I have a picture for you! 11 July-17 July 2026
The First Thing newsletter's Ever-lasting Subscriber Photo Gallery.
IN THE DARK: PIC management failed to alert board to FSCA requests over whistleblower matter, Masondo says
Addressing a town hall meeting on 16 July, Public Investment Corporation chairperson David Masondo sought to reassure employees that the entity remains operationally stable amid a governance crisis, but acknowledged the…
MADLANGA COMMISSION: ‘Sick’ businessman Carrim, who may’ve been out shopping, now says his movements are private
ANC-linked businessman Suliman Carriem wants his testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry postponed, and he wants the postponement application to be heard in private to protect his family, which he says has…
POLICE ‘WHITEWASH’: ActionSA to take SAPS to court over Phala Phala ‘cover-up’ that cleared top cops
ActionSA says it will approach the North Gauteng High Court to set aside the SAPS investigation that cleared two top cops implicated in the Phala Phala scandal. The party alleges the internal disciplinary process was a…
Tournament Finale: What to watch for in World Cup final: Messi, Trump and an unorthodox half-time
The 2026 Fifa World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will provide many sub-themes. Here are a few key themes you can look out for.
BATTLING THE ODDS: Students gamble away NSFAS funds: a ticking time bomb for financial stability
As online betting becomes increasingly normalised among young people, some university students are gambling away NSFAS allowances and internship salaries, chasing quick wins and often sacrificing money meant for food…
NSFAS recovery hinges on reform, not selective leaks and false narratives
The new administrator has the minister’s full support and has a clear mandate to stabilise NSFAS, restore sound governance, strengthen financial controls, modernise systems, improve service to students and return the…
Beyond the scoreline — parents need to remember school sports exist for children
Aggressive parents who bully and pressure their children in school sports are not only contributing to anxiety and burnout, they are also creating a toxic environment.
PIC’s Sasol investment shifts the debate to shareholder responsibility
South Africa’s most powerful investor has recently, and quietly, became even more powerful, but with this new responsibility comes the opportunity to make decisions that will shape its future for generations.
Philippines protests Chinese state media's 'racist' video depicting Filipinos as monkeys
The Philippines condemned as racist a video posted by the state-run China Daily depicting Filipinos as monkeys, saying on Friday it had lodged a diplomatic protest with Beijing over the “offensive, distressing and…
Two dead after violent thunderstorms in France, 53,000 without power
At least two people have died as violent thunderstorms hit France overnight following a prolonged heatwave, and 53,000 households were left without power on Friday, French media and local grid operator Enedis said.
Aid group says seven Americans quarantining at Kenya Ebola facility after US travel ban
Seven American aid workers who had been in Congo to fight the Ebola outbreak are quarantining at an isolation facility in Kenya after the U.S. government introduced new travel restrictions, the head of a U.S.
UK police charge man over Iran-linked spying offences
British police said on Friday they had charged a 39-year-old man on suspicion of assisting Iran’s intelligence service, the latest in a series of incidents involving Tehran and offences covered under UK National…
Letter to Mahlamba Ndlopfu-Woe betide our poor republic if this is how a real cartel operates
The Big Five is not the criminal organisation it’s been made out to be. No, the real Big Five is something else.
SOCCER: Yamal vs Messi: World Cup’s final was made in Barcelona
Talented Spanish youngster Lamine Yamal has drawn comparisons to the legendary Argentine Lionel Messi, but each will have his own aspirations for their meeting in the 2026 title decider.
SO DELHICIOUS: Spicing up the Cape, South Africa — and the world
A former London restaurateur has settled at the Cape and has impressive plans for a slew of Indian restaurants and more. And he has his eyes on the wider world for one of his two concepts.
EGGS WITH ATTITUDE: Ghana’s signature street food is impossible to beat
Kosua ne meko Ghanaian hard boiled eggs are healthy, hot-headed and highly stacked.
READER’S LETTER: ‘Nelson’s Eye kindness has stayed with me for years’
Reader Jacqui Thomson writes to sing the praises of Nelson’s Eye, the famous veteran Cape Town steakhouse.
Canada wildfire smoke blankets US Midwest, Northeast with hazardous air
NEW YORK, July 16 (Reuters) - Heavy smoke from hundreds of wildfires in Canada enveloped a swath of the U.S. from the Midwest to the Northeast on Thursday, prompting warnings from officials that residents should stay…
Trump accuses China of 2020 voting interference, contradicting US intelligence findings
WASHINGTON, July 16 (Reuters) - US President Donald Trump declassified intelligence on Thursday that he said showed Chinese interference in US elections, reviving his long-running attacks on election security despite a…
China’s Moonshot unveils world’s largest open AI model, closing in on US rivals
BEIJING, July 17 (Reuters) - Chinese AI startup Moonshot on Friday unveiled Kimi K3, a 2.8 trillion-parameter model that it said is the world’s largest open-weight AI system and delivers performance approaching U.S.…
The broken pipeline — why SA’s compliance-driven education system is failing
When a nation’s schools prioritise content delivery over real skill development, they produce professionals who can pass tests but cannot solve real-world problems.
After African migrants leave, who will run South Africa’s township economy?
South Africa has spent years arguing about African migrants. It has spent far less time thinking about what would happen if they left.
CRIME PLEDGE: Mayor Hill-Lewis’ push for Cape Town detective branch sparks policing jurisdiction row
A proposal to create South Africa’s first metro police detective branch has opened a new battle over the country’s fractured policing system, with Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis promising to take crime…
MUNICIPAL DYSFUNCTION: NMB’s ruling coalition faces turmoil amid no-confidence motions against mayor and deputy
Nelson Mandela Bay faces a coalition shake-up as rival motions target Mayor Babalwa Lobishe and Deputy Mayor Gary van Niekerk over service delivery failures and alleged misconduct.
What SA’s draft fuel stockpile policy reveals about the state that wrote it
The draft Strategic Petroleum Stocks Policy, an attempt to bolster SA’s fuel reserves, is a document riddled with inaccuracies that questions the state’s ability to handle the complexity of managing 36 million barrels…
OBITUARY: Trevor Tutu, son of anti-apartheid icon who blazed his own trail, dies aged 70
Trevor Tutu, the eldest child and only son of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Leah Tutu, died on 15 June, 2026, at the age of 70. His death, however, was only officially confirmed by the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy…
‘IMPROPER PROCUREMENT’: Medscheme drops Bonitas court fight, clearing path for regulator’s forensic tender investigation
Medscheme’s decision to withdraw its lawsuit against Bonitas hands the baton back to the regulator to investigate allegations of tender manipulation and conflicts of interest.
AFTER THE BELL: PIC’s structural rot exposed after Lanseria fallout and before pension billions fall apart again
As the Public Investment Corporation grapples with a governance crisis and conflicts in its dual mandate, fuelled by the controversial Lanseria Airport deal, it is clear that the structure of the corporation must change.
WEATHER ON STEROIDS: Everything points to El Niño being a record breaker
Improved weather models and data collection give scientists high confidence in their predictions – and they are worrying.
DIVISIVE RHETORIC: Yusuf Cassim addresses ‘bizarre racial prejudice’ after higher education deputy minister appointment
With his eyes set on reorganising student funding and training models, Yusuf Cassim also has to contend with ‘political plots’ that seek to destabilise the country and perpetuate racial division.
PAYBACK TIME: How a four-month-old ‘foundation’ siphoned R25m meant for SA’s Rio-bound athletes
A devastating Special Tribunal judgment revealed how Sascoc abandoned its fiduciary duties, facilitating a fraudulent ‘send-off’ campaign that enriched National Lotteries Commission staff instead of supporting Team SA.
BOARD TURMOIL: Treasury had already called for fresh PIC board nominees before this week’s governance storm
Nearly two months ago, the National Treasury issued a notice inviting nominations for board members for several entities – including the PIC.
POWER CORRUPTION: City Power ‘representative’ pressured Joburg couple to go post-paid, then ‘unlawfully’ reallocated prepaid meter
While they were out of town, a Joburg couple was pressured into exchanging their prepaid meter to a post-paid system by a supposed City Power contractor. A year later, they received their first incorrect bill – for…
WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST: ‘Is the deal dead?’ Your questions on the Iran-US conflict answered
The US and Iran continue to be in an acrimonious dispute over the recently signed memorandum of understanding, with both countries resuming strikes. We answer your questions.
PHALA PHALA FALLOUT: Ramaphosa pleads ‘humiliation’ in bid to stop impeachment inquiry in its tracks
Cyril Ramaphosa claims ongoing impeachment proceedings will lead to significant humiliation, as the High Court weighs his urgent application to halt the inquiry into the Phala Phala allegations.
ANALYSIS: We do the maths on Mantashe’s new plan to secure South Africa’s fuel
Once you get past the obvious errors in the Draft Strategic Petroleum Stocks Policy that is now open for comment, Minister Gwede Mantashe’s plan actually has merit.
Fuel’s errand: Global South universities’ role in the Just Transition can’t be about divestment
In its determination to secure support for its divestment campaign, Fossil Free South Africa overlooks the more fundamental question of what Global South universities are actually for, failing to engage seriously with…
LIGHTS OUT: Fed-up businessman dumps broken traffic lights outside municipal offices to highlight crumbling infrastructure
Frustrated with months of broken traffic lights, Kariega businessman Jevon Dyer collected and dumped defective lights outside a Nelson Mandela Bay municipal office. His protest came days before metro officials admitted…
TREASURY CHOKEHOLD: Zweli Mkhize says blocking municipal funds a ‘last resort’ as Parliament urgently intervenes
As the cooperative governance committee prepares its urgent intervention, chair Zweli Mkhize defends Treasury’s action – but admits the blunt strategy is hitting a dangerous limit. Johannesburg, meanwhile, has clammed…
REFLECTION: Nelson Mandela: Beyond the icon through the eyes of a journalist
In a personal narrative, John Battersby recounts the thrilling moment of shaking Nelson Mandela’s hand upon his release and reflects on their meaningful interactions during his presidency.
Event Sustainability: Can a reimagined Commonwealth Games secure its future?
When Australia withdrew as host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games three years ago, many questioned not only whether the event would survive, but whether it should survive.
BOOK EXCERPT: Lucy and the Great White Sharks tackles sea life misconceptions with empathy and adventure
In Lucy and the Great White Sharks, adventure awaits as the Salty Sea Dogs meet Cuz, revealing the gentle side of great whites and the importance of understanding nature.
Nicaragua breaks diplomatic ties with Italy over extradition row in killing of former PM Moro
July 16 (Reuters) - Nicaragua severed diplomatic relations with Italy on Thursday over Rome’s long-running demand to extradite a former Red Brigades militant convicted for his role in the 1978 kidnapping and killing of…
MAGICAL MESSI: Messi-inspired Argentina rally late to send England packing from World Cup
Defending champions Argentina will face Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final after beating England 2-1 in a riveting semifinal in Atlanta on Wednesday.
The logistics collapse — why centralisation and roads funding disparity are strangling SA’s infrastructure
The government needs to learn to cooperate and decentralise the management of the logistics corridors, freight routes and regional roads if the country is to grow economically.
POWER CRISIS: Joburg’s power outages lead to street protests: See which areas are worst affected
Several communities took to the streets this week to protest against City Power’s electricity outages and highlight ongoing demands to provide electricity to informal settlements.
OUR CITY NEWS: Joburg braces for another water maintenance shutdown — what you need to know
Johannesburg residents brace for another maintenance shutdown this Friday, 17 July 2026, as crucial water supply systems face reduced pressure and possible shortages across numerous communities.
When healing hurts — how hospitals fail women in their darkest hours
The mental health of women experiencing gynaecological procedures is often severely neglected, resulting in trauma.
POWER STRUGGLE: DA takes Nelson Mandela Bay to court over ‘hidden’ electricity tariff increases
While the DA argues that Nelson Mandela Bay residents were purposely kept in the dark over new electricity tariffs, the municipality maintains it ticked all the boxes before they were implemented.
LOBBYING SCANDAL: Unpacking the defences and deflections around the Resolve Communications controversy
At least six current and former DA representatives have accused Tony Leon’s Resolve Communications of exploiting political access to benefit private clients. Resolve’s defenders maintain there’s nothing improper about…
‘BROOMSTICK ASSAULT’: NPA resumes case against Smuts Ngonyama’s wife for allegedly beating domestic worker in Tokyo
After three years, the NPA resumes prosecution against Nokwazi Ngonyama for allegedly beating her domestic worker in the official South African residence in Tokyo.
WILDLIFE WONDER: Mist and magic — rare marine pod of Risso’s dolphins spotted in False Bay
What began as a foggy morning that almost ruined a boat tour turned into a stunning day on the water. That day led to the sighting that moved guests to tears.
IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS: ‘Stay in your lane’ — parties urge court to reject Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala interdict
The Western Cape High Court heard that granting the President an urgent interdict to halt impeachment proceedings against him would encroach on Parliament’s domain.
DIPLOMATIC SPAT: Pretoria accuses Ghana and Nigeria of spreading false news over xenophobia to isolate SA
South Africa says the two countries are spreading fake news about xenophobia to create an impression that the country is now a pariah state and that international courts need to intervene.
ANALYSIS: Ramaphosa said he’d repair the criminal justice system — he failed
President Cyril Ramaphosa has always claimed that he wanted to rebuild the criminal justice system. The claims against Investigative Directorate Against Corruption head Andrea Johnson are the final nail in the coffin of…
Wheels of Justice: Pastor Timothy Omotoso’s legal battle continues as NPA wins right to appeal acquittal
Pastor Timothy Omotoso’s advocate, Peter Daubermann, has confirmed he has been briefed to oppose the National Prosecuting Authority’s appeal against the Nigerian televangelist’s acquittal after the Supreme Court of…
GROWTH STRATEGY: DRDGold bets R10bn on bigger tailings business as Vision 2028 reaches critical construction milestones
There are few mining companies spending R10-billion not to dig a single new hole in the ground. Instead, DRDGold is doubling down on something it has spent decades perfecting – turning old mine dumps into new ounces of…
IN PICTURES: Wildfires in Fontainebleau, France, and more from around the world
Moving, tragic, surprising, inspiring, terrifying, shocking... This is a selection of images from our planet, over the past seven days.
INQUIRY CLASH: Cat Matlala’s ninth life? Madlanga gives key witness one last chance
Commission chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga was visibly annoyed by Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s postponement application on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, asking why he could not answer questions that did not relate to his criminal…
20 Questions: 20 Questions with Bayanda Nqunqa
From audio production and photography to visual design and digital media, Joburg newsletters intern Bayanda Nqunqa has a love for storytelling in all of its forms. She answers 20 questions for Maverick Insiders.
SPACE WARS: Herotel chosen as Amazon Leo distributor in Maziv race for satellite internet
Outside of the questionable product name – evry: Evryone. Evrywhere.
Briton jailed in Iran given additional two-year sentence, family says
The family of British couple Craig and Lindsay Foreman, who are serving a 10-year prison sentence in Iran on espionage charges that they deny, said on Wednesday that a judge had extended Craig Foreman’s sentence by two…
BOOK EXCERPT: The holy herb: Medicinal cannabis farming in the Klein Karoo
In the heart of the Klein Karoo, the ‘Dagga Fabriek’ revitalises centuries-old traditions of cannabis cultivation, merging history with modern medicinal practices for global export.
Senior Chinese and North Korean officials hold talks in Pyongyang, KCNA reports
SEOUL, July 16 (Reuters) - China’s fourth-highest-ranked official, Wang Huning, held talks in Pyongyang with a top official of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA)…
Verdicts awaited in trial over Italy’s Genoa bridge collapse
GENOA, Italy, July 16 (Reuters) - Judges in Genoa on Thursday are expected to deliver their verdict in a trial over the collapse of a motorway bridge in the Italian port city in 2018 which killed 43 people.
Detainees at ICE facility in Texas were beaten and abused, rights groups say
WASHINGTON, July 15 (Reuters) - Detainees at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Texas told two rights groups they were beaten by guards, denied medical care and prevented from contacting…
US strikes Iran again as Tehran warns of ‘existential war’ with America
CAIRO/DUBAI, July 15 (Reuters) - The US struck Iran’s coastal defences and missile sites on Wednesday after reimposing a naval blockade of its ports, while Iran threatened to shut off more regional energy exports,…
AMABHUNGANE: Ralph Stanfield — How SARS fumbled its chance to take him down ‘Al Capone’-style
An alleged scheme to erase Ralph Stanfield’s tax debt with fraudulent SARS refund claims unravelled into a story of missed prosecutions, strategic sequestrations and official inaction that allowed the alleged crime boss…
UK plans default midnight social media curfew for 16- and 17-year-olds
LONDON, July 14 (Reuters) - Britain will introduce a default overnight curfew on social media apps for 16- and 17-year-olds, the government said, adding new restrictions for older teenagers to its plan to introduce a…
MUY BIEN: Spain stun favourites France with a commanding World Cup semifinal performance
Spain will face either Argentina or England in Sunday’s World Cup final after a commanding and brilliant 2-0 win over France in the first semifinal on Tuesday.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING: Silo returns with Season 3: Gripping themes and a haunting exploration of memory
With the concept of memory taking centre stage in Silo’s third season, narratively and thematically, the dystopian Apple TV series delivers a gripping experience for thinking adult viewers and science fiction fans.
JUDICIARY: SA courts buckle as judicial independence remains unfinished business, warns Chief Justice Maya
Chief Justice Mandisa Maya says chronic under-resourcing and incomplete judicial independence are slowing justice and undermining public confidence in the courts.
GROUNDUP: Two giant data centres secure initial green light from Cape Town municipal tribunal
The building of two massive water-hungry and energy-hungry data centres next to Cape Town International Airport has cleared the first regulatory hurdle.
OBITUARY: Gus Mills — practical conservation has lost a wild soul and rigorous scientist
Dr Michael “Gus” Mills, one of Africa’s most respected carnivore scientists and one of the great field naturalists of his generation, died on 12 July after suffering from cancer. His death removes from the continent a…
MADLANGA COMMISSION: Investigator denies knowledge of political interference in Idac or a ‘Feroz Khan cabal’
Brian Padayachee, an investigator at the Investigative Directorate Against Corruption, testifies that he has no knowledge of a cabal involving Feroz Khan or any political interference in his work.
What lethal shark control reveals about sustainability — and who we are
The re-installing of shark nets and drumlines on Tinley Beach on the KZN North Coast has opened the debate over whether these old methods of bather protection have a place in an era where the Constitution dictates a…
England vs Argentina: A match made in football heaven
The fraught history and politics around this match set the stage for something special – an encounter that feels truly ordained.
Chinese economist Gao Shanwen, who took on the ruling Communist Party, has died
Gao Shanwen will be remembered for continually angering Chinese Communist Party leaders for his critique of the economy and for unleashing a national debate in China.
POWER OUTRAGE: Nelson Mandela Bay’s ‘temporary’ electricity connections now permanent hazards for residents
Open trenches and exposed cables are becoming a familiar sight across Nelson Mandela Bay as temporary electricity repairs remain in place for months because of ageing infrastructure, cable theft and a shortage of…
‘ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATION’: NMB faces multimillion-rand fines over sewage pollution charges
With ongoing investigations into sewage pollution, Nelson Mandela Bay could face severe penalties if convicted of violating environmental laws designed to protect the environment and local communities.
BATTLE OF THE FLAGPOLE: Renewed rift over the Pride Flag at Bishops Diocesan College
Bishops Diocesan College faces a divisive controversy over the Pride flag, as alumni push for its removal while current students and parents advocate for inclusion and affirmation of LGBTQ+ identities.
UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES: ‘Critical services may stop’ — NMB fears the worst after Treasury withholds payment
Nelson Mandela Bay faces a deepening funding crisis, with the metro warning that a combination of withheld equitable share payments, poor revenue collection and mounting water and electricity losses could severely…
Kane on ice: Argentina fans turn to superstition ahead of England game
BUENOS AIRES, July 14 (Reuters) - Argentina fans are leaving little to chance ahead of the World Cup semi-final against England, placing captain Harry Kane’s name in the freezer and faithfully repeating the rituals they…
E Jean Carroll receives $5.63m owed by Trump in sex abuse case
NEW YORK, July 14 (Reuters) - The writer E. Jean Carroll has collected nearly $5.63 million from Donald Trump after a jury in 2023 found the U.S.
BUILDING BLOCKS: SA to more than double its electricity generation — Ramokgopa
Addressing the 13th Manufacturing Indaba in Johannesburg, Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa also highlighted the Transmission Development Plan, under which South Africa intends to build about 14,500km of new…
GONE TOO SOON: South African soccer player Jayden Adams left a lasting legacy despite untimely death
No matter what or how much you give of yourself, the world always wants more, more, more and more even that after. That is the nature of the society we have designed.
AFTER THE BELL: The widening wealth gap – cliquey Cape Town made the circle bigger
Trying on Cape Town’s skin feels good for an out-of-towner. The city flourishes with new opportunities for the affluent, but the widening gap around the economic seams raises pressing questions about inclusion and…
FINANCE WELLNESS COACH: Planning is crucial in turning a deceased spouse's business into usable family capital
Start by establishing what your spouse’s business interest is worth. Get it done professionally.
China’s economic slowdown exposes the limits of the AI success story
China projects an image of technological dominance through AI, robotics and electric vehicles, but beneath the surface its economy is losing momentum. While exports and AI remain bright spots, they cannot offset the…
BOOK LAUNCH: Daily Maverick announces The Untouchables by Caryn Dolley
The Untouchables: Drug Lords, Dirty Cops, and South Africa’s Darkest Secrets is Dolley’s fifth book, which exposes the rot at the heart of South Africa’s criminal state.
THE CONVERSATION: Running on a treadmill is easier than running outside. Does that matter?
While running on a treadmill is easier physiologically, outdoor runs may enhance fitness more effectively due to natural resistance and terrain variation.
GOLDEN ERA: Junior Boks march into World Championship final as good times roll for SA rugby
The Junior Springboks are into their second successive World Championship final after a thrilling 53-37 semifinal win over England in Tbilisi on Monday.
WAKING GIANT: ‘Still room to grow’: USA stars reflect on women’s rugby’s evolution
USA Eagles players Emily Henrich and Cheta Emba said South Africa’s investment in women’s rugby is yielding tangible results, but stress that visibility and access remain crucial for future growth.
xenophobic unrest: Buses turned away, reports of hunger at Lindela Repatriation Centre as migrants flee SA
The Lindela Repatriation Centre is reportedly struggling to accommodate growing numbers of people seeking to return home. Last week, two buses carrying Malawian nationals were turned away after the facility allegedly…
ESCAPE: Are birds a gateway drug to something nefarious, like a sliver of happiness?
The annoying pre-dawn noise of a feathered fiend has turned into the cheerful music of a friend who keeps me company.
UN official says Hamas obstructing aid in Gaza
JERUSALEM, July 13 (Reuters) - A United Nations official has said Palestinian militant group Hamas was disrupting aid distribution in the Gaza Strip, placing further hardship on its civilians already grappling with the…
UAE says Iranian missiles struck oil tankers in Strait of Hormuz, one sailor killed
July 14 (Reuters) - One Indian crew member was killed and eight others were wounded when two Emirati oil tankers were struck by Iranian cruise missiles in the Strait of Hormuz, the United Arab Emirates Ministry of…
PENSION POLITICS: Leadership under fire as PIC suspends CEO Patrick Dlamini amid governance whistleblower storm
The PIC suspends CEO Patrick Dlamini amid serious whistleblower allegations, highlighting ongoing governance issues that challenge South Africa’s largest asset manager.
Constitutional Court exposes Cape Town’s empty affordable housing promises
While officials spin tales of progress, an apex court ruling highlights Cape Town’s lack of inner-city housing delivery over the last eight years.
It’s time to dismantle NSFAS — the scandal-plagued aid scheme is hurting SA students
Ministers and higher education leaders argue that funds should be paid directly to students and institutions, bypassing the embattled scheme entirely – with good reason.
Micro freight sector has outgrown pavements and now needs dedicated hubs
With data provided by app companies, cities can better solve the delivery bike problem through targeted planning that in a short time can provide amenities that offer better working conditions for drivers.
Et tu, Samia? Tanzania’s autocratic state and the denial of a massacre
The latest reverberation of the cover-up of post-election brutality is a campaign of state denial of the deadly violence of 2025, shifting blame back onto those who were brutalised.
Ukraine to produce French missiles, orders war planes, Macron says
PARIS, July 13 (Reuters) - President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that France would allow Ukraine to produce French-made cruise missiles, precision guided bombs and air defence interceptor missiles after Kyiv ordered…
POLITICAL COMEBACK: Corruption suspect and former mayor Zandile Gumede returns to politics as MK deputy convener
Still facing corruption charges, the former eThekwini mayor has been elevated to MK’s provincial leadership as the party doubles down on its campaign to take control of South Africa’s most contested political province.
US to begin enforcing maritime blockade on Iran on Tuesday
LONDON, July 13 (Reuters) - The U.S. military will begin enforcing a maritime blockade on Iran on Tuesday, the U.S.
BROKEN CITY: Powerless in Joburg: how blackout desperation fuels a cash-for-cables racket
Crumbling infrastructure, systemic operational paralysis, and brazen extortion schemes have pushed Johannesburg’s electricity network to its breaking point, leaving the utility increasingly unable to cope with a…
BOXES TICKED: Harith Aviation secures Competition Commission clearance to land FlySafair deal
The deal that is honestly not a BEE compliance issue is clearing its final hurdles — and SA’s most on-time airline will soon have new owners.
THE TRUMP TREKS: How Trump’s ‘white preference’ saw 7,727 SA ‘refugees’ enter US while resident immigrants sidelined
Of the 7,730 people who entered the United States as ‘refugees’ over several months, all but three were from South Africa. This was while immigrants from other countries, already legally in America, have had to turn to…
POLICING IN CRISIS: Anti-corruption boss Andrea Johnson faces presidential scrutiny over Madlanga Commission no-show
President Cyril Ramaphosa was ‘looking forward’ to Idac boss Andrea Johnson’s testimony at the Madlanga Commission, which was delayed after she called in sick.
Plant poaching: The implications go beyond biodiversity to poverty, dignity and rights
Plant poaching is also a social crisis that’s finding fertile ground in the country’s deep-rooted inequality and culture of corruption.
Party proliferation is leaving South African voters politically homeless
In the upcoming elections South Africans will have a choice of political parties like never before, but with more parties fighting for a finite pool of council seats there is an increased chance that no single party…
OBITUARY: Dieter Gerhardt dies at 90 after a lifetime defined by espionage and apartheid
Dieter Gerhardt, a pivotal figure in the anti-apartheid Struggle who became a high-ranking Soviet spy, has died at 90, reigniting debate about his controversial actions and motivations.
COMMUNICATIONS & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES: Minister Malatsi stands firm on Resolve lobbying position
The minister of communications and digital technologies was in Cape Town to hand over tablet devices to social workers — not to answer questions about his relationship with Resolve Communications and Tony Leon… But here…
AFTER THE BELL : The price of disaster planning: Flu-fuelled thoughts about oil and temptation
While the government’s push for 60 days of fuel reserves raises questions around management and costs, I am pleased that we are planning ahead. It also triggers important questions about disasters – for institutions and…
THE CONVERSATION: What’s overlooked in student mental health in South Africa: social connection and sexual wellbeing
Addressing student mental health in South Africa means prioritising both social connections and sexual wellbeing, fostering environments where students thrive instead of merely coping.
POWER CRISIS: Over 1,200 City Power outages in two weeks leave Joburg buckling
Johannesburg faces a worsening electricity crisis with more than 1,200 outages in two weeks, raising concerns of corruption and operational failures at City Power.
YOUNG GUNS: Calm and confident Moyo to lead the Springbok line against Wales
Flyhalf Vusi Moyo is one of four uncapped players selected to face Wales in round three of the Nations Championship in Durban on Saturday.
NULL AND VOID : Matlala’s plea deal collapse forces NPA to rebuild R228m SAPS fraud case
The National Prosecuting Authority will now have to build its case without relying on Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala’s admissions and statement, after he withdrew his plea agreement, clearing the way for him to stand trial in…
