’s 22. Scrumhalf Embrose Papier slipped a tackle after a few phases to dot down in the fourth minute. They doubled the lead four minutes later when fullback Willie le Roux received a kick, side-stepped a defender and offloaded to Kurt-Lee Arendse, who ran through a gap to score. Munster were able to score their first try after a few drives in the 20th-minute, Jack O’Donoghue grounding and JJ Hanrahan converting. But Handré Pollard’s penalty put the Bulls 17-7 up two minutes later. Munster crashed over again after several drives in the 32nd minute, Alex Nankivell grounding. The Bulls were fortunate not to cop a yellow card for three offside penalties in the build-up to that Munster score. But the Bulls hit back with two converted tries from lineouts, Johan Grobbelaar’s immediately after Munster’s score, and Cameron Hanekom’s in the 39th minute. That took the score to 31-14 at half-time. Munster scoreless in the second half Pollard missed his first kick in the second half – a penalty – before Elrigh Louw stole a Munster lineout 5m from the Bulls’ try line. Papier then snatched up a loose ball around the Bulls’ 22m mark and ran through defenders all the way to score his second try under the Munster posts in the 54th minute. Stravino Jacobs scored for the Bulls five minutes later after a few strong runs and a long pass from the inside to the wing. Neither side could score again before the final whistle blew. Scorers Bulls: Tries – Embrose Papier (2), Kurt-Lee Arendse, Johan Grobbelaar, Cameron Hanekom, Stravino Jacobs. Conversions – Handré Pollard 6/6. Penalties – Penalties 1/2. Munster: Tries – Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Nankivell. Conversions – JJ Hanrahan 2/2.
Kamogelo SeekoeiSABC News
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ANC seeks Matjhabeng troika reconfiguration over governance concerns
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Lejweleputwsa region in the Free State says it has asked the national leadership to reconfigure the troika of the Matjhabeng Local Municipality. The troika includes the executive mayor , Thanduxolo Khalipha, the Speaker and the council chief whip. The ANC executive committee in Lejweleputswa says this is in a bid to restore state of governance and collapsed service delivery in the municipality. T he party’s Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula announced earlier this week that Khalipha will be among five A NC members and leaders to face disciplinary action. Lejweluputswa regional secretary Irvin Riet says, “T he ANC Reginal Executive Committee (REC) has resolved to recommend to the national officials the urgent reconfiguration of the troika in M atjhabeng Local Municipality. As part of this assessment process the Regional Working Committee (RWC) convened a meeting with the troika of M atjhabeng and the senior municipal management, it is deeply concerning that the executive mayor failed to attend this engagement and did not even tender an apology despite the serious governance crisis facing the municipality. “ Related video| ANC under pressure as Matjhabeng Local Municipality faces crisis
Siya TsewueNCA
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Israel launches more south Lebanon strikes after warnings
Israel launches more south Lebanon strikes after warnings Siya Tsewu Sat, 05/30/2026 - 14:46 BEIRUT - Israel launched strikes across south Lebanon Saturday after ordering evacuations from more than a dozen locations, a day after its premier said Israeli forces had pushed even deeper into Lebanese territory. Lebanon's army said a "targeted" Israeli strike wounded two soldiers in the south, just a day after military delegations from both countries held landmark security talks in Washington. The military talks in the US capital came ahead of US-brokered negotiations early next week -- the fourth round since the latest Israel-Hezbollah conflict erupted. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported Israeli strikes in the south, including artillery fire near the mediaeval-era Beaufort castle. Culture Minister Ghassan Salame had warned on Friday that Israeli attacks were putting Lebanese heritage sites in "serious danger". The Lebanese presidency announced in a statement that President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam had agreed "to intensify contacts to put an end to these condemned Israeli practices" ahead of the new round of talks with Israel scheduled for June 2 and 3. Aoun and Salam discussed "Israeli attacks and their expansion to several southern cities and villages, especially in the districts of Tyre and Nabatieh, in addition to the continued bombing and bulldozing of houses, and the destruction of historical landmarks in the south". Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's second-in-command, called the latest discussions between Lebanon and Israel's military delegations "productive" but made no mention of a ceasefire, a key Lebanese demand. - 'Israeli drone' - Lebanon's military said on Saturday its two soldiers "were seriously wounded as a result of being targeted inside a vehicle by a hostile Israeli drone" near the southern city of Nabatieh. A truce to halt the fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah officially took effect on April 17, but has never been observed. Iran insists that Lebanon be included in any agreement with the United States to end the wider war that engulfed the Middle East region in February. Both Israel and Hezbollah accuse each other of violating the ceasefire and justify their own attacks by the other's alleged breaches. The Israeli military's evacuation warnings for Saturday included some villages near Nabatieh and some in the east of the country. Also on Saturday, Hezbollah said it fired rockets at the northern Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona. The group said it also ambushed Israeli soldiers near Ghandouriyeh in southern Lebanon, saying it forced them to withdraw, and fired rockets at a military base in northern Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that Israeli forces had advanced beyond the Litani river that runs around 30 kilometres (20 miles) north of the Lebanon-Israel frontier. "Our forces have crossed the Litani, they have moved up to the commanding terrain," he said, adding Israel was "hitting Hezbollah head on". Israeli strikes on the south killed 11 people on Friday, according to the health ministry in Beirut. The ministry says that Israeli attacks have killed more than 3,300 people since March 2, when Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the Middle East war in support of its backer Iran. Hezbollah said it attacked Israel in retaliation for the death of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes when the war erupted on February 28. Article by AFP
ReutersSABC News
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WHO chief urges Congo community help in Ebola fight, seeks more funds
The World Health Organisation chief on Saturday called on communities in the centre of the Congo’s latest Ebola outbreak to play a central role in fighting the disease. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday to coordinate the response to the Ebola outbreak, for which 1,028 suspected cases had been recorded by Friday, according to Congolese authorities. “The communities understand the problems better and they know the solution as well,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters after arriving in Bunia, the provincial capital of Ituri, a hotspot of the ongoing Ebola outbreak. “Yes, the international community is involved, under the leadership of the government of DRC. At the same time, community ownership is important. That’s why we are here to discuss with the community to see how the response is running and, if there are challenges, to help,” Tedros said. On arrival in Congo’s capital Kinshasa on Thursday, Tedros called for more international support for the Ebola response , saying the WHO had so far received only a third of its funding requirements. French aid group Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) on Saturday warned that the latest Ebola outbreak – the 17th since 1976 – was spreading at an unprecedented pace. “Never before has an Ebola outbreak recorded so many cases so soon after its declaration,” Alan Gonzalez, MSF deputy director of operations, said in a statement. The number of expert medical organisations responding to the outbreak on the ground, as well as the level of support being provided to fight the outbreak, is still far short of what is required, Gonzalez added. WHO declares Ebola outbreak a global health emergency: Prof Salim Abdool Karim weighs in Ebola | Support for Central Africa to contain outbreak
Siya TsewueNCA
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eNCA wins big at National Press Club Awards
eNCA wins big at National Press Club Awards Siya Tsewu Sat, 05/30/2026 - 14:15 JOHANNESBURG - Several eNCA journalists were honoured this past week. At the 2026 Future of Leadership Awards by the Future Leader Forum, t he South African Morning's Dan Moyane, affectionately known as Bra Dan, was named Media Leader of the Year (Lifetime) award. Uveka Rangappa was named Media Leader of the Year (Social Impact). Eugenie Gregan won the NPC-UNISA Journalist of the Year TV News award for eNUUS. Pule Letshwiti-Jones and Yusuf Abramjee jointly won the NPC-UNISA Journalist of the Year Television Features award. The award is for their coverage of the murder of Marius van der Merwe, the raid on the home of Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, and exclusive interviews with several key newsmakers linked to the Madlanga Commission. eNCA News Director Lukhanyo Calata said each of the awards was well deserved. "We are incredibly proud of our team. The fact that organisations like the National Press Club and UNISA could award them like this is proof of the journalistic excellence produced at eNCA. We congratulate and encourage them to raise the bar even higher," said Calata. It was at the same event where KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi was named the 2025 Newsmaker of the Year.
Preggie MoodleySABC News
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WHO DG arrives in Bunia, the epicentre of the Ebola outbreak
The World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Saturday arrived in Bunia, t he epicentre of the Ebola outbreak and called on communities in the centre of the Congo’s latest Ebola outbreak to play a central role in fighting the disease. The Director-General arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday to coordinate the response to the Ebola outbreak, for which 1 028 suspected cases had been recorded by Friday, according to Congolese authorities. “The communities understand the problems better and they know the solution as well,” Tedros told reporters after arriving in Bunia, the provincial capital of Ituri, a hotspot of the ongoing Ebola outbreak. “Yes, the international community is involved, under the leadership of the government of DRC. At the same time, community ownership is important. That’s why we are here to discuss with the community to see how the response is running and, if there are challenges, to help,” Tedros said
Agence France PresseThe Citizen
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Liverpool sack manager Arne Slot
Liverpool sacked head coach Arne Slot on Saturday after a disastrous defence of their Premier League title. The club, who finished fifth in the table, said the Dutchman, who has been at Anfield for two seasons, would “depart his role as head coach with immediate effect”. Liverpool fans turned on Slot after a number of poor performances and there was some disharmony in the dressing room, with Mohamed Salah the most outspoken. “Liverpool FC can confirm Arne Slot is to depart his role as head coach with immediate effect and that the process to appoint a successor is under way,” the club said in a statement. It added that club bosses had decided that Liverpool needed a change of direction. “That does not diminish the work Arne has done here, or the respect we have for him,” the statement added. “Nor is it a reflection of his talents. Rather, it is indicative of the need for a different approach. “Arne leaves with our gratitude, with a Premier League title to his name, and with the knowledge that he and his family will always be welcomed back at Anfield.”
Preggie MoodleySABC News
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Madlanga Commission will help get rid of rot within criminal justice system: Ramaphosa
ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the proceedings of the Madlanga Commission as a necessary cleansing process for the country and the criminal justice system in particular. He was speaking to the SABC News on the sidelines of a voter registration campaign in Riversideview in Diepsloot north of Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon. He received the Commission’s second interim report on Friday. The Commission is investigating criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system. It is expected to finish its work at the end of August and submit its final report to the President. Ramaphosa says he is still studying the interim report. “The Madlanga Commission is an absolutely fantastic process. It is a process that is going to help us get rid of the rot within the criminal justice system. We have gone through State Capture, and we have largely been able to rid our country of State Capture and we now looking at the criminal justice system which has enormous challenges.”
Ross RocheThe Citizen
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Lions inspired by Bordeaux to upset Leinster and make history
The Lions are taking plenty of inspiration from Bordeaux-Begles’ impressive dismantling of Leinster in the Champions Cup final when they take on the United Rugby Championship (URC) defending champions in their quarter-final clash in Dublin on Saturday night (kick-off 9pm). The French giants completely overwhelmed their Irish opponents, walking away with a thumping 41-19 win, and although the Lions know they don’t have the same firepower, they want to make sure that they take their opportunities when they get them. Earlier this month the Lions gave Leinster a scare in their pool match, with the hosts holding a slender 14-7 lead heading into the final 12 minutes, before pulling away with three late tries for a comfortable looking 31-7 win. But it was not comfortable at all, and if a few dodgy calls had gone the way of the Lions , or if they had been more ruthless in taking their chances, the result could have been a lot more different, which is something scrum coach Julian Redelinghuys says the team are well aware of. “You won’t get a million opportunities against quality teams. Finishing the opportunities that you do create is really important,” Redelinghuys said in the build-up to the match. Using opportunities “Bordeaux managed to get opportunities and then used them. They ended up scoring 41 points, whereas we could only score seven in our last outing against Leinster. So yes, converting those chances was a big focus point for us,” Redelinghuys added. “When we do manage to create, which we can and did two weeks ago, now it’s about executing that and converting it into points. We’ve looked at how other teams have beaten them in play-off games and made our plans according to our DNA, and we hope it is the right plan. “We hope our wild dogs can do the job for us. If we are the best version of ourselves, we will give ourselves a chance against a very good team. It is knockout rugby, and the ball is not round. We want to be the most desperate team on the field.” It is the Lions’ first ever appearance in the URC play-offs, after four previous seasons of heartache, and they will not want to be dumped out of the running with a whimper. They know they will not be favourites against the Irish giants, but they have shown over their best ever campaign in the competition that they have what it takes to mix it with the heavyweights, and key to that will be dominating the contact point. “The team that goes forward when contact takes place has a better chance, whether it’s attack, defence or set-piece. We know what we want to achieve this weekend, and we believe if we get that right, it will give us a good chance.”
SABCSABC News
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Diepsloot residents urge Ramaphosa to improve services, housing
Residents of Diepsloot have outlined their expectations to President Cyril Ramaphosa, calling for improved access to basic services, including schools and healthcare facilities. They say the lack of nearby infrastructure forces them to travel long distances to access essential services, costs they can no longer afford due to rising public transport fares. WATCH | ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa says he is studying the Madlanga interim report, adding that the commission is an important process that will help get rid of the rot within the criminal justice system. pic.twitter.com/IQNJ62s7iB — SABC News (@SABCNews) May 30, 2026 Community members have also raised concerns about ongoing unemployment and housing shortages, saying that despite voting since 1994, many are still struggling to secure jobs and access Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing. African National Congress (ANC) president Cyril Ramaphosa is conducting a door-to-door campaign in Diepsloot, engaging directly with residents ahead of upcoming elections. RELATED VIDEO | Ramaphosa on ANC campaign trail “Voting since during Nelson Mandela’s tenure until now. I also worked with the President and Mashatile as a marshal,” says a resident. “We want schools and clinics from the President because people are struggling, and taxis are expensive. We also want a playground for children,” says another resident. WATCH | ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa is on a door-to-door campaign in Diepsloot and is now addressing residents. pic.twitter.com/8VdJbE2lfx — SABC News (@SABCNews) May 30, 2026 “I’ve been living in a shack since 2007, and now I can’t believe I have this house. I’m really grateful,” adds another resident. VIDEO | Ramaphosa on ANC campaign trail in Diepsloot
Siya TsewueNCA
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Truck driver arrested for inciting violence
Truck driver arrested for inciting violence Siya Tsewu Sat, 05/30/2026 - 13:06 BERGVILLE - KwaZulu-Natal police have arrested a national office bearer of the All Truck Driver Forum. He's accused of inciting violence along the N3 in the Bergville area. Officers on patrol came across a group of ten people stopping trucks on the southbound carriageway. The suspects fled when police arrived, abandoning a vehicle linked to one of the organisation's officials. A further investigation led police to a second vehicle and the arrest of three more people. Police said further charges could be added as investigations continue. KZN transport spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya said provincial leaders continue to push for dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution. "There was an arrest this morning and we are leaving it up to the SAPS to manage that process."
Itumeleng KgajaneSABC News
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Godongwana pressures councillors over municipal shortfall
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says the Lichtenburg-based Ditsobotla Local Municipality should not depend on national government to turn things around. Godongwana officially handed over the revised financial recovery plan to the municipality’s council on Friday. The national government took over the running of the municipality in September last year, following years of provincial interventions, which failed to produce positive results. He urged councillors to work harder to ensure the municipality’s sustainability. “If you listen to councillors, they are not taking any responsibility. We have got to work with them, to understand that, to change Ditsobotla is their responsibility. They are the elected representatives. Ditsobotla community has elected them, not us and they have to take the responsibility for changing the municipality around. Councillors in the Lichtenburg based Ditsobotla Local Municipality in the North West have urged national government to ensure that plans for the municipality result in tangible developments. https://t.co/okScKsGCSy pic.twitter.com/uawnVgoLfG — SABC News (@SABCNews) May 29, 2026
Charl BoschThe Citizen
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Toyota’s 55th gift to Hilux in South Africa bids a discreet goodbye
With the public unveiling of the new internally named AN220 Hilux at the Nampo Agricultural Expo in Bothaville, Free State, this month Toyota officially closed the chapter on the AN110 Hilux, which had been in production for 11 years. End of an era On par with the seventh-generation Hilux, which also lasted 11 years, the AN110, or eighth-generation Hilux, represented a significant departure from any previous iteration. More lifestyle-focused in the case of the double cabs, it still set the precedent as South Africa’s monthly best-seller despite sporadically relinquishing its crown to the Suzuki Swift, Volkswagen Polo Vivo or its arch-rival, the Ford Ranger. Not the Legend(ardy) send off wanted Part of South Africa’s landscape and indeed a local market institution, the roll-out of the special edition Legend models has become an occasion ever since the Legend 35 debuted in 2004. A moniker that has, however, also become synonymous with the end of another Hilux chapter, whether it be a facelift or new generation, the arrival of the 55 carried more significance than simply five years of another Legend derivative. Instead, its initial showing at Toyota’s annual State of the Motoring Industry conference last year marked the 55-year milestone in South Africa. The widebody Hilux Legend 55 debuted at Toyota’s State of the Motoring Industry conference last year. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe This, though, presented an unexpected flaw, as the showcased Legend 55 sported the widebody design and extended track of the GR Sport, albeit without the monotube shock absorbers and uprated suspension. Unofficially dubbed a “mini GR Sport”, the eventual production Legend 55 took leave of its siblings’ aesthetic at its unveiling in September last year due to the former’s global popularity, making parts and component sharing too difficult. At the same time, Toyota also had to shelve plans to install the GR Sport’s 165kW/550Nm 2.8 GD-6 engine in the Legend 55 as a proper final send-off. From Nampo to Gerotek As such, the Legend 55 is once again an appearance package based on the Raider variant, with mainly bespoke touches inside and out. The Legend 55 is available in one of nine colours. Picture: Charl Bosch Arriving for the week-long test, a month before the AN220’s market arrival, the final encore for the AN110 also involved a road trip to Nampo to see its successor’s first public showing . Finished in Arizona Red, one of nine colours available, the Legend 55 also made the trip to Gerotek as the AN110 Hilux’s final data gathering venture with road test editor Mark Jones. Legend touches Once again available as either a double or Xtra Cab, the Legend 55’s bespoke attire is discreet and, understandably, not as special as Toyota might have wanted. Aesthetically, it receives gloss-black wheel arches, a silver bashplate beneath the front bumper, 18-inch alloy wheels taken from the Fortuner, a rubberised load bin, a standard tow bar and a Legend 55 animation projected onto the ground. The Legend 55 receives the same 18-inch alloy wheels as the Fortuner. Picture: Charl Bosch Rounding out the exterior are gloss-black door handles, a gloss-black grille surround, a Legend 55-branded sports bar, Legend 55 badges on the doors and tailgate and the manual roller shutter from the now-defunct Legend RS. While admittedly typical of any special variant, the Legend 55 applique does add a sporty touch to a product that has admittedly aged rather well when viewed from the inside. Inside However, as much as Toyota has done its darndest to hide the Hilux’s age visually, opening the door reveals the opposite. An area where the Hilux feels and looks the most dated, the Legend 55 touches have been kept to a minimum – an area where arguably more could have been done to make the final send off a bit more special. Besides the black leather upholstery, the Legend 55 gets the upgraded JBL sound system reserved for the Legend RS, Legend 55-embroidered front-seat headrests, Legend 55-branded treadplates and a 55th-anniversary commemorative plaque behind the gear lever. The interior shows the Hilux’s age the most prominently. Picture: Charl Bosch Fundamentally, the interior’s age means ergonomics are still easy to fathom, with proper physical buttons and dials for the climate control and on the steering wheel. Compared to the Ranger, though, the Hilux has fallen behind on the now ever-important tech front, some buyers are admittedly unlikely to be bothered about. So, while it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it still needs wiring to be compatible with the eight-inch infotainment system, which itself is not as intuitive as the Ranger’s SYNC 4A setup. Leather upholstered seats receive Legend 55 branded front headrests. Picture: Charl Bosch While shortcut buttons remain present on the screen’s outer surround, the setup looks tiny and the interface is outdated. More decent is the quality of the JBL sound system and rear passenger legroom – this despite the seats being too upright and resulting in the headroom being pinched for taller passengers. Front seat comfort is good. However, the cruise control stalk jutting from the steering column remains a problem, whereas the cupholders underneath the side air vents do not. Part of the unique touch as the 55th anniversary plaque celebrating 55 years of the Hilux in South Africa. Picture: Charl Bosch Unsurprisingly, the cabin’s fit-and-finish also shows the Hilux’s age, with the imitation satin silver strip running the width of the dashboard feeling especially clunky. Again, though, the materials are solid and likely to last the proverbial distance, even if the piano-key black finishes remain an annoyance when needing to keep clean. A further nicety is that the seats are snug and supportive and the traditional floor mats are replaced by heavy-duty rubber items that can be washed using a garden hose. ‘If it ain’t broke”… Up front, the status quo is a familiar one. Set to feature in the AN220, the tried-and-tested 2.8 GD-6 turbodiesel engine develops an unchanged 150kW/500Nm, transferred to the rear or, in the case of the test unit, all four wheels. Equally undramatic is the engine being paired with the six-speed automatic gearbox, a combination that will, without the 48 volt mild-hybrid system for now, feature in the AN220. Excluding the GR Sport, the GD-6 once again regains the accolade of most powerful four-cylinder diesel bakkie in South Africa following the discontinuation of the 2.0 litre bi-turbo that powered the Ranger and its Volkswagen Amarok twin. Six-speed automatic gearbox is relatively slick, but can become flustered when shifting down. Picture: Charl Bosch Understandably, it isn’t as responsive as in the GR Sport, yet it still pulls strongly once up to boost. Pressing the enticing PWR button on the centre console unlocks the response present in the GR Sport, as the Legend 55 feels slightly quicker off the mark without any low-down lag. For its part, the six-speed automatic ‘box is generally smooth when shifting up, but, even in PWR mode, it becomes somewhat flustered and confused when shifting down. Fortunately, its foibles can be overridden by using the sequential manual override. On the move Once in the confines of Gerotek, the AN110’s final encore registered a best 0-100 km/h sprint time of 11.9 seconds, again on par with all other variants – bar the 48V and GR Sport – Mark had tested since 2015. As mentioned, the Legend 55’s arrival came after its long road trip down to Bothaville for Nampo. Tasked with sections of poorly maintained roads around Potchefstroom and Orkney, the typical Toyota’s firmly tuned suspension did its job by smoothing out the corrugations and imperfections as best it could. With no load in the back, the ride is still bouncy and skewed towards a more workhorse-focused approach than the setup of the Ranger. That being said, it felt more adept and composed than the reworked suspension of the GR Sport off-road. Admittedly, the gravel road traversed near the end of the Legend 55’s tenure was smoother and not as rutted or washball as the surface driven over in the GR Sport. Yet, the Legend still felt more comfortable and pliant with its standard suspension tuning and all-terrain tyres. Given the AN220 Hilux’s move to an electric power steering rack, the mechanical arrangement of the AN110 is still heavy, but it offers good feedback for what is still a bakkie. Consumption As for fuel consumption, the 450km to and from Nampo, together with an eventual 623km clocked during the week-long test, netted a best of 9.3 L/100km. Conclusion The now-familiar “it’s not a bakkie, it’s a Hilux” marketing tagline has arguably become the hallmark of the AN110, keeping its popularity alive despite newer, more powerful and more tech-advanced rivals. At R945 300 for the double-cab 4×4 auto tested here, the Legend 55 is a somewhat pricey R78 100 final curtain call premium over the model it is based on, which also makes it R63 700 less than the GR Sport. The Legend 55 celebrates 55 years of Hilux in South Africa, but also the end of the outgoing generation. Picture: Charl Bosch However, with the Legend RS no longer offered and the regular Legend exclusively offered with the 48V mild-hybrid system, the Legend 55 can be seen as warranting its price bump not only for its extras but also for being a traditional Hilux in the sense of its “regular” powertrain. Coupled with the popularity of the Hilux and Legend nameplates, as well as the appeal of special-edition bakkies, the Legend 55 is a fond goodbye as it hands over the baton to the next generation. Road Test Data
Corbin AugustSABC News
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Biovac expansion to boost vaccine production and create skilled jobs
The Department of Trade and Industry says the expansion project to build Africa’s first end-to-end multi-vaccine manufacturing site at the South African vaccine manufacturer Biovac’s plant in Cape Town, can play a major role in growing the economy. The expansion was announced after Biovac secured a financing package of around R1.8bn from various international stakeholders, last month. This will advance self-reliance in vaccine production for South Africa and the African continent after huge gaps were identified during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent race to produce and distribute vaccines globally. Biovac’s expansion project will accelerate the advancement of African vaccine manufacturing, and strengthen the continent’s long-term health security and pandemic resilience. A ceremonial soil-turning ceromy was held for Biovac’s future greenfield manufacturing facility currently being built in Cape Town, which represents a significant step forward in expanding local vaccine manufacturing capability and strengthening pharmaceutical production in Africa after huge gaps in vaccine manufacturing on the continent were identified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Biovac currently manufactures and supplies much-needed routine paediatric vaccines and has delivered more than 450 million vaccine doses to countries across Southern Africa, since 2003 including COVID-19 vaccines. “The aim is to make sure the continent moves from less than one percent of vaccines being manufactured to get to at least ten percent in the next ten years, but ultimately the continent is aiming for 60-percent of vaccines to be manufactured. BIOVAC is looking to contribute to that cabability. So, for example, Biovac can produce 15 million vials. With the new capacity, we are looking to triple that to 50 million. That is the kind of contribution we are aiming to do,” says BIOVAC CEO, Dr Morena Makhoana. WATCH | Biovac, with support from the European Investment Bank and the International Finance Corporation, is set to build Africa’s first multi-vaccine plant — the continent’s largest. pic.twitter.com/68Yo4hdbsd — SABC News (@SABCNews) April 17, 2026 The Department of Trade and Industry says the expansion of the Biovac end-to-end vaccine manufacturing facility sends a powerful signal to the world that Africa is increasingly becoming a producer, innovator and strategic partner in global healthcare manufacturing. It also reflects growing confidence in South Africa’s industrial base, and it’s long-term economic potential. The expansion will also create more than 340 skilled jobs and 7 000 indirect jobs. “These are certainly high-end jobs that we are talking about. These are researchers, chemists, and engineers who participate in the research and development processes of vaccines and pharmaceutical products. I think it is important for the growth of South Africa’s economy. We have prioritised the pharmaceutical sector as an important focus area for the country,” says Trade and Industry Minister, Parks Tau. Fight against future pandemics Director General of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Mlungisi Cele, says the expansion of vaccine manufacturing capacity in Africa can play a major role in the global fight against future pandemics. “We remain vigilant and we remain committed to understand it much more better so that we prepare the world to respond appropriately,” says Director-General of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Mlungisi Cele. Construction of the expansion project was made possible after Biovac secured funding from various international stakeholders. The investment includes a financing package of nearly 100-million-Euros which converts to around R1.8bn. Which was secured through funding deals that were finalised with the International Finance Corporation and the European Investment Bank Group among others. “We have a €75 million loan from the EIB and a €20 million loan from Proparco, which is a French entity. That brings the total to €95 million because we believe, as we have said together with the African Union and the European Union, that Africa should have the capacity to make vaccines for Africa, in Africa,” says EU Ambassador to South Africa, Sandra Kramer. Biovac’s expansion project is expected to be completed by 2028. It will initially produce the oral cholera vaccine and later expand to include vaccines for polio (IPV), pneumonia (PCV) and meningitis (MenX). Once operational, it will have the capacity to manufacture up to 30–40 million doses annually, addressing about 40% of the global cholera vaccine supply gap and supplying regional markets. RELATED VIDEO | BIOVAC on track to creating largest vaccine manufacturing facility in Africa
Buhle SibanyoniSABC News
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‘Neglect is the silent erosion of child safety’: Dr Shaheda Omar
As the country marks Child Protection Month, South Africans are urged to act where children may be at risk. Dr Shaheda Omar of the Teddy Bear Clinic says that although Child Protection Month raises awareness, the issue requires attention throughout the year. “We are looking at Child Protection Month, but we also need to confront neglect and the invisible child,” says Omar. Omar weighed in on a child-related incident reported during the month of May, the case of the 12-year-old who allegedly committed suicide in Durban last week and says, “it’s sad that we are finding children taking care of children.” She says children have taken on responsibilities that should be carried by adults, calling this a “form of abuse”. “Children are expected to play, laugh, skip, jump and allowed to grow and develop in a protected environment and should not be subjected to a level of responsibility which is unrealistic, inappropriate and unfair,” Omar stresses. Related video| Child Protection | 12-year-old boy commits suicide: Omar has reiterated that child protection is everyone’s responsibility. She also weighs in on the disappearance of two-year-old Omphile Sithole from Limpopo. The toddler’s grandparents later appeared in court on child neglect charges and when asked if neglect should be considered a form of violence against children and Omar says, “It’s a form of abuse. It constitutes abuse.” The Children’s Act 38 of 2005 states that every child has the right to be protected from abuse, neglect, maltreatment, and degradation. She further describes neglect as the most widespread yet least recognised form of child maltreatment, calling it the “silent erosion of child safety.” She emphasises the importance of community involvement in protecting and reporting cases of child abuse, saying communities must make child protection everyone’s responsibility and not leave it only to designated individuals such as social workers and teachers. She adds, “Your child is my child if we want to break the scourge of violence.” Related video| Neglect case postponed as Omphile Sithole still missing: Omar has linked gender-based violence and child neglect, saying that neglect constitutes abuse. However, she has revealed the various forms of neglect saying there’s purposeful and situational neglect. She says situational neglect is when caretakers are unable to provide necessary support towards a child despite their efforts while maintaining that poverty and instability has an impact on children and families. “Situational neglect is beyond the control of a caretaker such as unemployment, many children are victims to situational neglect if we look at the economy of the country and high unemployment rate,” says Omar. Moreover, she defines purposeful neglect as a condition where a caretaker fails to provide for a child even when resources are available. “If a child has been ill and they’ve failed to follow through or if the child is unsupervised, not feeding the child, that would be purposeful neglect.” Omar says these challenges can be addressed through stronger prevention strategies, reacting, recognising, responding and reporting. In observance of National Child Protection Week, the @GP_CommSafety , in partnership with the City of Johannesburg Social Development and the City of Johannesburg Early Childhood Development (ECD) Forum, hosted a Child Protection Fun Walk and Fun Day in Meadowlands, Soweto. The… pic.twitter.com/rEldTF1Jnm — GP Department of Community Safety (@GP_CommSafety) May 29, 2026
SABCSABC News
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Seven communities sign beneficiation agreement with SANParks
Seven communities have signed a beneficiation scheme agreement with SANParks at Skukuza Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga. This follows negotiations that started a decade ago between SANParks and representatives of the previously dispossessed landowners. Jubilation filled the Nombolo Mdluli Hall at Skukuza Rest Camp when a ten-year journey of endless meetings and sacrifices was finally put on paper. An agreement that will see community members trained, skilled, and given job and business opportunities at the park. “The economic opportunities come in a very significant way in the sense that for the first time since the beginning of Kruger 100 years ago, communities are going to start to own lodges inside Kruger. That is quite a huge economic contribution that we’re going to make outside the Kruger into the communities, and obviously, communities are going to be employed in tourism facilities that are going to be here,” says Traditional Healer, Livhuwani Matsila. “We are very happy because we started a new foundation where we think the new generation will benefit out of what we have done today with the two ministers, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development,” says Traditional Healer, J.M Chauke. This morning, SABC 2 Morning Live broadcast live from Kruger National Park ahead of tonight’s Centenary Commemoration Launch. Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Hon. Willie Aucamp, SANParks Interim Board Chairperson Ms Beryl Ferguson, SANParks CEO Ms Hapiloe… pic.twitter.com/DuidSMO3YK — SANParks (@SANParks) May 30, 2026 The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment, Willie Aucamp, says this agreement is a move in the right direction for the conservation of the park. “What we signed today is a mutual beneficiation scheme, a scheme wherein there are huge benefits for the community, but also huge benefits for the Kruger National Park. No agreement will work if it is not beneficial for both parties. It was clear during these negotiations and in what we have got on paper today that both the Kruger National Park and all these communities going forward will change the face of conservation within the Kruger National Park. I have always said that we want to put conservation out there as one of the main things that people must think of. However, I can promise you that if someone goes to bed hungry tonight, they will not think about conservation. That will not be the first thing on their mind,” says Forestry, fisheries and environment Minister, Willie Aucamp. The CEO of SANParks says that the whole process with the communities will be carried out thoroughly. “This beneficiation scheme will be implemented without that particular oversight, as the minister has indicated. Transparency is very important, and even where there are delays or challenges—because sometimes you cannot predict what will happen—those matters must be dealt with in a transparent manner. Transparency is what will bring integrity to the beneficiation scheme and help retain strong relationships with our partner, the community,” says SANParks CEO, Hapiloe Sello. President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver a keynote address at the launch of the centenary celebrations, on Saturday. RELATED VIDEO | Kruger Nationa Park | Vision for the next 100 years with SANParks CEO
SABCSABC News
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One dead, six injured in Alexandra shooting following street argument
One person has died and six others were injured following a shooting incident in the early hours of Saturday in Alexandra. It is reported that, two people were having an argument on the street when one of them drew a firearm and started shooting randomly. Seven people were injured and taken to a local clinic where one was declared dead on arrival. Police are investigating a case of murder and six counts of attempted murder.
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Updated 31 May at 10:14
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